> 
 
 #^i) 
 
 H. 
 
 
 ».v. 
 
 ? 
 
 T 
 
 4kt^.t^^ ^>>^^iLA t^4r 
 
 .....W ^^ *^ ^'^"'"^'^^'^ c^o,;, 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
 "S 
 
 Presented by Mr. Samuel Agnew of Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 AgJinv Coll. on Baptism, No. 
 
 SCrCL. 
 
 w::<W :-:^'^-dv 
 
 Soiu by 
 JOHN R. JONES, 
 
 Ctrlj oppojite Eagle Tav. 
 RICHMOND. 
 
 "^m&.S. 
 
 •-li-* ■fjLii^'-. '<,. 
 
 \k 
 
>^^;.^. 
 
 < 5^^9 
 
 ^ 
 
 *>A 
 
 < t ^ 
 
 ro 
 
 THE BAPTIST GENERAl 
 CORRESPOND 
 
 meeting of 
 :nce. 
 
 AND TO 
 
 THE BAPTIST ASSOCIATI 
 
 THIS BOOK 
 
 T VIRGINIA, 
 
 :S AFFl^TIONATEL^ DEDIC .VTED, 
 
 THE AUTHORr 
 
 
 /^ 
 
 • vtV-*'*- ^' 
 
m»* 
 
 ' » 
 
 
 1- 
 
 ♦ ♦ 
 
 
 9 v- . X .^ n( 4 
 
V 
 
 
 t,- 
 
 PEEFACE, ; 
 
 / 
 
 UNLESS the Compiler is wholly deceived in 'hi 
 tempt to write a history of the Vircik^t •. yA PT7<k 
 
 ifclf, his a*- 
 
 did Jior 
 
 lame. To 
 
 spring, either from flie love ct money or il.elnveo 
 say that thefe things never entered his thoughts, w.uld be say- 
 ing what no one would believe. His motive v/as aif ardent wifi^ 
 tor the prolperity of truth ; which he rt^^.liy thoupit, could he 
 ^greatly promoted, by a plain and limple eitiibition V Gci's deai-» 
 ings towards his people. The rife and rapid rr,.--;;Jcf i:- Eap- 
 
 tifts in Virginia wereib remarkable, that there lae 
 do not believe that feme hiltorical relation of then 
 
 L'-t ttw, ^vhc• 
 will be prc- 
 
 ductiveot real advantage to true religion. So muh were e^r 
 revolutionary reformers perfuaded of this, that t% made ar- 
 rangements as early as 1788, to collect materials fnd publiQi a 
 hifiory ; as may be leen by turning to our hiftory cifehe nrccetd- 
 ings of the General Committee. *' 1 
 
 If his book does not recommend itfelf bv its oliflied ftyk, 
 deep erudition, or rhetorical flights, bethinks liht it pofTeiTcs 
 qualities that are more valuable in luch a work. fCandour and 
 fimplicity in church hiftory, appear to the auth r, pronenies 
 of primary importance. He has faithfully reccrid the toibltc. 
 and taiiures, as well as the virtues and praifts, oJ his own pcL- 
 pie. I •• 
 
 The documents which were before him, were d various forte . 
 bome were printed, and, of courle, relied upon theleradty of the 
 author. Some v/ere old manuicripts gathered frofn the paaera of 
 perfon^long lince dead ; and which might have bien haftily cci:.- 
 poled, their authors noc expecting iheir publiJation, and noc 
 bem- ahve to give explanations. Some, and indicd, many were 
 luniilhed by living characters, who doubtleis ahvavs t'ave a- 
 orrccc inlormation as they polIelTed. Bat from tf.e contrudiccorv 
 itcments of the lame facts by different petrcBsl the.i^emuil hav' 
 
Vi PREFACE, 
 
 been m?iir/9S(i2.k.cs . The compiler always Ihove to felect froui 
 the various ftateraents, that which feemed moft likely to be cor- 
 rect ; yet without doubt he will be found fometirnes fo have been 
 mirtaken. His errors, however, if there are any, are chiefly 
 if not wholly, refpecting matters of fecondary importance. To 
 make a fatisfactory felection was often extremely difficult indeed; 
 vet the arrangements of materials received, was not the moft 
 arduous parr,. An unaccountable backwardnefs of many, ro fur- 
 jiifn, in any 'way, the information pdiTfcired, rendered the talk 
 ulmoil imprajcticable. All thefe difficulties confidered, with ma- 
 ny that cannDtbeexprefied, the reader will do no more than juftice 
 to lay, that jhowever incorrect the work may be in fome of its 
 parts, and ht)wever deficient in others, it is ftill a performance 
 that muR haVe coft no inconfiderable labour and folicitude. 
 
 "Whilft hd exprefies regret, at the backwardnefs of fome, he 
 feels a morei than commenfurate pleafure, in exprefllng his gra- 
 titude for th; laudable forvvardnefs of others. Thefe are fo nu- 
 merous and b deftrving, that he is fearful, v/hilll he cannot in- 
 fert the naMr»'i!**i>pMt th*4enfibility •£ otheK;iJ»ight be wounded, 
 if he lliould Inention thofe of the Rev. JVilliam Mason of Culpe- 
 per, John Rlndexter of Louih, A. Waller oi Spotsylvania, Tfil. 
 Ham B]^7ne «f Richmond, Benjami?i IVatkins of Powhatan, WiL 
 nam PJchara of Mecklenburg, Josiah Osburne and yobn Alderson 
 ofGree-brie', Williarii Howard of Montgomery, John Jenkins 
 of Pittfyivaria, "Jeremiah Moore of Fairfax, and Mr. Ihomas Buck 
 of Frcvierick From thefe a prompt and friendly aid was afforded: 
 and, indeed, fome exerted themfelves above what could have been 
 expected. From the hiftories of the Kehukee and Ketocton 
 AfiociaUons. extracts have been made as to Portfmouth and Ke- 
 tocton. Tc their authors he muft therefore exprefs his obliga- 
 tions. Mr. l,eland's Virginia Chronicle, his manufcript collec- 
 tion, &c. wqi the more valuable, becaufe they furniflied matter 
 which could iot have been eafily, if at all, obtained elfewhere. 
 
 There are ome parts of the hiftory, fuch as treat on churches, 
 &:c. which wll not be interefling to many readers j yet to others, 
 thefe places nay be the mod defirable. 
 
 The tables jrefixed to each AHociation, are defigned to exhi- 
 bit a compei;dous view of the churches of which they are com- 
 pofed. 
 
 In treating en churches and affociations, opportunities are of- 
 ten taken, of delineating fome living characters, and, thereby, to 
 hold up for imkation the praifeworihy properties of good men : 
 and, in a few ir.ilances, by exhibiting the true characters of bad 
 ones, a warning is offered to the unwary. 
 
 Finally, v/hatevci' may be the cen lures of bigots and cynicS) 
 
PUETA^K^ 
 
 VI t 
 
 I 
 
 the author hope:> for the candid jind liberal fupport of the fiiends 
 of truth ani4 piety ; and for thefe, his book is particularly de- 
 figned. 
 
 Notivithftanding great pains have been taken to prevent it, 
 Tome grammatical and feme typographical errors have impercepti-* 
 bly crept into this wor.V, Thni>, j^ ir, ^-'ir^-'-'J fclclom, '-f ^"c'\ 
 affect -the fcnfc. 
 
 • t.^ 
 
 9t 
 
 J 
 
I 
 
 v% ^ t 
 
 BMCOMMENDATORY LETTER, 
 
 THE following letter from Rev. Andrew Broaddus, Caroline, 
 ,nd Peter Nelfon, efq. Profeflbr of Wmgfield Academy, Hano- 
 ver, is fo gratifying to the feelings of the author, that he cannot 
 withhold from publication, the recommendation of men fo capable 
 of judging of the merits of fuch a work. 
 
 Dear Sir, Auguft 30th,-i8io. 
 
 The examination of your" Hiftorv of the Rife and Progrefs of 
 the Bantiils.m .Vi{gktia," has incleed b^njto us a pleafmg task: 
 iict merely as it ha^aftoi'ded us an opportunity of complying 
 "with the requifition of a friendfliip we highly value; but, from 
 the manner in which the com])ilation is executed. 
 
 We are f^r from intending the complimentary flyle of recom- 
 mendation, when we fay, that we confider this a truly valuable 
 and well executed work. The ftyle is perfpicuous, concife, and 
 %vell adapted to hiftory ; the arrangement clear, and happily cal- 
 culated to prevent confufion ; a»d the matter it contains highly 
 important and interefting to every friend of truth and piety. 
 
 We cannot conclude without congratulating you, on the com- 
 t)letion of an undertaking fo laborious as this has been, and the 
 publicy on the a cflfl ifrtion of a work, calculated in a confiderablu 
 degree, to grati"' the curious and inform the inquilitivej as well 
 as to promote the caufe of true religion. 
 
 Accept the aflurances of our friendfliip and efteem. 
 
 Feter ISelson, 
 -is: Andrew Broaddus. 
 
CHAPTER J. 
 
 Of the Origin of the Separate Baptists. 
 
 Th e Baptists of Virginia originated from three 
 sources. The first were emigrants from England, 
 who about the year 171-^, settled in the south east 
 parts of the state. 
 
 About 1743, another party came from Maryland, 
 and formed a settlement in the north west. 
 
 Each of these will be treated of in their proper places . 
 A third party, from New England, having acted the ' 
 most distinguished part, first demands our attention. 
 
 l?y the preaching of Mr. Whitefield thro' New- 
 England, a great work of God broke out in that coun- 
 try, distinguished by the name of the Neic- light- stir. 
 All who joined in it were called N^wlights. Many 
 preachers of the established order. Became active in 
 
 .the work Their success was so great," that numbers 
 
 of the parish clergy, who were opposed to the revival, 
 were apprehensive that they should be deserted by all 
 their hearers. They therefore not only refused them 
 the use of their meeting houses, but actually procured 
 the passage of a law to confine all preachers to their 
 own parishes.... This opposition did not effect thean- 
 tended object.... The hearts of tfhe people.being touch- 
 ed by a heavenly flame, could no longer relish the dry 
 parish service, conducted, for the most part, as they 
 thought, by a set of graceless mercenaries. 
 
 The New-light-stir being extensive, a great number 
 were convertedto the Lord.... These, conceiving that 
 the parish congregations, a few excepted, were far 
 from the purity of the gospel, determined to form a 
 society to themselves. Accordingly they embodied 
 many churches.... Into these none were admitted, who 
 didnotprofess vital religion. Having thus separated 
 themselves from the established churches, they v/ere 
 denominated Separates. Their church government. 
 
^ GENERAL ilfSTORV. 
 
 was entirely upon the plan of the Independents, the 
 power being in the hands of the church. They per- 
 mitted unlearned men to preach, provided they mani- 
 fested such gifts as indicated future usefulness. They 
 were Pedo-baptists in principle, but did not reject any 
 of their members, who chose to submit to believer's 
 baptism. 
 
 The Separates first took their rise, or rather their 
 name, about the year 1 744. They increased very fast 
 for several years. About a year after they were or- 
 ganized into a distinct society, they were joined by 
 Shubal Stearns, who becoming a preacher, laboured 
 among them until 1-751, when forming acquaintance 
 with some of the Baptists, he v/as convinced of the 
 duty of believer's baptism. Being a good man, to 
 know his duty, was sufficient to induce him to per- 
 form it. TMesame year in which he was baptised he 
 was ordained, and took the pastoral care of a church. 
 IVl r. Stearns and'most of the Separates, had strong faith 
 in the immediate teachings of the spirit. 'J'hey be- 
 lieved that to those v/ho' sought him earnestly, God 
 often gave evident tokens of his will. That such in- 
 dications of tile divine pleasure, partaking of the na- 
 ture of inspiration, wei'e'*^bove, tho' not contrary to 
 reason, and ;dj|^^llo wing these, still leaning in every 
 ste|^, upon ibwsame wisdom and power by v/hich they 
 were first actuated, they would inevitably be led, to the 
 accomplishiTient of the two great objects of a christi- 
 an's life, tHe glory of God and the salvation of men. 
 Mr. Stearns, listening to some of these instructions of 
 Heaven, conceivedhimself called upon by the Almigh- 
 ty, to move far to the westward, to execute a great and 
 extensive Avork. Incited by his impressions, in the year 
 1 7.34, he and a few of his m.em.bers took their leave of 
 N. England. They halted first at Opeckon, in Berke- 
 ley county, Virginia, where he found a Baptist church 
 under the care of the Rev. John Garrard,* who met 
 him kindly. Here also he met his brother in law, the 
 
 * See our biography of D. Marsh:;!!* 
 
GENERAL HISTORY. Q 
 
 Rev. Daniel Marshall, just returned from hismis« 
 sion amQng the Indians, and who after his arrival at this 
 place had become a Baptist.j^ I'hey joined companies 
 and settled for a while on Cacapon in I J amphsire coun- 
 ty, about 30 miles from Winchester. II ere, not meet- 
 ing with his expected success, he felt restless, oome 
 of his friends had moved to N orth ( arolina, he received 
 letters from these, informing him, that preaching was 
 greatly desired by the people of that country : '1 hat m 
 some instances they had rode 40 miles to hear one ser- 
 mon. He and his party once more got under way, and 
 travelling about 200 miles came to Sandy Creek, in 
 Guilford county, N. Carolina. Here he took up his 
 permanent residence. Soon after his arrival, viz. Nov. 
 22, 17 oOt he and his companions, to the number of 1 6", 
 were constituted into a church called Saudi/ Crtek, and 
 to which Mr. Stearns was appointed pastor. In this 
 little church in the wilderness, there were, besides the 
 pastor, two other preachers, viz. Joseph iJreed and 
 JJaniel Marshall, neither of whom was ordained. 
 
 'J'hus organized, they began their work, kindling a 
 fire which soon began to burn brightly indeed, spread- 
 ing in a few years over Virginia, IS orth and South 
 Carolina and G eorgia . 
 
 The subsequent events, seem completely to have ve- 
 rified Mr. Steaans's impressions, concerning a great 
 work of God in the West. 
 
 CHAPTER H. 
 
 From their final settlement in Norih Carolina until the 
 commencement of legal 2)ersecuiion. 
 
 The natives round about this little colony of Bap- 
 tists, altho' brought up in the christian religion, were 
 grossly ignorant of its essential principles. Having the 
 form of godliness, they knew nothing of its power. 
 . The doctrine of Mr. Stearns and his party was con- 
 sequently quite strange. 1 o be born again, appeared 
 
 •f" Sie our history of Kelocton assorijn ion. 
 
4 GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 to them as absurd as it did to the Jewish doctor, when 
 he asked, if he must enter the second time into his 
 mother's womb and be born agam. Having always 
 supposed that religion consisted in nothing more than 
 the practise of its outward duties, they could not 
 comprehend how it should be necessary to feel con- 
 viction and conversion: But to be able to ascertain 
 the time and place of one's conversion was, in their 
 estimation, wonderful indeed — Ihese points were all 
 strenuously contended for by the new preachers. But 
 their manner of preaching was,, if possible, much more 
 novel than their doctrines. The Separates in N . En- 
 gland had acquired a very warm and pathetic address, 
 accompanied by strong gestures and a singular tone of 
 voice. 1 ^eing often deeply affected themselves while 
 preaching, correspondent affections were felt by their 
 pious hearers, w^liich were frequently expressed by 
 tears, trembling, screams, shouts and acclamations. 
 All these they brought with them into their new habi- 
 tation. The people were greatly astonished having 
 never seen things in this wise before. Many mocked, 
 but the power of God attending them, many also trem- 
 bled. In process of time some of the natives became 
 converts, and bowed obedience to. the Redeemer's 
 sceptre. These, uniting their labours with the chosen 
 band, a powerful and extensive work broke out. — 
 From 16, Sandy Creek Church soon swelled to 606 
 members ; so mightily grew. the work of God 1 
 
 Daniel Marshall, tho' not possessed of great talents, 
 was indefatigable in his endeavours. Pie sallied out 
 into the adjacent neighbourhoods, and planted the 1 Re- 
 deemer's standard in many of the strongholds of Satan. 
 At Abbot's creek, about 30 miles from Sandy creek, 
 the gospel prospered so largely, that they petitioned 
 the mother church for a constitution, and for the or- 
 dination of Mr. Marshall as their pastor. The church 
 was constituted,, Mr. Marshall accepted the call, 
 and went to live among them. His ordination, how- 
 ever, was a matter of some difficulty. It required a 
 
GE>rERAL HISTOKY. 5 
 
 fit 
 
 plurality of elders to constitute a presbytery ; Mr. 
 Stearns was the only ordained minister among them. 
 In this dilemma, they were informed, that there were 
 some regular Baptist preachers living on Pedee. To 
 one of these Mr. Stearns applied, and requested him 
 to assist him in the ordination of Mr. Marshall. — 
 This request he sternly refused, declaring that he held 
 no fellowship with Stearns's party: that he believed 
 them to be a disorderly set : suffering women to pray 
 in public, and permitting every ignorant man to preach 
 that chose : that they encouraged noise and contusion 
 in their meetings. Application was then made to 
 Mr. Henry Ledbetter, who lived somewhere in the 
 southern states, and who was a brother-in-law of Mr. 
 Marshall. . He and Mr. Stearns ordained Mr. Mar- 
 shall to the care of this nev/ church. The work of 
 grace continued to spread, and several preachers were 
 raised in North Carolina. Among others, was James 
 Read, who was afterwards very successful in Virginia. 
 When he first began to^ preach he was entirely illite- 
 rate, not knowing how to read or write . H is wife be- 
 came his instructor, and he soon acquired learning suf- 
 ficient to enable him to read the scriptures. 
 -. Into the parts of Virginia, adjacent to the residence 
 of this religious colony, the gospel had been quickly 
 carried by; Mr. Marshall.., He had baptised several 
 in some of his first visits. Amon?; them was Dutton 
 Lane, who shortly after his baptism, began to preach 
 — a revival succeeded, and Mr. Marshall at one time 
 baptised 42 persons. In August 1760. a church was 
 constituted under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dutton 
 Lane. This was the first Separate. Hnptist ^/.hurch 
 in Virginia, and^ in some sense, the mother of all the 
 rest. The church prospered under the ministry of 
 Mr. Lane, aided by the occasiolial visits of Mr. Mar- 
 shall and Mr. Stearns. They endured much persecu- 
 tion, but God prospered them,: and delivered them 
 out of the hands of all their enemies. - 
 Soon after Mr. Lane's conversion, the power of God. 
 
 I 
 
6 General history. 
 
 was effectual in the conversion of Samuel Harriss, a 
 man of great distinction in those parts. J>esicies be- 
 ing the burgess of the county, and colonel of the mi- 
 litia, he held several other offices. Upon being hon- 
 oured of God, he laid aside all worldly honours, and 
 became a labourer in the I ord's vineyard. In /.i9» 
 he was ordained a ruling elder. l rom the time of 
 the commencement of his ministry for about 7 years, 
 his labours were devoted chiefly to his own and the ad*- 
 jacent counties. Being often w^th Mr. Marshall in 
 his ministerial journies, he caught the zeal, diligence, 
 and indeed the manners of Marshall. H is labours were 
 crowned with the blessing of heaven wherever he 
 went. Stearns, tho' not as laborious as Marshall, was 
 not idle. He seems to have possessed the talent of 
 arranging the materials when collected. He under- 
 stood well discipline and church governments. 
 
 Having now constituted several churches, and 
 there being some others that exercised the rights of 
 churches, tho' not formally organized, Mr. Stearns 
 conceived that an association composed of delegates 
 from all these, would have a tendency to impart sta- 
 bility, regularity, and uniformity to the whole, i'or 
 this prudent purpose, he visited each church and con- 
 gregation, and explaining the contemplated plan, in- 
 duced them all to send delegates to his meeting house 
 the ensuing January, which was in the year I76O. 
 "J heir regulations and proceedings may be seen in our* 
 account of the General Association. Here it may suf- 
 fice to observe, that thro' these meetings, the gospel 
 was carried into many new places, where the fame 
 of the Baptists had previously spread; for great crowds 
 attending from distant parts, mostly through curiosity, 
 many became enamoured with these extraordinary 
 people, and petitioned the association to send preach- 
 ers into their neighbourhoods. These petitions were 
 readily granted, and the preachers as readily complied 
 with the appointments. Thus the associations became 
 the m.edium of propagating the gospel in new and dark 
 
aENERAl. HISTORY. i 
 
 places. They were instrumental in another way, in 
 advancing truth. When assembled, their chief em- 
 ployment was preaching, exhortation, singing, and 
 conversmg about their various exertions in the Ke- 
 deemer's service, and the attendant puccess. These 
 things so enflamed the hearts of the ministers, that 
 they would leave the association, with a zeal and cou- 
 rage, which no obstacles could impede. 
 
 Mr. Marshall's impressions led him to travel far- 
 ther south. Of his success in those quarters, see 
 some account in his biography. 
 
 Mr. I iarriss was destined of Cod to labour more ex- 
 tensively in Virginia, than in any other state. Having 
 done much good in the ciroumjacent parts, the time 
 had now arrived for him to lengthen his cords. In. 
 January, 1?65, Allen Wylcy,* an inhabitant of Cul- 
 peper, and who had been baptised by David Thomas, 
 hearing of the Separate Baptht preacherSy travelled 
 from C'ulpeper to Pittsylvania, in order to get one 
 or more of them to come and preach in Cuipeper, 
 lie travelled on, scarcely knowing whither he v^^ent. 
 An unseen hand directed his course. He providential- 
 ly fell in with one of Mr. Harriss's meeting. When 
 he came into the meeting house, Mr. H. fixed his 
 eyes upon him, being impressed previously that he 
 had some extraordinary message. He asked hioi 
 whence he came, &c. Mr. W. told him his errand. 
 Upon which, after some deliberation, believing hini^l 
 to be sent of God, Mr. liarriss agreed to go. Taking 
 three days to prepare, he started with VVyley, having 
 no meetings on the way, yet exhorting and praying 
 at every house where he went. 
 
 />rriving in Cuipeper, his first meeting was at 
 Wyley's own house. He preached the first day Avith- 
 out interruption, and appointed for the next. He the 
 next day be;: an to preach, but the opposers imme- 
 diately raised violent opposition, appearing with v/hips, 
 
 * Mr. Wyley is now living, ami furnished Irom under his own hand the 
 ■atove account. He has maintained ever since an upright chur.Tcttr, do a zea- 
 lous and piou-s professor. 
 
8 GENERAL His TOR y. 
 
 Sticks, clubs, &c. so as to hinder his labours"; in con- 
 sequence of which he went that night over to Orange 
 county, and preached with much effect. I ^e conti- 
 nued many days preaching from place to place, attend- 
 ed by great crowds, and followed throughout his rneet^ 
 ings by several persons who had been either lately 
 converted, or seriously awakened, under the ministry 
 of the Regular Baptists, and also by many who had 
 been alarmed by his own labours. When Mr. Harriss 
 left them he exhorted them to be stedfast, and advised 
 some in whom he discovered talents, to commence 
 the exercise of their gifts, and to hold meetings among 
 themselves. In this ministerial journey, Mr. Harriss 
 sowed many good seed,, yielding afterwards great 
 .increase. The young converts took his advice, 
 and began to hold meetings every Sabbath, and almost 
 every night in the week, taking a tobacco house for 
 their meetinghouse. After proceeding in this way 
 for some time, they applied to- Mr. David Thomas, 
 who lived somewhere north of the Rappahannock, to 
 come and preach for them, and teach them the ways 
 of God more perfectly ; he came, but in his preach- 
 ing expressed some. disapprobation of the preaching 
 of such weak and illiterate persons.* This was like 
 throwing cold water upon their tiaming zeal ; they 
 took umbrage, and resolved to send once more for 
 Mr. Harriss. Sometime in the year 1 766, and a short 
 time after Mr. Thomas's preaching, three of the par- 
 ty, viz: ji^iijah Craig and two others, travelled to Mr. 
 Harriss's house, in order to procure his services in 
 Orange and the adjacent parts, to preach and baptize 
 the new converts. They found to their surprise that 
 he had not been ordained to the administration of the 
 ordinances. To remedy this inconvenience, he car- 
 ried them about 6O miles into North Carolina to get 
 James Read, who was ordained. 
 
 'inhere is something singular in the exercises of Mr. 
 Read about this time. He was impressed with an 
 
 * Mr. Tliomas was a man of t>;tensive learning. 
 
GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 Opinion that he had frequent teachings from God ; 
 and indeed from the account given by himfelf, we muft 
 either doubt his veracity, or admit that his impressions 
 were fupernatural.* He declares that refpecting his 
 preaching in Virginia, for many weeks, he had no reft 
 in his fpirit. Alleep or awake he felt his foul earneft- 
 ly impreifed with ftrong defires to come to Virginia 
 to preach the gofpel. In his dreams he thought that 
 God would often fhew him large congregations of Vir- 
 ginians alTembled to hear preaching. He was fome- 
 times heard by his family to cry out in his sleep, Vir- 
 ginia, Virginia, Virginia, Mr. Graves, a member 
 of his church, a good man, difcovering his anxiety, and 
 believing his impressions to be from God, offered to ac- 
 cowipany him. J uft as they were fixing to come oft, 
 Mr. Harrifs and the three a^effengers mentioned above, 
 caime for him to go with.them. . The circumftances 
 fo much refemble Peters' call from Joppa to Csefarea, 
 that we can hardly for a moment hefitate, in placing 
 implicit confidence, in its being a contrivance of di- 
 vine wifdom. 
 
 Mr. Read agreed to go, without much hefltation.... 
 One of the melTengers from Spottfylvania went on to 
 appoint meetings on the way. The two preachers, 
 after filling up fome appointments in their own 
 parts, purfued their contemplated journey, accompa- 
 nied by Mr. Graves and the other two. In about a 
 fortnight they arrived in Orange, within the bounds of 
 Blue Run church, as it now ftands. When they came 
 in fight, and faw a very large congregation, they were 
 greatly affecfted. After a few minutes of prayer and 
 refle(5i:ion, they recovered their courage, and entered 
 upon their great work. They preached with much 
 etfect on that day. The next day they preached at 
 Elijah Craig's, where a vaft croud attended. D. Tho- 
 mas and John Garrard, both preachers of the Regular 
 Order, were at this meeting. The minifters on both 
 fides feemed deiirous to unite, but the people were 
 
 * In a manuscript furnifhed from his own hand. 
 
 B 
 
iO GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 againll: it ; the larger part fiding with the Separates, 
 As they could not unite, both parties held meetings the 
 next day, being Sabbath, but a fmall diilance from each 
 other. Baptilm was adminiflered by both. Thefe 
 things widened the breach. Mellrs. Read and Har- 
 rifs, however, continued their miniftrations. Mr. 
 Eead baptized 19 the iirft day, and more on the days 
 following. 'I'hey went thro' Spottfylvania into the up- 
 per parts of Caroline, Hanover and Goochland, fow- 
 ing the feeds of grace and peace in many places. So 
 much were they infpirited by thefe meetings, that they 
 made appointments to come again the next year. Jn 
 their fecond vilit, they v/ere accompanied by the Rev. 
 Dutton Lane, v/ho, alTifled them in conflituting and 
 organizing, the firil: Sejjanite Baptist Chnrdi. ^be - 
 tween Rappahannock and^^ames l\iver . This took 
 jplace on the 20th of November. 176] ^. The church 
 was called U ppcr iSpotlsylvanla , and cOniiiled of twen- 
 ty-live members, including all the Separate Baptists 
 North of James River. This was a mother to man y 
 other churches. 
 
 Read and Harrifs continued to vifit thefe parts for 
 about three years, v/ith w^onderful eited*. In one of 
 their vifits, they baptized 75 ^t one time, and in the 
 courfe of one of their journies, which generally lafl- 
 ed feveral w^eeks, they baptized upwards of 200. It 
 \vas not uncommon, at their great meetings, for many 
 hundreds of men to camp on the ground, in order to be 
 prefent the next day. The night-meetings, thro' the 
 great v/ork of God, continued very late ; the minifters 
 would fcarcely have an opportunity to lleep ; fome- 
 times the iloor v/ould be covered withperfons, ftruck 
 dov/n under conviction for iin . It frequently happen- 
 ed that, when they would retire to reil at a late hour, 
 ihey v/ould be under the nscefiity of arifmg again, 
 tliro' the carneft cries of the penitent : there were in- 
 i-ances of perlbns travelling more than one hundred 
 miles to one of thefe meetings; to go forty or fifty 
 ;: uncommon. 
 
GENERAL HISTORY, ii 
 
 On account of the great increafe of members, thro' 
 the labours of MelTrs, Read and Harrifs, aided by a 
 number of young preachers, itwas found neceiiary to 
 conftitute feveral other churches. Accordingly on 
 the^dday of Dec. 1769, Lower Spottsijlvania C/uwchjt , 
 was conftituted, with 154 members, whochofe John 
 Waller for paftor : he was confecrated to this office 
 June 2d, \ 770. Lewis Craig v/as confecrated paflor 
 to the mother church, Nov. 1770. Blue Rim Church 
 was conftituted Dec. 4th, 17®, and choofmg Elijah 
 Craig for their paflor, he was confecrated i\iay 
 
 1771.* 
 
 Read and Flarrifs, particularly the latter, were men 
 of great zeal and indefatigable diligence and perfever- 
 ance, in their mailer's caule : their fpirit was caught 
 by many of the young prophets, in Orange and 
 Spottfylvania. Lewis and Elijah Craig, John Waller, 
 James Childs, John Burrus, &c. animated by an ardent 
 delire for the advancement of their mailer's kingdom, 
 
 CD ' 
 
 fallied forth in every diredion, fpreading the tidings of 
 peace and falvation, wherever they went. Moft of 
 them illiterate, yet illumined by the wifdom from 
 above, they would defend and maintain the caufe of 
 truth, againil the arguments of the moft profound. 
 Without vifible fword or buckler, they moved on flea- 
 dy to their purpofe, undifmayed by the terrific holls 
 of Satan, backed by the flrong arm of civil authority. 
 Magiilrates and mobs, priefts and iherifFs,- courts and 
 prifons, all vainly combined to divert them from their 
 objed: : He that v/as for them, was greater than all 
 that v/ere againfl them • they found, tliat 
 
 ** Frm?is z€Ould palaces prove, 
 
 *' (/" Jems would dwell zvith them there/'' 
 
 There was an eilablifhed religion : the Nebuchad- 
 nczzars of the age, required all men to how dov/n to 
 
 this golden image : theie Hebrew children refuied, 
 
 * These iorsgoing- accoiintaj^^ere taken iVorn mantuiciipf;, rccfivc;! troia Mr , 
 John Lcland, |. WaUer, E. Ci:;ig, James Read, tvc 
 
12 GENERAL HISTORYr 
 
 and were caft into the burning fiery furnace of perfe- 
 cution : the Son of God walked with them there, to 
 the utter difmay of their enemies. The decree final- 
 ly went forth, that none fliould be any more forced, 
 |o worfhip the golden image. The eflablifhment 
 was overturned. 
 
 Their labours were not limited to their own coun- 
 ties. In Goochland, MefTrs. Harrifs and Read, had 
 baptized feveral j among whom was Reuben Ford, 
 who had profelTed vital faith about 7 years before, un- 
 der the minifbry of the renowned Whiteiield and Da- 
 vis. Mr. Ford was baptized in the year 1769, by 
 James Read. 
 
 These plants were watered by the labours of the Spott- 
 fylvania preachers, particularly J. Waller, who, early 
 in his vifits to Goochland, baptized Wm. Webber and 
 Jofeph Anthony, who,, with Reuben Ford, had been 
 exhorting, 6cc. previous to their being baptized. By 
 the united labours of thefe feveral fervants of God, 
 the work of godlinefs progrefled. in Goochland and 
 round about. . The conqucOs of Jefus, differ from 
 thofe of the kings of the earth : they aim to deltroy 
 their enemies : he turns enemies to friends : he arrefls 
 an infuriated Saul from the ranks of Satan, and makes 
 him an infpired advocate for that caufe which he once 
 deflroyed — -So it fared with all thefe young preachers. 
 They were no fooner captivated by the king of Zion, 
 than they immediately began to fight under his ban- 
 ner j their fuccefs was commenfurate with their dili- 
 gence ; many believed and were baptized in Gooch- 
 land ; infomuch, that they thought themfelves ripe 
 for an independent government, and were according- 
 ly conflituted as a church, towards the lafl of the year 
 lyyi.' — It was called Goochland Church, and contain- 
 ed about feventy-five members, • This was the mother 
 church of thofe parts, for, from it have been fince confli- 
 tuted feveral others. Dover and Licking-hole, were 
 both, fliortly after, taken from Goochland church. — 
 Wm. Webber became paflor of Dover, which office 
 
QENERAL HISTORY. IS 
 
 he held until his death in 1808. Reuben Ford ad- 
 miniftered the word and ordinances, to Goochland and 
 Licking-hole. 
 
 The fpread of the gofpel is fomewhat like the fpread 
 of fire. It does not in all cafes advance regularly ; ^ 
 but a fpark being ftruck out, flies off and begins a new 
 flame at a diftance. In this manner did the gofpel 
 take its rife in the counties of Middlefex, EfTex and 
 the adjacent counties.- i One Wm. Mullin, afterwards 
 an ufeful preacher, had moved from Middlefex and 
 fettled in the county of Amelia. When the gofpel 
 reached Amelia, Mr. Mullin embraced the truth. — 
 Coming afterwards, in 1769, on a vifit to his relati- 
 ons in Middlefex and Efl^ex, by arguments, drawn 
 from the fcripture, he convinced his brother John, 
 and his brother-in-law James Greenwood, with fev- 
 erai others, of the neceffity of being born again. Of 
 thefe, fome found peace in believing, before they ever 
 heard the gofpel publicly preached. November 1770, 
 John Waller and John Bufrus,came down and preach- 
 ed in Viiddlefex. They continued preaching at, and 
 near the fame place, for three days | great crowds came 
 out: Waller baptized five." Perfecution began to rage. 
 Some faid they were deceivers, ; others that they were 
 good men On the fecond day, a magiftrate attempt- 
 ed to pull Waller off the ftage, but the clergyman 
 of the parifh prevented it. The next day, a man 
 threw a flone at Waller while he was preaching ; the 
 ftone miffed Waller and llruck a friend of the man 
 that threw it. ■ James Greenwood and others now be- 
 gan to hold public meetings, by day and by night.... 
 Much good was done by them -, many believed, and 
 only waited an opportunity to be baptized, there being 
 no ordained preacher nearer than Spottfylvania. 
 
 In the meantime, the labourers had not been idle in 
 that part of the vineyard South of James River. The 
 two Murphies, viz: Wm. and Jofeph, aided by the in- 
 defatigable 8 Harrifs, had carried the gofpel into fome 
 of the counties above Pittfvlvania, where Rob't. Stock- 
 
14 GENERAL HISTORY,^ 
 
 ton and fbme other preachers, were raifed. S. Harrifs, 
 J- Read, eremiah Walker, &c. had proclaimed the 
 tidings of peace in Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, 
 Mecklenburg, Amelia, and almofl all the counties 
 above Richmond, on the South side of the river In 
 thefe gatherings, there were many ufeful and feveral 
 eminent minilliers of the gofpel brought in, iv^': 
 John Williams, John King, James ^helburne, Henry 
 Lefter, with fome others. 'I he gofpel was firft car- 
 ried here, nearly as it was into C'ulpeper and Spottfyl- 
 vania, viz : In confequence of a fpecial meilhge to the 
 preachers from fome of the inhabitants,* They con- 
 ftituted the iirft church in 1769, with about 40 mem- 
 bers, which was called Nottoway. Mr. Walker foon 
 moved, and took the pafloral charge of them ; he had 
 been preaching fometime before this, in N.Carolina, 
 his native ftate ; he nov/ moved to Virginia, and for 
 feveral years a(5led a confpicuous part in the concerns 
 of the Virginia Baptifts.-^^ 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 From the commencement of Legal Persecution, until the 
 AbQliiion of the Established Church. 
 
 Vin T. N" the Eaptifts iiril appeared in N. Carolina and 
 Virginia, they were viewed, by men in power, as be- 
 neath their notice ; none, faid they, but the weak and 
 wicked join them ; let them alone, they will foon fall 
 out amjcng themfelves, and come to nothing. In fome 
 places this maxim was adhered to, and persecution, in 
 a legal iliape, was never fcen. But in many others, 
 alarmed by the rapid incrcafe of the Baptifts, the men 
 in power, ilrainedevery penal lavv in the Virginia code, 
 to obtain v/ays and means, toputdov/n thefe difturb- 
 ers of the peace, as they were. now called. 
 
 Itfeemsby.no.meanscei-tain, that any law in force 
 i a Virginia, autfiqrifedtne imprifonment of any per- 
 
 * Sec further account In the History of the Middle District Association, 
 Nottowny Church. * ' f See his BiuiTauhv. 
 
' GENERAL IIISTJIIV. 13 
 
 fon for preaching. The law for the prefervation oi 
 peace, however, was fo interpreted as to anfwer this 
 purpofe ; and, accordingly, whenever the preachers 
 were apprehended, it was done by a peace warrant. 
 The firilinflance of actual imprifonment, we be-" 
 lieve, that ever took place in Virginia, was in the coun- 
 ty of Spottfylvania. On the 4.th of Tune, 1768 , 
 John Waller, Lewis Craig, James Childs, &c. were 
 feized by the (heriff, and haled before three magis- 
 trates, who flood in the meeting houfe yard, and who 
 bound them in the penalty of one thoufand pounds, 
 to appear at court two days after. At court they 
 were arraigned as diflurbers of the peace ; on their 
 trial, they were vehemently accufed, by a certain law- 
 yer, who faid to the court, *' May it pleafe your 
 worfliips, these men are great difturbers of the peace, 
 they cannot meet a man upon the road, but they 
 muft ram a text of fcripture down his throat." , Mr. 
 Waller made his own, and his brethren's defence fo 
 ingenioully, that they were fomewhat puzzled to 
 know how to difpofe ofthem. They offered to releafe 
 them, if they would promife to preach no more in the 
 county, for a^ year and a day. This tliey refufed ; 
 and, therefore, were fent into clofe jail. As they 
 were moving on, from the court-houfe to the prifon, 
 thro' the ilreets of Frederickfburg, they fung the hymn 
 
 " Bi'oad is the road that leads to death," Szc. 
 
 This had an awful appearance. After four weeks 
 confinement, Lewis Craig was releafed from prifon, 
 and immediately went down to VViiliamiburg, to o;ei 
 a releafe for his companions. He v\Mited on the de- 
 puty-governor, the Hon. John Blair, flated the cafe 
 before him, and received the following letter, dired- 
 ed to the King's attorney, in Spottfylvania : 
 
 " SIR,— I lately received a letter, signed by a gocd miaiber of wortliy jrcri. 
 vlemen, who are not here, complaining oi the Baptiils j the particulais oltiv.ir 
 inisbehaviour are not told, any turthtr than their running into pjivale hor.lls, 
 and making diffentions. Mr. Craig and Mr. Benjamin Waller are now v,:tii 
 jne, and deny the charge : they tell me they are willing to lake th.c oata^, 
 as others have : 1 told them I had conluited '.he attornej'-general, uiio is c;' 
 opinion, that the general court only have a right to giant licenils, and tho^v - 
 fore I referred ihcm to the court : but, on thtir applic::tion to the attorney rj,;- 
 
16 GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 nera', they brought me his letter, advising me to write to you. That their 
 petition was a matter of right, and that you may not molest these conscienti- 
 ous people, so long as they behave themselves in a manner becoming pious chris- 
 tians, and in obedience to ihe laws, tiU the court, when they intend to apply 
 for license, and when the gentlemen, who complain, may make their objec- 
 tioliS, and be heard. The a6t of toleration (it being found by experience, that 
 peifecuting diifenters, increafes their numbers,) has given them a right to ap- 
 ply, in a proper manner, for licensed houses, for the worship of God, accord^ 
 htg to their coosciences ; and I persuade myself, the gentlemen will quietly 
 overlook their meetings, till the Court, I am told, they adminifter the Sacra- 
 inent of the Lord's Supper, near the manner we do, and, differ in nothing 
 from our church, but in that of Baptism, and their renewing the ancient dif- 
 cipline j by which, they have reformed fome finners, and brought them to be 
 truly penitent : Nay, if a man of theirs is idle, and neglefts to labour, and 
 provide for his family as he ought, he incurs their censures, which have had 
 good effects. If this be their behaviour, it were to be wifhed, we had some of 
 it among us : But, at leaft, I hope, all may remain quiet, till the Court. 
 " I am, with great reipe^ts to the gentlemen, Sir, 
 
 '• Yourliumhleservan'^, JOHN BLAIR. 
 
 "Williamsburg, July i6, 17^68." 
 
 When the letter came to the attorney, he would 
 have nothing to fay in the affair. Waller, and the 
 others, continued in jail 4.':; days, and were then dif- 
 charged, without any conditions. While in prifon^ 
 thev conflantly preached thro' the grates. The mob 
 without, ufed every exertion to prevent the people 
 from hearing, but to little purpofe. Many heard in- 
 deed, upon whom the word was in power and demon- 
 flratlon. 
 
 After their difcharge, which was a kijid of triumph. 
 Waller, Craig, and their compeers in the mifiiftry, re- 
 fumed their labours, with redoubled vigour, gathering 
 fortitude from their late fufferings ; thanking God that 
 they were counted worthy to fuffer for Chrifl and his 
 gofpel. Day and night, and indeed almoft every day 
 and night, thcj' held meetings in their own and the ad- 
 jacent neighbourhoods. The fpread of the gofpel, 
 and of Baptifl principles, w^as equal to all their exerti- 
 ons ; infomuch, that in very few fecftions of Virginia, 
 did the Baptiftcaufe appear more formidable to its ene- 
 mies, and more confoling to its friends, than in Spott- 
 Aivania ; and we may add, fo it is at this day. 
 
 We have already obferved the fpread of the gofpel 
 iji the county of Goochland, and, that certain promif- 
 ing young preachers, were thrufl into the work. A ni- 
 mated, as they were, with fl:rongde fires for the welfare 
 
CtNERAL HISTORY. 17 
 
 of foulSj they could not reflrain themfelves within tlie 
 limits of one county. In December 1770, MeiTrs. 
 Wm. Webber andjofeph Anthony, two zealous young 
 preachers, paiTed James River, into Chefterfield, hav- 
 ing been previoufly invited by fomeof the inhabitants. 
 They, however, met with rigid treatment ; the ma- 
 ^imates, finding that many were turning to righteouf- 
 nefs, (to madnefs, as they would have it,) and, that 
 thefe young labourers, were likely to do them much 
 harm, iiTued warrants, and had them apprehended and 
 caft into prifon. The court, requiring them to bind 
 themfelves to do, what they could not, in confcience, 
 comply with, they continued in jail until the March fol- 
 lowing, AVhile in prifon, they did much execution, 
 by preaching through the grates ; many people attend- 
 ed their miniftry, and many profefTed faith, by virtue 
 of the labours of thefe, the Lord's perfecuted fervants. 
 This was the beginning of God's work in the county 
 of Chefterfield ; no county ever extended its oppofi- 
 tion, and perfecution to the Baptills, farther than 
 this ; and yet, in few counties, have Baptifl princi- 
 ples prevailed more extenfively, than in Chefterfield.* 
 When Webber and Anthony were let go, they re- 
 turned to Goochland, to their own company, and re- 
 fumed their great work ^ Mr. Webber, however, en- 
 joyed his liberty only a few months ; he confented to 
 travel with John Waller, on a courfc of meetings, to 
 Middlefex ; they arrived in the upper end of Middle- 
 sex on the loth of Auguft, 1771 : they came, but 
 foon found their was no chance to proceed in their 
 work ; while Wm. Webber was preaching from thefe 
 words, '^ SJi€Z0 me thy faith, without thy works, and 
 I zmll shez!) you my faith, hy my works," a magiftrate 
 pufhed up, and drew hack his club, with a deiign to 
 knock Webber down ; fome perfon behind him, caught 
 the club, and prevented the mifchief ; having a war- 
 rant to apprehend all \vho preached, and being back- 
 ed by two flierifFs, the parfon and a pofTe, he feized 
 
 * See Middle Distri^: Association, Chesterfield Ch'n-ch. 
 
 C 
 
18 iit-NEiiAL nisrorvY. 
 
 Wm. Webber, John Waller, James Greenwood and 
 Robert Ware. On the fame day, Thos. Waford, who 
 had travelled from the upper country with the prea- 
 chers, though no preacher himfelf, was feverely beat- 
 en by one of the perfecutors, with a whip, the fcSr 
 of which, he will probably carry to his grave ; he, 
 with the four above named preachers, were tried by 
 James Montague. They fir ft fearched their faddle- 
 bags, to find treafonable papers ; finding none, they 
 proceeded to trial, taking them one by one, into pri- 
 vate rooms, propofing to them, to give bond and fe- 
 curity not to preach in the county again. Each of 
 them exprefsly refufed ; Waford was difcharged, not 
 being a preacher; the other four were ordered to pri- 
 fcn, and being condudled by two fheriffs, they were 
 fafely lodged in clofe jail that night, about 9 o'clock. 
 The prifon fwarmed with fleas ; they borrowed a 
 candle of the jailer; and, having fung the praifes of 
 that Redeemer, whofe crofs they bore, and from 
 whofe hands they exped:ed a crov/n in the end; hav- 
 ing returned thanks that it was a prifon, and not hell 
 that they were in ; praying for themfelves, their 
 friends, their enemies and perfecutors, they laid down 
 to fleep. The next day, being Sunday, many of their 
 friends came to fee them, and were admitted into the 
 prifon ; James Greenwood preached to them. They 
 were well fupplicd by their friends with the necelTa- 
 ries and comforts for living, which, added to the fenfe of 
 divine goodnefs that they enjoyed^ they had nounplea- 
 ' fant feafon. They gave notice that they would preach 
 i every Wednesday and Sunday; m^any came to hear 
 ,' them, infomuch, that their enemies began to be en- 
 raged, and would frequently beat a drum, while they 
 were preaching. 
 
 On Monday the 24th, being court day, they were 
 carried to the court-houfe to be tried. A guard at- 
 tended them, as if they had been criminals. They 
 vVere not allowed to fpeak for themfelves , but perempt- 
 orily required to give bond and fecurity for good be- 
 
GENERAL HISTORY. 1& 
 
 haviour, and, not to preach in the county again for 
 one year : thefc terms they exprefsly refafed, and 
 were remanded to prifon, and orders given that they 
 i}ioijld be fed on bread and water ; accordingly, the 
 next day they had nothing elfe, and not enough of 
 bread ; fo it continued for four days, until tae breth- 
 ren and friends found it out ; after that, they were 
 furnifhed fo plentifully, that they beftowed in boun- 
 ty, upon the poor inhabitants of the town. On Sep- 
 tember the loth, they were allowed the prifon bounds, 
 by which they were much relieved ; yet they were 
 frequently under the neceffity of reforting to the jail, 
 to avoid the rage of perfecutors : the Lord daily open- 
 ed the hearts of the people ; the rich fent many pre- 
 fents, things calculated to nourifli them in their fuf- 
 ferings, and to alleviate their forrows. Wm. Webber 
 fell fick ; this excited the fympathy of their friends 
 in a higher degree : they paid him great attention. 
 The perfecutors found that the imprifonment of the 
 preachers, tended rather to the furtherance of the gof- 
 pel. They preached regularly in prifon ; crowds atten- 
 ded ; the preaching feemed to have doable weight when 
 coming from the jail: many viewed it with (uperftiti- 
 ous reverence, fo that their enemies became deiirous 
 to be rid of them. Accordingly, on the 26th day of 
 September, after having been 30 days in clofe con- 
 linement, and 1 6 days in the bounds, they were libe- 
 rated, upon giving a bond for good behaviour. 
 
 The rage of perfecutors had in no wife abated ; they 
 ieemed, fometim^s, to ftrive to treat the Baptifts and 
 their worfhip, with as much rudenefs and indecency, 
 as was pofhble . They often infulted the preacher in time 
 of fervice, and would ride into the water, and make 
 fport, when they adminiftered Baptifm : they fre- 
 quently fabricated and fpread, the moft groundlefs 
 reports, which were injurious to the charadiers of the 
 Baptifts. When any Baptifl: fell into any improper 
 conduct, it was always exaggerated to the utmoil: ex- 
 tent. On one occafion, when Robert Ware was 
 
20 GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 preaching, there came one Davis and one Kemp, two 
 ions of Belial, and flood before him with a bottle, 
 and drank, offering the bottle to him, curfmg him. — 
 As foon as he clofed his fervice, they drew out a pack 
 of cards, and began to play:- on the flage where he had 
 been ftanding, wifhing him to reprove them, that 
 they might beat him.* Notwithftanding thefe fe- 
 vere oppofitions, the word of the Lord grew, and 
 multiplied greatly. Young preachers were ordained, 
 and churches conftituted : the firft of which, was 
 Lozi^er King Sj- Queen Church , conftituted Odober 17, 
 17*72, with 17 members, and on the nth of February 
 following, Robert Ware was confecrated as paftor. 
 Glebe LairdingChmxhy was alfo conftituted at the fame 
 time, and James Greenwood ordained a lay-elder. 
 Eiol and PiscatawayChurcheSy were conftituted in no 
 great while after this. Ihefe new churches, filled 
 with young and inexperienced members, were vifi- 
 ted frequently by J. Waller, accompanied fometimes 
 by one, and fometimes another, of the preachers of his 
 own vicinity: his miniftrations were, on the one hand, 
 exceeding falutary and comfortable to his friends, but; 
 on the other, highly difpleafing to the enemies of the 
 Baptifts. They viewed Waller, as the ringleader of all 
 the confufion and difturbance, that had befallen th'^^m. 
 Great congregations of people attended the Baptift 
 meetings, while very few went to the parifh church- 
 es. The zealots for the old order were greatly embar- 
 raffed : If, fay they,, we 'permit them to go on, our 
 Church must come to nothing, and yet, if we punish 
 them, as far as jm can stretch the law, it see?ns not to 
 deter them ; for they preach through prison windows, 
 in spite of our endeavours to prevent it. Sometimes 
 the redor of the parifh, would give notice, that, on a 
 certain day, he would prove the Baptists to be deceiv- 
 ers, and their doBrines false. The attempt was of- 
 ten made, but they uniformly injured their own 
 
 • It is worthy of note, that these two men both died foon after, ravingly 
 diffracted, each accufing the other of leading him into lb deteftable a crime. 
 
GENEllAL HISTORY. 21 
 
 caufc : their arguments were, generally, drawn from 
 the extravagancies of the German Anabaptifts. To 
 this, the Baptifts, in a v/ord replied; that thei/ disclaim- 
 ed all conncBion with the Anabaptists, and felt them- 
 aclves no more responsible for their irregutarities, than 
 the Episcopalians could feel for the fooleries of the Pa^ 
 pists : that the Bible was the criterion ; by that, they 
 zvere willing to stand or fall. Not unfrequently, their 
 leading men would attend the Baptifl meetings, and 
 would enter into arguments with the preachers : they 
 inlifted, that their church was the oldeil:, and confe- 
 quently the beil : that their minifters were learned 
 men, and confequently mofl competent to interpret 
 fcripture : that the better fort, and well informed, 
 adhered to them, whilfl none, or fcarcely any except 
 the lower order, followed the Baptifts : that they 
 were all in peace and friendfhip before the coming of 
 the Baptifts ; but now, their houfes and neighbour- 
 hoods were filled with religious difputes : that the 
 Baptifls were falle prophets, who were to come in 
 Iheep's clothing. 
 
 . To thefe arguments. Waller and the other preach- 
 ers, boldly and readily replied : that if they were 
 wolves in iheep clothing, and their opponents were 
 the true fl:ieep, it was quite unaccountable that they 
 were perfecuted, and caft into prifon : it was well 
 known that wolves would deftroy flieep, but never, 
 until then, that fheep would prey upon wolves : that 
 their coming, might indeed interrupt their peace j but 
 certainly if it did, it muft be a falfe peace, bordering 
 on deftrudion ; and, to roufe them from fuch lethar- 
 gy, was like wakmg a man whofe houfe was burning 
 over him : that the eifeds of their coming were fimi- 
 lar to thofe foretold by Chrifl, as arifing from the 
 propagation of his word, namely, " that there 
 should be five in one house, three against two, and two 
 against three:" that, ii" the higher ranks in fociety,did 
 not countenance them, it was no m.ore than what 
 befel their mafter, and his infuired apollles: that 
 
22 GENERAL III STORY. 
 
 rich men in every generation, with fome fewex'cep- 
 tions. Were enemies to a pure gofpel: but that God 
 had declared, that he had chofen the poor of this 
 v/orld to be rich in faith: that, it was true, thatmcft 
 of their preachers v\'ere unlearned, yet that they had 
 evidences that they v/ere called to the miniih-y, by the 
 will of God : that this, was the moll ellentiai q-aali- 
 fication of a miniller, the want of which, all the 
 learning of all the ichools, could not lupply. 
 
 The Baptist preachers would often retort their ov/n 
 inconiiflencies upon them : that while they profell'ed 
 to be Chriftians, they indulged themfelves in the vio- 
 lation of moft of the Chriftian precepts : that their com- 
 munion was often polluted, by the admiilion of known 
 drunkards, gamefters, fwearers, and 'revellers : that 
 even their clergy, learned as they were, had never 
 learned the mofl elTential dodtrine of revelation, the 
 indifpenlible neceffity of the new birth, or being born 
 again : that their public difcourfes, were nothing 
 more than moral addrefles, fuch as a pagan phiiofo- 
 pher, unafiifted by the bible, could have compofed. 
 
 Foiled in their arguments, and galled by the re- 
 proaches caft upon them, which doubtlefs were often 
 done with too much acrimony, they again reforted to 
 civil power. In Auguft 1772, James Greenwood and 
 Wm. Loval were preaching, not far from the place 
 where Bniington Meeting Home now ftands, in tlie 
 county of King & Queen, when they were feized by 
 virtue of a warrant, and immediately conveyed to pri- 
 fon. After the firft day and night, they were allow- 
 ed the bounds. Having continued in prifon fixteen 
 days, i. e, until court, they were difcharged, upon 
 giving bond merely for good behaviour. At this sea- 
 son they received the moft unbounded kindnefs from 
 Mr. Harwood the jailer, and his lady. They preached 
 regularly while in prifon, and to much purpofe. 
 
 On March 13th, 1774, the day on which Pifcata- 
 way Church was conllituted, a warrant was iffued to 
 apprehend all the Baptift preachers that were at meetr. 
 
GENERAL IIISTOEY 
 
 ing. Accordingly, John Waller, John Schackleford, 
 Robert Ware and Ivifon Lewis, were taken and car- 
 ried before a magiilrate. Ivifon Lewis was difmified, 
 not having preached in the county -/ the other four 
 were lent to prifon. It appears from Mr. Waller's 
 journals, which we have before us, that while in pri- 
 fon, God permitted them to pafs through divers and 
 fiery trials ; their minds, for a feafon, being greatly 
 harraifed by the enemy of fouls. They however, from 
 firft to laft of their imprifonment, preached twice a 
 week, gave much godly advice to fuch as came to vi- 
 lit them, read a great deal, and prayed almofl: with- 
 out cealing. In their ftated devotion, morning, noon, 
 and night, they were often joined by others. They 
 continued in clofe confinement from the 1 3th to the 
 2ift of March, which was court day; being brought 
 to trial, they were required to give bond and fecurity 
 for their good behavior for 1 2 months, or go back to 
 prifon. Ware and Shackleford gave bond and went 
 home ; Waller being always doubtful of the propri- 
 ety of giving any bond whatever, determined to go 
 back to jail 
 
 The trials of this man of God were now greater 
 than ever. Deferted by his brethren, fcoffed and 
 perfecuted by his enemies, locked up with a fet of 
 drunken, profane wretches, he had no alternative 
 but to commit himfelf to the hands of Omnipotence, 
 and wait his deliverance After remaining in prifon 
 14 days, he gained his own confent to give bond, and 
 go home. 
 
 We have thus ilated a few inilances of the fufter- 
 ings of God's minifters, in thofe times : time and 
 fpace would fail to enumerate them all ; many of 
 them, however, will be rehearfed, in treating upon 
 the churches, and in the biography of fome of the 
 fufierers. The trial and imprifonment of all the refr, 
 differ only in fmall matters from thofe already def- 
 cribed. From the beginning, the Baptifiis were un^ 
 remitting in their exertions to obtain liberty of coa- 
 
24 GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 fcience : they contended that they could not be im- 
 prifoned by any exiiling law : that they were entitled 
 to the fame privileges that were enjoyed by the dif- 
 fenters in England ; their judges, however, decided 
 otherwife, and as there was no regular appeal, the 
 propriety of that decifion, has not been legally afcer- 
 tained ; the prevailing opinion in the prefent day,- is, 
 that their imprifonment was unlawful ; when they 
 could not fucceed in this way, they reforted to the 
 general court, for the purpofe of obtaining licenfed 
 places for preaching, &c. agreeable to the toleration 
 law in England. 
 
 It was, in making thefe attempts, that they were fo 
 fortunate as to intereft in their behalf, the celebrated 
 Patrick Henry ; being always the friend of liberty, 
 he only needed to be informed of their oppreffion ; 
 without helitation, he ftepped forward to their relief. 
 From that time, until the day of their complete 
 emancipation, from the (liackles of tyranny, the Bap- 
 tifts found in Patrick Henry, an unwavering friend. 
 May his name defceed to poflerity with unfuUied ho- 
 nour ! After fome difficulty, they obtained their ob- 
 ject, and certain places were licenfed accordingly. — 
 But to a people, prompted as the Baptifts were, with 
 unwearied zeal for the propagation of the gofpel, a 
 few licensed places in each county, was but a fmall 
 acquifition ; they thirfted for the liberty to preach 
 the gofpel to every creature. 
 
 In the meantime, every thing tended to favour their 
 wiflies : their perfecution fo far from impeding, real- 
 ly promoted their caufe : their preachers had now 
 become numerous, and fome of them were men of 
 confiderable talents. Many of the leading men fa- 
 voured them ; fome from one motive and fome from 
 another : their congregations w^ere large, and when 
 any of their men of talents preached, they were crow- 
 ded. The patient manner in which they fuitered per- 
 fecution, raifed their reputation for piety and good- 
 nefs, in the estimation of a lai ge majority of the peo- 
 
GENERAL HISTORY. 25 
 
 pie. Their numbers annually increased in a surprising 
 degree. Every month, new places were found by 
 the preachers, whereon to plant the Hedeeiner's ftan- 
 dard. In these places, although but few might be- 
 come Baptiilsy yet the majority would be favourable. 
 iViany that had expressed great hostility to them, up- 
 on forming a more close acquaintance with them, pro- 
 fessed to be undeceived. We have already seen, that 
 the firfl: Separate Baptifl: Churchj North of James Ri- 
 ver, was formed in 1 767, and the second in 1 769 ; 
 So that, at the commencement of the year 1770, 
 there v/ere but two Separate Churches in all Virginia, 
 North of James River ; and we may add, there were 
 not more than about four, on the South side. In 177-^', 
 by referring to the history of the general association, 
 we find, that there were 30 on the South, and 24 on 
 the North fide, that fen t letters, &;c. to the afiTociation; 
 besides a probability of several that did not associate. 
 This muft be considered a very rapid increase, for so 
 short a time. The Baptifi: interefl: increased in a much 
 greater proportion. 80 favourable did their prospers 
 appear, that towards the close of the year 177^^% 
 they began to entertain serious hopes, not only of ob- 
 taining liberty of conscience, but, of actually over- 
 turning the church eftablifliment, from whence, all 
 their oppressions had arisen. Petitions for ihis pur- 
 pofe were accordingly drawn, and circulated with 
 great indufiiry. Vast numbers readily, and indeed ea- 
 gerly, subscribed to them, 'j'he great success and ra- 
 pid increase of the Baptifts in Virginia, mufi: be af- 
 cribed primarily, to the power of God working with 
 them. Yet it cannot be denied, but, that there were 
 subordinate and co-operating causes ; one of which, 
 and the main one, was the loose and immoral deport- 
 ment of the eftabliflied clergy, by v/hich, the people 
 were left almoft deftitute of even the shadow of true 
 religion. 'Tis true, they had some outv/ard forms of 
 worihip, but the essential principles of chrifliafiity, 
 were, not only not underftood among them, but by 
 pftanv, never heard of. Some of the cardinal precepts 
 
 D 
 
20 GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 of morality, were disregarded, and aiftions plainly 
 forbidden by the New ieftament, were often pro- 
 claimed by the clergy, harmless and innocent, or at 
 v/orft, foibles of but little account. Having no dis- 
 cipline, every man followed the bent of his own incli- 
 nation. It was not uncommon for the rectors of pa- 
 riflies, to b^ men of the loosest morals. 'J he Haptifi: 
 preachers were, in almost every respect, the reverse 
 of the eflablilhed clergy, ihe Baptist preachers 
 were without learning, ^yithout patronage, general- 
 ly very poor, very plain in their dress, unrefined in 
 their manners, and awkward in their address ; all of 
 which, by their enterprising zeal and unwearied per- 
 severance, they either turned to advantage, or pre- 
 vented their ill efFe(5ls. On the other hand, most of 
 the ministers of the establishment were men of classi- 
 cal and scientific educations, patronised by men in 
 power, connected with great families, supported by 
 competent salaries, and put into office by the strong 
 arm of civil power. Thus pampered and secure, the 
 men of this order, were rolling on the bed of luxury, 
 when the others began their extraordinary career. — 
 Their learning, riches, power, &c. seemed only to has- 
 ten their overthrow, by producing an unguarded heed- 
 lessness, which is so often the prelude to calamity and 
 downfall. 
 
 We are not to understand, that this important eccle- 
 siastical revolution, wasefi'ected wholly by the Baptifts 
 — ^They were certainly the mofl adive ; but they were 
 also joined by other dissenters. Nor was the dissent- 
 ing interest, all united, by any means, at that time, 
 equal to the accomplishment of such a revolution ; we 
 mufl turn our eyes to the political state of the country, 
 to find adequate causes for such a change. 
 
 'J 'he Britifli yoke had now galled to the quick : and 
 the Virginians, as having the mofl tender necks, were 
 among the first to wince. Republican principles 
 had gained much ground, and were fast advancing to 
 superiority j the leading men on that side, viewed the 
 Established clergy, and the established religion, as in- 
 
(GENERAL IIISTORY. 27 
 
 separable appendages of Monarchy; one of the pil- 
 lars by which it was supported. The dissenters, at 
 least the Baptifts, were republicans from interest, as 
 well as principle ; it was known that their influence 
 was great among the common people ; and the com- 
 mon people of every country are, more or less, repub- 
 licans. 'J o resist iiritifh oppreffions effectually ; it 
 was necessary to foothe the minds of the people by eve- 
 ry species of policy. The dissenters were too pow- 
 erful to be slighted, and they v/ere too watchful, to 
 be cheated, by an ineffectual sacrifice . 1 here had been 
 a time, when they would have been satisfied, to have 
 paid their tithes, if they could have had liberty of 
 conscience ; but now, the crisis was such, that noth- 
 ing less than .a total overthrow of all ecclesiastical dis- 
 tinctions, would satisfy their sanguine hopes. Hav- 
 ing started the decaying edifice, every dissenter put 
 to his flioulder, to pufli it into irretrievable ruin.— 
 The revolutionary party found that the sacrifice muff 
 be made, and they made it. 
 
 It is said however, and probably not without truth, 
 that many of the Episcopalians who voted for abolifli- 
 ing the effabiiffiment, did it, upon an expectation 
 that it would be succeeded by a general assessment : 
 And considering, that mofi: of the men of wealth were 
 on that side, they supposed that their funds would be 
 lessened very little. This, it appeared in the sequel, 
 was a vain expectation. The people having once sha- 
 ken off their fetters, would not again permit them- 
 selves to be bound. Moreover, the v/ar now rising 
 to its height, they were in too much need of funds, to 
 permit any of their resources, to be devoted to any 
 other purpose, during that period ; and, we ihall see, 
 that when it was attempted, a few years after the ex- 
 piration of the war, the people set their faces against 
 it. H aving thus mentioned the establishipentj^^ k^ill 
 be proper to treat m.ore fully^^ respecting tFe origin 
 and nature of those laws, by which it arose and fefl. 
 
 Our ancestors, bejng chiefiy emigrants from Eh- 
 
28 GENERAL HI STORY. 
 
 gland, brought with them all that religious intolerance 
 which had so long prevailed in the mother country. — 
 'J'hus we see, that the first care of our early legislature^^ 
 was to provide for the church of i'>ngland, as establish- 
 ed by the act of parliament. By the first act of ] 623, 
 it is provided that, in every plantation, or settlement, 
 there shall be a house or room set apart for the worlhip 
 of God. But, it soon appears that this v/oriliip was only 
 to be according to the canons of the church of England, 
 to which a strict uniformity was enjoined. A person ab~ 
 sentingliimself from divine service, on a Sunday, witli- 
 out a reasonable excuse, forfeited a pound of tobacco j 
 and he that absented himself a month, forfeited oO lbs. 
 AnyiTiinister who was absent from his church above, 
 two months in a year, forfeited half his salary ; and he 
 who absented himself four months, forfeited the whole . 
 Whoever disparaged a minifter, whereby the minds of 
 his parishioners might be alienated, was compelled to 
 pay 500 lbs. of tobacco, and ask the minister's pardon 
 publicly in the congregation . N o man v»''as permitted 
 to dispose of any of his tobacco, till the minister was 
 satisfied, under the penalty of forfeiting double his part 
 of the minister's salary. 
 
 The first allowance made to the ministers was ten lb. 
 of tobacco and a bufhel of corn for each tithable ; and 
 every labouring person, of what quality or condition 
 soever, was bound to contribute. In the year 163 J, the 
 assembly granted to the ministers, besides the former 
 allowance of ten pounds of tobacco and a bufliel of 
 corn, the 20th calf, the 20th kid, and the 20th pig 
 This was the first introduction of tithes, properly so cal- 
 led, in Virginia. But it did not continue long ; for, in 
 1 6 '5 3 , the law was repealed. 
 
 To preserve the " purity of doctrine, and unity of the 
 church," it was enacted in 1643, that all m.inisters 
 should be conformable to the orders and constitutions 
 of the church of England, and that no others be per- 
 mitted to teach or preach publicly or privately. It 
 was further provided, that the governor and council 
 
GJENEBAL HISTORY. 39 
 
 should take care that all non^confornmts, departed the 
 colony with all conveniency. 
 
 'J he statute of England of the 3d of James I. against 
 popish recusants, was also adopted in the year l()-i3. 
 'I'his statute, declared that no popifh recusant should 
 exercise the office of secret councellor, register, com- 
 missioner (a term then used for justices of the peace), 
 surveyor, or sheriff, or any other public office. Nor 
 should any person be admitted into any of those offi- 
 ces, before he had taken the oaths of allegiance and 
 supremacy. The same act of assembly, by which the 
 statute of 3d James I. was adopted, further declared, 
 that if any person should assume the exercise of any 
 of those offices, and refuse to take the said oaths, he 
 should be dismissed, and moreover forfeit 1000 pounds 
 of tobacco. No popilh priest thereafter arriving in 
 the colony, was permitted to remain more than five 
 days, if wind and weather permitted his departure. 
 
 During the existance of the commonwealth of F n- 
 gland, the church government of Virginia experien- 
 ced ?.n important change. Instead of enjoining obe- 
 dience to the doctrine and discipline of the church of 
 England, no injunction in favour of any particular sect 
 appears. Every thing relating to the affiiirs of the 
 church, was left at the entire disposal of the vestry, 
 who being elected by the people, it may, in effect, be 
 said that the people regulated their own church gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 The above law paffed at the March session 1657-8. 
 But only two years afterwards (at the March session 
 l6o9-60), when the Quakers first made their appear- 
 ance in Virginia, the utmost degree of persecution 
 was exercised towards them. No master of a vessel 
 was permitted to bring in a Quaker, under the penal- 
 ty of 100/. sterling; all Quakers were imprisoned with- 
 out bail or mainprize, till they found sufficient secu- 
 rity to depart the colony ; for returning, they were di- 
 rected to be provided against as contemners of the laws 
 and magistracjr, and punifhed accordingly; and if they 
 
.'^O GKNERAL HISTORV- 
 
 jdiouki come in a third time, they were to be prosecu- 
 ted as felons. All persons were prohibited under the 
 penalty of joo/. sterling from entertaining them, or 
 permitting their assemblies in or near then* houses ; 
 and no person was permitted to dispose of, or publish, 
 any books or pamphlets containing the tenets of their 
 reli^^ion. An awful memento of the danger of viv- 
 ing to the civil authority, power over the consciences 
 of the people ! This severe law against the quakers, pas- 
 sed during the commonwealth, when the people were 
 T'.nrcstrained in matters of religion; but it happened 
 .\n this case, as it generally has, where the civil pow- 
 er undertakes to interfere at all, that the ruling par- 
 ty in the s.tate, will tolerate no religion in the church, 
 but their own. 
 
 A levy of 1 5 lb. of tobacco per poll was laid, in the 
 year .'655, upon all tithables ; the surplus of which, 
 after paying the minister's salary, was to be laid out 
 in purchasing a glebe and stock for the minister. — 
 This law was re-enacted in the revisal of '657. A fter 
 the restoration of Charles II. which happened on the 
 29th of May 1660, a temporary provision was again 
 made for the established church. 
 
 in the year 1661, the supremacy of the church of 
 England, was again fully establifhed. The first nine 
 acts of the session held in March 1 661-2, are devoted 
 to that subject. A church was to be built in each 
 parish ; and vestries appointed. Glebes were direct- 
 ed to be procured for the ministers, and convenient 
 houses built thereon ; in addition to which, their sa- 
 laries were fixed at 8c}/. per annum, at least, besides 
 their perquisites . N o minister was permitted to preach, 
 unless he had received ordination from some bishop in 
 Kngland. If any person, without such ordination, at- 
 tempted to preach publicly or privately, the governor 
 and council might suspend and silence him ; and, if he 
 persisted, they were empowered to send him out of 
 the country. In those parishes, where there was not 
 a minister to officiate every Sunday, a I'eader was to be 
 
CEfiERAL HISTORY. dl 
 
 appointed, whose duty it was to read divine service 
 every intervening ^ Sunday . The liturgy, according to 
 the canons of the church of England, was to be read 
 every Sunday by the minister or reader ; and the ad- 
 ministration of the sacraments was to be duly observ- 
 ed. No other catechism than that, inserted in the 
 book of common prayer, could be taught by the mi- 
 nister ; nor could a reader attempt to expound that, 
 or the scriptures. Ministers were compelled to preach 
 every Sunday j one Sunday in a month, at the (,ha- 
 pel, if any, and the others at the parish church ; and 
 twice a year he was compelled to administer the sacra- 
 ment of the I ord's supper. Every person was com- 
 pelled to attend church every Sunday, under the pe- 
 nalty of oi' lb. of tobacco. But Quakers and non- 
 conformists were liable to the penalties of the statute 
 of '23d i'lizabeth, which was 20/. sterling for every 
 month's absence, and, moreover, for tv/elve months' 
 absence, to give security for their good behaviour. — 
 Quakers were further liable to a fine of 200 lbs. of 
 tobacco, for each one found at one of their meetings ; 
 and in case of the insolvency of any one of them, 
 those who were able were to pay for the insolvents.^*' 
 
 Various other lav/s passed between the above pe- 
 riod, and the commencement of the American revo- 
 lution, by which the established religion of the church 
 of England was protected by the state. The salary of 
 the ministers was first settled at 16 thousand pounds of 
 tobacco, in the year 1696, be levied by the vestry 
 on the tithables of their parifli, and so continued 
 to the revolution. Any minister admitted into a 
 pariih, was entitled to all the spiritual and tem- 
 poral rights thereof^ and might maintain an action 
 against any person v/ho attempted to disturb him 
 in his possession. 
 
 The same acts provided for the Durcliase of c>;Iebe.s 
 tor the mmisters. 
 
 * S-e Kening's statutes :it lai-ge, vol. I. S: 11. fci- the abov.- .'.r.' -,. 
 
S2 GfiNfifeA-L jffST<5ftY. 
 
 Though the toleration law, is not believed to have 
 been stnctlif obligatory in Virginia, yet, as was fre- 
 quently the case, at that period, it was acted under in 
 many instances . . . .That it was doubtful whether acts of 
 parliament respecting religion, were in force ifi Virgi- 
 nia, appears, by the act of October 1776, ch. 2, sec. J. 
 Even this act of toleration, is, a most flagrant violation 
 of religious freedom. 
 
 A t the October session 1776, the first lav^ passed sus- 
 pending the payment of the salaries formerly allowed 
 to the ministers of the church of England. The pre- 
 amble to this act is worthy of consideration, and was 
 probably drawn by Mr. Jefferson, who v/as then a 
 member. A number of memorials from different re- 
 ligious societies, dissenters from the church of ' -ng- 
 lan j, were presented to this assembly, praying to be ex- 
 empted from the payment of parochial dues to the 
 church of England, and for the abolition of the estab- 
 lished church. In opposition to these, there was a me- 
 morial from the clergymen of the church of Fngland, 
 praying that the establishment might be continued. 
 
 These memorials formed the basis of the act of that 
 session above mentioned. This act, " for exempting 
 "the different societies of dissenters from contribu- 
 *' ting to the support and maintenance of the church, 
 " as by law established, and its ministers," was pre- 
 ceded by a set of resolutions,, recognizing the same 
 principles which were afterwards engrafted into the 
 act itself. It does not appear by what majority this 
 act passed, as the ayes and noes were not taken on it. 
 At the May session 1777> the payment of the salaries 
 allowed to the clergy of the church of England, was 
 further suspended ; and at the October session 1779> 
 so much of every act as related to the salaries formerly 
 given to the clergy of the church of England, was re- 
 pealed. 
 
 The question, as to the propriety of a general assess- 
 ment, had long been much agitated, and a great variety 
 of opinions existed respecting it . By the 5th section of 
 
GUENEB'AL HISTOBY. 33 
 
 tke adt of October 177^, which firfl fufpeiided the 
 payment of the falaries allowed to the clergy of the 
 church of England, this quellionas to a general af- 
 {cffment is exprefsly left undecided. 
 
 In 1784, the fubjedt of a general afleffinent was 
 again revived. A bill, which had for its object the 
 conipelling of every perfon to contribute to fome re- 
 ligious teacher, was introduced into the Hdufe of De- 
 legatesi under the title of " A Bill, eflabliiliing pro- 
 vilion for the teachers of the Chriftian religion -/' but 
 on its third reading, it was poftponed till the fourth 
 'J'hurfday in November then next* Ayes 45, Noes 38. 
 The following resolution was immediately afterwards 
 adopted. *' Resolved, that the eiigfolTed bill eftab- 
 
 * liihing a provifion for the teachers of the Chriftian 
 
 * religion, together with the names of the ayes and 
 
 * noes on the queftion of poftponing the third read- 
 
 * ingof the faid bill to the fourth Thurfday in No- 
 
 * vember next, be publiftied in hand-bills, and twelve 
 
 * copies thereof delivered to each member of the Ge- 
 
 * neral Aflembly, to be diftributed in their refpedtive 
 
 * counties ; and that the people thereof, be requefted 
 
 * to fignify their opinion refpeding the adoption of 
 
 * fucha bill to the next feffionof aflembly." 
 
 The above refolution drew forth a number of able 
 and animated memorials from religious focieties of 
 different denominations, againft the general afTeiT- 
 ment. Among a great variety of compofitions, pof- 
 feffing different degrees of merit, a paper drawn up 
 by Col. James Madifon(nowPrelidentof the United 
 States), intituled "A Memorial and Remonftrance," 
 will ever hold a moft diftinguifhed place. For ele- 
 gance of ftyle, ftrength of reafoning, and purity of 
 principle, it has, perhaps, seldom been equalled; 
 certainly never furpalTed by any thing in the Englifh 
 language.^ 
 
 The fentiments of the people appearing to be de- 
 cidedly againft a general aflelTment, the queftion w^ 
 given up forever. 
 
34 GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 At the fattie feflion, however, (0<fc. 1 784,) in which 
 the bill providing for a general alTeiTment failed, an 
 ad: pafTed for " Incorporating the Proteflant Epifco- 
 pal Church." This bill paffed the Houfe of Dele- 
 gates by a fmall majority only, being ayes 47, noes 
 38 ; but in 1786, it was repealed. 13y the repealing 
 law, the property belonging to all religious focieties 
 was fecured to thofe focieties refpedtively, who were 
 authorifed to appoint from time to time, according 
 to the rules of their fed:, truilees, for the managing 
 and applying fuch property to the religious ufes of the 
 fociety. j^'. nd all laws, which prevented any religious 
 fociety from regulating its own difcipline, were re- . 
 pealed. 
 
 Under the old ecclefiaflical eftabliihment, no per- 
 son could celebrate the rites of matrimony, but a mi- 
 niiler of the church of England, and according to the 
 ceremony prefcribed in the book of common prayer. 
 Cafes, however, frequently occurred, efpecially du- 
 ring the war, where the marriage ceremony was per- 
 formed by others. This gave rife to an ad of Odo - 
 ber 1780j which declared all former marriages cele- 
 brated by dilTenting minifters good and valid in law; 
 and authorifed the county courts to licenfe diiTenting 
 minifters of the gofpel, not exceeding four to each 
 fed:, to celebrate the rites of matrimony within their 
 counties only; It was not lintil the year 1784, that 
 the diffenters were put on the fame footing as all 
 other perfons> with refped to celebrating the rites of 
 matrimony. By this ad, the marriage ceremony 
 might be performed by any minifter licenfed to preach, 
 according to the rules of the fed of which he pro- 
 . felled to be a member. The fame ad: has been incor- 
 porated in the late revifal of "our laws, 
 
 The legiflatiire of 1798, repealed ^^lawsvefting 
 property in the hands of any religious it(X. By 
 which the Epifcopalians were deprived of the glebes, 
 &c. by which all religious ieds were put into a flate 
 
pENERAL HISTORY. 35 
 
 of perfed equality, as it refpe(!ted the favours of gov- 
 ernment,* 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 From ihe Abolition of the Established Church fo the pre- 
 se}U- times, being the end of the General History of the 
 Separate Baj^iists. 
 
 The war, though very propitious to the liberty of 
 rhe Baptifls, had an oppolite effedib upon the life of 
 religion, among them* As if perfecution was more 
 favourable to vital piety, than unreftrained liberty, 
 they feem to have sibated in their zeal, upon being 
 unihackled from their manacles. This may be af- 
 eribed to feveral caufes : Both preachers and people 
 were fo much engrolTed, with anxious thoughts, and 
 fchemes for effecting the revolution, as well as with 
 alternate hopes and fears for the event, it was not 
 probable that religion ihould not lofe fome portion of 
 its influence upon the minds of profeflbrs thus divi- 
 vided. The downfal of Jeremiah VValker/f* and 
 fome other preachers of lefs note, together with the 
 contentions ariUng from Waller's defectionjj contri- 
 buted, not a little, towards damping the zeal of the 
 Baptifls. Having loil fome of their champions in If- 
 rael^ they could not, with the fame boldnefs, face 
 their jenemies. Perhaps we may add, that many did 
 Bot rightly eflimate the true fource of liberty, nor 
 afcribe its attainment to the proper arm. In confe- 
 quence of which, God fent them liberty, and with it, » 
 Jeannefs of^foul. This chill to their religious ajffec- 
 tfons, might have fubfidedwith the war, or perhaps 
 fooner, if there had not been fubfequent occurrences, 
 which tended to keep them down. The opening a 
 free trade by peace, fcrved as a powerful bait, to en- 
 
 * Most of tht above history of the laws of Virginia, respefting rcl.^ioK, 
 was furhiflied by Wm. W. Hcning, Efq. 
 
 f See Walker's biography. % See Waller's biography. 
 
36 GJENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 trap profelibrs who were in any great degree, inclin- 
 ed to the purfuit of wealth. Nothing is more com- 
 mon, than for the increafe of riches, to produce a 
 decreafe of piety. Speculators feldom make warm 
 chriftians. Kentucky and the Weflern Country took 
 off many of the preachers, who had once been, ex- 
 
 . ceeding fuccefsful in the miniOry. From whatever 
 caufe, certain it is, that they fuffered a very wintry 
 feafon. With fome few exceptions the declenlioa 
 ^was general, throughout the ftate. The love of ma- 
 ny waxed cold. Some of the watchmen fell, others 
 flumbled, any many (lumbered at their pofts. Iniqui- 
 ty greatly abounded. Affociations were but thinly 
 attended, and the bufmefs badly condu(fted. God 
 has left many promifes, that he will not always chide 
 nor be angry with his people ; that he will turn again 
 the captivity of Zion, &c. The long and great de- 
 cleniion, induced many to fear, that the times of re- 
 frefhing would never ccme, but that God had whol- 
 ly forfaken them. 
 
 Their enemies likev/ile often reproached them, fay- 
 ing : '* Where is the promife of his coming. We 
 believed and faid they would come to nothing, and 
 our predi<5lion is faft fulfilling." But, let God be 
 true and every man a liar. The fet time to favour 
 Zion, at length arrived, and as the declenfion had 
 been general, fo alfo was the revival. It may be 
 confidered as having begun in 1785, on James River. 
 It fpread, as fire among ftubble. Continuing for fe- 
 veral years, indifferent parts: very few churches 
 were without the blefling : How great the change ! 
 When religion was down, nothing but lamentations, 
 mixed with groans and tears, could be heard, from 
 its zealous advocates. Oh ! that it were with us as in 
 days pail:, when the candle of the Lord fliined upon 
 us. ** How is the gold become dim, how is the most 
 
 fine gold changed r* This cry was reverfed, fo foon 
 as Heaven fmiled. ** We are as men that dream.,.. 
 This surely is too great to be 7^eal. Our mouths^ are 
 
GENERAL HISTORY. 37 
 
 filled Ti'ith laughter, and our tongues with singing J' 
 On the pArt of the many who were convi6led in the 
 congregations, you could hear earneft cries for mer- 
 cy, with many tears and lamentations. From lips, 
 that had previoufly been employed in blafphemy, you 
 would hear, " What shall we do to he saved. God he 
 merciful to me a sinner." In a time of revival, there 
 arc but few who go to meetings, that are not mor^ 
 or lefs aftedted. Some indeed, are much exafperated,^ 
 and call it hypocrify, delufion, enthuliafm, &c.— 
 Yet even of thefe, it does not unfrequently happen, 
 that fome will become deeply convicted, and finally, 
 profefs that faith which they once defpifed. The 
 manner of conducting the general revival, was fome-. 
 what extraordinary. It was not unufual, to have a 
 large proportion of a congregation, proflrate on the 
 floor J and, in fome inftances, they have loft the ufe 
 of their limbs : No diftincfl: articulation could be 
 heard, unlefs from thofe immediately by : Screams, 
 cries, groans, fongs, Ihouts, and hozannas, notes of 
 grief and notes of joy, all heard at the fame time, 
 made a heavenly confufion, a fort of indefcribable 
 concert. Even the wicked and unenlightened, were 
 aftonifhed, and faid, the Lord hath done great things 
 J or this people. At aflbciations and great meetings, 
 where there were feveral minifters, many of them 
 would exercife their gifts at the fame time, in differ- 
 ent parts of the congregation ; fome in exhortation ; 
 fome in praying for the diftreffed ; and fome in argu- 
 ment with oppofers. At firft, many of the preachers 
 did not approve of this kind of work. They thought 
 i^ extravagant. Others fanned it, as fire from heaven. 
 It is not unworthy of notice, that in thofe congrega- 
 tions, where the preachers encouraged thefe exerci- 
 fes to much exterft, the work was more extenfive, 
 and greater numbers were added. It muft alfo be 
 admitted, that in many of thefe congregations, no 
 little confufion and diforder arofe, after the revival 
 had fubfided. Some have accounted for this by an 
 
oS GENERAL HISTORY. 
 
 old niaxiin : IVhtrc mudi good is cUme, much evil will 
 aLo be done : IP here God sows many good seed, the 
 cticmij uillsow many tares. Be it as it may, certain 
 it is, that many minifters, who laboured earneflly to 
 gtt Chfiflians into their chu/ches, were after -ards 
 . much perplexed, to get out hypocrites. Perhaps the 
 bell conclufion is, to avoid either extreme. A iii^ 
 formah'ty, or an inordinate confufion, odght each to 
 be fhunned. A fcriptural and rational animation is 
 from God, and ought to be indulged and encouraged. 
 Yet vigilance ought to be ufed, to keep off actual 
 fanatifm, as being the effect of natural and unenlight- 
 ened emotions* 
 
 It has been already faid, that this revival commen- 
 ced in the year 1785. It continued /preading, until 
 about 179 1, or 1792. Thoufands were converted 
 and baptized, befides many who joined the Metho- 
 diils and Prefbyterians. The Proteftant Epifcopali- 
 ans, altho' much dejedted, by the lofs of the eitab- 
 liihment, had neverthelefs, continued their public 
 wcrihip, and were attended by refped:able conjLire- 
 gations. But after this revival, their fociety fell faft 
 into diflblution. This revival among the Baptifts, 
 did not produce as many young preachers, as might 
 have been expedled. Mr. Leland, in his Virginia 
 Chronicle, from which many of the foregoing re- 
 marks have been taken, makes the following obfer- 
 vation : 
 
 " In the late great additions, that have been made 
 to the churches, there are but few, who have engaged 
 in the work of the ministry. Whether it is because 
 the old preachers stand in their uay ; or, whether it 
 is because the people do not pray the Lord of the har^ 
 test, to thrust out labourers ; or, whethtr it is not ra^ 
 ther a judgment of God upon the peop'e, jar ueglcctr 
 ing those, zoho are alreadii in the work, not comniuni- 
 cuting to them in all good things, I cannot say," 
 
 From this revival, great changes took place among 
 the Baptifts, feme for the better, and others for the 
 
GENERAI. HISTORY. 39 
 
 worfe. Their preachers were become much more 
 corred: in their manner of preaching : A great many 
 odd tones, difgufling whoops and awkward geftures, 
 were difafed : In their matter alfo, they had more of 
 found (enfc and ilrong reafoning. Their zeal was 
 lefs mixed with enthuliafxH, and their piety became 
 more rational. They were much more numerous, 
 and of courfe, in the eyes of the world, more refpec- . 
 table. Befides, they were joined by perfons of 
 -much greater weight, in civil fociety : Their con- 
 gregations became more numerous, than thofe of any 
 other ' hriflian fe6l ; and in lliort, they might be 
 conlidered, from this period, as taking the lead in mat- 
 ters of religion, in mainy places of theftate. lliis 
 could not, hut influence their manners and fpirit,^ 
 more or lefs. Accordingly, a great deal of that iim- 
 plicity and plainnefs, that rigid fcrupulofity about lit- 
 tle matters, which fo happdy tends to keep iis at a 
 diftance from greater follies, v/as laid alide. Their , 
 mode of preaching, alfo was fomewhat changed. At 
 their firft entrance into the ftate, though npt.incon- 
 herent in their method and language, they werejquit6 
 Gorrecft in their views upon all fubjedis of primary 
 importance. No preachers ever dealt out to their 
 hearers, the nature of experimental religion, more 
 clearly and more warmly. As their refj^edtability 
 increafed, the preachers and their hearers found a 
 relifh for flronger meaty which, to a proper extent, 
 was very fuitable : but it too often happened in in- 
 dulging this, that party fpirit, and even vanity, had 
 too much influence. To dive deeply into the myite- 
 ries of the gofpel -, to tell, or to make a plaiilible 
 guefs, about what happened before the v^^orld was 
 made ^ or what will happen before it fliall end; looked 
 more wife, and excited more appiaufe, than to travel 
 on in the old track. Some of the preachers like wife, 
 falling unhappily into the Arminian fchcme, ftirred 
 up no fmall difputation, and thereby imperceptibly 
 drove their opponents to the borders, if not v/ithin 
 
40 GENERAL IIISTORA . 
 
 the lines, of Antinomianifm. Practical piety wa?, 
 in many places, too little urged. Thefe things were 
 followed by a relaxation in difcipline, in many of the 
 churches, and a confequent ftate of diforder. It mull 
 not be underflood, that thefe irregularities went to 
 very great lengths, or, that they generally prevailed : 
 This was by no means the cafe. They had not be- 
 come as the church at Laodicca, or Sardis ; but rath- 
 er as the church at Ephefus ; they had, in a degree, 
 left their iirft love. Wherever thefe evils prevailed, 
 difagreeable confequences, fooner or later, fprung 
 from them. The Baptift name fell into difrepute ; 
 their principles were reprobated, as leading to licen- 
 tioufnefs j their meetings were deserted by the peo- 
 ple, who thus misled, in many places, turned to 
 other focieties. 
 
 It is a fadl, quite obvious to every religious cha- 
 racter, that has travelled through Virginia, and made 
 obfervations, that there arc few inftances in which 
 the Baptifts have not flourilhed to a coniidcrable ex- 
 tent, except in places where their caufe has been bad- 
 ly fupported, or completely betrayed, by the difor- 
 ders of profeflbrs. 
 
 ' Since the great revival juft defcribcd, there have 
 been feveral partial ones, which will be taken notice 
 of in their proper places. 
 
ijISTOUY OF- txifc 41 
 
 dSSOClylTIONS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Conlalning a History of the General Associaiion of the 
 Separate Baptists , from their first session, until the 
 division in 1783. 
 
 An" Association is a coimcii or afTembly, corri- 
 pofcd of delegates or reprefentatives, from each church, 
 within the bounds delignated for that purpofe. The 
 obje(5t of which, is to take into conlideration the wel- 
 fare of the churches, and to affiil them by their coun- 
 fel, in the prefervation of order-and difcipUne among 
 themfelves. Each church fends by their delegates, a 
 letter diretSted to the allbciation. Thefe letters inform 
 the aflbciation, whom they have deputed as delegates ^ 
 what is the ftate and ftanding of the church ; their 
 number > deaths ; removals ; additions and excluiions, 
 &c.* The Baptii^ churches are independent, and 
 confequently the bufmefs of an aiibciation, is not au- 
 thoritative. They may advile, and indeed urge their 
 advice, but cannot compel. 
 
 The bulinefs of affociations is commonly drawn from 
 the letters, being inferted by the churches, by way of 
 query. This, however, is not the only mode of in- 
 troducing it. The debates are generally fhort, and the 
 whole bufmefs is commonly completed in two days. 
 In Virginia, moft, if not all the afiociations, include 
 Sunday, as one of the days for their being together. 
 Nothing is attended to on this day, except preaching, 
 
 * In s. time of revival, it is quite animating toiiear the letters read. 
 
 F 
 
42 GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 and the different parts of public worfhip : Vaft crowdsy 
 in moll: places, attend airociations, for the purpofe of 
 hearing the preaching : For, in addition to the minif- 
 trations of Sunday, the congregations who allemble on 
 the other days, are entertained at fome convenient place, 
 by preachers, fent out by the allbciation for that pur- 
 pofe: Therefore, beiides the good derived from the 
 immediate bulinefs of an affociation, the indired advan- 
 tages are very great. From a conviction of this truth, 
 the Dover Association j in one of her circular letters, 
 nferts the follov^^ing remarks.* *' The indirect ad- 
 vantages of affociations, can only be known by ex- 
 perience. Thofe who have been accuftomed to at- 
 tend them, have feen and felt the blelTings convey- 
 ed through them. We conceive it is no inconii- 
 derable advantage, that an opportunity fhould be of- 
 fered for brethren to fee each other. As iron shar- 
 peneth iron ; so a man sliarpeneth the countenance 
 of his friend, A fecond advantage is, that they 
 communicate to each other, the tranfadtions of the 
 different parts of the country from whence they 
 came. They tell how richly the grace of God is 
 communicated ; how profufely his bleffings are 
 poured out, and how wifely ordered are all his pro- 
 vidences. As cold water to a ihirstij soul, so is good 
 7iczm from a far country* Thirdly, they may be 
 beneficial to the church and neighbourhood, in and 
 about which, they may be holden : feeing they have 
 it in their power, to hear thofe gifts and talents dif- 
 played, that are bcfl calculated to inflru6t, and moll 
 likely to profit. Fourthly, advantages may arife, 
 to almoll every part of the diftrid:, by the vifits of 
 the minifters, as they pafs to and from the affoci- 
 ition." 
 
 There are fifteen affociations wholly within the ffate 
 of Virginia ; befides four others, of which a part on- 
 ly are within this ftate, the other part being in fome 
 adjacent ftatc. Of the fifteen, fix lie North of James 
 
 * The c'i:v.Iar ietfer fcr 1794. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 4,3 
 
 River, viz. Ketodon, Culpeper, Albemarle, Gofben, 
 ©over and Accomack; fix South of James River, 
 Portfmouth, Middle Diftrid:, Mehcrrin, Appomattox, 
 Roanoke and Straw^berry ; and three Weft of the Al- 
 leghany mountains; New- River, Greenbrier, and 
 Union. Thofc four, a part of which only lie in Vir- 
 ginia, are Mayo, on the borders of Virginia and N. 
 Carolina; Mountain, on the borders of Virginia, N. 
 Carolina and Tenneffee; Holfton, on the border? of 
 Virginia and Tenneffee ; and Redftone, on the borr 
 ders of Virginia, Pennfylvania and Ohio. A particu- 
 lar account of each of thefe, will be given in their 
 proper order. In the meantime, we muft begin with 
 the Original Separate Baptift Affociation. 
 
 Having related how, through their evangelical la- 
 bours, the Separates had diffeminated the principles 
 of the Baptifts, or rather the do6lrines of the New 
 Teftament, through various parts of the ftate of Vir- 
 ginia and North- Carolina ; we (hall now enquire, af- 
 ter what manner, they were employed in their delibe- 
 rative affemblies. We have already noticed (page 6th), 
 that through the counfel of Mr. Stearns, an affociati- 
 on was formed and organized January 1760,* and who 
 met again in July of the fame year. Including both 
 thefe meetings ; the lift of their churches ftood thus • 
 
 Sandy Creek. Elder Shabal Stearns. 
 
 Deep River. Nathaniel Powel (a brother). 
 
 Abbot's Creek. Elder Daniel Marshall. 
 
 LiUle River. Joseph Breed (a brother). 
 
 Neiis River. Ezekiel Hunter. 
 
 Black River. John Newton. 
 
 Dan River, ? ui 1 c i tt 
 
 p.v/o,.7^.« .„ nu rr . ^ Elder Samuel HarriiiS. 
 Jrittsylvama C ty. Va. S 
 
 Lunenburg C'ty. Va. William Murphy. 
 
 * The account of this Aflbciation is taken from Bacchv.s's History ci ilr; 
 B^ptilts wf Neyv-England, vol. 3d. p.Tge 274,. 
 
4|. GENERAL ASSOGIATIfcN. 
 
 W'e are nbt to look for regularity and method, among 
 ii people, whole only ftudy, was the profperity of vi- 
 tal godlinefs. No church had been regularly coniiitu- 
 ted in Virginia, at the time of eitiier of thefc affoci- 
 ations . It would feem, however, that thole two men- 
 tioned in the lift, were fuiticiently numerous to cxer- 
 cife the privileges of a church, and were therefore iid-. 
 mitted into the aflbciaticn . The chief bu fmcfs of thefe 
 aflbciations, was to receive petitions and to appoint 
 preachers to travel into new places, where the gofpel 
 was likely to iiourilli. " VVe continued together 
 (fays the manufcript of James Read, who was prefent), 
 ** three or four days. Great crowds of people attea- 
 " ded, moftly through curiofity : The great power 
 '' of God was among us : The preaching every day, 
 *' feemed to be attended Vv'ith God's bicffing : We 
 *' carried on our alTociation, with fweet decorum and 
 ** feilowfhip to the end : Then we took leave of one 
 *' another, with many folemn charges from our Rev- 
 " erend old father Shubal Stearns, to ftand fafl unto 
 " the end."* 
 
 At their next aflbciation, multitudes both of friends 
 and ftrangers came ; many from a great diilance. The 
 Rev. John Gano, from JN. England, was there. He 
 was fent, it feems, by his alTociation, to enquire into 
 the ftate of thefc JSIeK-light B(7ptists, He was receiv- 
 ed by Stearns, with great aftedrion. But the young 
 and illiterate preachers were afraid of him and kept at 
 a diftance. They even refufcd to invite him into their 
 alTociation. All this he bore patiently, fitting by, 
 while they tranfaded the bufinefs. He preached alio 
 every day. H is preaching was in the fpirit of the gof- 
 pel. Their hearts were opened, fo that before he left 
 them, they were greatly attached to him. So fwperi- 
 our were Mr. Gano's talents for preaching, that fome 
 of the young and unlearned preachers faid, they felt 
 as if they never could undertake to preach again.— 
 
 • These remarks apply to the July aflbciation j it is probable that of J:- 
 nuary was only a ftnall mjeting, and adjoOmed pjon after they met. 
 
Tliis aflbciatton was alfo conduced in love, peace aiid 
 harmony. When Mr. Gano returned to his own 
 country, being arked, what he thought of theie Bap- 
 tifts, rephed, that ''doubtless the pore cr of God tzhis 
 among than. That aUho' they z^tre rather immctho- 
 dimi, they cert ahihj had the root of the matter at 
 heart." 
 
 At their third alTociation, it feems they were grati- 
 fied with the moft pleafing accounts of the great fpread 
 of. the gofpel. Very many requel]:s were aUo lent, 
 from various quarters, for preachers to be lent them. 
 They had a v-ery happy aflbciation. 
 
 The aiibciations continued thus happy and thus ii^- 
 creaiing : infomuch, that at their fifth or fixth fefiion, 
 it appears they received delegates from fome churches 
 as high up as the mountains, and from thence to the 
 ocean. In 1767, fonie o-i-V the Spottfylvania preach- 
 ers attended the affociation, and obtained the attend- 
 ance of a prefbytery, to conflitute their ijrfl: church.. 
 The feffions were all held in the vicinity of Stearns, 
 and the older preachers. The younger ones, from Vir- 
 ginia and both the Carolinas, attended conilantiy, and 
 derived much knowledge and confolation from the ccn- 
 verfation of the more experienced. From fuch ac- 
 counts as can be had, it appears that all thefe aiibci- 
 ations were conduced with peace and- harmony, and 
 were produdive of extenfive ufefuinefs. 
 
 After the difa^reement between the Eesyulars and 
 Separate^;, which took place jn Spottfyivania, attempts 
 were made, on both fides, to efled a reconciliation. 
 Among the Separates, the objed-ions raifed by a few 
 popular charatSers, prevailed. They, it feems, thought 
 the Regulars were not fufficiently particular, in fmall 
 matters, fuch as drefs, &c. They alfo exprefied fears, 
 that the confefiion of faith adopted by the Regulars, 
 might in time, bind them too much ; as there were 
 fome objedionable parts. A majority of the Regu- 
 lars were favourable to an unipn, Some, however. 
 
46 GENEaiL ASSOeCIAflON. 
 
 wiflied that the confcffion of faith, fhould be' adopt- 
 ed ^ y the Separates, by way of condition. 
 
 In 1769, an affociation was holden by the Separates, 
 in N. Carohna, to which the Ketodton or Regular 
 Baptift AfIbciation,fent as meflengers, the Rev. Melirs. 
 Garret, Major and Siunders, with a letter, of whicl^ 
 the following is an cxtrad:. 
 
 *' Beloved in otP' Lord Jesus Christ j 
 
 *' The bearers of this letter can acquaint you with 
 the defign of writing it. Their errand is peace, and 
 their bulinefs is a reconciliation between us, if there 
 is any difference fubfifting. If we are all Chriftians, 
 all Baptifts, all New-lights, why are we divided. — - 
 Muft the little appellative names. Regular and Sepa- 
 rate, break the golden band of charity, and fet the 
 fons and daughters of Zion at variance. ** Behold 
 how good and how pleasant it is jor brethren to dwell 
 together in unity f'* but how bad and how bitter it is, 
 for them to live afunder in difcord. — To indulge our- 
 felves in prejudice, is furely a disorder ; and to quar- 
 rel ibout nothing, is irregularity with a witnefs. O ! 
 our dear brethren, endeavour to prevent this calamity 
 for the future." 
 
 This excellent letter was prefented to the afTociation, 
 and after a lengthy debate, the propofal for an union, 
 was rejeded by a fmall majority. 
 
 The Separate Baptift Aflbciation met again in 1770, 
 at Graffey Creek Meeting Houfe, N. Carolina. The 
 churches had now become numerous, there being a 
 confiderable number in each of the three flates. It 
 had been ufual with them, to do nothing in aflbciati- 
 ons but by unanimity, ii in any meafure propofed, 
 there was a fingle diflentient ; they laboured firft by ar- 
 gum.ents to come to unanimous agreement^ when ar- 
 guments failed, they reforted to frequent prayer, in 
 which all joined . When both thefe failed, they fome- 
 
ttl STORY OF TftE 47 
 
 times appointed the next day for fading and prayer, 
 and to ftrive to bring all, to be of one mind. At this 
 fefHon, they fplit in their firil baiinefs: Nothing 
 could be done on the firft day. They appointed the 
 next for failing and prayer. They met and laboured 
 the whole day, until an hour by sun in the aftt^rnoon, 
 and could do nothing, not even appoint a Vlodera- 
 tor. The third day was appointed for the fame pur- 
 pofe, and to be obferved in the fame way. They 
 met early, and continued together until three o' ..loclc 
 in the afternoon, without having accomplifhed any 
 thing. A propofal was then made, that the association 
 should be divided into three districts, that is, one 
 in each state. To this there was an unanimous con- 
 fent at once. 
 
 Whereupon, they appointed the iirst session for 
 the Association in Virgmia, to be holden at Thom- 
 fon's Meeting Houfe, in Louifa county, the last Sa- 
 turday in September 1 77 1 . 
 
 For North Carolina, at Haw River Meeting- 
 Houfe ; and 
 
 For South-Carolina, at Selcuda. 1 
 
 The association then dismissed, without tran fad- 
 ing any other bufmefs.* It was, however, privately 
 agreed upon among the Virginia delegates, to hold an 
 occafional feffion, at E. Craig's Meeting Houfe, in 
 Orange county, the fecond Saturday in May 1771. 
 This was defigned more particularly for the purpofe 
 of forming regulations, &c. 
 
 They did accordingly meet in May, and as this was 
 tlie first session of the Virginia Separate Baptist A s- 
 
 * The above relation is taken from a manuscript of FJiiah Craig, 
 who was prefent. 
 
48 GEN'ERAL ASSOCIA'nOX. 
 
 S 
 
 ociation ; it will not be unacceptable to our readers, 
 roimert the proceedings in full. 
 
niSTORY OF THE 
 
 49 
 
 MINUTES OF THE FIRST SEPARATE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 4l an Occasional Association, held at Craig's Meetihg Home in Oi-ana-e County, se- 
 
 ond Saturday/ in May, 1711. * 
 
 By a private poll, Samuel Harkiss was chosen Moderator, and JoHir Wal- 
 ler, jun. Clerk. \ 
 The letters from the several Churches were read. The state of each was as follows • 
 
 \ames of Churches. 
 
 Names of Dekgates. 
 
 9- 
 
 a'^ 
 
 C6 
 
 ^? 
 
 ? 
 
 b 
 
 Sa 
 
 s^ 
 
 a 
 
 
 Sl, 
 
 <l! 
 
 4? 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 Si. 
 
 1^ 
 
 
 
 -1 
 
 nS 
 
 2^- 
 
 a. 
 
 5 
 
 
 a- 
 
 ?^ 
 
 J: 
 
 -; o 
 
 » 
 
 R 
 
 
 
 
 Co 
 
 S o 
 
 Sj- 
 
 5' 
 
 
 
 
 » 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 1% 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 r» 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Falls creek church, 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 Bedford do. a new 
 church. 
 
 Amherst do. anew 
 chuich. 
 
 Buckingham do. 
 Amelia do. 
 
 Louisa do. 
 
 Lower Church in 
 
 Spottsylvania, 
 
 Middle do, in do 
 
 Samuel Harriss, Jacob 
 Mete iff. 
 
 Upper do. in O- 
 range. 
 
 Culpeper do. 
 
 Carter's Run do. 
 in Faaquier. 
 
 Shenandoah, do. in 
 Frederick. 
 
 Black Water do. 
 in Bedford. 
 
 Dan River do. in 
 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 I^otal, i 
 
 William Lovell. 
 
 Thomas Hargitt and 
 James Meneese. 
 
 Rane Chastain, jr. and 
 Wm. Johnston. 
 
 Jeremiah Walker, Da- 
 vid Ellington and 
 John Williams. 
 
 James Childs, David 
 Thompson and An- 
 drew Trebble. 
 
 John Waller, John Bur- 
 rus, Reuben Ford and 
 Wm. Webber. 
 
 Lewis Craig, Jos. Bled- 
 soe, William Card and 
 John Craig. 
 
 Elijah Craig, George 
 Twiman, Bartlec Ben 
 net and George Eves. 
 
 John Monrow and Th : 
 Peyton. 
 
 Jofeph Hotsclaw and 
 James Wethers. 
 
 William Marshall and 
 Reuben Pickett. 
 
 32 
 
 Neither delegate nor let- 
 ter. 
 
 Neither letter nor dele- 
 gate. 
 
 16 
 66 
 
 17 
 
 103 
 
 31 
 
 j20 
 
 10 
 
 19 
 
 10 
 
 57 
 
 23 20 
 
 66 
 
 62 
 
 39 
 
 26 
 
 53 
 260 
 
 100 
 
 105 
 120 
 
 21 
 148 
 
 159 
 
 13^:5 
 
 Adjourned 'till Monday morning eight o'clock. 
 G 
 
50 General association-, 
 
 Maij 13///, 1771, Mondaii morning, — Met together all 
 except our brethren David Ellington, James Childs and 
 Thomas Peyton, who difappeared. AVe all agreed to 
 proceed to bujQnefs, as follows. 
 
 Ifl. ]t is unanimoufly agreed that the alTociatlon has 
 no power or authority, to impofe any thing upon the 
 churches ; but that we ad: as an advifory council. 
 
 2d. We believe we have a right to withdraw ourlelves 
 from any church, that may negledt to correfpond with us, 
 and juftify their condu«ft. 
 
 3d. With regard to the conftitution of churches. — Any 
 number of members, that live at a diilance too far to af- 
 femble with eafe, v/ith the body of the church, at theii*' 
 monthly meeting, having firfl obtained leave from their 
 church, have a right to petition any ordained miniller of 
 the fame faith and order, with what helps he choofes, be- 
 ing approved of by the members, to look into their la- 
 bility, and if found ripe, to conllitute them a church ; 
 the faid churches, defcribing their boundary and allow- 
 ing the privilege to any member that lives near to the 
 faid limits, to join which of the churches he pleafes. 
 
 4th. With regard to ordination, &c. — Every ordained 
 miniftcr of the fame faith, &c. being legally called upon 
 by any fuch church, may adminifter the facraments among 
 tnem, and with the help of their church ordain their el- 
 ders or deacons, if found qualified, and in cafe they have 
 made choice of a minifter whom they delire to be exam- 
 ined and ordained, they may petition neighboring minif- 
 ters to proceed in the faid work, and on fpecial occafions, 
 any of them failing to come, one ordained minifter with 
 an ordained elder or elders, may proceed in the ordination. 
 
 5th. We advife any church, in diftradion or diftrefs, 
 to fend for helps from one or more fifter churches, to af- 
 fift them in fuch a cafe. 
 
 6th. It is agreed, that if imy delegate, fent from any 
 church, fhould tranfgrefs in any inftance, unknown to his 
 churrh, the offended party, his fellow delegate and the 
 moderator, may bar him from fitting. 
 
 7th. A 11 matters brought before the afTociation for their 
 advice, to be determined by a majority of voices, except 
 
lilSTORY OF THE 51 
 
 what trcjira the clearnefs of fc^pture light, forces con- 
 vidlion on all ; then, there is no neceSity for putting 
 it to the decilion of votes. 
 
 8th. It is agreed, that an itinerant minifter may be 
 ordained without applying to the aflbciation, by a 
 prefbytery of minifters, (and we adyife that as many 
 as conveniently can, maybe called for that purpofe,) 
 upon their examination and a recommendation of hie 
 doctrine and manner of life, from the church he is A 
 member of. 
 
 9th. It is agreed that a circular letter be fent by 
 the affociation to each church, informing them fome- 
 t.hing of the heads of their bufinefs, &c. 
 
 Adjourned till to-morrow morning 7 o'clock. 
 
 Tuesday Morning. -^CamQ together, and proceeded 
 as follows : The delegates names being called over, 
 our brethren David Ellington, David Thompfon, An- 
 drew Trebble and Bartlet Bennet, failed to appear* 
 
 Present — David Thompfon and Andrew Trebble, 
 
 It is agreed that every church, with refpedl to cov^ 
 enanting, is left to ufe their own liberty. 
 
 We advife every church to infert all their queries, 
 in their letters to the aflbciation. Prefent — B^^other 
 Martlet Bennet, 
 
 The church of Shenandoah and Fauquier, having rsr 
 quefted help with refpedt to the ordination of elders, 
 baptizing, &c. brother Samuel Harris agrees (Go4 
 willing,) to go and anfwer the faid requeft. 
 
 A Qiiere from the Church in Orange, viz:. Whether 
 we have a right to difmifs a member from under the 
 care of our order ^ 
 
 An sneered in the negative.* 
 
 A Qwe/^efrom Amelia Church, viz. Whether church 
 dealing ought not to be tranfadted pri^vately, the mem- 
 bers only being prefent ? 
 
 Answered in the negative. i 
 
 * This means a dismissal from the Baptift Society altogether, anl not a 
 •difmiflT^l from one Bq^ptjft Church to join another. 
 
53 GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 A Quere from do. viz. What are the terms of coiti- 
 munion^ iixt in the word of God ? 
 
 Answered. — FellowHiip in the fame faith and order. 
 
 A Quere from do. Whether any member, who Ihall 
 refufe to acknowledge himfelf obUged by the fcripture, 
 toobferve the Sabbath, fhould not be avoided as here- 
 tical, till he retradl his fentiments. 
 
 Aimmred, — It is agreed to be referred to the next 
 afTociation. 
 
 A Quere from Lower Spottiylvania Church, viz. 
 Whether it is lawful and expedient, for our minifters 
 to obtain licence from the civil law, for only one, or 
 more meeting places; and fo be reftricfled from that 
 general licence, given them by King Jesus Mark 1 6th, 
 ch. 15th, and i6th verse, &c. 
 
 Answered, — It is agreed to he referred to the next 
 aflbciation. 
 
 Adjournedtill to-morrow morning 7 o'clock. 
 
 JVcdnesdar/ Morning. — Met and proceeded as fol- 
 lows : The church of Chrift, on Black Water, in 
 Bedford, having fent neither letter nor delegate to 
 this afTociation ; at the requeft of the afTociation, 
 brother Samuel Harris and brother Wm. Lovell, are 
 agreed to vifit them, and invite them to appear by 
 their delegates, at the next afTociation. 
 
 The church of Chrifl, on Dan River, in Pittfylva- 
 nia, having fent neither letter nor delegate to this af- 
 Tociation, and hearing that the faid church is in dif- 
 trefs, brother Walker and brother Burrufs are agreed, 
 by and with the confent of the afTociation, to ofier 
 them their help the 2d Friday, being the 12th of Ju- 
 ly 1 77 1 i and they are requefled to make a report at 
 die next afTociation. 
 
 Our brother Harris, who was one of our delegates 
 fe,nt lafl fall, to vifit our fifler churches in the South 
 governments in diflrefs, made report, full to our fa- 
 tisfad;ion. 
 
 We advife that a committee of three pcrfons, be 
 
HISTORY OF THE .^53 
 
 appointed, to fettle all expences, that may fall upon 
 the afTociation. 
 
 The committee being fent out, returned and made 
 their report, that their, was a balance due from us, 
 (Sec. to tht: amount of 4/. 15s. which was received. 
 
 The aflbciation letter to the feveral churches, be- 
 ing read, was approved of. 
 
 Brother vSamuel Harris, was chofen as our dele- 
 gate, to hold up our correfpondence with the North 
 and South-Carolina affociations. 
 
 Then Adjourned^ Hill the last Saturday in Sepieniher, 
 at Thompson's Meeting -House, in Louisa. 
 
 SAMUEL HARRIS, Moderator. 
 JOHN WALLER, jr. Clerk. 
 
 The aflbciation, of which the above are the mi- 
 nutes, was holden nearly forty 3'ears pafl. From them 
 may be gathered, a pretty corredt view of the mode 
 of government, ufed by the Baptifts of that day. It 
 will be feen that the government of the prefent time, 
 varies from it very little. 
 
 It is worthy of note, that one of the conftitution- 
 al articles, disclaims all power over the churches : 
 Yet the next, declares a nght in the aflbciation, to 
 to withdraw from delinquent churches in certain ca- 
 fes. Nothing lefs can be meant by this article, than 
 that the aflbciation in behalf of all orderly churches,, 
 in her correspondence, would difcountenance all dif- 
 orderly ones. It is then a quefliion, whether a church 
 difcountenanced by the aflbciation, can any longer be 
 confldered a part of the Baptifl: Society. Would it 
 not be deerned diforderly, for any other church to 
 continue their fellowfliip towards one, that could not 
 meet in the fame affociation ? Churches may not on- 
 ly become diforderly in prad:ife, but heterodox in 
 fentiment. In Virginia, perhaps, we have been 
 more fortunate ; but in Kentucky, and in England, 
 the majority of f me of the Baptifl: churches, have 
 become Arians q. S c.nians. I'o give an aflbciation 
 power to deal wiih, and finally to put fuch out of 
 
M GSENERAL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 their conne<fi:ion, muft be proper, and indeed mud 
 be what is defigned, by the above article. By no 
 other means could a general union be preferved. By 
 the article which difclaims all power, we muil un- 
 derftand all power over the internal government of 
 the churches. It is alfo worthy of note, that while 
 one of the articles declares, that, churches may be 
 conftituted, and preachers ordained, without any ap- 
 plication to the aiTociation ; it is recorded in the fame 
 minutes, that at the requefl: of a certain church, a 
 minifter is appointed by the ailbciation, to affifl: in the 
 ordination of elders, &c. From which, it would feem, 
 that an aiTociation is a fuitable medium, through which 
 fuch matters can be advantageoully arranged. 
 
 The next alfociation, alfembied at i hompfon's 
 Meeting Houfe, the lail Saturday in September, ac- 
 cording to the appointment made at GraiTey Creek, 
 the year before. 
 
 From thence they adjourned to Lewis Craig's meet- 
 ing houfe, at which they held their next feffion, the 
 2d Saturday in May l772. 
 
 Their next feffion was holden at Waller's meeting 
 houfe, the last Saturday in September 1772. 
 
 Of the proceedings of thefe three feffions, we can 
 obtain no certain account.* 
 
 The next aflbciation was holden at Dover meeting 
 houfe, in Goochland county, commencing May 8th, 
 J773. Samuel Harris was appointed Moderator, and 
 John Waller, jr. Clerk. Letters and delegates from 
 thirty-four churches were received. Thefe church- 
 es contained 3195 members, of which 526 had been 
 baptized fubfequent to the laft affociation. The 
 largefl church^a.s Carter's Run, in Fauquier, under 
 the care of the Rev. John Picket, which contained 
 278 members. The largeft number baptized in any 
 one church was 55, in Ready Bottom. Church in Ha- 
 lifax, under the care pf Reuben Picket. There were 
 
 * The time and place was difcovered frqm the letters of cprrespondenc'e 
 {ot:nd among Mr^ John William's papers. 
 
ihsT'oRY OF rnE 55 
 
 61 delegates, including among them aimoft every dil- 
 tinguifhed preacher in the ftate. 
 
 The following queries and Iblutions, are recorded 
 in the minutes of this affociation, viz. 
 
 111. Is the laying on of harwls upon baptized mem- 
 bers, merely as fiich, a gofpel ordinance or not ? 
 
 Answer. — The churches are left at their liberty to 
 ^ct as they niay think befh. 
 
 2d. Ought perlons in general, who are polTeiTed 
 of minifterial gifts, to be ordained merely as minif- 
 ters, or ought they to be ordained to a particular, 
 charge ? 
 
 Answer* — A majority in favour of the latter. 
 
 3d. Is it lawful to receive a member into fellowlhip, 
 v/ho is married to his wife's filler? 
 
 Answer. — No. 
 
 4th. Is it agreeable to fcripture, for an unmarried 
 man to take the pafloral care of a church ? 
 
 Answer, — Yes. 
 
 An appointment of four minifters v/as made at this 
 feffion, to vilit the Kehukee Regular Aflbciation and 
 churches, in order to know their Handing, and make 
 report. Samuel Harrifs, E. Craig, John Waller and 
 David Thompfon, were appointed. 
 
 A motion was made by E. Craig, to divide the af- 
 fociation into two diftrids, viz. one North and one 
 South of James River. 
 
 The motion was inferted in the minutes, and refer- 
 red to the next affociation. 
 
 They held their next feffion, at Meherrin meeting 
 houfe, Lunenburg county, in the fall of the fame year, 
 i. e. 1773. 
 
 Not being able to obtain the miau^q^ of this feffion, 
 we do not know what bulinefs was done, except that 
 they agreed to divide the affociation, according to the 
 plan propofed in the lail affociation. 
 
 The Southern diflrid agreed to meet at Hall's meet- 
 ing houfc; Halifax county, fecond Saturday in May, 
 1774.^: The Northern, at Picket's meeting houfe^ 
 
.3() GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Fauquier county, the fourth Saturday in May, 17 74, 
 This, it will be found in the fequel, was only a 
 temporary divifion. 
 
 The Southern diflrid: met, according to appoint- 
 ment, at Hall's meeting houfe. Samuel Harris was 
 chofen Moderator, and John Williams, Clerk. 
 
 Letters and delegates from 27 churches were receiv- 
 ed. It appears, that the churches in this diftrict, con- 
 tained at that time 2033 members, of whom 259 had 
 been baptized fmce the laft alfociation. The moft 
 numerous church was Banifter, under the care of Na- 
 thaniel Hall, containing 210 members. Thegreateft 
 number baptized in any one church was 42, in Me- 
 herrin, in Lunenburg county, under the minillry of 
 John Williams. 
 
 For three or four years, there had been fevere per- 
 fecutions againft the Baptifts, in many parts of Vir- 
 ginia. Letters were received at this aflbciation, from 
 preachers confined in prilon, particularly from David 
 Tinsley, then in Chefteriield jail. The hearts of their 
 brethren were afted:ed at their fufferings, in confe- 
 quence of which, it was agreed to raife contributions 
 for their aid. 
 
 The following refolution was alfo entered into : 
 
 ** Agreed to set apart the second and third Saturn- 
 day in June, as public fast days, in behalf of our poor 
 blind persecutorSy and for the releasemcnt of our 
 brethren," 
 
 At this afTociation, for the firft time, the following 
 query was introduced, which afterwards produced fom<^ 
 weighty confequences. 
 
 Qffct'y- — Ought all the minifterial gifts recorded in 
 the 4th of Ephefians, llth, 12th and 13th verfes, to 
 be in ufe in the prefent time. 
 
 Anszcer. — A great majority fuppofe, that all the 
 miniflerial gifts, recorded in the faid fcripture are, and 
 ought to be, ftill in ufe in the churches. Although 
 we pay a due regard to the diftindion between ordi- 
 nary and extraordinary gifts. 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 57 
 
 They appbiated their next session, to be at Wal- 
 ker's meeting house, iii Amelia county, tlie second 
 Saturday in Odober 1 774. 
 
 ')'he Northern Diftri6b also met in Fauquier, ac* 
 cording to their appointment, oh the fourth Saturday 
 in May 1774. . . 
 
 Samuel Harris and Tohn Williams having attended 
 this association, as corresponding delegates, from the 
 South diflriclt ; the former was appointed iVl oderator, 
 and John Waller, Clerk. 
 
 letters were received from twenty-four churches, 
 ilating their numbers in all to be \9'^\, of whom 158 
 had been baptized since the last association. The lar- 
 gci\ church, viz. Lower Spottsylvania, nov/ called 
 Waller's, contained 188 members, being under the 
 charge of John Waller. Ihe greatelt number bap- 
 tized in any one church was twenty-eight. 'I'his 
 was the church called the White-House, probably 
 under the minilliry of 'ohn Koontz. 
 
 A Querif — VVhether the dodrine of the non-eternity 
 of hell-torments, ought to be deemed heretical, and 
 what fliould be done with a member who held it, was 
 
 Answered : — That the do<'trine was heretical, and 
 all persons holding it, ought to be purged out of the 
 churchef^. 
 
 To this association, was also sent, the query men- 
 tioned above, viz. 'Vlietlinr the ininistenal giis mai- 
 iioned in Ephe ^th chapter, and j i, 12 ^ I'^th ver- 
 seSt are now in use. After two days debate, a majority 
 decided that it ought to be put off until the next asso-^ 
 elation. 
 
 The quedion respe6ting a confession of faith wa$ 
 agitated at this session, and decided, that each church 
 might exercise her own discretion, in adopting the con- 
 fession of faith, or not.^ 
 
 * This was called an occaiional alTociation, for although they held an aflbci- 
 ation almoft every Spring, yet it was a (tanJing rule to have one rdlioii in each 
 jffia'r, with the liberty to h.old another occalionaliy,whencircujiiltance« required it, 
 
 11 
 
5S IIISTOiY or THE 
 
 The Sautheni diftridt met in an annual association., 
 according to appointment, at Walker's meetinghouse, 
 in Amelia county, second Saturday in Odober 774. 
 
 Letters from thirty churches were received, stating 
 their number in all to be 2083, of whom 4l6 had 
 been baptized, subsequent to the spring association. 
 The greateft number baptized in any one church was 
 72, in Bannifter church, Halifax county, under the 
 paftoral care of Nathaniel Hall ; this was also the lar- 
 gefl church, containing 229 members. Samuel Harrifs 
 was appointed Moderator, and John Williams, Clerk. 
 
 A letter was received from the [Philadelphia aflbci- 
 ation, with a copy of their minutes. Likewise, the 
 minutes of the Charlefton aflbciation were received, 
 all of which were read. 
 
 At this aflbciation, the query respecting the proper 
 interpretation of Eph. 4th, and 11, 12, 13th, was 
 again debated, and by an unanimous vote, three ex- 
 cepted, it was resolved, that the said offices are now 
 in use in Christ's church, and the said three submit- 
 ted to the majority. It was further resolved, that the 
 said offices be immediately eflabliffied, by the appoint- 
 ment of certain persons to fill them, provided any, pos- 
 sessed of such gifts, could be found among them. — 
 They then proceeded to the choice of an apoille, by 
 private poll, and the lot fell, by unanimous consent, 
 upon elder Samuel Harriss. For the discipline of this 
 high officer, the following rule is entered upon the mi- 
 nutes, viz. ** If our mesaenger, or apostle^ shall trans- 
 gi'ess in any manner, he slmll he liable to dealing in any 
 church where the transgression is committed, and the 
 said church is instructed to call helps from tuo or three 
 neighhouring churches, and if by them found a trans- 
 gressor, a general conference of the churches shall he 
 called, to restore, or excommunicate him.*' They then 
 proceeded to ordain him, according to the following 
 method : 
 
 " The day being set apart as a fast day, we immedi- 
 " ately proceeded to ordain him, and the hands of eve» 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 59 
 
 " ry ordained minister was laid on him. Public prayer 
 '• was made by John Waller, E. Craig, and John WiJ^ 
 '' liams. John Waller gave a public charge, and the 
 " whole association gave him the right haad of fellow- 
 '' ship." 
 
 His work was to pervade the churches to do, or at 
 leaft to see, to the work of ordination, and to set in or- 
 der things that were wanting, and to make report to 
 the next afTociation. 
 
 The discussion of this subjecSt, caused no little warmth 
 on both sides. J eremiah Walker first agitated it, and 
 was supported by moft of the preachers of popular ta^ 
 lents, not without suspicion of vanity and ambition. 
 The opposition was headed by Reuben Ford, followed 
 by a numerous party in the \ orthern diftrid:. Walker 
 wrote a piece upon the subjecSl, entitled FieeT/ioughts, 
 <f'C. in which, as also in his arguments both in aflbci- 
 ations and private companies, he very ingeniouHy main- 
 tained, that all the offices mentioned m the above texiSy 
 were still in use, Mr. Ford also wrote a pamphlet in 
 answer to Mr. Walker's, in which he rebutted his ar- 
 guments with considerable ability. Both these were 
 read before the aiTociation. The majority favouring 
 Mr. Walker's system j an experiment was made. 
 
 At an afTociation hoidenfor the North diftrict, this 
 fall, John Waller and E. Craig, were appointed apoit- 
 les, for the North side of the river. 
 
 It is sufficient to inform our readers, that this scheme 
 dici not succeed. Either the spirit of free govern- 
 ment ran too high among the churches, to submit to 
 suich an officer ; or the thing was wrong in itself j 
 and, not being from God, soon fell, These apoftles 
 made their report to the next association, rather in 
 discouraging terms -, and no others ever were appointed. 
 
 The judicious reader, will quickly discover, that this 
 is only the old plan of bishops, &c. under a new name. 
 In the laft decifion, it was agreed that the office of 
 apostles, like that of prophets, was the effed: of mira- 
 culous inspiration, and did not belong to ordinary times. 
 
60 HISTORY or THE 
 
 Both thca/Tociationsof this fall, appointed their next 
 session to be holden at I\i anakin town, or Dover meet- 
 ing house, the 4th Saturday in May '775. 
 
 Maif 27fh, 1775- — Both alTociations met by their 
 delegates, at Dover meeting house. : etters from fix- 
 ty churches were received, viz. '29 from the North, 
 and 31 from the South fide of .James liiver. 
 
 hamuel tlarrifs was chosen Moderator, and John 
 Waller and.lohn Williams, ( lerks. Only about SCO, 
 for both diflrids, are numbered, as having been bap- 
 tized fmce the laft aliociation This number, com- 
 pared with what had been for years previoully, proves 
 that cold times were now, not only appearing, but ac- 
 tually arrived. The events which occurred at this, 
 and the succeeding session, prove it more certainly. 
 
 t he following query, iirft occupied their attention. 
 
 ** Is salvation, by hrift, m.ade poflibie ior every in- 
 dividual of the human race ?" 
 
 1 he debate on this query took up the whole of xMon- 
 day. I' very thinking man in the afibciation felt him- 
 self seriously interefted. JVlost of them spoke to it, 
 more or less. The weight of talents and of influence 
 $eems to have been on the Arminian side. Samuel 
 Harriss, Jeremiah Walker, John Waller, and many 
 other diflinguifhed preachers, ftood forward, and zea- 
 lously, as well as ably, supported the argument in fa- 
 vour of universal provision. 
 
 Talents and ingenuity were not wanting on the oth- 
 er lide. Wm. INiurphy, John William? andK. C raig, 
 flood foremoil in favour of a Calvanistic solution.... 
 These, supported by truth, or at least by the more ge- 
 nerally received opinion, among the Baptills, obtain- 
 ed, after a long and animated debate, a small majority. 
 This decilion was, on Monday afternoon, immediate- 
 ly before an adjournment. That evening, the A rmi- 
 nian party holding a consultation, determined to bring 
 en the subject again the next day, and to have a de- 
 termination, whether their opinions upon this point, 
 fhould be a matter of bar to feliowfhip and commu- 
 
(GENERAL ASS.OCIATION. Oi 
 
 riion. On Tuesday, when they met, the bnfiness be- 
 came very diflreiTmg. The /irminian party, having 
 the Moderator with them, withdrew out of doors. 
 The other iide also withdrew, and chose John Wil- 
 liams as Moderator. Every thilig was then done by 
 mellage, sometimes in writing, and sometimes ver- 
 bally. 
 
 After some time spent in this way, the following 
 proposal was made by the Arminian party : 
 
 *' Dear Bretiiren", 
 ** A fleady union with you, makes us v/illing to be 
 more explicit, in our answer to your terms of reconci- 
 liation proposed. We do not deny the former part 
 of your proposal, respecting particular eledtion of 
 grace, ilill retaining our liberty, with regard to con- 
 llrudion. And as to the latter part, respecting merit 
 in the creature, we are free to profess there is none. 
 ** Signed hi/ Order y 
 
 '' SAMUEL HARBISS, Moderator." 
 
 To which the other party replied, as follows : 
 
 "Dear Brethren, 
 
 " Inasmuch as a continuation of your chriilian fel- 
 lov/iliip, seems nearly as dear to us as our lives, and 
 seeing our difficulties concerning your principles^ with 
 respedt to merit in the creature, particular eleaion, 
 and final perseverance of the Saints, are in a hopeful 
 measure removing, we do willingly retain you in fel- 
 lowlhip, not raising the leafh bar. iJut do heartily 
 wifh and pray, that God in his kind providence, in his 
 own time, will bring it about, whc?i Israel aliall all be 
 of one mind, sptalnng the name things. 
 ** Signed hi/ Order, 
 
 " JOHN fVILLLlMS, Moderator." 
 
 These terms being acceded to on both fides, they 
 again met in the meeting house, and resumed their bu- 
 finess. Their union was as happy, as tHeir discord 
 had been diftre fling. 
 
62 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 It was determined that the two diftrids iliould again 
 unite at their next session, and that that Ihould be at 
 Dupuy'smeetingliouse, Powhatan (then ( 'umberiand) 
 county, the second Saturday in Augull: 1775. 
 
 It seems, that one great objedl of uniting tlie two 
 diflrids at this time, was to ftrive together for the abo- 
 lition of the hierarchy, or church eftabliihment, in 
 Virginia. The discontents in America, arifing from 
 Britiih oppression, were now drawing to a crifis ; moft 
 of the colonies had determined to refill, and some were 
 for independence. 1 his was a very favourable season 
 for the Baptifts. Having been much ground under 
 the Britifli laws, or at least by the interpretation of 
 them in \'irginia ; they were to a man, favourable to 
 any revolution, by which they could obtain freedom 
 of religion. They had known from experience, that 
 mere toleration was not a sufficient check, having been 
 imprisoned at a time, when that lav/ was confidered by 
 many as being in force. It was therefore resolved 
 at this session, to circulate petitions to the Virginia 
 Convention or General Afl'embly, throughout the 
 ftate, in order to obtain lignatures, 'i'he prayer of 
 these was, that the church eftablifhment fliould be abo- 
 lifhed, and religion left to fland upon its own merits : 
 And, that all religious focieties fhould be protedted in 
 the peaceable enjoyment of their own religious prin- 
 ciples, and modes of worfhip. They appointed Je- 
 remiah Walker, John Williams and (ieorge Roberts, 
 to wait on the legislature with these petitions. They 
 also determined to petition the alfembly, for leave to 
 preach to the army, which was granted. 
 
 Jeremiah Walker and John Williams being appoint- 
 ed by this allociation, went and preached to the soldi- 
 ers, when encamped in the lower parts of Virginia ; 
 they, not meeting with much encouragement, 4eclined 
 it, after a fliort time. 
 
 They appointed the next aflbciatlon to be holden at 
 Thompson's meeting house, Louisa county, second 
 Saturday in Auguft 1776. 
 
GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 03 
 
 They met accordingly, and letters from seventy- 
 four churches were received, bringing mournlul ti- 
 dings of coldness and declension. This declenlion is 
 accounted for by sonrie of the letters, as arifmg from 
 too much concern in political matters, being about the 
 commencement of the revolution. Others ascribe it 
 to their dissenlions about principles, &c. Both, doubt- 
 less had their vv^eight. After they met, John Vvaller 
 was appointed to preach, and took his text I. Cor, 
 1 3 th and 1 1 th. lie had fully embraced the whole Ar- 
 minian system, and was determined to preach it at every 
 risk. Being called to account before the alTociation, 
 he and all his adherents v/ithdrew from the Baptifts, 
 and immediately fet up for independence. The re- 
 fult may be feen in his biography. This was an ex- 
 ceedingly forrowful time. Waller was held high in 
 eilimation among the Baptiils. Serious confequen- 
 ces might reafoiiably be exped:ed. The alfociation, 
 however, took fuch meafures as were within their 
 power, to prevent unpleafant eftecfts. 
 
 It appears, that it was agreed at this aiTociation, to 
 divide into four diftrid;s ; probably fuch a divifion as 
 afterwards took place in 1783, viz. two South, and 
 two North of James River. But as this divifion was 
 not permanent, we fliall purfue the narrative, by at- 
 tending to the whole under one view, as if no fuch 
 divilion had taken place. 
 
 The firft feffion for that diOrid:, which included Ha- 
 lifax, &c. was holden at Fall's Creek meeting houfe, 
 Halifax county, iirft Saturday in November 1776. 
 
 Their next feffion was at Williams' Sandy Creek 
 meeting houfe, the laft Saturday in April 1777. Of 
 thefe feffions, we could obtain no regular account. 
 
 By fome means it happened, that the diil:rid:s were 
 again united, about this time. Being the height of 
 the war, the aflbciations were but thinly attended, 
 and little bulinefs done. 
 
 Third Saturday in May 1778, a general aiTociation 
 was holden at Anderfon's meeting houfe, in Bucking- 
 
04 niSTORY OF THE 
 
 ham county. Letters from thirty-two churches were 
 received. Wm. Webber, Moderator; John WilH- 
 ams, CJefk. 
 
 A committee was appointed to enquire whether any 
 grievances exifted in the civil laws, that wei'e oppref- 
 live to the Baptiils. In their report, they reprefent 
 the marriage law, as bein^; partial and oppreflive. — 
 Upon which, it was a;2;reed to prefent to the next 
 General Ailemhiy, a memorial praying for a law af- 
 fording equal privileges to all ordamed minilters of 
 every denomination. 
 
 They appointed their next afTociation at Dapuy's, 
 meeting houfe, Powhatan county, fecond Saturday in 
 Odiobcr 1778. 
 
 They met, according to appointment, and chofe 
 Samuel Harrifs, Moderator ; and John Wuiiams, 
 Clerk. Letters from thirty-two churches were read. 
 A committee of {even members were appointed to 
 take into conlideration the civil grievances of the Bap- 
 tiits, and make report. 
 
 ist. They reported on Monday, that fliould a ge- 
 neral afleffment take place, that it would be injurious 
 to the diifenters in general. 
 
 2d. That the clergy of the former eftablifhed church, 
 suppofe themfelves to have the exclulive right of oiii- 
 ciating in marriages, which has fubjecfted diifenters 
 to great inconveniences. 
 
 3d. They therefore recommend, that two perfons 
 be appointed to wait on the next General Allembly, 
 and lay thefe grievances before them. 
 
 Jeremiah V"alker and Elijiih Craig, (and in cafe of 
 the failure of either,) John Williams, were appointed 
 to attend the General Ailcmbly. 
 
 Some rules for the government of alTociations, 
 were formed at this feiiion. 
 
 In confequence of the warm diflentions that had 
 taken place' at fome of the alTociations, a few years 
 before this ; combined with the ravages of war ; the 
 afibciations were not fo fully attended, as they had 
 
GENERAI^ ASSOClATIpN. 0.5 
 
 been. From 60 and 70 churches which ufually cor-. 
 refponded, they had fallen to abput 30 or 40. It feenjs 
 that fome had contraifted unfavourable opinions of 
 aflbciations, and wifhed them to be laid alide. This 
 fubject, being agitated at this feffion, produced ^e 
 following entry : 
 
 , Resolved f That a society of churches combined to seek 
 the mutual good of the whole is defirable : That it al- 
 fo promotes acquaintance among brethren, and affords 
 opportunity to coufult ,refpe6ting the beji modes ofcoun- 
 ieraBing national grievances : But ajfociations are not 
 to interfere with the internal concerns of churches , e<z- 
 cepi where their advice is requejied by any church, in 
 the way of query. 
 
 The next alTociation appointed the fecond Saturday 
 in May, at Dover meeting houfe. 
 
 On the fecond Saturday in May 1779, the aflbcia- 
 tion met at Dover meeting houfe, Goochland county, 
 bf which feflion we have no account. 
 
 On the fecond Saturday in 0(flober 1779, the aflb- 
 ciation met at Nottoway meeting houfe, Amelia coun- 
 ty. Samuel Harrifs, Moderator. Jeremiah Walker^ 
 Clerk. 
 
 The report by Jeremiah Walker, as delegate to the 
 General AiTembly, was highly gratifying, upon which 
 the following entry was unanimoufly agreed to be made. 
 , **On conlideration of the bill eftabliihing religious 
 freedoni, agreed : That the faid bill, in our opinion, 
 puts religious freedom upon its proper baiis ; pref- 
 cribes the juft limits of the power of the ftate, with 
 regard to religion* and properly guards againft parti- 
 ality towards any religious denomination ; we, there- 
 fore, heartily approve of the fame, and wifli it to pafg 
 into a law." 
 
 Ordered, That this our approbation of the faid bill, 
 be tranfmitted to the public printers, to be inferted 
 in the Gazettes. 
 
 It feems that manjfcof the Baptill: preachers, prefu- 
 ming upon a future fend ion, had gone on to marry 
 
06 IIISTOBY or THE 
 
 fuch people as applied for marriage. It Was deter- 
 mined that a memorial fhould be fent from this alfoci- 
 ation, requeuing that all fuch marriages fhould be 
 fandtioned by a law for that purpofe. The law paf- 
 fed accordingly. 
 
 For a fet of preachers, to proceed to folemnize the 
 rites of matrimony, without any law to authorife them, 
 might at firit view appear incorredt, and indeed cen- 
 furable; but we arc informed, that they wereadvifexi 
 to this meafure, by Mr. Patrick Henry, as being the 
 inoll certain method of obtaining the law. It fucceed- 
 ed. It is however, ftill quellionable, whether this was 
 not doing evil, that good might come. 
 
 The next afTociation was holden at Waller's meeting 
 houfe, Spottfylvania county, the fecond Saturday in 
 May 1780. No account could be obtained of the 
 proceedings of this feflion. 
 
 The next was appointed to be at Sandy Creek meet- 
 ing houfe, Charlotte c'ty, 2d Saturday in October 17(80. 
 
 They met at the time and place appointed. Sa- 
 muel Harrifs, Moderator. John Williams, Clerk. 
 Letters from only 29 churches were received. 
 
 From the minutes it appears that fome jealoufy 
 was ftill entertained, refpedling the power of aflbci- 
 ations. In confequence of which, an entry is made 
 difa vowing any authority over the churches. 
 
 A letter was received from a committee of the Re- 
 gular Baptifts, requefting that a iimilar committee 
 ?hould be appointed by this afTociation, to confider 
 national grievances, in conjan(5tion- This was done 
 accordingly, and Reuben Ford, John A'Villiams and 
 E. Craig, were appointed. 
 
 The third Thursday in November following, was 
 appointed a day of fading and prayer, in confequence 
 of the alarming and diftreffing times. 
 
 The next alfociation appointed at Anderfon's meet- 
 ing houfe, Buckingham county, fecond Saturday in 
 jMay 1781. " 
 
 They met, according to appointment. About thi? 
 
GENERAL ASSQCCIA:|;I0>/. C? 
 
 tinie the Eritifli, under LordCornwallis, were march- 
 ing through Virginia from the South ^ and was now 
 at no great diftance from the place of the aflbciation. 
 On this account there were but l6 churches corref- 
 ponded. They chofe Wm. Webber, Moderator ; 
 and J. Williams, Clerk. After making fome few 
 arrangements, and appointing the next aflbciation at 
 Dover meeting houfe, Goochland county, the 2d Sa- 
 turday in October 1782, they adjourned. 
 
 They met at Dover meeting houfe, agreeable to 
 appointment. Letters from 32 correfponding churr 
 ches were read. Wm. Webber, Moderator. John 
 Williams, Clerk. 
 
 Jeremiah Walker was appointed a delegate to at- 
 tend the next General Ailembly, with a memorial and 
 petitions againil ecclefiaftical oppreflion. 
 
 Robert Stockton attended this affociation, as a dp- 
 Fegatefrom the Strav/berry affociation. 
 
 The large number of churches, and the great dif- 
 tance which many of their delegates had to travel, 
 rendered a general affociation in V^irginia extremely 
 inconvenient ; fo that they would, probably long be- 
 fore this date, have divided into difl:ri(5ls, if they had 
 not been holden together by apprehenfions of oppref- 
 lion from civil government. 
 
 They could not make head againft their powerful 
 and numerous opponents^ with any hope of fuccefs, 
 unlefs they were united among themfelvcs. In order 
 to be all of one mind, it was neceffary they fhould all 
 affemble, around one council board. For thefe rea- 
 fons, the General Affociation was kept up, as long as 
 it was. Finding it however, confiderably wearifome 
 to colled: fo many from fuch diftant parts ; and hav- 
 ing already fecured their moft important civil rights ; 
 they determined to hold only on6 more General Affo- 
 ciation, an4 then dividing into diftricfts, to form fome 
 plan, to keep a ffanding fentinel for political purpo- 
 hs^ In order to mature this plan, for dividing into 
 dift jids, they agreed to feave two Spring affociation^ 
 
68 Itl STORY OF THE 
 
 one on the South fide, and one on the North fide o£ 
 James River. To thefe, it was expected that the 
 churches, on each fide, would fend delegates to the 
 aflbciations, in their refpe(5live diftrids. 
 
 They then proceeded to appoint the aflbciation at 
 Pupuy's meeting houfe, Powhatan county, 2d Satur- 
 day in Odober 1783. The one on the South lide, 
 was appointed at Nottoway meeting houfe, in Notto- 
 way county, the 2d Saturday in May 1783. The one 
 on the North fide at Noel's meeting houfe, in Effex 
 county, the iirfl Saturday in May 1783. 
 
 The firfl Wednesday in November, was appointed 
 a day of fafling and prayer, on account of the prcf- 
 pe6ls of famine, and to avert the judgments of God, 
 on account of the increafing wickcdnefs of the land. 
 
 Second Saturday in 0(5lober 1783, they met in Ge- 
 neral A fTociation, according to appointment, and for 
 the laft time. 37 delegates, including mofl of the 
 a(5live preachers in Virginia, were preient. Wm. 
 Webber, Moderator. John Williams, Clerk. 
 
 The following bufinefs was tranfadted in this af- 
 fociation : 
 
 Resolved, That our General or Annual AfTociation 
 ceafe, and that a general committee be inftituted, 
 compofed of not more than four delegates from each 
 diftrict aifociation, to meet annually, to confider mat- 
 ters that may be for the good of the whole fociety, 
 and that the prefent alTociation be divided into four 
 diftricftc : Upper and Lower Diftrid, on each fide of 
 James River. 
 
 ■ A motion was made by John Williams : That as 
 they were now about to divide into fedtions, they 
 ought to adopt fome confefTion of faith, by way of 
 affording a flandard of principles to fubfequent times. 
 
 They then agreed to adopt the Philadelphia con- 
 fefiion of faith, upon the following explanations : 
 
 *' To prevent its ufurping a tyrannical power, over 
 the confciences of any : We do not mean that every 
 perfon is to be bound to the itrid obfervance of eve- 
 
GENERAL 'COMIMITTEE. 69 
 
 ry thing therein contained, nor do we mean to make 
 it, in any rofpecft, fuperiour or equal to the fcriptures, 
 in matters of faith and pradice ; although we think 
 it the beft human cbmpofition of the kind now ex- 
 tant ; yet it ihall be liable to alterations, whenever 
 the General Committee, in behalf of the affociations, 
 
 fhall think lit." 
 
 Reuben Ford and John Waller, were appointed de- 
 legates to wait on the General AfTembly, with a 
 memorial. Then difiolved. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 • Coiitaining a Hisiory of ihc General CommiUee, from 
 their first session, until their dissolution in 1799, 
 
 Circumstanced as the Baptifts were at this pe- 
 riod, it would have been the height of folly, to have 
 difTolved the general afTociation, without fubftituting 
 fome other alTembly, capable of confulting and devi- 
 fing meafures, for the benefit of the whole connex- 
 ion. In mod refpecls a meeting compofed of repre- 
 fentatives from the different allbciations, was prefera- 
 ble to the general aflbciation. Being a fmall number, 
 they could ad: more promptly j they would have few-^ 
 er local matters, and could therefore devote their at- 
 tention more intently to thofe of general concern ; 
 and laflly, there being three other aflociations now in 
 the ilate, befides the one called the General Aflbci- 
 ation ; thefe could unite in a General Committee, 
 and contribute their aid, in meafures interefling to ail. 
 
 The General Committee accordingly met, for the 
 nril time on Saturday, Odober 9th, 1784. Dele- 
 gates from four affociations afTembled. Wm. Web- 
 ber was appointed Moderator ; and Reuben Ford, 
 Clerk. 
 
 Of the plan of government, the following are the 
 only articles proper to be noticed. 
 
70 irrsTORY of the 
 
 1* The general committee fliali be conipofed of 
 delegiites, fent from all the district allociations, that 
 defire to correlpond with each other. 
 
 2. No ailbciation fliall be reprefented in the gene- 
 ral committee, by more than four delegates. 
 
 3. The committee thus compofed, fliall confider 
 all the political grievances of the whole Baptist soci- 
 ety in Virginia, and all references from the dill:ri«ft 
 aflbciations, refpeding matters which concern the Bap- 
 tist society at large. 
 
 4. No petition, mem.orlal or remonstrance, fliail 
 he prefented to the general aflembly from any aflbci- 
 ation in connexion with the general committee.— 
 All things of that kind fhall originate with the ge- 
 gcneral committee. 
 
 Under this constitution they proceeded to bulinefs. 
 
 The law for the folemnization of marriage, and 
 tnG vestry law, were confidered political grievances. 
 
 They alfo refolved to oppofe the law for a general 
 affeffment, and that for the incorporation of religi- 
 ous focieties, which were now in agitation.* 
 
 A memorial to the general aflembly praying for a 
 repeal of the vestry law, and for an alteration in the 
 marriage law, was drawn and committed to the hands 
 of the Rev. Reuben Ford, to be prefented to the next 
 assembly. 
 
 Saturday y Auguft 13, 1785. — The general com- 
 mittee met a fecond time at Dupuy's meeting houfe, 
 Powhatan countv. Delesrates from four associations 
 were prefent. Wm. Webber was chofen Moderator; 
 and Reuben Ford, clerk.-j^ 
 
 Reuben Ford reported, that according to tJie direc- 
 tions given him, he prefented a memorial and petiti- 
 on to the Honorable General Assembly : That they 
 
 *It may be proper here to inform the reader, that tlie remon- 
 ftranccs lent to the General AfTembly by the Baptifts, about this 
 lime, were againft certain opprefFive laws, made fubfcqucnt to 
 the bill eflablifliing religious freedom, mentioned in page 65.^ 
 
 t Except a few leflions of the General Committee. William 
 Webber a6led as Moderator, and Reuben Ford as clerh, until the 
 meeiing was diflblvc-d. 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE, 71 
 
 met with a favourable reception ; that certain amend- 
 ments were made to the marriage law, which he 
 thought fatisfadory. 
 
 To this report, the general committee concurred. 
 
 They were further informed, that at the last felTi- 
 on of the general alTembly, a bill for a general af- 
 fessment was introduced, and had almost passed into 
 a law ; but when at that stage, in v/hich it is called 
 an engross^ed bill, a motion was made and carried, 
 that it fhould be referred to the next assembly, in or- 
 der to give the people an opportunity to confider it. 
 
 The general committee, as guardians of the rights 
 of the Virginia Baptiils, of course took up the subjed:, 
 and came to the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to those coun- 
 ties, which have not yet prepared petitions, to be pre- 
 sented to the general assembly, against the engrossed 
 bill for a general assessment for the support of the 
 teachers of the Christian religion, to proceed there- 
 on, as soon as possible : That it is believed to be re- 
 pugnant to the spirit of the gospel, for the legisla- 
 ture thus to proceed in matters of religion : that no 
 human laws ought to be established for this purpose ; 
 but that every person ought to be left entirely free, in 
 respect to matters of religion : that the holy author 
 of our religion, needs no such compulsive measures 
 for the promotion of his cause : that the gospel, 
 wants not the feeble arm of man for its support : tfxat 
 it has made, and will again through divine power, 
 make its way againil all oppoiition : and that, fhould 
 the legislature assume the right of taxing the people 
 for the support of the gospel, it v/ill be deflructive to 
 religious liberty. 
 
 Therefore y This committee agrees unanimously, that 
 it will be expedient to appoint a delegate to wait on 
 the general assembly, with a remonflrance and petiti- 
 on against such assessment. 
 
 Accordingly, the liev. Reuben Ford was appointed. 
 
 It v/as then consulted, whetb^erit v.'ouldnotbed?- 
 
7^ HISTOHY OF fllE 
 
 sirable to establish among the Baptists some uhiforiri 
 mode for the solemnization of marriage. Upon 
 which, it was resolved to adopt and recommend the 
 form laid down in the common prayer book, leaving 
 out a few exceptionable parts ; and that it be printed, 
 together with the catechism entitled Milk for Babes,^' 
 
 Saturday, August 5, 1786. — The next general 
 committee was holden at Anderson's meetinghouse, 
 Buckingham county. Delegates from five associati- 
 ons assembled. 
 
 Reuben Ford, who was appointed to wait upon the 
 ailembly, with a memorial and petition againft the bill 
 for a general assessment ; Reported, That he waited 
 on the house of assembly according to appointment ; 
 . that the law for assessment did not pass ; but, on the 
 contrary, an act passed explaining the nature of reli- 
 gious liberty. 
 
 This law, so much admired for the lucid manner, in 
 which it treats of, arid explains religious liberty, was 
 drawn by the venefable Sir. Thomas Jefferson, 
 
 It may be found in the 29th page of the Revised 
 Code of the Virginia laws. 
 
 1'he committee concurred in the report, and de- 
 clared themselves well pleased with the law above 
 mentioned. 
 
 Here let us remark, that the inhibition of the gene- 
 ral assessment, may in a considerable degree, be as- 
 cribed to the opposition made to it by the Baptists : 
 for it is stated by those who were conversant with the 
 proceedings of those times, that the reference made 
 to the people, after the bill was engrossed, was done 
 with a design to give the different religious societies 
 >an opportunity of expressing their w^flies. The Bap- 
 tists, we believe, were the only sect who plainly re- 
 monftrated. Of some others, it is said, that the lai- 
 ty and ministry were at variance upon the subjedj so 
 
 * It is much to be deplored that this, or lome other form of 
 religious instru6lion for children, has not been in more Common 
 nse among the Baptists. 
 
GENfeRlL GOMMITTEE. ^3 
 
 as to paralize their exertions either for or against the 
 bill. These remarks, by the by, apply only to reli- 
 gious societies, acfting as such. Individuals of all 
 sects and parties joined in the opposition. 
 
 The general committee then went into the consi- 
 deration of a law for the incorporation of the Epis- 
 copal society, and thereby vefting certain property in 
 them. Upon this subject they Ke5o/uec?, That peti- 
 tions ought to be drawn and circulated in the differ- 
 ent counties, and presented to the next general as- 
 sembly, praying for a repeal of the incorporating act, 
 and that the public property which is by that act ves- 
 ted in the Proteilant Episcopal (. hurch be sold, and 
 the money applied to public use, and that Reuben 
 Ford and John 1 eland attend the next assembly, as 
 agents in behalf of the general committee. 
 
 The schism which took place among the Regular 
 and Separate Baptifts, soon after their rise in Virgi- 
 nia, had never been, as yet, entirely removed, although 
 a very friendly intercourse had been occasionally kept 
 up among them. 
 
 The time was now at hand when all differences and 
 party spirit v/as about to be forever wiped off. 'I 'he 
 Ketocton or Regular Baptist AfTociation, sent dele- 
 gates to this general committee, and they were re- 
 ceived upon equal footing with those from the other 
 aflbciations. This gave rise to the following recom- 
 mendation : 
 
 " It is recommended to the different a/fociations 'to 
 appoint delegates, to attend the neit General Com- 
 mitteei for the purpose of forming an union with the 
 Regular Baptijts," 
 
 Friday i Anguji lo, 17^7. — The fourth session of 
 the general committee was holden at Dover meeting 
 house in Goochland county. Delegates from six as- 
 sociations assembled.^ 
 
 * There were only fix affociations at this time in the ftate, fo 
 that they were all reprefented. 
 
 K 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The Hev. Meflrs. Ford and X^eland, who were ap- 
 pointed to wait on the general assembly, J^epoited, 
 That according to their inflriictions, they presented a 
 memorial praying for a repeal of the incorporating act : 
 that the memorial was received by the honorable 
 house, and that, that part of the said act, which res- 
 pected the incorporation of the Proteftant Episcopal 
 Church, as a religious society, and marking out the 
 rules of their procedure, was repealed ; but that, that 
 part which respected the glebes, &c. remained as it 
 •was. 
 
 Whereupon, the queftion was put whether the ge- 
 neral committee viewed the glebes, &c. as public 
 property.... By a majority of one they decided that 
 they were. They did hot however, at this time, send 
 any memorial to the general assembly. 
 
 Agreeable to appointment, the subject of the union 
 of Hegular and Separate Baptifts, was taken up ; and 
 a happy and eifectual reconciliation was accomplifh- 
 ed* 
 
 The objections on the part of the Separates, rela- 
 ted chiefly to matters of trivial importance, and had 
 been for some time removed, as to being a bar of com- 
 munion. On the other hand> the Regulars complain- 
 ed, that the Separates were n©t sufficiently explicit in 
 their principles, having never publiflied or sanction- 
 ed any confeffion of faith ; and that they kept with- 
 in their communion, many who were professed A r- 
 minians, &c. To these things, it was answered by 
 the Sieparates, that a large majority of them, believed 
 zs much, in their confession of faith, as they did them- 
 selves, although they did not entirely approve of the 
 practice of religious societies, binding themselves too 
 ftrictly by confessions of faith, seeing there was dan- 
 ger of their finally usurping too high a place : that 
 if there were some among them, who leaned too much 
 towards the Arminian system, they were gene- 
 rally men of exemplary piety, and great usefulness 
 in the Redeemer's kingdom ; and they conceived it 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE, 75 
 
 better to bear with some diversity of opinion in doc- 
 trines, than to break with men, whose chriftian deport- 
 ment, rendered them amiable in the eftimation of all 
 true lovers of genuine godliness. Indeed, that some 
 of them had now become fathers in the gospel, who 
 previous to the bias which their minds had received, 
 had borne the brunt and heat of persecution, whose 
 labours and sufferings God had blessed, and flill bles- 
 sed, to the great advancement of his cause : To ex- 
 clude such as these from their communion, would be 
 like tearing the limbs from the body. 
 
 These and such like arguments, were agitated both 
 in public and private, so that all minds were much 
 mollified, before the final and successful attempt for 
 union. 
 
 The terms of the union were entered on the mi- 
 nutes in the following words, viz. 
 
 " The committee appointed to consider the terms 
 of union with our Regular Brethren, Reported ; tha.t 
 they conceive the manner in which the Regular Bap- 
 *ift confession of faith has been received by a former 
 afix)ciation, is the ground-work for such union." 
 
 After considerable debate, as to the propriety of ha- 
 ving any confe§sion of faith at all, the report of the 
 committee was received with the following explana- 
 tion: 
 
 ** To prevent the confession of faith from usurping 
 a tyrannical power over the conscience of any, we 
 do not mean, that every person is bound to the strict 
 observance of every thing therein contained ; yet 
 that it holds forth the effential truths of the gospel 
 and that the doctrine of salvation by Chrifl and free 
 unmerited grace alone, ought to be believed by every 
 chriftian, and maintained by every minifler of the gos- 
 pel. Upon these terms we are united ; and, desire 
 hereafter that the names Regular and Separate, be 
 buried in oblivion ; and that, from henceforth, we 
 fhall be known by the name of the United Baptist 
 Churches of' Christ, in Virgima." 
 
'? : KI S TORY O F TH E 
 
 This union' has now (1809,) continued upwards of 
 22 years, without any interruption. The bands of 
 union, are apparently much ftronger than at lirft. 
 ] t is quite pleafing Ibmetimes to find, that members 
 and even minifters of intelligence, among the Bap- 
 tifts, have manifested a total unacquaintance with the 
 terms Regular and Separate, when they have been 
 occafionally mentioned in their company. From 
 thiSj is is plain that all party spirit is now laid aside, 
 and that it was a union of hearts as well as parties. 
 
 It is worthy of remark, that this conjudion of dif- 
 fevered brethren, took place at a time, when a great 
 revival of religion had already commenced, and not 
 far from the time, when it fhould burft forth on the 
 right hand and on the left, throughout the ftate. — - 
 Some of our reiie(5ling readers, will impute this to a 
 providential interference of God, difpofing the hearts 
 of his people to love and peace, in order to prepare 
 them for the day of his power. Others will fay, ra- 
 ther the work having already begun, a revival of true 
 religion always tends to open the hearts of the friends 
 of God, and makes them fbretch the robe of charity, 
 fo as really to cover a multitude of faults. Whether 
 to the one, or to the other, or to both thefe caufes, 
 may be afcribed, the accommodating temper of the 
 two parties ; certain it is, that nothing could be more 
 falutary. The ointment poured upon Aaron's head, 
 was not more favoury : The dew on Hermon, was 
 not more fructifying, than is the union of brethren , 
 it is there, even where love reigns, that the Lord com- 
 mands his bJeffing, life eternal, life for ever more. 
 
 The next general committee met at Williams's 
 meeting houle, Goochland county, Friday the 7th of 
 March 1778. Delegates from four aflbciations at- 
 tended. 
 
 The religious political fubjeds, which were taken 
 up at this ielhon, were : 
 
 ifl. Whether the new federal conflltution, which 
 had now lately made its appearance in public, made 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE. 77 
 
 iufficient proviiion for the fecure enjoyment of reli- 
 gious liberty; on which, it was agreed unanimously, 
 that, in the opinion of the general committee. It did not, 
 
 2d. Whether a petition fhall be offered to the next 
 general aiTembly, praying for the lale of the vacant 
 glebes. 
 
 After much deliberation on this fubjed:, it was fi- 
 nally determined, that petitions fliould be prefented to * 
 the next general affembly, asking the lale of the va- 
 cant glebes, as being public property -, and accord- 
 ingly, four perfons werechofen from the general com- 
 mittee to prefent their memorial, viz. l^^li Clay, Xeu- 
 ben Ford, John Waller and John Williame^ 
 
 3d Whether a petition fliould be offered to the 
 general affembly, praying that the yoke of llavery , 
 may be made more tolerable. Referred to the next 
 fellion. 
 
 It appears from the minutes of this feflion, that let- 
 ters had been received from the Kevd. Afa fiunt, of 
 Maflachufetts, and the Revd. Lemuel Powers, of 
 New- York flate, propofing a correfpondence between 
 the General Committee and the Northern affociations, 
 to which propofal the general committee readily agreed, 
 and appointed Mr. Leland to vifit as many of them, as 
 he could conveniently. Letters of correfpondence 
 were alfo prepared. Hopes were entertained by fome, 
 about this time, of forming a general meeting, to be 
 composed of delegates from all the ftates in the union. 
 Such a plan, however deiirable, was never put into 
 praftice. 
 
 The firfl propofal for publifhing A History of the 
 Kise and Prog?'ess of the Baptists in Virginia, was 
 made at this feffion. 
 
 The next feflion of the general committee was at 
 Dupuy's meeting house, Auguft the nth, 1788. 
 Delegates from five affociations attended. 
 
 * The memorial was presented, and similar memorials and petitions conti- 
 nued to be preicnted to the legislature from the general committee vmtil 1799, 
 when they gained tlkcir objeft. 
 
78 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The queftion whether a memorial fliould belent to 
 the general a fTembly at their next feflion, refpedting 
 the gJebc lands, was taken up, l\liertupQn,\t\vdJi 
 refolved, that the bufinefs ihould be entrufted to the 
 care of Klders Leland, Waller and Clay, lO be left 
 difcretionary in them, to prefent a memorial or not, as 
 they may think beft. On examining the papers di- 
 reded to the general committee at this feffion, it was 
 found that a letter was received from the Rev. James 
 Manning, Prefident of Providence college in Rhode - 
 Ifland, recommending and encouraging the Baptifts 
 of Virginia, to ered a feminary of learning. This 
 fubject was, of courfe taken up, and they came to the 
 following decif]on,viz. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of five perfons on each 
 iide of James River, be appointed to forward the buli- 
 nefs refpedting a feminary of learning -, accordingly 
 Samuel Harrifs, John Williams, Eli Clay, Simeon 
 Walton and David Barrow, were appointed on the 
 South j and Robert Carter, John Waller, Wm. Frif- 
 toe, John Leland and Reuben Ford, on the North fide 
 of faid river. 
 
 Resolved y That Samuel Harrifs, John Williams, 
 Simeon Walton, John Leland, Henry Toler and Lew- 
 is Lunsford, be appointed to colledt materials for com- 
 piling and publifliing a History of the Baplhts in Vir- 
 giuioy and report to the next general committee. 
 
 The next general committee met in Richmond, 
 Augufl: the 8th, 1789. Delegates from 7 affociations 
 met. Samuel Harrifs, Moderator, Reuben Ford, 
 Clerk. 
 
 At this seffion, letters and minutes of correfpon- 
 dence were received from various quarters. The use- 
 fulnefs of the general committee, in keeping up a cor- 
 refpondenceand in tercourfe among the Baptiils through- 
 out the United States, was inconceivable. From Geor- 
 gia to Maflachufetts they were known, and received 
 occafionally from fome, and ftatedly from others, let- 
 ters, minutes and other indications of fellowihip. So 
 
C;E^fEBAL;^CO MMITTEE. f9 
 
 ilatj if a general union of men, embarked in the. same 
 heavenly caufe, could be efteemed deiirable, then Ought 
 We to efleerh the general committee as an inftitution 
 founded in wisdom . 
 
 The committee for the promotion of a feminary of 
 learning, appointed lafl year, was continued, with the 
 alteration of a few perlons. 
 
 Sundry perfons were alfo added, to thofe appointed 
 laft year, for the coUedion of documents* for printing 
 a [iif lory of the Rise and Progress of the Baptijisin 
 Virginia, 
 
 The propriety of hereditary flavery, was alfo taken 
 up at this feilion, and after fome time employed in the 
 confideration of the fubjedt, the following refolution 
 was offered by Mr. Leland, and adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That flavery is a violent deprivation of the 
 rights of nature, and incondfient with a republican 
 government, iand therefore recommend it to our bre- 
 thren, to make ufeof every legal meafure to extirpate 
 this horrid evil from the land ; and pray Almighty 
 God that our honorable legislature may have it in their 
 power to proclaim the great Jubilee, confiflcnt with 
 the principles of good policy. 
 
 Thofe who had formerly gone under the name of 
 Regulars, fent a letter to this general committee, re- 
 monftrating againfl fome things licenfed among that 
 part of the Baptifts formerly called Separates. 
 
 To which an answer was sent by the general com- 
 mittee, which proved fatisfactory. 
 
 At this general committee, was Jofhua Barnes a 
 preacher, who was born blind. As the God of nature 
 would be merciful, whenever he deprives any of his 
 creatures of one natural endowment, he commonly 
 doubles their capacity in fomething elfe. Mr. Barnes 
 probably poiTefled the moil Angularly retentive memo- 
 ry, as to any thing he heard, efpecially what was read 
 to him, of any other man living. He would preach a 
 long fermon^ and quote an uncommon number of texts 
 of fcripture, to prove his points, of which he would 
 
S6 litSTORY O^ Tlife 
 
 always tell both chapter and verfe. He was an excel- 
 lent preacher and a very pious tn in. He was a native 
 and relident of Vorth Carolina, but travelled much in 
 Virginia. Me died in the year 1 796 
 
 The fele6l committee appointed to colled materials 
 for compiling a History of the Bapfi/ts in Virginia^ 
 Reported, That they had proceeded (o far therein, as 
 to find a foundation laid, for entering on the faid work. 
 Resolved tkereforCj That the Rev. John Leland and 
 John Williams, be recommended by the general com- 
 mittee to engage in compiling the faid history, and 
 that the brethren hitherto engaged in colleding mate- 
 rials, do furnifh the faid compilers as far as they can, 
 and that the profits ariling from the work, be wholly 
 to the compilers. 
 
 The bufinefs respetfting feminaries of learning, was 
 referred to the next general committee. 
 
 The next general committee met at Nuckol*s meet- 
 ing houfe, Goochland county. May the 14th, 1791. 
 Delegates from feven affociations wereenrolled. 
 
 The firft bufinefs in which they engaged was to con- 
 iider whether they had not departed from their former 
 plan. This queflion produced a long debate. It wa5 
 determined that they had deviated from their original 
 plan ; that the original delign of the general commit- 
 tee was, only to conlider religious political grievances, 
 and to feek for recrefs. Resolved thereto^ e, that that 
 part of the 3d article, which contains thefe words : 
 ** And all references from the difbiB aljociations, res- 
 pecting matters that may concern the whole body,'* be 
 flruck out. 
 
 Confidering, that neither affociations nor the gene- 
 ral committee ever pretended to any thing more, than 
 the power of giving advice ; this deciiion Vv^as certain- 
 ly very injudicious. What pofTible mifchief, it may 
 be asked, could arife from receiving references from the 
 affociitions, refpeding matters of a general nature. — 
 It would feem, to an impartial mind, to be the furefl 
 road to uniformity, and confequcntly to harmony and 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE. 8«1 
 
 ]f>eace. This decifion, or fomething elfe, proved fatal 
 to the rifing profperity of the general committee. For 
 from that feffion, it began to decline, and fo continu- 
 ed until it was finally dillblved in the year 1799. 
 
 Having thus cramped themfelves, they proceeded 
 to the confideration of other matters. The memo- 
 rial againft the glebes, &c. w^as the only bulinefs be- 
 fore them. 
 
 This feffion of the general committee was the ful- 
 left, and the moil refpedlable of any that had ever been 
 hoi den in Virginia : There being an aflemblage of the 
 greatefl Baptill: preachers, refiding within the Hate ; 
 befides two or three from Georgia, who in point of 
 t-alents, might be honourably compared with any, in 
 any part of the world. Thefe were the Rev. Silas 
 Mercer and the Rev. Jeremiah Walker ; of the latter 
 of whom, much has already been faid. Thefe two 
 men, although agreed upon thepointof baptism, and 
 therefore both Baptifts, were much at variance, upon 
 the do(5trines of free will, and free grace ; or as they 
 are fometimes, by way of diflind:ion called, Calvi- 
 nifmand Arminianifm. Mr. Mercer was a decided 
 Calvinift, and Mr. Walker, as decided an Arminian; 
 though it muft be confelTed, that neither of them 
 carried their fyftem to fuch extremes, as they have 
 been carried by many. Mr. Mercer denied the doc- 
 trine of eternal reprobation, and Mr. Walker ac- 
 knowledged that of imputed righteoufnefs. In the 
 general committee each had a refpeftable party, tho' 
 the Calvaniftic fide v/as much the iargeft. It is hard 
 to fay, which of the two had the advantage in point 
 o£ talents. They were both, men of fuperlative 
 original genius, and neither had the advantage of a 
 claffical education. To remedy the defed of which, 
 each of them had applied himfeif to reading, though 
 at fomewhat a late period of life, and it is not eafy 
 to determine which of the two was moil advanced 
 In the knowledge of books. As it refpedled addrefs, 
 ;^ither,in, or out of the puipit. Walker had greatly the 
 
 1^ 
 
8!si IW STORY OF THE 
 
 fuperiority. His manners in private companies, 
 were exceedingly attaching. Gentle, affable, polite -, 
 cheerful yet grave^ familiar yet dignified; he was, 
 in a word, every thing that could encourage the back- 
 ward, or foothe the irritable. His converfation was 
 fenfible, and judiciously adapted, tothofe with whom 
 he was conversing. He was by no means urgent or 
 positive, in fupporting his opinions, but would ply 
 his competitor with Hvong arguments, as if they were 
 pearls thrown before him, which he might gather up 
 as his own, or leave them ; and it is probable, fev.- 
 men could make gewgaws look more like jewels, 
 than Jeremiah Walker : his was a fweetened dofe. 
 In the pulpit, although Walker pofTefTed but little 
 rhetorical fire, (at leafl in his laft days), }'et he was 
 singularly entertaining. When Walker preached, 
 there were few liftlefs hearers. 
 
 Mercer, on the other hand, both in his countenance 
 and manners, had considerably the appearance of 
 fternnefs ; and to feel quite free in his company, it 
 was neceffary to be well acquainted with him. He 
 feldom talked on any other subjed:, except religion, 
 and when in company with young preachers, or thofe 
 who might queflion his dodrine or his opinions, his 
 remarks chiefly turned on polemical points. He was 
 indefatigable in ilriving to maintain his points, and 
 for this purpofe would hear any, and all objediions, 
 that could be raifcd, and would then labour assiduous^- 
 ly to remove them. His arguments, however, nei- 
 ther in private nor public, wei:e ever dreffed with 
 oratorical ornaments. He did n6t aim at it. Indeed 
 he did not feem to willi it. He fpoke and aded like 
 one, who felt himfelf furrounded by the impregna- 
 ble bulwarks of truth, and therefore, did not wifh 
 to parley. Regardlefs of the mountings of his ar- 
 mour, his whole attention was occupied in wielding 
 it well, and in afluring himfelf and others, that it 
 was made of durable metal. He feemed to be fear- 
 ful of hurting the real fplendour ©f his diamonds, by 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE. S^ 
 
 ^1 ficflitious gliftening. Having thus fhortly pourtray- 
 ed thefe two men, as they appeared to us when in Vir- 
 ginia in '91, we will give fome account of their mea- 
 liires to fupport their opinions, while w^ith us. Mer- 
 cer being on the popular side, was chofen to preach 
 on Sunday. Walker, with fome difficulty, obtained 
 leave to preach on Monday. Mercer went fully in- 
 to the arguments tending to illuftrate and prove his 
 iyftem. He was mafterly indeed. He fpoke, asone 
 having authority. His fermon, left deep and durable 
 impreffions. Walker alfo defended his principles, 
 in an ingenious and mafterly manner. Feeling him-» 
 felf meafurably preffed down, by the popular cur- 
 rent, he could not difplay the fame bold ahd com- 
 manding fpirit, as his competitor felt : He was how- 
 ever by no means deficient in clofe and forcible ar- 
 guments. From the general committee, they both 
 travelled and preached extensively, through the ftate, 
 creating wherever they went, much converfation and 
 agitation of mind among the people. Walker pub- 
 liilied a pamphlet, entitled, " The fourfold foimda- 
 tion of Calvinism examined t and shaken,'* It was 
 certainly no mean performance, and was thought to 
 have made temporary impreffions upon many ftrong 
 Calvinifts. Mercer alfo had books upon the conteft- 
 ed points, but not of his own compolition. The ul- 
 timate confequence of this inveftigation of principles, 
 was, a decreafe of Arminianifm among the Baptifts 
 of Virginia, and a much greater uniformity in the 
 dodrines of grace. Some \vere thought alfo, after 
 thefe events, to have puffied the Calviniftic scheme, 
 to an Antinomian extreme. 
 
 Their next meeting was at Tomahawk meeting- 
 house, Cheileriield county. May 12th, 1792. Dele- 
 gates from nine aflbciations met. 
 
 It was now m.ade a queftion, whether thelaft ge- 
 neral committee had not cramped themfelves by the 
 amendment to the conftitution, in the third article. 
 In order to decide this pqint, a committee was ap- 
 
84 HISTORY OF TUB 
 
 pointed to frame a folution which after fome amend- 
 ments, was in the following words, viz, 
 
 " After maturely deliberating on a variety of circum-. 
 stances, your committee suppose that the bu'siaess of the 
 general committee is to consider all the political giiev- 
 ances of the whole Baptist society in Virginia, and all 
 references from associations; as also other circumstan- 
 ces, which evidently relate to the external interest of the 
 whole body of Baptists, and no other concerns what- 
 ever." 
 
 This explanation of the power of the general com- 
 mittee is certainly very obscure. It is Hill doubtful 
 how far their power extended, feeing various con- 
 flructions might be put upon the import of the words 
 external interejt. But the moft obvious impropriety 
 exifts, in the proceedings both of this and the lall: ge- 
 neral committee, upon this fubject. The general 
 committee for '91, alters the conftitution by which (he 
 exifts. That of '92 alters it again., and almoil if not 
 altogether, brings it back mftatu quo. Now, it may 
 be afkcd, can it be proper for any afrembl3>^who de- 
 rive their power, not from themfelves, but from fome 
 other source, to abridge or enlarge those powers, 
 without consulting those, from whence they origina- 
 ted. The confHtution having been, either directly 
 or indirectly sanctioned, by all the affociations who 
 compofe the general committee, no alteration could 
 rightly be made, without their approbation. If it 
 were otherwise, it would be perfectly needlefs to have 
 anyconflitution, as they would be no longer bound 
 b} any part, oifenlive to themselves, than the time it 
 would take to alter it. Frequent changes, in any in- 
 flitution, invariably tends to lessen its stability. 
 
 The old queftion, respecting the glebes and church- 
 es, as it was generally called, of course was taken up, 
 and fell into its usual channel. 
 
 At this session several books defigned for publica- 
 tion, were offered to the general committee, in order 
 to obtain their sanction . This was granted. This is 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE. 85 
 
 one, of many ways, in which such a meeting might 
 be useful . To bring a book, defigned for publication, 
 immediately before a public assembly, in order to 
 gam their approbation, would be impracticable ; but 
 a general meeting might be useful, by appointing a 
 Handing committee, for the purpose of examining any 
 thing intended for the prefs, which directly concerns 
 the honour and interefls of the Baptifls. This lelect 
 committee might make a report, flating the outlines 
 of the book, according to which the general meeting 
 could properly give, or withhold their recommenda- 
 tion ; this would probably, on the one hand, give cur- 
 rency to such tracts as pofTefs merit j while, on the 
 other hand, it might happily suppress such, as would 
 do injury to the cause of God and truth. 
 
 The general committee continued to be holden, at 
 the ufual time of year, at the following places, viz. 
 1 793 at Muddy creek meeting houfe, Powhatan coun- 
 ty. 1794 at Winns' meeting houfe, Hanover coun- 
 ty. 1795 at Roundabout meeting houfe, Louifa 
 county. 1796 at Dupuy's meeting houfe, Powha- 
 tan county. 1 797 at U pper King & Queen meeting 
 houfe. King & Queen county. 1 798 at Buckingham 
 Old Church, Buckingham county. 1799 at Waller's 
 meeting house, Spottfylvania county, where they 
 agreed to diffolve. During this period, an unreafon- 
 able jeaioufy, of their exerciiing too much power, 
 was often manifefled, both by affociations, and indi- 
 viduals. This, added to fome other causes, produced 
 a gradual declenfion in the attendance of members, 
 as well as a nervelefs languor, in the transadtion of 
 bufinefs. The remonftrance refpe6ting glebes, &c.' 
 was the only bulinefs which excited no jeaioufies, 
 and that was the only matter which was ever com- 
 pleted after the year 1792. 
 
 The bulinefs refped:ing a Seminary of Learni?ig, 
 was in 1793, committed to the hands of the Rev, 
 John Williams and Mr. Thom.as Read, of Charlotte, 
 who reported the following plan : That -14 truftces 
 
86 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 be appointed, all of whom (hall be Baptifts : Tliat 
 thefe at their iiiTt meeting, appoint seven others of 
 ibme other religious denomination : That the whole 
 21, then form a plan, and make arrangements for ex- 
 ecuting it. This scheme was proceeded in, fo far as 
 to appoint the whole of the truftees, who had one or 
 two meetings, in which advances were made towards 
 maturing the plan. But appreheniive that they fhould 
 not be able to procure fufficient funds, with fome other 
 discouragements, they finally abandoned it. 
 
 The compilation of a hiftory of the Virginia Bap- 
 tiils, having been committed wholly to the hands of 
 Mr. Williams after Mr. Leland's removal^ he had 
 made no inconfiderable progress in collecting docu- 
 ments, when in consequence of the decline of his 
 health, he found himself under the necessity of re- 
 figning his truft. This he did, in a letter to the gene- 
 ral committee, in 1 794. The committee received his 
 refignation, and refolved to decline it for the prefent. 
 
 The laft aft of the general committee was to re- 
 commend to the alTociations to form a plan for a ge- 
 neral meeting of correspondence, to promote and pre- 
 serve union and harmony among the churches. Of 
 which meeting, a fliort account may be found in the. 
 following chapter. 
 
 CilAPTEli VIII. 
 
 The Origin and Uistory of the General Meding' of Cor- 
 respondence, tiniil the jtrcscnt time. 
 
 May 1800.— Delegatesmet at Liles's meeting houfe 
 from 'several aflbciations, for the double purpose of 
 revifmg the confeffion of faith, and as a convention 
 to form a conllitution for a general meeting. The 
 bufmefs was committed to a feledt committee. On 
 Monday morning, the conilitution as prepared by the 
 
GEStRAL TtrBETlNG OF CORRESPONDENCE. 8T 
 
 s"ele(5t committee, was reported and received. The 
 great jealoufy which had been expreffed by the aflb- 
 ciations respeding the general committee, put the 
 Convention so much upon their guard, that in form- 
 ing the conftitution, they almofl gave them nothing 
 to do. '^i'heirbufinefs, if it could properl}^ be called 
 the bufiness of a meeting, was to colled and publifh 
 useful pieces, somewhat in the nature of a magazine, 
 which was to be sold to defray its own expence. 'I'he 
 advantages refulting from a general intercourle of the 
 allbciations in Virginia, were fo obvious, that its friends 
 were willing to have a meeting, upon any terms which 
 would accomplifli that end. It must have been 
 foreseen, that unless they could be employed in fome- 
 thing which might be thought beneficial, the meet- 
 ings would be but thinly attended. But few could be 
 found willing to travel long distances, without hav- 
 ing any other bufiness, except that of seeing each 
 other, and communicating the good or evil tidings, 
 which every one brought with him. Accordingly, 
 the meetings were attended, but by few, for several 
 years. Only three aflbciations, viz. Dover, Gofhen, 
 and Albemarle, adopted the conftitution, at firft. — 
 When they met from year to year, nothing being pre- 
 pared for the press, little else was done than to re- 
 gulate the internal concerns of the meeting, and ap- 
 point the time and place of the next. So dragged on 
 the General Meeting of Correspondence, until May 
 1 807, when they met at Buckingham Old Church, in 
 Buckingham county. Delegates from four aflbcia- 
 tions met (Appommattox having fallen in). Like- 
 wise the Roanoak fent a meliengerto gun informati- 
 on, not having as yet determined. This meeting, 
 finding from experience, the improbability of ever car-- 
 rying the firft conftitution into eftt dl, resolved to form 
 a new one ;-^ such as they in their judgments, believed 
 to be for the good of the cause, and not merely with 
 
 * By this constitution they could take upnny rnatter, prcviouf;- 
 ly decided on, in .my ^tfibciaiior?-. , 
 
88 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 a view to adapting it to the suspicious minds of a ^w 
 leading characters, who were perhaps adtuated from 
 upright, though miftaken motives. In order to give 
 full time for the inveftigation of this new conftitution, 
 the next general meeting was fixed on the 4th Satur- 
 day in i.}(fl:ober 1808. 
 
 Accordingly, on the above date, the General Meet- 
 ing aflembled at l>ethel meeting house, in Chester- 
 field county. Six alTociations had adopted the new 
 cotiftitution, and had fent their delegates, viz. Dover 
 . Gofhen, i\lbemarle, Appomattox, Roanakeand Me-^ 
 herrin. 
 
 The former Moderator being abfent, by death, Ro- 
 bert B. Semple was chofen Moderator, and Reuben 
 Ford, Clerk. 
 
 Ihe general meeting took up the following bufi- 
 nefs : The propriety of offering an address to Mr. 
 I'homas Jefferfon, Prefidentof the United States, who, 
 having ferved his country faithfully for many years, 
 was now about to retire from public life. The ad- 
 dress was unanimously voted, and fent on ; to which 
 the President returned an immediate anfwer. (See 
 this address and the answer in Appendix.) It also ap- 
 peared from some late publications, that the Baptifts 
 in Virginia had been misrepresented, as to their fen- 
 timents respecting human learning. It was determin • 
 ed, at this meeting, to rebut this calumny, by publiih- 
 ing a few remarks on that subje<!i, in the form of a 
 circular letter, which was accordingly done. The 
 Philadelphia afibciation, some small time before this, 
 had publiflied their centural fermon. The author* 
 of which had written on, that he had reserved 1 50 
 or 200 copies of that fermon, for the disposal of the 
 general meeting, as a present to them. At this meet- 
 ing, harmony and peace reigned. The preaching 
 and the public exercises generally, appeared to have 
 the divine fmiles. It was an encouraging meeting, 
 ■^ Samuel Jones, 
 
GENERAL MEETING OF CORRESPONDENCE. 84f 
 
 The iiext General Meeting of Correspondence was 
 holden at rarwallet meeting houfe, Odober a^th, &c. 
 1809. Delegates from five aflbciations allembled.* 
 
 'he same Moderator and Clerk were chosen as 
 last year 
 
 Two subjedls were brought forward at this meet^- 
 ing, which if ever matured, muft greatly conduce to 
 the future happiness of the Baptists, as a religious so- 
 ciety. The religious education of children, and the 
 eftablifhment of some Seminary or public school, to 
 aiiiil young preachers to acquire literary knowledge. 
 
 The firft was difpofed of by recommending to pa- 
 rents the use of catechisms, and especially one lately 
 publifhed, for the use of the Baptifl society -, and the 
 other, by appointing two persons, to acquire infor* 
 mation, and digefl a plan for such a seminary. 
 
 * TheConftitution of the General Meedng of Correspondence, 
 had now been adopted bv a majority of aflbciations in the ftate ^ 
 but, from feme caufe, leveral failed to meet, 
 
 M 
 
00 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 TABLE OF THE DOVER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 !^^ames of 
 Churches. 
 
 Dovdr, 
 Coociiland, 
 ilopejuly 
 Chickahominy 
 
 Jlungry, 
 
 City of Rich- 
 mondi 
 
 Boar Swamp, 
 /dur Mile, 
 Charles Cily, 
 Black Creek, 
 James Cihj, 
 Williamsburg, 
 Grafton, 
 Aamptcn, 
 Reeds, 
 TuckahOf 
 Salem, 
 f' College, 
 
 r4 P 
 
 s c 
 
 1773 
 1771 
 1807 
 1776 
 1791 
 1780 
 
 1776 
 
 1777 
 1773 
 1791 
 1777 
 1791 
 1773 
 1774 
 1892 
 1775 
 
 5>' B 
 
 45 
 
 75 
 
 174 
 
 50 
 
 40 
 
 14 
 
 20 
 
 12 
 
 30 
 
 330 
 
 22 
 
 90 
 
 16 
 
 88 
 12 
 
 275 
 
 200 
 
 180 
 
 240 
 
 100 
 
 560 
 
 90 
 
 248 
 
 217 
 
 200 
 
 96 
 
 WO 
 
 497 
 
 305 
 
 267 
 
 219 
 
 100 
 
 250 
 
 By wliom 
 planted. 
 
 S. I/arris, J. 
 Read,.!. fVal 
 ler %• others. 
 S. Harris, J 
 
 Read and J. 
 
 Waller, 
 
 Reuben Ford. 
 
 J. Waller, S. 
 
 Harris, J. 
 
 Read. 
 
 S. Harris, J. 
 
 Read and J. 
 
 Waller. 
 
 J. Morris. 
 E. Baker. 
 E. Baker. 
 E. Baker. 
 
 J. Clay. 
 
 J. Anthony 8( 
 E. Baker. 
 
 G. Pamphlet. 
 E. Baker. 
 J. Wrisht. 
 
 Former 
 pastors. 
 
 W. Webber. 
 R. Ford. 
 
 li. Ftrd. 
 
 J. Clay, R. 
 Ford if W- 
 Jf'ebber. 
 Severalsuj) 
 plies, no pas 
 tor at first. 
 
 J. Morris. 
 
 'iustin. 
 J, Lindsey, 
 
 J. Bradley^ 
 
 W Barnes, 
 T. Courtney 
 
 J. Goodall 
 G Pamphlet 
 J. Wrisht 
 
 S. Harris, J. j y 
 Read, 
 
 L. Craig. 
 T. Noel. 
 J. Youns. 
 
 oung. 
 
 ./. Shackle- 
 ford. 
 
 T. Noel. 
 
 ./Courtney, 
 W Breding 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Ford. 
 lord. 
 Boivlest 
 Reynolds 
 Courtney 
 
 Lindsey, 
 Clapton. 
 Turner. 
 
 Caylc, 
 Hurst. 
 Self 
 Sorrel. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 Goochland 
 
 do. 
 Hanover. 
 
 do. 
 Henricc. 
 
 do. 
 
 da. 
 
 do. 
 
 Charles Ci 
 ty. 
 
 New-Kent 
 & Hanover 
 
 James City 
 
 do. 
 
 York and 
 Warwick; 
 
 Elizabeth 
 Citj'. 
 
 Caroline. 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 King WiV 
 ham. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 9JL 
 
 Names of 
 Churcliss. 
 
 3 o 
 
 
 
 jL. College, 
 
 1792 
 
 Upper King 
 and Queen, 
 
 177-4 
 
 Bruinglon, 
 
 1790 
 
 Exol, 
 
 1775 
 
 Leiver King 
 ^' Queen, 
 
 1772 
 
 Pocorone, 
 
 :807 
 
 Upper Essex, 
 
 1772 
 
 .Piscataivat/, 
 
 i77 4 
 
 Glebe landing 
 
 1772 
 
 Hermitage, 
 
 1789 
 
 Zoar, 
 
 18G8 
 
 Gloucester, or 
 jPettsworth, 
 
 1790 
 
 Abingdon, 
 
 1801 
 
 Matheius, 
 
 1775 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 1789 
 
 T^omont/, 
 
 1786 
 
 Furnham, 
 
 1790 
 
 lYicomozo, 
 
 1804 
 
 Moratico, 
 
 1778 
 
 10{; 
 
 25 
 
 150 
 
 GO 
 
 17 
 
 100 
 
 40 
 
 11 
 
 30 
 
 346 
 
 loo 
 
 88 
 200 
 
 93 
 17 
 80 
 20 
 14 
 
 310 
 
 257 
 
 800 
 
 228 
 
 147 
 
 92 
 
 280 
 
 229 
 
 284 
 
 23G 
 
 99 
 
 283 
 
 26; 
 
 430 
 
 256 
 
 875 
 
 261 
 
 By whom 
 
 planted. 
 
 J. Courtney 
 and others. 
 
 Former 
 pastors. 
 
 /. Mill 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Counties 
 
 L. Craig. T. Pitts. 
 J. Qreemvood 
 J, Waller. 
 
 R. B. Sam- 
 ple. 
 
 J. Waller. 
 R. Ware. 
 L. Craig. 
 J. Waller. 
 J. Waller. 
 J. Waller. 
 J, Mullin. 
 I. Lewis, 
 I. Letvis. 
 
 I. Leivis. 
 
 J. Shackle- 
 ^ord 8{ others. 
 
 H. Toler and 
 L. Lunsford. 
 
 J. Greemvood 
 8e W. Mullin. 
 
 fj. Lunsford, 
 L. Lunsford. 
 
 1. Lewis. 
 R. Ware. 
 J. Healey. 
 
 T. A'oel. 
 
 J. Green- 
 tvood. 
 
 W. Mullin. 
 
 J. Mtillin, 
 J. Healey. 
 
 D. Corey. 
 
 R Hudgins, 
 fV Lemon. 
 
 R. Stacy. 
 
 7). Tinsley, 
 J, Gage. 
 
 J, Davis. 
 
 H. Toler. 
 
 W. Mullin, 
 IS. Philips. 
 
 S Straughn 
 
 L Lunsford 
 Sf J Creath 
 
 T. Mill. 
 
 T. Noel. 
 
 R. B. Scm- 
 pie. 
 
 I. Letvis. 
 W. Todd, 
 
 J. Healey. 
 
 Various 
 supplies. 
 
 J. Green- 
 wood. 
 
 J, Letvis. 
 
 R. Stacy. 
 W. FitcTiet. 
 J. Davis, 
 H, Toler. 
 
 SStraughn 
 
 S Straughn 
 
 King and 
 QiUeen. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 Essex. 
 
 do. 
 
 Essex and 
 Middlesex. 
 
 dp. 
 MiddleiJex, 
 Gloucester 
 
 do. 
 Mathews, 
 
 K. Ccprge. 
 
 Weftmore* 
 
 land. 
 
 Richmond. 
 
 Northum- 
 berland. 
 
 LaBcaster. 
 
 The blanks in the 7th column mean, no Pastor. In aW the rest they mean, 
 th at the matter was unknown. 
 
92 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 In the above and all the tables of the airociationa, 
 there are a few cafes, in which no pofitive information 
 could be had ; particularly relpeding the time of the- 
 conftitution of cl^urches, and their number at con- 
 flitution. In fuch cafes, our informants made their 
 iiatements to the befl of their recoUedlion. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The History of the Proceedings of the Dover Assaciatir 
 on, from the division of the General Association, until 
 the j.resent time 
 
 In ourhillory of the General Aflbciation, the rea- 
 der will fino, that in 1783, they divided mto four dif- 
 tritiSj of which two were on the South, and two on 
 thn North fide of James iiiver, called the Lower and 
 Upper Dillrids, &c. fixing the boundaries on the 
 North fide, from Manakin Town, on James River, in 
 a fb'aight hne by Irederickiburg to the Potomack, 
 The two on the North fide,, it appears, agreed to meet 
 together once a year, and to hold befides, one fepa* 
 rate feffion in each diftri^ft. 
 
 The minutes for 1784 and 1785, have not been 
 procured.* 
 
 In November 1786, they met at Ground Squirrel 
 meeting houfe, in Hanover county. Wm. Webber 
 was chofen Moderator, and Reuben Ford, Clerk. -f- 
 
 The only bulinefsot general application tranfac^ed 
 at this feffion, was the folution of the following query : 
 
 ** How is ordmation legally performed?" 
 
 Answer. — -** A presbi/terij of minifi^rs are fulhf em~ 
 powered, to ordain any faithful tnan properly reeoni" 
 mGJided, z^hom they /hall judge able to teach others ; 
 and that iinimftersjhall be jabjeH to minijiers, with re- 
 gard to their call to the minijtry, and the doBrine they 
 preach. The church zi'here the minijier is a member, 
 fkall take cognizance of his moral character,'* 
 
 * It ismucli to be ics^ietled, that iu> record book was kept, as to the pro- 
 ceedings el the asbuciation about this time. 
 
 f Mr. Webber discliargfd the duty of moderator Irom this time until the 
 Session bel'ore his death. Mr. Reuben Ford is still clerk to the association. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION, 03"' 
 
 This decifion, though founded in reafon and fcrip- 
 ture, gave umbrage to fome, who indulged flrong 
 jealoulies refpe(5ling minifterial influence, and who 
 held, that a call from a church was fufficient ordina- 
 tion. In confequence of this oppofition, the fubjeft 
 was again introduced into the Dover Affociation, in 
 the year 1792 : to our hiftory of v/hich, the reader is 
 referred. 
 
 OBobcr I2thy 1787. — They met again at the Facflo- 
 ryinWeftmoreland county. Letters from 21 church- 
 es were received. Many local matters were taken 
 up and decided. The preaching at this alTociation, 
 was warm and heart-fearching. Some Vv^ho were 
 there, speak of it as a very precious feafon. Such is 
 always the cafe, v/hen God is about to revive his 
 work. 
 
 October Sd, I788. — The next and lafl feffion of the 
 united dillridfs, v/as at Burrufs's meeting houfe, in 
 Caroline county. 21 churches correfponded. After 
 attending to a great deal of local bufinefs, they agreed 
 to finally divide.* To the i^ower Diftriifl they 
 agreed to attach the name Dover j and Orange to the 
 L'pper 
 
 Maff 16", 1789. — The Dover affociation met at Up- 
 per King and Queen meeting houfe. Letters were re- 
 ceived irom 21 churches. This being the time of the 
 great revival, almofl throughout the diftrid;, the let- 
 ters teemed with the moft glorious intelligence. This 
 aiTociation v/as attended by preacners from various 
 quarters of the Hate. Their labours by day and by 
 night, were abundantly blcifed. The fouls of faints 
 were comforted, and many very many linners, were 
 won over to Ch rift. It was a bleifedtime. At tins 
 aiTociation, as well as at feveral before and after tiiis, 
 the perplexing queftion with regard to the marriage 
 of flaves, waa introduced. The allbciation refoived, 
 that the ftate of the flaves of Virginia, was of fo fm- 
 
 * The Lower Diftri6i held feveral meetings fep:trate from the 
 other i but ihey wers thinly attended, and but littlle was done. 
 
04- HISTORY OP THL 
 
 gulai and delicate a nature, that no general rule could 
 apply. Thev, therefore, advifed the churches to 
 adapt their proceedings, to the nature of each cafe, in 
 the moft prudent way. 
 
 OBober i6th, ly^g. — ^The aflbciation met at Kil- 
 marnock meeting houfe, in Lancafter county, ly 
 churches correfponded by letters, in which, very re- 
 frefhing news is communicated. The revival was 
 {kill progreffing. Many hundreds had been baptized 
 in the course of the year. 
 
 No bufinels of importance was entered upon. 
 
 Maj/ ijl, 1790. — They met at I3oar Swaixip meet- 
 ng houfe, Henrico county. Letters from ig church- 
 es were received. The revival, it appeared from the 
 letters, had fubfided in a conliderable degree. I'he 
 preaching and the religious exerciles at this afibciation, 
 was exceedingly pleafant to the pious, who were pre- 
 fent. 
 
 A matter which had produced confiderable confu- 
 ( ijon infome parts of the allbciation, was now conli- 
 dered, viz : tVlicther baptism was valid, when admi- 
 niflered hi/ an unordained pcrfon. To v/hich the af- 
 fociation replied : That, in cafes wliere the ordinance 
 had been admini/iered, in afolemn and religious man- 
 ner, that it might be conjidered as valid , and that per ^ 
 Jons jo baptized y might be admitted as members of a 
 church, upon hearing and approving their eiperi- 
 en re, 
 
 October gth, 1790. — They met at Diamond meet- 
 ing houfe in ElTex county. Letters from 29 church- 
 es were received, which fpeak of pleasant times. 
 
 The only hufmefs of a permanent nature, tranfadt- 
 ed at this aiTociation, was the decifion of the folio w- 
 inif query : 
 
 Is a mimftex in duty bound to ferve a church who 
 do n^t fupport him ? 
 
 Artswered in the negative. 
 
 The corrcdnefs of thi? decifion has fmce been 
 much ouefi.ioned. 
 
BOVER ASS0CIATI01S-. 95 
 
 Is the union of paftor and church, merely a contrail: 
 between them as parties ? If it is, then the decifion is 
 corre^lt: but, if the aiTuming the pailoral care of i 
 church, partakes of the nature of a vow to God, as 
 well as a contmO: with the church, then the minifter 
 is bound to difcharge the duties of a paftor, until he 
 has fatisfadory evidence, that God has exempted hini 
 fromfuch duties ; and deiigns him for fome other place. 
 The noa-compenfation of minifterial fervices, is not 
 fufficient proofs that God does not will his further la- 
 bours in fuch ai^lace : Seeing, many miniilers have 
 been highly favoured of God, in places, where they 
 have received little or no compenlation from their 
 hearers. The befl conclufion therefore, is, that al- 
 though the church is cenfurable for withholding from 
 the paflor his juft right, yet the paftor is bound to 
 God ; and, has his promife, that he that trujis in him, 
 JJiall want no good thing. 
 
 The circular letter on juftification, by Mr. Toler, 
 was much approved, and was ordered to be printed 
 with the minutes. This is the firfl inflance of the 
 minutes of this affociation being printed. 
 
 OBiber }^th, 1791. — Purfuant to appointment, the 
 aflbciation met at Kingilon meeting houfe, Mathews 
 county * Lotters from 2? churches were received. 
 They give no plealing accounts of revivals, but hold 
 forth a If ate of peace and tranquility, among the church, 
 
 October i^th, 1792. — The affociation met at Bru~ 
 ington meeting houfe. King and Queen county. Let- 
 ters from 25 churches were received. By them it ap- 
 peared, that in Dover diftridt, the harveft was pail, 
 and the Summer ended. Coldlefs and languor, were 
 generally complained of. The great revival had now 
 lublided, and the axe of difcipline was laid at the root 
 of the tree. Many barren and fruitlefs trees, were al- 
 ready cut down. In many of the churches, the num- 
 ber excluded, furpailed the number received The af- 
 fociation, however, was full. Great crowds attend- 
 * Now called Mathews meeting houlo. 
 
90 HISTORY OF TilE 
 
 cd the preaching ; and, it was doubtlefs a happy fea- 
 fon to God's children. 
 
 Among other bufincfs of Icfs note, the fubje6t of 
 the ordination of elders or church-officers, was ta- 
 ken up at this afTociation. A quelHon had been agi- 
 tated for fome years, whether ordination ourrht to be 
 bif the impojition of the hands of a presbi/terif, or 
 plurality vf elders (the mode comtiionly praiftised in 
 Virginia), or, whether a solemn call from a church 
 was not sufficient. 
 
 On the part of the advocates of c^dination, with- 
 out the impolition of hands, it was argued, that 
 churches were acknowledged to be independent, but if 
 they could not obtain the full fervwes of a minifier, 
 unlefs he had been previously examined and ordained 
 by a presbytery, their independence zcas Jo far dcS" 
 troyid ; that churcfies were better judges, what gifts 
 zcoiiid fuH them, tlian presbyteries could be ; that tlie 
 impojition of liands mentioned in the fcripiure, was 
 zmth a view to miraculous, and not common gifts ; and 
 lajily, tliat it had the appearance, of being governed 
 too much, by forms. 
 
 To thefe arguments, it was anfwered, that the new 
 tcjiamcnt didjurely JanBion tlie practice of laying on 
 of hands, in fome cafes, where no miraculous conle^ 
 quences did enfue : tliat, although tJie impojition of 
 hands was a form, yet it was a Jignificant Jorm, ufed 
 in all ages of tlie Chrijlian church, for tJic purpofe of 
 confecrating, or letting ajide perjonsjor Jioly offices : 
 that baptijm and tlie Lord's supper were aljo eiternal 
 forms, but being fignificant, and fanctioned by the^ 
 word oj infpiration, tliey were owned and blejjed to 
 the church : tliat is was true that churclies were, and 
 ought to be indepi ndent , to a proper extent ; but this 
 independence did not autlwrise ilieni to ordain officers, 
 contrary to revelation, unless they were independent 
 of God also : that no minister or deacon, was imposed 
 upon them but by their own consent : that aliliougli a 
 church might judge better than a presbytery zcliat 
 
DOVER association:^. 9f 
 
 fuited he?', it was not rcaionahlt that thofe nho had 
 not cxcrcifed apuhin g>tt,Jhuuld he jo cotripetent lo 
 judge of public gifts, as tkoje who had. 
 
 After the fubje(5l had been inveftigated for years, 
 at different times, and in different ways, it was final- 
 ly decided in this affbciation, in favour of the impofi- 
 tion of hands. After this, very little was ever said 
 about it. 
 
 The purchafe of lottery tickets was confidered by 
 this affbciation as a fpecies of gaming, and not suf- 
 ferable in members of churches. 
 
 Otioher V2th, j793.— 'J'hey met at Glebe Landing 
 meeting houfe in Middlefex. Moff; of the letters com- 
 plained of cold times. The only buffnefs of a gene- 
 ral nature, which occupied their attention, was the 
 recommending, that rules for family discipline and 
 the inftrudiion of youth, ffiould be formed. This, 
 however, has never as yet, gone fully into operation. 
 It was at this feflion, that a church, in the city of Wil- 
 liamsburg, composed wholly of black people, or ra- 
 ther people of colour, was admitted into the affbcia- 
 tion. They have continued everffnce, to fend their 
 delegates. It was in this year, that the peitiiential 
 fever prevailed, to fuch a diftreffing extent, in the ci- 
 ty of Philadelphia. The aff^bciation, believing it to 
 be a judgment of God, appointed a day of faffing 
 and prayer, to deprecate his wrath. 
 
 At this allociation, the preaching was uncommon- 
 ly animating ; the buffneis was conduced with much 
 harmony, and all parties pleafed with the interview, 
 separated from each other, in love and peace. The 
 circular letter w^as written by Mr. Lunsford, on the 
 covenant of grace. 
 
 October nth, 1794 — They again met at Nomini 
 meeting hbufe, \\ eilmoreland county, according to 
 appointment. jS'othing of affngularor general na- 
 ture, was tranfad-ed at this time. The letter laid no- 
 thing of a revival^ but of the contrary. The preach- 
 ing, debates, converiation, &c. were all apparently 
 
 N 
 
QH MISTUKY OF xllK 
 
 calculated, to do permanent good, as v/ell as to admi- 
 niiler immediate gratification. It was a fealt to the 
 Lord's family, i he circular letter was written on 
 the Nature of AiTociations, fro;n which, a quotation 
 l^as been already made in page 42. 
 
 Ociobtrioth, 1795 — The next fefllon was at Four 
 MileCreekm.eetinghoufe, lienrico county. Nobu- 
 fmefs was transacted worthy of notice, hrom firfl to 
 lad of the meeting, ev^ery thing went on agreeably. 
 The circular letter was written by ]' Ider Reuben 
 Tord, on the duty of miniilers, deacons and church- 
 es. The writing the circular letter on this lubjeit, 
 arofe from this circumilance : A very worthy and 
 ufeful mmifter, had undertaken to difcharge feme 
 public onice, by which, he was much hindered from 
 his minillerial duties. It was fuppofed, that the rea- . 
 fonable demands of his family, made it nece/lary, 
 having been negledted by the church. Tne letter 
 \vas compofed with a viev/ to ftimulate churches, mi- 
 niilers and deacons, to a regular performance of their 
 duties to each other. 'J'he ncxz allbciation v/as ap- 
 pointed at the Lower College meeting hcufe in King 
 William county. 
 
 October Slh, 1796. — Met agreeable to appointment- 
 Nothin? important was attended to. 'ihere was no 
 angry diiputation, no whifperings, no parties ; but, 
 after friendly debates, there were mofl commonly 
 unanimaus decilions. The circular letter w^as com- 
 pofed upon the religious education of children, which 
 subjedt was alfo taken up, upon the following query : 
 
 Unio ought the religious education of children, to 
 he conducted ? Which received the following 
 
 Answer. — Bi/ the uje of catechijms ; and we re-- 
 . commend Jor the prejtnt, fuch as maij be judged ufe- 
 Jul 
 
 A committee was alfo appointed to compofe a fui- 
 table one, for the ufe of the members of the alTociation. 
 ^he next afTociation was appointed at Beilland meet- 
 ing houfe, in ElTex CQunty. 
 
DOVEH ASSOCCIATIt>N. 99 
 
 OBoher j/\.ih, 1796. — Met agreeable to appointment.. 
 Elder John Leland, frorh New England, attended. 
 His preaching and converfation at this affociation, 
 was highly entertaining, as well as inflruding, ef- 
 pecially to young and inepxerienced minifters. At 
 this leflion, nothing but bulinefs of a local nature, 
 called their attention. The circular letter for this af- 
 fociation, was written by Elder [\euben Ford, with- 
 out any appointed fubjed:. The aifociation met in 
 peace, continued in love, and parted with sorrow 
 and hope. 
 
 October IStli, 1798. — Th^^Ilext aflbciation met at 
 Mathews meetinghoufe, Mathews county, according 
 to appointmcn • 'i he letters did not detail any thing 
 •very intereiting. The bulinefs was altogether local, 
 except as to the following 
 
 Query. fJhat is the opinion of the affociation, coji- 
 cerning the wajhing the faints feet ? 
 
 Answer. We do not conjider the zvafJiing of feet, an 
 ordina/bce of the gofpel, but an act of entertainment, 
 gnd being a fervdc aB, appears to have been enjoined 
 hij Chrijty to be ohferved bi/ his difciples, as a token of 
 humUity, and may include any other aS, ujually per- 
 forined by fercants, 
 
 1 he circular letter v/as written upon the fubjecl of 
 Fafls. As ufual, it was a time of love to God s peo- 
 ple. The next aflbciation was appointed at Hickory 
 JN eck meeting houfe, James City county. 
 
 OStober 12///, 1799- — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. The letters of correipondence, seemed 
 now to aitord more pleaiing accounts. The day-ftar 
 began to dawn. Great revivals were in embryo. The 
 place of this meeting was inconvenient to a majority 
 of the churches. In consequence of which, tiiere 
 was not fo full a reprefentation of the churches, as at 
 forne other affociations. it was alio thougl;\t, that 
 the congregations were not fo large, as they ufually 
 are on fuch occalions. The bufinels of the: ailociati- 
 gn, which was entirely local, was however, conducted 
 
100 ins TORY OF Tilt 
 
 harmonioufly. The circular letter was written, on 
 the connexion between paftors and churches. The 
 nexr aflbciation, was appointed at Nuckol's meeting 
 houfe, (joochland county. 
 
 October 1 \th, l8()f).- -They met according to ap- 
 pointment. Good news and glad tidings, now falu- 
 ted the ears and hearts of the pious. Glorious revi- 
 vals were fpoken of in mod of the letters. So plea- 
 fing was the information, that the aiibciation rcfolved 
 to decline printing, for the prefent, the circular letter 
 written by the diredions of thf lafl alTociation, and 
 now, to craw up an account of the revival, which 
 was accordingly done. Nothing lingular or general, 
 was tranfacted at this allbciation. it was a time of 
 life, love and peace, i he next alTociation appointed 
 at Matapony meeting houfe. King and Queen county, 
 
 OStobet iU//?, 1801. — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. From the letters it was learned, that the 
 revivals fpoken of laft year, were flill gloriouily go- 
 ing on, and fome new ones begun. At this allbcia- 
 tion, the pre.:ching and other religious employments, 
 feemed to have lingular effedls. The fouis at chrif- 
 tians were enlivened, and although for many years, 
 the allbciation, at all her meetings, had experienced 
 uninterrupted harmony and peace, it muft be admit- 
 ted that the religious enjoyment at this, rather fur- 
 palTed that of any other. — A good deal of local, but 
 no general bulinels, occupied the attention of the af- 
 fociation The circular letter was written, upon the 
 ufe and abufe of fpirituous liquors. The reafon for 
 taking up this fubjedt, is obvious to any who know 
 the Hate of civil fociety. The next allbciation was 
 appointed at Nomini meeting houfe, Wellmoreland 
 county. 
 
 Ociobei' Qtfi, 1802. — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. By the letters it appeared, that the re- 
 vivals, in fome places, were rather on the decline ; 
 in others, new ones commencing. Upon the whole, 
 the caufe of godlmels was progrefling. At this ^f~ 
 
DO:.VER ASSOCIATIOJJJ XOX 
 
 Ibciatlon, an attempt was made to eftabliili an uni- 
 formity among the churches, in holding their church 
 meetings. Some churches admitted to their ciiurch 
 meetings, even fordiicipUne and government, all the 
 members of the church, male and female bond-free, 
 young and old. Others admitted all male members, 
 whether slaves or free. By experience, this plan v/as 
 found valliy inconvenient. Ths degraded ftate of the 
 minds of slaves, rendered them totally incompetent 
 to the task of judging corredly refped:ing the buli- 
 nefs of the church, and in many churches, there was 
 a majority of slaves : in confequence of which, 
 great cohfulion often arofe. The affociation at Ma- 
 tapony direded, that the fubjed iliould be treated on 
 in a circular letter. The letter argued and advifed, 
 that although all members were entitled to the pri- 
 vileges, yet, that none but free male members, (hould 
 exercifeany authority in the church. The alTociati- 
 on, after fome debate, fandiioned the plan by a large 
 majority. Nomini meeting houfe ifands in the Northern 
 neck, quite inconvenient for a majority of the church- 
 es. The allbciation was of courfe not fo full as ufual, 
 but as usual it was an agreeable time. The next af- 
 fociation was appointed at King and Queen meeting 
 houfe. King and Queen county. 
 
 OStoher Sth, 1803. — Met according to appointment. 
 By the letters we learn, that in fome churches, times 
 v/ere very pleaiing; but, in others, very much the 
 reverfe. A fubjeCt, long a matter of debate, among 
 the Baptiils of Virginia, was debated and fettled at 
 this afTociation, viz. T/iq propriety of preaching fu- 
 7ieral sermons A query had been introduced into 
 the aflbciation, the year before, and it was made the 
 fubjed: of the circular letter. The fentiments of the 
 letter were, that preaching funeral fermons, and fu- 
 neral ceremonies, generally, were matters of perfecft 
 indifference, and could have neither good nor evil in 
 them. But, that things of indifference, could be 
 turned by bad men, to bad piirpofes, and it was equal;^ 
 
102 irtSTORY OP THE 
 
 \y obvious, that good men, when it was in their pow- 
 er, could and ought to diredt them to good purpofeSr 
 That the gofpei ought to be preached on all occaiions, 
 when there was a hope of its doing good. 'J hat 
 preaching over the dead, was a kind of invitation to 
 go to the houfe of mourning, where the living might 
 lay It to heart : These, with feme other arguments 
 of lefs weight, feemed to clear up moll of the doubts. 
 The letter was received with an almoft unanimous 
 vote, in this ailbciation, an animated debate took 
 place, on the propriety of passing church cenfures, 
 upon members who will not contribute a reaionable 
 proportion to the expences of the church. -The de- 
 cifion was, that no cenfure onght to pafs on that ac- 
 count. The fubje(fl was, however, refumed the 
 ensuing year, and the decifion was given in the foK 
 lowing words : 
 
 " We never doubted but that according to the gospel, 
 it vras the duty of every member of the church to con- 
 tribute to the exigence of the church, according as the 
 Lord had prosjjered him ; but we supposed it might be 
 productive of disagreeable consequences, if the cnurch 
 undertook to judge of the abilities of members, and to 
 censure or approve them." 
 
 ' At this alTociation, times were agreeable, fo far as 
 refpedled religious employments -, but the happmefs 
 of many, was fomewhat lefiened, by a practice which 
 had long prevailed, more or lefs, at affociations and 
 great meetings, but which here arofe to a very dif- 
 tressing height, viz. ThefeUing of fpirihwus liquors, 
 hi/ wicked and worthlefs pa'/ons; in confequence of 
 which, many who were so lifiprincipled and wicked, 
 as not to reflrain them.selves, became intoxicated, and 
 of courfe diforderly. Warned by thefe events, mea-» 
 fures have been taken by the alfociation, Unce the 
 above period, to prevent fuch abufes, and they have 
 been as fuccefsful as could be expe6ted, in fucn a cafe. 
 The next ailbciation was appointed at iqur Mile 
 Creek meeting house, Henrico couui.y» 
 
DOVER A5S0CIAtIOl>f. lOl^ 
 
 OBoher 13^/^, i>04.— They met according to ap- 
 pointment. From the letters, it appears that no re- 
 vival exifled in any cliurch; but from fome, there 
 were coniiderabie exped:ations. Several matters of . 
 a general and important nature, occupied the attenti* 
 on of the aiTociation at this meeting, viz. ** ilic con* 
 Jei/ionof faith;" '^ ilic Hijionj of the Baptifh in 
 Virginia ;" *^i he appointment of Union Meetings;'^ 
 and ** A Remonftrance againji a lazv of Virginia, 
 refpeEtmg mgkt meetings," AH of which, v/ill be 
 noticed in other pi ces of this work. About this 
 time, the Baptiils i:i this afTociation, received a griev- 
 ous wound in th" wretched apoftacy of one Thomas 
 Bridges, who had beeu a preacher of fome celebrity, 
 but was now convi<fled and fent to the penitentiary, 
 for horse llealing. The friends of Zion mourned,, 
 not because the foundation of God was Ihaken, or 
 could be fhiken, but becaufe the caufe of truth was 
 too plaufibly. though fallaciously reproached. To 
 obviate the evil as much as possible, the circular let- 
 ter was written upon the fubje<5t of Heligious Apos- 
 tacy. It was thought that good effecfts arofe from it. 
 The next aUociation was appointed at ijruington 
 meeting houfe, K ing and Queen county. 
 
 October 12th, 1S05. — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. By the letters of correfpondence, the 
 afTociation was informed of great and good nev/s, from 
 several parts. In moil of the churches, in the lower 
 end of the diitrift between Rappahannock and James 
 River, there v/ere previous revivals. In some, seve- 
 ral hundreds had been baptized. The preaching;, 
 and other religious exercises at the aiibciation, v/erc 
 correspondent with this heavenly news. It was a 
 time of feafting upon fat things. No bufiness whatr 
 ever, of a singular pnd general nature, was transad- 
 ed ; except that some attention was paid to the his- 
 tory, noticed in tlie hil. Idder Tolcr, according to 
 appointment, produced a m.oii: excellent circular let- 
 ter on the subjed: of Brotherly Love, ^lie next af- 
 
i.6l tnsiOl^V 01 T1!L 
 
 fociation was appointed at Grafton meeting lioufe, 
 York county. 
 
 Ociobe?' iithy 1806. — They met- according to ap- 
 pointment. Information was received by the letters, 
 that a great and glorious work of God was going on 
 in the Northern Neck. Mofl of the churches in that 
 quarter participated, more or lefs ; but t^ omini, un- 
 der the care of Mr. 'I'oler, was fuperlatively favoured. 
 The bulinefs w^hich occupied the attention of the 
 ailbciation, was altogether local. The alibciation was 
 not fo full as usual, being in an eccentric place j but 
 thofe that did go, faid it was good for them that they 
 were there. The circular letter was written on the 
 place and objed of good works. The next aflb- 
 ciation was appointed at Ware's meeting houfe. King 
 and Queen county, which, on account of the prelTure 
 of bulinefs, v/as appointed to hold four days. 
 
 OBober iith, 1807. — Iheymet accordmg to ap- 
 pointment. No new revivals are fpoken of in any 
 of the letters. In fome places, where revivals had 
 been, a few years pad, they fpeak ofdiilrefling times: 
 That the love of many, v/as waxing cold. There 
 muft be a fanning time, as well as a harveft time. 
 The ailbciation, according to lall years appointment, 
 continued their meeting four days. Some bulinefs 
 of a general, and much of a local nature, occupied 
 their attention. 
 
 The year 1 806, was a year of great drougth, and 
 crops of corn were uncomm.only fcanty -, infomuch, 
 that many poor people fuffered for the necessaries of 
 life. In the time of the drougth, mofl: of the Baptiil: 
 churches, appouited and oblerved fall: days. The 
 crops of the year 1807, were uncommonly plentiful. 
 The alTociation taking this matter into conlideration, 
 determined to appoint a thanksgiving day.* The cir- 
 cular letter, appointed to be written upon the Nature 
 of Sanclihcation, by Elder Toicr, was read and ap- 
 
 * The day was uniformly obferved throughout the di8tri6\, tc 
 the great fatisladtion of almoft ail scrts of people. 
 
 1 
 
rtoVER ASSOCIATION. 105 
 
 proved by a majority ; but supposing that the iuvest5p:ati - 
 on of a fubjed, fufficiently fettled on the main points* 
 and too intricate on lubordinate ones, to expedt una- 
 nimity, would produce no good effed:, it was ae- 
 termined not to print it. A fhort addrefs on the pro- 
 priety of appointing public days for fpecial religious 
 purpofes, was printed in the place thereof. For the 
 fpace of eighteen years, the afTociation fund had been 
 gradually increaling ; fo that, on the fettlement, this 
 year, it was found that there were in the hands of the 
 treafurcrj 68/. ii5. 6cL wliich, with the prefent con- 
 tributions, after paying all expences, amounted to 78/. 
 9.9. Sd. This being a refpcd:able fum, and upon en- 
 quiry finding, that in cafe of the death of the prefent 
 treafurer, the alTociation not being incorporated, 
 they might find fome difficulty in regaining the mo- 
 ney : It was resolved, that three truftces Ihould be 
 appointed, to take the obligations of the treafurer, 
 payable to them, as truftees ; thus, having a definite 
 number, an action at law might be maintained. It 
 was alfo agreed to pay one hundred and fifty dollars, 
 for the encouragement of the History of the Virginia 
 Baptiils. The next afTociation was appointed at Sa- 
 lem meeting houfe, Caroline county. 
 
 October '6th, 1808. — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. The letters^ generally, Ipoke of languor 
 and luke-warmnefs, among the churches. TJiere 
 was no bufinefs, proper to be noticed in this hiflory, 
 tranfaded at this fefTion. The public miniflrations 
 were pleafing, and the time of continuing together, 
 was fpent in a happy and ufeful manner. The circu- 
 lar letter was written, upon the duty of Chriftians 
 to obey the civil law^s. 
 
 Oct, 14, 1809. — The aflbciation afiembled at Ma- 
 thev/s meeting houfe, in jMathews county. The uni- 
 form language of the letters was, complaint of the 
 lifelefs flate of religion in all the churches, yet it ap- 
 peared that peace and harmony and brotijieriy love, 
 with earneft longings for arevival, v/|jfe generally 
 
 • O 
 
106 IIISTORV OF 'rHE 
 
 felt. At this aflbciation, it was propofed to recom- 
 mend to parents, Sec. the ufe of a catechifni that had 
 been lately publiflied, for the religious inftruftion of 
 children. This catechism, though too long deferred, 
 had really been publifhed, in conformity to the refo- 
 lution of the affociation, in their feflion of 1796. lb 
 however, met with great oppofition, upon the prin- 
 ciple, that nothing of the kind was neceflary ; that 
 the Bible was fufricient ; that things of that kind, 
 had a dangerous tendency towards leflening the dig- 
 nity of the fcriptures ; that the moll corrupt and ab- 
 surd sentiments, had been inculcated through cate- 
 chisms. 
 
 The advocates for the recommendation replied, to 
 these objedions : that, corrupt men could communi- 
 cate corrupt fentiments, through the moft facred 
 channels : that, the pulpit and the prefs, converfa- 
 tion and even public prayer, had been occalionally, 
 the vehicles of unfound dodtrines : that, it could be 
 no indignity to the scriptures, to inculcate upon the 
 rninds of ciiildren, principles and duties, completely 
 sanctioned by the scriptures : that, fuch forms of in- 
 ftrudicn, greatly affifted parents in the discharge of 
 their duty ; seeing there could.be few parents, capa- 
 ble of explaining the Bible suitably, for the inftrud:- 
 ion of children : that, the manners and morals of the 
 children of Baptifts, lately grown up, plainly evinced, 
 that religious education had been too much negledt- 
 ed : that, the opponents to the meafure, had proba- 
 bly flillen into the fame miftake, that the cotempora- 
 ry disciples of Chrifl: had done, who forbade little 
 children to be brought to their mafler, for which, 
 they received his rebuke. After a lengthy and warm 
 debate, the majority decided in favour of the recom- 
 mendation. The fame fubjedl was taken up, a few 
 weeks after, by the General Meeting of Correspond- 
 ence, and by an unanimous vote, the catechism was 
 recommendied. It is dovoutly to be wifhed, that this 
 may be the beginning of a reformation, among the 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 107 
 
 Baptifls of Virginia, as to this duty: For, confider- 
 ing their exemplary piety in other respects, they have 
 certainly been too remifs, in training up their chil- 
 dren, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, — 
 The circular letter was written upon Chriftian Order. 
 The next association was appointed to be holden in 
 jhe city of Richmond. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Historical Sketches of the Churches, of the first Union 
 Mteiing District, in Dover As,sociation. 
 
 Having detailed the proceedings of the Dover af« 
 fociation, at her different feiTions, we Ihall now pro- 
 ceed to the history of the churches. We have men- 
 tioned in our account of the feffion of 1804, that the 
 afTociation eftabliflied Union Meetings. This was 
 done by laying off the diflrid; into three fe6tions»- — 
 These were called Union Meeting Distrid:s, and 
 v/ere numbered first, second and third. The first 
 Included all the churches between York and James 
 River. The second, all between York and Rap- 
 pahannock ; and the third, all between Rappahan-. 
 nock and Potom.ack. In these distrid:s, it is exped- 
 ed that the preachers fliall meet two or three times 
 every year, agreeable to the ap|iointment of the alTo- 
 ciation, and keep up preaching for two or three days. 
 The meetings have accordingly been observed, tole- 
 rably regular ever fince : and from them, it has 
 been thought, that many advantages have refulted. 
 In treating of the churches, we fhali be governed by 
 this arrangement, and iliall commence with those of 
 the fira diftfidt. 
 
 DOVER. 
 
 This church has already been mentioned in the gene* 
 ral account of the rise pf the Baptists-^in these parts. 
 
108 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Since that time, it has been a flourifliiug church, hav- 
 ing had fome very refrefhing revivals. That which 
 took place in 1799 and 1800, was a great one indeed. 
 From* foon after the conftitution, until his death. 
 Elder Wm. Webber was their pastor. He died 1808. 
 (See his Biography.) They have not procured the 
 services of any minister as yet, in the charad.er of a 
 pastor. Mr. i\Iathew Woodson, was a member and 
 a deacon of this church, and one of the best of men, 
 Jn this church, there have been fcveral preachers 
 raised up, viz. Joseph Anthony, concerning whom, 
 fee Biography : 
 
 Augustin Eastin, who moved to Kentucky, and 
 who, thouc^h a man of fome taknts, was never any 
 credit to the caufe of truth. Fie appears to have been 
 always carried away with the opinions of others, whoip 
 he wifhed to imitate. Sometimes he was a profefled 
 and pofitive Calvinist. Then iliifting about, he be- 
 comes as warm an Arminian. Then, to the right 
 about again, he is re-convinced, that Calvinifm is the 
 only true way. Having moved to Kentucky, he 
 finds some professors of high ftanding in civil Kfe, who 
 Jean to the Arian fcbeme. Mr. Eastin soon becomes 
 their champion, and even writes a pamphlet, in de- 
 fence of Arianism. This last change, has m.ade much 
 noife among the Baptists in Kentucky. But, thanks 
 to the divine protedtion, no Arian or Socinian Bap- 
 tifts are known in ^Virginia. Mr. Eaftin's moral 
 chara(n:er has not be^n impeached. On this head, 
 both he and his coadjutors, are men of high respec- 
 tability. 
 
 Mr. Farro, an ordained preacher, still resides in 
 this church. Jie is a refpedtable man. 
 GOOCHLAND. 
 This is a mother church, as may be se(sn elsewhere. 
 From about the year of their constitution, to the pre- 
 sent time, they have been blessed with the pastoral 
 care of the Rev. Mr. Ford. Nothing singular has 
 happened since the period, to which her history was 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION, i09 
 
 brought down (Set page 12, of the general rise of the 
 Bapli(ls), They were revived in the year 1799, 
 Avhicli, fays Mr. Ford, in his maniifcript, '^ was as 
 pleasant as rain to. the thirsti/ ground, or bread to the 
 hungry ,souL" i^bout one hundred and twenty were 
 added to the church. It has fometimes happened, 
 among the churches, that partial revivals have been 
 granted, in which there would be only thofe of a par- 
 ticular defcription brought in. A remarkable- ftir of 
 this kind, took place among the black people in this 
 church, in the year 1806, More than one hundred 
 of them were baptized* 
 
 The following churches have been conftituted o^ 
 from this church, viz. Dover, in 1773 ; 'Chickaho- 
 miny, in 1776"; Licking-Hole, in i776"j Hungry, 
 in 1791 ; and Hopeful, in 1807. Several preachers 
 have alfo been raised and have refided in this church; 
 
 j\Ir. Ford is now about 6"8 years of age, and is a 
 Venerable man indeed. Few men ever deceived lefs 
 by their phyfiognomy than Elder Ford. No man ever 
 fees him, who does not view him with reverence, at 
 his firft appearance, and no man ever was difappoint- 
 ed in him. Grave, without the leafl: morofenefs ; 
 cheerful, without a fymptom of levity; modefl, gen- 
 tle and affectionate in his manners, yet firm in his 
 purpofes ; he has every thing out of the pulpit, which 
 might ferve as a model, of a gofpel minifler ; his life 
 is truly fpotlefs ; his talents are of the ufeful kind ; 
 in his dodrine, he is fomewhat tincflured with Armi- 
 nianifni. 
 
 HOPEFUL. 
 
 This is quite a new church. The members live 
 partly in Hanover, and partly in Louisa. They are 
 a pious, orderly and affedtionate people. The church 
 was raifed almoft wholly through the miniflry of tlie 
 venerable Mr. Ford, to whom they are uncommonly 
 united. They were formerly a branch of the Gooch- 
 land church. 
 
llO HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CillCKAIIOMINY. 
 
 This church is compofed of members living pard.y 
 in Flanover and partly in Henrico. TJieir meeting 
 jiGufe IS in Hanover, a very fmall didance from the 
 ccunty line. Soon after her conftitiition, fhe chofe 
 Mr. John Clay as their paftor. Under liis care, they 
 did not prosper. He died in about four years. The 
 church having been raifedchiefly through the labours 
 of Elders Ford and Webber, they again reforted to 
 them for aid. They attended them jointly once a 
 month, for feveral years. In 1785, they had a plea- 
 fant refrelhing , about sixty were added 3 and among 
 them two young preachers, viz. John Penny, who 
 afterwards moved to Kentucky, and Benjamin Bowles^ 
 their prefent paflor.* 
 
 In 1800, they were again favoured with the fmiles 
 of Heaven, when about eighty were baptized. 
 
 Elder Bov/les is a folid experimental preacher. — - 
 When he feels religion, he is more tranfported than 
 is ufual, and on luch occafidns, will not, cannot, ceafe 
 to proclaim the divine goodnefs to all around him. 
 Such exhortations have done much good. 
 HUNGRY. 
 
 This church was conflituted off from Chickahomi- 
 ny, and had, at firft, Mr. Peter Cottrel for their paf- 
 tor; he falling into disorder, and being expelled, the , 
 church was left destitute -, they then procured the Ha- 
 ted attendance of Elders Courtney and Webber, until 
 about 1798, when Elder Bernard Reynolds settled 
 among them, and was chofen paflor; in which oftice 
 be has continued until this time. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds was once a preacher, in the Method- 
 ifl connexion ; but being fully convinced of the ve- 
 rity of Baptifi: principles, he united with them, and 
 has fmce remained unwavering ; his preaching is now 
 found and evangelical ; he is respected in civil, as 
 well as in religious matters, having been appointed a 
 
 * Mr. Bowles has fince resigned. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. Ill 
 
 niagillrate for the county. Whether the holding this, 
 or any such office, is entirely compatible vvith that 
 miniftry, which ihould not be entangled with the af- 
 fairs of this life, is a matter to be fettled by each 
 man's confcience. it is probably better left for laymen. 
 CITY OF RICHMOND. 
 
 Within the limits of the Dover aiTociation is Rich- 
 mond, the metropolis of Virginia ; here, although the 
 Baptills are not the nioft flouriihing fed:, they Hand 
 upon respectable ground ; they have built, by public 
 fubfcription, a large brick meeting houfe, and proba- 
 bly, move on, both as it respe(fl:s discipline and the 
 conducling of public worfliip, with as much regula- 
 rity as any people in the union. Their pallor, Tl- 
 der Courtney, took the care in the year i7S8, and 
 under his labours they have enjoyed peace and profpe- 
 rity ; he is now (i 8o9) about 66 years of age. 
 
 This church arose from the labours of Jofhua Mor- 
 rifs, their iirll paflor ; he living In the Boar Swamp 
 church, set up a meeting, at one Franklin's, near the 
 city of Richmond, where baptizing a few, and soon 
 after moving to Richmond to live, a church was con- 
 flituted under his care. After reading in Richmond 
 fome years, he moved to Kentucky. 
 
 Within this church there are, belides Elder 
 Courtney, several ordained and licenfed preachers, 
 viz. George Williamson, who is firfl: master ar- 
 mourer; Herman Sneade, a teacher; William Brame, 
 who travels and preaches a great deal ; and others, 
 not so permanently fixed. 
 
 BOAR SWAMP. 
 
 This church is about fifteen miles below Richmond, 
 and about ten North Eaft of Four Mile Creek. This 
 was once a prosperous and flourifliing church, but 
 having had no pallor for many years, they have rathe^ 
 declined. 
 
 FOUR MILE. 
 The meeting houfe to this church is about nuie or tea 
 
112 IIISiOIlY OF TjlE 
 
 miles below Richmond. They hav'e ElJel Johh 
 Lindsay, for their minifter ; he is old and iniirm, bur 
 a pious and ufeful minifter. They have fome very 
 relpedlable private members . 
 
 CHARLES CITY. 
 
 This church is in the county of the fame name, and 
 \vas raised by the labours of Elijah Baker and Jofeph 
 Anthony, v/ho firft began their fervice in this neigh- 
 borhood, about the year 1 774. They at firft fuftain- 
 ed much oppolition, but no perfonal violence. Du- 
 ring the year *75, feveral were baptized. Anno 
 '76, James Bradley, afterwards their paftor, was con- 
 verted and baptized, and foon began to preach. — 
 Soon after the church Was conftituted, Air. Bradley 
 was chofen paftor, and continued to difcharge the du- 
 ties thereof, until he died on the 6th of September, 
 1803. jMr. Bradley, at firft, preached by form, or 
 in other words, read his fermons to the people, but 
 loon laid afide his notes, and preached extempore. 
 Although he was not a very fuccefsful, nor a very 
 popular preacher, there were few men who ftood in 
 higher eftimation, in point of piety and uniformity 
 of condudt, than Mr. Bradley. He was univerfally 
 efteemed an honeft and faithful fervant of God. — 
 Since his death, Mr. Wm Clopton, who had long 
 been a leading member of the church, feeing the 
 great need of a preacher, began to fpeak publicly, and 
 finally was ordained to the miniftry. The ftate of 
 religion in this church, is rather adverfe ; yet order 
 and peace are preserved among the membei'S, while 
 the wicked will do wickedly. When the fet time to 
 favour Zion fhall arrive, she will doubtlefs come 
 again with rejoicing, bringing the flueaves of the fpi- 
 ritual harveft. 
 
 In this church there ufed to be and ftill are, a great 
 number of blacks. For fome cause, they vv'ere forbid- 
 den to preach; upon which, they fet up a kind of in- 
 dependence, and went on not only to preach, but to 
 baptize, it all, however, ended in confufion. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. ' 113 
 
 BLACK CREEK. 
 
 This church has gone through as many revolutions 
 tis any in the affociation. Her misfortunes arofe, as 
 is often the cafe, from the errors and mifconducit of 
 their preachers. Their fir ft paftor was Wm. Barns, 
 who being a remarkably weak, though a well mean- 
 ing preacher, the church languished under his care ; 
 he moved away about the year 1785 : In '88, Tho- 
 mas Courtney moved from King- William into the 
 bounds of Black Creek, and the church being in 
 muph confufion, was re-conftitutcd under iMr. Court- 
 ney's care. About '91 they had a revival, when fome 
 very ref{^e(ftable members were added. Mr. Court- 
 ney moved in- '95 to Richmond, and there died, with 
 the fmall pox. After Mr. Courtney's death, the 
 church fell into confufion again, and was conftituted 
 a third time. PVom the firft origin of this church, 
 R. Snead, a preacher of fome talents, resided within 
 her limits ; this man was the caufe of a great part of 
 the confufion; he was really a double-minded man, 
 who was unftabie in all his ways ; sometimes he would 
 be a quaker; fometimes a pedo-baptift; and again 
 return with double violence, to Baptift principles ; 
 he was alternately a Calvinift, an Arminian and an 
 Univerfalift. When excommunicated for his princi- 
 ples (for his morals were correct), he would return 
 after fome time, and make such apparently sincere 
 concessions, that it would feem uncharitable not to 
 excufe him. He died in the church. John Turner, 
 who has lately undertaken the care of the church, 
 Herman Snead and John Goodman, preachers, were 
 all fons of this church. 
 
 While Thomas Courtney refided among them, they 
 enjoyed confiderable profperity. Mr, Courtney was 
 brother to Elder Courtney, paftor of the Richmond 
 church. Though not a very able, he was a lively and 
 agreeable preacher; he was fingular for his good hu- 
 mour andpleafant temper; he was a bad economift, 
 and by that mean^j was often embarraffed in his affairs. 
 
 P 
 
Hi HISTORY OF TilK 
 
 This excepted, Mr. Courtney might be conlidered, a 
 iiril rate religious character. He died triumphing in 
 redeeming love. Mr. Clopton, who has for many 
 years represented this diftrid: in Congrels, is a mem- 
 ber of this church. 
 
 JAMES CITY. 
 
 This church, in the county of the fame name, was 
 alfo planted by the labours of Elijah Baker, who be- 
 gan his labours within its limits, about the year 1772. 
 Previous to this, Jeremiah Walker had preached 
 among the people, and was much oppofed by the par- 
 fon of the parilh and others 3 his preaching however 
 was not effedtual. Soon after, Mr. Baker vilited this 
 neighborhood, and feveral obtained hope in Chrift, 
 and were baptized. Mr. John Goodall, who had 
 been much approved as clerk of the church, obtained 
 a hope, but thought he would endeavour to do without 
 baptifm ; but going to see fome of his neighbors bap- 
 tizedi he could no longer reft, but sent the next day 
 for the minifters and was baptized. Soon after his 
 baptifm, he began to preach, and was ordained to the 
 care of the church, a few years after it was conftitu- 
 ted ; he continued to exercife the paftoral funcftion^^ 
 until 1 806, when he moved to Kentucky. The church 
 is not at present in a flourifliing ftate. The Methodifts 
 are numerous in this neighborhood. Elder Jolhua 
 Morris, a preacher of confiderable gifts, who after- 
 wards relided in the city of Richmond, and then mov- 
 ed to Kentucky, was a native of this church -, his fa- 
 ther and uncle, alfo occafionally preached. 
 WILLIAMSBURG. 
 
 This chuj*ch is compofed almoft, if not altogether, 
 of people of colour. Moses? a black man, firft preach- 
 ed among them, and was often taken up and whipped, 
 for holding meetings. Afterwards Gowan, who cal- 
 led himfelf Gowan Pamphlet, moved from Middle- 
 fex, where he had been preaching for fome time ; he 
 became popular among the blacks, and began to bap- 
 tize, as well as to preacl\. It feems, the affociation 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 115 
 
 had ■ad\'ifed that no perfon of colour fliould be allowed 
 to preach, on the pain of excommunication ; againft 
 this regulation, many of the blacks were rebellious, 
 and continued ftill to hold meetings. Some were ex- 
 cluded, and among this number was Gowan, jufl men- 
 tioned. Continuing ftill to preach and many profef- 
 ling faith under his miniftry, not being in connexion 
 with any church himself, he formed a kind of church 
 out of fome who had been baptized, who, fitting with 
 him, received such as offered themfelves; Gowan 
 baptized them, and was moreover appointed their 
 paftor j fome of them knowing how to write, a church-* 
 book was kept ; they increafed to a large number ; 
 fo that in the year 1791, when the Dover affociation 
 was holden in Mathews county, they petitioned for 
 admittance into the alTociation, fcating their number 
 to be about five hundred. The afibciation received 
 them, fo far, as to appoint perfons to vifit them and 
 fet things in order. Thefe, making a favourable re- 
 port, they were received, and have allociated ever 
 fince. A few years fince, Gowan died. 
 GRAFTON. 
 This church was planted by the labour of the in-- 
 defatigable E. Baker; his firil labours in the bounds, 
 of this church, v/as about the year 1770 ; fome were 
 awakened : this encouraged him to continue to vifit 
 them; and in no great while, he baptized feveral. 
 Jofliua Morris, a young preacher from James City, 
 watered the plants. John Wright was baptized about 
 1776, and fcon began to exhort 2nd preach, ^n '77 
 they were conflituted, andPJr. Wright became their 
 paflor. Mr. Wright was a blefied man of God. — 
 He was faithful to occupy his talents. No man could 
 find him out of his place ; he lived and died a pious 
 chriftian, and a faithful as well as ufeful miniiler of 
 Chrifl ; he was a poor man, and had a family to la- 
 bour for, VN^hich prevented him from being as exten- 
 fively ufeful, as he wcuM probably have been, un- 
 der more affluent circumliances ; but his vineyard, 
 
116 HISTORY OF tHE 
 
 though fmall, was well kept ; his duty, was his de- 
 light j indiscipline he was tender, yet vigilant and 
 impartial : Once, when much disorder had crept 
 into the arm of the church, round about Hampton, 
 through the miscondu^ of Chisman ; the old man 
 went down, and began to winnow with fo heavy a 
 hand, that fome person observed in company, he 
 Would leave but few of the doctor's disciples : yes, 
 faid a gentleman who knew him, he would turn out 
 the lall man to-morrow, before he would counte- 
 nance disorder. — He died about 1795, much regret- 
 ted by all forts of people. Contrafled to this charac- 
 ter, lived in the fame church, dod:or Thomas Chis- 
 man, a pra(!?l:itioner of phylic, but who, professing 
 grace was baptized about '81 or '82 : he foon com- 
 menced preaching, and foon alfo became popukr; 
 with the judicious he never ranked above mediocrity, 
 and indeed hardly afcended to that grade : but with 
 many, he was confidered almoft inimitable. Some 
 of the externals of the orator he poflefled in a great 
 degree ; his perfon and mien was dignified , his voice 
 clear and foriorous ; his gefture though violent was 
 expreilive ; and his flvle by no means contemptible ^ 
 his manner warm and Sometimes pathetic : but his 
 mind, a perfed chaos ^ darknefs and confufion fat re- 
 gents • he had no invention, no wit -, a fallacious 
 judgment, and but little information : but thefe de- 
 feds were confiderably remedied, by an invincible 
 boldnefs : taking the mofl myflerious texts, he would 
 pufh on, in the fuhiefs of felf-coniidence, giving in- 
 terpretations, which were never dreamed of by the 
 infpired author. Thefe discourses were much admi- 
 red by many, and gained for the dodor a great name. 
 All this hov/ever, might have been fvv alio wed, even 
 by thofe who knew his weight, if the dodor had pof- 
 feffed that part of the preacher^ without which, all 
 others are null, viz. a pious life. For seven or eight 
 years, he was thought by moft of his acquaintances, 
 to be fmgularly zealous and pious ; he emancipated 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 11? 
 
 lAs slaves, and in other refpeds made great apparent 
 facrifices : but his day ended in darknefs ; yielding 
 to temptations of the moll diabolical fort, he became 
 the greatefl: flumbling block, that, that county ever 
 witnessed : the efted:s were melancholy beyond des- 
 cription : he was quickly excluded, but continued 
 his vicious pursuits for a coniiderable time. At length 
 he was found by the hand of God, and furely few 
 men ever felt the rod more feverely ; to appearance, 
 he was exceedingly penitent, and many pitied him, 
 and regained fome faith in his piety, but others thought 
 differently; he had been baptized by Elder Leiand, 
 while he refided in Virginia, and was uncommonly at- 
 tached to him. Juft before he died, which happen- 
 ed in the year 1797, he was informed, that Mr- Le- 
 iand had come into Virginia and had made appoint- 
 ments to come down to York, on hearing this he rai- 
 sed himfelf in bed and expreffed great joy at the ex- 
 pectation of feeing him once more- But as if God 
 had refolved that his expectations should perilh, 
 he died a few daj^s before Mr. Leiand got dov/n. 
 It is not for us to decide how God has disposed of him, 
 but it is surely lawful to wifli, and to pray, that none 
 such may ever again be permitted to diilionoura gos- 
 pel church, in fa grofs a manner. 
 
 Elder Mathew Wood, a pious and useful preacher, 
 still refidcs in this church, but Elder Gayie who 
 moved from Mathev/s, was, anno, 179^ chofen paftor. 
 They had in the year 1 803 under the united labours 
 of Elders Gayle and Wood, one of the molt heavenly 
 revivals : not lefs than about 330 or 340 v/ere bap- 
 tized. After the revival they had a winnowing sea- 
 son. Many that feemed to be fomewhat, proved to 
 be nothing. Yet there is still a large and refpectable 
 church. Elder Robert Stacy, nov/ paftorof Abing- 
 don, was raised up and ordained in Grafton. 
 
 ILVMPl'ON. 
 This church, through the downfal of Chisman, 
 never profpered much until 1805, when they had a 
 
^il ^I^^TORY OF THE 
 
 revival, about 200 were baptized; after which they 
 chofe Elder Richard fiurft to be their pallor, who had 
 been raifeci up in the church, and under whose labors 
 chiefly, the revival had been conducted* lie is a live- 
 ly and warm preacher. Before the revival, Elder 
 Gaylc had attended them flatedly, 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Historical Sketches of the Churches in the second UnJ- 
 on Meeting District, in Dover Association. 
 
 REEDS. 
 
 This church lies in the lower end of Caroline, hav- 
 ing fome members in the upper end of King William. 
 The firfl labourers within the limits of this church 
 were Harrifs and Read. John Young, foon after this, 
 became a convert and a preacher, and was ordained 
 paflor to the church, r.t her firil conftitution. 'J he 
 church hov/ever, rather languished until 1788, when 
 iixty or feventy were added. About '98, Mr. Young 
 moved to Albemarle, where he has been ufeful, and is 
 fbill livmg. After Mr. Young's removal, the church 
 chofe for their pallor. Elder John Self, who had long 
 been an affiflant elder in this church. Nothing re- 
 markable has occurred lince Mr. Self took the care. 
 This church has generally had more than one ordained 
 preacher. Elder Hipkins Pitman, was for many years 
 a reiident member. At prefent Elder Richard liroad- 
 dus is a member, and labours jointly with Elder Self. 
 Sam.uelBrame, a young preacher of the mod confpicu- 
 ous talents, was raifed in this church ; he afterwards 
 moved to Halifax and died : his mother, Mrs. Brame, 
 is now living, and a member of this church, and was 
 :n her early days, a flated hearer and com.municant 
 of the famous Mr. Samuel Davis. She frequently 
 heard Air. Whitelield, in his travels tl^rough Amen- 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 110 
 
 ca, and fometimes had him at her houfe. Tis plea- 
 fant to hear, this mother in Ifrael, tell the intcrefting 
 anecdotes which ihe treafared up, refpeding thefe 
 great men of God. Mrs. Brame, is truly one of the 
 daughters of Sarah. 
 
 Conlidering the date, at which the Baptifts hegan 
 to preach v/ithin the limits of this church, it might 
 reafonably be expected that perfecution, moreorlefs, 
 attended them. Nor will this expectation be difap- 
 pointed. Mr. Young was committed to jail for 
 preaching, and there kept for four months, until he 
 appealed to the general court, and by a writ of ha- 
 beas corpus was carried to Williamsburg. Elder H. 
 Pitman was once taken up and threatened to be whip- 
 ped, but was difcharged without any farther injury. 
 TUCKAHOE. 
 The Bti\ Baptifl preacher, that ever miniflered with- 
 in the bounds of this church, was John Corbley. — 
 After Mr. Corbley had preached, the clergyman of 
 the pariih, who had come to hear him, attacked hiin^ 
 by way of argument. After the argument had been 
 continued for fome time, and, as might be expected, 
 they came to no concluiion -, the parfon appointed 
 the next Sunday, to preach againfl the Baptiiis. His 
 text was, " fVill ye also go awaij.'' His difcourfe 
 made not much impreilion, and indeed from his fiib- 
 fequent condud:, there were grounds to fufi^ed that 
 he was fhaken in his own mind. For, afterwards 
 v/hen Waller and Craig were put into prifon at Fre- 
 dericksburg, this gentleman went to the prifon, and 
 entered into a friendly converfation upon the fubje6: 
 of religion J and before he left them, offered to bs 
 their fecurity, if they chofe to give bond. It does not 
 appear, that any thing effeduai was done, by the 
 preaching of Mr. Corbley. In the year 1771, Lewis 
 Craig came and preached in the bounds of this church. 
 God owned and blefled liis labours. Viany v/ere awa-^ 
 kened and fome converted. After him came John 
 Waller, and preached with confiderable luccefs. hi:. 
 
120 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Craig continued to vifit this place, and to cultivate tll6 
 feed Town. Believers were added from time to time. 
 Satan took the alarm, and ftirred up oppofition to 
 Mr. Craig. A warrant was iilued, and Mr. Craig was. 
 carried before a magiftrate, to whom he gave bond 
 not to preach in the county, within a certain number 
 of days ; but feeling himfelf hampered by this mea- 
 fare, he thought it befl; to incur the penalty; and ac- 
 cordingly preached fome little time after, at one Reu- 
 ben Catiet's plantation, and was taken up by virtue 
 of a warrant and committed to prifon, where he ftaid 
 three months. When Mr. Craig v/ent to jail he found 
 -— Herndon and B. Choning there, who being noth- 
 ing more than exhorters, were fooii after turned out: 
 In the year 1773, James Ware and James Pitman 
 were imprifoned lixteen days, for having preaching 
 in their houfes. They offered to give bond for good 
 behaviour, generally, but not for permitting preach- 
 ing in their houfes in particular. This, at firft, was 
 refufed them, but afterwards was acceded to, and 
 they were difcharged. Of thefe, James Pitman is 
 iHli living, and a member of Tuckahoe church. — 
 The laft violence offered to any, Avithin the bounds of 
 this church, happened in the year '75* when Young 
 Pitts, a preacher, and a man by the name of Picket, 
 were taken up and carried by force fome diftance, a5 
 if with a viev/ to bring them before a magiftrate, but 
 after fome abufe, &c. they fet them at liberty. Tuck- 
 ahoe church, though fmall at iirfl, became a ilourifli- 
 ing church, under the care of Elder John Shackle<^ 
 ford, who about two years after its conftitution, mov- 
 ed from Spottfylvania, and took the pafloralcare. — 
 it was not until '88, that they had a revival. It was 
 a memorable time indeed, not in this cliurch only, 
 but almoft throughout the flate of Virginia. In the 
 courfe of this divine feafon, Mr. Shackleford baptized 
 about three hundred. 
 
 Mr. Shackleford's narrow circumflances, with fome 
 other caufes, induced him to move to Kentucky in the 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION'. 121 
 
 72ar '92. He was an excellent gofpal preacher, and 
 an afteftionatc man. Since his removal to Ksntacky,-, 
 he has been very ufefiil in the mini-lry. So-nz time 
 after Mr. Shacklcford left the church, they were for- 
 tunate enough to procure the fervices of liider .•oh.i 
 Sorrel, under whofe pafloriliip they have been happy 
 and peaceable. 
 
 SALEM. 
 
 This church was taken off from Upper King and 
 Queen. Until the year 'Sy, there v/sre I'carceiy any 
 Baptills within the precincts of this church. In this 
 and the fucceding y^ar, was the great revival in the 
 neighbouring churches, t^iz. Upper King and Queen 
 andTuc-kahoe. They met here as upon half way 
 ground. The meetings were exceedingly pov/erful, 
 and great numbers were baptized ; molt of them were 
 united to the Upper King and Queen church, and 
 fell under the care of Elder Noel ; they remained, as 
 an arm of that church until 1802, when they were 
 conftituted. They have had uniform peace and love 
 among themfelves. Elders Andrew and Richard 
 Broaddus were raised here, 
 
 UPPER COLLEGE. 
 This church is fo called from many of their members 
 living on and about the lands appropriated for the 
 use of the college of William and Mary. The gofpel 
 was iirfl brought into thefe parts, by Elder John Young 
 and others. Their firfl pallor was Elder John Court- 
 ney ; under his care the church profpered. When he 
 moved to Richmond, they made choice of Elder Wm. 
 Breeding : he was a pious and zealous preacher, and 
 under his care they had in the year '88 and '89 a great 
 revival ; great numbers were baptized ; but Mr. B. 
 exerting himself beyond his fcrength, broke a blood- 
 veffel, and died not long after, with the puking of 
 blood. Elders Courtney, Toler, Breeding, Abra- 
 ham, Whitlock and Brame, are fons of this church. 
 LOWER COLLEGE. 
 This chiu-ch was for a long time an arm of Upper 
 
 O 
 
22 lilSTORY OV THE 
 
 College; about the time of their conftitution, they 
 were attended by Elders Thomas Courtney and Ho^ 
 bert 1^. Semple jointly ; after Mr. Courtney removed 
 to Richmond, R. B. Semple attended them until the 
 year '96, when they made choice of their prefent paftcr 
 Elder John Mill. In 1 800, they were favoured with 
 divine fhowers, and many were added. Elder Mill 
 has been for feveral years in bad health, too much 
 £0 to preach often. Of late he has much recovered. 
 He was, previous to his baptism, in the MethodiR 
 connexion; he is now a found, fleady, pious Jiaptifl 
 preacher ; his labours in the church, previous to his 
 ill health, were greatly blelled : and it is hoped that 
 God has raised him up again for a good purpofe. — 
 Wm. Hargrove is an ordained preacher in this church, 
 and is useful in supplying other churches as well as 
 his own, in the inability of their paftor. 
 UPPER KE\G & QUEEN. 
 This church, in the county of the fame name, was 
 firft conftituted under the care of Young Pitts, but 
 he, becoming diforderly, was filenced : the church 
 langui(hed, and by the advice of experienced miniflers 
 diiTolved their con ftitution^ intending to join the Up- 
 per College, but being required by that church to 
 relinquilli their monthly meetingi and not wifliing 
 to do lb, they again, the next months refumed their 
 conllitution, and chofe Elder Theodorick Noel, for 
 their paftor J this happened ia the year 1780. Under 
 the miniftry of Elder Noel the church flourifhed, and 
 gradually increafed until the year 1788. On this 
 year God defcended in his mighty power. A greater 
 work of grace has probably, never been known in\^ir- 
 ginia, within the limits of one church. It continued, 
 with but little abatement, during the year '89- It 
 was ufual to baptize every monthly meeting, and for 
 many months, there were seldom, if ever lefs than 
 twenty baptized, but more frequently, forty, iifty and 
 iixty : many refpectable private perfons, and three or 
 four preachers, wejre among these. Since this bklTed 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATIOlv. 123 
 
 and memorable feafon, there have been but few addi- 
 tions. In 1802, Salem was taken off from this church. 
 BRUINGTON. 
 
 This is a large and profperous church indeed. Un- 
 lefs the compiler feels a blinding partiality for thefe 
 people, they have from their begmning, and do itill 
 expeiience a larger portion of religious harmony and 
 happinefs than ordinarily falls to the lot of churches. 
 But lest this fine gold, ihould at fome future day, 
 become dim, we will curtail our remarks. 
 
 EXOL. 
 
 This is a church of long ftanding, for though not 
 the firft, yet (lie was among the firft in thofe parts. 
 Mr. Tvifon Lewis is ftill their paflor, and has been 
 ever fince their firft conftitution. This church though 
 bleffed with a faithful and amiable paflor, has fuftain- 
 ed great injury in pad days, through diforderly prea- 
 chers. Some of them becoming popular, drew ma- 
 ny aftray through their bad examples. The church 
 for feveral years has enjoyed peace and harmony, and 
 feme degree of profperity. Elder John Clarke is an 
 ordained and ufeful minifter in this church. 
 
 Exol was an orderly and thriving church until '88, 
 when they had a confiderabie revival, in v/hich about 
 two hundred and fifty were baptized. Jt was after 
 this revival, that the bars of discipilne were mea- 
 surably broken down. Few churches have raised 
 more preachers than this j fome good and valuable, 
 others, the reverie. Mr. Lewis, their paftor, is in the 
 higheft eftimation as a good man, and a zealous, ac- 
 tive, heart-fearchiiig preacher- He aims chiefly at 
 perfuading finners to repent, and many through him, 
 have been perfuaded. 
 
 LOWER KING ^ QUEEN. 
 
 This is a mother church, fpoken of in our General 
 Hiftory. The church did not advance in any confi- 
 derabie degree, under the care of Elder Ware, yet 
 there were fome very respectable and valuable charac- 
 ters added : after his death, which happened about 
 
124 niSTOR" OF THE 
 
 the year 1804, Mr. Wm. Todd was called to thepaf^ 
 toral care ; few churches are more united to a pafi^or, 
 than this church is to Mr. 1 odd ; in the years i805 
 — 6, they were vilited by fovereign mercy. Her cords 
 were lengthened, and her ftakes were flrengthened. 
 Ih 1^07 the lov/cr arm of this church was conftitu- 
 tedofr, and called Pocorone. They have two meeting 
 houfes, fome diitance from each other, in both of 
 v/hich, church bulinefs is tranfadted. 
 POCORONE. 
 
 This church was taken from the lafl: named church, 
 and is orderly and happy, feeding upon the bread of 
 life, fentthem from God, by fclder James Ilealey. 
 UPPER ESSEX. 
 
 '] his is a mother church. 1 ewis Craig and others, 
 as early as '68 or '69, preached in these parts. Their 
 lal-^urs were not in vain; a few were baptized from 
 time to tuT.e, until in the year '72, a church was or- 
 g: nized, and lay elders ordained, not having any paf* 
 tor; iVir. Craig continued to viiit them, and was 
 liiuch beloved ; when he could not attend as often 
 as they wif}:ed, they invited Elder Jofeph Bledfoe to 
 take the care of them; he, however, living in bpott- 
 i^'lvania, could not or did not, perform the duties cf 
 paflor : this ended rather in confufion. In Augufl 
 '73, elder Noel was baptized, and foon began to blow 
 the gofptl trumipet. ijeing ordained, he discharged 
 the duties of paflor, without being regularly inau- 
 gurated : fevv' men have been more fuccefsful in the 
 miniliry than i\'r. Noel : it is probable, that he has 
 baptized as iiiany perlons as any other preacher now 
 living in Virginia • among them have been a number 
 of pieachers, seme of whcm rr.r;k high in the miniflry, 
 as n en cf talents and ufefulnels : he is now and has 
 teen tor nany years paflor of the Upper King and 
 Queen Church. '1 he £rft perfon that Mr. Noel bap- 
 tized, alter he v. as crcaintd, wrs a young wcm.an : 
 her brother J r( nised, to dip any person, thatfhould 
 dip her. In fuitilmtnt of his \\ord, he made the at- 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATIOW. 125 
 
 tempt, but could not get Mr. Noel under the water. 
 Being purfued by fome of the wicked, who refented 
 this treatment to the preacher, he was obliged to make 
 the beftof his way off: he died a few weeks after, 
 having firft sent for Mr. Noel to ask pardon. Mr. 
 Noel's talents as a preacher seem to be lingularly cal- 
 culated for a revival; hence, from this or fome other 
 cause, fince the revival has declined, his popularity, 
 as a preacher, is confiderably lelTened ; his friends 
 however, hope to fee him blaze forth again, in his 
 laft days. Upper Eflex church, has been, in one fenfe 
 a little like the burning bufli; they have had from the 
 iirft, much of the fire of contention among themfelves, 
 and yet they are a respectable church ; they have no 
 paftor, but procure the ftatcd services of neighboring 
 preachers : they have fome very worthy private mem- 
 bers. 
 
 PISCATAWAY. 
 
 This church is under the care of the Rev. James 
 Greenwood, as may be seen by the table. From its 
 conftitution, Mr. Greenwood has been the faithful 
 minifler of this people. The church under his care 
 has prospered without intermiflion. In '88 and 1 8o4' 
 there were precious revivals, in each of v/hich years 
 a resped:able number was added to the church : but 
 it is worthy of note, that even in the coldell: anddul- 
 left seasons, this church Hill gradually gained flrength, 
 enjoying uniform serenity and peace. Elder Green- 
 wood has been for sometime in a very low ilate of 
 health, but the friends of piety begin to hope that 
 he will recover, and that God v/ill add a few more 
 years to fo ufeful a life : for, if it were faid, that of 
 all religious charaders, he is the mod spotless, all 
 who knov/ him, himself excepted, would pro- 
 nounce it a well-m.ented eulogy. Ide is now ( 1 809) 
 about sixty years of age, and has been truly a labour- 
 er in the Lord's vinevard, nearly or quite lorty years. 
 From Piscataway was conflituted in 1790, bruing- 
 ton, under the care of Robert B. £em-ple. 
 
X^8 ins Ton Y OF THE 
 
 GLEBE LANDING. 
 
 This is a niother church, for the account of her 
 origin lee C/eneralHiftory. Wm. MuUin was their 
 pailor for many years, and a faithful one he was ; du- 
 ring his continuance among them, order and peace 
 prevailed ; they were revived by divine grace in the 
 year 17H8, when about one hundred were added; the 
 church was happy, and gradually increafcd until the 
 year • 792, when God called home their faithful and 
 diligent paflor. No church probably ever felt the 
 iofs of fo valuable a preacher lefs than they did that 
 of Mr. MuUin ; for they immediately procured the 
 ilated monthly fervices of elder Lewis, who has at- 
 tended them ever fmce. As to discipline, they had 
 several old and experienced members, who were ful- 
 ly competent to the task of fetting things in order, 
 (^f these, Richard Street was firft appointed modera- 
 tor, he dying in fome fliort time, they appointed John 
 Sadler, who lived many years and during his life, dis- 
 charged the duties of his office with as much diligence, 
 judgement, and success, as any minifter in Virginia, 
 could have done. These may be called emphatically 
 the precious sons of Zion. They have entered into 
 their reft: and their works will follow them. 
 
 Mr. Mullin as a preacher could not be faid to rank 
 high. His talents in the pulpit were not conlpicu- 
 ous, yet he might be called a folid and found experi- 
 mental preacher. He was a judicious difciplinarian, 
 and in preserving order he succeeded bcttei than com- 
 mon. He died, in full hope and alTurance of a relur- 
 ection to a better life, 
 
 FiERMITAGE, 
 
 This is a church of long ft:anding, having beea 
 conft:ituted off from Glebe Landing, under the care 
 of John Mullin. During his life, they enjoyed peace 
 and profperity, in a moderate degree ; but about the 
 year '93 or 'y4, they loft their paftor. Soon after 
 his death, John Healey was ordained to the paftoral 
 care, having long exercised a public gift among them. 
 
t>dVER ASS'OCflATION. 12T 
 
 111 1802 he alfo died. Since his death, the church 
 has had no paflor, but are favoured with the month- 
 ly fervices of elder i -ewis. They have alfo two gift** 
 ed members, viz. James Healy, ordained ; and Sa- 
 muel Jeile, licensed. Thefe are old Baptifts, but 
 young preachers thrufl: into the vineyard at the ele- 
 venth hour. Being faithful, they will doubtless re- 
 ceive their penny Mr. ilealey attends Pocorone 
 church in the nature of a paftor, though not regu- 
 larly imlalled. Mr. John VluUin was among the 
 hrll who profelTed vital faith in thofe parts, in which 
 he refided . From the time of his profeffion, to the 
 day of his death, he had the reputation of being a 
 spotless chriilian. He was indeed a good man, though 
 not an able preacher. His life was good preachiiig, 
 to all who knew him. As he lived, fo he died, be- 
 loved of God and approved of men. 
 
 ZOAR. 
 This church was stricken off from Hermitage, un- 
 der the charge of elder David Corey, but in the midst 
 of their flattering profped:s, the great fhepherd and 
 bifliop, has in the mysteries of his providence, thought 
 proper to snatch from them their beloved pastor ; he 
 died Feb. 1809, lamented, deeply lamented, by eve- 
 ry good man that knew him. Capt. Corey was a 
 native of New- England, but came to Virginia and 
 profefTed religion, at an early period of life. , It was 
 not, however, until he had been baptized fifteen or 
 fixteen years, that he began to preach. He laboured 
 only five or fix years in the miniftry j during that time, 
 he did much good, rOund about in his neighborhood. 
 He had followed fea-faring, for a livelihood for ma- 
 ny years, but in confequence of its interference with 
 his ministry, he had in a great meafure laid it afide, 
 and commenced farmer. 
 
 PETTS WORTH, or GLOUCEST^.R. 
 The gofpel firfl; made its way into this neighborhood, 
 through the miniltry of elder Lewis. Mr. [Robert 
 Hudgin, a native of Mathews^ had moved into this 
 
12b ins TOR V oil- Ttll. 
 
 part of Gloucefler, but in fome of his vi/its *to Ma- 
 thews, having heard Mr. Lewis preach, he invited 
 hjm to come into his neighborhood, which he did in 
 the year 'J5. His labours were produftive of great 
 good Several joined the fociety, and finally a church 
 was conflituted, under the care of Robert Hudgin, 
 who began to preach, foon after he was baptized. — 
 This church continued to prolper moderately, until 
 Mr. Hudgin's death. 'J 'hey were then left without 
 any perfon to go out and in before them. They, at 
 length did, what it would hardly have been fuppofed, 
 would have been done by Virginians: 'Ihey chofe for 
 their pastor Wm. Lemon, a man of colour: he, though 
 not white, as to his natural complexion, had been 
 walhed in the laver of regeneration : he had been pu- 
 rified and made white, in a better fenfe. As a preach- 
 er, though weak, he was lively and afi:ed:ing. He al- 
 fo died after feveral years ; fince then they have been 
 destitute of stated ministerial aid : Mr. Wm. Leigh 
 exercises a public gift, and it is faid, is ufeful. The 
 methodists are numerous in these parts. 
 
 ABINGDON. 
 
 This fhurch in the lower end of Gloucester, was 
 taken ofi:' from Pettsv/orth. The members chiefly 
 live in that part which has been fometimes called 
 Guinea. Vvhen Mr. Lewis first preached in this 
 neighborhood, he met with violent oppofition from 
 individuals; but treating them with lenity and meek- 
 nefs, he foon made many of them as friend- 
 ly, as they had been hostile. . This church is under 
 the care of Robert Stacy, a found, good preacher. — 
 They appear to be happy under his ministry. 
 
 MATHEWS;^ 
 
 As early as the year 1771, onejohnfon, a Baptifl, 
 preached within the bounds of this church ; his preach- 
 ing left no durable impreffion : in '72 or '73, Rev. Ivi- 
 fon Lewis, who v/as not yet baptized, went dov/n on 
 a vifit to his relations, who lived in this county, ap,d 
 
POVER ASSOCIATION 120 
 
 having lately obtained a hope of falvation. he was 
 zealous to inculcate the neceffity of vital religion, 
 wherever he went. I J is converfation made fuch im- 
 pre (lions upon the minds of thofe, with whom he con- 
 verfed, that it was rumoured about in the neighbor- 
 hood, that a new preacher had come among them : 
 this drew out a large company of people, to the houfe 
 where Mr. Lewis ftaid, to hear him preach, without 
 any^previous appointment. Mr. Lewis having never 
 attempted to preach in regular form, felt much alarm- 
 ed ; but, relying upon fupernatural aid, he went on 
 to addrefs the people. God unftopped their ears and 
 opened tneir hearts. They received his doctrine, as 
 from God. Mr. Lewis not long after, became a Bap- 
 tifl and a preacher, and continued to vilit Mathews 
 with much success. A number of respedlable cha- 
 raders profeffed faith, and were baptized. Mr. Lew- 
 is, though he lived above forty miles off, viiited this 
 place once a month for feveral years. In the year 
 '\i2, the church induced David Tinlley to fettle among 
 them ; his labours were not as beneficial a? was hoped. 
 In the courfe of two or three years, viz. 178.5, he 
 moved off to Georgia, where turning an Arminian, 
 he joined the General Baptifts, headed by .feremiah 
 Walker. Tinlley was a good preacher, and had been 
 in the early part of his miniftry, confiderably fuccefs- 
 ful as an itinerant. 
 
 After Mr. Tiniley's removal, Mathews church had 
 no preacher, until John Gayle, a gifted member, was 
 ordained; under his miniftry, and the miniflry of vi- 
 iiting preachers, they had a great revival in the year 
 '87 ; several hundreds were baptized. By many ju- 
 dicious profeffors, this revival was thought not to 
 have been prudently conducted, as it respe(!?ted some 
 of the leading viiiting minifters. Perfons were bap- 
 tized upon too flight reafons, as many thought. — 
 This circumftance, added to the slackness of their 
 discipline, produced a good deal of unhappinefs, af- 
 ter the revival fubfided. Nor indeed have they fmce» 
 
 R 
 
130 illSTOEY 01? TllE 
 
 ever completely regained that regularity and order, 
 so necessary to the full enjoyment of religious fociety. 
 In many respe<fls, however, this is a commendable 
 church, having fome who have not defiled their gar- 
 ments. They long tried, to procure a preacher of 
 talents, to relide among them, but did not fucceed 
 entirely. For a few years, Mr. Jacob Creath, a prea- 
 cher of popular talents, dwelt among them. He how- 
 ever married in Lancaster, and removed thither, and 
 then went to Kentucky, where he ftill lives. A few 
 years paft, they made choice of Mr. Wm. Fitchet, a 
 gifted man, and one of their own members, as a paf- 
 tor. No perfecution farther than reproaches and flan- 
 der, has ever disgraced the people in this neighborr 
 hood. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Historical Sketches of the Churches in the third Union 
 Meeting District, in Dover Association. 
 
 HANOVEll. 
 
 This church was taken off from Tuckahoe and 
 Nomini. JefTe Davis, fome years after their confli- 
 tution, was indu6i:ed into the church as paftor. Be- 
 fore Mr. Davis became paflor, a Mr. Sthretchley ufed 
 to preach and read fermons for them, but this not be- 
 ing fatisfad:ory to the church, Mr. S. took umbrage, 
 and joined the Methodifls, and afterwards pofitively 
 profefled himfelf a deifl. .. 
 
 Under Mr. Davis's miniftry, Hanover has been z 
 refpedlable and orderly church, • Mr. Toler once at- 
 tended them flatedjy. 
 
 NOMINI. 
 
 Mr. Lunsford was the firfl, who preached with fuc- 
 cefs, in these parts : he had baptized a few fcattered 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 131 
 
 merr^bers previous to the year '83. On this year el- 
 der Toler, who is now the paftor of this church, wa.s 
 invited by an old lady, who had been baptized by Mr. 
 I Lunsford, to preach in the neighborhood of the pre- 
 *«nt meeting houfe; he went, and but few people 
 ; .Attended jj thsfe were diftant and reserved : none, but 
 I ^ very poor man, invited him to his houfe : Yet, hoAV 
 Uilhsea^Ghable are the ways of God ! This meeting was 
 ' thte beginning of great events, as it refpedts this neigh- 
 borhood. Mrs. Pearce, wife of Capt. Jofeph Pearce, 
 attended, having been in a low ilate of health for fome 
 time, the word reached her. When Mr. Toler at- 
 • tended again, Mrs. Peace fent for him to Mr. Tem- 
 pleman's, her fon-in-law, and had the preaching at 
 , his house, he being from home on a journey. His 
 preaching made deep impreffions upon her mind. — 
 Ji^hen Mr. Templeman returned, he was fprely dis- 
 ♦pleafed at the liberty which had been taken with his 
 jioiife, and talked of leaving it, as being contamina- 
 ted* Before Mr. Toler came again, Mrs, Pearce died 
 a great penitent ; enjoining it on her husband, to open 
 his houfe for preaching. To this capt. Pearce con- 
 fented, and had Mr. Toler's next meeting appointed 
 at his houfe. Light dawned. The prejudices of the 
 people wore off. Several perfons of different clafles 
 were converted and baptized. Among them was Mr. 
 Templeman mentioned above, and his wife ; Capt. 
 Pearce and fome of his children, and in a few years, 
 all of them, and fome other people. This, fays Mr. 
 Toler,* was a gracious, glorious^ pleasant tune, — 
 Thofe who had been baptized by Mr. Toler, together 
 with a few others who had been baptized previous to 
 V ^is coming, were formed into a church April 29, 1786, 
 having in all feventeen members. Eider Toler v/as 
 ^ cholen to attend them as paftor, and in a year or two 
 amoved here to live. 
 
 On the fame day after the conilitution of the church, 
 
 * This account "f Norcir.i I' talc n, ainioft verLatini, from a tr.anuscrijpt 
 fjrniftied bv Mr. Tolsr. 
 
IS-i IirSTOUY OF THE 
 
 five Others were baptized, and at the end of this ^ar 
 the number was leventy- three. Jn '87 it increafcd to 
 one hundred and nineteen. Jn '88, to two hundred 
 and twenty-two. Jn '89, to three hundred. Jn '90,. 
 to three hundred and thirty-one. In '1,1, tothree* 
 hundred and forty -eight. Jn '92, to three hundred ^ 
 and fifty-four. Jn '93, to three hundred and fifty-^ 
 feven. In '9^, to three hundred and lixty-l^ven. Ifr'*' 
 '95, to four hundred and eight. F'rcni this datef for 
 ten years, there were but few additions. Ordtr and* 
 discipline were preserved, but prolessors feemed to 
 Jack life and fpirit in religion. By deaths and remo- 
 vals, the church was much reduced in number, 1 he 
 preachers continued their meetings, and afterAvards 
 found that even in this lifelefs feafon, that their la- 
 bours were not left. ^Jhis was a trying tim^e, to the 
 feehngs of these public servants, especially to Mi**,* 
 Toler, their paftor. So much was he worn dqwh^ 
 with discouragement, that he had flrcng thoughts of 
 moving oft. When every hope of another revival, 
 was almofi; given up, quite unexpedtedly in tlie ear- 
 ly part of the Sumimier 1806, the work of God again 
 appeared. In a fniall time, it fpread to an extent be- 
 yond the former revival. In three micnths, ninety 
 were baptized. At various timiCS, thirty, forty, fifty 
 and fixty, were^baptized at once. So that from firll 
 to lafl, in this revival, there have been added between 
 five and fix hundred, mounting the church, from its 
 -low {landing, up to eight liundred and feventy-five. 
 The maofi: numercus church in Virginia. This was 
 a pure revival. Very little extravagance of any kind, 
 was ever leen. The convidicns appeared to be deep 
 and powerful, and the converfions clear and rational. 
 It was a harvefl indefcribably glorious. 
 
 ]\Jr Tokr, the pafior cf this church, ♦became a 
 Eabtift at a very early period of life. He foon ccm- 
 m.enced public fpcaker, appearing to be promifing, 
 was afiilted by a friend, to acquire a m.ore extenlive 
 education ; having, had rather limited opportunities. 
 
DOyEP. ASSOCIATION. 103 
 
 pi;eviouily accordingly he read under the tutorage of 
 the 1-ev. Doctr. Samuel Jones in Pennf^lvania.— 
 His progrefs was conliderable. After Mr. Toler left 
 fchool, he became a corredl, and handfome fpeaker. 
 As a fpeaker he was found and experimental, affecti- 
 onate in his addrefs, and when animated himfelf, 
 very animating to his hearers Few preachers, hav- 
 ing families, have been more indefatigable in propa- 
 gating the gofpel than Mr. Toler. He has been ia 
 the.fervice now between 3o and 40 years. 
 
 Mr. Templeman mentioned above, began to preach 
 foon after he was baptized, and was ordained anno, 
 1792. jblaving been long accuftomed to public life, 
 as an adive magiftrate, as a merchant, and as one, 
 who is often called on to tranfact the affairs of o- 
 thers, Mr. Templeman has divided his attention, be- 
 tween thefe employments and his miniftry. It is 
 Itardly probable, that many, if any, can be found in 
 Virginia, who have fucceeded so completely, in giv- 
 ing ' fatisfadion info many various occupations. — 
 There are but few that ever heard him, who do not 
 think him a good preacher ; and it happens, unfortu- 
 nately in fome respects, that himfelf is one of thofe 
 few, for it is exceeding difficult to get him to preach 
 where there are any others. As a man of bufinefs, 
 both as it refpedis integrity and clevernefs, he is uni- 
 verfally cfteemed by all who know him. In 1807, 
 he was chofen IModerator to the aiTociation, and ac- 
 quitted himfelf v/ith general approbation. His ab- 
 fence, prevented his continuance in that office. Be- 
 fides these, there are other preachers and public 
 fpeakers in this church. Of these, Mr. Hazard has 
 been ordained. 
 
 Behdes thofe remaining in this extenlive church, 
 they have loft fome diftinguifhed members. Capt. 
 Pearce, mentioned above, from the time of his pro- 
 feffion until his death, was a pious and fteady mem- 
 ber, as well as an excellent deacon. His houfe was 
 a'houfe of preaching, as well -^sprayer. 
 
IS-A HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Mrs. Steptoe, a lady of the iijrft rank, Iioth as to 
 family and fortune, was long a member of this fociety. 
 She was an ornament to religion. She took her feat 
 in the church about 1786. In her will, flie leftari 
 iinnyity of ten pound per annum to Mr. Toler,^o 
 long as he fliould remam paftor of Ngmini church. 
 
 Robert Carter, Esq. once a member of the V?rgii^ 
 nia executive council, and on that account common-^, 
 ly called Counsellor Carter, was baptized by Mr.*" 
 Lunsford, fhortly after he began to preach in thgfe 
 parts. He was one of the richefl: men in the flate of 
 Virginia, having, asfomefay, feven or eight hundred 
 negroes, beiides immenfe bodies of land, (kc. After 
 being baptized, fome years, he became confdentious 
 about the lawfulnefs of hereditary flavery. In a let- 
 ter to Mr. Rippon of London, he fays, " The toleration 
 of slavery y indicates i en/ great depravitij of mind.'' 
 In conformity to this fentiment, he gradually eman-; 
 cipated the whole that he pofTefled. ''^ 
 
 This was a noble and disinterefled facrifice. For 
 fourteen or fifteen years he continued an orderly Bap- ^ 
 tift. But being a man, naturally, of an unflable dis- 
 pofition, and falling in with certain Arminian wri- 
 tings, he fully embraced their do6lrines. Had he 
 Hopped here, he might fliU have continued in the 
 Baptift fociety, though not fo happily as before. But 
 alas ! there are fo many wrong roads in religious pur- 
 fiiits, that when a man once gels wrong, it is impof- 
 fible to forefee where he will flop. From the Armi- 
 nian errors, Mr. Carter fell into the chimerical whims 
 of Sw^edenburg. V/hen he firfl heard of the books 
 of Swedenburg, he made very light of them 3 but 
 upon reading them, having a mind naturally fond of 
 fpecious novelty, he fully embraced the whole of that 
 abfurd lyflem, and was of courfe excluded from the 
 Baptifls. He was now, as zealous for the New Je- 
 rusalem church,* as he had been formerly for the 
 Baptifls. He moved to Baltimore, in order to find a 
 
 •■* A name by Txhich S;vcdcnburg's fullo'rt-crs defigna'c themselves- 
 
DOVEK ASSOCIATION, 13.5 
 
 preacher, and a fociety of his own fentimentif, and ex- 
 pended large fums of money to have Swedenburg's 
 writings repiibUfhed. He continued orderly in his 
 moral condud, and died a few years fince, after hav- 
 ing lived to a confiderable age. Mr. Toler's amia<^ 
 bie chara<!^er may be gathered from his labours defcri- 
 bed above. 
 
 FAHNHAM. 
 This church was raised under the united labours of 
 James Greenwood and Wm. Mullin. About '7'^", 
 Mr, Greenwood was invited by a Mrs. Sucket, who 
 lived in Richmond county, on Rappahannock, to 
 preach at her houfe. Betore he went, he was appre- 
 henfive of confiderable oppolition, but was agreeably 
 difappointed. The people were attentive. Being 
 encouraged, he and Mr. Wm. MuUin continued to 
 vilit them, preaching at private houfes, until a flage 
 and feats were fixed. They were fometimes threat- 
 ened to be treated roughly, but thefe threats never 
 were executed. Their labours proved effectual, and 
 ffeveral were baptized, and a church conftituted. Mr. 
 Mullin continued to vifit them flatedly, for twelve 
 or thirteen years, and the church profpered. After 
 hi'.n, they chofe Mr. Philips for their paitor, who had 
 been raifed among them. Mr. P. not being a man 
 of papular talents, the church rather declined, until 
 a little time before his death, which happened in the 
 Spring of r8o5. Truly, could it be faid of Mr. P. 
 that his lafl days were his befl: days. For two or three 
 years, times were much better and the church looked 
 up. Me baptized a confiderable number within about 
 two years before he died. He is one of the very few, 
 concerning whom, there is any good ground to iup^ 
 pofe, that his death was brought on by the ordinance 
 of baptism. Hiving feveral perfons to baptize, on a 
 cold, damp day, and having alio to preach out of doors 
 on a flage, where he was much expofed to the wind, 
 he obferved to fotne of his friends, that he had rath" 
 er wear out, than rust out, and went on with his fer- 
 
136 HISTORY (Mr THE 
 
 vice. In a few days, he was taken with a pleurily* 
 In his illnefs, he appeared to have and to enjoy the di- 
 vine prefence, in a glorious manner, so long as he was 
 inhisfenfes ; and even in his delirium, his converfa- 
 tion, though incoherent, was almoft wholly upon re- 
 ligion. Juil before he died, he faid, with a ftrong 
 voice, ** Come let us go," and immediately fell a deep. 
 If any Ihall fay, here is an instance of baptism killing 
 a perfon, we reply, fo it may be ; yet, it proves, that 
 God blelfes the ordinance, either by preventing any 
 evil, even where it might reafonably be looked for, 
 or that, permitting the evil, he makes it terminate in 
 the greatest good. Since Mr. P's. death, they have 
 had no pastor, but have had preaching from neigh- 
 bouring ministers, and from fome licensed preachers 
 in their own church* 
 
 AVICOMICO. 
 
 This church was taken off in the year 1 804, from 
 Moratico, and constituted under the care of elder Sa- 
 muel Straughn. Few churches enjoy more harmony 
 and brotherly love, than this. 'J'hey feek not their 
 own things, but the things of Jesus Chrift. As it is 
 a new church, there has nothing extraordinary occur- 
 red worthy of notice, except that foon after their con- 
 stitution, they had a comfortable revival, which fwel- 
 led their number from twenty, to two hundred and 
 forty. 
 
 Mr. Straughn was baptized about the year 1803, 
 and after fome time began to preach. His gifts are of 
 the most useful sort. He is *' an eloquent man and 
 mighty in the scriptures." As he is still young, we 
 will only add, our devout wifhes, that he may goon 
 in the way he has begun, and that he may abound 
 more and more. 
 
 MORATICO. 
 
 This has been a church of as high standing, as any 
 in the Dover *Alibciation. iVIr. Lunsford was the 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 137 
 
 moft fuccefsful Baptist preacher in these parts. Soon af- 
 ter he first visited them, his labours were ;)lelled,and the 
 church was constituted, • including all the members 
 Within the four or five lowest counties in the Northern 
 Neck. It appears, from their church book, that in 
 no great while after they were organizcfi as a church, 
 they were respectable both for numbers and for men 
 of vveiiijht. Mr. 1 .unstord was their pastor, from the 
 time of their constitution, until his death, Niever 
 was minister more beloved by a people, and nevf t, 
 probably, was there one that deferved it more. He 
 has now been dead rnore than fifteen years, and yet 
 he is feidom mentioned, by any of the mertibers of the 
 church, without fome lamentation. [6ee more of him 
 in his Biographi/.^ 
 
 When Mr. Lunsford died they were left destitute. 
 Mr. Toler attended them st -tedly, for fome time, but 
 being nearly forty miles from them, he could not per- 
 form thofe duties which were requifite. In the year 
 1799> !^r. Jacob Creath married, and fettled within 
 the bounds of the church. Mr. Creath being a man 
 of talents> the church foon called upon him to take 
 the paftoral care, which he accepted. Under his 
 minirtry, they feemed rather to rife ; but in a {ew 
 years, Mr Creath became diffatisfied with his circum- 
 flances, and in order to better them, moved to Ken- 
 tucky, anno. 1803. The church was again left des- 
 titute. Mr. Toler and others vifited them occafion- 
 ally until about 1 808, when tl^y procured the Itated 
 fervices of elder Samuel Strau^hn, a preacher >vho 
 has the care of Wicomico church, and who had been 
 baptized by Mr. Creath, just before he moved. The 
 church, from the time of VI r. Luns ford's death, had 
 by deaths, removals, &cc. gradually declined; but hw 
 were baptized. But within three or four years pall, 
 all the churches in the Northern Neck^ belonging to 
 the -Dover afTociation, have fomewhat revived. i\ 1 o- 
 ratico among the reft, has gained fome ground, 
 though by no means equal to fome others. The re- 
 
 S 
 
338 HISTORY uv THE 
 
 mains of a refpecflable congregation of Presbyterians 
 are llill in this neighbourhood. This congregation 
 once had the celebrated Mr^ Waddell for their ininif- 
 ter. Since his removal, they have decUned, until 
 but few remain. Their meeting houfe is occupied by 
 the Baptifts chiefly. 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION, 139. 
 
 CHAPTER XIIL 
 
 History of the proceedings of the Orange and Goshen 
 Associations y from 1788, until the present time. 
 
 The proceedings of the two diftrids North of 
 James River, from the divifion of the General Alfo- 
 ciation in '83, to the fub-diviiion in '88., have alrea- 
 dy been given. 
 
 After the feparation from the Dover, the Orange 
 AfTociation met, for the iirfl time, at Crooked Run 
 meeting houfe, in Culpeper county. May 8th, 1789- 
 Letters from twenty- two churches were received, af- 
 fording the moft pieafing intelligence of the fpread 
 of the gofpel, and of the increafe of the churches. 
 
 OBoher ()thy 1789. — They met at Pamunkey meet- 
 ing houfe, in Orange county. 
 
 June ^th, 1790. — Mr. Leland, as moderator, cal- 
 led an extraordinay feffion of the aflbciationatThom- 
 fon's meeting-houfe, Louifa county. 
 
 OBoher Sth, 1790. — They met at Carter's Run 
 meeting houfe, in Fauquier county. 
 
 OBoher 13th, 1791 •—They met at Rappadan meet- 
 ing houfe, Culpeper county, (now Madifon.)^' 
 
 There was no bufinefs tranfaded at £fny of these 
 feffions, which will not he noticed in fome more con- 
 venient place ', except the divifion of Orange diflri<5!: 
 into three others, by which the name Orange was 
 dropped. The entry for the divilion is in the follow- 
 ing words : 
 
 ** JFe have agreed to divide our association into 
 three district associations, as follows : Beginning at 
 Fr.ederickshurg ; thence up the Rappahannock River, 
 to Barret's Fofd ; thence along the Carolina road, to 
 
 * Messrs. Waller and Leland a6led alternately as clerk and moderator, un- 
 til Mr. Leland removed to New-England in 1790, when Mr. John Poindev, 
 ter was appointed*clerk, and continued until the divifion of the affociatio .; 
 
140 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the Three NotcJied Uoad ; thence doziii the same, to 
 the Byrd Ordinani ; thence down the Byrd Creek, to 
 James River, to compose one association, to be known 
 hj the name of ^* Goshen Associotwn.." Secondly ^ 
 beginning at Barret's Ford ; thence up the Rappadan, 
 to the head of the same, leaving Blue Run Church to 
 her choice which of the two upper associations she 
 chooses to join. All the churches on the South side of 
 the said boundaries, to compose a second association, 
 which is to be known by the name of the " Albemarle 
 Association.'* Ihirdly ; all the churches on the ISiorth 
 side of the said boundaries, to compose a third asso- 
 ciation, to be known by the name of the **Culpeper 
 Association." 
 
 Of these three districfls we must treat separately^ 
 beginning with the Goshen* 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 
 TABLE OF THE GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 141 
 
 Names of 
 Churches. 
 
 k; 
 
 o:^ 
 
 •^ 
 
 
 
 r» 2 
 
 
 
 
 '=^r 
 
 r ■ f» 
 
 E 
 
 o 
 
 
 3 
 
 By whom 
 
 planted. 
 
 Former 
 
 pastors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Counties 
 
 Wallers, 
 3Iine*s Road, 
 Craig's, 
 Pr/ney Branch 
 Massaponax, 
 Wildsrness, 
 
 Guineas, 
 
 Fredericks^ 
 burg, 
 
 Zoar, 
 
 Countt/ Line, 
 Bethel, 
 Burrus^s, 
 William's, 
 
 Licking Hote, 
 
 Thomson's, or 
 Goldmine. 
 
 Roundaboulf 
 Scarrot's, 
 Little River, 
 
 1769 
 1791 
 1767 
 1789 
 178S 
 1778 
 1774 
 I8U4 
 3805 
 1782 
 1800 
 1773 
 
 1776 
 
 1770 
 1791 
 1777 
 1791 
 
 N. Fork, ,,.^^ 
 
 30 
 40 
 25 
 40 
 25 
 25 
 45 
 15 
 25 
 
 66 
 
 71 
 
 S5 
 
 1? 
 
 50 
 60 
 65 
 20 
 
 35 
 21 
 
 40 
 
 1156 
 
 ISC 
 
 175 
 
 51 
 
 45 
 
 97 
 
 108 
 
 205 
 
 IGO 
 
 500 
 
 i>. Harriss, ^ 
 James Read. 
 
 J. Waller. 
 
 ^. Hurriss, ^' 
 James Read, 
 
 J. Waller. 
 
 T. Mastin. 
 
 Tos. Bledsoe, 
 L. Craig and 
 A. Dudlei/. 
 
 J. Waller. 
 A, Broaddus, 
 J. Lelqnd. 
 J, Waller. 
 
 A. Broaddus. 
 
 S. Hurriss, ^ 
 J. Read. 
 
 J. Waller and 
 J. Leland. 
 
 J. Waller find 
 R. Ford. 
 
 J. Waller. 
 
 //. Pendle- 
 ton. 
 
 L. Craig. 
 H Goodloe. 
 
 T. Mastin. 
 
 J. Bledf^oe, 
 J. Bledsoe. 
 
 y. Hollo- 
 uay. 
 
 A. Broad- 
 
 dUi. 
 
 Nat. Saun- 
 ders. 
 
 W. Waller, 
 J. Waller. 
 
 4, Broad- 
 du3. 
 
 226 
 
 04 
 
 75 
 
 S. Harriss,^ 
 J. Read. 
 
 J. Waller. 
 J. Waller. 
 J. Waller. 
 
 «» 'L.%X"1 
 
 /. Waller. 
 
 J. w. n. 
 
 Goodloe, J. 
 Poindexter 
 
 It. Ford ^• 
 11. French. 
 
 D. Thomp- 
 son, J. Le 
 land, §f G. 
 ^iorris. 
 
 J Poindex- 
 ter, 
 
 Jl. Datl'3/)7! 
 
 T. and A. 
 
 Walkr. 
 
 A. Bicd-soe 
 
 A. Waller. 
 
 li. Pendle- 
 ton. 
 
 E. AHl. 
 H. Goodloe 
 
 A. Waller. 
 E, Ehj. 
 
 A. Waller. 
 
 4. Broad' 
 dus, 
 
 4. Waller. 
 
 A. BrOad- 
 
 dus. 
 
 A. Broad- 
 dus. 
 
 E Purring- 
 ton. 
 
 L. Pag^. 
 
 W. WaUer. 
 
 J. Poindex- 
 ter. 
 
 II, Goodloe. 
 W. Ccok. 
 
 Spottsylva< 
 uia, 
 
 do. 
 do, 
 do. 
 do. 
 • do^ 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 Caroline & 
 Spottsylva.- 
 nia. 
 
 Caroline. 
 
 do. 
 
 Goochland 
 &Lonisa. 
 
 Good. land 
 
 LouiSii. 
 do. 
 
 dc. 
 
 Oransc, 
 
142 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 This alTociation contains all the churches inthecounr 
 ties of Spottsylvania and Louifa, together witliapart 
 of thofe in Caroline, Hanover, Goochland and Orange. 
 They held their firfl: meeting at Roundabout meet- 
 ing houfe, Louisa county, Friday 17th October 1792. 
 Letters were received from fifteen churches, eleven 
 of which fent an account of their numbers in full fel- 
 lowfliip, amounting to 1434, in which, alfo, it was 
 flated, that there had been 1 70 baptized in the courfe 
 of the preceding year. In no church, is any revival 
 mentioned, except at the Roundabout, where elder 
 John Poindexter had the pafloral care. In that church 
 there had been one hundred and nine baptized in the 
 courfe of one year. 
 
 No^bufinefs of a general nature was tranfad:ed, and 
 indeed very little of any fort* The next alTociation was 
 appointed at Burrus's meeting houfe in Caroline ct'y. 
 October ISth, 1793. — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. Letters were received from 16 churches. 
 Two only fpeak of a revival, viz. Salem and Round- 
 about ', the reft complain pf great coldnefs and lan- 
 guor. The Rev. John Waller, the oldeft minifter in 
 the aiTociation, and among the oldeft in Virginia, ap- 
 plied to the aftbci^itjon for, and received a letter of re- 
 commendation, having resolved to move toS. Carolina. 
 
 It was agreed to print the present minutes. The next 
 aiTociation was appointed at Thompfon's meeting 
 houfe, Louisa county. 
 
 OB, 17//?, 1794. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. They were vifi ted by John Waller, a father 
 in this aflbciation. Letters from 17 churches were 
 read. Several churches fpeak of hopeful appearances, 
 but none of revivals Since the iaft alTociation, it 
 appears, that in all the churches there were i26 bap- 
 tized. No bufinefs of a general nature was tranfadt- 
 cd. The next aiTociation was appointed at Lledroe's 
 meeting houfe. Orange county, beginning on the third 
 Saturday in Odober.* 
 
 * Upon trial, it v;as found more convenient for t1i<- aCociation o ccn. 
 mcr.ce their refllcns en Saturdays, ar.d adjourn on Mondays. 
 
GOSHEN ASSOClA:tlON. Ii3 
 
 Saturdaih OB. iTih, '95. — They met according to 
 appointment. Letters from i7 churches were read. 
 A complaint of coldnefs is univerfal in all the church- 
 es. The afTociation recommended a day of failing 
 and prayer, to be obferved throughout the churches, 
 to avert the dangers apprehended from the treaty of 
 amity and commerce, between Great Britain and Ame- 
 rica. This meafure, doubtlefs, arofe from the violent 
 party heat, which, at that time, agitated the minds of 
 Americans generally, and which it feems, frequently 
 made its way into the pulpit and religious affemblies. 
 If the aflbciation ftept out of her province, by an in- 
 terference in political meafures, flie feems to have 
 done it, in a lafs way. Failing and prayer will fel- 
 dom do us much injury, although we m.ay be put to it, 
 from ftrange caufes. 
 
 The following query was introduced : " Has a mi- 
 nifler a right to baptize perjons, and join them to a 
 church at a remote dijiaiiee ;*' which was anfwered in 
 the negative. From this quere and folution, it feems, 
 great difturbance arofe. George Morris, an ordained 
 minifter, had been in the habit of violating this rule. 
 When the fubjecfl was debated in the afTociation, Mr. 
 Morris became fo exafperated, that he abruptly left 
 his feat, and went home. Continuing flill toprofcfs 
 the fame principles, and publicly to cenfure the alio- 
 ciation for their decilion, and thereby to create no 
 little confufion; the moderator by the adviceof friends, 
 thought proper to call a conference, i. e. a kind of oc- 
 cafional afTociation . The conference accordingly met 
 at Waller's meeting houfe, on the firfl Saturday in Ja- 
 nuary 1796. Thirteen churches were reprefented, 
 and Morris was prefent. The moderator, by the in- 
 ftrudlion of the conference, asked Morris fuch qu(^s- 
 tions as tended to effect a reconciliation, if it was ppf- 
 iible; bnt Morris continued refradory. Whereupdn, 
 he was cenfured by the conference, and cited to ap- 
 pear at the next alTociation, to an Twer for his condufu 
 At the next afTociation no recgnci-liation could b® ef-f 
 
144 HISTORY Ol' THE 
 
 fe(5ted, and a con'iinittee was appointed to deal with 
 Morris, before his churches. The committee re». 
 ported, that they had fettled the exifting difference, 
 to the mutual fatisfaction of all parties. This, howJ 
 eyer, was but the beginning of trouble ariling from 
 Morris. The next aflbciation was appointed at Wal- 
 ler's meeting houfe, Spottfylvania county. 
 
 < iB. i^th, J 796". — They met according to adjourn- 
 ment. Only 1 2 churches were reprefented : Three* 
 under the care of George Morris, adhered to him, in 
 his conteft with the aflbciation, and at this felTion 
 wrote to the aflbciation, remonflrating in favour of 
 Morris. A committee was appointed by the alfoci- 
 ation to viiit and admonifh thefe churches. Their 
 return, is in thefe words : 
 
 " The committee are happy to inform the churches, 
 that they have settled the ensling differences, to the 
 satisfaction of Elder Morris, and his churches.** 
 
 For the credit of religion, it is devoutly to be wifh- 
 ed that this reconciliation had been permanent. But 
 the lequel will fhew, that Morris was not for peace. 
 
 It had been a rule, hitherto, for the aflbciation to 
 appoint quarterly meetings, from year to year, in the 
 different parts of the diflrid:. At this feflion, a year- 
 ly meeting, to lafl: two days, was agreed on, in lieu of 
 quarterly meetings :'^ the minifters to attend them, 
 were nominated by the aflbciation, and responsible 
 for failure. 
 
 It is pleaflng to find, from the record of this afToci- 
 ation, that, in the midll of diflrefs, the Lord remem- 
 bered mercy to fome of the churches. Two church- 
 es fpeak of a comfortable revival. The next aflbci- 
 ation was appointed at Burrus's meeting houfe, Ca> 
 roline county. 
 
 Oct. 2\, '91' — They met accordingto appointment. 
 Letters were received from 17 churches, moft of whom 
 complain of coldnefs. Some precious exceptions how- 
 ever, are ma de. The churches at Waller's, Burrus^i. 
 
 * Ic is since changed to ibur days. 
 
^ GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. i-k' 
 
 f 
 
 and Williams's meeting houfes, fpeak the language of 
 praife. At this affociation was elder John L eland, 
 from New-Bngland : his preaching, was not in words 
 onhj, hut m power and in ths Holy Ghost No bufmefs 
 worthy of hiftorical attention was tranfa(fled. It was 
 an agreeable time. The next aflbciation was appoint- 
 ed at Fofter's creek meeting houfe, Louifa county. 
 
 October 2o//z, 1798. — They met according to ap- 
 pointment. Letters froiti 16 churches were receiv- 
 ed. With scarcely an exception, they all exprefied 
 fad complaints of a declenlion in religion. No im- 
 portant matter was taken up. Except the revifal of 
 the confeffion of faith. The next ajTociation was 
 appointed at WiUernefs meeting houfc Spotsylvania 
 county. 
 
 October iQth, lygg- — Letters from iS churches 
 were received. It appears to have been a comforta- 
 ble feaion. The following is an extrad" from the 
 general obfervations made in the record-book. No- 
 thing of the pleaiing kind appears on the face of the 
 letters, except a ipint of " general love and union. It 
 was at this ieffion that elder H. French, and his 
 church at Licking Hole, was received as a part of 
 this ailbciation. No bulinefs of a general nature, not 
 mentioned elfewhere, occupied their attentioUiat this 
 feffion. 1 he next alTociation was appointed at Coun- 
 ty Line meeting house, Caroline county, to com- 
 mence on the 3d Friday in O^lober. 
 
 October \6th, 1801. — Letters from 21 chuiches 
 were received, all of whom, either fay, that they are 
 in a flate ot languor, or, that the revival is in a flate 
 of declenlion. Winter and Summer do not more re- 
 gularly facceed each other in the natural world, than 
 revivals and declenlions, in the religious. A good God 
 makes them both fubferve his purpofe. The next ai*- 
 fociation was appointed at Roundabout meeting houfe, 
 to commence the fecond Saturdav in October. 
 
 T 
 
14(5 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 During this year, a mournful fcene topk plac'c. 
 George Morris, (of whofe turbulent deportment to- 
 wards the association, mention has already been 
 made,) a preacher of fome talents, who iiad the paf- 
 toral and partial care of three churches, was by 
 common report charged with crimes of the deepest 
 dye. Such was his influence with the church, of 
 which he was a member, thst notwithstanding the 
 reports were well authenticated, they paid no atten- 
 tion to them until urged to it by a committee appoin- 
 ted by the association. Morris contrived to keep 
 back many of the charges, and finally to obtain from 
 the church, a favourable deciiion as to fuch as were 
 exhibited. The moderator of the aflbciation, who 
 was one of the committee, finding the matter thus 
 fmothered, to the disgrace of religion, called the af- 
 fociation together. I'hey met in conference at Wal- 
 ler's meeting houfe, on the 4th Saturday in Februar^^ 
 20 churches fent deputies. After a fair and full in- 
 velliisration of the bufinefs before the conference, it 
 was decided that Morris was guilty of the crime? laid 
 to his charge, and that the church had manifeftcd a 
 criminal partiality in retaining him inher fellowfhip. 
 The church was excluded from the afibciation, and a 
 committee appointed by the conference, to vifit them, 
 for the purpofe of pronouncing the fentence of exclu- 
 fion, as alfo to invite a minority of the church, who 
 differed from the other part, to form a church among 
 themf elves. 
 
 The nev/ church, under the name of Goldmine^ 
 was accordingly conftituted, and in a little time was 
 joined by feveral of the majority. But what was 
 more confoling, they weie blefied with the out-pour-» 
 ing of the holy fpirit. A precious revival enfued. 
 AT any were added by baptism. Morris and his par- 
 ity, as being the majority, retained the old meeting 
 housCj and kept up preaching. But to them none 
 were disposed to unite themselves. After a vain at- 
 tempt for two or thrcQ years to fland upotn indepen- 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 147 
 
 dent ground, being forfaken by their mod respe(5tabfe 
 members, Morris propoled that he and his party 
 fhould again coalesce with the Goldmine church, by 
 making conceflions : To this, the Goldmine churcli 
 replied, that they were at all titnes^ readi/ to hear what 
 amj individuals of them had to sai/, but could not re- 
 ceive them as a body, seeing this, would retognize in 
 them, a character, which they had hitherto discounter 
 nanced. Another reafor^ it was said, exifted for not 
 receiving them into their body, viz. tlicre were among 
 theniy many persons, under the imputation of gross im- 
 moralities. So the matter refls. Morris, and fome 
 of the mofl obftinate of his party, continue out of 
 communion. The churches called Salem and Bethef- 
 da, of whom Morris had the miniflerial care, ad- 
 hered to him in his conteft. These churches were 
 alfo expelled from the aiTociation, and a new one form- 
 ed out of the minority, received In thefe proceed- 
 ings, fome, who were by no means favourable to iMor- 
 ris, were of opinion, that the aiTociation were in fome 
 of her meafures, rather precipitate ; not uiing, to- 
 wards the churches deluded by Alorris, a fufficient 
 degree of lenity. Such opinions, were probably in- 
 duced by a partial view of the fubjed, efpecially thro' 
 the want of fufficient acquaintance with the intriguing 
 temper of Morris. The following is a Ihort comment 
 made on his charadter by the fecretary, and fandion^ 
 ed by the afibciation. 
 
 * Like Diotrephcshe loved and sought the pre-emi^ 
 nence. Jealousy and disonteni apparently were his 
 inseparable concomitants. In a word, he was not un- 
 like Jude's wandering stars, alcC'ays uiijlcady, until 
 they shoot in some eccentric direction, and Ikappear 
 forever." 
 
 Having given a fuccindt account of this (chistn, 
 from iirft to lafl, it is proper to return to the com- 
 mon proceedings of the afibciation. 
 
 October it^th, 1802. — The aflbciaitron met accord- 
 ing to appointment. Letters were received from 18 
 
MS m STORY OP THE 
 
 churches. The comment made by die secretary, ss 
 to tlie ftate of religion, is in the following words: 
 
 *'It appears as if poor Zion wilt shake to her centre, 
 and her watchmen proclaim, the glorif is departed from 
 Israel. Yet the ?nightij God of Jacob 2s JUII the 
 same, and his everlasting arms are undtrutaih the 
 7nourmng sons of Zion, Several of our churches seem 
 iq enjoy gentle breezes of dh^ine grace," <*('C. ^-c. 
 
 In Bethel church, one of the conllituents of this 
 aiTociation, a rule h^d been formed, by a large majo- 
 rity, compelling each perfon, unaer the penalty of 
 the displcafure of the church, to contribute towards 
 her expcnces, according to what he was worth. This 
 rule, gave great umbrage, not only to a minority in 
 the church, but to other churches likev/ise. .Uthis 
 a/Tociation, a (lucry was introduced in the following 
 words : 
 
 " JJocs the association approbate a church that rat' 
 ses moneif, hij ojjcfjing her members ?'* 
 Which received the following solution : 
 " Jfe do not approbate the methad of raising money 
 hy aff'effmentSf upon the principle of itsnot being Jane-- 
 tioned by new tefiament examples, and the general 
 principles of the Baptijis, and because of the unhap- 
 py confiquences, which may rcjult from such a piadiice," 
 Would not the Iplutioa to this query, have been 
 better thus ? 
 
 I'he new tefiament certainly requires of every mem- 
 ber of a church to contribute to the expences of reli- 
 gion, according to what he hath ; but fays nothing 
 how this mail be carried into eftedt; leaving the 
 mode of cpileding discretionary. We are therefore 
 perfuaded, that the above mode is lawful : but all 
 things that are ia\vful, are not expedient. We are of 
 opinion that, at this time, this mode is not expedient, 
 because of the prejudices of many, who have not 
 rightly confidered the fubjedt. 
 
 This was an agreeable ftffion. The next afibciation 
 was appointed at Licking Hole meeting houfe. 
 
COSIIEN ASSOCIATION^ li9 
 
 Octohtr i^th, 1803. — Letters from 16 churches 
 Were read. The comment made by the fecretary was, 
 " That the letters breath the spirit of universal love 
 and harmony, but complain of coldnefs." Of theaf- 
 fociation, he fays, " Much peace and love prevaikd^ 
 among the members of this ajjocmtion, during the 
 whole fejfion.'* 
 
 It was at this feffion,aJiey firfh took up the bufinefs 
 of compofing a hiftory of the Baptifts, in the Gofhen 
 dlftridl, and accordingly made an order requcfting 
 the churches to fend accounts to the next afibciation. 
 'Jhis plan was afterwards relinquiflied in favour of 
 the prefent work. The next affociation was appoint- 
 ed at Bethel meeting houfe, Caroline county. 
 
 O(3o6e/" 20//^ 1804. — Letters from 18 churches 
 were read. In a few churches revivals are mentioned. 
 All the churches Icem to enjoy peace. The next af- 
 fociation was appointed at Waller's meeting houfe. 
 
 October igthy 1805. — Letters were received from 
 18 churches. Two or three churches fpeak of re- 
 vivals. From the foregoing affociation 2 f 6 had been 
 baptized. Thelftiext ailbciation was appointed at 
 Goldmine meeting houfe, Louisa county. 
 
 OBober iSth, i806 — Letters from 18 churches 
 were received. No revival; yet times were rather pro- 
 miling than otherv/ife. The fubjedl of encouraging 
 miflionaries, was taken up in this feffion. I'he affo- 
 ciation expreffed her approbation of encouraging mif- 
 lionaries, to travel and preach the gofpel among the 
 Indian tribes, provided any pradticable plan could be 
 invented. 
 
 During the foregoing year, and for many years, the 
 churches had been much ijnipofcd upon by certain im- 
 poffors, who went under the appellation of Baptiff 
 preachers. In order to dete(5t fuch charaders, the 
 affociation entered into the following refolution : 
 
 " In order to detedl impoftors travelling through 
 the churches, under the name'ofiicenfed or ordainei 
 
150 ursToiiv or thl 
 
 Baptifl preachers, this alTociatlon refolves to adopt the 
 following method, viz. 
 
 *' Every flranger coming under the name of a Bap- 
 tift preacher, Ihall produce to the church where he 
 may preach, or have opportunities to preach, a 
 copy of the minutes of the aiTociation, where he pro- 
 h&s himfelf a member, Ihewing his name in the 
 lift of delegates. The minutes to be dated within 
 one year." d| 
 
 The afibciation authorifea the fecretary to publilTi 
 this refolution in fome public paper printed in the 
 city of Richmond, recommending and requcfting, at 
 the fame time, the adoption of a iimilar rule by all 
 our fifter allbciations in the ftate. Nothing could be 
 more falutary than a regulation of this sort. The 
 fociety had been much difgraced by fome of these 
 miscreants, who had been foilered by unexperienced 
 well-meaning Baptifts. The next ailbciation was ap- 
 pointed at Guinea's Bridge meeting house.* 
 
 Several excellent circular letters were written for 
 this alTociation by MelTrs, A. Broaddus, A. Waller 
 and John Poindexter, alternately -, but bejng chiefly 
 on dodrines of divinity, often tre^ed of in religious 
 books, they have not been noticed/ 
 
 CHAPTER XIV, 
 
 Ihsiorical Skeichcs of the Churches, ii} Goshen Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 WALLER'S. 
 
 This is a mother church indeed. Their correspon- 
 ding letter to the ailbciation in 1791 , fays, *' We have 
 lately conftituted two new churches, which make fif- 
 
 * Al'hough there have been several sessions since j8o6, yet as cur inanul- 
 cript was finished previous to receiving any intormation o: them, we can on- 
 ly say ther; was nothing vtry rcraarkabk. 
 
GO'SMEN ASSOCIATION. 15i 
 
 teen, that have be^n taken off from our church." 
 She was firft called Lower Spottfylvania, in contra- 
 diftlndlion to Upper Spottfylvania, now called Craig's. 
 Elder John Waller was chofen paftor January 2d, 
 '70, which was a few months after the church was 
 conflituted: he continued to fill that office, until '93, 
 when he rftbved to S. Carolina. When Mr. J. Wal- 
 ler declared himfelf independent, this church adher- 
 ed to him, and was of cpbrfe excluded from the af- 
 ibciation. When he was reinftated, fo was the church. 
 It is worthy of remark, that although Mr. Waller 
 was an Armiiiian, and on that account broke with the 
 alTociation, and carried with him this church, yet the 
 church was far from being unanimoufly Arminian. 
 Some of Mr. Waller's neareft relatives, ftood firm to 
 the gofpel plan. At one time, previous to Mr. Wal- 
 ler's reinftatement into the alTociation, there were 
 few, if any iefs, than 1500 members in this church. 
 Although flie has had various ebbs and flows, 
 ,and knows well the difference between declenfions 
 and revivals, yet few, if any, have experienced more 
 uninterrupted profperity. Of fo much importance 
 to the good-ftanding of a church, is an exemplary 
 preacher, who underflands the art of combining the 
 hearts of all, in one great object. It feemed provi- 
 dential, that, when their former paflor who had grown 
 old, and thought proper to change his place of resi- 
 dence, their prefent paflor was ripe, both in talents 
 and experience, to fill his place ; and it would feem, 
 had obtained his uncle's mantle and a double portion 
 of his fpirit, for under his care, the church has flou- 
 rifhed more, than under that of their firfl paflor.— 
 They have one of the beft built and moil comforta- 
 ble meeting houfes, in Virginia, For, however the 
 Baptiils may excel in matters of greater magnitude, 
 they cannot be admired for the elegance or conveni- 
 ence of their houfes of worfhip. 
 
 In 'Bj, the fet time to favour this part of Zion ar- 
 rived, aad under the miniflry of elder Harris who was 
 
15i IHSTOEY OP Till: 
 
 now on a vifit to them, this revival bur fled forth, on 
 every hand, nor did the warceafe, until many of the 
 fonsand daughters of the enemy of God, fellasvid- 
 ims to invincible grace. Aboat 200 were baptized. 
 In '96, as if to encourage their young and ardent 
 pailor, God granted a heavenly move, among the peo- 
 ple, and Mr. Waller baptized fifty-four. £ew years 
 have elapfed, in which there were not fome baptized* 
 
 jMINE 4dad. 
 
 This is a fmall church, taken off from Waller's in 
 '9 1 , Mr. Henry Pendleton, was ordained to the care 
 of the church, at the time of the conftitution. From 
 firil to laffc, this church has rather dragged on heavily, 
 having had no revival, or none to any extent. Their 
 present number is now lefs than at their firfl confti- 
 tution. 
 
 They have however, fome ufeful members, among 
 whom is Mr. Henry Pendleton, senior, father of the 
 preacher, andhimfelf a preacher, in another fenfe. — 
 He preaches by a pious v/alk and godly converfation. 
 Pie is now a venerable old man, of about fourfcore 
 years of age. 
 
 Henry Pendleton, their firfl paftor, was, until a 
 few years before his death, confidered a very pious and 
 rational man He had fallen into the Arminian fyf- 
 tem, to which he adhered in all its branches, but be- 
 ing viewed as a pious man, was held in eftimation. 
 Strange to tell, in 1 800, he put an end to his own ex- 
 iftance, by (hooting himfelf. His conduct for fome 
 length of time previous to this fatal extent, indica- 
 ted fome degree of melancholy insanity: To this 
 ftate of mind, charity requires us, to afcribe an adl fo 
 unpardonable, if perpetrated by one not in a ftate of 
 infanity. 
 
 Elder Philip Pendleton, is their prefent paftor, 
 
 CRAIG'S. 
 
 This church, formerly called Upper Spottiylvania, 
 is the oldeft conftitution between James and Rappa- 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. l53 
 
 hannock rivers. It was not until N ovember '70, about 
 three years after their conilitution that they received 
 Lev/is Craig as paflor. Under his care, and previous- 
 ly, this was a flourilhing church. In 76, the word 
 of God grew mightily among them, and one hundred 
 were added. Hut in '81, to the great mortification 
 of the remaining members, Mr Craig with mod: of the 
 church, moved to Kentucky. Soon after this event, 
 this mother church was o|||iged to relinqtiilb her con- 
 flitution, In '83, being reinforced by fome nev/ re- 
 cruits, they resumed their conilitution. They have 
 not flourifhedof late, as much as fome other church- 
 es ; yet their number, though fmall, contains fome 
 worthy charad:ers, on whofe fhoulders the govern- 
 ment of the church feems chiefly to refL 
 
 For a feafon, they had elder Ephraim Abel for their 
 paftor, but he alfo moved away. At prefent, elder 
 Edward Elly attends them occafionally. 
 
 PYNEY BRANCH. 
 
 This church was taken ofF from Waller's. Their 
 meeting houfe is about twelve or fourteen ifiiles from 
 Fredericksburg. They have had, from firii to lall, 
 as their paftor, elder Henry Goodloe. Nothing- re- 
 markable has occurred in this church. Their courfe 
 has been fmooth and even, having had neither revi- 
 vals, nor declenfions, worthy of note. They began 
 with the number of forty, and they continue nearly 
 at the fame ftand. 
 
 Elder Jeremiah Chandler, has lately become a min- 
 iiler here, and has been ufeful in the miniftry. The 
 church appears, of late, rather to be on the increafe. 
 
 JMASSAPONAX. 
 
 This church is in the vicinity of Fredericksburg. 
 Mellrs. Dudley, Schackleford and \Iafon^ had preach- 
 ed with fome fuccefs in this neighbourhood, previous 
 to the year '85, when Mr. Maftin moved among 
 them. Some who were feals to the miniflry of the 
 
 U ^ v: 
 
I5i HISTORY OF THE 
 
 lirfl named preachers, were baptized by Mr. Maftin. 
 Thefe, together with a confiderable number who 
 profefled faith, under the miniflry of Maflin, were 
 conftitiited anno '88. Mr. Maflin was a confirmed 
 Arminian, having been ordained to the miniftry by 
 Mr. J. Waller, in the time of his independence. — 
 Molt of thofe who had been profelyted by. his minif- 
 try, received the flamp of his principles, whilfl a ref- 
 pedable part of the churc*||| who had been illumined 
 through the miniflry of otliers, were of Calviniflic 
 fentiments. This diverfity of opinion, was afource 
 of great unhappinefs among them. The Arminian 
 party, were moil numerous, and were not only un-^ 
 found in principle, but negligent in discipline. It 
 feems indeed, that Mr. Maflin, in receiving and bap- 
 tizing members, was too remifs, which, together 
 with the flacknefs of his discipline, after they were 
 received, proved a fource of much confufion and 
 disorder. There were a few, who were much cha- 
 grined at these things. They took opportunities to 
 remonilrate againfl them with the paftor, as also 
 againfl his legal doctrines. He was displeafed. In 
 1801, elder Hipkins Pitman, who was a fupporter of 
 Calvinifm, moved into the bounds of this church. — 
 I] is miniftry being acceptable to that part of the 
 church who coincided with him ; Mr. Maflin grew' 
 jealous, and almoll: declined preaching among them. 
 Finally, the contefl rifing to great height, the church 
 withdrew from the care of Mr. Maflin, and chofe 
 MefTrs. Pitman and A. Waller to attend them 
 jointly. The enfuing year, Mr. Waller was called 
 to take charge of the church, as a flated minifler. 
 Under him, as their preacher, they have been a hap- 
 py people, and the church has Increafed. 
 
 WILDERNESS. 
 
 % 
 
 This is a numerous church, in the upper end of 
 
 Spottfylvania. They had for their firft pallor, Jofeph 
 liledfoe. They were not happy under his care. When 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 15m' 
 
 he moved to Kentucky, his brother, Aaron Bledfoe^ 
 became their ftated miniller. In '88> they enjoyed 
 the Imiles of Heaven, in a precious revival, condusfl- 
 ed chiefly under the miniftry of Aaron Bledfoe. The 
 church increafed to one hundred and thirty. Mr. 
 B's. labours were much blefied among them, until 
 fome unhappinefs arifmg from his eccentric flights, 
 be refigned liis care. 
 
 Since that time, Mr. Bawai'd Eily has been anoc- 
 caiional pallor for them. Mr. Elly is a worthy man, 
 and a found preacher. The church has enjoyed peace 
 and harmony under his miniilry. - 
 
 It v/as in this church that Thomas Bridges, now a 
 prisoner in the Penitentiary for horfe-ftealing, was 
 baptized in '88, Bridges began to preach. Soon 
 after, he was baptized ; but being very illiterate, and 
 of obfcure parentage, he was not much noticed in his 
 own neighbourhood. He was, however, fo far encou- 
 raged by the church, as to obtain ordination : having 
 from his youth, a propenfity to lying, he was deted:- 
 ed in this mean pradice, after he commenced preach- 
 er : The church, however, admitting his excufes, 
 did not exclude him. Feeling restless under these 
 charges, he asked and obtained a letter of difmidioa 
 from the church : He now travelled off into Loudon, 
 and the adjacent counties, where he became conli- 
 derably popular as a preacher. He certainly had 
 fome talents. He was fluent in his delivery, and for 
 his education, Ipoke in handsome language. His 
 memory was exceedingly retentive, and he had after 
 becoming a preacher, read a good deal. He had al- 
 fo a large flock of that kind of wit, which pleafes 
 without profiting ; but, in point of judgment, he was 
 probably as deficient as ever man was. His opinions 
 upon fubjed:s, that he had often studied and discuf- 
 fed, were always ^ncorredt; upon ojihers, he was a 
 mere child. After ail, it is not likely that Bridges 
 would ever have become fo entirely abandoned, had 
 he not unfortunately married a wife with a coniidorabls 
 
Ijo history of 'iiii: 
 
 estate; by which, his fpirits being elevated far above 
 their common level, he lost all the stock of prudence 
 he previously poiTeired. Not accustomed to the ma- 
 nagement of property to any tolerable extent, he foon, 
 very foon, fpent what he had gotten by marriage. 
 Still retaining the relifli for his new fphere of adlion ; 
 but having lost all lawful refources, he strangely re- 
 forted to the fliocking alternative of stealing horfes. 
 For which, being condemn'ld in 1803, he was con- 
 iined in the Penitentiary, where he is now. 
 
 GUINEA'S BRIDGE. 
 
 This church, so called from its vicinity to a bridge 
 o£ thai; name, is a church of high-ftanding, having a 
 number of pious and worthy members. The gofpel 
 was preached here, in its power and purity, at an ear- 
 ly date after the rife of the Baptifts. This place was 
 not without its perfecutors alfo. At one tim^e, feve- 
 ral preachers were apprehended, by virtue of a war- 
 rant from a magiftrate ; Among them v/as Joseph 
 Craig, remarkable for his eccentric manners. On 
 their way to the magiftrate 's houfe, Mr. « raig think- 
 ing it no dishonour to cheat the devil, as he temied it, 
 flipped off the horse, and took to the buflies. They 
 hunted him with dogs, but Asahel like, being light 
 of foot, he made good his retreat. 
 
 The church was confbituted under the care of Mr. 
 N. liolloway. After various fuccefs, Mr. Holloway 
 left them, and moved to the county of Hallifax. They 
 then procured the rtated miniftration of Elder John 
 Waller, under whose care, they were profper- 
 ed. 
 
 In 1787. the Lord poured out his fpirit abundant- 
 ly, and many were turned to righteoufnefs, more 
 than 100 were added. After the removal of Mr. J. 
 Wallet, in 1793, they were deftitute of ftated 
 preaching, for feveral years. So great was the de- 
 cline, that they had ferious thoughts of difiblving 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 157 
 
 their conftitution, but finally having obtained the re- 
 gular niiniilrations of A. Waller, they again raifed 
 their heads. In 1800, they had the happinefs to fee a 
 precious work of God among them. As many as 
 104 were baptized, and fome of them were clever 
 and ufeful men. Their meeting houfe is a very fhort 
 diftance from the county line, in Caroline. Mr^ 
 Waller flill attends them. 
 
 FREDERICKSBURG. 
 
 This church, in the town of the fame name, is a 
 fmall but happy one. They have no relident paftor, 
 but are fupplied by Mr. A. Broaddus, who attends 
 them monthly. If there is any objection to Mr. B's. 
 minillry in this city, it is, that he is too popular with 
 the irreligious. It may be said of him, as was said 
 of Ezekiel. — '* Lo ! thou art unto them, as a very 
 lovely sojtg, of one, that hath a pleasant voice, and 
 can play well on an infirument : For they hear thy 
 words, hut they do them not,'* 1 his remark by no 
 means applies to the church, for although they hear 
 with much pleafure, they pradtise \vith more. It is 
 a young and riling church. 
 
 ZOAR. 
 
 This is a fmall church m.ade up of certain mem- 
 bers who felt themfelves aggrieved by the condu(5t 
 of the .Salem and Black- Walnut churches, in the 
 affair of Morris ; and therefore formed themfelves 
 into a feparate church. 
 
 The two churches out of which Zoar arofe were 
 originally the fruits of ;> r. John Leland's labours. Mr, 
 Leland was a native of Worcefter in Maffachufetts, 
 was baptized in 1774, and in the fall of 1776 he 
 married and moved to Virginia and settled in the 
 county of Orange in the neighbourhood of tbofe 
 churches. He continued in Virginia about fourteen 
 years, in which time he travelled and preached very 
 extenfively and very fuccefsfully. He baptized be- 
 
i5S L'lSTORY or THE 
 
 tween fix and feven hundred perfons while in the 
 ilate, and in January 1791, he removed to MalTa- 
 chufetts, and fettled in Chefhire. Mr. Leland, as 
 a preacher, was probably the most popular of any 
 that ever reiided in this state. He is unquestiona- 
 bly a man of fertile genius. His opportunities for 
 fchool learning, were not great; but the energetic 
 vigour of his mind quickly furmounted this deficien-r 
 cy. His memory was fo retentive, that by a fmgle 
 reading he stored up more of the contents of a book, 
 than many would by a dozen careful perusals. It is 
 probable that his knowledge derived from books, at 
 this day, taken in the aggregate, is furpaffed by few. 
 His preaching, though immethodical and eccentric, 
 is generally wise, warm and evangelical. There are 
 not many preachers who have fo great command of 
 the attention and of the feelings of their auditory. 
 In effecting this, his manner has been thought by 
 fome to approach too near to the theatrical, Cowper, 
 the poet, fays, 
 
 '• He that negociates between God and man, 
 " As God's ambassador, the grand concerns 
 " Of judgment and of mercy, should beware 
 " Of lightness in his speech.'' 
 
 Here Mr. Leland and the poet are at variance ; he 
 does fometimes, and indeed not unfrequently, ** court 
 the skittish fancy with facetious tales." If Cowper 
 fays, so did not Paul ; Leland can say, fo did George 
 Whitefield, Rowland Hill, &cc. and they have been 
 the moft fuccefsful of modern preachers. Mr. Le- 
 land's free and jocund manners, have excited the fuf- 
 picions of fome, that he wanted ferious pietv. His 
 intimate friends, are-,confident that thefe are ground- 
 lefs fufpicions. Thoy believe, that, among his other 
 Angularities, he is fmgularly pious. ^\ bile in Virgi- 
 nia, he wrote feveral treatises, and was certainly very 
 inftrumental in effeding the juft and faiutary regu- 
 lations concerning religion, in this ftate. He has 
 been fim_ilar)y employed fince his removal to New*- 
 
GOSUBN'ASSOCIATIDN L59 
 
 England. He has always been a zealous advocate 
 for republican government. When Mr. Jefferfoa 
 was raised to the Presidential chair, the ladies of Mr. 
 Leland's congregation, made a cheese of immense 
 fize,* and fent it by Mr. Leland, as a present to Mr. 
 fefferfon. This affair made no little noise in the 
 United States. 
 
 COUNTY LINE. 
 
 This church was a part of those who broke off" from 
 the aflbciation with elder John Waller, and were 
 conflituted into a feparate church, during his feclu- 
 lion, having been previoufly an arm of the church 
 called Waller's. After elder Waller made peace with 
 the allbciation, this church was received as a member. 
 At her conftitution, Mr. Wm. Waller was inftalled 
 as her paffor, but he moving to Kentucky in '84, 
 they procured the ftated attendance of elder John 
 Waller. Under his miniffry in '87> the windows of 
 grace were opened, and God reigned down righteouf- 
 nefs among them. The church multiplied. When 
 Mr. John Waller moved away, they procured the Ha- 
 ted attendance of Mr. Absalom Waller. He full 
 preaches for them, once a month. This is a church 
 of confiderable respedtability. 
 
 BETHEL. 
 
 This church is in the neighbourhood of the Bow- 
 ling Green, Caroline county. There are not many, 
 if any churches in the Baptift connexion, more wor- 
 thy of commendation than this. Though not large, 
 they are, by all who know them, much respected for 
 their work of faith, and labour of love, and patience 
 of hope, in our Lord Jesus Chriff. If Paul faid, that 
 the Thefalonians were enfamples to all that believe in 
 Macedonia and Achaia, fo may we fay, that moll of 
 
 * It was said to have had in it 1400 lb. of curd, and to have weighed 900 
 werght when taken from the press. The enemies of Jefferson called it the 
 Mammouth Cheese : they also wrote poems and vented much wit upon the oc- 
 cafion. It was, however, received by the President with pleasure, and view- 
 ed by the impartial as a eingular pledge of patriotism. 
 
lOO UIStORY OP THE 
 
 the members of this church, are enTamples to their 
 (iotemporaries. Their meetings are folemn, without 
 aullerity, and lively, without any mixture of enthu- 
 fiafm. Their hofpitality cordial without parade, and 
 their manners fimple and eafy, without affedtation. 
 ^1 hey love without dissimulation, and therefore, often 
 meet, not only publicly, but from houfe to houfe, 
 for fecial prayer and converfation. Though they 
 have no resident ordained preacher, yet several of 
 their members have occafionally exhorted, and 
 preached in their afiemblies. Elder A. Broaddus, 
 paftor of Burruff's, attends here monthly. He is 
 viewed as their father, and from him, as children from 
 a father, they receive that counsel, by which they are 
 nurtured up into everlafting life. Two of their moll 
 valuable members, have already finiflied their fhort, 
 but happy courfe. 
 
 Mr. Charles Woolfork was a deacon at their first 
 conftitution. He discharged the duties of that office, 
 with great fidelity and promptitude. Having been ac» 
 cuftomed to genteel fociety, and having an indepen- 
 dent fortune, he had it in his power to do many good 
 ads, and to do them likewise with a good grace. He 
 was a man of God. Livmg in this ipotlels manner, 
 in a few years he fell afleep, deeply regretted by all 
 his acquaintance ; but by his family and the church, 
 in a more singular degree. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Jones, a relation of the above, was 
 alfo a deacon of this church, and may be faid to rank 
 in the firfl: grade. From the day he profefied godli- 
 ness, until his death, he appears to have devoted his 
 whole soul to his mafter's fervice. It is not likely, 
 that any private character ever did more good in so 
 fhort a time. Though in affluent circumftances, he 
 knew how to use this world as not abusing it. After 
 a lingering illnefs, he alfo fell afleep anno. i8oo. — 
 He was an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no 
 guile. Here we muft paufe and confider, why fuch 
 men as these, fhould run foihort a courle. To which 
 
••GCSHEN ASSOCUTlON, 161 
 
 we can only fay, that all who underftand much of the 
 ways of Providence, have plainly difcovered, that a 
 high degree of profperity, is seldom of long duration. 
 Things were too well in Bethel church, to abide long, 
 ill such a world as this 6 
 
 BURRUS'S. 
 
 This church is in the South Weft part of Caroline, 
 having fome members alfo in Hanover. It could bo 
 wifhed, that as favourable things could be faidof this,, 
 as of the foregoing church But candour compels 
 us to ftate, that although they have fome worthy and 
 valuable members, there have been a more than com- 
 mon proportion of apoftacies and fallings off. So 
 much had the church declined at one time, that the 
 paftor had ferious thoughts of propofing to them, to 
 dilTolve their conftitution, or rather, to blend theirs 
 with the Bethel. But God, who loves to furprile us, 
 with unexpeded mercies, proclaimed a jubilee. This 
 work of grace began Summer 1808, and in a few 
 months, fome very valuable members were annexed. 
 This church was firft called Pole-cat, and the meet- 
 ing houfe Burrus's, after Rev. John Burrus, who was 
 once a preacher among them, but never was ordained. 
 
 Of elder Andrew Broaddus, paftor of this church, 
 rriueh may be truly said. The next aftbciation that 
 was holden after he took the minifterial care of the 
 churchy entered upon their record the following eu- 
 logy. ** In the midft of afflid:ion, we have to men- 
 *' tion with thankfulnefs, to the great head of Zion ; 
 ** that elder A. Broaddus, who has been a fhining 
 ** light in the churches thefe feveral years paft, has, 
 ** at the call of Burrus's, confented to take the pafto- 
 *' ral care of that church, and is confequently a mem- 
 " berof our affociation." 
 
 WILLIAMS'S. 
 
 This church, chiefly in the upper end of Goochland, 
 is a church of long and high-ftanding, in religious fo- 
 
 V 
 
162 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 cicty. For fe vera 1 years, they were under the ftated' 
 niinifterial care of elder John Waller. When he re- 
 iigned, fome little time previous to his removal, the} 
 called Mr. Goodloe, who accepted the call, and ac- 
 ccyrdingly preached for them Itatedly, until the year 
 'Q6, after which, Mr. John Poindexter, at their re- 
 queft, attended them occafionally. Under Mr. Poin- 
 dexter's miniilry, they enjoyed a pleafant revival : A 
 I'evival conduifted with harmony, folemnity and order, 
 in v/hich, about ninety or one hundred were baptized : 
 of these, says their manufcript furniflied us, only 14. 
 have been excommunicated, in about ten or eleven 
 yfcars, and yet their discipline has been regular. A 
 few years ago, Mr. Eliiba Purrington, who had pre-*- 
 vioully been ordained, was chofen as piflor. Under 
 him, as pailor, there has been peace and happinefs in 
 the church. The church is much attached to Mr. 
 Purrington, as a man of unafFeded piety, and mild 
 and pleafant manners. Asa preacher he is found in 
 dodirine, very lively and aifedionate in his addrefs, 
 and has talents of that fort, which is calculated to 
 do good. He is a native of New- 1 ngland, and came 
 to Virginia in the charader of a teacher of Psalmody 
 orchurch-mulic, in which he is excelled by none and 
 equalled by few, in the state. Since he has been paf~ 
 tor, there have been frequent additions to the church, 
 but no revival. • 
 
 In this church, lives Thomas Waford, an old and 
 faithful difciple of Christ, who was among the firft 
 to profefs religion, at the rise of the Baptists. He is 
 not a preacher, but has done more good, than a fcore 
 of preachers of a certain description. When Waller 
 and others ufed to travel off, into strange places, Mr. 
 Waford ufed to go on fometime before-hand, and 
 publifli their meetings, and procure places for them 
 to preach at ; then he would return, and accompany 
 them : he would enforce, by private arguments and 
 admonitions, what the preachers advanced from the 
 pulpit, lie alfo fliared rn their perfecutioois. Once 
 
CrOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 1.03 
 
 he was taken up with them in Effex county, and car- 
 ried before a magistrate and examined, and his saddle- 
 bags fearched, and then discharged, not having dis- 
 turbed the peace, by preaching, &c. ^'^t another meet- 
 ing, when perfecution ran high, he went to the fpring 
 to drink, and there, meeting with one of the fons of 
 Belial, was severely whipped j the fears of which, he 
 will doubtlefs carry to his grave. Mr. Waford is now 
 (1809,) more than four-fcore years of age, and has 
 profefled religion more than forty years, during which 
 time, he has maintained a fpotlefs reputation, not on- 
 ly for order and piety, but for steady and unabating 
 zeal. Old as he is, he milTes very few aflbciations, 
 
 LICKING HOLE. 
 
 This church, in the upper end of Goochland, is 
 probably the largeft church in the Gofhen aiTociation. 
 It was planted under the miniftry of elder Ford and 
 others. — (Seepage 12.) Forfeveral years after the 
 conftitution, elder Ford was their occafional paftor, 
 but at length, they made choice of Rev. Hugh French 
 for their paftor. Under his care, they enjoyed peace 
 and harmony. Until '98, they were conneded with 
 the Dover afTociation ', but being more convenient 
 to the Goflien, they petitioned and obtained a difmil- 
 iion to join the Golhen, where they have been ever 
 ilnce. In 1 804, they enjoyed one of the moft heavenly 
 revivals, that ever was feen, 4 or5 00 v/ere baptized, and 
 among them fome very respedable charac^ters indeed. 
 Elder Leonard Page, v/ho was very adlive and ufefui 
 in the revival, has been since choien pallor. There 
 ,are few, if any members in the ilate, that poffefs a 
 greater number of intelligent men, than Licking 
 Hole. Besides their paftor, Do(51:or John Morgan, 
 a practitioner of phyfic, and a preacher of the gof- 
 pel, resides among them. 
 
 • Here alfo died, that an)iable and beloved fervant of 
 Chrift, Peregrine G. Smith. Mr. Smith was a na- 
 tive of Maflachafetts, and at an early period in life. 
 
IQ4> HISTORY OF THE 
 
 profelTed vital religion. Having received a classical 
 education, he began to preach the gofpcl. After con« 
 tinuing a fhort time in New-England, he was advis- 
 ed to travel into the Southern states for his health, 
 which was now very low. He came to Virginia and 
 •after travelling thro' various parts of the state, and find- 
 ing it, as he thought, more congenial with his consti- 
 tution, he resolved to settle here. His residence 
 and ministrations were much wished in many places. 
 He however gave the preference to Licking Hole, and 
 accordingly came here to live. Mr. Smith, it appears, 
 had for several years been afflicted with the consump- 
 tion, a complaint so flattering in its nature, that few 
 who have it, ever think they have. He entertained 
 fome exped:ation of recovery, until a few days be^ 
 fore his death, which took place in I^o7. 
 
 Mr. Smirh v^^as a preacher of fine talents indeed. 
 His delivery was easy ; his style very elegant, his ac- 
 tion becoming and his manner warm and animating. 
 jHis knowledge of books was coniiderable, and having 
 travelled very extensively for one of his age, he had. 
 also acquired considerable experience of men, &c. 
 By these things, added to his mild disposition, his pi- 
 ous spirit and accomplished manners ; his company 
 and conversation, was very attrading, to all, who had 
 even a flight acquaintance with him. Licking Hole 
 church, did themfelves much credit, by their benevo- 
 lent conduct towards this amiable and aftefted widow 
 and child. So friendly were they towards her, that 
 when fhe passed through Richmond, on her way to 
 New- England, fhe laid to a friend, that " she had 
 not believed there were such people in the world, as 
 fhe had found in this neighbourhood.'* 
 
 Elder French, though not a man of distinguished 
 talents, was -efleemed a warm and experimental prea- 
 cher. As a chriflian, he was pious and exemplary. 
 And as a man, he was in high eftimation in all the 
 relations of fociallife. He only lived a few years 
 •after he joined the Goshen aflbciation, and at one of 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 165 
 
 the fcffions he was made moderator. At the next af- 
 fociatipn, his death is entered upon their records, with 
 some commendatory remarks upon his charadter. 
 
 THOMPSON'S, OR GOLDMINE. 
 
 The preaching of the Rev. David Thoinas, in Orange, 
 made ferious imprefTions upon fome in this neighbour- 
 hood, who went there to hear him. This induced them 
 to look out for preachers to come into their own vi- 
 cinity, and accordingly they procured the ferviees of 
 Mr. Nathaniel Saunders, and others. Finally, when 
 MelTrs. Harrifs and Read came on in their circuit, 
 this neighbourhood participated in the blcfiingi-— 
 Some were baptized. This induced Lewis Craig and 
 other young preachers, to viiit them ; lo that in '70, 
 they were conftituted as a church. They were much 
 Itraightened to choofe a paftor, being divided among 
 three. At length they agreed to receive David Thomp- 
 fon. The church had now become large. Lender Mr. 
 Thompfon's care the church declined, and fell into 
 Tome unhappy contentions. He finally moved pfF, 
 and the church obtained the flated attendance of Rev. 
 Mr. Leland. Mr. Leland's miniflry was greatly blef- 
 fed. The church increafed to a great extent Few 
 preachers were ever more popular in any place of their 
 ftated miniflry, than Mr. Leland was in thefe parts. 
 But much to the regret of both thoie without and with- 
 in the church, Mr. Leland in '9 , removed to New- 
 England, his native country. This church then made 
 choice of George Morris, one of their own members, 
 who had been lor fome time preaching among them. 
 The event of this choice may be (een. in the account 
 given of the Gofl;ken association. Morris in the divi- 
 iion of the church, gaining a majority, held on upon 
 their meeting houfe. The minority, who was by the 
 association, pronounced the church, built them a 
 ftage, and finally a m^eeting houfe, a few miles ofi-', 
 where, under the ministry of visiting preachers, in 
 1 804 and 1805, they were revived,, and have fiourifh- 
 
5 GO IIISTOIIY OF THE 
 
 ed greatly. Many of Morris's friends have kft him, 
 and joined this chufch, who called therPiSelves Gold- 
 mine church. In 1S07, they chole elder William 
 Waller as paftor, who continues to attend them once 
 a month. 
 
 ROUNDABOUT. 
 
 This church, fomev/hat above the court-houfc, and 
 on the Icuth fide of Louisa, is a church of the firfl 
 grace as to intelligent members and regularity in dif- 
 'cipline. The gofpel was firft brought into this neigh- 
 bourhood by feveral of the old preachers, particularly 
 Mr. John Waller. In '9 1 , Mr. Poindexter, who had 
 been baptized a fmall time before, began to preacli. 
 In '92, he was chofen as pailor. As if God would 
 clearly fandtion the appointm.ent, he granted a pow- 
 erful revival of rehgion, foon after he was called to 
 the pafloral care. More than one hundred were bap- 
 tized in the courfe of a few months. This work went 
 on, until they increafed to m.ore than three hundred. 
 The revival began about Roundabout, but fpread up- 
 wards. So that in '95, a church was conftitutcd 
 about Fofler's creek, called Siloam. — This church 
 was raifed chiefly under the miniftry of Mr. Poin- 
 dexter, and was an arm of Roundabout, until confti- 
 tuted. lie was chofen their ftated preacher, or oc- 
 calional paflcr. It was, when conftituted, a confide- 
 rable church, having nineteen or twenty white males, 
 and about thirty females, befides a great number of 
 blacks. They continued to profper, until George 
 Morris ilirred up his fchism in fome of the neigh- 
 bouring churches. Having a brother, a member here, 
 he was too fuccefsful in forming a psrty in Siloam al- 
 fo. This brought on great diflrefs, until they came 
 to a determination in 1 802, to diflolve their conflitu- 
 ticn, and rejoin the Roundabout. This meafure al- 
 fo fecm.ed to meet the divme approbation. For im- 
 mediately after their difiolution, a fmall, but comfort- 
 able revival took place, and about twenty v»xre added 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION.- 167 
 
 to the church. Elder Poiadexter had ahb extended 
 his labours as far as Albemarle, and formed a church 
 Called Bethelj confi^ting of upwards of one hundred 
 members. It being toy far for \ir. Poindexter to 
 attend them, they chofe Vfr. Robert fonts, a young 
 preacher, who fometime afterwards moved away, and 
 Hephzibah church being conilituted a little diflance 
 above. Bethel was dilTolved, fome of the members 
 joining the new conflitution, and fome falling back 
 into Roundabout. Thus these three churches were 
 again united into one. No revival has appeared in 
 the Roundabout of late years, 'i'hey are, however, 
 in peace and harmony among themfelves. Mr. Poin- 
 dexter, their paftor. is clerk of the court of Louifa; 
 and a man of high {landing both in civil and religi- 
 ous matters. He has made, and is Hill making great 
 pecuniary facrihces for religion. 
 
 SCARROTTS. 
 
 This church, though not large, is of good standing. 
 Nothing uncommon has occurred among them. — 
 They have moved on fmoothly for many years, under 
 the stated ministry of elder Henry Goodloe. Karly 
 after their constitution, Mr. VVm. Dawfon was tbeir 
 pastor, but he did not continue long among them.- 
 Mr. Goodloe then became, and has continued ever 
 fmce, to be their preacher. 
 
 LITTLE RIVER. 
 
 Although this church has not lengthened her cords 
 to as great extent as fome others, fns has paded thro' 
 very few affli^fling fcenes, having generall/ enjoyed a 
 conlidcrable ihare of peace under her worthy amd zeal- 
 pus pastor. 
 
 NORTH FORK OF PAMUNKEY. 
 
 This is a large church, but has been, rnuch larger, 
 having of late pafTed through not only cold, but very 
 afflicting times. Some of tlie old baDtifl preachsr^ 
 
163 HISTORY OF THC 
 
 laboured In thefe parts at an early period of the tilt 
 of the Baptists. Mr Aaron iHedfoe was among 
 their first profelytes, having been previously a dissi- 
 pated charadter So foon as he believed himfelf to 
 be a convert, he began to perfuade others. His zeal 
 was unabating, he mified no opportunity to exhort, 
 advife, and admonifh, any, and every man he met 
 Willi. He was really, in season and out of season. 
 Having a singular degree of boldness, he would not be 
 abashed. Great mer\, little men, rich men, or poor 
 men were all equal with him, as it respected his confi- 
 dence. He was never to be swerved from his point, 
 nor put to the blush. By his unwearied zeal though 
 far from being a man of knowledge or gifts, he made 
 serious impressions upon many. A church was con- 
 stituted, and he chosen their pastor. The discipline 
 of the church was by no means regular. No decision 
 could be had without an unanimity. This often 
 clogged them, often discouraged them. But the 
 zeal and forwaidness of the pastor surmounted many of 
 these obstructions. The church increased. In '88, 
 they experienced an extensive revival ; several hun- 
 dreds were baptized So that in '92, when they be- 
 came a part of Goshen association, they had about 
 350 members. 
 
 Anno. 1 806, Mr. Bledsoe was accused of fraudu- 
 lent dealings which he denied, tho' too plainly proven. 
 The church excluded him, although there was a large 
 minority in his favour, who thought him innocent. 
 No man probably ever felt more chagrine at being ex- 
 cluded than Mr. Bledsoe. He soon moved away, out 
 of the state, and is fmce dead. Many good men 
 doubted whether Mr. Bledfoe ever defined anv 
 thing improper. 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 
 TABLE OF ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Ibi 
 
 
 < 
 
 o~^ 
 
 
 » ™ 
 S t) 
 
 3 - 
 
 Names of 
 Churches. 
 
 a o 
 
 
 
 = ft 
 
 S'p 
 
 
 
 a "■ 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 2 <" 
 
 ■ 3 
 
 By wliom 
 planted' 
 
 Former 
 pastors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 Albemarle, 
 
 1767 
 
 
 'Totter, 
 
 1775 
 
 35 
 
 Prithis creek, 
 
 Hephzihah, 
 
 JVhiteJldes, 
 
 Buffaloe, 
 
 Ehenezer, 
 
 Lile^tf 
 
 1802 
 1788 
 
 t773 
 1798 
 
 ^4 
 zo 
 
 Fork, 
 
 1774 
 
 60 
 
 •jt.lfm. IVoods. 
 120! O. Tin (lev. 
 
 \p. Patterson. 
 
 v^o\Geo. Ewves. 
 
 49:/l4''« '^atvfon 
 
 B Burgher, 
 
 120 
 
 80 
 
 •44 
 
 150 
 
 M. Da-'jofon. 
 O. Fln~aj;rs. 
 E C^ai:,^- 
 D. 'Thainfon. 
 
 yiVn iVoode. 
 I M. Daw/on. 
 \Geo. Eaves. 
 \H Gofs 
 \M.Dazv/o^, 
 \B. Burgher. 
 B. Coleman, 
 0. Floxijers, 
 P. Webber. 
 
 ■Jr. >ratts. 
 M. Da^jjfon. 
 
 M. Daivfonf 
 M. Da-ivfon, 
 B. Burgher. ^ 
 J. Young. 
 'V. Dun an. 
 'Vm. Bafket. 
 
 A'nemarle 
 Abema-li 
 
 AlbetnarL- 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Amherfi 
 
 4mherli 
 
 Flwuanna. 
 
 G- Atidcrfon. Flwvann'j. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 History of tJie Albemarle Afsociation, including the 
 
 Sketches of Churches, 
 
 By reference to chapter XIII it will be found that 
 the Orange Afsociation was in 179 1 divided into 
 three districts, of which, one was called Albemarle* 
 This, was then, and is now, much the fmalleft of the 
 three, having never had more than nine churches. — 
 They held their first fcfsion in 1792 and have conti- 
 nued to meet from year to vear ever lince. We have 
 not been able to procure a full file of their minutes, 
 but from such as we h-ive {^.txi^ it appears, that their 
 bufinefs is conducted in aflbciations, with the utmoft 
 harmony and love, tlder Martin i)awfon has gene- 
 rally difcharged the duty of moderator, and Elder 
 Benjamin Burgher of clerk. The district included 
 the churches in /^mherd, Albemarle and Fluvanna 
 only.* Having given pretty full accounts of the pro- 
 
 • Nelfon his been ftrlcken ofF from Aniherft fince p'^r documents came :p 
 
 w 
 
170 HISTORY OF TUB 
 
 ccedings of feveral aflbciations where the minutes 
 were in ourpolTeffion, it is the lefs neceffary to enter 
 into a detail of others : Seeing the proceedings of 
 one afTociation are confiderably fimilar to thofc of all 
 the reft in the fame connexion. We ftiall therefore 
 proceed to give hiftorical sketches of the churches iij 
 this afTociation, beginning with 
 
 ALBEMARLE. 
 
 This is the oldeft church in this afTociatlfcn. It was 
 once under the paftoral care of William Woods, wlift 
 is ftill a member. Mr. Woods refigned the care of 
 the church, together with his credentials, in order to 
 take oft' the difqualification from reprefenting the 
 county as a Delegate in the General AlTembly. If 
 he were called of God to this work, it is hard to fay 
 how Mr. Woods will, in the laft day, render an ac- 
 count of his ftewardihip. He is efteemed a ufeful 
 and refpe(flable man. Mr. Watts now labours for 
 them as paftor and i? profitable in the miniftry. 
 
 TOTIER. 
 
 This church was planted by the labours of Rev'd. 
 David Tinsley and watered by thofe of Rev'd B. Bur- 
 gher, Wm. Woods and David tatterfon; Tinsley 
 preached in the bounds about 1770, but was not ve- 
 ry fuccefsful. About '73, Mr. Patterfon, who was 
 a refident of Buckingham, preached with much pow- 
 er, and baptized many in the neighborhood of Totier, 
 who were conlidered as members of the church in 
 Buckingham, of which, Mr. Patterfon was paftor. 
 In 1774, Rev'd, Martin Dawfon was baptized and 
 foon began to preach. When the church was eon- 
 ftitutcd he took the paftoral care and has continued 
 ever iince. Under his miniftry the church has en- 
 joyed great profperity and peace, and has been favor- 
 ed with feveral precious revivals. Many of the mem- 
 bers have, at different times emigrated to the weftern 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 171 
 
 country, (o that the church has been more numerous 
 than it is at prefent. Mr. Dawfon, their paftor, is 
 now (1S09) about 65 years of age. He has always 
 maintained a respec table {landing both in civil and 
 religious fociety. lie has been Moderator to the af- 
 fociation for luany years, a place which he fills with 
 confiderabie propriety. 
 
 jPRETHIS CREEK 
 
 Church, was, for many years, under the care of 
 Rev'd George Eave, who left them and went to 
 Kentucky. During his continuance among them, 
 there was no extraordinary revival, but, in iSo-^, 
 coming from the western country, on a vifit, the pow- 
 er of God revived in this church, under his tempo^ 
 rary labours, and while he staid, there were added to 
 the church upwards of loo. Elders Jones and Gofs 
 preached for them ftatedly for fome time. 
 
 HEPHZIBAH. 
 
 This church, for 2 or 3 years after her constituti- 
 Qnfeemedto decline, but in 1B05 a fmall revival was 
 granted, when about 25 were added. Since that 
 time they have been in peace and harmony under the 
 ftated miniftry of Elder Dawfon. Mr. Thomas 
 Henderfon, the clerk of the church, alfo exhorts and 
 preaches at times. 
 
 WHITESIDES, 
 
 has been a profperous church. Her paflor, Mr. B, 
 Burgher, was in the ministry among the firil that are 
 noy^ living, and is esteemed a found and able preach- 
 er, efpecially when he feels what is called the liber- 
 ty of preaching. He ufed to be more laborious in 
 the ministry, than at prefent, having been for many 
 years, very corpulent, travelling and preaching is no 
 
fiJSTORY OP THE 172 
 
 fo pradjicable. Mr }5urgher has fome poetical ge- 
 nius, having con^pofed leveral longs and ether fmall 
 pieces of poetry, t;e has been clerk of the aliociati- 
 bn for many years and has com poled moft of their cir- 
 cular letters. Ihe church has been generally happy 
 under his ministrations, and has been favored with 
 feveral comfortable revivals. 
 
 BUFFALOE 
 
 Church, is now profperous and happy, but for fome 
 time, after her conftitution, there was confiderable 
 confulion, through the mifcondu(5t of Benjamin Cole- 
 man their firftpaftor. In. 17&9j elder John Young, 
 who had moved from Caroline, fettled ip. the bounds 
 of this church, and became their pastor j the enluing 
 year, viz : ibOO. In 1803 God fmiled, and as ma- 
 ny as. Kg or 90 iinners were enticed to Jefus. Mr. 
 William Duncan, a preacher of ufeful gifts, is a mem- 
 ber of this church and has been ordained to the mi- 
 
 nistry. 
 
 EBENEZER 
 
 Church, was under the pastoral care of Elder Or« 
 fun Flowers until i H05, when he was drawn into the 
 vortex of the baptist preachers, .Kentucky.* Since 
 his rem.oval, they have been attended by tlder Dun- 
 can. They had a revival in 1804. 
 
 LILE'S 
 
 Church, was planted by the united labours of Eli- 
 jah Craig and David Ihomfon. Thefe preachers 
 were induced to vilit this place, in confequence of 3 
 or 4 perfons in the neighborhood going in the year 
 1 7t)9j lome diflance oft, to hear preaching, and being 
 thereby awakened, they invited the preachers to come 
 
 * It is queftionaMe with fome, whether half the Baptift preae Jiers vvho have 
 teen jailtd in Virginia have r.ot emigrated to tks western country. 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. J7S 
 
 And vilit them. They did fo. Their labour was not 
 in vain. A few were admitted to divine favor and 
 w^ere baptized. Among thefe wras their prefent paf- 
 tor, Mr. Basket. Asfoon as God wrought in them, 
 they began to work for God, and held private meet- 
 ings ; the work progrefTed and a church was constitu- 
 ted. Their firft paftor was Philip Webber, who, 
 moving to Kentucky, the careof the church devolv- 
 ed upon Elder Basket. In '88 the mafter of affem- 
 blies paid them a vilit and introduced confiderable 
 members into his divine favour. Jt is a peaceable 
 and profperous church. 
 
 FORK, 
 
 In Fluvanna, was conftituted off from Lile's. They 
 were at firft tolerably profperous, but through the 
 mifcondudt of their minifter, they fell into great con- 
 fusion, fo far as to require the interpofition of the af- 
 fociation, in order to regulate them. But perhaps, 
 ere this, jefus h,as fpoken the storm into i calm. 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 TilBLE OF CULPEPPER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Names of 
 Churches. 
 
 >< 
 
 o-y 
 
 ■s 
 
 r» fl 
 
 9. = 
 
 n-S 
 
 
 V ^ 
 
 
 
 €-► "^ 
 
 -: 'T 
 
 &. <= 
 
 
 * " 
 
 
 S n 
 
 •^ 
 
 5 
 
 • C 
 
 o^ 
 
 S 
 
 P 
 
 
 
 »-i 
 
 By ■whom 
 planted. 
 
 Former 
 pasiors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Counlicfl 
 
 Hcthtl, 
 Thomp- 
 fon's gap, 
 
 Crooked 
 T'un, 
 
 Mountpo- 
 ney, 
 
 F. T. 
 
 Gourdvine, 
 Fiery run, 
 Battle run, 
 
 Kappadan, 
 
 Robin fqn 
 river, 
 
 Bluerun, 
 
 Carter's 
 run, 
 
 Goofe creek 
 Mill creek. 
 
 Smith's 
 creek, 
 
 Lostriver, 
 
 Lume's 
 creek, 
 Lynvil's 
 creek, 
 
 1803 
 1787 
 
 X771 
 
 »774 
 1778 
 179J 
 1771 
 '773 
 
 »771 
 
 1790 
 1769 
 
 1768 
 »7J9 
 
 1774 
 X784 
 
 J777 
 1756 
 
 72 I 
 
 30 
 
 47 
 20 
 
 »7 
 
 37 
 76 
 
 61 W. Malon. 
 
 95 
 
 *47 
 100 
 
 47 
 «7 
 
 114 
 
 41 
 100 
 
 68 
 
 60 
 
 73 
 48 
 
 J. Koones. 
 
 S. Harris, 
 
 J , Read, 
 E. Craig. 
 
 D. Thomas, 
 N, Saunders, 
 G. Eve, 
 
 W. Mafon. 
 f. Picket, 
 W. Maibn. 
 J. Picket, 
 J. Johnfon 
 J. Picket. 
 
 E. Craig Sc 
 J.Waller, 
 S. Harris & 
 J. Read. 
 
 W. Mafon. 
 S. Harris, 
 J. Read. 
 
 .1. Picket. 
 J. Picket, 
 J. Picket, 
 J. Koones. 
 J. Irelend, 
 A. MolFet, 
 J. Koones. 
 A. Motfet, 
 J. Redding, 
 J. Koones. 
 
 J. Redding, 
 J. Taylor. 
 J. Alderfon, 
 &c. 
 
 W. MafM. 
 J. Koones. 
 J. Garnett. 
 
 N.Saunders. 
 G. Eve, 
 W, MafoD. 
 
 J. Picket. 
 
 .1 . Picket. 
 
 J. Picket. 
 
 G. Eve, 
 i. Leather. 
 
 W. Mafon. 
 E. Craig, 
 G. Eve, 
 H. Gofs. 
 J. Picket. 
 J. Picket. 
 J. Koones. 
 
 A. MoiTet. 
 
 A. Moffet. 
 
 J. Redding 
 Sc J Koones. 
 J, Alderfon; 
 
 fen. 
 J. Alderfon; 
 
 jun 
 J, Redding, 
 I J. Johnfoft. 
 
 W. Walun, 
 W. Friftoe. 
 J. Garnett. 
 
 W. Mafon. 
 L. Conner. 
 
 W. Mafon. 
 none, 
 none. 
 
 none. 
 
 Cuipepcf 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 d6 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 Madifoa. 
 
 W. Mafon. do 
 R. Jones. i Orange-. 
 
 none. 
 J. Koones. 
 J. Koones. 
 
 A. Moffet. 
 
 J. Koones Sic 
 
 J. Kpones 
 
 Fauquier 
 Fauquier 
 6c Culpe- 
 per. 
 
 Shenan- 
 doah. 
 Shenan- 
 doah and 
 Rocking- 
 ham. 
 Hardy, 
 do 
 
 Rocking- 
 ham. 
 
CHAPTER XVh 
 
 Hijtory of the Culpeper AJfociatioUy including thi 
 Sketches of the Churches. 
 
 For the origin, &c. of the Culpeper Aflbciation, 
 fee page 139 
 
 Their firll feflion was holden at Smith's Creek 
 meeting houfe, commencing on the 4th Friday in 
 0(ftober, 1792. This fcilion was occupied in orga* 
 ftizing. 
 
 They met a fecond time at Thornton's gap, on Fri- 
 day the 4th of Odlober, 1793 and continued toge- 
 ther three day§. Letters from 14 churches were re- 
 ceived, stating their whole number to be 1212. Rev. 
 George Eve was chofen moderator, and Rev. Lewis 
 Conner, clerk. Nothing more than local matters 
 was tranfacted at this feffion. The limits of our 
 work will not admit of lengthy details of the pro- 
 ceedings of each affociation in the state, nor indeed 
 can it be defirable, feeing the proceedings of one af- 
 fvJiciation are fo limilar to thofe of another, that by paf- 
 iing over the records of four or five of the largefh and 
 oldeil, and feleiting fuch general matter as may have 
 called their attention, we obtain every thing, or near- 
 ly every thing, worth regarding in any. A few gr^ne- 
 ral obfervations therefore, as to the proceedings of the 
 Culpeper afTociation, will, we prefume, befatisfadory; 
 efpecially as a pretty full attention has been paid to 
 the hiflory of the churches in this allociation. 
 
 Elder Lewis Conner avtcd as clerk of the aflbcia- 
 tion from their firfl organization until a few years 
 paft. At prefent Mr. Richard I I'utt diicharges the 
 duties of that office, Mr. George '-^.ve generally a6t- 
 ed as rtioderator during his continuance in the (late ; 
 o:"iite years elders Mafon and Conner, fometimes 
 tht one and fometimes the other, hiv^ filled the mo- 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 derator's chair. Their courfe has been even and 
 fmooth ; their bufinefs managed prudently and peace- 
 ably ; their number of churches has increafed, but 
 their number of members .rather decreafed, owing 
 chiefly to the great number of removals to the wef~ 
 tern country. This aflbciation has never as yet join- 
 ed the general meeting of correfpondence, but it is 
 hoped, w^hen the principles and utility of that meet- 
 ing is better understood, that not only this, but 
 all the aflbciations in the state, will become members. 
 Upon this ihort view of the lifTociation, we fhall now 
 proceed to fpeak of the churches, beginning with 
 fJethel. 
 
 UPPER GOOSE CREEK and BETHEL 
 
 Are churches of happy flanding, but nothing has 
 occurred among them neceifary to be noticed here. 
 Brother Koones attends Upper Goofe Creek with 
 much fuccefs, 
 
 THORNTON'S GAP and FIERY RUN. 
 
 Have furnifhed no hiftorical account, 
 
 CROOKED RUN. 
 
 This is a daughter of Bluerun and was, for about 
 two years, under the care of E. Craig, was paftor of 
 Bluerun. God having raifed up minifters among 
 them, viz. Flders J. Garnett and Thomas Ammon, 
 the latter of whom was once imprifoned in Culpeper 
 jail, for preaching Mr. Garnett was ordained as 
 paftor. Under the minifterial care of this amiable 
 man, the church has enjoyed peace and harmony. 
 In 1788 & 1789, they had a glorious revival; 115 
 were added. In 1802 they were again blefled, and 
 about 30 were baptized. By emigration, &c. their 
 number is not fo great as it has been. Mr. John 
 Garnett, one of the minifter's, has lately afcended the 
 pulpit, and is faid to be a young man of pleafing man- 
 ners and promiiing talents. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 177' 
 
 MOUNTPOMEY. 
 
 This church was taken oft from a church called 
 Mountain-run, in Oraige county, conflituted in I7d8 
 and lince dillblved. The Kev'd. David Thomas was 
 the firll i^aptiil: preacher that ever proclaimed the 
 gofpel of pe^fce in the counties of Orange and Cul- 
 peper, which took place in the year 1763. His 
 preaching was in power and demonllr.ition of the fpi- 
 rit. Mr. N'.ithanielSaunders, who afterwards became 
 a preacher, was among the firft feils to his miniflry» 
 Many others were alfo baptized about the fame time.* 
 In 1766, about 2 or 3 years after he was biptizedp 
 Mr. Saunders began to preach and in 17^8 was or- 
 dained to the care of Mountain- run church, whfch 
 was conflituted at the fame time. Mr» SaunJers held 
 the care of this church until it was diffolved in 1782, 
 and moftof the members joined Mountponey."^-" 
 
 Mountponey, as will appear from the table, was 
 conllituted 1774. Mder Saunders ferved them as a 
 fupply, from a fhort time atter their conilitution, 
 until fome time in 1777. When the liev. John 
 Leland, from New England, came preaching among 
 them, and became a member of Mount Poney 
 Church. The church unanimoufly called him to the 
 adminiftration of the word and ordinances, without 
 ordination by the impolition of hands, This being 
 contrary to the eftabliihed rule of the Ketodon AlTo- 
 ciation, and indeed of the [iaptists of Virginia gene- 
 rally, when the church lent her delegates to the 
 next affociation they were reje-ited. The habits of 
 the Baptifts in ivFew Kngland and of thofe in Virgi- 
 nia, refpecting apparel, were alfo much at variance. 
 Mr. Leland and others, adhered to the customs of 
 New England, each one putting on fuch apparel as 
 fuited his o.vn faacy. This was oifeniive to fome 
 members of the church. fhe contention on this 
 
 * Nathaniel Siunders, thougli not a prsfacher of great talents, was found in 
 the faith. He lived and died in tht; cftimation of aii that knew him, a pious 
 and good .nan. After furfei lug ,.. greaf deal, wiui a long and painiul illuels, 
 he finiihed liis eaitbly pilgrinuge towards the lall of thi xuni;nei l8oS. 
 
 X 
 
I7b HISTORY OF THE 
 
 account became fo fliarp, that on the 25th of July 
 1779, about twelve members diilented from the ma- 
 jority of the church and were of courfe excluded; 
 The dilfenting members formed thejjifelves into a 
 church, and fued for admittance into the next aflc- 
 ciation, and were received. The majority dismis- 
 sed Mr Leland in order, and foon after this he fub- 
 mittcd to ordination by the impofition of the hands 
 of a presbytery. After Mr. Leland's departure, Mr. 
 Saunders refumed the paftoral care of the church. 
 ^ reconciliation was effedled. Mountain Run being 
 diffolved, Mountponey had three preachers in her 
 government, viz. Elder Wm. Mafon, who is now 
 their paflor, and N. Saunders aryi John Price, all of 
 whom, laboured together in great harmony, until 
 Mr. Price moved to Kentuck}^. In 1798, the fet 
 time to favour Zion having arrived, her gates were 
 crouded with converts. To Mountponey church 
 were added by Baptifm, about 200, chiefly through 
 the miniflerial labour of Elder Mafon. It was about 
 this period that Mr* Mafon was chofen by the 
 church as their pallor. Gourdvine and Bethel were 
 conftituted off from this church. Mountponey was 
 a member of Ketocfcon alfo until '803, they then join- 
 ed Culpeper. Mr. Mafon, pafcor of this church has 
 been long labouring to turn iinners to righteoufnefs, 
 and under God, he has turned many. To fay much 
 in favor of a living man has too much the appearance 
 of flattery. We muft therefore curtail; but our 
 feelings will not permit us to be entirely lilent. Suf- 
 fice it to fay, that in all the relations of life he 
 flands acknowledged through the whole circle of his 
 acquaintances, as one of ths moft exemplary men 
 living. As a preacher, although he has no claim to 
 learning or refined eloquence, he poilelfes gifts that 
 are incomparably more valuable. Cowper's defcrip- 
 tion of a Chriftian preacher is realized in Mr. Ma- 
 fon . 
 
 .■■'■« ■ ■ " Ample, grave, fincere; 
 
CULPJ2PER ASSOCIATION. J70 
 
 " In dodrine iincorrupt ; in language plain, 
 *' And plain in manner. Decent, lolemn, chafte 
 *•* And natural in geOure. Much imprefled 
 " Himfelf, as conl'cious of his awful charge, 
 " And anxious mainly that the Hock he feeds 
 *•' May feel it too. Afl'edionate in look, 
 " And tender in addrefs, as well becomes 
 *' A meireng-:.r of Grace to guilty men." 
 
 F. T. 
 
 This church is fo called from ii:-; being contiguous 
 to a place of that name. It was formerly called H ag- 
 ged Mountain. '1 hrough the pious labours ofhl- 
 ders Saunders, Eye, Picket, &c, the gcfpel was 
 firfl fuccefsfully introduced v/ithin the limits of this 
 church. A malignant oppofiticn soon appeared to 
 the word. They threatened the preacher, but God 
 bade them preach on, and fo they did, until per- 
 fecution was iilenced. After the con fiitution of F. 
 T. Geo. Eve was their minifter, whofe labours were 
 much blefled. Nothing notable however tranfpired 
 until '88,- when W. Mafon in confequence of the 
 refignation of Mr. Eve became their miniller. 1788 
 was a year long to be remembered by F. T. A 
 blelled revival appeared in all her borders. The work 
 continued during that and the fucceeding year. The 
 heavens feemed to rain righteousnefs. Many of the 
 votaries of Mammon and of Belial renounced their 
 idols, and gave their hearts to their-Redcemer. From 
 this, the Uobinfon River church was taken off. Ben- 
 jamin Fuel was raised here, and afterwards moved 
 to North Carolina, where he has been eminently 
 ufeful, and is clerk of Mayo afTociai Ton. 
 
 GOURD-VINE. 
 
 This is another of the chctrches attended by Elder 
 William IMafon. 'ine gofpel wa^ firft introduced 
 into the neighbourhood, tlirough the invitation of 
 fundry perfons, to Mr. Picket and ethers, to come 
 
180 HISTORY OF TJIE 
 
 and preach in their houfes. Among others, was a 
 Mr. Sam. Fergufon, a rich man, who h d been an 
 oppofer, but God conquered him by his grace and 
 in return he made his houfe, a houfe of prayer and 
 preaching. The church has profpered moderately 
 With the enjoyment of peace and love. 
 
 BATTLE RUN 
 
 Is one of the daughters of Carter's Run, and for ma- 
 ny years fed upon the heavenly nianna dealt out by 
 the Rev. John Picket. Their courfe has not been 
 very remarkable Their winters have not been 
 more fevere, nor their fummers more fruitful, than 
 thofe m her filter churches. 
 
 rappadan. 
 
 This is a daughter of Bluerun church. The gofpel 
 was first carried into the bounds of this church by 
 MefTrs. Harris and Read. The plant which they 
 planted, were watered by Mr. Waller and Mr. E. 
 Craig. V\ hen the gofpel was iirft preached in the 
 bounds of this church, perfecution ran high. War- 
 rants were iifued to apprehend the preachers. E^ 
 Craig was taken out of the pulpit, and committed to 
 Culpeper jail. Thomas Maxfield fome time after, 
 was impriloned for exhorting. Mr. Adam Banks, 
 about the fame time, was committed to jail for pray- 
 ing in the private houfe of a Mr John Delaney, 
 and iielaney hunl'elf, who was not a Baptift, for per- 
 mitting it. Perfecution often defeats its own caufe. 
 Men cannot be reflrained from thinking; and they 
 will think that a bad caufe which requires force to fup- 
 port it. In the midll: of thefe violent, and unreafon- 
 abie perfecutions, tlie caufe of God fiouriihed about 
 Rappadan abundantly. In this church. Rev. George 
 Eve, one of the moft fuccefsful preachers, in thofe 
 parts, was raifed up, and about 1773, vras ordain- 
 ed to the care of the church. During the years 1 776\ 
 '77, 78, they were much reived; as many as 130 or 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 181 
 
 140 were added, under the miniflry of Mr. Eve — 
 By removals, deaths, &c. the church was again confi- 
 derably reduced, but in 1788, aheavenly work com- 
 menced, and went on until '96, when after having been 
 about 2 1 years under his paftoral care, the church re- 
 luctantly gave Mr. Eve a letter of difmiflion ; he be- 
 ing about to move to Kentucky, ^^fter a fpace of 
 about eight years in which they were fupplied by vi- 
 iiting minifters. Elder Jofhua Leather was appoint- 
 ed paftor, but he, after about two years, alfo went to 
 Kentucky. Since which teme, this church, which 
 has been the nurfery of feveral ufeful mimllers, has 
 been without a pallor. 
 
 Jofeph Early joined the baptifts in 1772 and vva: 
 a member of Rappadan church He was a aiflm- 
 guifhed character in in his fphere. Though not a 
 preacher, he had his gift, and he did not negied it. 
 He was rich in this world, and he was willing to com- 
 municate. Viewing himfelf as a steward for Cod, 
 he laid out his Lord's money according to his in- 
 ftrudtions. His hands were open to the poor and 
 needy. He was the friend of the friendlefs. He al- 
 fo beflowed liberal for all religious pufpofes. When 
 a meeting houfe was to be built, or any other plaa 
 was in agitation, that required money, Mr. barly's 
 purfe was eafiiy commanded. His fellow-citizens 
 elected him to represent them in the Legillature, but 
 God had elected him to much higher honours. In 
 1783, after maintaining, for about eleven years, a 
 mofi unblamable reputation, for piety and goodnefs, 
 he died in great peace, going forth to meet the bride- 
 groom, and has doubtlefs entered with him into the 
 marriage chamber. 
 
 ROBINSON RIVER. 
 
 Within the bouds of this church, Mr. Mafon 
 preached for feveral years, having lingular refpecl 
 and attention Ihevvn him, by all forts of people ; but 
 
18ii HISTORY OF THE 
 
 to his- great mortiiication, he could make no eftedlu- 
 al intereH:, for his mafter. This was fo difcoura- 
 ging to his foul, that he had ilrong thoughts of turn- 
 ing his attention elfewhere, But an unfeen power 
 impelled him to tl)e work, until the fet time for God 
 to work : then were their mouths filled with laugh- 
 ter and their tongues with finging.. A certain woman 
 on her death bed obtained a hope of eternal life, and 
 when dying requeiled her friends to get JVlr. Malbn 
 to preach at her fuueral, faying at the fame time 
 that it would be a great day. Accordingly at her 
 funeral the revival commenced, and continued until 
 many were turned to rightcousnefs. Mr. Mafon has 
 ever Unce continued his minifcrations among them 
 to the fatisfad:ion of all : but through rem.ovals, deaths, 
 &c. this church is pot no.w as large as when con- 
 ilituted. 
 
 BLUE TxVN. 
 
 An account of the rise of this church, may be 
 seen in our general history of the rife and progrefs of 
 the feparate ^aptifts in Virginia. By recurring to 
 that recital, it will be feen, that this was among the 
 firft places that the gofpel took effect, through the 
 labours of Mel's. Harrifs & Read, and that as early 
 as the 4th of December I769 this church was con- 
 stituted under the pastoral care of Elijah Graig. — 
 Her history since that period, reniains to be here 
 inserted. 
 
 It appears that they prospered under the care of 
 £lder Craig ; many were added to the church, and it. 
 was large and prosperous for many years. In I786 
 E. Craig removed to Kentucky, and then the church 
 procured the services of Elder George Eve : Who 
 continued to officiate, as minister, until 119'^, his min- 
 istrations were much, very much blefsed; during the 
 years 1788 & i789, the church was highly favoured* 
 Many precious souls were entititled to tight under 
 the banner of Chrift, and in the ranks of Bluerun 
 
CULPEPKR ASSOCIATION. 18^ 
 
 fchurch. In 1794 Mr. Eve resigned his care of 
 Bluenin, having to attend two other churches. El- 
 der Hamilton GoG was then called to the pastoral 
 charge of this church Under his ministry in 1802 
 they had a fmall revival. After continuing in the 
 church for 9 or 1 o years in love and peace, Mr. Gofs 
 removed to Harrison county in the Western part of 
 Virginia; Mr. Robert Jones then a relident of Alber- 
 marle, and unordained, was called to the pastoral 
 care; having accepted the call, he was accordingly or- 
 dained for that purpofe, and removed his refidence to 
 Bluerun. He is still their paftor, and has been a- 
 mong them in love and harmony. Their number 
 at present, is 100, but they have been far more nume- 
 rous, having been reduced by death and frequent re- 
 movals. It is v/orthy of notice, that there does not re- 
 main, a single member in the church, who was in 
 it, when firfl constituted. 
 
 CARTER'S RUN. 
 
 This church was the fir ft fruits of the Rev. John 
 Picket's ministry, and is the mother ofmoftofthe 
 neighbouring churches ; for, from her, were consti- 
 tuted the following, viz. Mill creek, Battlerun, 
 Hedgeman's River, Fiery- Run and Uppergoosc 
 Creek. 
 
 Shortly after her conftitution until his death. Car- 
 ter's Run was under the pastoral care of the venerable 
 Mr. John Picket. If any tiling remarkable has 
 transpired within their limits it has not been commiu- 
 .nicated. See larther account in the biography of 
 Mr. Picket. 
 
 MILL CREEK. 
 
 This also is a mother church, being tli^ f rll fi ui::3 
 of the labours of feveral old and faithful fathers in ther 
 miniilry, in that part of the diflrid:. Rev. John' 
 Koones was the firft, that preached a pure gofpel 
 within the limits of Millcreek. Havinof been bap- 
 
184 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 tizedin Faquler, December, 1768, and living at the 
 time in Frederick county, near Frontroyal, he began 
 in a few months after his baptifm, to exhort a^id 
 preach in his own neighbourhood. 80 he continued 
 until November 1770, when he refolved to go up to 
 Shenandoah, into the neighbourhood of (Mill Creek, 
 where his brother George Uved. It is eafy to con- 
 jecture that Mr. Koones v/oitld hardly vifit in a dark 
 and unenlightened place, without making fome cffiy, 
 tc fpread the fai'our of the knowledge of Chriil. He 
 did blow the gofpel trumpet, and it gave no uncer- 
 tain sound. Many were roufed from their lleep, 
 took the alarm, and fled for refuge Zion's gates 
 were crowded with returning rebels. Soon after 
 Mr. Koones' labours began to be profpered about 
 Millcreek, other preachers vifited them. Among 
 them was Lewis Craig, John Picket, &c. Mr. 
 Koones not being ordained. Mr. Lewis Craig bap* 
 tized the firft converts Among the firfr that were 
 babtized, was Martin Kauhnun, who foon after 
 became a preacher. The work went on, Mr. 
 Koones laboured much. There were in the neigh- 
 bourhood, many Dutch or Germans, Mr. Koones 
 being a German, could preach in either language, 
 and would often preach twice, to the fame congre- 
 gation, once in Dutch, and once in LngUfh. But 
 Siall we fay, that this work of Godlinefs progreiTed 
 to fo great an extent, without any oppolition ? Far 
 from it. Can the lion be oufted from his den, and 
 make no reliftance ? Can the bear be peaceably 
 robbed of her whelps ? Will the ftrong man armed, 
 give up his palace, and his goods, without a firug* 
 gie ? It is not fo. Mr. Koones found and fuflained 
 with fortitude no little oppolition. At firll they 
 were contented to oiter reproaches and threats. But 
 as the work increafed, they reforted to more harlh 
 treatment. Once Mr Koones was met on the road 
 and beaten. On another oocifion, he attended a 
 meeting towards Smith's creek. When he arrived at 
 
CULPEPER ASSaClATION, 1S5 
 
 the place, he was met by a fet of ruffians, who forbade 
 his preaching. One C'apt. Leahorn, a refpectable 
 man interfered and insisted he ihould preach, and pre- 
 vailed. The perfecutors however threw out heavy- 
 threats, that, if he ever came that way upon that er- 
 rand again, they would beat him feverely. Mr. K. 
 could not be deterred from coming and they kept their 
 word. He went not long afrer. His enemies had 
 thrown in money and hired a fon of darknefs to beat 
 him. Accordingly, as foon as he arrived, the mifcre- 
 ant began to ftrike him with the but end of a large 
 cane, requiring him to promife never to come there a- 
 gain. This VI r. K. pointedly refufed to do. The 
 fellow continued beating, until he had almoU difabled 
 him. Then he left him. While thus fuffering Vlr. 
 K. felt nothing more than a firm determination not 
 to yield : But the favage had left him but a few ffceps, 
 before he felt his foal exceedingly comforted. He 
 could then thank God, that he was counted worthy, 
 to fuiFer perfecution for the name of Chrift. 
 
 Some time after this, he and Martin Kaufmun went 
 to a place about 6 or 7 miles from thence, and while 
 they were preparing to preach, he heard a man in a 
 room adjoining that in which he and Mr. Kaufmun 
 were fitting, enquire for John Koones. When he 
 heard the enquiry, he immediately fufpected, that fome 
 mifchief was in agitation, and stepped into a third 
 , room and got out of fight. The fellow, who had 
 . probably been infligated by fome other perfons, did 
 not knov,^ either Koones or Kautmun. When he 
 came into the room, he fuppofed Martin Kaufmun 
 to be John Koones, and without asking any queftions, 
 fell upon him with a ftick, or fomething oF the kind. 
 It was not until after poor Martin had received many 
 blows, that he could convince the Barbarian, that he 
 was not named Koones. In the mean time the fel- 
 low's wrath was fatiatedand he went oif without find- 
 ins: Mr. Koones at all. 
 
I8t> UISTOKY OP TlIK 
 
 On another occafion, he attended an appointment^ 
 but before he had begun to preach, they took him off, 
 and faid they would carry him to prifon. At a fmall 
 dhi:ince from the place, they met a man coming to 
 meeting, he faid he had come to hear Mr. K. preach, 
 that they fhould not carry him any farther, and at- 
 tempted to refcue him : But the perfecutors beat him off. 
 When they had carried liim a fmall diftance farther, 
 he faid to them, take heed what you do. if 1 am a 
 man of God, you fight again ft God. One of the 
 party was immediately alarmed. The warning drop- 
 ped, was owned of God, working in him, a repentance 
 never to be repented of. They had proceeded but a 
 little way, before the whole campany began to relent, 
 and agreed to let him go. The m.an who iirll took 
 the alarm, and two or three more of the company, 
 afterwards became Babtifts. This v.-as the laft vio- 
 lent attack made upon elder Kcones. From the time 
 of his initiation into the ministry. Until this day, he 
 lias continued faithfully to declare thecounfel of God, 
 AmiOng the Baptifb there are and have been many 
 active and laboi'ious preachers, whofe fouls have glow- 
 ed with feraphic ardour; leaning upon the facred pro- 
 mifes, they were willing to fuffer with Chrifthere, 
 that they might reign v/ith him hereafter : But con- 
 iidering Air. Koones' unwearied labours in the mi- 
 niftry, the length of time in which he has been en- 
 gaged, (about forty years,) confidering that he has a 
 conffitution that has feldom or never failed him , re- 
 quiring fliort and fc\w intervals of reft, it may be fair- 
 ly ftated, that fev/, if any, in the ftate have furpaffed 
 him, as to the quantum of fervice devoted to his J^ord's 
 vineyard. Ke has been a labourer indeed, and will, 
 no doubt, receive his full wages, whenever the Lord 
 of the vineyard Ihall reckon with his fervants. Mr. 
 Koones is ftill living, and although grown old in fer- 
 vice, he does not in any great degree Hack his hand. 
 
 Mill LVeek was a large church when firft conftitu- 
 ted. Moft of the people in the neighborhood, pre- 
 
CULP£PIiR ASSOCIATION 187 
 
 vious to the preaching of the baptifts, were Dutch 
 Menonifts. Thf^ Kaufmuns and others who were of 
 that fed:, being baptized excited great dilpleafure a- 
 mong the Menoniib generally. In order to overturn 
 the works of Satan, as they called it, they fent for 
 preachers from Pennlylvania. In fome ihort time, 4 or 
 5 Pennfylyania Menonift preachers came, They la- 
 bored much to prevent the \vork then going en. — 
 They conceived that John Koones was the chief 
 caule of this diflurbance, and thought if he could be 
 convinced or overfet, by any means, there would be 
 no more of it ; feeing he could preach in iJutch — 
 To this end the preachers came to his licufe, and la- 
 boured much to convince him. They contended, that 
 Chriftians ought not to hold with going to war, with 
 ilaveiy or taking legal oaths. That thele were fun- 
 damental points. To this Mr. Koones replied, that 
 tjie Baptifts, upon thefe points, left every man at cif- 
 cretion, wilhing all to foLow the di(ftates of his own 
 confcience : He then queflioned them, as to the rea- 
 fon of their hope in Chrifl: ; whether they had felt 
 the power of godlinefs in their hearts, or whether they 
 relied upon their nurfery fait?!. He found them en- 
 tire flrangers to vital godlinefs, denying the exigence 
 thereof. They left him, and held meeting in the neigh- 
 borhood, two days. Striving publicly and privately, 
 ^gainft the reyiyai that was then happily progrefiing. 
 
 Their labour was in vain. Gp4 ftd. added to his 
 people fuch as fhould be faved. 
 
 When the phurch, npv\' called Pvlill Creek, then 
 Whitehoufe, was firil. conftituted, there were two 
 preachers in it, viz: Anderfon IVlofFet and Martin 
 Kaufmun ; for Mr. Koones had not then moved from 
 his relidence near Frontroyal. There being two 
 preachers, enquiry was made, which ihould be ehofen 
 as pallor : On this queilion they were divided, and 
 being cullomary to have ihtm unanimous, no choice 
 could be made. So the aifair ilood, until the year 
 .177:i or 5, when Mr. Koonc \ ' -.-^ing f-^ttbd ar.^ion'.^ 
 
188 ill STORY OF THE 
 
 them, he v/as ordained to the care of the church. A- 
 bout the lame time Smith's Creek was conftituted 
 ofF, partly from the Whitehoufe and partly from Lyn- 
 vil's Creek, and A. IVlofiet became their paftor. 
 
 Martin Kaufmun having been a Mcnonill: previous 
 to his converlion, retained moft of their principles, 
 after he became a Babtift. When the American re- 
 volutionary war broke out, moil of the Baptilb, be« 
 Ing attached to the principles of the revolution, took 
 the oath of allegiance, and many of them joined the 
 army. This gave great offence to Martin Kaufmun, 
 and ten or twelve others, who had been l^Unonifls. 
 
 Some ineffedual attempts were made to latisfy them, 
 in which, it was urged, that inafmuch as they were 
 not hindered in the enjoyment of their own opinions, 
 they ought to leave others in the fame enjoyment : 
 That mutual forbearance in all matters of fecondary 
 importance was indifpenfibly necellary to the happi- 
 nefs of fociety : That in our prefent imperfedl flate, 
 perfed: coincidence of opinion in all matters, was not 
 to he expected, and that at leaft, when it was found, 
 thatfo large a majority of the fociety, to which they 
 were united, differed from them ; they ought to fuf- 
 ptdc the corrednefs of their own opinion, fo far as to 
 yield the liberty of confcience to others, without 
 pufhing matters to extremes. To all thefe arguments 
 they replied, that to them it appeared, that the points 
 of difference were of primary importance, and that they 
 could not, in good confcience hold fcllowfliip or com- 
 munion with perfons, who allowed fuch unlawful 
 practices. All attempts to reconcile them failed, and 
 they finally broke off and formed a feparate party. — 
 From time to time others fell into their way of think- 
 ing, until their number ultim.ately fwclledto 6"0 or 70. 
 Mr. Kaufmun became their preacher, having been 
 ordained by two of his own members. Their doc- 
 trine was not fo Calviniftic as that of the Babtifts ge- 
 nerally. They profefled to believe in univerfal pro- 
 ^'iflon, and lir.al perfeverance. Their difcipline was 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 189 
 
 nearly the lame as that of the Baptifts. This party 
 continued to increafe moderately for fome time, until 
 fomeotherchurches were formed, and preachers raif-- 
 ed up. Mr. Kaufmun however, was the foul of the 
 party, and when he became old and lefs capable of 
 adive exertion, they declined fail. After his death, 
 which took place in 1805, they difperfed : Some 
 joined the old Mill Creek church and fome Smithes 
 Creek. Kaufmun was generally coniidered. a pi- 
 ous and inoffenfive man, very zealous and indeflitiga- 
 ble. His intelled:ual powers, however, were very 
 fmall, and his prejudices ftrong. He feldom or ne- 
 ver adopted harfh terms in his oppofition to the Bap- 
 tifts, always manifefled coniiderable affection and 
 friendfhip towards them, when in their company. — - 
 All things coniidered, it is moll: rational as well as 
 moft charitable, to prefume, that Martin was adluated 
 from pure motives, and that he confcientioully be* 
 lieved that he ought to do, what he did. 
 
 At an alfociation held for the Orange dillri(fl, in 
 May, 1709, an entry is made in the following words: ' 
 A letter cam^e to the alfociation from the Menonift ' 
 Baptift church, at the Whitehoufe, praying for a re- 
 conciliation ; which church feparated from us, in the 
 time of the war, becaufe they would keep no Haves, 
 fwear no oaths, nor bear arms in defence of their coun~i 
 try. A letter was written by the alfociation, in an-' 
 fwerto the one received, and a committee appointed' 
 to wait on the church, who reported to the next af- 
 fociation, that they attended and found that there was 
 no probability of a reconciliation. . Mill Creek church 
 has had many ebbs and flows, but is now in good 
 Handing, and about as numerous as when firft conlf i^ 
 tuted* 
 
 SMITH CREEK. 
 
 This church was constituted off from Milicreek 
 formerly, called the White Houlc. The iirft dav/n 
 of divine light in this neishbourhocd arcfe from 
 
100 III STORY OF THE 
 
 aftw Baptists who had moved Into its limits and 
 adopted the practice of meeting at private houses on 
 Sundays and other convenient seasons, for the pur- 
 pofe of iinging and praying and reading the fcriptures. 
 By these means, iinprefiions were made upon the 
 minds of many, so as to induce them to go a greater 
 distance to hear preaching, and to invite preachers. 
 They were also favoured with the divine mercy, so 
 far as to have preachers raised up among tliem ; 
 these vv-ere ^4r. Ireland and Mr. Moffett. Tlie 
 latter of whom took the care of the church about 2 
 jjjears after her conilitution, and has ever since retain- 
 ed it. They have had many revivals and declen- 
 fions, ])ut none of which were reirarkablc. Mr. 
 Moffett from the time of his firil: entry upon the min- 
 istry, until this time, has been a fleady, pious and use- 
 ful minister of the gofpel. Some years pafl, by an un- 
 fortunate fall from his horse, he got very much crip- 
 pled, since which time, he has been so lam.e as not 
 to be able to move about without great inconveni- 
 ence. He continues neverthelefs to labour in the 
 vineyard as far as he is able, and will probably ere 
 long iinilli his course with joy. 
 
 LOST RIVER, 
 
 Has not been fo large andflourifning as many others. 
 At times, however, there have been fome lively ftirs, ■ 
 in which the church would increafe ccniiderably, but 
 by frequent removals, deaths, &c. they were again 
 reduced to a fmall number. At their lirst conftitu- 
 tion they procured the ilated miniflry of Rev'd. A. 
 Moftett, whofe labours were owned of God. After 
 Mr. Moffett left them, they procured the attendance 
 of John Koones ; In a icw years Jofiah Osburne 
 commenced preaching, but after a little tim^e moved 
 to Greenbrier. Since that time they have obtained 
 the occaiional and ifated fervices cf ciders Moftett, 
 Koones and Monroe, juif as they could. At prefent a 
 promifing preacher by the name of Spcrry is among 
 them. 
 
C-uLPEPEil ASSOCIATION. 191 
 
 LUNIE's CREEK. 
 
 This church was planted by the united labours of i 
 elders Jofeph Reddin artd John Taylor, who, at the 
 time of their corninp: among them, were younr-'- and 
 unordained preachers. By the oceafional vifits of 
 sldsr Koones and others, ordained miniflers, a fuffi- 
 clent number were baptized to form a church, and 
 they were conflituted, under the care of Mr. Ueddin, 
 who had now moved within their limits, and was or- 
 dained for that purpofe. The church greatly flou- 
 riflied under his miniilration, until fome unpleafant 
 difp'jtc, ariiing about regulars and feparates, Mr. 
 Reddin moved away. The difcipiine of the church 
 was throv/n a(ide, and of courfe, every thing fell into 
 confuiion. No Baptift preacher preached among 
 them for the fpace of four years. It fell to the lot of 
 the faithful Mr. Koones to re if ore order among them. 
 /\fter which, he preached ftatedly for them, during 
 aconfiderable time, although he reiided about 70 miles 
 from them. A certain Mr. \Vaiker, an excomm.u- 
 nicated Baptift, impofed hiinfelf upon this churchy 
 and was by them imprudently received and ordained 
 among them ; which furnilhes additional proof that 
 more caution ought to be ufcd in the ordination of 
 miniflers. This church is now deflitute of a paf- 
 tor. 
 
 LYNVlLLE's CREEK, 
 
 Called at iiril Smith's and Lynville's Creek, is no- 
 ticed in our general hiilory of the origin and pro- 
 ffrefs of the rei^alar Baptilfs. It will aopear from 
 what is there ftated, that this is among the oldell: Bap- 
 till: churches in Virginia, and that elder John Alder- 
 fon, fen. was their first paifor. Under his care they 
 went on very h-Appily, having confiaenibly increaled, 
 until the fall ]7j7> when the Indians invaded their 
 country and fcattered the church, many of whom 
 moved 4o or 50 miles belo^- ^he Blue-Ridge. Af- 
 
192 mSTOfiY OF THE 
 
 ter two or three years they rallied again, put their 
 church matters in a regular train, and on the 12th of 
 Od:ober, 1762. was received as a member of the 
 Philadelphia aflbciation. In the fummer of 176:5, 
 they were again difturbed by the irruptions of the 
 Indians, but returned again in a fhort time and conti- 
 nued their church-ftatc peaceably and tolerablv prof- 
 perous for many years. In i77-3, John Alderfon, jr. 
 ion of their firft pallor, was ordained and took the paf- 
 toral care of the church. In 1777 their beloved paf- 
 tor moved into Greenbrier county, leaving the church 
 dertitute of any ftated miniftry. In confequence of 
 which, difcipline was negledled and every thing fell 
 into confulion, and fo continued for about ten years. 
 1787, they gathered the fragm.ents of the church, fet 
 things in order, agreed to keep up regular difcipline 
 and obtained the ftated fervices of elder Anderfon 
 ]VIoftett, a neighboring minlfter. They now went 
 on fmoothly, and frequent additions were made to the 
 church. In 1791 they received as member and pallor 
 Mr. James Johnfon, hitherto a licenfed preacher m 
 Buckmarfli. The church fiourillied under his minif- 
 try. But to the great lofs of the church Mr. John- 
 fon alfo moved off into Kenawha county, 1 79^.^*— 
 Since that time they have had the ftated and occafi- 
 onal fervices of the faithful but aged elder A. Moffett. 
 This has never been a large chnrch, but can boaft of 
 feveral worthy and valuable members. 
 
 Silas Hart, a native of Pennfylvania, moved into the 
 bounds of this church and became a member. He 
 died and left by his laft v/ill, to the Philadelphia af-* 
 fociation, property fufficient to yield an annuity pi 
 £ 50. to be kept in the hands oftruftees and appHed 
 to the education of young preachers. The Philadel- 
 pnia alibciation appointed the Rev'd. David Jones to 
 receive the money in their behalf ; but upon ap- 
 plication , the executors of Hart refufed to pay, up- 
 on the ground that the ailociatien was not incorpora- 
 ted, and confequently not kno\vn in law, or capable 
 
r ULPEPER ASSOCIATION-. 393 
 
 of maintaining an action. David Jones commenced 
 a fuit in chancery in Rockingham court, and in 1802 
 a decree was pronounced in favor of the executors. 
 Jones appealed to the Staunton high court of chancery, 
 when, in 1 803, the decree was affirmed ; he then ap- 
 pealed to the high court of appeals, where, in t><07 
 the decree was finally affirmed. Between the time 
 of the decifion in the Staunton Chancery court and 
 that in the court of appeals, the Philadelphia afibci- 
 ation became incorporated. This, taking place fub- 
 fequent to the commencement of the fuit, did nota- 
 vail as to the fuit then depending. The court of ap- 
 peals however, made a refervation in the decree, da- 
 ting that nothing done in this fuit ihould afFed: any 
 other fuit which fliould be hereafter brought by the 
 Baptift alTociation, meeting in ordinary at Philadel- 
 phia: So that by reforting to another original adii- 
 on, the affociation will ultimately receive the money. 
 This is certainly an important cafe to the Baptifts of 
 Virginia. From the deciiion above mentioned, it 
 would feem doubtful whether any property holden 
 by the Baptifts as a religious fociety is fafe. It re- 
 mains therefore for them hereafter to decide, whether 
 it will be beft to fuffer their meeting houfes and other 
 property to continue thus jeopardized, or to become 
 incorporated. If their becoming incorporated would 
 be a dangerous precedent, leading in any wife to re- 
 ligious oppreffion, it is better to remain as they are, 
 for it would certainly be more wife to jeopardize pro- 
 perty than principles. A fair and unprejudiced invef- 
 ligation of this fubject is defirable at this time, and 
 would probably lead to beneficial effedts. 
 
194 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 TABLfi OF THE MIDDLE DISTRICT. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 5!i ^ 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 s.v 
 
 3 5 
 
 r« 
 
 
 
 
 
 Names of 
 Churches. 
 
 XO 
 
 C-. 0- 
 
 T 1 
 
 By whom 
 planted. 
 
 Former 
 pastors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Countiijj 
 
 
 • © 
 
 
 c 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nottoway, 
 
 1769 
 
 40 
 
 60 
 
 Harrils and 
 Walker. 
 
 J. Walker, 
 S. Walton. 
 
 
 Nottoway 
 
 Fowhafan 
 
 1771 
 
 Si 
 
 150 
 
 W. Web- - 
 
 ber and- 
 J. Anthony 
 
 D. Tinfley, 
 J Dupuy, 
 G. Smith, 
 J. Wooid- 
 ridge. 
 
 
 Powhataa 
 
 Muddy. 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 J. Walker, 
 
 
 S.Woodfin. 
 
 do. 
 
 Creek, 
 
 »774 
 
 10 
 
 300 
 
 R. Chrifti- 
 
 
 
 
 Skinquar- 
 
 
 
 
 an. 
 
 W. Hick- 
 
 C. Porfee. 
 
 Chefter- 
 
 ter. 
 
 1778 
 
 30 
 
 172 
 
 VV. Hick- 
 
 man, 
 
 
 field. 
 
 Tomn^a- 
 
 
 
 
 man. 
 
 J.Goode. 
 
 
 
 hawk. 
 
 »777 
 
 15 
 
 7» 
 
 S. Harrifs 
 & others. 
 
 J. Hatcher, 
 W. Hick- 
 man, G. 
 
 W. Flout - 
 noyi 
 
 do. , 
 
 Spring 
 
 
 
 
 G. Smith, 
 
 Smith, & 
 
 
 
 Creek, 
 
 i7<)o 
 
 47 
 
 220 
 
 B. Wat- 
 
 J. Rucks. 
 
 
 
 Chefter- 
 
 
 
 
 kins. 
 
 B.Watkins 
 
 B.Watkins 
 
 do. 
 
 fieW, 
 
 »77? 
 
 20 
 
 200 
 
 E. Clay. 
 
 E. Clay. 
 
 E. Clay. 
 
 do. 
 
 Salem, 
 
 iSoz 
 
 fi7 
 
 156 
 
 E. Clay. 
 
 T. Lafon. 
 
 T. Lafon. 
 
 cio. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIi. 
 
 History of the Middle DiftriB Afsociation, including 
 the Sketches of Churches, 
 
 When the General AfTociation was divided, the 
 Lower Diftridt, on the fouthlide of James River, af- 
 fumed the name of The Middle Diftridl, being be- 
 tween the Upper, which was called Strawberry, and 
 the Portfmouth , which was then a part of the Ke- 
 iiukee. The Middle Diftridl includedallthe churches 
 between the upper boundary of the Kehukee, and the 
 lower boundary of the Strawberry. The exad: num- 
 ber of churches cannot be afcertained -, as they were 
 not entered in the afTociation minutes in thofe days. 
 
 The Middle Diftrid: alTociatioh met in 1784, for 
 the firft time, and organized themfelves.* Their fe- 
 cond feflion was holden at Rice's meeting houfe, 
 Prince- Edward county. May 9th, 1785. A general 
 dearth in religion exifted, almoft throughout the 
 
 * The minutes of this feflion could not be procured. 
 
MIDDLET DISTRICT ASSOGIATIOK. 195 
 
 ilate. The names of fifteen delegates only, arc en- 
 tered upon the minutes as fent from all the churches. 
 
 The bufincfs of this feflion related chiefly to ilate 
 grievances, all of which are noticed elfewherc. 
 
 The alTociation continued to meet twice a year dur- 
 ing this cold and wintry ftate ; but they took up ve- 
 ry few fubjeds except thofe that refpedied local mat- 
 ters. 
 In May, 1787, they met at Nottoway meeting houfe: 
 the profpedts began to be more aufpicious j about four 
 times as many delegates attended the alTociation.'— 
 Many churches fpeak of revivals either already com- 
 menced^ or ready to break forth. As focn as there 
 was fufficient warmth to put the churches in motion, 
 fo as to induce them to fend their delegates to the af- 
 fociation, it was found that the diftri^l was too large 
 to aflemble i-n one body, accordingly when they met 
 at Moflingford, May, 1788, they agreed to divide 
 into two difl:rid:s, or rather to firike off the upper 
 churches, in order to form a new afTociation, which 
 was called Roanoke. The boundaries were fixed as 
 follow : Beginning where the Kehukee aflbciation 
 line crofTes the Meherrin river, from thence upward, 
 by Lunenburg court houfe, to the Double Bridges, 
 from thence to Charlotte ccurthoufe, thence the La w- 
 er's road to New-London to the upper line dividing 
 Strawberry Diftrid:-, leaving it optional with church- 
 es, near the line, to alTociate in either diflrid:, as may 
 fuit their convenience. 
 
 They held their firfi: feflion, after the divifion, at 
 Rice's meeting houfe. Prince Edward county, where 
 tliey made fome new regulations for the government 
 of the aflbciation. 
 
 During the different feflions between '88 and '9 1 
 nothing of any impci'tance was done.. The accounts 
 received from the churches were interefting. It was 
 a time of ingathering of fouls. 
 
 In May, 1791, they met at Cedar Creek meeting 
 houfe, in Lunenburg county. Here it appears that 
 
100 IllSTORV ov Tiir) 
 
 the revivals in fome places had fubiidcd, but in others 
 we re going on. 
 
 The Circular Letter for this feffion, was a plealing 
 performance ; it contains thefe forcible remarks upon 
 miniflerial support, " We fear covetoufnefs and want 
 of reafonable fupport of the miniftry, is one great rea- 
 son, why we are fo languid in vital religion. — 
 When cu*- minifters ought to be out, and working in 
 God's vineyard, behold they arc forced to leave the 
 flock, hungering for the bread of life, while they are 
 il:ruggling to provide neceffaries for their famil es." 
 When we confider the many pertinent publications 
 upon this fubjed:, as well as, the clear and obvious 
 manner in which it is laid down in the fcriptures, it 
 is fome what aftoniftiing that this duty is ftill fo lit- 
 tle attended to. What is man in his heft eftate ! 
 
 From this felTion, until Odtober, 179-, v/hen they 
 met at Appomattox meeting houfe, the bulinefs was 
 altogether local. At the above feflion, they made 
 an arrangement rather of a fmgular nature. It was 
 agreed that perfons appointed by the afTociation fhould 
 vifit every church in the dillridl, and " enquire into 
 their ftate and flanding ; to fee whether the word 
 and ordinances are duly adminiflered ; difcipline kept 
 up ; gifts encouraged and licenfed j afufficient num- 
 ber of deacons ordained ; paflors fupported ; flocks 
 vilited from houfe to houfe, and their numbers 
 known ; churches deftitute of pallors inflru(5led in 
 their duty : fmall conflitutions, not able to live, to be 
 diflblved ; overgrown churches to be conflituted for 
 convenience." ^ 
 
 From this, as well as many other proceedings ^in 
 the different aflbciations, it clearly appears, that the 
 churches are often willing to depute to the afTociati- 
 ons, a portion of power, a? beiag necelfary for the 
 prefervation of order and good government, and that 
 when rightly ufed it is always productive of good ef- 
 fects. 1 1 is incumbent on the churches to inhibit them 
 from any abulc of fuch pov/ers. 
 
J:.IIDDLE4'l>ISTniCT ASSOCIATION. 197 
 
 From 06lober, 1792, until October, 1797, they 
 met, as ufual, twice a year. Complaints of the cold 
 Ihite of religion, during this feafon, are univerfaL In 
 1797, the tone is much changed At their fcfTion at 
 TrayJer's in Chellerfield, they (aj in their circular 
 letter, " Mow are our joys and ibrrows heightened by 
 turns, whiiil we hear from lome parts that God is 
 magnifying the riches of his grace, in the falvation 
 of iinners, and from others, that no fymptoms of revi- 
 vals appear." 
 
 The feilions were as ufual, until October, iSco^ 
 when they met at Tarwallet meeting houfe, in Cum- 
 berland county. I'his is faid to have been one of the 
 mod unplealant, and indeed confufed meetings that 
 the afTociation had ever Vv^itneffed. The confequen- 
 ces did not fubfide for feveral years, as v/e (liall pre- 
 fently ftiow. 
 
 it was at this feilion that Mr. Conrad Speece (now 
 a Presbyterian preacher) who had been baptized in 
 the courfe of this year, by elder James Saunders, was 
 introduced as a Baptifl preacher, and was found both 
 in the pulpit and in private conference agreable and 
 clever. J-le v/as a man of conliderable learning, hav- 
 ing been educated for a Presbyterian preacher. By 
 reading fome treatife on believers baptifm, as 'tis laid, 
 he became convinced of the impropriety of infant 
 baptifm. After fome tmie, devoted to the fludy of 
 the fubjedt, he offered himlelf as a candidate for bap- 
 tifm, and Was accordingly baptized, by Mr. Saun- 
 ders* Soon after this aflbciation, he profeffed to be a- 
 gain convinccfi of the validity of infant Iprinkling, 
 and wrote a letter to Mr. Saunders, to that effedt. — 
 He rejoined the Presbyterians, and has fince continu- 
 ed with them. 
 
 Of his motives it is difficult to judge. By fome it 
 Vv'as faid, that he was difgufled with the turbulent 
 proceedmgs of the affociation at this feflion : By others^ 
 that Mr. Speece was much difappointed, on finding 
 that Baptiit -preachers received little cr no compen^ 
 
,198 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 fation for their ininiflerial fervices. It is, perhaps, 
 more probable, that he found the general tenor of the 
 manners and cuftom•^^ of the Baptifts, quite different 
 from his own and thofe of his former alfociates. Find- 
 ing his temper foweredat the lofs of fociety to which 
 his habits were allimilated, and not able, at once, to 
 accommodate himfelf to that, into which he had now 
 fallen, he was the more eafily perfuaded of the truth 
 of principles, which but a few months previoully, he 
 had renounced as erroneous andfalfc. Jt has fome- 
 times been made a queftion, in private companies, 
 whether it would not have been more wife, on this 
 occafion, to have feparated baptifm and church mem- 
 berfhip. There were, at that time, feveral other emi- 
 nent Presbyterian preachers, halting between two opi- 
 nions. It was thought they were perfedly perfuad- 
 ed of the impropriety of infant baptifm, and there- 
 fore did not, for many years, baptize a lingle child, 
 but were averfe to joining the Baptifts, or however, 
 from fome caufe, did not do it. Now, fay fome, had 
 one or more of thefe been baptized, without requir- 
 ing them to become members of the Baptift church, 
 he could have baptized the reft, and they might have 
 formed a fociety to themfelves, in Avhich the ordinan- 
 ces would have been preferved pure, although iheir 
 church government and general manners would have 
 been different from the other Baptifts. Thefe fug- 
 geftions were wholly fpeculative, one thing however, 
 is certain, that when Mr. Speece deferted the 
 Baptifts, the fcruples of all the others were quickly 
 removed, and they refumed the iabfurd prac- 
 tice of fprinkling children. Of Speece we muft fay, 
 we wiihj that he had either never fubmitted to bap- 
 tifm, or that being baptized, he had not again turned 
 ♦iway. 
 
 After their ufual feftions, holden twice a year, in 
 which they only arrange^ local matters, the aftbcia- 
 tion met. May, J 803, at Bethel meeting houfe, in 
 Chefterfield county. Here they finally fettled the 
 confufed bufinefs arifing from the felTion of i8oo.-r- 
 
I MIDDLE ^JSTRICT ASSOCIATION. J9P 
 
 At the.leffion of i^oo, a cenfure was voted, againS' 
 a member of the aflbciation, who had been appointed 
 to attend the General Meeting of Correfpondence; 
 but who had not attended ; alledging for excufe, that 
 he difapproved of the inftitution. The vote of cen- 
 fure gave great umbrage to the delinquent member. 
 After conliderable confulion, the vote of cenfure was 
 refcinded. This did not prove fatisfactory. He 
 complained to the church, of which he was a mem- 
 ber, and they remonflrated to the next alTociation. 
 The matter was agitated from feffion to fcffion, but 
 not effedtually fettled, until the Bethel meeting. It 
 feems, the church required of the alTociation to make 
 conceffions for having maltreated their delegate. — - 
 When the thing was taken up at Bethel, the depu- 
 ties from the churches* made their remonftrances, 
 and the alTociation made conceffions. This mani- 
 felled, on the part of the alTociation, a pacific difpoli- 
 tion, which is highly commendable when applied to 
 fuitable cafes. Whether the cenfure was unmerited, 
 or the remonllrancejuft or not, the mode of proceed- 
 ing was furely highly incorrect. To ask one alTo- 
 ciation to make conceffions for the acfls of another, is 
 virtually to require of one fet of men, to repent for 
 the fins of another, feeing no two alTociations would 
 probably be compofed of the fame individuals, and 
 efpecially at the diltanee of two or three years from 
 each other. The moll that one alTembly of repre- 
 fentatives, in any cafe, can properly do towards mak- 
 ing reparation for the olTences of another, is torefcind 
 their offenfive meafurcs. For an alTociation to make 
 diredt conceffions to an individual or a fet of indivi- 
 duals, is too great a prollration of dignity ever to be 
 thought of. 
 
 Odbober, 1803, they met at Walker's meeting houfe 
 in Prince- Edward county. 
 
 Here a propofition was made to divide the dillrid:. 
 
 • Two or three other churches had united in the remonftrance. 
 
300 HISTORY OP tJti 
 
 In anfwcr to which, it was agreed, to call a cSn^^h- 
 tion, conlifting of two members from a church, and 
 that an invitation be given to the Roanoke and Portf- 
 mouth aiicciations to unite in the convention, fo that 
 they might, if agreeable, flrike oft a part of their 
 churches, in order to make the aflbciitions, by this 
 new arrangement, more convenient for all parties. ^■. he 
 convention accordingly met, and formed two new af- 
 fociations, leaving to the ^Middle Diftrid, only nine 
 churches. 
 
 For further account of this divifion, fee Appomat- 
 tox aflbciation. 
 
 The Middle Diftricl continued to meet twice a 
 year, until 1 807, when they refolved to have only 
 one fefTion in each year. 
 
 No bufinefs worthy of hiftorlcal notice has been 
 tranfaded, fince they were thus reduced. They have 
 hitherto refufed to become members of the General 
 Meeting of Correfpi^ndence. 
 
 From the time of the divifion in 1783, until this 
 time, Rev'd Eleazer Clay has generally adted as mo- 
 jierator; a few feflions excepted. Until Roanoke 
 was flricken off, Rev'd John Willkms aded as clerk. 
 From that time until he moved to Kentucky in 1795> 
 Rev'd Simeon Walton a6ted. Since that period. Rev. 
 Benjamin Watkins has dicharged the duties of that 
 office. The continuation of the fame clerk, without 
 re-appointmcnt at each feffion, leems to be a wife and 
 prudent meafure. The papers being lodged in his 
 hands, he would feel it more incumbent on him, to 
 be in pl.^ce, as well as to qualify him.felf, moreexpert- 
 iy, for his office, when he knows there is no uncer- 
 tainty as to his appointment. 
 
 NOTTOWAY. 
 
 The firfl origin of vital religion in this neighbor- 
 hood, began with a Mr. Samuel rhompfon. He was 
 not a preacher, yet willing to do, what he had talents 
 for i he read publicly, to fuch as would come to hear 
 
MIDDLJa DISTttlCT ASSOCIATION. , 20i 
 
 him, Whitfield and Davles's fermons. By this means 
 fom of his neighbours obtained a hope of eternal 
 life. Thefe'new converts hearing that there were 
 perfons ©n Dan river that preached thefe doctrines, 
 they travelled off to look for them. This took place 
 about i 768. They procured the attend, .nee of Har- 
 rifs and Walker. Their fpeech and their preaching 
 >vhile among them, was in demonftration of the Spi- 
 rit and power. A great work broke out in thofe 
 parts. Infomuch that the above church was confli- 
 »tuted in 1769, and called Nottoway; which may be 
 faid to be the mother church of all others, for many 
 miles in circumference. Jeremiah Walker moved 
 from North Carolina and took the paitoral care of 
 them. Few men in fo fhort a tim^e did more good 
 than Walker did, round about Nottoway. P.eiides 
 his labours in the adjacent neighbourhoods, by which 
 many churches were planted, his luccefs in this church 
 was very extenlive. Within about two years from 
 its conltitution, they rendered an account of 260 
 members to the AiTociation, and it v/as the largefl 
 church in Virginia : and tv/o years after that, wheu 
 fbveral others had been taken off, their number was 
 196. (n 1784, Simeon Walton was chofen paftorj 
 who faithfully difcharged the duties of that office^ 
 until 1795, when he moved weft ward. Simeon 
 Walton, Charles Anderfon, David iillington, William 
 MuDins, Robert Fofter, and William Ellis were 
 preachers railed in this church. She is now at low 
 ebb. 
 
 POWHATAN 
 
 Has been long a flouri/hing church. The gofpel 
 was firft carried here by elders Webber and Anthony, 
 at that time, very young preachers. They were fol- 
 io v/ed by Waller, the Craigs, and finally by David 
 Tiniley, who agreed to fettle among them. The 
 Word took a ranid foread ; many v/ere a' ' '' ^ f whom 
 
 A 2/ 
 
202 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 feveral became preachers. Tinfley was very labori- 
 ous among them until the year 1774, when he was 
 clutched by the iron hand of perfecution, and immu- 
 red in Chefterlield prifon. The forlorn Hate of the 
 •church, through his abfence, ftirred up the fpirit of 
 John Dupuy, a member, who commenced first, ex- 
 liortf r, and then preacher ; and a few years afterwards, 
 when left by I in (ley, the church chofehimfor their 
 pallor. Under his minillrations the church was 
 blefled with a revival, in v/hich there were large ad- 
 ditions ; like many other fifler churches, they felj 
 into a declenfion in the time of the war. Soon after 
 the war, Mr. Dupuy moved to Kentucky. The 
 church then chofe Mr. George Smith for their paf- 
 tor J who was a popular and ufeful preacher. Un- 
 der his care they were happy and united. But him 
 they alfo loft through the fertility of Kentucky foil. 
 He moved in 1804. The next year they chofe their 
 prefent paftor, elder Wooldridge. Of late they 
 have but few additions. Few churches have raifed 
 more preachers than the above. Their number is no 
 lefs than 14-, viz. John and James Dupuy, Edward 
 Maxey, George Smith, George Stoval Smith, Lewis 
 Chadoin, B. Watkins, Noah Lacy, Thomas Lafon, 
 Ifaac Lookado, Jofiah Gayle, John Wooldridge, 
 "William Rowsee, and Samuel Roper. 
 
 MUDDY CREEK. 
 
 The gofpel was firft carried into this neighbour- 
 hood by Jeremiah Walker, Rane Chaitain, and 
 others. After meeting with fome oppofition, it fo 
 far prevailed, as to bring about 20 or 30 perfons into 
 the liberty of the fons of God. With thelc materials 
 a church was built. Having no ftated paftor, how- 
 ever, they did not go on fo well as could be defined. 
 They dwindled, until about 1 784 elder Samuel Wood- 
 fin, their prefent paftor, was called to preach for them. 
 Under his miniftry they foon revived; and addition? 
 were made from time to time, amounting in all tg 
 
MI D D LE Dl S TRI C,T A S so C I ATIO Jv". 203 
 
 about 40. They have had fmall additions at differ- 
 ent times, though no remarkable revival. For fome 
 time back, they have, like many other churches, 
 fuffered a wintry feafon. Richard Stratton, a pious 
 preacher, was raifed here. His race was fhort. He 
 was arreile^ by death at an early period. 
 
 SKINQUARTER 
 
 Is a large, refpectable church, of long (landing. 
 Elder William Hickman was their firft paftor, and 
 was alfo the father of the church. He ferved them 
 about 6 years, ^nd then moved to Kentucky. Un- 
 der his care they enjoyed fome profperous feafons. 
 They alfo felt the bitternefs of fome adverfc fcenes. 
 AJr. Hickman was fucceeded in the pailoral office by 
 elder John Goode. In 1785 they were iavoured 
 with a revival, which continued about two years. 
 Many perfons during that happy feafon bowed to the 
 divine fceptre. In 1790 they were bereft by death, 
 of their beloved paftor. Mr. Georgje Smith, and other 
 neighbouring minifters attended them ftatedly. In 
 1799, elder Charles Forfee, their prefent paftor, was 
 inftalled in that office. His labours were bleiled du- 
 ring the years '99 and iHoo. As many as 70 or 80 
 were baptized into the church. After this revival, 
 wading through various difficulties, from apoilacies 
 and other caufes, the church at length fettled down 
 in peace and happinefs. God again vilited them ia 
 1807, with a fmall revival. 
 
 Befides the paflors mentioned, this church is own- 
 ed as the mother of feveral other preachers, viz. Jofiah 
 Rucks, James Rucks, Walthal Robertfon, Edmund 
 Goode, and Wiiliamfon II. Fittman. All thefe are 
 iHll living, and are all flill m.embers of Skinquarter, 
 except Jofiah Rucks and Walthai Rpbertfon, who 
 hav^ moved away. 
 
i;''Ji IIISTORV OV Tilt . 
 
 TOMMAKAWK 
 
 Has paiTed through many revolutions as to preach- 
 ers ; but by prudence and caution on the part of the 
 active private members, they have been a very hap- 
 py people. F.lder Jeremiah Matcher was their firft 
 paftor; whoferving them about two years, moved to 
 BedforcJ. They then chofe elder WifUam Hickman, 
 who in about three years moved to Kentucky. They 
 were then ferved by elder George Smith as an occasion- 
 al paftor for about 15 or 16 years, during which time 
 they had not only calm and peaceable tunes, but pre- 
 cious revivals. He alfo refigned about 1 791 .1 hey then 
 chofe Mr. .lames Rucks, who being ordamed, adled 
 as paftor about fix years, and declined through fick- 
 nefs. They then chofe their prcfent faithful minif- 
 ter. 'A fmall and unprofperous church, called Win- 
 tercomack, was once a part of the Middle Diftri-ft 
 alfo, but was diflblved a few years pail. 
 
 There was alio once a flourifhing church, called 
 Fine '< reek, in Fowhatan county. Mr. Maxey was 
 their firil pallor. He, though not a great, was a 
 good and uleful preacher. In the midft of his course 
 he was arrefted by the fmall pox, and carried to an 
 early grave, in the year 1781. The church declined 
 after his death, until in 1793 they diflblved their 
 conftitution, and the greater part, with their paftor, 
 elder Samuel Woodhn, fell into Muddy Creek, where 
 Mr. Woodiin is now pallor. 
 
 SPRING CREEK. 
 
 This church was planted chiefly by the labours of 
 elder Benjamin Watkins, their prelent faitliful pafl:or. 
 After getting asmcny as were thought neceflTary for 
 a conlHtutioR, they were organized 1790. Mr. 
 "Watkins paflor. 
 
 Fev/ churches have feen more pi ofperity than this. 
 For fome years ^fter their organization there we/e 
 fome added ever) year. Abju't ^799 fomc membe;? 
 
:,XlDT>l.Z DISTRICT ASSCClATIOfN. Su5 
 
 feeling imprefHons to pray for a revival, prcpofed 
 that Hated prayer meetings should be kept up. I his 
 was acceded to, and proved very efficacious. Fail 
 days were aifo obferved, and were thought to do 
 much good. -The revival commenced, and continued 
 about two years; during which time, more than 200 
 were baptized. Since that happy period, they have 
 paiTed through fome a^icting fcenes;yet out of ail, 
 God has, and will, deliver them. 
 
 They have another Mel'ting houfe belides Spring 
 Cieek, called Bethel. Here, it is exi3ected, will be 
 another church at fome future day. 
 
 The following pre.ichers were Ions of Spring Creek. 
 Prancis Hancock, Reuben Short, Jordan Martin, 
 and Peter M. Carey. Of thefe, the tv/o laft are itill 
 members. Mr. H. is dead, and Short has moved to 
 Patrick, where he is ufeful. 
 
 Mr. Martin is ordained, and travels and preaches 
 confiderabiy. His neighbours fay, he preaches aifo by 
 example. 
 
 Mr B. Watkins, their prefent paRor, is one of tlr: 
 mod: indefatigable preachers in Virginia. Thougii 
 often labouring under fevere iniinnities of body, with 
 other oh(l:acles, he flill halts not at dangers or diiii- 
 culties H e makes long preaching journeys, in which 
 he every day, and fometimes gq nights, proclaims his 
 Mailier's gofpel in its fimplicity and power. He is 
 indeed, a wife workman, and diligent labourer. For 
 more than 20 years he has kept a diary ; a custom 
 productive of fo many beneiits, that it is fomewhat 
 llrange that fo fev/ have fallen into it 
 
 Here the two fires from above and below met; 
 Chefteriigld was coniidered as an arm of Nottoway, 
 Dupuy's of Goochland. 
 
 CHESTERFIELD. 
 
 The firfl preachers who had the honour of preach- 
 ing the gofpel within the bounds of this church, were 
 V/illiam Webber a^nd Jo. Anthony. For this they 
 
200 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 were counted worthy of a prifon. Their labour was 
 not in vain in the Lord. When they firft preached 
 there was not a Baptift in the county. In the courfe 
 of a few months E. ('lay, tne pallor of this church, 
 having obtained a hope, was baptized. it feems 
 Mr. Clay had heard the baptift preachers fome years 
 before, up in Hahfax. lie had heard, and was 
 wounded by the two-edged fwordj but having come 
 out horn among them, his wounds were meaiurably 
 healed, until about this tJ!ne, being visited by an ac- 
 quaintance who had become a baptift, his converfa- 
 tion opened his wounds afreih. In a few months 
 they were effectually and radically cured by the balm 
 of Gilead. 
 
 Mr. Clay commenced labourer in the Lord's vine- 
 yard icon after his baptifm, and has continued there- 
 in from that time, faithfully tefljfying to the truths of 
 the gofpel, which he had felt. Being tich he was 
 very attentive to the preachers who were imprifoned 
 in Cheflerfield. With fome interruptions he has 
 been moderator to each of the affjciations of which 
 he has been a member. His labours for many years 
 have been confined chiefly within his own and the 
 adjacent congregations. He is now an old man, be- 
 ing 66 years of age^ and will doubtiefs, ere lon^, re- 
 ceive the fruits of his labour. 
 
 SALEM 
 
 Was an arm of Chefterfield church. Thomas 
 Lafon, the prefent paflor, having enterecj upon the 
 miniflry, and being thought to have promifmg gifts ; 
 a church was conflituted, and he ordained to the paf- 
 toral charge. Under his miniflry the church has in- 
 creafed by a comfortable revival, in which 59 were 
 added. 
 
 This makes five baptifl churches already mention- 
 ed in the county of Cheflerfield. And m.ofl of them 
 large and refpectable. It is worthy cf remark, that 
 generally the bapcifl cause has ilourilhed, mofl ekten- 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 207 
 
 fively where It met with the moft fevere oppofition in 
 the offset. In C heflerlield jail, feven preachers were 
 confined for preaching, viz. William Webber, Jofeph 
 Anthony, ^^uguftine t ailin, John Weatherford, John 
 Tanner, Jeremiah Walker, and David Tinfley. Some 
 were whipped by individuals, feveral fined. They kept 
 up their perfecution after other counties had laid it aficie. 
 They have now in the county more than 500 in com- 
 munion Among whom are four magiilrates, tv/o ma- 
 jors, and iive captains of militia « 
 
 .v^^ 
 
205 
 
 Ills TORY d^P Tilt 
 
 TABLE OF APPAOMTTOX ASSOCI ATION*. 
 
 I^'ames of 
 Cliarches. 
 
 2 
 
 By wliam 
 
 •'Fornier 
 
 pastors. 
 
 pastors. 
 
 COuKlit.:. 
 
 Lower Fall- 
 
 Kbenezer, 
 Nt:w Chapel, 
 iirr.u.nton Ri- 
 vtr, 
 
 Cabb Creek, 
 
 Afhcampj 
 Jvocks, 
 
 Appomattox, 
 
 Sailor Creek, 
 Jvlountain 
 
 Creek, 
 
 Buckingham, 
 
 Providence, 
 
 Wreck Ifland, 
 Union, 
 
 Slate River, 
 Sandy Creek, 
 
 179: 
 
 XS04. 
 
 1771 
 
 1803 
 I77i 
 
 1773 
 1781 
 1788 
 
 1771 
 1774 
 
 J784 
 17S6I 4Z 
 
 1805J 36 
 
 50 
 30 
 18 
 »S 
 12 
 
 35 
 
 12 
 
 78 
 
 90 
 60 
 
 30O 
 280 
 
 29O 
 
 5° 
 
 3» 
 
 Oba. Echohc 
 
 VV. Dotfon. 
 EJ. Johns. 
 
 J. Jenkins. 
 
 S. Harris, 
 
 H. Lefter. 
 S. Plarris. 
 S. Harris Si 
 1. Read. 
 
 J. Walker. 
 
 T. Crynits. 
 
 C. Clarke. 
 
 S. Harris & 
 J. Read. 
 T. Hargate, 
 R. Chaftain. 
 R, Chaltain. 
 
 S. Harris & 
 J. Read. 
 
 C. Cobb. 
 £d. Johns. 
 
 j. Jenkins. 
 
 J. Weather. 
 
 ford. 
 H. Lelter. 
 
 J. M'Leroy' 
 
 R. Foiler. 
 T. Crynjes 
 .^ H, Leste; 
 
 R.Chaftain. 
 
 D.Patterfon. 
 
 f 
 R.Chaftain. 
 
 R.Chaftain. 
 
 J. VVcr.tner 
 
 tord. 
 Ed. Johns. 
 Kd..Johng. 
 
 R. Dabbs. 
 
 S. Todd. 
 
 none. 
 P.Mathews 
 
 J. Saunders. 
 
 A. Watkins 
 
 A. Mil-Ier. 
 
 R.C^llain. 
 
 none& 
 
 W. Flowers 
 
 J. L. Abra- 
 ham. 
 I. Garret. 
 
 D. Ellington! J, Scurrv. 
 
 Campbell. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 Charlott", 
 
 do; 
 
 P.Edward 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 Bucking- 
 
 li;;ip. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 do, 
 
 I do,, 
 do. 
 
 Amclii, 
 
 CHAPTER XVIIl; 
 
 History of the Appo?nafio.v Jfsociationj including the 
 Sketches of Chiaxhes, 
 
 It has already been fliown, page 200, that from the 
 Middle Diftrict was ftruck oft' two new AlTociations, 
 called Meherrin and Appomattox. By reference to 
 the difterent tables, the bounds of thefe aflbciations 
 may be tolerably underftood.* Belides the churches 
 contained in the Middle Diftrid:, feveral from Roanoke 
 and Portsmouth fell into the new aflbciations. 
 
 Of the Appomattox we purpoie now to treat. 
 
 * Wo had not the minutes deSgnating the bouads. 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 209 
 
 Their first meeting after the divifion was at Walk- 
 er's Church, in Prince I. dwiird county Letters and 
 delegates from eleven churches were received * This 
 meeting v©is chiefly employed in forming a conftitu- 
 tion and rules of decorum 
 
 The conftitution in one of its articles is rather 
 lingular. It declares that the moderator fliali not 
 fpeak to any fuhjed; nor any perfon be chofen to 
 that oflice longer than two feflions fucceffively. 
 The defign of thefe reftraints, without doubt, was 
 to prevent any from acquiring too much influence. 
 But when we guard agamft one pofTible evil, we 
 ought not to be unmindful of another. The office 
 of moderator does not appear, in its nature, to afford 
 prefumption that it would be often abufed for arbi- 
 trary purpofes . Therefore, to deprive an AfTociation 
 of tnc counfel and iT^ill of one of her mofl intelHgent 
 members, to guard againft fo diflant an evil, has the 
 appearance of excefUve caution. It is much better 
 to give the pou-er, and watch the use of it. 
 
 The next AfTociation was held at Afhcamp church, 
 in Charlotte county, in Odober, / 805 A quv ry re- 
 fpedting the propriety of admitting unbaptized per- 
 ions to communion, was introduced at this feffion. 
 The queflion was anfwered by a large majority, that 
 none but perfons baptized upon aprofeflion of faith, 
 were proper communicants. The fubjedl; of open 
 communion, has been more agitated amoag the Bap- 
 tifts in this part of V' irginia, than in any other ; ar- 
 riling, as was fupposcd, from the high opinion 
 which they entertained ot the piety of fome other 
 Chriftian fedls, in the adjacent parts. Some refped- 
 able Baptifls were induced, from this conli deration, 
 to think favourably of a mixed communion, it was 
 certainly a very erroneous mode of iorming an opi- 
 nion. If open communion be wrong in itself, it 
 
 * It does not appear certainly from tht minutes, how nnny churches were i^ 
 the afibciation at tnh timej but it is pn^bable there v.ere tliirtcin. 
 
210 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 cannot be made right, by the pracfrice of men, how- 
 ever exemplary they may be, in other refpedts. 
 
 Their proceedings, from the last mentioned Aflb- 
 ciation until cur accounts clofe, appear tp have been 
 prudent and peaceable, but chiefly of a local nature. 
 
 The moderator's chair was filled alternately by 
 elders Ra'^e Chaftain and James Saunder?. Elder 
 Bernard'} odd uniformly adtrd as clerk. 
 
 IJaving given a brief account of the. proceedings 
 cf the Allbciation, we fliall nov/ proceed to give 
 iliort sketches of the churches of which flie is com- 
 pofed i beginning wjith 
 
 LOWER FALLING. 
 
 This has, like many other churches, paiTed through 
 various fcenes. Since Mr. AVeatheriord has attend- 
 ed them they enjoy better times than formerly. The 
 downfall of Obadiah Echols was very affecting to all 
 the churches to whom he 'had ever miniilcred. 
 This church participated in the diftrels. 
 
 EBENEZER. 
 
 This church was raifed under the labours of Wil- 
 liam Dotfon. Dotfon was a man of active zeal, but 
 rather deftitute of prudence : he did much good; but 
 he alfo did much harm. For many years Rev. 
 Charles Cobb was paflor of this church. He had 
 been an elder in a Prefbyterian congregation during 
 feveral years of the early part of his life. It was not 
 until he was advanced in age, that he afcended the 
 jiefk. This prevented his ever making confiderable 
 attainments in minifterial talents, fiowever fmall 
 his ability in the pulpit, he did much good. His 
 life was exemplary; and a hint from fuch a man is 
 more convincing than laboured difcourfes from learn- 
 ed doctors, who neither feel nor practife what they 
 fay. After a life of ufefulnefs, Mr. Cobb fell afleep. 
 Since his death. Rev. Edmund JohnS attends them 
 ilatedly and ufefully. 
 
ArPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION, 211 
 
 NEW CHAPEL. 
 
 The information refpeding this church has been 
 fmall. It 'appears liowever from fuch accounts as 
 can be gathered, to be a church of not many years' 
 ilanding. Mr. Johns, their minifler, though regu^ 
 larin his duties about home, travi Is but little to pro- 
 pagate the gofpcl, and is tiierefore not cxtenfively 
 known. The church under his care is f^id to enjoy 
 peace and Iiarmony. 
 
 Lower Falling aad New Chapel were members of 
 the Roanoke Afibciation from the time of the confti- 
 tuion until 1806. Finding it more convenient, they 
 had thenifelves difmiffed from the Roanoke, and. May 
 1805, joined the Appomattox. 
 
 STAUNTON RiVER. 
 
 There had been fome few profefTors of religion in 
 this neighbouraood for many years. But until fome 
 little time previous to the conititution of the church, 
 the bulk of the people were unufually immoral and 
 wicked. Rev. John -.Jenkins commenced ftated 
 preacher among them, aided by an invifible hand. 
 They received the word of God which they heard of 
 him, not as the word of man, but as (it is iw truth) 
 x\\Q word of God. A reformation of manners enfued. 
 Some enlifted under the gofpel banners: in 1804 a 
 conliderable church was conftituted. They procu- 
 red the flated fervices of Rev. Richard Dabbs ; and 
 under his miniftry they continue to be a flourifhing 
 church. Some of the members Jive in Halifax. 
 From the time of her firft conftitution, until IH07, 
 file v/as a member of Roanoke; at that time, (he was 
 difmifled to join Appomattox. 
 
 CURB CREEK, * 
 
 Now under the paftoral care of Rev. Bernard 
 Todd, is a church of long (landing. Early after the 
 rife of the Baptifts, there v/ere fome in this neigh- 
 
212 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 bourhood who embraced religion. They became 
 futiiciently numerous in 1771, to form an independ- 
 ent church. They were, a few years after the confti- 
 tution, placed under the care of Micajah Harris, viz. 
 anno ^J"]^* Mr. Harris refigning on account of dif- 
 ference of fentmient. Rev. John Weatherford be- 
 came their paftor. Under his miniftry they profper^ 
 ed moderately. Several refped:able and ulefui men 
 were joined; and among them fome preachers. Mr. 
 Todd, their prelcnt paftor, is a man of education; and 
 at the time of his becoming a Baptiil: was a man of 
 high flanding in civil fociety. He had for feverai 
 years reprefented the pounty as a delegate in the af- 
 feinbly ; and was an^ong the moll adive and ufe- 
 ful magillrates in the cou ty. But ali this he count- 
 ed as drofs, that he might win Chrift Jeius, and be 
 found in him. He afcended the pulpit at a late pe- 
 riod. He is neverthelefs a found and ufeful preach- 
 er. Under his miniltry the church has flouriihed, 
 
 ASH CAMP 
 
 Is a young but profperous church. It was raifed 
 under the minillerial labours of Rev. Henry Lefter, 
 who was their pallor until 1808. He then moved 
 to the wellern countiy. Since which time they have 
 the fervicesof Rev. Richard Dabbs. There are fome 
 very refpcd;able characters members of this congre- 
 gation. 
 
 Mr. Lefter embraced religion, at a very early peri- 
 od of the rise of the Baptifts, and when about 1 8 
 years of age. -He loon began to preach and was ac- 
 ceptable as a young preacher. Marrying however 
 when quite young, his minifterial labours were fome- 
 what curtailed. He continued llill to blow the gof- 
 pel trumpet, but not to fuch extent as fome who were 
 lefs entangled with the affairs of this life. He is 
 now (1809) about 07 years of age, of good conftitu- 
 tion, 6cc. In point of talents as a preacher, Mr. 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 213 
 
 Lefter may be conlidered as occupying a refpedtable 
 grade. 
 
 Rev. Richard Dibbs has been a member of Aih- 
 camp, ever fince its conftitution. Fie had been bap- 
 tized for feverai years before he began to preru^ii. 
 Since he commenced, few perfons have rilen i to 
 notice as rapidly as he. And at prefent, in point of 
 popularity as a preacher, certainly none in these 
 parts farpafs him, if any can be faid to equal him. 
 He is, furely, the moft indefatigable of preachers. 
 Be travels almofl: incelTantly ; and is thoaglit by fome 
 of his intimate friends for fome years pail-> to have 
 preached more fsrmons than there are days in the 
 year, lie does not preach in vain. There are feals 
 to his miniftry wherever he goes. His talents do not 
 conliil in deep investigat on or clofe reafoning; not 
 in full and fair explanations of mysterious texts of 
 fcripture, or of abstruse points' of divinity. He fays 
 clever things, and he fays them in a winning manner. 
 Belides, his voice is harmonious, his perion agr?e- 
 a.ble ; and his manners, both in and out of the pulpit, 
 affectionate and plealing. He fmgs well, and is fond 
 of it. His exhortations are warm and pathetic. 
 With all thefe advantages, it would not indeed be 
 strange if Mr. Dabbs's talents were fomewhat over- 
 rated by many. Be that as it m^y. Unquestiona- 
 bly fuch gifts as he really polTeffes, he improves tq 
 the greatest poffible advantage : and if he fliouW not 
 become biaffed by excefTive popularity, nor be weary 
 in well doing, he will reap a plenteous harvest, in 
 that day. 
 
 ROCKS 
 
 Is among the oldest churches in this Aflbciation, 
 The gofpel was first brought here by Samuel Harrifs, 
 in 1 771, v/ho in fome lliort time baptized Robert 
 Jennings a presbyterian, a man of refped:able stand- 
 ing, and who was for many years afterwards an or- 
 nament in the church. Other preachers watered the 
 
21 i. HISTORY or the 
 
 feed fo^vn by Mr. Harrifs; and about the year 1772, 
 a church was constituted, which fell under the pas- 
 toral care of William .lohnfon. He was fucceeded 
 in a few years by one Mr. John M*Leroy, an IrilL- 
 man, who turned out badly, and then moved to 
 Georgia. In 1790, elder John Weatherford became 
 their pastor, and continued for fevcral years; and he 
 alfo removed. Of late years they have had elder P. 
 Mathews for pastor.* 
 
 APPOMATTOX. 
 
 This .i? an old church. When .first constituted, 
 they were curfed with the fervices of a wretched 
 traitor to the caufe. . One M'Leroy, a foreigner, 
 having fpecious talents as a preacher, became th^ir 
 pastor. After fome years of confufion and distrefs, 
 he left them and moved to Georgia, having been 
 pre vioufly excommunicated. They then called their 
 prcfent pastor. Rev. James Saunders. Under his 
 ministry, they have been a flouriihing people. Of late 
 years, however, they have palled through very la- 
 mentable fcenes. 
 
 SAILOR CREEK 
 
 Is a large and refpe^table church. They have, for 
 many years, been under the ministerial attention of 
 Kev, Abner Watkins. He has grown old in the 
 vineyard, but he has not grown weary. God Iiac 
 been with him here ; and doubtlefs if he is faithful 
 until death, he will receive a crown of life. If the 
 temper of a whole people may be understood from 
 that of a few, few ministers are more beloved by 
 their congregation, than is Mr. Watkins. As a 
 preacher he is conlidered plain and pra(flical ; not 
 aiming to rise very high, nor ever falling very 
 
 * This account was taken from an old Tnanufcript of Mr. John 
 Williams. From fome circumstances it is doubtful, whether there 
 were not two churches nearly of the faitte name, one in Charlotte 
 and the other in Prince Edward. 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 21.3 
 
 low. In the vicinity of this church was once a 
 church called Liberty, which fiourilhed for. fome 
 years, and then declining, was diffolved, the members 
 failing chiefly into Sailor Creek. 
 
 Robert Folter, the firft paflor of Sailor Creek, was 
 brought to the knowledge of the truth under the 
 minillry of Jeremiah Walker, was baptized June 
 1769, and began to preach the following year. He 
 W^s not confidered a preacher of talents, but was re- 
 fped.ed as a good man and faithful to his trufl, 
 
 MOUNTAIN CREEK. 
 
 This church was raifed through the faithful and 
 indefitigable labours of Rev. Thomas Crymes. He 
 attended them as minifter for fome time. When he 
 was no longer to be had. they were miniflered to by 
 iVlr. Lefter. lender his miniftry they were favoured 
 from above. The church grew. When Mr. Lefler 
 removed they obtained the attendance of elder Armi- 
 flead Miller, who ftill difcharges the duties of that 
 facred office. About the year lygi there were, in 
 this church, 78 members : the prefent number has 
 not been received. 
 
 BUCKINGHAM, 
 
 A mother church, in the county of the fame name, 
 is one of the largeft and moil flourifliing churches in 
 the Appomattox AlTociation. The firft fuccelsful 
 preacher in tliefe parts, was Chriftopher Clarke. It 
 was not long before Mr. Chastain, their prefent 
 paftor, commenced preacher. He has been their pas- 
 tor, their only one, from the beginning. Surely no 
 people need ask to be more blelled in a paftor. Un- 
 der him the church has prospered almoll uniforml)''. 
 If they have had their wintry ftate, from which none 
 are exempt i yet vender the prudent management of 
 this venerable paftor, they have not paffed through 
 fuch severe confiids as fome other churches. Mr. 
 Cfiaftain is now an old rhan, and ripe for the crown 
 
216 HISTORY OF TIIL 
 
 that awaits him. As a preacher he is held in high 
 eftimation for Ibundness, fimplicity, and ufefuinefs. 
 
 PROVIDENCE 
 
 » 
 
 Is not a very profperous church at prefent, having 
 been for fome yenrs without a pallor. I hey have 
 bat few male members; fome of whom, however, 
 are iifeful men. 
 
 David Patterfon, their firft paftor, was a part of 
 the firfl: fruits of the gofpel in thefe parts. After his 
 converfion he quickly commenced preacher, and was 
 diiliinguifhed for his fleady zeal and exemplary piety. 
 Being a man of independent property, he received no 
 compenfation for his minifterial labours ; which by the 
 bye, is very much the cafe, either voluntarily or in* 
 voluntarily, with a large proportion of the Baptifl 
 preachers in Virginia. 
 
 WRECK ISLAND 
 
 Has for her minifter Rev. William Flowers, a 
 preacher of acceptable gifts. They are a church of 
 good Handing, as far as information has been received. 
 The church was firll conftitued, at a place called Bent 
 Creek, anno j 'J']^, but neglecting discipline they de- 
 clined until 1784. They were reconflituted at the 
 place called Wreck Illand or Rack illand. Mr. 
 Chaftain then attended them flatedly, and they prof- 
 pered under his care. He was fucceeded by William 
 Johnfon, and he by James Saunders, as a vilitor. Mr, 
 Flowers, their prefent paftor, was a labourer in the 
 church for fome time before he was appointed paftor. 
 Since his appointment, he has condudted himfelf fo 
 prudently as to leave them no grounds to regret tlieir 
 choice. James Dofs was also for many years an or- 
 dained preacher in this church. 
 
 UNION. 
 
 This church, planted by the fuceefsful labours of 
 Rev. Rane Chastam, has for fome years been under 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION, 217 
 
 the paftoral etire of Rev. Jacob Abraham. With 
 fome afflictions they have alfo had fome favourable 
 feafons. At prefent they are a united and happy 
 people. 
 
 Jacob Levi Abraham, the minifter of this church, 
 was a native of the county of King William, and of 
 Jewish parentage. He may be confidered as a rare 
 inilance of the converfion of a Jew. Mr. Abraham 
 quotes fcripture with great readinefs, but fome think 
 that he fliovvs fomething of the Jew, flill, in his 
 preaching, by leaning more to the old teftament in 
 his quotations. Conffdering that he had but very 
 fmall opportunities in point ©f education, he cer- 
 tainly poiieiTes gifts of no inconfiderable grade. 
 
 SLATE RIVER 
 
 Is a fmall church in Buckingham county. We 
 have not received any remarkable particulars refpecft- 
 ing them. Their pail:or, Mr. Ifaac Garret, has the 
 reputation of a faithful labourer, who mainly def.gns 
 the advancement of Zion's profperity. 
 
 SANDY CREEK 
 
 Is a large church in Amelia county. They were 
 formerly under the watchful care of David hllington. 
 Aftei he moved fouthward they procured the ferviccy 
 of Rev. John Scurry. Under his miniftry, tiiey 
 have been doing well. Mr. Scurry has the reputa:- 
 tion of being an able minifter of the new testament. 
 God has hitherto flood by him, and he has only to 
 lean upon his omnipotent arm to the end, when God 
 will not forget his patience of hope. In this church 
 once lived John Pollard, a preacher of very coniider- 
 able talents. In the early part of his ministry he 
 was very popular, and apparently very ufeful; bat buf- 
 fering his brains to be addled by iome unfortunate 
 
 C 2 
 
218 HISTORY OF Till: 
 
 bias, he fell into the dodrlneof hell-redemption, or 
 the non-eternity of future punifliinent. He has 
 fince dragged on, rather a nuifance, in the religious 
 world.. He was fuppofed to have been fpoiled by 
 being too much carefred. 
 
 •=' Oh popular applaufe J what heart of man 
 " la proof against thy fweet feducing charms." 
 
MEIIERRIN ASSOCIATION. 
 TABLE OF THE MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 219 
 
 
 
 05! 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Xaincs of 
 
 a o 
 
 C a- 
 
 ;i 2 
 
 By whom 
 
 Former 
 
 Present 
 
 
 Churches. 
 
 
 ~* ^ 
 3 " 
 
 • 
 
 S 
 3 
 
 planted. 
 
 pastors. 
 
 pastors. 
 
 Counlie. 
 
 5andy_ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Char- 
 
 Creek 
 
 1785 
 
 53 
 
 70 
 
 f. Williams 
 
 J. Williams 
 
 W.Richards 
 
 lotte 
 
 Allen's 
 
 
 
 
 i. Williams 
 
 
 
 Meck- 
 
 Creek 
 
 T701 
 
 77 
 
 48 
 
 & W. Creath 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 R. Dabbs 
 
 lenburr 
 
 Blueftone 
 
 1772 
 
 16 J115 
 
 J. Walker 
 
 J. Marfhall 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J.Williams 
 
 W.Richards 
 
 do 
 
 Maloane's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 or Geneto 
 
 1773! 4-0 
 
 39 J.Walker 
 
 J. King 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 do 
 
 Wilibn's 
 
 '799' 14 54 
 
 VV. Creath 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 do 
 
 Meh«irrin 
 
 177X 
 
 X08 21 
 
 J. Walker 
 
 J Williams 
 
 J. Shelburne 
 
 Lunen- 
 
 Reedy 
 
 
 
 
 
 #' 
 
 
 burg 
 
 Creek 
 
 1770 
 
 36 
 
 no 
 
 J. Walker 
 
 J. Shelburne 
 
 J. Shelburne 
 
 do 
 
 Cedar 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1779 
 
 
 55 
 
 J. Walke. 
 
 S. Jones 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 TuiTckiah 
 
 1777 
 
 25 
 
 70 
 
 J. Walker 
 
 r. Crymes 
 
 VV Ellis 
 
 do 
 
 Flat Rock 
 
 i8o5: 69 
 
 59 
 
 J. Shclbiune 
 
 J. Shelburne 
 
 J. Shelburne 
 
 do 
 
 Ctitbanks 
 
 1789^ 19 
 1 
 
 36 
 
 J. Walker 
 
 J.Lee 
 
 P. Wynn 
 
 Dinwid 
 
 die 
 
 Harper's 
 
 1773 20 
 
 30 
 
 &S.HarrIfs 
 
 P. Wynn . 
 
 P. Wynn 
 
 do 
 
 James's 
 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 Brunf- 
 
 wick 
 
 Reedy 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1776 
 
 
 57 
 
 Z.Thqmfon 
 
 Z. Thomfon 
 
 W. Doffey 
 
 do 
 
 Fountain's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Greens- 
 
 Creek 
 
 1787 
 
 
 160 
 
 Z. Thorn fon 
 
 
 W. Garner 
 
 ville 
 
 Zion 
 
 1806 
 
 30 
 
 30 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 W. Creath 
 
 do 
 
 CH^iPTER XIX. 
 
 lUsiory of the Meherrin Afiocialion, inchiding the 
 Sketches of Churches, 
 
 This Aflbciation was coiiflituted in the year I804, 
 fee page 200. Od:ober, I804, the churches deiigna- 
 ted to compose the Meherrin Affociation, afTenibled 
 by their representatives at Ebenezer meeting house, 
 Mecklenburg coanty, in a Convention, for the pur- 
 pofc of forming a Conftitution and rules of decorum. 
 Twelve churches fent deputies. The conrLitution 
 which they formed, is fomewhat more energetic than 
 is usually avowed by aflbciations. By one article, the 
 affociation can withdraw from a church which is n^ 
 
220 IIISTOIIY OF THE 
 
 in orderly (landing ; which is only a foft word used 
 for exclude or excommunicate. For it unqueflionably 
 amounts to the fame thing; as is plain from this 
 circumstance: a church thus ejected or withdrawn 
 from by the aifociation, is not admitted to the com- 
 munion of the remaining churches. All things then, 
 fairly confidered, it cannot be prudently denied but 
 that aflbciations ought to poffefs the power of infped:- 
 ing both the principles and practices of churches 
 within their connexion. There is no better prool of 
 the neceffity of this power, than the pradtice of the 
 aifociations. Moft of whom, if not all, have at times 
 found it neceffary to f^fort to this mcafure, in order 
 to prefer ve uniformity. 
 
 The next feffion was at Bethel meeting houfe, in. 
 Mecklenburg county, in Augufl, 1805. At this 
 meeting, they agreed to adopt the abftradl of princi- 
 ples, fet forth by the Roanoke aifociation, fome 
 years before. This is, in fubflance, the fame as the 
 Baptift confeffion of faith. To exhibit fomethmg 
 of this fort, as a fpecimen of their prmciples, is a 
 proof of wisdom in a religious alTembiy. To wifh 
 to give it the authority of holy writ, or to afcribe to 
 it any thing like infallibility, is the abfurdeft folly 
 and fuperftition. 
 
 This aifociation has continued to meet and tranf- 
 a6l bufinefs in a prudent and judicious manner, until 
 the prefent time. Nothing of a general nature, not 
 noticed elfewhere, has been agitated, fmce the lafl 
 mentioned feffion ; except that they have joined the 
 General Meeting of Correfpondence. We {hall now 
 proceed to treat of the churches; beginning with 
 
 SANDY CREEK. 
 
 This is in the lower end of Charlotte, and is a 
 Baptifl church of happy ffanding. They were taken 
 off from the Meherrin, in the fall of iyl^^ Rev. 
 John Williams being in their bounds, bectime a mem- 
 ber and their paflor. So he continned until his death. 
 
MElir^ilUIN ASSOCIATION. 221 
 
 in 179::. After this forrowful event, S;indy Creek 
 \va? for a long time without any dated niiniflry. 
 But (to tiheir praife be it faidj they kept up regular 
 meetings, and prelerved order and difcipUne. At 
 moil of their meetings, the queftion which feemed to 
 occupy their attention was: How (hall we preferve 
 true rjhgionunde filed amongil us? howHiali we ad- 
 vance its interert? It feemed to he the general 
 opinion, that a faithful preacher would be the moft 
 likely to efreCl their objecJit. Accordingly, God di- 
 rected their attention to elder William Richards, then 
 paftoroi Blueftone, and who lived about twelve miles 
 from their meeting houfe. On thu 20th of Oc'tober, 
 1798, eider Richards accepted their call; and lias 
 been their ftated miniiler ever lince. UMer his care 
 they have been a lively and thriving church. Spring, 
 1802, a work of grace commenced, and cor;tinued 
 about eighteen months; durmg which time, about 
 iixty perfons were received and baptized. Four 
 preachers have been raifed in this church, Cmce elder 
 JRichards had the care of them, viz. John Afhwcrth, 
 v/ho with feveral private members, moved to the 
 county of Franklin, and there became a feparate 
 church, under the name of Pig River ^ Mr Afli- 
 worth, pa(l:or : which church is a memiber of 
 Strawberry AHociation : Robert Portwood, who has 
 also moved away; David M*Cargo, and George Pet- 
 ty, who are now ordained preachers, refiding in the 
 church. 
 
 ALLEN'S CREEK. 
 
 The gofpel w^as carwed here, about 1770; and 
 many perfons embraced the truth, under the preach- 
 ing of Mr. John Williams. They were united and 
 happy, until Mr. Vyilhams, in 1790, moved away. 
 Being left deftitute of minifterial inftrudtion, and 
 having a confiderable number of black people in 
 their fociety, of whom there were feme preachers 
 of talents ; they commenced the adminiftration of 
 
lilSTORV OF Tlli. 
 
 the ordinances, without ordination. They were per- 
 lecuted by one part of the community, and proted:ed 
 by others, equaliy refpedable. I'hey increafed ra- 
 pidly J fo that, in a few years, more than one hun- 
 dred Blacks were baptized by them. Thefe branch- 
 ed out into different companies, or churches if they 
 may be fo called. When Mr. Williams returned to 
 the parts, he had no little difficulty in settling them 
 into order. Many refuled to give up their inde- 
 pendent flate ', but the mofl: orderly joined Mr. Wil- 
 liams : and he leaving it to the choice of thofe who 
 had been baptized by the Blacks, to be rebaptized or 
 not, moil chofe to be rebaptized. Their affiiirs 
 went on, not very well, until the year 1790, Mr. 
 ^Villiam Cfeath, then a young and active minister, 
 recommenced the peaching of the gofpel among the 
 people of this vicinity. God owned his labour. A 
 goodly number were baptized, and constituted into 
 an independent church, 1791. Mr. Creath was una- 
 nimously chosen pastor. Which office he accepted 
 and difcharged the duties of, for ten or twelve years; 
 when, moving out of the bounds, he refigned his 
 charge. Since which they have had no regular paf- 
 tor ; but at prefent are fupplied with stated preaching 
 by Mr. Richard Dabbs, whose m initiations have 
 been very fuccefbful. 
 
 BLUESTONE. 
 
 It feems that the gofpel was firll carried into the 
 neighbourhood of Blueftone, by William Murphy 
 and Philip Mulkey, about I706. Their labours 
 were very fuccefsful; and 1758 or 1759> they were 
 fufficientiy numerous to exercife the rights of a 
 church. There were feveral white members, be- 
 lides a large number of Blacks, belonging chiefiy to 
 the large eftate of Colonel Bird, in that neighbour- 
 hood Many of thefe poor Haves became bright 
 and fhining chriftians. The breaking up of Bird's 
 quarters, fcattered thefe Blacks into various parts. 
 
MEirER^IN ASSOCIATION, 2,:o 
 
 It did not rob them of their religion. It io l^iid, that 
 through their labours in the different neiglibourhoods 
 into which they fell, many perfons were brought to 
 the knowledge of the truth ; and fonie of theai ptr- 
 foQS of'-:diftindlion. The remains of this church 
 continued in a dwindled llate, until the gofpel was 
 preiached in the neighbourhood of VIeherrin. They 
 then revived; and others being added, and* a preach- 
 er,' Mr. John Viariliall, being raifed up; they were 
 conftituted, December, 1772. 
 
 Biuellone vv^as chieHy taken off from Meherrin; but 
 is at prefent much larger and more flourilhing than the 
 mother church. When firfh conilituted, elder John 
 MarflTall was inllalled as paftor, but he leaving them 
 about the year '86 or '87 they obtained the ilated at- 
 tendance of Mr. John Williams, who fupplied 'them 
 until 1794, when elder Richards, their prefent pallor, 
 moved from North Carolina into their bounds. He 
 was then chofen to go in and out before them, and 
 has fo continued to this day. Elder Richards, in his 
 manufcriptsfurni(hed us, itates that the cold and lan^ 
 guid flate of this church was cause of great grief to 
 his foul ; and that he often fought the Lord for a 
 bleffing. Accordingly, in the year 1799 the heaven- 
 ly work began, and continued for two or three years. 
 More than 100 members v/ere baptized. Although 
 iince that time they have mourned under their lean- 
 ness, yet, order and love have moftly prevailed; and 
 not many of their nevv^ members have viiibly apofta- 
 tized. 
 
 Elder Richards pailor of Biueftone, was a na- 
 tive of Effex county; and ©f genteel connexions. 
 He profefled religion, and was baptized when quite 
 young. His reiati^ 'ns being greatly oppofed to it, 
 caufod him many fevere trials atjfirst; but he finally 
 removed their oppoiition by his corredl deportment. 
 When he firft commenced preacher, his gifts were 
 rather unpromifing. By flow degrees, however, he 
 improved his talents; until he nov/ ranks among 
 
224 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 preachers of diftincftion. AW forts of perfons, in his 
 own parts, are fond to attend his miniilry. For if 
 there are fome persons vvho do not think hirn the 
 bell: of preachers; thert are certainly none, but what 
 admit him to be the heft of men. He has a(5ted as 
 moderator to the Meherrin Aflbciation, for feveral 
 years; and fills the pofl with great propriety. 
 
 MALOAN's ot GENETO. 
 
 This church was compofed of members partly 
 from Nottoway and partly from Meherrin church. 
 Elder E. B-aker was their iirft pador; who foon left 
 them, and travelled off. Then elder King took the 
 care. During his refidence among them profperity 
 attended them ; but, to their great mortification, he 
 left them, and moved to Henry county. Elder Ba- 
 laam Izzel then preached for them {tatedly, until he 
 moved. Since his departure, they have been bleffed 
 with the ftated minillry of Rev. ^Villip.m Creath. 
 Nothing very remarkable has occurred among them. 
 ^J'heir prefent number is almofl the fame as when they 
 were firil: conllituted. 
 
 WILSON'?. 
 
 This church was planted by the labour of elder 
 William Creath, while he was paftor of Allen's 
 Creek. At hrll they were fmall, but in 1802 God 
 fent them a time of refrefhing; when about forty 
 were baptized. Since then, there have been deaths, 
 removals, and exciuiions fufncient to counterbalance 
 their additions: fo that their number at prefent is on- 
 ly 54. Although they -have not, for fome years, been 
 blefled with a revival, yet under the care of their ac- 
 tive and laborious paftor, they enjoy peace, love, and 
 good order. 
 
 Elder Creath is a man of flrong m.ind, and deep 
 refearch, in matters of divinity : and was his manner 
 equal to his matter, he would be among the greatell: 
 of preachers. He is thought by fome to be too fond 
 
MEHERRIN AS„SOCIATION. 225 
 
 of polemic points; Co as to lefTcn his ufcfulne(^> 
 by exciting unnecelTary prejudices One thing is 
 certain; that in lubjetts ofdilpute, there is a time to 
 fpeak and a time to be filent : and when we fpeak 
 unfeafonably, and efpecially if it fliould be intemper- 
 ately alfo; we damage the very caufe we profefs to 
 efpoufe. But with this, if this be fo ; elder Creath 
 is a very uleful man. He feems willing to fpend 
 arid be fpent for the honour of hh Mafler. 
 
 MEH£RRIN, 
 
 As early as the year 1757 or 1758, Mr. Dutton 
 tane, a preacher fi'om Pittfylvania, preached occa- 
 fionally among the people of this neighbourhood. 
 Some impreffions were made; but the leading men 
 in the neighbourhood oppofed. Mr, Jof^ph Willi- 
 ams, a magiftrate, charged him before the whole 
 congregation, not to come there to preach again. 
 Mr. Lane mildly replied, that, as there were many 
 other places where he could preach without inter- 
 ruption, he did not know that he {hbuld come there 
 again fhortly. After wifhing peace to the reft of 
 the company, he gravely addrelTed IVIr Williams, 
 and faid, " Little, Sir, as you now think it, my im- 
 preffions tell me, that you will become a Baptif}, a 
 warm efpoufer of that caufe which you now perfe- 
 cute." This predi(^ion came to pals. In about 
 twelve years, Williams embraced religion, ^as bap- 
 tized, and became a zealous member and ufeful 
 deacon in the church that v/as afterwards formed at 
 that place. 
 
 In 1768, the gofpel was preached here by S, 
 Harrifs and Jeremiah Walked, i'he heavenly work 
 was profpered from year to year, until a ccnli- 
 derable number were baptized in this vicinity; all 
 of whom were coniidered as members , of Notto- 
 way church, at this time the only conftituted church 
 within many miles. Being coniidered fuiiiciendv 
 
 D 2 
 
 ^&i'.jlrtl. . 
 
x;20 liisroRY of Tiit 
 
 qualified, they were pronounced a feparatc church, 
 November a/tJi, 177J> confiding of 108 members: 
 feveral of whom, afterwards became able • minif- 
 ters of the gofpel, viz John Williams, Elijah Ba- 
 ker, John King, and James Shclburne. Of the 
 two.firfl of thefe, fee Biography. Of elder John 
 Jvitig, fee the Hi'dorical Account of Strawberry Af- 
 fociltion. Flder James Shelburne is ftill living in 
 the neighbourhood of this church, and is their oc- 
 cafional paflor. When they were firfl organized as a 
 church, they received their minillerial inffcrudion 
 from Jeremiah Walker, who attended them ftatedly, 
 and was then paftor of Nottoway. In December, 
 1772, John Williams was ordained to the miniflry^ 
 and he became their paflor. The number of difci- 
 ples increafed greatly; infomuch that as many as 
 live or fix other churches were taken oiF from Me- 
 herrin, and formed into feparate churches; Meher- 
 rin being the only Baptift church in the counties of 
 Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and Charlotte. From 
 deaths, removals, &c. this large and profperous 
 church is now reduced to 21 members: and, indeed, 
 fhe has been lower than fhe is at prefent; her 
 pro fpecSs being more aufpicious at this time (1808) 
 than they ha-^e been for iome years. The four 
 preachers, mentioned above, wiH always ftand as mo- 
 numents of honour to this their mother church. 
 The Baptift caufe, has not probably been more ad- 
 vanced by any four preachers in Virginia. 
 
 REEDY CREEK, 
 
 In Lunenburg, was conftituted in June, 1775. 
 Soon after their conftitution, they made choice of 
 Mr. James Shelburne as their paftor. He has dis- 
 charged the duties of that office until this time, being 
 Hill a diligent and ufeful preacher of the gospel, 
 though about 70 years of age. They have been fa- 
 voured vrith feveral co'mfortable revivals of religion ; 
 
MKIIERUIN ASSOCIATION. 227 
 
 SO that although there have been frequent removals 
 and deaths, their number is flill more than loo. 
 
 They have four meeting houfes within their limits; 
 at each of which there is ftated preaching once a 
 month. The following account taken from the ve^ 
 nerable Mr. Shelburne himself, as well as from Mr. 
 Richards who was prefent, is worthy of note. Mr. 
 Shelbnrne is one of the mofc religious men living. 
 He feldom talks on any other fubjccSt. It is eafiiy 
 conceived then, that whenever Zion languiflies, he 
 feels his portion of facred forrow, expfeffed by the 
 prophet Jeremiah, chap. 9th, ver. 1ft. It will alfo 
 be adm.itted, that of this mourning, the church to 
 whom he ftood committed, in the ihlQmn oftice of 
 paftor, would fhare her full portion. Such was the 
 cafe for feveral years. The ilate of religion in elder 
 Shelburne's church was truly lamentable. Pie felt 
 it, and mourned. God heard hijj groans, and re- 
 moved his complaints. He is often plea fed, how- 
 ever, to take ftrange ways, (ftrange to mortals) to 
 efFed: his purpofes. It v/as deeply imprelled upon 
 elder Shelburne's mind, that if he would make a re- 
 ligious feaft; or in other words, if he would invite hb 
 Neighbours generally, to come to his houfe, and there, 
 for three or four days, entertain them with fuch as he 
 had; and at the fam.e time, employ every opportuni- 
 ty in exhorting them to repentance, &c. that the 
 Lord would thereby begin a goodly work, fie tried 
 it, and fucceeded. Heflirft appointed meeting at the 
 meeting houfe, and Smbi thence invited them, one 
 and all, to his own hoiise. Many went The time 
 was occupied in the moil: devout manner. Singing, 
 prayer, exnortation, and converfation were all in their 
 proper feafon, attended to. The heavenly Ihov/er 
 defcendedj. The fouls of many were refrefhed , and 
 from that time the work went on, to the converfion 
 of great njumbers. After this revival declined, and" 
 times agairt became unpleafant, Mr. S. had th-^ fame 
 exercifes, rijade the fame experiment, and had the in- 
 
228 m STORY OF the 
 
 defcribable joy to find, that the fame blefled confe- 
 quences enfued. Some fuperiicial obrervers will fay, 
 ** indeed then, this old gentlemen could flir up a revi- 
 val as eafily as make a feaft." No ; far from it. He 
 nayer attempted it, in any cafe, until urged to it, by 
 the Spirit of grace deeply impreffing his mind. And 
 when divine vvifdom points out the way, it is as eafy 
 to accoraplifh a revival, as it is to bend the knee or 
 open the lips. But all the devifes of man are of lit- 
 tle avail, unless the hand of God be fuperadded. 
 
 ' CEDAR CREEK, 
 
 Firft planted by the labours of Rev. Jeremiah 
 "Walker, was for many years under the care of Rev. 
 Stephen Jones, a pious, faithful, and ufeful preacher 
 of God's word. 
 
 After having fought a good fight, Mr. Jones finifh- 
 cd his courfe, anno l8o6", aged about 63. His death 
 was much regretted by all dalles of his acquaintance. 
 Jufl before he died, he called his family together, 
 and prayed with them and for them, faying, **it was 
 the lafl: time^ as he fliould in a few hours pafs over 
 Jordan." Since his death, the church has been deiti- 
 tute of a paftor. It is not fo flourifhing as it ,ha$f 
 been. 
 
 TUSSEKIAH 
 
 Is an old and numerous church. Thomas Crymes 
 was chofen minifter at the time of conflitution, hav- 
 ing been previoufly engaged in the miniilry among 
 them. He was a faithful and diligent fervant of 
 God. By faint and finner he was clteemed a good 
 man. His conftant and unremitting labour in the 
 miniilry, was fuppofed to have contributed to the 
 difeafc of which he died, in the year I789. He was 
 willing to be spent in his Mailer's work:. Oh ! let 
 me live the life and die the death of the ri[;liteous. 
 
 After the death of Mr. Crymes, the church be^ng 
 deftitute of a preacher, refolved ngtwithflanding, to 
 
MEHlSiRRIN ASSOCIATION. 229 
 
 keep up the monthly meetings, and when met, to 
 wait upon the Lord, to lee whether any would be 
 divinely imprelTed to exercife any public gift. Leav- 
 ing to each member to ling, pray, exhort, or preach, 
 as were his impreiTions. In fome (liort time, Willi- 
 am Ellis, a man well reported of for piety and zeal, 
 became a preacher. In^Vlay, 1790, he was called to 
 the paftoral care 3 and has continued ever fince. Un- 
 der his miniilration, the church, though not bleiTed 
 with any important revival, has had frequent addi- 
 tions; and is a profperous and happy church. 
 
 FLAT ROCK 
 
 Is a new church. They are the eucds of Mr. 
 Shelburne's labours. From prefent profpedts, they 
 are likely to be a united and happy people. 
 
 CUTBANKS. 
 
 Nothing has been received respedling this church, 
 except what may be learned from the table. 
 
 HARPER'S. 
 
 The gofpei was firfl: carried here in its purity a^d 
 power, by elder Harrifs, Childs, and Walker; gr^at 
 effe(5ls enfued. The hearts of many being wrought 
 upon, produced a great reformation among the peopib. 
 Finally, m 1773, a church was conilitated. Thqy 
 were for fome time attended by Mr. Walker. Aftir 
 his downfall, they were deiiitute, until T787 Rei^. 
 Peter Wynn was ordained to the care of them. I'hey 
 have never been a very numerous church, but have 
 had fome uleful members. At prefent, however, 
 through deaths, removals, &c. they are not io flc/ur- 
 iihmg as they have been. Mr. AYynn is ftill i/heir 
 paltor ; a man that fears God, and wo?rks rir^hte- 
 ousnefs. 
 
2;>0 IIISTOIIY OF THL 
 
 JAMES'S. 
 
 Is* a young church; conccrnhig wliich, nothing 
 worthy of notice can be faid. They Hve in peace 
 ami love, one with another. 
 
 REEDY CREEK, 
 
 In Bruiifwick County, 
 
 This church, together with Fountain's Creek, 
 Gencto, Cutbanks, and Harper's, were members of 
 the Portfmouth AlTociation, until Meherrin AfTocia- 
 tion was conftituted. Hence, we may account foi- 
 the circumftance of there being two '^ihurclies of the 
 fame name in. this alfociation . 
 
 Reedy Creek was planted by the rninifterial la- 
 bours of Mr. Zachary Thomfon ; who continued to 
 vilit them flatedly, for fome time. After living 
 many years without any regular paftor, they at 
 length called and obtained the fervices of elder 
 V/illiam Dolley ; who is a young man of talents, 
 piety, and very amiable manners. He has hitherto 
 refided, when in the parts, at the houfe of Mr. Jos. 
 Saunders, clerk of the Meherrin AlTociatloq. ** Mr. 
 Saunders," fays the history of the Kehukee AUbcia- 
 tion, with other members of this church, " is re- 
 markable for virtue, piety, and ufefulnefs. He was 
 alfo clerk of Portsmouth. Since Mr. Doliey has had 
 t\^ care of them, the church has been looking up. 
 
 FOUNTAIN'S CREEK, 
 
 'Is a large church ; iirfl planted by the ministry of 
 elder Zachariah Thomson, Mr William Garner 
 took the care of them at their organization, and has 
 continued ever iince. They have had their ebbs and 
 flood's; but have generally been a profperous church. 
 In the year .-802, the bright buds of mercy gather- 
 ed; and they had a pleafant fhower. A coniidera- 
 ble number was added. There is an arqi of thi.^ 
 
MEHEKRIN ASSOCIATION. 231 
 
 dhurch in North Carolina; who aflemblc tt Vafer's 
 Meeting Houfc, Northampton county. 
 
 zroN 
 
 Is alfo fome of the fruits of Mr, Creath's minis- 
 try. Having been very lately conllituted, nothing 
 more need be faid, than that, they :ire in peace and 
 harmony among themlelves ; and bid fair to profper. 
 Mr. Creath fliil attends them flatedlv. 
 
232 
 
 itlsVoEY oi^ TilE ' 
 
 TABLE OF ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Names of 
 
 XT <n - 
 
 ►T3 
 
 -5 f» 
 ■ t3 
 
 B 
 C 
 
 5 
 
 By whom 
 
 Former 
 
 Present 
 
 Counties. 
 
 Cliurche:; 
 
 In 
 
 o 
 
 2 £■ 
 
 planted. 
 
 puhtors. 
 
 pastors. 
 
 Catawba 
 Buffaloe 
 
 Wynn's 
 
 Creek 
 
 Hurj'ine" 
 
 Cre.k 
 
 tieiJ 
 Cliilciiy 
 
 MiJlftone 
 
 Arbour 
 Polec.it 
 
 1773 
 
 1774 
 1773 
 1775 
 
 1779 
 1783 
 
 1787 
 
 1785 
 1793 
 
 Wiry 
 
 Creek i8o_ 
 Liberty J1802 
 Dan River 1802 
 li Corner jiSoj 
 Mofllns. 
 
 ford 1785 
 
 BuiFaloe '177S 
 
 ^■"neca 
 MiJl 
 Church 
 
 Upper 
 
 ianiller 1773 
 
 1804 
 1770 
 
 County 
 Line 
 
 Bircli 
 
 Creek 
 Union 
 
 Bennett's 
 
 1771 
 
 «787 55 
 1789: 35 
 
 1790 2£ 
 
 35 
 
 40 
 
 50 
 60 
 
 25 
 
 60 
 
 19 
 
 60 S. Harriis 
 87 !s. Harrifs 
 
 150 
 
 40 
 
 80 
 
 38 
 160 
 
 R. Picket 
 
 ^O. Echols 
 
 T. Dobfon 
 
 'O. Echols 
 O. Echols 
 
 81 W. Dotlbn 
 
 34 
 
 84 
 
 30 
 
 196 
 90 
 
 128 
 103 
 
 40 
 47 
 
 W. Dotfon 
 O. Echbls 
 
 J. Atkinfon 
 J. Atkinlon 
 [. Jenkins 
 C. Hubbard 
 
 J. Williams 
 J. Read 
 
 J. Jenkins 
 J.Cretl 
 
 iS. Karriis 
 
 S. Harrils 
 
 R. E^liott 
 R. Elliott 
 
 J. Kenney 
 
 jl. Hill, 
 \^ Hall, 
 VV. Dotion 
 T.Gilt>crt, 
 N. Hall, 
 O. Echols, 
 J. Hurt 
 R. Picket 
 
 O. Echols, 
 T. Do') Ion 
 r. Doblbn 
 
 L. Baker 
 O Echols, 
 ' O'.ven^ 
 1^''. Dot (on, 
 S. Brame 
 VV. Dotlbn 
 O. Echols, 
 S. Brame 
 
 C.Lovelace 
 
 . Lovehce 
 .Hubbard 
 
 J.Williams 
 H. Ltfter, 
 J. Read, 
 J. \yatkins 
 
 N.LoVclacc 
 
 ?. Hurt 
 C.Hubbard 
 
 R. Picket 
 
 T. Dobfon 
 
 L. Baker 
 J . J tnkins 
 
 J. Jenkins 
 
 J. Atkinfon 
 J. Atkinfon 
 
 C. Lovelace 
 
 C. Lovelace 
 C.Hubbard 
 
 R. Dabbs 
 B.Izztl 
 
 N.Lovelace 
 
 J. Creel, E. Dodfon 
 
 iT.Burgefs, 
 
 J. Atkinfon | 
 
 |w. Bailey, ; W.Blair 
 C.Sanant, ' 
 R. Elliott 
 
 S. Harrifs, 
 
 O. Echols, 
 
 W. Dodfon 
 
 S. Brame, 
 
 M. Bates 
 
 R. Elliott 
 
 R. Elliott, D» Nowlen 
 
 J. Tompkins 
 
 J. Kenney, J. Jenkins 
 
 G Dickerfon' 
 
 iialjtax 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 dc 
 do 
 do 
 
 Charlotte 
 Mecklen- 
 burg 
 
 Canipbell 
 
 Pittfylva. 
 nia 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 
hvOANOKE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 TABLE OF ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 CONCLUDED. 
 
 2;^3 
 
 VV'iitc- 
 
 
 
 
 thorn 
 
 1791 
 
 go 
 
 53 
 
 Lower 
 
 
 
 
 Banifler 
 
 «795 
 
 3* 
 
 277 
 
 Stinking 
 
 
 
 
 River 
 
 rSoo 
 
 40 
 
 5a 
 
 Siiockoe 
 
 1803 
 
 
 60 
 
 Double- 
 creek 
 
 
 
 
 1803 
 
 3 5 
 
 48 
 
 Zion Hill 
 
 1807 
 
 3S 
 
 -55 
 
 Stewart's 
 
 
 
 
 creek 
 
 
 
 36 
 
 M . Bates 
 
 J. Jenkins 
 
 M. Bates 
 J. Jenkins 
 
 J. Atkinfon 
 J. Jenkinfon 
 
 M. Bates 
 
 W. Flop- 
 
 
 wood 
 
 .1. Jenkins 'J. Jenkins | 
 
 G. Dicker- 
 
 G. Dicker- 
 
 ion 
 
 fon 
 
 D. Nowlen 
 
 D. Nowlen 
 
 W. Moore 
 
 
 J. Warner 
 
 J. Wvntr 
 
 R.Elliott 
 
 W. Blair 
 
 Pitrfylva- 
 nia 
 do 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 do 
 60 
 do 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Historrf of the Proceedings of the Roanoke Afiocia- 
 tiou, from her Conjiitut'ion, imtil 1807. 
 
 It has been already fliown, page 195, that Roan- 
 oke was ftricken off from the Middle (Jiftrid:, in 
 May 1788, Their iirft feflion was holden, in Odo- 
 ber, 1788, at Miller's ferry, Dan river, VVatkins's 
 meeting houfe; in which, according to cuflom, they 
 were chiefly employed in forming a conflitution or 
 rules of government. This conflitution pofTefTes 
 more energy in fome of its provifions, than will be 
 found in the form of government, adopted by mofl 
 of the affocidtions. It has flood more than twenty 
 years, and under it the afTociation has profpered to 
 an unufual extent; as will be feen hereafter. By 
 this conflitution, the aflbciation is made the medium 
 to procure fuitable presbyteries in the ordination of 
 preachers, and in the conflitution of churches; and 
 likewife to obtain feafor^able aid in all matters of 
 dillrefs in churches. 
 
 They met, for the fecond time, in May, 1809, at 
 GrafTy Creek meeting houfe, in North Carolina.* 
 
 Letters were received from twenty churches ; the 
 flate of v/hich is defcribed in the followijig extradl 
 from the circular letter. " Excepting a few in- 
 
 •• After the reparation from t):e Middle DiftriiH:, they were joined by feveral 
 churches in Morth Carolins. 
 
 E 2 
 
234 ni STORY OF TllL 
 
 fiances, we had agreeable accounts from the church* 
 cs, touching the advancement ot Emmanuel's inte- 
 red. And from fome parts, very much lo." 
 
 The bufmefs with which this seffion was occu- 
 pied, difplays a noble and enterprizing fpirit; and 
 proves, that if they could have effedted their inten- 
 tions, they would have done much towards advan- 
 cing rhe refpe(5l ability of the Baptift fociety. But 
 alas ! what are the moft noble views, without means 
 tQ^acccmplifh them! 
 
 'J he eredion of Baptift feminaries of learning, and 
 the publication of a Hiftory of the Baptiib in Vir- 
 g"nia, were the fubjeds of the greateft importance 
 to which they attended. For further information, 
 as to their proceedings on each, fee the History of 
 the General Committee, end other places. 
 
 A copy of the minutes of this aflbciation, accom- 
 panied by a letter frOm Rev. John Williams, was 
 fent by him, to Mr. Rippon, London; who publifh- 
 ed extrads therefrom, in his Annual Regifler of the 
 Baptifts. 
 
 Odober, 1789, they met again, at Catawba meet- 
 ing houfe, Halifax county. Letters from twenty 
 cigiit churches were received. Their tidings were 
 picafing. 
 
 About this time, Henry Pattillo, a Presbyterian 
 preacher of diflincflion, had preached feveral times 
 in. favour of infant baptifm; in which, he had de- 
 •^raded the Haptifts in the mofl fcurrilous manner. 
 Ihe AiTociation, in order to rebut his calumny, ap- 
 pointed John Williams to anfwer him, on a certain 
 day; which day, they determined fhould be a day of 
 falling and prayer. Accordingly, Mr. Williams 
 Uilfilled the appointment, to the general fatisfadtion 
 if the Baptifts and their friends; and to the annoy- 
 unce of their enemies. A David can flay a Goliath, 
 * vhen he comes to him Sn the name of the Lord of 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 23.3 
 
 Their next feffion was at Whiteoak mountain, 
 Pittfylvania county, June, 1790. Letters from thir- 
 ty four churches were received, affording no fingu- 
 lar intelligence. The buiinefs of the Affociation was 
 not intereiHng. 
 
 Ottober, 1790, they met again, at Picket's meet- 
 ing houfe. Letters were received from thirty one 
 churches, 
 
 At this ailbciation, fome debate arofe as to the au- 
 thenticity of the chriftian fabbath ; but was at length 
 unanimously determined in favour of its being ob- 
 ferved as a facred day. This fubjedt has been, not 
 unfrequently, taken up among the Virginia Baptifls, 
 both in public and private; and the divine authority 
 of the fabbath day difputed by fome. In confe- 
 ^uence of fuch debates, it has been thought that the 
 fabbath has not been as religioufly obferved, in fome 
 places, as duty would require. 
 
 An abjftradt of principles, containing twenty arti* 
 cles, was publiihed by this alTociation. They are 
 fubftantially the fame as the confession of faith. 
 
 They met at Dobfon's meeting houfe, Halifax, 
 June, 1 79 1. Letters were received from thirty four 
 churches. They detail nothing iingular. It was 
 determined, that in future, the Distrid: fliould be di- 
 vided into two. The ^n.^ to be called Dan River Af- 
 fociation, and the other to retain the name of Roan- 
 oke. It is unneceflary to detail the particulars of 
 this divifion, feeing after twofeffions they deterrnvn 
 cd to reunite. 
 
 Odober, 1791, the Roanoke Affociation met at 
 Catawba meeting houfe, Halifax. 
 
 April, 1792, they met at Allen's Creek meetin? 
 , houfe, Pittfylvania. 
 
 October, 1792, they met at Mill meeting houfe, 
 Pittfylvania. No bufmefs worthy of notice- was 
 tranfacted at thefe fellions. 
 
 May, 1793, they met at Grafly Creek meeting 
 houfe. North Carolina. Letters were received from 
 
230 HISTORY OF TIIK 
 
 twenty feven churches; from which it appeared, that 
 the itute of religion was very advdiVie indeed ; only 
 twenty having been baptized Irom the lafl aiTociation. 
 
 October, 1793, they met at iJart's Chapel, North 
 Carolina. Letters from thirty iix churches were re- 
 ceived; detailing unpleafant tidings, as to the low 
 Aate of religion. 
 
 'I he following query was introduced and anfwer- 
 ed, viz. Whether the excommunication of a miniiler 
 does not make his credentials null and void ? 
 
 Anlwered in the affirmative. 
 
 This is a lubject of general intereft. Many evils 
 have been produced, from excommunicated preachers 
 availing themfelves of their former credentials : yet, 
 it is diriicult to rind a remedy. 
 
 May, 1794, they n.et at Blueflone meeting houfe, 
 ^Mecklenburg. Letters from twenty fix churches 
 were received: the lan^^bage of which is lamenta- 
 lion. In ail, forty lour had been baptized. 'J'he 
 total number in all the churches, was 314^. 
 
 Odtober, 1794, they met at Catawba meeting 
 houfe, Halifax. Letteis from thirty iix churches 
 were received. They IHII lament their languid ftate. 
 
 The only bufinefs tranfacted at this feflion worthy 
 of notice, was' the diviiion of the Di(tri(3". The ftate 
 line became the boundary between the two diHridls. 
 1 he churches in North Carolina were conllituted 
 uiider the name of the Flat River AHuciation. The 
 Roanoke, appointed their next afibciation to be hold- 
 en at Banifter meeting houfe, Pittfylvania county, on 
 the Saturday before 'the iirfl Sunday in May, 1795. 
 
 Saturday, May 2d, 1795, tkey met at the appoint- 
 ed place. Letters from twenty five churches were 
 received : all of which bemoan the dark and gloomy 
 ilate of religion am.ong them. The circular letter 
 to the churches, on this fubjedt, fpeaks in this wiser 
 ** We haye read your letters, which give us the dole- 
 ful tidings of the decleniion of religion in this dif- 
 tridl ; and alfo, how few there are added to the bor- 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 237 
 
 tiers of Zion. O^.brethren ! what counfel fliall wo 
 give you in this diftrelTing fituation ? We can only 
 fay, that the caufe mufl exift among the profcfs- 
 ors of religion. God has not changed. It miift be, 
 therefore, certain that we have changed; and that 
 our transgreflions have raifed a wall between God and 
 our fouls." This letter was compofed by Samuel 
 Brame. The whole number of churches now re- 
 maining in this diftricft is thirty four. TIiq whole 
 number baptized in the correfponding churches, is 
 eight onlv. 'Jlie whole number m all tlje churches, 
 is two thoufand and eighty five. 
 
 October, 1793, theym.et at Reedy Creek meeting 
 houfe, Halifax. 
 
 May, »79(i, they met at Sandy Creek meeting 
 Jioufe, Charlotte. 
 
 October, 1796, they met at Buffaloe meeting 
 houfe, Mecklenburg. 
 
 May, 1797, they met at County Line meeting 
 houfe, Pittfylvania. 
 
 Od:ober, 1797, they met at Mufterfield meeting 
 houfe, Halifax. 
 
 May, 1798, they met at Buffaloe meeting houfe, 
 Halifax. 
 
 Odober, 179B, they met at Emmerfon's mcetmg 
 houfe, Pittfylvania. 
 
 May, 1799, they met at Millflone meeting houfe, 
 Halifax. 
 
 October, 1799, they met at Allen's Creek meeting 
 houfe, Mecklenburg. 
 
 May, ifioo, they met at Arbour meeting houfe, 
 Halifax. 
 
 Oxiilober, iSoo, they met at Whitethorn meeting 
 houfe, Pittfylvania. 
 
 May, 1801, they met Childry meeting houfe, 
 Halifax. 
 
 October, 1 801, they m.et at MofTrngford meeting 
 houfe, Charlotte. • 
 
 The bufmels done during this long wintry flate, 
 
'^■'b HISTORY OF TllL 
 
 is not of ibfHcient importance to command attention, 
 except as to their mode of proceeaing refpecting the 
 languid /late of Zion. An induilnous and careful 
 fhepherd watches and feeds his flocks in winter, 
 guards them from wolves and dogs, flickers them 
 from ftorms, cheriilies the weak, Hays the wander- 
 ing, feparates the contagious, puts out the trouble- 
 fome, &c. dec. and has them in fpring, llrong and 
 lively, to bring forth and raife their young. So 
 aded the Roanoke AiTociation towards the churches. 
 Asa mother nouridieth her children, fo fhe nour- 
 idled her people. Her condudl during this period, 
 is worthy of lafling remembrance. Frequent d;;)s 
 of failing:! and of prayer, were appointed and obferved 
 through the churches, to bewail their declenfion and 
 to i'lrivefor a revival. Every circular letter contain- 
 ed fonie exhortation to the churches to fearch for the 
 cauie, to endeavour to roufe i\p^ "from tlieir Ictha^g3^ 
 In; 797, th<5y laid off two diflrids, and appointed 
 two minifters, and tv/o laymen for each, to travel 
 throu'^h the churches to examine their ilate and 
 {landing, to ilir them up to duty, and to enquire, if 
 there was not fome accurfed thing in the camp, that 
 caufsd the frowns of the Lord, upon the armies of 
 Ifrael. This meafure v^/as faithfully executed; and 
 at the next alTociation, the church letters exprefs 
 great approbation of its beneficial efFeds. In 1798, 
 a query was fentfrom one of the churches, propoling 
 an examination of the minifters, as to the perform- 
 ance of their duty; and more particularly, as to fa- 
 mily worfliip; fuggeiling, that to fome neglecfl of 
 this kind, might be afcribed their languid ilate. 
 The examination was agreed to; and each minifler 
 rofe up in his place aiid rehearfed his excrcifes. 
 Some, with great contrition, acknowledged their 
 negiedl, and prcmifed future diligence. It was a 
 folemn feafon. The proverb, ** Like pried like 
 people," though often ufed in ridicule, is a ferious 
 truth. The fpirit of the living creature is in the 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 239 
 
 wheelsi Seldom do we if^e a dull preacher, and a 
 lively church, or, vice verla. Therefore, for the 
 iiioit pa ^, to reform the miniitry, is to revive th^ 
 church. The minifterial examination mentioned 
 above, is faidto have made gre.it changes. It opera- 
 ted like l^aul's epiftle to the delinquent (Corinthians. 
 They Ibrrowed after a godly fort. It wrought in 
 them great carefulness, 6cc. It was not a great 
 while after this, viz. the middle of the year J 790, 
 that the dawning of one of the bright days of the 
 Son of man appeared. The work, hov/cver, v/as 
 coniined to a few churclies, until the beginning of 
 the year 1802; when it became general. Fair and 
 refrefhing gales are not more welcome to fea-worn 
 failors, than thefe breathings of the Holy Spirit 
 Were, to the precious fons of Zion in this affocia- 
 tion. In feme churches, the numbers were more 
 than doubled: in fome, more than two hundred 
 were added."* In their circular letter. May, 18()2, 
 they publiih an account of this work, and ilate, that 
 one tlioufand three hundred and forty one had alrea- 
 dy been baptized; and that the work was ftill going on. 
 The aflbciation for May, 1B02, was holden at 
 BufFaloe meeting houfe, Mecklenburg. 
 
 C)d:ober, 1802, they met at, Li ieve's meeting houfe, 
 Pittfvivania. 
 
 Notwithilandino; the bleiled ft-^te of the 2:ornel 
 in this di.^rifl, at this time; they had a fevere tnal, 
 in the maicondudt of a certaia James Tompkins; 
 and in the oppofition m'.de to the prudent difcipline 
 exercif d towards him, by a presbytery united to the 
 churches of which he was a member and miniiter. 
 The presbytery confiiled of rniniliers appointed by 
 the aflbciation, at the requeft of the churches imme- 
 diately interelled. When the presbytery met, tl;ie 
 Upper Baniller and Stewart's Creek churches uni- 
 
 * Tns churches m this afToclatson, are confined within much 
 narrov/er liiiiits, than inalmoftany part of Virginia; 10 rJiat two 
 htmdrcd <^'•as a verv larjje number indeef-i, ?vH thine;.? confidered. 
 
240 IIISTORV OF THE 
 
 ted, and with the presbytery formed a council to 
 inveftigate and decide on Tompkins's condu(fl:. On 
 a fair and impartial trial, they pronounced him guilty 
 of the crimes alledged againft him, and excluded 
 him. Tompkins, however, denied tlie allegation; 
 and, being a man of addrefs, formed a confiderable 
 party in his favour, in fome of the churches; who 
 very incautioufly and prematurely, cxprefled their 
 difapprobation of the proceedings, in their corref- 
 ponding letters to this feffion. To tliefe churches 
 the aflbciation fent committees to remonflrate. The 
 churches and individuals who had caufcd the distrefs, 
 conceded; and a report to that amount, v/as made to 
 the next aiibciation. 
 
 A committee was alfo appointed, at the requell of 
 fome of the churches, to attend the churches to which 
 Tompkins had been conneded, and to give him a 
 further chance to exonerate himself from the char- 
 ges laid against him; or of making fatisfadory con- 
 ceffions. They met, and rein (rated him, with par- 
 tial conceflions on his part. Of his guilt, however, 
 many who were well acquainted with the whole 
 ground, enter tamed very little doubt;. Jn a little 
 time after his reftoration, he profefTed to be convin- 
 ced of the truth and propriety of infant baptifm; and 
 a(5lually joined the Presbyterians. 
 
 Mr. Tompkins did not live long in the enjoyment 
 of his new principles. The fcythe of time, that 
 fweeps down, without dilti nation, the good and the 
 bad ; brought him to the dufb in a ihort time. 
 
 James Tompkins was a young man of confiderable 
 talents; and until fufpeded of diforderly behaviour, 
 was very popular as a BaptiO: preacher. It would 
 feem, that his downfall was a fpecies of adverfity 
 permitted of God, to be fet over againfl: the profpe- 
 rity of the Baptifts in this afTociation. It happened 
 in the height of the revival. 
 
 April, 1803, they met at Ebenezer meeting houfe, 
 Campbell. Letters from twenty fcv-^n churches 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 241 
 
 were received. As far as the ftate of religion can he 
 conje(5lured from the minates, it appears that the 
 revival, as it refpeds the converfion of finners, was 
 , fomewhat on the decline.; the harveil being nearly 
 over. But as it refpedts the ftate of the churches, 
 it feemed that christians were in the Uvely exercife 
 of vital piety ; a cumber of young and promising 
 labourers thruft into the vineyard ; feveral new 
 churches conftituted; and, with very few exceptions, 
 peace and love reigned throughout Zion's borders. 
 
 A minifter of confiderable talents, misled by am- 
 bition, having about this time, fct up for a member 
 of congrefs, created foeie diftrefs among the breth- 
 ren. In confequence of which, the following query 
 was offered to this affociation. 
 
 Query. Will the word of God tolerate a minifter 
 of the gofpel in fuing for a poft of honour and profit 
 in legillation, and retain the privileges of his minifie- 
 jial office at the fame time. 
 
 For reafons unknown, the affociation never an- 
 fwered the query. VYe will offer a few reflections. 
 For a real miniiier of God's word, to become a can- 
 didate for a political office, feems to us more abfurd, 
 than for a man made prime miniifer, to fue for the 
 buice of conflable. Doubtlefs, in the view of a found 
 mind, the difparity between the office of prime 
 ininifler and that of conilable, is not fo great as be- 
 tween a legitimate (land in the pulpit, and a feat in 
 congrefs. As the heavens are higher than tlie earthy 
 fo are God's honours above man's; 
 
 Odober, 1^03, they met at Meherrin meeting 
 houfe, Lunenburg. Letters from thirty t\^o church- 
 es were received The Hate of religion was nearly 
 as defcribed at the lafl affociation. No lefs than nine 
 young preachers had been ordained from the hCt :if- 
 fociation ; as appears by the return of presbyteries. 
 For fome feflions back, there had been fome in the 
 aflbciation, who advocated a diviiion of the dillrid. 
 
 Fc 
 
Ii42 lilSTOllY OF Tlli: 
 
 On a fair trial now, it was fciund, that a large majc« 
 rity were decidedly oppofed to it. It was however, 
 agreed, that any churches lying on the extremity 
 might be difmifled, for the purpofe of combining 
 with others, appertaining to other allbciations, to form 
 a new aiTociation. By thefc means, it fell out, that 
 the alTociations now called Mcherrin and Appomat- 
 tox were eftablifhed. A committee of fevcn able 
 and experienced minifters were appointed on Satur- 
 day, to examine the amendments made to the con- 
 feffion c/ faith -, who reported on Monday, that they 
 were of opinion that " the amendments and altera- 
 tions are much for the better." To which the aiTo- 
 ^piation confented. 
 
 May, iHoJ-, they met at Bethel meeting houfe. 
 North Carolina.* Letters from thirty one churches 
 were received. Religion feems to be not fo warm 
 and profperous as at the laft afTociation : yet there 
 were feveral applications for the conftitution of new 
 churches, and for the ordination of young miniilers. 
 It was determined that a funimary of church difci- 
 pline fhould be formed for the advantage of the 
 churches in their government, and then fent by the 
 compofer to the churches, for infpedion. This 
 fummary was finally ratified by the aflbciation, antj 
 two hundred copies printed. This was certainly ^ 
 wise and prudent meafure ; calculated to prefcrve or- 
 der and uniformity among the churches. 
 
 Odlober, 1804, they met at Stinking River meet- 
 ing houfe, Pittsylvania. Letters from twenty eight 
 churches were received. The ftate of religion near- 
 ly as at laft fetfion. No bufinefs worthy of notice 
 was taken up in this afTociation. 
 
 May, 1S05, they met at Catawba meeting houfe, 
 Halifax. Letters from thirty four churches were 
 received- And if any judgment can be formed from 
 
 .• The meeting houfe is in North Carolina, but it belongs to 
 r.fayo church ; the larger pairt c-i* v/b:ch is in Virginia. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION, 243 
 
 the ordination of miniilers and the conftitution of 
 churches ; wc may venture to pronounce, that the 
 {late of religjton was by no means very adverfe in this 
 diftrid, at this time. The circular letter, however, 
 calls It a fitYmg time. No other except local matters, 
 commanded :he attention of the Aflbciatioa. ^- 
 
 0<flober, 1 80.5, they met at Hunting Creek. Let- 
 ters from thirty churches were received. The Aflo- 
 ciation appointed the Saturday before the firft Sun- 
 day in December, for humiliation, failing, and pray- 
 er, for an increafe of grace, and a revival of God's 
 work. This practice is fu rely worthy of imitation. 
 in no afibciation have the appointments of fail days 
 and fuch like means for the promotion of the profpe- 
 rity of Zion, been oftener relbrted to, than in Roan- 
 oke Dillridl : And it may with fafety be faid, that 
 within her limits, the Baptift caufe has flouriihed 
 more, tlian in any fedlion of the flate of V^irginia; not 
 to fay, of the United States. They prayed the Lord 
 of the harvefl to fend forth labourers, and they were 
 fent. They abound in preachers ; fome of whom are 
 able, and mod are ufefulj^ 
 
 IVlay, t8o6, they tiiet at County Line meeting 
 houfe, Pittfylvania. Letters from tv/enty nine church- 
 es were received. It v/as refolved, to adopt as a cir- 
 cular letter for this fefiion, a letter of Mr, John New- 
 ton, on the dodlrine of eledlion and final perfeverance. 
 This is certainly an admirable compofition. Bat 
 when we confider the prepolTeffion of moll read- 
 ers, in favour of authors with whom they have per- 
 fonal acquaintance : when we conlidcr the improve- 
 ment which thefe annual ccmpofitions might aitord 
 to fome of the fons of genius in the AlTociation ; we 
 are of opinion, that it is impolitic to borrow ; elpe- 
 cially from old and knov/n wri-ings, which they 
 could eafily get without printing. 
 
 October, i8o6, they met at IJpper Banifter meet- 
 ing houfe, Pittfylvania. Letters from eighteen 
 churclVes were received. Their llyle is that of cojn- 
 piaint on account of the dead ilate of Zion. 
 
iM HISTORY OF THE 
 
 It is ftatcd in the minutes of this feflion, that in 
 the churches that compose the Roanoke Alfociation, 
 tliere are twenty five ordained, and five licenfed mi- 
 niflers. There, are in all twenty nine churches ; hay- 
 ing on an average more than one pre;)cher for each 
 churth. in this fe^aon the following query was in- 
 troduced : Has a minifter of the gofpcl any more 
 power, in the government of a church, than an indi- 
 vidual of the laity? Anfwcred in the negative. This 
 dccifion, muft doubtlefs, carry the principles of free 
 government beyond all fcripture example ; provided, 
 byminifters of the gofpel, paftors of churches are in- 
 tended. Nothing can be more clear, than that, 
 through the whole tenor of the new teftament, they 
 are recognized as having authority of fome sort. 
 They are called rulers; and are promifed a rev/ard 
 if they rule well. They are called elders ; alluding, 
 no doubt, to elders under the Mofaic economy; who 
 furely had authority in the nation. Paul writes to 
 the different churches in the language of authority; 
 and advifes Timothy and Titus as minifters, whom 
 he conliders as having power. ^ It will then be ask- 
 ed. What kind of authority do they poflefs ? To 
 which it may be anfwered. They have a power fmii- 
 lar to that of fathers : the authority of love. Hence, 
 they are charged by Peter, not to lord it, over God's 
 heritage : not to feel and' adl-, as if they were lords 
 and mafters. This fentiment, while it embraces the 
 plain tenor of the word, is by no means repugnant to 
 republican church-government; feeing paftors are 
 chofen by the churches, and cannot, therefore, have 
 any kind of power until given by them. They are, 
 therefore, reprefentatives of the churches, exercifmg 
 various branches of power, in the name and for the 
 benefit of the church, and for the glory of God. If 
 t})is were not the cafe, how could the pallor be re- 
 fponfible for the /landing of the church; as is evi- 
 dent, from the addrefles to the antrels of the feven 
 churches of *'\fia. 
 
BOAkOKE iLSSdci'ATlbN, 245 
 
 Ma^, 1807, they 'met at Seneca meeting houfe, 
 Campbell. Letters from twenty four churches were 
 received. The accounts, as ufual of late years, re- 
 prefent the churches as in a wintry ftate. Kothiag 
 except local matters, was attended to in this llffion. 
 
 Odloher, 1^07, they met at Millftone rrteting 
 houfe, [lalifax. Letters from twenty feven churc-es 
 were received. No revival. The love of many wax- 
 ing cold. 
 
 Coniiderable agitation of mind was excJted at this 
 fe^on, in confequence of a n-iery, introduced from a 
 church in the county of Charlotte : Whether it was 
 a rndicim, firmly eft.ibiiilied among the Saptiils, that 
 *Vhliman learning is ot no uf^." This query arofe 
 out or an illiberal aiTertion, contained in a letter from 
 Mr. Rice, a Presbyterian preacher of Charlotte, to 
 the chairma:! of the conmiittce of millions ; and which 
 was pabiidiied in the Affeaibly's Miilionary Maga- 
 zine of May, 1^.07. In which Mv. Rice declar^'s, 
 that, among the '3*iptiib of this neighbourhood, it is 
 a maxim, very firmly eitabliOied, that human learn- 
 is of no ufe. The AiTociation took up the buiinefs, 
 and appointed a committee of certain brethren, to 
 anfvver and explain the fubjedl. The anfwer, which 
 was ftrong and energetic, compofed by Mr. Kerr, 
 was printed. No reply, or attempt to eftablifh the 
 aflertion, has been made by Mr. Rice, as yet. 
 
 It will eaiily be difcovered by a judicious reader, 
 that the adminiftration of this ailbciatiqn has been, 
 from the beginning, marked v/ith prudence, modera- 
 tion, zeal, and piety. And that to her wise and 
 watchful meafures, under God, may be afcribedmuch 
 of the great fucccfi;, which has attended the Baptill 
 caufe within her limits. Her miniifers, though not 
 blefled with claffic educations ; feem well yerfed in 
 that wisdom which delcendeth from above. 
 
 At thair firft conftitution. Rev. Samuel Harrifs 
 a<rred generally, as moderator. Since his relinquifh- 
 
246 UISTOllY OP Tllli 
 
 ment and death, Rev, Reuben Picket iias commonly 
 iiiied the moderator's chair. Their fid\ clerk was 
 Rev John WilUams. He was fucceeded by Rev. 
 John Atkinfon j and iince his refignation, Rev. John 
 Jenkins has adted as clerk. Thefe offices have been 
 temporarily filled by others i but the above named 
 were their ftated fervants. A number of excellent 
 circular letters were found in the minutes of this af- 
 fociation. But our limits are becoming too narrow 
 to publifli the extrad:s which we at firft intended. 
 And in particular, one annexed to the minutes of 
 i8oJ, compofed by Rev. James Hurt, being an ad- 
 drefs to young preachers, is fo well calculated to do 
 good, th.at it is with real regret we fee] compelled to 
 omit it.* 
 
 CHAPTER XXr. 
 
 Jlijlorical Sketches of the Churches in RoanoJcc 
 jljfociatioji. 
 
 CATAWBA. 
 
 The people of this neighbourhood had the procla- 
 mation of peace made to them, foon after the rife of 
 the Baptifts in Virginia, Samuel Harrifs was the 
 firft fuccefsful preacher. His plants were watered 
 by the fucceeding labours of himfelf and others, un- 
 til a church was conftituted, and James Hill, a 
 preacher, raifed up amon^ them. He was indudted 
 as their firfl pador; and continued for fome years. 
 In 1777, elder Nathaniel Hall became paftor, and 
 continued faithfully to disfcharge the duties of his 
 office, until 1785 ^ when believing himfelf to be 
 
 * Would not a volume, made up of circular letters judicioufly 
 fele6led, be a plealing and profitable publication at this time : 
 The compiler would gladly furnidi a friend difpofed to publifli 
 fuch a volume, materials, to coufiderable ^tent now in hia pof- 
 felUon, from which the fele-ftion might be made 
 
•i^OANOKE ASSOCIATION, 247 
 
 lupplanted by William Dotfon, a preacher of popu- 
 lar talents, he moved to the flate of Georgia j where 
 he lived and died a faithful minifter of God's word. 
 He, though a found preacher, was not a minifter of 
 diftinguifhed abilities. 
 
 Dotibn having inlinuated hiinfelf into the favour 
 of the congregation, was chofen as Mr. Hall's fuc- 
 cefibr. Being of a reftlefs fpirit, after a few years 
 he- left them. In lyg^, they made choice of their 
 prefent paftor ; who has continued to ferve them 
 fteadily until this time. Catawba has been a flour- 
 ifhing church from the beginning. They have ge- 
 nerally had among them feveral private members of 
 intelligence, piety, and prudence, that were rich in 
 this world, and willing to communicate; hence they 
 have fo frequently had the Allbciation at their meeting 
 houfe. 
 
 Mr. Philip Hurt, their pastor, is a fenfible, found, 
 and folemn preacher : a friend to difcipline and or- 
 der; and has done much good in his day and genera- 
 tion. God has beftowcd upon Mr. Hurt, one of 
 the greateft of bleffings ever enjoyed by a pious fa- 
 ther in this vale of tears. He has the happinefs to 
 fee his own fon living, in the bounds of his church, 
 a pious chriftian, and an eminent minifter of the gofpeL 
 
 Robert Hurt was one of the lirft fruits of the 
 great revival. He commenced preacher foon after 
 his converfion ; and rofe into notice, as a young man 
 of amiable manners, pious life, and very promiling 
 talents. Although he lives in the bounds of Cataw- 
 ba, he ad:s as minifter for fome of the neighbouring- 
 churches . 
 
 BUFFALOE 
 
 Was alfo the fruits of the venerable S. Flarrif^:, 
 Thomas Gilbert, a preacher of zeal and ufefulnefs, 
 was their firft paftor. They had alfo the minifterial 
 fervices of Nathaniel Hall, and Obadiah Echols, at 
 different times; but we have not had information 
 
248 llISTOKY OF 'IM.'t: 
 
 fufficiently diftind to be able to fay at wbat period? 
 thefe men ferved them. Their prefent pallor, elder 
 Clarke Hubbard, is a warm, zealous, and perfevering 
 preichcr. Although his opportunities for acquiring 
 literary knowledge, were very fmall, in his early lite ; 
 yet as foon as he was arrefted by divine grace, he de- 
 voted his mind to the improvement of his gifts ; and 
 his profiting appears to all v/ho know him. BufFa- 
 loe participated in the revival of 1802, and feventy 
 fix were added. 
 
 MAYO. 
 
 This is one of the largeft churches in Roanoke A fTo- 
 ciation; yet has been much larger than it is at pre- 
 fent. From the beginning they have been a very 
 refpedable people. In 1790, they had one hundred 
 and forty members. At fubfequent periods, they 
 increafed by fmall additions; but in 1802, they en- 
 joyed the outpouring of the Spirit in large portions : 
 one hundred and twenty were added : after which, 
 the clmrch had as many as four hundred members : 
 but, by frequent removals, &c. they iare now, not 
 {o numerous. 
 
 They have had but one paftor ; and no other can 
 they willi, fo long as he is enabled by divine good- 
 nefs to perform the duties of hisotrice. 
 
 Rev. Reuben Picket, their paftor, w^as born in the 
 year 1752, embraced true religion in the year 1769, 
 and was baptized by Samuel Harrifs, in Orange coun- 
 ty, not far from his place of refidence, a few months 
 "after his converfion Although only about eighteen 
 years of age, his mind led him to appear in public, 
 in order to perfuade finners to repentance. Hearing 
 of a great work of God in Shenandoah county, he 
 could not be kept back ; but went into the midll of 
 it. There he commenced firft exhorter, and then 
 preacher ; and foon became very fuccefsful in indu- 
 cing his fellow men to tUrn toCjod. He and elder 
 Koones travelled together ; Koones preached in 
 
aOANOKE ASSOfclATIOK% 240 
 
 Dutch, and he in Englifli : many of each language, 
 through their labours were initiated into divine fa- 
 vour. About this time, Mr, 8. ilarrifs coming on 
 a preaching vifit through thofe parts, Mr» Picket 
 felt great defire to travel with him; but knowing he 
 was not rich, and that hi.^ embarralTments would be 
 great, unlefs he followed fome calling for a livelihood, 
 he was very unhappy for fome length of time. 
 Spreading his cafe, however, before his invilible' in- 
 flru(5tor, this text came forcibly to. his mind; ** Go 
 ye, and preach my gofpel:" which was fucceeded 
 by the promife : ** Lo, I am with you ahvays.'* 
 He immediately forfook all earthly employment, 
 and travelled on with elder Harrifs towards the 
 fouthj expe<5ting to go to an aiTociation in South 
 Carolina. He was however ftopped by a fevere 
 fpell of iicknefs, and left by his brethren in a 
 ftrange part of the world. His fufFerings both of 
 mind and body were now extremely fevere. But 
 it was only the refiner's fire purging off the drofs, 
 and leaving Mr. Picket, like tried gold, to fliine with 
 fevenfold fplcndour After he was fully recovered 
 from his afflidions, he felt the fmiles of God in a 
 more abundant manner than be had ever done. He 
 then commenced his minifterial travels in North Ga- 
 rolina and Virginia, difl'eminating evangelical feed in 
 various parts. He was ftill only about 20 years of 
 age. Young as he was, his talents were extenlively 
 ufeful. Many acknowledged him as the meflenger 
 of peace to their fouls ; and feveral churches were 
 conftituted through the inftrumentalityof his labours^ 
 He at length, in 1772, was ordained and took tlie 
 care of Reedy Bottom, a church raifed under his 
 miniftry. The work afterwards fp reading to Mayo 
 Creek, a church was conft ituted by the name Mayo ; 
 and, foon after. Reedy Bottom was diiTolved. Tc 
 Mayo, Mr. Picket has been the confbant and faith- 
 ful' paftor from its confcitation i--'-' '■\'" '^"''. Mr, 
 
 G2 
 
^OJ HISTORV OF TUt 
 
 Picket itands in the highed: cftimation wherever he 
 is known. Although old and very iniirm, he is un- 
 remitting in his labours, and continues his miniftra- 
 tions, not only to his own congregation, but often 
 viiits neighbouring churciics ; especially in matters 
 of diilrefs : Por, as a difciplinarian, he is furpafled 
 by none His talents are more diftinguifhed for 
 warm and fearching addrefles to the heart, than for 
 deep invefligation. He has been, for many years, 
 the moderator of the aflbciationi and doubtlefs fills 
 the chair with as much dignity and propriety as any 
 man in Virginia. When he fliall fall afleep, hie 
 furvivors will fay '* Mark the perfed: man, and be- 
 hold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." 
 Mayo has alfo two other ordained preachers with- 
 in her limits, viz John Brookes and Abner Harrilafon, 
 
 WYNN's CREEK. 
 
 It does not appear that this was ever a thriving 
 church. Her members have not for many years, 
 if ever, exceeded what they are now. Planted by 
 the labours of Obadiah bchols, his downfall in all 
 .likelihood proved a iliock to the church, not ealily re- 
 covered. An inveterate diftrefs exifted in this church, 
 for a long time; which drew the attention of the 
 Affociation. There were feveral presbyterian com- 
 mittees {^ntj before they could eftedl a remedy. 
 They did not participate in the great revival of 1802. 
 
 Obadiah Echols, the planter and the firft paflor 
 of this church, was, for many of the firil years of his 
 miniflry, the m oft indefatigable, laborious preacher 
 any where in thefe parts: and being a minifter of 
 oonfiderable talents, he advanced the caufe of religion 
 to very great extent. But, alas ! being a man of im- 
 petuous paffions, and not keeping them under proper 
 reftrainf, he fell into grofs immorality. The mif* 
 chief arifing from his fall, was commenfurate with 
 the good which fbrung from his former labours. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 251 
 
 Not long before. his death, he profelTed repentance; 
 and was reinilated. 
 
 HUNTING CREEK 
 
 Was planted by the labours of Rev. Thomas Dob.- 
 fon; and he has continued, from firft to laft, their 
 paftor. Their courfe has been as fmooth and regu- 
 lar as mod churches. They began with eight mem- 
 l^ers ; and now have ten titles that, number. 
 
 Elder Dobfon, their paftor, is now an old man. 
 He was a native of EiTex county, but moved to Ha- 
 lifax wlien young. He embraced religion in his 
 youthful days ; and foon liftetl up his voice to invite 
 wanderers into the right way. He has travelled lit- 
 tle ; but in his fmall vineyard he has willingly work.*- 
 ed : and will, ere long, find his reward, according to 
 the deeds done in the body. He is efteemed by hi5 
 neighbours of every defcription, whether faint or lin- 
 ;ier, a man of gravity, fincerity, and ufefulnefs. 
 
 MUSTERFIELD. 
 
 This has always been a fmall church: yet under 
 the care of their fluthful paftor, they have enjoyt."d 
 love and peace, Elder Leonard Baker, who has 
 hQcn the paftor of this church ever lince they had 
 any, is the brother of Elijah Baker, who v/as Co dif- 
 tinguiihed in planting churches in the early rife of the 
 Baptids. He frequently travelled v/ith his brother; 
 and aided him in many of his ufeful labours ; efpecial- 
 ly on the Eaftern Shore. For many years, elder Ba- 
 ker has confined his labour^, chiefly to his own vici- 
 nity. By thofe v/ho have a right to know him, he 
 is valued as a man of fincere piety, and a. minifter of^ 
 genuine worth. Mufterfield did not partake, of the 
 great revival. 
 
 CniLDRY 
 
 Has been a church of no fmall profperity. She 
 had not arifen, however, to fo diftiniiUilhed a date. 
 
*;a> HISTORY OF THE 
 
 until the revival in i3oi and i8g2. In that work, 
 from firft to laft, about one hundred were added to 
 Childry. TJiey have now no regular paftor; but are 
 blelTed with the /lated fervices of elder Jenkins. 
 
 MILLSTONE 
 
 AYas planted by William Dotfon, who alio afTum- 
 ed the palioral care, at their conftitution Dotfon 
 was a man of ardent zeal, fome talents, and but little 
 prudence. Although he did good, he did it in liich 
 a way, that it was often evil fpoken of. 
 
 Their next paflor, Samuel Bramc, was probably 
 one of the moil amiable, precious young riiCn that 
 ever afcended the pulpit. He was a native of C aro- 
 line, (fee Reed's church, page mS,; and embraced 
 religion when very young, under the mmiflry of the 
 celebrated Mr. Leland. He married in Halifax, and 
 moved into the bounds of Millftone church. He was 
 a great preacher /and bade fair ftill to be much great- 
 er: but for reafons unknown to man, his Maker call- 
 ed him to himfelf, when quite young. Hov/ un- 
 fearchable are the ways of God ! He was brother to 
 William Brame, mentioned in our account of the 
 church in the city of Richmond o 
 
 ARBOUR 
 
 Was taken off from a church called Miller's ferry. 
 William Dotfon took the care, at her iirfl conftitu- 
 tion; but in a very fhort time John Atkinfon was or- 
 dained, and then chofen paflor. He has continued 
 to difcharge the duties of that office ever (ince. They 
 have had leveral revivals of religion; the ir.oft re- 
 markable of which was in 1801 ; and which lafled 
 about two years. Upvvards of one hundred and fif- 
 ty were baptized ; by which, the church was fwelled 
 to a larger number than fhe ever had previoufly. 
 Two churches. Liberty and Miry Creek, were taken 
 off from this church, lince the revival, by which her 
 numbers are confiderabJy Jeiiened. Arbour church 
 
RQANOKE ASSOCIATION. '^3 
 
 has never had lefs than two preachers within her 
 borders ; and fome of them men of the m ll conlpi^ 
 caous talents. Charles Lovelace and William Dof- 
 fey were raifed in this church. At prefent, befidag 
 their paftor, John Kerr, a preacher of ceiebrit)^, re- 
 fides among them. 
 
 Elder John Atkinfon, who has been their paftor 
 about twenty five years, is a preacher of popular and 
 very ufeful talents. He travels fai;; and near, and has 
 been the inftrument in God's hand of turning many 
 to righteoufnefs. He is a leading man in the AlToci- 
 ation; and for many years afted as clerk- 
 Elder John Kerr is a native of North Carolina ; 
 and at about nineteen or twenty years of age, believed 
 and was baptized. It was not long after his baptiim, 
 before he commenced public fpeaking He foon 
 commanded attention. His fpeech and his preach- 
 ing was in demonftration of the Spirit and of power. 
 He fhortly began to travel, and wherever he went he 
 was highly acceptable. His labours were blefled. 
 Marrying within the limits of Arbour Church, he 
 became a permanent refident. Although he is a 
 member here, he preaches ftatedly for a church at 
 fome diftance from him. If Mr. Kerr's attention 
 fhouldnot be divided by attemptmg plans irrelevant 
 to his miniftry -, he will probably live and die one of 
 the brighteft lights of the prefent age, and receive iq 
 heaven acorrefpondent crown. 
 
 POLECAt 
 
 Is a fmall and rather declining church, attended at 
 prefent, by eider Atkinfon. A few were added in 
 the revival of 1802. 
 
 MIRY CREEK and LIBERTY 
 
 Are two churches taken off from Arbour, foon af- 
 ter the great revival. We are not informed of any 
 thing remarkable among them. 
 
 Elder Charles liOVf^^-^^-. --^^-r of r[.:e former, h 
 
Qoi HISTORY OK THE 
 
 fpokcn of by his acquaintances as a good niai. ^li, 
 u fef ul preacher. 
 
 DAN RIVER and 12 CORNER, 
 
 Are churches not diftinguiflied for any thing re^ 
 markable, 7hey have no regular paflors, but Jiave 
 the ftated attendance of neighbouFing niinifters men'. 
 tioncd in their proper places. 
 
 Dan River enjoyed a portion of tlie refrejfhing ihow- 
 crs of 1802. 
 
 MOSSINGFORD. 
 
 We will extradt from the manufcript* of Mr. WiU 
 liams, the father of this church, the chief of what 
 we fiiali fay refpedling it "They were an arm," 
 fays he, " of Sandy Creek church until 1803, but 
 being too remote to attend regularly, they were con- 
 ilituted in December, 1 8oj, with eleven members. 
 They profpered from the beginning ; and really ex- 
 cel in harmony and union of the Spirit : and although 
 they are fituated fo as to mingle continually with 
 Presbyterians and Methodifts; a number of whom is 
 in thefe parts : yet, to the praife of each be it fpoken, 
 that, notwithllanding the diverfity of fentiment? 
 toucl^ing externals with the former, and external? 
 and internals with the latter; no rancour nor root of 
 bitternefs feems to be encouraged by either party, 
 but a friendly intcrcourfe maintained, by mingling in 
 focial and private wofH^iip. It is no llrange thing, 
 to fee a Presbyterian and a Baptift preacher in the 
 fame pulpit, each in tl>pir turn, addreffing the con- 
 gregation. This union and fociality, carried as far 
 asconfcienc© will admit, is an ornament to religion." 
 Thefe are the words of elder Williams ; and his ac- 
 tions fquared with the principles here profefled. He 
 was a man of catholic temper. 
 
 * Many of our hiftorical relations of the churches on the fouth 
 of James river, are extracted from mar.ufpripts written "by Mr. 
 Williams, aided by iMr. Al'plund; and which were taken for the 
 .purpofe of publifhing a Hiftory of the Baptifts of Virginia 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 2^5 
 
 Moflingford fuflained a greai lofs in the death of 
 Mr. Williams. After fome years, hov/ever, they ob- 
 tained the pafloral fervices of Rev. Bichard Dahbsj 
 t^^hofe miniftry among them has received many I'eals. 
 
 BUFFALOE. 
 
 This church lies in Mecklenburg, and may be 
 faid to be a church of happy ftanding. They enjoy- 
 ed, at different times, the pailoral labours of James 
 Reed in his laft years, of Henry Le fie r, of James 
 Watkins, and now of Balaam Izzel a man of God 
 and a faithful fervant of his people. Buffaloe was 
 one of the favoured places in the time of the great 
 revivaL Ninety were added. 
 
 SENECA 
 
 Is a young and thriving church, under the minil- 
 terial care of Nathaniel Lovelace, a young and pro- 
 mifing preacher. 
 
 MILL CHURCH. 
 
 This church was planted by the labours of Rev. 
 John Creel, a Regular Baptift preacher, who about 
 176:^, moved from Fauquier into thefe parts. In 
 1770, the church was conftituted according to the 
 mode of the Regular Baotifls, under the name of Birch 
 Creek; and on the fame year, joined the Ketodton 
 AiTociation. They continued to fend delegates to 
 that affociation, until 1773; when finding it incon- 
 venient to attend at fo great a diftance, and the pre- 
 judice betv/eeii Regular and Separate^^ v/earing away, 
 they were difmiffed, and joined the Separates. I'he 
 names Mill and Birch creek, appear to have been 
 often confounded in the minutes of the Afibciation. 
 They had additions to the amount of one hundred^ 
 m the revival of i862. 
 
 John Creel, their firft paflor and planter of the 
 church, was a moft amiable man, and <:. very fucceff- 
 ful preacher. His t^xcnts thou,^-ii not Coufoicuous, 
 
256 <!ISTORV UF THL 
 
 were folid, and being well occupied, with his five,.lic 
 gained other five. He was univerfally beloved by 
 all defcriptions of people. At about 52 years of age, 
 while aflifting in raifing a houfe, he was accidental* 
 ly killed, by the fall of a log. 2V;;?e ajul chance hap-- 
 peneth to all men. 
 
 UPPER BANISTER. 
 
 This church has been much more numerous than 
 at prefent* 
 
 William Blair, their prefent paftor, is a preacher 
 that holds fafl the faithful word, as he ha:s been 
 taught. He has already done much good, and be- 
 ing in the vigour of life, bids fair to do much more. 
 
 COUNTY LINE» 
 
 This is an old church, and once a very fiourifliing 
 one. Rev. Samuel Harrifs was their iiril paftor. 
 Although fhe is reprefented in the table, as havmg 
 commenced her church-ftate in 177 1, which is fub- 
 ftantially corred: ; yet the name is not to be found in 
 any of the ailociation minutes for many years after 
 that time. Falls Creek appears to have been her 
 original name ; and which was probably changed by 
 the conftitution of new churches. She is the off- 
 spring of old Dan river church, now difiblved ; and 
 is, herfelf, the mother of many others. Each of her 
 pallors are mentioned elfewhere, 
 
 RICH CREEK and UNION 
 
 Were the offspring and care of the pious and faith- 
 ful Richard Elliott ; who lived refped:ed and died 
 lamented. He was fucceeded in the care of Union, 
 by James Tompkins, mentioned page 240.' After 
 Tompkins's dereliction, they were happy enough to 
 
 • Churches ufed fo often to change their names, that it is now really difficult 
 to identiiy an old chiircli. In the minutes of the General Afibciation for i774« 
 the church called Banitter was the largeft in Virginia having two hundrcdmem- 
 bers. It was the only one of that name. 
 
BbANOKE ASSOCJATION, 257 
 
 procure the paftoral labours of Elder David Ndwlen. 
 jBirch Creek was a partaker in a fmall degree, of the 
 revival of 1802, thirty were added. 
 
 BENNETT 's. 
 
 This church was the fruit of elder James Kenny's 
 miniftry, who alfo was their firit paftor. Elder Grif- 
 fith Dickcrfon fucceeded Mr^ Kenney, and Mr. Jen- 
 kins fucceeded Mr. Dickerfon. The two lafl were 
 not regular paflors ; but attended them as fupplies. 
 
 Rev. James Kenney, their first paftor, was a Me- 
 thodift preacher, previous to his being baptized. 
 When he firft joined the Baptifts^ he retained fome 
 tindture of Arminianifm. This created lome obfta- 
 cles in his ordination, as a Baptift preacher. He, 
 however, was ordained; and continued many years 
 as paftor. The queftion, whether an Arminian 
 preacher ought to be ordained, was agitated here, 
 with fome warmth : and not only here, but in many 
 other places. It is certainly a queftion of no fmall 
 difficulty. The^doubt, we conceive, is not, whether 
 it is lawful, but, whether it is expedient. To de- 
 cide queftions of expediency, much regard ought to 
 be paid to circumftances. Exadtly the fame decifion 
 might not be proper in different places. Paul cir- 
 cumcifed Timothy at Lyftra^ but would not cir- 
 cumcife Titus at Jerufalem. 
 
 WHITETHORN. 
 
 Of this church, we have no information of any 
 thing very remarkable. 
 
 Elder Mathew Bates, their father and firft paftor, 
 was an amiable and eminent minifter of God's word. 
 The few years, in which God permitted him to work 
 in his vineyard, were well employed. He died at an 
 early period of life, lamented, just as far as he was 
 known. 
 
 Willis Hopwood, their prefent paftor, is a young ^ 
 
 H3 
 
2/^8 -HIStORY 01* Tilt 
 
 iniin of a lirong and ingenious mind. May he hav« 
 a double portion oFhis predecelTor's fpirit. 
 
 LOWER BANISTER 
 
 Is one of the largeft and moft refpedtable churches, 
 not only in Roanoke, hut in any other place. 
 - Mr. Jenkins, who has been their pailor from the 
 beginning, is a minifler indeed. He was a native of 
 Fauquier county, and was baptized previous to his 
 removal to Pittfylvania. He was ordained to the 
 miniftry, 1794; and has been one of the moft fuc- 
 cefsful preachers ever fmce. Several churches have 
 been planted by his labours ; and all thofe which he 
 attends, feem to profper, more or lefs. He has a 
 mind fufceptible of great improvement ; and although 
 for want of opportunity, when young, his education 
 was rather fmall ; yet his literary attainments, ac- 
 quired by dint of clofe attention, are very confider* 
 able. A few years pall he publilhed a treatile on 
 believers' baptifm, and one on final perfeverance ; 
 both of which difplay confiderable^ngenuity, and 
 the latter was much admired. 
 
 Lower Baniftcr enjoyed the revival of 1801 and 
 1802, beyond any of her lifters. Two hundred and 
 fifty new born fons and daughters were added to her 
 former family, 
 
 STINKING RIVER 
 
 Is the offspring of the excellent Mr. Bates. Elder 
 Griffith Dickerfon, their prefent paftor, though a 
 man of fome age, has not been a great many years in 
 the pulpit. He is an old revolutionary foldier. He 
 fpent his time, v/hen young, in honourably fighting 
 for his country: his lall: days he devotes to the ftill 
 more honourable occupation of marfhalling the hoft 
 of Israel. His. prefent weapons, however, are not 
 carnal but mighty. As a preacher, when ardently 
 '•^^ngag^ed he displays talents and animation, by which. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. (259 
 
 kis hearers take knowledge of him, that he has been 
 with J ejus. - 
 
 SHOCKOE 
 
 Is rather a thriving church. They have had from 
 the iirft, ^s paftor, elder David Nowlen, If we may 
 judge of him from the various appointments for 
 presbyteries, committees, &c. thrown upon; him by 
 the AfTociation; we muft fay, hje appears to be a fer*' 
 vant ready to every good word and work. 
 
 DOUBLE CREEK, ZION HILL, AND 
 STEWART'S CREEK, 
 
 Are fmall churches in this AfTociation ; concerning 
 which we have not learned any thing remarkable. 
 
 Elder George Roberts, now a relident of North 
 Carolina, in Flat River Aflbciationj and who now 
 a6ts there aslmoderator ; was once an sl&iWq and fuc- 
 cefsful preacher in V^irginia. He profelTed religion 
 ftiortly after the rife of the Baptifts in Virginia ; and 
 putting his hand to the plough, has never yet looked 
 back. He greatly affiftedin accomplifhing the great 
 eccleliaftical revolution in the (late. lie often at- 
 tends the Roanoke AfTociation, and is n.feful in their 
 i;punci]s. 
 
^60 HISTORY or THE 
 
 TABLE OF STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATION. 
 
 
 
 2 B 
 
 =r?i 
 
 
 
 
 Names of 
 Churches 
 
 ?? 
 
 So 
 
 • o 
 
 3 ** 
 
 s 
 
 By whom 
 planted. 
 
 Former 
 pastors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 Goole 
 
 
 
 
 N.Shrews- 
 
 N. Slu-ewf- 
 
 W. Left- 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 bury 
 
 bury and 
 
 wich 
 
 Bedford; 
 
 I^ittle • 
 
 
 
 
 N. Shrewf. 
 
 J.Preltan 
 
 
 
 Otter 
 
 '797 
 
 90 
 
 2 00 
 
 bury 
 
 I. Fuquay 
 
 J.Moorman 
 
 do 
 
 Otter 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 J. Anthony, 
 
 J.Anthony 
 
 J. Anthony 
 
 do 
 
 Morth 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Folk of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Otter 
 
 
 
 
 J. Hatcher 
 
 J. Hatcher 
 
 G. Rucker 
 
 do, 
 
 Staunton 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 River 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 W. Johnfon 
 
 W. Johnfon 
 
 J. Black 
 
 jvi 
 
 Beaver 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dam 
 
 1801 
 
 36 
 
 180 
 
 J.Prefton 
 
 J. Prefton 
 
 J. Burnet 
 
 do 
 
 Suck 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Spring 
 
 1805 
 
 28 
 
 
 I. Fuquay 
 
 J. Carter & 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Timber 
 
 
 
 
 
 I. Fuquay 
 
 
 
 Ridge 
 
 1805 
 
 40 
 
 90 
 
 I. Fuquay 
 
 I. Fuquay 
 
 1. Fuquay 
 
 do 
 
 Difficult 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 A. Weeks 
 
 A. Weeks 
 
 A. Weeks 
 
 do 
 
 Buffaloe 
 
 
 
 26 
 
 N. Shrewf- 
 
 N. Shrev^f- 
 
 
 
 Rock 
 
 
 
 
 bury 
 
 bury 
 
 none 
 
 Rockbridge 
 
 Spring 
 
 1804 
 
 30 
 
 35 
 
 W. Moorman 
 
 W. Moor- 
 
 none 
 
 Bottttourt 
 
 MiU 
 
 
 
 
 
 man 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1804 
 
 3* 
 
 38 
 
 W. Moorman 
 
 W. Moor- 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Gills 
 
 
 
 
 
 man 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 
 20 
 
 30 
 
 W. John Ion 
 
 J. Fears 
 
 W. Turner 
 
 Franklin 
 
 Chapel 
 
 
 
 
 — Douglas 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 do 
 
 Bethel 
 
 1804. 
 
 It 
 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 J . Afliworth 
 
 do 
 
 Black 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Water 
 
 1804 
 
 6z 
 
 65 
 
 W. Turner 
 
 W. Turnei 
 
 W. Turner 
 
 do 
 
 Pig River 
 
 »773 
 
 28 
 
 
 R. fiall 
 
 R. Hall 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 do 
 
 Snowr 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 
 
 
 R. Stockton 
 
 R. Stockton 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 do 
 
 Snow 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and Pig 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 River 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J. Afhvv'Orlh 
 
 do 
 
 Smith's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 River 
 
 
 
 
 R. Hall 
 
 R. Hall 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 Patrick 
 
 Jack's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1804 
 
 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 J. Pedigo 
 
 S.Hubbard, 
 
 
 I,eather 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 &c. 
 
 dio 
 
 Wood 
 
 1772 
 
 
 
 R. Stockton 
 
 R. Stockton 
 
 J. King 
 
 Henry 
 
 Beaver 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 
 
 
 
 J.Anthony 
 
 J.King, ^ 
 
 
 Burton's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 &c. ^ 
 
 [. do 
 
 Cretk 
 
 1806 
 
 30 
 
 3« 
 
 J. Anthony 
 
 J.Anthony 
 
 J.Anthony 
 
 Camphpn 
 
STRAiVBERRY ASSOCIATION. 261 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 History of the Strawberrif Afsociation, including the 
 Sketches of Churches. 
 
 It appears from the mofl authentic documents, that 
 this aflbciation was conftituted previous to the dilTa- 
 lutionof the General Aflbciation, and about the year 
 1776. For at a meeting of a General AfTociation, in 
 the year I78?; as appears from the minutes; the 
 Strawberry Aflbciation correfponded. Tht entry is 
 made in the following words, uiz. " Robert Stock- 
 ton, a meflbnger from the Strawberry Afiociation 
 with a letter, was admitted to his feat." And again, 
 towards the clofe of the minutes, ^is the following en- 
 try: ** The clerk is directed to write a letter to the 
 Strawberry Aflbciatio 1, in anfwer to theirs; with a 
 copy of our proceeding's." 
 
 The firft labourers in the miniftry, in 'this diftrid:, 
 appear to have been the two Murphies, viz. William 
 and Jofeph, Samuel Harrifs, and Dutton Lane-' Soon 
 after the rife of the Baptifts in thefe parts, there were 
 feveral preachers called to the work. The mofl: dif- 
 tinguiflied, and the moft ufeful of whom, was Ro- 
 bert Stockton. Through the indefatigable labours 
 of him and others, the caufe of religion flounflied to 
 a confiderable extent. The churches from the bounds 
 of this aflbciation met in the General Atfociation, un- 
 til the diviflon in 1776; after which, they probably 
 continued as an independent aflbciation ; and corref- 
 ponded with the General Aflbciation only by meflen- 
 gers fent from the Aflbciation. 
 
 When this dillrict firfl: became independent, it 
 mufl: have had very few churches. For in 17 >, 
 there were only eleven churches, and ten ordained 
 preachers. From 1787 to 1793, the increafe both 
 of churches and preachers, was very great. For,,af-4» 
 ter fl:riking off New River difl:rict, there remained 
 
202 UiSTOIlY 01' THL 
 
 fixtecn ordained miniilers in Strawberry. In 1798, 
 after Mayo was taken pfF, there remained twelve 
 churches and eight ordained preachers. In 1808, 
 they had twenty four churches and fixtecn ordained 
 preachers. From which it appears they juft doubled 
 their number both of preachers and churches in ten 
 years. k- 
 
 While Mr. Stockton was among them, he gene- 
 rally ad:ed as moderator. Of late years, that office 
 falls fometimes to one and fometimes to another. 
 Richard Stockton is at prefent their ftanding clerk. 
 
 This afTociation when firft conftituted, included all 
 the churches in Virginia on the fouth fide of James 
 river nnd above the upper line of Roanoke (then 
 Middle Diftrift). ,.When A'ew River was taken off, 
 it was agreed that the Blue ridge (liould be the divi- 
 ding line between that and Strawberry. When Mayo 
 was taken off, it was agreed that tlie boundary be- 
 tween that and Strawberry, fliould be as follow, viz. 
 ''Beginning at elder Stephen's church, leaving it on 
 the fouth fide -, thence to Smith's river at the mouth 
 of Beaver creek; thence up the faid river to the Tar- 
 rarat mountain." They have not printed their mi- 
 nutes of late years. This circumllance added to 
 fome other caules, prevented our obtaining as full do- 
 cuments as was necelfary in Qrder to give as perfect a 
 relation of her proceedings, as of other alTociations, 
 The proceedings of the Afiociation, however, as ikv 
 as we can learn, have been regular and peaceable. We 
 muft now proceed to the sketches of churches ; begin- 
 ning with 
 
 GOOSE CREEK. 
 
 The great revival in the churches of Roanoke Af- 
 fociation, in 1802, fpread into Strawberry ; and con- 
 tinued four or five years. Goofe Creek fliared large- 
 ly in the divine bleffing. It commenced among them 
 in 1802, and continued about two years; in which 
 time, about one hundred were added to the church. 
 
STRA^^V^ERPvY ASSOCIATION. S(i^(. 
 
 Their number, however, was lefiened by the cdnfti- 
 tution of Beaver Dam, in 1804. Two young preach- 
 ers were raifed in the revival, viz. William Leftwich, 
 their prefent paftor,* and Jofliua Burnet: both of 
 whom have been fince ordained. 
 
 OTTER 
 
 Iff a church of refpedable ftanding. In 1804, a 
 '^reat revival arofe in this church, and continued 
 about two years. Many v/ere baptized, and a new 
 church conftituted from them called Burton's Creek. 
 Elder John Anthony has beei> the paftor of this 
 church for many years. Although he has done much, 
 he is not yet weary in well doing. He does not 
 travel extenlively, but is defirous to keep his own 
 vineyard well d re fled. 
 
 LITTLE OTTER. 
 
 The revival feems to have been more extenfive' 
 here, than in any church. The windows of heaven 
 were opened, towards the clofe of the year 1801; 
 abundant fhowers of refrefhing rain were poured forth 
 upon them during the years 1802 and 1803. As 
 many as two hundred and twenty five perfons were 
 baptized; three preachers thruft into the harveft, viz. 
 John Carter, William Moorman, and James H. L. 
 Moorman ; and two new churches conftituted, viz. 
 Timber Ridge, and Suck Spring. The members of 
 Little Otter live in and about the tov/n called Li- 
 berty, 
 
 NORTH FOPvK OF OTTER. 
 
 No informatian has been received, refpedling this 
 hurch, except what may be fee n in the table, 
 
 * In treating of churches, it is very deferable to cxlilbit Pnovt 
 .^haracleristics of their ministers ; and, indeedj of distinguiilied 
 private; members ; but our information of chis affociation is fo 
 conrru6^ed^ '^^' -ministers of whom vve can fay, as'^r* 
 
 thine. 
 
264 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 STAUNTON. 
 
 This church, though now fniall, participated in 
 the revival. Elder John Black and elder John Jen- 
 kins were chief agents in the work. 
 
 BEAVER DAM, SUCK SPRING, AND 
 TIMBER RIDGE, 
 
 Are all new churches, eonftituted lince the revi- 
 vival, and all mentioned in treating of the mother 
 churches. 
 
 DIFFICULT CREEK 
 
 Is a fmall church, of which we know nothing 
 more than what may be feen in the table. 
 
 BUFFALOE 
 
 i,#s the only Baptift church in Rockbridge. A part 
 n3f her members forriierly lived in Bottetourt. In 
 1803, God lifted up the light of his countenance 
 upon them; and continued to be gracious, in adding 
 to them fuch as Hiould be faved, for about two years 
 and a half; until about feventy live were baptized. 
 Rock Spring and Mill Creek were taken off from 
 Buffaloe. A good preacher is one of the beft gifts of 
 heaven to a pious people ; but if he unfortunately 
 forgets his facred charadter, and neglects to keep his 
 body under, and thereby becomes a caflaway; the 
 affliction is then more than commenfurate v/ith the 
 former bleffing. Buffaloe found it neceffary to ex- 
 clude her once ufeful minifter. 
 
 ROCK SPRING and MILL CREEK 
 
 Were conftituted from Buffaloe, and were attended 
 flatedly by her paftor, and who was alfo, in a degree, 
 father to thefe churches. His backfliding of courfe 
 was very afflicting to them. Their profpeds are not 
 promifing. 
 
^TRAWfiERRY AS^dClATlON. 565 
 
 GILL'S CREEK. 
 
 This church was alfo revived, in 1 802, under ths 
 miniftry of elder Wilfon Turner. A confiderable 
 number were added. The church called Black Wa- 
 ter was a daughter of Gill's Creek. 
 
 PIG RIVER AND SNOW CREEK ,^ 
 
 Is a church of good {landing, attended hy elder Johu 
 Afli worth. The reader will recoiled: that in our account 
 of Sandy Creek church, Meherrin Aflbclation, wg 
 mentioned that John Afliworth, a preacher, moved 
 with a party from Sandy Creek into Franklin county ; 
 and there formed a new church, compofed chiefly of 
 thofe that had moved with him. Mr. Afliworth has 
 continued to be a fleady and ufeful minifter. 
 
 CHAPEL, BETHEL, BLACK WATER, 
 and PIG RIVER. 
 
 Ot thefe four churches we know nothing more 
 than can be found in the table, and in what is faid 
 of them in treating of other churches. 
 
 SNOW CREEK 
 
 Has now no refident paflor, but was for many 
 years under the paftoral care of elder Robert Stock-. 
 Ton now fefiding in Kentucky. 
 
 Mr. Stockton is a native of Albemarle county, and 
 was born December 12th, 1743. He became reli- 
 gioufly imprefTed while a young man ; and had join- 
 ed the communion of the Prelbyterians, among 
 whom, however, he was brought up : but afterwards 
 forming an acquaintance with fome of the Baptiil 
 preachers, he was convinced of the impropriety of 
 infant baptifm, and was baptized by Rev. Samuel 
 Harrifs, anno 1771. After his baptifm, he quickly 
 commenced preiigher. His labours were Welled; and 
 many churche^j^her diredly or indire(^ly, arofe 
 
 12 
 
260 UISTORY OF TliL 
 
 through his inftrumentality. In his communications 
 to the editor, he fiates that he was at the conftitution 
 of eleven churches in the Strawberry Aflbciation. 
 Ahhough Ills ufefulnefs was Co obvious in this coun- 
 try, and although he was among the richeft men in 
 thofe parts, his mind was not at reft. From fomc 
 caufe, not known to the compiler, he moved to Ken- 
 plucky, and fettled within the limits of Green River 
 Miirociation. To leave a people, among whom his 
 hilniftry had teen manifeftly and extenlively owned 
 of God> iff a hazardous thing for a preacher of the 
 gofpel; and ought never to be done upon flight or 
 trivial grounds or for the lake of worldly emolument, 
 nor Vv'Ithout strong marks of the divine approbation. 
 Mr. Stockton had always an inclination to travel ; 
 iind perhaps no man ever trav;elled to greater advan- 
 tage. For polTeffing an invincible boldnefs» it was 
 quite unimportant to him what kind of houfe he went 
 to, whether faint or iinner, friend or oppofer. He 
 never failed, wherever he went, to enter largely into 
 religious converfation ; and having great command of 
 his temper, and great prefencc of mind, he often made 
 religious impreliions, upon minds previ&ufly fwallow- 
 ed up by prejudice. It was alfo an invariable rule 
 with him, to propofe, and if permitted, to perform 
 family worihip. In doing this, he would often ex- 
 hort a half houi* or more, to the family. It is very 
 entertaining to hear Mr. Stockton relate the various 
 adventures of his life respeding things of this fort. 
 , His talents, as a preacher, are hardly up to medi- 
 ocrity ; and no man thinks lefs of them than himfelf : 
 but his talent for exhortation is very confiderable. 
 The way, by the bye, that he has done fo much good, 
 has not been tlirough his great or numerous talents, 
 but by occupying fuch as he had in an induftrious 
 manner. If his ftrokes were not very heavy, he gave 
 the more of them : if the iron was dull, he put tc, 
 more ilrength . >t;t^ 
 
STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATION. 26? 
 
 SMITH'S RUN and jACK's CREEK. 
 
 Very little, unnoticed in the table, has reached uc. 
 refpedting thefe churches. 
 
 Jofeph Pedigo, the paftor of Smith's Run, as far an 
 we can hear, is a man of weight in reiigious mat-* 
 ters, in thofe parts. He fometimes adts as modera- 
 tor of the aflbcktion. 
 
 LEATHERWOOD 
 
 Was forrnerly under tlib care of Robert Stockton^ 
 but now of John King. 
 
 Elder King has been already mentioned in treating 
 of Meherrin church in Meherrin Aflbciation. Few 
 men open their mouths, in the pulpit, more to the 
 purpofe than Mr. King. His language is ftrong 
 and nervous, his ideas clear and peripicuous, his 
 manner warm and animating, and his countenance 
 grave and folemn. Though modeft and unafTumirig 
 out of the pulpit, when he afcends the facred ftand, 
 he fpeaks as one having authority ; he lifts up his 
 voice and commands all men to repent. His life has 
 been an honour to his Mafler's caufe ; and when he 
 has ceafed to fafFer here, doubtlefs his death will be 
 glorious. 
 
 JBEAVER CREEK and BURTON CREEK. . 
 
 Of thefe churches ws have no information not al- 
 ready detailed. 
 
208 
 
 UJSTORY OF THE 
 
 TABLE OF NEW RIVER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 
 en n 
 
 S = 
 
 -a 
 
 
 
 
 
 Names of 
 Churches 
 
 - • £ 
 
 So 
 
 5 3 
 
 
 By vhom 
 plautfcd. 
 
 Former 
 pasturs. 
 
 Present 
 
 pastors. 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 s 
 
 3 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 B^'thei 
 
 1774- a» . 7« 
 
 ■ 
 
 S.GoodwinjJ. polack | 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 VV. Howard 
 
 
 Wythe 
 
 Salem 
 
 1784 
 
 *5 
 
 35 
 
 
 N. Hall 
 
 W. Howard 
 
 Montgor 
 meiy 
 
 Greafy 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 I75?9 
 
 16 
 
 13 
 
 R. Jones 
 
 R, Jones 
 
 R. Jones 
 
 do 
 
 Meadow 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 
 Cieek 
 
 »78S 
 
 28 
 
 17 
 
 J Lawrence 
 
 J.Lawrence 
 
 \y. Howard 
 
 do 
 
 North 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tork of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Roanoke 
 
 180X 
 
 *7 
 
 z8 
 
 J. Mafliews 
 
 J. Mathews 
 
 I.Rentfro 
 
 do 
 
 Weft Fork 
 
 1803 
 
 30 
 
 >8 
 
 J. Jones 
 
 J. Jones 
 
 J. Jones do 
 
 Tine Creek 
 
 1803 
 
 40 
 
 5» 
 
 
 W.Howard 
 
 P. Howard 
 
 do 
 
 Sinking 
 
 
 »7 
 
 33 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cieek 
 
 1796 
 
 
 
 J. Stanley 
 
 
 J. Stanley 
 
 Giles 
 
 Catawba 
 
 17S0 
 
 20 
 
 55 
 
 S. Goodwin none |Botletourt 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Ilislor^ of the New Rivci" AJsociation, indiiding the 
 Sketches of Churches, 
 
 This Aflbciation was taken oft from the Strawber- 
 ry, and formed into a feparate ailbciation in 1793. 
 They met, for the iirfi: time, in Odtober, 1794, and 
 organized themfelves. Their number of churches 
 at iirft was only (cw^n ov eight. The dividing line 
 between this and the Strawberry, is the Blue ridge. 
 It may be feen by the table, in what part of the ftate 
 the didrid lies. The bufinefs of the AfTociation has 
 been conducted in prudence, peace, and harmony ^ It 
 appears that the Baptift intcrcft pievails more than 
 that of any other religious fociety. There being on- 
 ly two or three Presbyterian congregations in the 
 diilrid:, and but few Methodifl: clafles. Between 
 thefe and the Baptifts, a good underftanding fubfifls. 
 Infomuch, that a confiderable party were of opinion 
 in the AfTociation, that they ought to invite the 
 
NEVy RIVER ASSOCIATIOJNT, 269 
 
 . Presbyterian and Methodifl: minlnifters to fit with 
 them in their aflbciations, as confellors ; but not to 
 vote. This fubjedt underwent a lengthy inveftiga- 
 tion, and linally was decided againll inviting. Ttiis 
 was affuredly a very prudent determination, ift, be- 
 caufe it might tend to confulion ; and 2dly, becaufc 
 it would probably rather interrupt, than promote 
 friendfhip. Seeing, in moll cafes, as it refpecfts the 
 intercourfe between man and man, too much famili- 
 arity often ends in ilrife. We fhuuld be more likely 
 tip continue in peace with "^ a neighbour, whom v/e 
 tre-ited with the diftant refped. due to a ne%hbour, 
 than if we were to introduce him to our private do- 
 meflic concerns. It cannot, however, but be earncllly 
 delired, that party animofity fhould be mollified by 
 every rational method. Party rage is never t'^e ef- 
 £t& of true religion. Well might Paul ask the Co- 
 rinthian partizans, *' /\re ye not carnal?" Stedfafl- 
 nefs in our own principles, and charity towards thofc 
 of others, are not inconliftent with each other. 
 
 The minutes of the New River Ailbciation, have 
 never been printed. Hence it was not poffible to pro- 
 cure them for every feflion ; nor indeed is it import- 
 ant. We have them for four years ; from which the 
 character of the Aflbciation may be underilood. The 
 Calviniftic fentiments are the dodrines of this AiTo- 
 ciation. Yet there are not wanting lome, v/ho hold 
 fome or all of the Arminian tenets. Their views 
 upon this point, may be gathered from the following 
 query, with its folution, viz. Is it right to license 
 any man to preach the gofpel, v/ho holds with Ar- 
 minian tenets ? Anfwer : By no means. 
 
 At an ufTociation holden at Pine Creek meeting 
 bouie, fecond Saturday in Odober, 1803 : William 
 Howard was appointed moderator, and Jofeph Rent- 
 fro clerk. 
 
 The following query was introduced, viz. Ought 
 not experienced minillers of the gofpel to take under 
 their patronage, the young and illiterate preachers? 
 
270 IlISTOliY 01- iiii:- 
 
 To which it was anfwered, Yes: and teach them true 
 principles and found dodrines : and fet good exam- 
 ples before them : and fay, Be ye followers of us ae 
 we are of Chrift Jcfus, Could the principle contain- 
 ed in this folution be carried into efFedl, by lome re- 
 gular and methodical plan, it would produce the moft 
 iovereign relief to the Baptift miniftry in Virginia. 
 It has been a general complaint againfl the Baptifts 
 of Virginia, that they fandtion jiien for the miniAry, 
 who do not poffefs the neceflary qualifications. Thefe 
 complaints, without doubt, have often fprung from 
 a ' crrupt taRe; and alfo from men of refined minds, 
 who did not make the proper allowance for hearers 
 of lefs refinement. Yet with all due allowance, the 
 complaint is fometimes well founded. The evil has 
 arifen, partly from nqt making proper diftindlions 
 us to gifts j lb as to authorife men to preach, who at 
 moft only had the gift of exhortation ; and partly 
 from a falfe delicacy in fetting up weak preachers, 
 where the people were in expedlation of hearing 
 others more capable. If then, fome regular mode 
 of examining and introducing young preachers could 
 be devifed, many weak gifts would be improved, and 
 become refpcdable. Add to thjs fome regulation, 
 as to the kind of qualifications each man may pro- 
 perly claim, as well as the time and manner of exer- 
 cifing his talent ; and it is not unlikely the inconve- 
 nience would be lefTened, if not quite 'removed. In 
 England, and indeed in fome parts of America, nc 
 man is allowed to preach, unlefs he first make hir, 
 wifhes known to fome of the elders of the church ; 
 they then give him a private hearing, and encourage 
 or Hop him, according to their opinion of his qualifi- 
 cations. A middle courfe between that and the 
 Virginia mode, might be ufeful. At leafl, inhibit 
 any from preaching at other than an appointment 
 made for himfelf, until he be licenfed by the church : 
 and indeed, as to licenfed oi ordained preachers, the 
 wiihes of an audience ought to be coniulted, iWpr: 
 
NEW mVER ASSOCIATION. Til 
 
 lerence to the fenfibillty of an individual. At thei(* 
 -iflbciation for October, 1804, the knotty nd .ntri- 
 catc doiflrine of fupporting preachers, cr rather of 
 minifterial contributions, was brought forwa; d in the 
 following query : Are the poor bound by the gofpel 
 to give to the rich, for preaching the gofpel ? An- 
 fwer. The Lord loveth a cheerful giver, according to 
 what he hath, and not according to what he hath not. 
 
 All things conlidered, a better anfwer could not 
 probably have been invented. 
 
 The circular letters annexed to the minutes of this 
 AfTociation, are very excellent ; and but for the want 
 of room, extradls from fome of them would have 
 been infer ted. 
 
 Rev. ¥/iliiam Howard has generall\^ a fled as 
 moderator, and Mr. Jofeph Rentfro as clerk. 
 
 W~e will now attend to*the churches in this 
 diflri6t ; beginning with 
 
 BETHEL. 
 
 This church was the firil conllituted, and of cooric 
 he oldefl: in the Aflbciation. We have not learned, 
 .by v/hofe labours this church was $rfl planted, it is 
 quite probable that it was by removal of the firit 
 members from fome of the interior counties. It had 
 no regular fupplies or paflor for feventeen years after 
 the conftitution. The prefumption is, that if the 
 church had been raifed by the labours of any mi- 
 niiler viiiting thofe parts, that fuch miniiler would 
 have fupplied them regularly. Their firft regular 
 preacher was Mr. Samuel Good \vin, who m.oved in- 
 to their bounds, and became their pafior. He con- 
 tinued among them about i!^n years, and then re- 
 turned to Ciitawba, from whence he firfb came to 
 Bethel. Bethel tiien obtaii-ed the. attendance of Mr. 
 Howard, who preached for them, once a month, until 
 a few yeafs pa'ir, when old age and infirmit'es put it 
 out of his power. While Mr. Howard had the care 
 ■)! the church, abo^it the year 1804, a comfortable 
 
27ii UISTOUY UF TiiD 
 
 revival took place, when the church iiicreafed from 
 fixteen to feventy eight. Since Mr. Howard has 
 declined his viiits to them, they have procured the 
 fervices of Rev. John Black, who it is faid, is aa 
 able preacher. 
 
 SALEM 
 
 "NVas condituted, as may be (ecn by the table, iu 
 178 1; and fell under the care of Mr. Nathan 
 Hall. He retained the charge about fix years, and 
 was then lilenced for mifcondu<5l. After about four or 
 five years, the church turned their attention to Mr. 
 Howard, who has been their paftor ever fince. In 
 the year 1802, God viiited them with a goodly time. 
 Many precious fouls were turned to righteoufnefs. 
 When Mr. Howard took the care of them, their 
 number was thirteen: the revival raifed them to fev- 
 enty nine. In 1803, they difmiffed forty members 
 for the purpofe of forming a new church; which was 
 called Pine Creek. 
 
 Rev. William Howard, paftor of Salem church 
 and moderator of the Aftbciation, is a venerable old 
 man, wlio feems refolved to exert the laft remain^ of 
 life and ftrength, in advancing the glory of him who 
 has called him from darknefs to light, How ufeful 
 are fuch men, to go out and in, before the young and 
 lefs experienced. 
 
 GREASY CREEK 
 
 Was raifed under the labours of the Rev. Robert 
 Jones. About the year 1803, God revived his work 
 among them, chiefly through the miniftry of Mr. 
 Jelle Jones fon of Robert, a young and ardent preach- 
 er whofc labours were accepted of his mafter, fo that 
 their number increafed to forty three members : thir- 
 ty of thefe were taken off in order to form a new 
 church ; which was called Weft Fork : to which 
 Jeile Jones became paftor. Mr. Shadrach Roberts 
 is a iicenfed preacher in this church. 
 
Hew river association. 273 
 
 MliADOW CREEK 
 
 Was formed, partly out of members wLo moved 
 hither froih the flateof New York, and partly of na- 
 tives* Rev. John Lav^rence became their paltor. 
 He had been a miniller, for many years, in the ftate 
 of New -'ork ; was an eminent fervant of Chrift, and 
 a pious and fenfible man. His labours were not very 
 much blelTed after he moved to Virginia. Some dif- 
 turbance happening in the church, and Mr. Law- 
 rence being obvioully in dotage, was rather indifcreet 
 in efpouhng one of the parties, ib as to give fome dis- 
 content to the body of the church : in confequence 
 of which, added to his incapacity through dotage and 
 infirmities, the church difmifled him from his paito- 
 ral charge. Soon after, he v/as taken ill, and God 
 difmifled him to the church triiimphant. tie was 
 eighty years of age when he died. After his dif- 
 miffion, elder Hov/ard preached for them ftatedly, 
 and God poured out his ,fpirit upon them. The 
 church increafed from fixteen to fixty four. Elder* 
 Howard, through infirmity, is not able to viiit them 
 ftatedly, as* formerly ; but he attends them occa- 
 lionally and adminiflers the ordinances. Robert 
 Simpkins is a licenfed preacher in the bounds of thic 
 churcli. 
 
 NORTH FORK OF ROANOKE 
 
 Was planted chiefly bv the labours of R.ev. James 
 Mathews. He fome years paft moved* to Tennfefiee. 
 After the removal of Mr. Mathews, they had Mi*. 
 ]faac Rentfro for their minifter. i le moved to 
 Kentucky in 1798. Since which, thev have had no 
 paftor. In 1802, there was a general revival in 
 Montgomery county. T'h'.s church partook of the 
 blefTmg : ninetesn were added. 
 
 K 2 
 
 .m']ik. 
 
jY-i UISTOR^ or THE 
 
 SINKING CREEK 
 
 Was raifed under the /niniftry of Mr. Jofeph 
 Stanley ; who is ftill their paflor. Under his la- 
 bours the church has profpered : having increafed 
 from feventeen to thirty three. 
 
 CATAWBA, 
 
 When firft conftituted, had no pallor.- Samuel 
 Goodwin was their firll: pailor, who took place 
 ,- about 1 78 1 or 1782-. He retained his charge for 
 about ten years, and then moving away to Bethel, 
 after about ten years came back and refumed his care 
 of C atawba. About 1 805, he was excluded for intem- 
 perate drinking. He, until that time, had borne a moft 
 amiable character for piejty and integrity ; and was 
 efteemed an excellent preacher, and very adlive and 
 ufcful. Gracious heaven ! how many thoufands of 
 the profeiled fons of Zion are overturned by this 
 deadly evil ! This church partook in the re* 
 vival. 
 
 WEST FORK. {See Greafy Creek,) 
 
 PINE CREEK 
 
 Is a flourifliing church, chiefly taken off from Sa» 
 lem. Has a promifmg arm on Brufli Creek, where 
 Henry Beal lives and labours in the miniftry, and 
 'vUq is an ordained minifter. 
 
{lOLStON ASSOCIATION. 275 
 
 TAILES OF HQLSTON and MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATIONS. 
 HOLS rON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ii. Fork of 
 Hollton 
 
 Holton or 
 Sti Clair\ 
 Bottom 
 Millcreek 
 - Valley 
 Rich 
 
 ■ Valley 
 Qladtf 
 Hollows 
 
 Sfony 
 
 Creek 
 Cqp.per 
 ''Crtsk 
 
 taftle 
 
 Woods 
 Deep 
 
 Spring 
 
 1783 
 
 X2 
 
 36 
 
 1 79 1 
 
 +3 
 
 69 
 
 f799 
 
 8 
 
 65 
 
 1S02 
 
 2$ 
 
 i7 
 
 1788 
 1800 
 
 30 
 11 
 
 170 
 
 3Z 
 
 i8q2 
 
 xz 
 
 65 
 
 1808 
 
 16 
 
 16 
 
 1806 
 
 5i 
 
 01 
 
 1797 
 
 II 
 
 60 
 
 I 
 
 A. Baker, &c. I 
 \i. FoK'y and 
 W Brur.dragc 
 
 A. Baker 
 W. Wllfon 
 
 _ M . Foley 
 T- Burgefs ?z':T Hanstord 
 S. Goodwin' D. Kelly 
 , Wilfon and 3. Hilton 
 S. Hilton 
 
 E. Kelly 
 
 D. Idle, W 
 V.-lis, and 
 
 E Keilv 
 
 E. Kelly, W 
 WiUba 
 
 E. Kelly 
 K. KilgQre 
 
 D. JefTe 
 J. Flanery 
 
 M. Foley ji 
 
 W. Willbn 
 
 J. Foley 
 
 E. Kelly 
 S. Hilton 
 
 W. Vl^ells 
 R Kilgore 
 
 p. JcCie 
 J, Flanery 
 
 VVaihing- 
 
 do 
 do 
 
 RulTc! 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 60 
 
 Le« 
 
 MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ^f .Fork of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 VV. Porter 
 
 
 flew 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and 
 
 
 -River 
 
 1796 
 
 »1 
 
 n 
 
 
 W. Porter 
 
 D. Keith 
 
 Gi-ayfon 
 
 Meadow 
 
 >.* t ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1797 
 
 18 
 
 100 
 
 
 A. Mitchcl 
 
 A. Mitchfcl 
 
 do 
 
 Cedar Iil- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ,,and, or 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Fox^Creek 
 
 1782 
 
 ^5 
 
 ! 77 
 
 
 r. Evr.ns 
 
 A. Eaker 
 
 do 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Hisiortf of the iloljion and Mountain Afsociations., 
 including the Sketches of Churches, 
 
 The Holflon Aflbciation was conilituted about the 
 year '7^8, according to Afplund's Regiller. i'hey 
 have adopted the confefTion of f'litiij^i hey had 
 
'2'? 6 HISTORY Oi ...A. 
 
 eighteen churches in all, in 791. We are inform- 
 ed, from an authentic fource, that they had twenty 
 five churches in i Voy, viz. fifteen in the ilate of Ten- 
 nelfee and ten in Virginia ; and their whole number 
 of members, one thoufand fix hundred and nineteen; 
 averaging not quite fixty iive to a church. Thofe 
 churches that are in Virginiji average a litte more 
 than fifty nine There were two Baptift churches 
 in the bounds of this dillri(ft, at a much earlier date 
 than any mentioned in the table ; but they were 
 broken up by the Indian war. We have no accouttt 
 of the proceedings of the Ilolfton AfTociation ; we 
 mufl tbereiore proceed to fpeak of the churches; 
 beginning with 
 
 NORTH FORK OF HOLSTON. 
 
 Two large companies have emigrated from this 
 church, in each cafe taking oft their paflor, viz. John 
 Frofl, their firft paftor, moved into Knox county, 
 Tenu'vifTee, carrying with him thirty three members; 
 and there they became a church. This happened 
 about '94 or '95. In '9;], they got another paftor, 
 Mofes Foley; but, 1802, Foley and twenty fix 
 members movcji to Abraham's Creek and formed 
 another church. In 1.S08, they procured the paftor- 
 al care of Charles Pennington. It is a church of 
 good ftanding. 
 
 GLADE HOLLOAYS. 
 
 This was taken off from Clinch River church ; 
 which is one of the two old churches mentioned 
 above, as broken up by the war. A few members 
 returning after the war, the church was reconftitu- 
 ted. But (liortly after Glade Hollows was taken off, 
 ^he mother church was diflblved. Glade Hollovvs 
 has always been a profperous church ; but particu- 
 ly, anno jSoi, under the miniftration of Edward 
 Keiley, they had a blefled revival ; when the church, 
 in the courfe of eighteen months, fwelied to three 
 
HOUSTON ASSOCIATION, S^'/J 
 
 hundred and fixty. After this, three other churches 
 were taken off, viz. Stony -Creek, Sandy Creek, and 
 Caftle woods. 
 
 SOUTH FORK or St. CLAIR's BOTTOM, 
 
 Was for many years, without a paflor, and then 
 really flourilhed But, aiming to choofe a p;.f- 
 tor, they could not he unaniaious. The majori- 
 ty chofe Mr. Baker, but a party adhered to Mr. 
 William Brundradge, an emigrant from|^the north. 
 They were a divided, and confequently an unhappy 
 people, until Brundrage moved to Oiiio, in 1^05. 
 They then became united : Proving that preachers 
 may be t'le greatefl curfe, as well as th-ci greaceft 
 blefling. 
 
 MILL CREEK 
 
 Has been a happy church. Beginnning with only 
 eight members, they have increafed to fixty five. 
 
 RICH VALLEY 
 
 Was at firfl: a thriyins: church : but through the 
 iniscondudt of their paflor, Mofes Foley, they have 
 had cloudy and unpleafant feafons. 
 
 RUSSEL. 
 
 There is nothing remarkable of her, except that 
 her members are in union and good underllanding. 
 
 DEEP SPRING 
 
 Had a comfortable revival in t8oi, and increafed 
 to their prefent number. They are doing well. 
 
 STONY CREEK. 
 
 This church was alfo revived about 1 802 and iBo^, 
 and increafed to about eii^htv five. Since thert, al- 
 though they have had cold times, they have preferv- 
 edoruy^r, 6gc. 
 
■278 liiSTORY oi' Tiii: 
 
 COPP R CREEK 
 
 As at the beginning, fo now, they enjoy union and 
 peace.* 
 
 CASTLE WOODS. 
 
 Nothing remarkable, is faid of her in our nianu- 
 fcripts 
 
 We would gladly exhibit the characters and talents 
 of the prelfeers and diftingniflied private members 
 of this and the mountain aflbciation, but for the want 
 of information we are unable to do fo. The docu- 
 ments we have procured at all respe(fting the differ- 
 ent aflbciations on the weftern waters, have all been 
 obtained through the friendly attention of Rev. Joliah 
 Osburn and John Alderlon. Our numerous letters 
 written to the minifters refiding v/ithin the limits of 
 the Aflbciations were not attended tQ. 
 
 MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION was condituted 
 Augull, 1799 ; the churc]>es having been previoufly 
 difmilfed from the Yadkin Ailociation, and is com- 
 pofed of churches in North Carolina, Tennefiee, and 
 Virginia. Three only are iu Virginia, of which we^ 
 will fay a few things ; beginning with 
 
 NORTH FORK OF NEW RIVER. 
 
 V/illiam Porter w^as the paftor of this churcii. 
 But being unable through old age, to go through 
 the duties of the miniftry ; the church aflbciated 
 Daniel Keith in the palloral care. This circum- 
 ftance often occurs in England, but very rarely in 
 Virginia. It much oftener happens in Virginia, 
 that one miniiler is paftor of three or four churches,. 
 than that the fame church has more than one paftor. 
 The committing the minifterial authoriry of the 
 
 * Deep Spring, Stoiiey Creek, and Copper Creek had not joined , 
 ' ion ill i?c€. It '.vas expc>5led they vvouid joia ut thi next fsilk;:. 
 
MOUJjTtAIN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 church, to more than one elder, has in this country, 
 often been found upon experience, to be bad polic^^. 
 It often creates parties, in fome cafes, fuch as the 
 above, however, it is very well. 
 
 MEADOW CREEK. 
 
 God has fliowered ^^o vn his grace upon this church. 
 They have been a happy and an increaling people. 
 
 FOX CREEK 
 
 Was at firll a flourifhing church ; but their preach- 
 er becoming diforderly, and eventually excluded, they 
 fell into confufion and diftrefs. 
 
 The removal of elder Andrew Baker among them, 
 in 1803, under God, healed all their backilidings* 
 God turned their mourning into joy, by turning m.a- 
 ny to righteoufnefs. For feveral years Mr. Bakec 
 had the gratification to fee his Mafter's work prof- 
 per in his hands. 
 
280 
 
 HISTORY OP tiil; 
 
 tABLE OF ACCOMACi: ASSOCIATIO;-.. 
 
 
 
 -1 
 
 
 " 
 
 
 "■ 
 
 t 
 
 ?>. 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ncme-5 of\ % '$^ 
 
 4| 
 
 
 By ivkoJK 
 
 /or;f 
 
 Freh'Kt 
 
 Confit\€s» 
 
 Churcbti. 
 
 
 
 •'' i^ 
 
 planted. 
 
 tajlors. 
 
 Vajhrs. 
 
 
 k-uigo- 
 
 
 
 
 iv. Ijakcr & 
 
 
 
 
 tcagi'.e 
 
 179c 
 
 
 '35 
 
 G.Lr.ylield 
 
 
 G. Lay field 
 
 Acconiack 
 
 Matcirp 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' ■ 
 
 kin 
 
 1785 
 
 40 
 
 105 
 
 E. Bakci- 
 
 
 G. Layficid 
 
 do 
 
 Chingo- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 tcague 
 
 1786 
 
 
 13* 
 
 E. Baker 
 
 G. Layfield 
 S-Mar/liall' 
 
 r. Waters 
 
 do 
 
 Muffongo 
 
 »779 
 
 
 12+ 
 
 £i Biker 
 
 G. Norlhuri 
 G^ Layfielc 
 E. Shay 
 
 r. Waters 
 
 and 
 J, Benfton 
 
 do 
 
 Lowtr 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 North- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 North- 
 
 nnipton 
 
 1778 
 
 5 
 
 S19 
 
 E. Baker 
 
 E. Baker 
 
 f. Elliott 
 
 amptoa 
 
 Hungo's 
 
 1 7 S3 
 
 
 lz6 
 
 E. iiaker 
 
 E. Baker 
 
 J.EJlioit 
 
 do 
 
 Mafhia- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 P ngo 
 
 1807 
 
 27 
 
 50 
 
 E. Baker 
 
 C. Fiflier 
 
 A. Finier 
 
 do 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 U'ijiory of the Accomack Affociailony including the 
 Sketches of Chiir^chcs. 
 
 The Accomack AiTociation diflridl lies altogether 
 on the Eaftern Shore of V^irginia. The gofpel was 
 firfl carried thither l3y Elijah Baker. After Mr. 
 ]3aker had planted a number of churches, both on 
 the Eaftern Shore of •Vlarylartd and Virginia ; and 
 had been joined by other preachers from different parts, 
 as well as by young ones raiTed under his miniftry ; 
 he propofed that the churches fhoald meet by their 
 delegates and form an AiTociation. This they did, 
 anno i784.-f- They took the name of the Salisbury 
 Aflbciation, from the town of th<it name in Mary- 
 land, where they met. They alio became a foftering 
 mother to the churches. I'hey increafed from year 
 
 * See our biography of Elijah Baker. 
 
 t According to Afplund's Re^ifter, from commi'.nications made 
 to the Compiler, he is inclined to think that they afiociatei at an 
 earlier datq. 
 
ACCOMACK ASSOClATIOl^. 281 
 
 to year, and many ufeful preachers were raifed up. 
 The bufinefs of the AfTociation was conduded with 
 great decorum, and their decifions were wife and 
 prudent. Dodlor Robert L-cm>n, a pradtitioner of 
 phyfic, but not a preacher, adteJ as moderator, from 
 ihortly after their organization, until the divifion of 
 the diftridt, in 1808. During many years, it was 
 cuftomary for them to hold their annual alTociations 
 in Mary fed near Salisbury, but they held alfo an 
 occalional aflbciation in Virginia, every Auguft. 
 This arrangement was not fatisfadlory to the Vir- 
 ginia churches, and they petitioned to be'difmifled, 
 in order to form an aiTociation out of the churches, 
 wholly in Virginia. This was done ; and the new 
 aflbciation called Accomack, met for the firft time 
 at Pungoteague, Auguft, 1809 : at which feffion 
 they were chiefly employed in forming a conftitution 
 and rules of decorum. They alfo agreed to join the 
 General iVIeeting of Correfpondence. At this feffion 
 elder George Layfield was chofen as moderator, and 
 Mr. William Coflen as clerk As this is the firfl 
 and only meeting they have had fince the divifion, 
 nothing more can be faid as to their proceedings. 
 The hiflorical sketches of the churches muft now be 
 attended to. 
 
 PUNGOTEAGUE 
 
 Is a large and happy church. For fometime after 
 iheir conflitution they had no regular paflor. But 
 for a good many years they have been under the 
 paftoral care of Rev. George Layfield, to whom they 
 liften as children to a father. 
 
 Mr. Layfield is indeed a father in Tfrael. He has 
 long profefled to know the way of life, and has never 
 fince departed from it, either to the right hand or to 
 the left. He was a Presbyterian, previous to his 
 hearing the Baptifts, and could not for iome time , 
 after he heard them and loved them, bring Jiis mind 
 
 L 2 
 
Xij L IJISTOKV OF THE 
 
 to be v/illiiig to give up his infant fprlnkling. He' 
 finally yielded to the force of truth, and being bapti- 
 zed, commenced preacher. His lirft refidence was 
 in Maryland, where he continued for many years be- 
 fore he became a preacher; In point of talents, Mr. 
 Layfield may be c6nfidered as Handing on. refpectable 
 .ground. He docs not aim to speak in the ehticing 
 wards of man's wifdom; but, in limplicity and godly 
 fiiicerity, commends himfelf to every man's con- 
 fcience. He is a man of grave deportment, yet 
 cheerful njanners. He is liberal in his fentiments to- 
 wards thofc who differ v/ith him on religious fubjecfts, 
 
 MATOMPKIN. 
 
 Tills church has alfo the ftated fcrviccs of elder 
 Layfield, and are peaceable and harmonious. They 
 liave never had any regular paftor. 
 
 MASONGO 
 
 Is a church of good Handing, but has feen better 
 days than the present. Their iiril: preacher was 
 George Norihum, who was not diftinguiihed for 
 any thing lingular. He was fucceeded by Mr. Lay- 
 field, and he by Elijah Shay. Shay was a preacher 
 of popular talents ; but after railing himfelf to confi- 
 derable diftindion, he fold his birthright for a mefs 
 of pottage. He became a drunkard, and was exclu- 
 ded from the church. Failing thus of the grace of 
 God, he fought to fupply the deficiency by art and 
 deception. He moved oif to Alexandria, where alfo, 
 he conduded himfelf fo diforderly, as to incur the 
 cenfures of all thofe who made preteniions to ferious- 
 nefs. From thence, he travelled off, under the name 
 of a Baptill preacher; until the brethren near Alex- 
 andria, thought it their duty to advertife him as an 
 impolior ; which they did in the minutes of the Ke- 
 toctcn Affociation. What mifchief do fuch traitors 
 do to the befl of caufes ^ 
 
^CCQMACK ASSo.crATIo:^r, 28.3 
 
 CHINGOTEAGUE. 
 
 The goipel was firft carried into thefe parts by the 
 indetatigabfe J'^^. Baker, His labours were not at. 
 fird:, extensively blefled, immediately in the neigh- 
 bourhdod of Chingoteague. The feed however fown 
 by Mr. Baker and others, were cultivated by Mr. 
 Layfield ; and a church was conflituted under the 
 care of elder lay fie Id. After fome time^ he yielded 
 the care to elder Solomon IVIarfhall, who attended 
 them ftatedly, but not as an abiding paftor. They 
 now have the pafloral fervices of elder Thomas WaK 
 ters, whofe labours among them have been highly 
 bleded. Mr. Walters is a loving, zealous, laborious^ 
 and fuccefsful fervant of the moft high God. Hav- 
 ing a warm heart, he enjoys nothing, more than to fee 
 divine love fpreading from heart to heart- warming 
 and animating the fouls of Iliints. On fuch occanon;] 
 he feems willing to be fpent in praifing and adoring 
 Jhis gracious Redeemer. 
 
 LOV/ER NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 Within the bounds of this church, was the place 
 where Mr. Baker began his evangelical career. Mere 
 aifo^ were the iirft perfons baptized that ever fubmit- 
 ted to that facred ordinance on the Eaftern Shore •: 
 And here was conrtituted the firll church..: -When 
 firll: organized, elder Baker became their paffer^ and 
 fo continued until the day of. his death. Vhe church 
 foon after her conftitution became large and flouriih- 
 ing, and continues fo to this tmie. i'here are £orr(c 
 very refpedtablc private members among them. t.l- 
 der John Elliott preaches for them ilatedly iince the 
 death of elder Baker. 
 
 Ifaac Broughton is an ordained preacher in th\o 
 church, efteemed, by all who know him, a pious aiU 
 venerable man, but of verv infirm health. 
 
2M HISTORY OF THE 
 
 HUNGO's 
 
 Has been for fome time a declining church, having 
 fuftained great lofl'es by the death of many of her 
 moft valuable private members. They were once a 
 numerous people. 
 
 Elder Elliott, their paflor, commenced preaching 
 in 1783, when about thirty years of age, but he had 
 been a profeflor for fome time before. Seeing how 
 much labourers were wanted in the harveft, his ipirit 
 was moved within hini. He flepped forward, and 
 the Lord fmiled upon his fervices He is efteemed 
 by all his acquaintances a pious and exemplary man, 
 as well as a fteady and ufeful preacher. 
 
 MASHAPONGO 
 
 Is a young and fomewhat increafing church, under 
 the care of elder Caleb Fiflier. Previous to his pro- 
 fefTion of religion, Mr. Fiflier was very fond of the 
 fafhionable vices of the age. Racing, dancing, gam- 
 bling, and keeping wild and wanton company, were 
 the objedls of his moft intent purfuit. Serious re- 
 iledtionF, though fometimes forced upon his mind, 
 were never welcome. God, in themidfi of his wild 
 career, marked him as an objetfl of invincible grace. 
 The arrows of the -Mmighty ftuck faft in him ; and 
 although he was at firft as an ox unaccuftomed to the 
 }<)ke, he finally found that the yoke of Jefus was 
 eafy and his burden was light. He found reft to his 
 ^oul, and was baptized, anno 1792. To his vicious 
 affociates he now became as obnoxious as he was be- 
 fore agreeable. After fome years, viz. in 1802, he 
 began to preach. 1 his gave many ©f the fons of 
 Belial an opportunity to infult him. While he 
 preac^ed they would mock; and fometimes openly. 
 On one occaiion, they ftirred upfo much difturbance, 
 ihat he thought it his duty to profecute them. In 
 
ACCOIvIACK ASSOCIATION. 285 
 
 return, one man,* under fomc frivolous pretence, 
 fvvore the peace agalnft him, and dragged him before 
 a :nagiftrate, while there, he iaviilied out the mofh un- 
 limitedabufe againfl Fiiher; whenlo! he fell fpeech- 
 lefs by a paralytic flroke. He lofl the ufe of one fide, 
 and fuffered more than common pain in fuch cafes ..-f- 
 This dil'play of divine vengeance had an avviui effcS: 
 upon the minds of the furrounding people, and indeed 
 all who heard it. 
 
 Mr. Fi/her was upwards of forty years of age when 
 he began to preach. It is not to be expedted that 
 under thofe circumftances he Ihould make any great, 
 advancement in improving his gifts. Hcisefteem- 
 cd, however, a man of ftrong mind, and as a preach- 
 er, found and animating. 
 
 The Baptiftcaufe is not thought to prevail as much;, 
 on the Eadern Shore, as it did forhe years pafl. When 
 they firft came into this country, they had to com- 
 bat with the eilabliflied church -^rrncd, with the civil 
 fword. Clothed with a heavenly panoply, they went 
 forth in the name of the i ord of limits, and prevailed. 
 The eilabliflaed church here, as well as in moil: otlier 
 places in Virginia, declined rapidly, alter the rife of the 
 Baptifts. Of late, they have other opponents that 
 are much more fuccefsfuL For many yesrs pail, 
 the Methodifls have been a very increafing people. 
 on the Eaflern Shore. Whether their profperity is 
 only temporary, until the fet tim^e to favour Zioii 
 flaall arrive J or v/hether for fome caufe God is dif- 
 pofed to permit his people to be led into captivity, 
 and to become fubfervient to the neighbouring na- 
 tions, we cannot determine. As this Hate of things 
 has occurred in many other places, as v/ell as in thefe 
 parts, it will not be improper .to offer a few remarks 
 by way of conjedliiring the caufe; not becaufe it is 
 
 f'Amr. Hiinderfon. 
 + riiis happened in iSor; ; antl three montlis after, he remained in the fam • 
 
 <iAvti!i lt:ite, lu.fain ■ ;.Te mill of otdv, ;ind no do^bt as much in mi d. 
 
t:Sy HISTOilV ui- li. . 
 
 believed that the remarks apply to this -• . ...u puiQ- 
 cular place, but with a defign to offer caution to all.- 
 Baptiit-principles. uiider right views, have no tend- 
 ency to paralyze the eftbrts of man, or retard his acr 
 tivity. But -how often do thefe elfcdls follow the 
 milinterpretation of thef^ principles ! How fre- 
 quently, where error thrives through the induftry 
 and zeal of its fupportcrs, do the friends of truth lie 
 iHil under a miftiken confidence that truth cannot 
 be hurt: Andinftead of oppofing zeal to zeal, induf- 
 try to indufcry, and all lawful means in a good caufe 
 againit ail lawful or unlawful ones in a bad one; they 
 too often permit the hearts of the people to be flolen, 
 and their prejudices fet againft found principles be- 
 fore they take the alarm. Truth is often injured bi' 
 an u.nfuitable application of its parts. Strong meat 
 ihould not be given but to men. To preach the 
 deep myfterious dovHirines of grace upon all occafions, 
 and before all forts of people, is the fure way ty 
 preach them out of the parts. To give to any one 
 doctrine more weight than the proportion found in 
 the fcripture, defaces the beauty of the whole, and 
 retards its progrcfs. Unguardedncfs refpedl:in'»' 
 preachers, in various ways, but efpecially as to im- 
 poflors, has injured the Baptiils in many parts, but 
 in none more than on the Eaflern Shore. I'hey have 
 probably fuffered more by impoftors, than any other 
 people in Virginia. The mofl dilHnguifhed of thefe 
 was Jofeph Flood. He was for eight or ten years, a 
 Baptift preacher of great popularity in thofe parts, 
 and by many was thought pious. His brilliant ta-. 
 lents feem to have blinded the people to his faults. 
 He had married a wife in early life, with wdiom he 
 lived peaceably. She dying, he married a fecc^nd ,; 
 who proved a heavy curfe. He left her, and em- 
 ployed his time altogether in preaching. Tot thi? 
 he was not much blamed by thofe who kneWltll the 
 •circ urn fiances. But he would not flop there. He 
 came down into Accomack, and aftuiillv ncrfjadcp 
 
ACdOMACK ASSOCIATION. 'So? 
 
 "i young worftan of refped:able connexions to go'jtd 
 Philadelphia, and there to be married to him. It is 
 difficult for any at a diflance, to conceive, what 
 " j-^^^y- -^■^■t^- <-^''^ jjjK^ ^V^ Pv^ipi-i-ft (^jnii^- upon 
 
 church, and in many refpec^s, acSted a ^j^ujjiji 
 
 He has Unce fettled in Bedford county, Virginia, aiiH 
 
 has occafionally preached but not as a Baptiil. 
 
 Soon after Flood's downfall, came one Samuel 
 Counfel under the name of a Baptifl preacher ^^ and 
 being a man of coniiderable ingenuity, became po- 
 pular. He was indeed a wolf in flieeps' clothing. 
 He was an Arian in principle ; and ufed great fubtilty 
 in maintaining his opinions. He was thought, by 
 fome, to have made imprefiions on fom.e reipedtable 
 profeffors ; and that if his bad life had not betrayed 
 liim, he might have formed a party in the churches. 
 The Salisbury .'\ ffociation noticed him, and guarded 
 the churches againli him; Avhich with fome other 
 tfhiHgs, drove him off. 
 
 About the fame time, came one Carey, (as he 
 called himfelf) and pretended that he was a Baptifl 
 preacher. Carey was far from poileffing diftinguiih- 
 ed gifts; and indeed could not be faid to have any 
 one ejuahfication for making good his way under his 
 ailumed chara6ter, except an indefcribable ilcck of 
 ifnpudence. Still, however, he impofed upon many, 
 and was noticed in feveral places, as a preacher of 
 gifts. Againil him alfo, the churches were caution- 
 ed, and he went off elfev/here ; and if not .hanged, is 
 perhaps ilill impoiing upon the credulous feme where. 
 
 After thefe repeated flams, it is not flrange that the 
 Baptift caufe has rather declined of late years in this. 
 Affociation. But, peradventure, thefe dark fcencs 
 are but thfe preludes of a bright and glorious day, for 
 which, no doubt many precious , and pious fouls are 
 daily lifting up their hearts to God. For indeed tnQ 
 Baptilla of thelc parts are a tender, loving, affediionate^v^ 
 and pious people, anxious for thg welfare of Zion, 
 
289 GtNEbAL HIS TOE Y OF 
 
 For hofpitality and kindnels to ftrangeit, the Eai>eri^ 
 Shore people, both faints and linners, are lurpafled by 
 none. 
 
 This is thelafj ^ afibcivi^tion m Virgir^p. thnf r;^i A^, |^ o 
 [c|id to hayr^Iriien from tlie liJ^n.rs r|f .qpp^^r.fP, 1-?;^- 
 We Ihall now proceed to treat of 
 Iioui formerly called Regulars. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 Of the Origin and Frogrefs of the Regular Baptifis, 
 
 We Have already informed our readers, page 1, 
 that one of the three original companies of Baptifts, 
 that emigrated to Virginia, came from Maryland. 
 From thefe arofe the Hegular Baptiftsj as they were, 
 for a feafon, called, in contradiftind:ion to the Sepa- 
 rates, 'i'hefe, though not fo numerous as the Sepa- 
 rates, are a large and very refptd:able body of people, 
 lor, with very few, did they come into Virginia, and 
 now they are become feveral Aiiociations. Befides 
 the Ketodon, which is a very extenfive aiTociation, 
 the Redftone, Greenbrier, and Union, all fprungfrom 
 the fame fource. 
 
 Our papers do not exaiftly agree refpeding the 
 date at which the iirft Baptifts made their appear- 
 ance in thefe parts, but upon a full examination of 
 the different documents, it is probable that we ihall 
 2:ive a corred; flatement. 
 
 In 1743, Edward Hays and Thomas Yates, mem- 
 bers of a Baptift congregation in Maryland, moved 
 with a company, and fettled on Opeckon, in Berkley 
 county, Virginia. Their minifler, Mr. Henry Love- 
 all, foon followed them. His preaching was attend- 
 ed with fuccefs, and in a fhort time he baptized fif- 
 teen perfons. They continued their church ilate un- 
 til 1751 ; but it is probable they were rather remifs in 
 their government i /or we are informed, that on that 
 
THE REGULAR BAPTISTS. 28^ 
 
 year, certain mmifkr-* of.the Philadelphia AfTccia- 
 tioii came among them, and new modelled the 
 church, forming it, as our manulcript lays, upon the 
 Calvinillic plan, fiftmg out the chafF, -aid retaining 
 the fappafed good grain. From which it may be 
 prefumed, that the firft preacher or his party, were 
 eidier Arminians, or inclined that -vay. 
 
 ? All 17^4., when Stearns and Marlhall were among 
 them, their minifter was Samuel Heton, who was 
 probably their firil: preacher, after ihey had been new 
 modelled as above. U hat became of eitb r Loveall 
 or Heton, we are not informed. The next preacher 
 that lived among them, and far the moft diftinguifh- 
 ed, was elder John Garrard, probably from Pennfyl- 
 vania. The precife year in which he came, is not 
 afcertained, but it was probably about 1755 Fvoip. 
 the time that they were purified, in 1751, this church 
 was in connexion with the Philadelphia Affociation. 
 They were very zealous, had much preaching, and 
 were remarkably warm in their religious exercifes, 
 and more- particularly fo after Mr. Daniel Marfliall 
 came among them. They went to fuch lengths, 
 that fome of the more cold-hearted lodged a com- 
 plaint in the Philadelphia Aflbciation. Mr Miller 
 was fent to fee what was the matter. When he came, 
 he was highly delighted with the exercifes, joined 
 them cordially, and faid if he hid fuch warm hearted 
 chriftians in his church, he would not take goid for- 
 them. fie charged thofe who had complained, ra- 
 ther to nouriih than complain of fuch gifts. The 
 Work of God revived among them, and confiderable 
 additions were made to the church. The country in 
 Avhich they had fettled, was but thinly inhabited, and 
 was fubje^l to the inroads of the Indians, home of 
 thele favage irruptions took place not long after ,\ir. 
 Garrard had fettled among them; in coniequence of 
 
 * Mr. Mil cv and others. 
 
 M 2 " 
 
291) GENERAL HISTORY OF 
 
 which, he and many of the church removed below 
 the Blue ridge, and refided for fomc time in Loudon 
 county, on Ketocfton creek. He was not, while 
 there, forgetful of his duty, but laboured night and 
 day for the infl:rud:ion and falvation of fmncrs. God 
 turned tlie hearts of many, who believing, were bap- 
 tized. 
 
 A church was conftituted, called Ketodon, to 
 which Mr. Garrard was appointed paftor. It is 
 probable that this church was organized in the year 
 1756 : for on the fecond Sunday in June, 1757, the 
 IVi illcreek, Ketod:on,and the Smith's and Lynville's 
 Creek churches, held their iiril yearly meeting at the 
 meeting houfe of the laft named church. So that 
 we fhall probably be corredl if we date the conilitu- 
 tion of the Ketotton church in 1756; of JVJ illcreek 
 in 1743 i her firfl: renewal in 1751 and her reinftate- 
 ment after the Indian irruption in 1757. Having 
 briefly fliown the origin and procefs of the Baptifts 
 who flrft fettled on Opeckon, we fhall now attend to 
 another company on Smith's and Lynville's Creek, 
 in Rockingham. The Smith's and Lynville's Creek 
 church was conftituted Auguft 6th, 1756^ under the 
 pafloral care of John Alderfon, fen. There had 
 been fome Eaptifts living in this place for about 
 eleven years previous to the conftitution of the 
 church. Thefe were probably a party of private 
 members from fome of the churches in the Philadel- 
 phia AfTociation ; or perhaps fome of them from 
 JNew England: for it is ftatcd that one John Har- 
 rifon wifliing to be baptized, went as far as Oyfter 
 bay in Maffachufetts, to obtain that ordinance. As 
 there were Baptift churches and miniflers much near^- 
 cr, the prefumption is, that he had been led to that 
 meafure in coniideration of fome, if not all, of the 
 Eaptifts of his neighbourhood having come from 
 thence. 
 
 During the eleven years from the time the Baptifls 
 iirfl came to this neighbourhood, until the conllitu- 
 
THE REGULAR BAPTISTS. 291 
 
 tion of the church, they were vifited by feveral 
 preachers from the northern ftates, among whom 
 were Mr. Samuel Eaton, Benjamin Griffith, John 
 Gano, and John Alderfon ; the laft of whom after- 
 wards fettled ainong them and became their partor. 
 
 The three churches above named became mem- 
 bers of the Philadelphia AiTociation foon after their 
 Gonftitution, and fo continued until they formed an in- 
 dependent allociation. Previous to this hov/ever, 
 they met in an annual or yearly meeting, alternately 
 at the three meeting houfes. In their yearly meet- 
 ings, preaching was kept up for feveral days, minif- 
 ters from diftant parts attended, and confultations 
 were holden refpedling the propagation of the gofpel, 
 as well as advice offered for the good government of 
 the infant churches. Thefe meetings greatly accele- 
 rated the fpread of the gofpel, and alfo ripened the 
 churches forafeparate aflbciation. 
 
 About 1760, Rev. David Thomas, from Pennfyl- 
 vania, came to Berkley in Virginia, on a miniflerial 
 viiit/ A fmall time previous to this, two men in the 
 county of Fauquier, on Broadrun, had, without any 
 public preaching, become convinced of the reality of 
 vital religion, and that they were deflitute of it. 
 Wrought upon by fuch conviclions, and hearing of 
 the Baptiils in Berkley, they travelled thither, a dif- 
 tance of about iixty miles, to hear them. When 
 they arrived and heard the gofpel, it proved a fweet 
 favour of life. They returned home, God built them 
 up by his fpirit, and, in a fliort time, they made a 
 fecond vifit to Berkley, offered an experience of 
 grace to the church, and were baptized. It fo hap- 
 pened, that thefe men and Mr. David Thomas came 
 to Berkley at the fame time. They invited iimi to 
 go down to Fauquier and preach, and he accepted the 
 invitation. It was faid of Martin Luther, that if the 
 pope had given him a cardinal's cap, he would never 
 have propagat-d the principles of the reformation, it 
 might be lo. And it could alio De faid, that if they 
 
295 GENERAL HISTORY OF 
 
 Jiad made Paul high priest, inftead offending him to 
 Damafcus, he would not have tpreid the gofpel 
 among the gentiles. So alio if \]r. Thomas had not 
 happened to meet with thefe men. who were hunger- 
 ing for the bread ot life, he miglit never have gone to 
 Broadrun, and from thence over a great part of Vir- 
 ginia ; by which thoufands were turned from dark- 
 nels to light. Thefe things, in the eye of mere rea- 
 son, look hke contingencies ; but by the eye of faith, 
 they are all plainly viewed as the contrivance of in- 
 finite wifdom, and executed by an infaiiibie, though 
 invifible hand. 
 
 After Mr. Thomas had laboured awhile at Broad- 
 run, and in the adjacent neighbourho'>d, his labours 
 were fo much favoured, that he relblved to become a 
 reiident among them Many profefied faith, and 
 were baptized. A church was quickly conftituted, 
 to which Mr. T'h: mas was chofen pa (lor. This 
 took place a little atter the year 1/60. He did not 
 confine his miniflry to one neighbourhood, lie 
 travelled through all the furrounding country, lifting 
 up his voice as the voice of God commanding all 
 men to repent, lie was, indeed and in truth, a 
 burning and a Ihining light. Vhere were few fuch 
 men in the world, as David Thomas was, at that time. 
 Having by nature a flrongand vigorous mind, he had 
 devoted his attention with diUgence to the acquire- 
 ment of a claifical ana refined education. In this, 
 few, if any of his cotemporaries, fucceeded better. 
 He graduated at an early period. Befides the en- 
 dowments of his miud, he had a melodious and pier- 
 cing voice, pathetic addrcfs, exprcfiive action, and 
 above all, a heart filled with the love of God and 
 fympathy for his fellow men, whom he faw over- 
 whelmed in fin and mifery. God bade him fpeak 
 on J and much people believed through him. 
 
 Mr. Thomas drew the attention of the people for 
 many miles around. They travelled, iii many in- 
 ftances, lifty and {ixty miles to hear him. It is re- 
 
TIIF. REGULAR BAPTISTS. ,203. 
 
 markable, that about the time of the firft rife of the 
 gofpei in Virginia, there were multiplied indances of 
 perfons who had never heard any thing hke evingeh- 
 cal preaching, that were brought through divine 
 grace to fee and feel the want of vital goodueis. 
 Many of thefe, when they would hear of Mr. Tho- 
 mas and other Baptiil preachers, would travel off to 
 hear them and invite them to come and preach in 
 their neighbourhood. By **this means, the gofpei 
 was iiril carried into ^ ulpepper Mr. Allen Wyley,^'^ 
 a man of refpedable ftanding in that county, had 
 been thus turned to God, and not knowing of an}- 
 fpiritual preacher, he liad, fometimes gatnered his 
 neighbours, and read the fcriptures and exhorted 
 them to repentance ; but hearing after a while, of 
 Mr. Thomas, he and lome of his neighbours travel- 
 ed to Fauquier to hear him. As foon as he 'heard 
 him, he knew the joyful found, fubmittcd to baptifm, 
 and invited him to preach at liis houfe. He came, 
 but the oppolition from the wicked was fo great, thai: 
 he could not preach. He went into the county of 
 Orange, and preached feveral times and to much pur- 
 pofe. His labours were bleffed. Having however, 
 urgent calls to preach in various otlier places, and 
 being much oppofed and perfecuted here, he did not 
 attend here as oflen as svas wi(lied. On this account 
 it was, that Mr. \Vyley went to Pittfylvania for VJr. 
 Harrifs. iVlr. Thomas and Mr. Garrard, fometimes 
 together and fometimes apart, travelled and propa- 
 gated the pure principles of chriitianity in all the up- 
 per counties of the j'N-orthern Neck. Mr. Thomas 
 v^as far the moll active. It was not to be prefumed 
 that the friends of the eftahliihment would feel them- 
 felves diiintereited in thefe proceedings. Their Da- 
 gon was fail falling before the gofpei. They there- 
 fore refolved to flir themfelves, to prevent this cala- 
 mity. They adopted various methods to accomplilli 
 
 * The fame who v/eat after Samuel Ilari-irs, fcs page 7- 
 
291 GENERAL HISTORY OF 
 
 this objcd. The clergy often attacked the Baptifts 
 from the pulpit ; called them faife prophets, wolves 
 inilieeps' clothing, &c. 6cc. But, mifortunately for 
 them, the Baptifts retorted thefe charges bv profeffing 
 to believe their own articles ; at leail; the leading ones ; 
 and charged them with denying them ; a charge which 
 they could ealily fubftantiate. For the dodtrines mod 
 complained of as advanced by the Baptifts, were ob- 
 vioully laid down in the common prayer book. 
 
 When they could not fucceed by arguments, they 
 adopted more violent meafures. 
 
 Sometimes when the pre?xhers came to a place for 
 the parpofe of preaching, a kind of mob would be 
 raifed, and by violent threats they hindered the preach- 
 ing. 
 
 Sometimes the preachers, and even fome, that only 
 read fermons and prayed publicly, were carried be* 
 fore magillratcs, and though not committed to prifon, 
 were iharply reprimanded, and cautioned not to be 
 righteous overmuch. 
 
 In one inftance only, it appears that any perfon in 
 thefe parts wa^ actually imprifoned on account of re- 
 ligion. He it feems, was a licenfed exhorter, and 
 was arrefted for exhorting at a licenfed meeting houfe. 
 The magiflrate fent him to jail, where he was kept 
 until court ; but the court uoon knowing the cir~ 
 cumftances, difcharged him. Elder James Ireland 
 was alfo imprifoned in Culpepper jail, and in other 
 refpe<!>3 treated very ill.* But at the time of his im- 
 prifonment Mr. Ireland was a Separate Baptift, 
 though he afterwards joined the Regulars. The rea- 
 fons why the Regular Baptifts were not as much per- 
 fecuted as the Separates, was, that they had, at an 
 early date, applied to the general court, and obtained 
 licenfes for particular places ; under the toleration law 
 of England ; but few of their enemies knew the ex- 
 tent of thefe licenfes ; moll fuppofing, that they were, 
 
 * See farther account of hhperfecution? iu his biographr. 
 
THE REGULAR BAPTISTS.. 295 
 
 by them, authorized to preach any where in the 
 county. One other reafon for their moderate perfe- 
 cution perhaps was, that the Regulars were not 
 thought lb enthuliaftic as the Separates ; and having 
 Mr. Thomas, a learned man, in their fociety, they 
 appeared much more refped:abie in the eyes of the 
 enemies of truth. 
 
 All their pretenlions combined with their other 
 exertions, could not materially retard the progrel's of 
 the gofpel. The work went on. New churches 
 were conftituted and young preachers were raifed 
 up. Of thefe, none were more diflinguiflied than 
 Richard Major, although he had pad the meridian of 
 life before he embarked in the miniftry. He feems 
 to have made fuch good ufe of his time, that he did 
 more in the vineyard than many who had toiled all 
 the day.* Daniel and William Friftoe, Jeremiah 
 Moore, and others, were early fruits of elder Tho- 
 mas's miniftry. Thefe young heralds, uniting their 
 endeavours with thofe of the more experienced, 
 greatly accelerated the progrefs of the gofpel. The 
 Separates alfo, in the more fouthern parts of the flate, 
 were carrying on a fimilar work. Thefe fires met 
 in Orange county, in the year 1767, as we have al- 
 ready related in another place. Jealoufies ariling 
 between them, from fome caufe, produced the un- 
 happy divilions which continued fo long to diflurb 
 their peace. The breach was never very wide between 
 them ; not fo wide but they often met in conferences, 
 as fellow fufferers, and united their councils to con- 
 trive plans for their mutual emancipation from ec- 
 clefiailical tyranny. Before the year 1770, the 
 Regular Baptifls were fpread over the whole coun- 
 try, in the Northern Neck above Fredericksburg, 
 Between 1770 and I780, their cords ftill continued 
 to be lengthened. Mr Lunsfcrd, a young but ex- 
 traordinary preacher, carried the tidings of peace 
 
 *" See his biograplv'. 
 
2G6 general history of 
 
 downwards, and planted the Redeemer's llandard in 
 thole counties of the Northern Neck which are be- 
 low I'rederickshur^. Meilrs. Corbley, Sutton, and 
 liarnet had moved over the Alleghany, and had raif- 
 ed up feveral churches in th6 north weft counties, as 
 early as 1775. ^^' J°^^^ Alderfon had gone in 1777, 
 to Greenbrier, and in a fev/ years raifed up a people 
 for God in that reeion. Befides thcfe, there were 
 fome others who moved more fouthward, and raifed 
 up a few churches. During the time of the great 
 declenlion in Virginia, the Regulars were under the 
 cloud as well as their brethren the Separates ; and 
 they alfo participated in the great revival. In the 
 year 1782, only twenty three were baptized in the 
 whole of the churches^ in the Ketorton Allbciation -, 
 whereas, in 1789, after the commencement of the 
 great revival, the returns from the different church- 
 es amounted to three hundred and fifty nine. Since 
 the great reviv:>l, the Baptift caufe has confiderably 
 declined in miOil parts of the Ketod:cn Allociation. 
 Mr. Frifloe, in his history of this afibciation, ob- 
 ferves, ** that very few young minifters have been 
 raifed up of late ; and that the number of members 
 have much decreafed." The decreafe is certainly not 
 univcrfal: tliere are fome flourifliino- churches within 
 the diflrid:. As the Baptiils have decreafed, the 
 ^Methodids in many places have increafed. It is not 
 fo eafy to account for this change. Does it arife from 
 the Arminian dodrine being more palatable to the 
 felf-righteous heart of man ? Or have they been more 
 induftrious in propagating their dodlrines ? Or have 
 they fucceeded, as in fome other places, in driving 
 the i-aptift preachers, imperceptibly, to dwell too 
 much upon high Calvanirtic points, to the negled: of 
 the more fimple, but more important .principles of 
 chriftianity? If we were to calculate principles ac- 
 cording to the weight of taleiits l^y which they are 
 fupported, Baptift principles ought to prevail within 
 "he Ketodton Aflociation as mr.ch as in any fecr 
 
tHE REGULAR BAPTISTS, 29"? 
 
 tioii of Virginia, if not more. The talent? of the 
 Jpading preachers in thofe parts, ftand in the iirfl row. 
 After all is faid, the adverfi ty or profperity o^* relT- 
 gion, in any place, is ofteri wrapped in myftery too 
 dark to be penetrated by mortal vilion. The ways 
 of God are pail finding out. It is not impotHble, be- 
 fore this generation pafleth away, that the fon of man 
 may come in power and demonftration of his fpirit> 
 for the faivation of thoufands , and quickly place his 
 people above all competition. 
 
 Having thus given a general account of the rifq and 
 progrefs of the tiegular Baptids, we (hall no >v pro- 
 ceed to furnifh details refpedling their proceedings in 
 $irociatiQn>< and churches. 
 
 N^' 
 
298 
 
 HISTORY OF TilE 
 
 TABLE OP KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 
 
 -<r 
 
 Names of 
 Churches. 
 
 5 S ■ 
 1' 
 
 5.' 3 
 
 
 By luhom 
 planted. 
 
 Former 
 Pajlors. 
 
 Prefent 
 Pajiors. 
 
 Cannties. 
 
 Ketocton 
 
 1766 
 
 
 19 
 
 \. Garrarii J. Garrard f 
 
 W. Gil- ILoudoa 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 J. Marks 
 
 more 
 
 
 Latle 
 
 
 
 
 
 R. Majoi- 
 
 
 
 River 
 
 1769 
 
 81 
 
 75 
 
 D. Thomas 
 
 i. Hickerfon 
 
 il. Latham 
 
 do 
 
 New 
 
 
 
 
 
 J. Thomas 
 
 
 
 Valley 
 
 1767 
 
 30 
 
 30 
 
 J. Thomas 
 
 W. Thriit 
 
 VV. Gilmore 
 
 dc 
 
 Gool'e 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 t775 
 
 37 
 
 76 
 
 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Leelburg 
 
 i8o3 
 
 -7 
 
 43 
 
 W. Thrift 
 
 W. Thrift 
 
 none 
 
 df 
 
 Elicnezer 
 
 1804 
 
 19 
 
 49 
 
 W. Friftoe 
 
 V/. Friftoe 
 
 W. Friftoe 
 
 do 
 
 N, Fork 
 
 1787 
 
 30 
 
 57 
 
 
 A. Weeks 
 
 W. Gilmore 
 
 do 
 
 Alexan- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 dria 
 
 1803 
 
 »5 
 
 47 
 
 J. Moore ' 
 
 J. Moore 
 
 J. Moore 
 
 Fairfax ' 
 
 Frying 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 Pan 
 
 1791 
 
 67 
 
 45 
 
 R. Major 
 
 R. Major 
 
 J. Moore 
 
 do 
 
 Bull Run 
 
 1775 
 
 126 
 
 65 
 
 R. Major 
 
 R. Major 
 T. Bridges 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Difficult 
 
 1775 
 
 75 
 
 
 
 J. Moore 
 
 
 do 
 
 Popeshead 
 
 t775 
 
 121 
 
 
 R. Major 
 
 li Major 
 
 
 do 
 
 Otcoquon 
 
 1776 
 
 57 
 
 69 
 
 D. Thomas 
 
 D. Thomas 
 
 P. Spiller 
 
 Prince 
 
 A'iliiam 
 
 Chappa- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 W.Grin- 
 
 
 wamfick 
 
 3767 
 
 
 100 
 
 D. Thomas 
 
 W. Friftoe 
 
 ftead 
 
 Stafford 
 
 White. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 oak 
 
 1791 
 
 76 
 
 95 
 
 W. Friftoe 
 
 A. Leach 
 
 H. Pitman 
 
 do 
 
 Hartwood 
 
 I77> 
 
 75 
 
 99 
 
 
 W. Friftoe 
 J. Hickerlon 
 
 E.Abel 
 
 do 
 
 Broad 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Kun 
 
 1766 
 
 
 63 
 
 D- Thomas 
 
 D. Thomas 
 
 W. Fiiftoe 
 
 Fauquier 
 
 Thumb 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Run 
 
 '77» 
 
 22 
 
 t04 
 
 W. Friftoe 
 
 
 R. Latham 
 
 do 
 
 Brent 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Town 
 
 1773 
 
 95 
 
 36 
 
 D.Jriftoe 
 
 D. Friftoe 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Uf per Car 
 
 
 
 
 .. ■ 
 
 
 
 
 ter's Rur 
 
 1784 
 
 5o 
 
 *3 
 
 J. Munroe 
 
 J. Munroe 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Long 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Branch 
 
 1786 
 
 «5 
 
 53 
 
 J. Munroe 
 
 J. Munroe 
 
 W. Grin- 
 
 do . 
 
 Back 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ftead 
 
 do and 
 
 Lick 
 
 1782 
 
 ♦6 
 
 97 
 
 H. Hagan 
 
 H. Hagan 
 
 none 
 
 Fairfax 
 
 Hedge- 
 
 
 
 
 
 J. Moore 
 
 
 
 man's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 do and 
 
 River 
 
 1791 
 
 100 
 
 100 
 
 J. Hickerfon 
 
 J. Hickerfon 
 
 none 
 
 Culpepper 
 
 South 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Shenando- 
 
 River 
 
 1783 
 
 ZI 
 
 20 
 
 J. Ireland 
 
 J. Ireland 
 
 W.Northen 
 
 ah 
 
 "Wafer 
 
 
 
 
 
 J. Price 
 
 S.O'Hen- 
 
 
 Lick 
 
 1787 
 
 29 
 
 52 J. Price 
 
 J. Ireland 
 
 dren 
 
 do 
 
 Happy 
 
 
 
 
 J. Ireland 
 
 W. Marfhal 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1783 
 
 64 
 
 7* 
 
 R. Major 
 W. Marftial 
 
 J. Taylor 
 J. Price 
 J. Ireland 
 
 B. Dawfon 
 
 Frederick 
 
 B«t!»cl 
 
 1808 
 
 17 
 
 53 
 
 J. Ireland 
 
 S.O'Hin- 
 
 drcn 
 
 S. 0«Hen- 
 
 r c'r-.'. 
 
 do 
 
€vETOCTON ASSOCIATION, 
 
 209 
 
 T^BLE.pF KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Concluded. 
 
 g ,i ii;'.'i "— 
 
 -■^:< 
 
 '^ 
 
 7 
 
 
 , „ 
 
 
 
 X:i!nes of 
 
 ^S 
 
 c 2 
 
 5' Z- 
 
 ■t '3 
 
 By srhoiii 
 
 Former 
 
 Prc-cnt 
 
 Counties 
 
 Churches 
 
 s o 
 
 l-i •— 
 
 3 '.? 
 
 „ 
 
 planted. 
 
 pastors. 
 
 pastjis. 
 
 
 .':? 5- 
 
 
 P 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 -■■-■ . ,f» 
 
 iJuck 
 Marfli 
 
 Zoar 
 Millcreek 
 
 Timber 
 » Ridge 
 N. River 
 Crooked 
 
 Run 
 
 Patter- 
 
 ibn's 
 
 Creek 
 
 Nanjemoy 
 
 17721 56 
 
 1799 
 1766 
 
 J1S09 
 1737 
 
 1790 
 
 igo8 
 '793 
 
 19 
 
 44 
 
 297 
 
 44 
 38 
 
 7 
 5o 
 
 17 
 5o 
 
 W. and D. 
 
 Friltoe 
 
 C. Collins 
 ri. Loveall 
 
 &— Miller 
 
 J. Hutchin- 
 
 ibn 
 B. Stone 
 
 J. Munroe 
 A. Leach 
 
 J Garrard 
 K. Major 
 J. Ireland 
 C.Collins 
 C.Collins 
 H. Loveiiil 
 S Hettoi> 
 ) . Garrard 
 D. Thomas 
 J. Hutchin ' 
 
 ion 
 B. Stone 
 
 B. Stone 
 
 J. Munroe 
 A. Le.uh 
 
 ,V. Friftoe 
 
 F. Moore 
 J. Hutchin- 
 lon 
 
 Jf Hutchin- 
 
 fon 
 J. Munroe 
 
 J. Munroe 
 
 J, Munroe 
 A I.each 
 
 Frederick 
 
 lefferfon 
 Berkley 
 
 dp 
 
 Hampfliirc 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 ftate of 
 Maiyland 
 
 N. B. The churches in Italicks, appeared on the minutes of the aflbciation 
 for many years, and for i'everal years of late, have dil'appeartd ; from which it is 
 probable, that they are either diflplved or have changed their names. All tht 
 churches found in the minutes of 1809, are inferted, except Upper Goofe Creek, 
 M'"hich had lately joined JCetodon,and which had been previouily inferted in the 
 'able of the Culpepper Allociation, 
 
 CHAPTER XXVil. 
 
 The Proceedings of the KetoBon JJfociation, from 
 their firji Conjiitution until this Date, 
 
 It has been already fliovyn, that the iirfl Regular 
 Baptift churches in Virginia were united to the Phi- 
 ladelphia Aflbciation ; but held yearly meetings among 
 themielves, in which many things were attended to, 
 fuch as are commonly done at alTociations, and by 
 which they were ripened for independence. In !76'5, 
 they were dilmified from the Philadelphia Aflbcia- 
 tion J and on the igth of Augufl:, 1766, they met by 
 their delegates at KetQci:on, in Loudon, 1 heir flrfl: 
 
30© HISTORY OF Tilt: 
 
 meeting being at Ketodon, the alTociation took that 
 name. There were only four churches of this order 
 in V'irginia; all ol whom were reprefented't>y their 
 delegates as follow : 
 
 Keiodion, John Marks, John Loyd. 
 SniitJis and Li/nvitle'a Creek, John Alderfon, 
 Millcreeky John Garrard, Ifaac Sutton. 
 Broadruii, David Thomas, Jofeph J. Metcaff. 
 The minutes of this aflbciation fay nothing of 'their, 
 appointment for moderator or clerk, nor of their 
 numbers, nor of their regulations of any kmd, except 
 a refolution to fend to the Philadelphia AlTociation 
 for inftrudions with regard to this aflbciation. By 
 which they probably meant fuch rules and regula- 
 tions as had t>een, or lliould be advifed by the mother 
 aflbciation. An afFe(ftionate and exhortatory circular 
 letter was conne(fted to the minutes. 
 
 The buiinefs tranfaded in the Ketodon, is fo ana- 
 logous to that of the other affociations already com- 
 mented on, that it is quite unnecefl'ary to detail ; w^e 
 fhall therefore, in a kind of table, reprefent the times 
 and places, &c. of holding the affociations, asd then 
 make fome few general remarks upon the whole. 
 
 The firft meeting of the Ketodon Aflbciation in- . 
 eluded the third Sunday in August as one of the days 
 on which they were together. This has continued 
 ever fince. The day of affembling has been changed 
 from Saturday to Friday, and from Friday to Thurf- 
 day ; which lafl: has continued for many years. 
 Thurfday and Friday are devoted to the buiinefs of 
 the affociation, Saturday and Sunday to preaching and 
 public minifl;rations. Until 1770, neither the num- 
 l3er baptized nor the totals are minuted. In a fev(' 
 fubfequent years alfo they are omitted. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION, 
 
 aoi 
 
 Table of the Times and Places <5"c. of holding the 
 KetoBori Ajjociatlon. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 C ' 
 
 No.ofcorref- 
 
 s 
 
 ■1 
 
 Places of meeting. 
 
 «-|- 
 
 s 
 
 ponding 
 
 «* 
 
 
 5 ^r, 
 £1. -^ 
 
 
 Churches. 
 
 1766 
 
 ■•Lctocton 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 Vl ill Creeic 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 % 
 
 smith s Cretk 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 3road Run 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 l7;o 
 
 •Jhappavvaivifick 
 
 J09 
 
 624 
 
 \o 
 
 I 
 
 ••^iw ValJe) 
 
 275 
 
 912 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 vluuntain Creek 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 Little River 
 
 270 
 
 1050 
 
 . 17 
 
 4 
 
 Sren^ Town 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 Suck Madh 
 
 142 
 
 '349 
 
 23 
 
 6 
 
 !Vlount Poney 
 
 82 
 
 134.1 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 ?opeshead 
 
 59 
 
 1322 
 
 
 8 
 
 Jhappawimfick 
 
 14 
 
 836 
 
 1.5 
 
 9 
 
 t-5road Run 
 
 4» 
 
 1059 
 
 17 
 
 1780 
 
 3uliRun 
 
 57 
 
 H54 
 
 »9 
 
 J 
 
 :-jcneca 
 
 58 
 
 1037 
 
 17 
 
 ? 
 
 Mill Creek 
 
 23 
 
 103s 
 
 20 
 
 s 
 
 ICetoflon 
 
 38 
 
 1007 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 Srent Town 
 
 33 
 
 IC41 
 
 2» 
 
 5 
 
 vVater Lick 
 
 31 
 
 94.8 
 
 »3 
 
 6 
 
 Goofe Creek 
 
 21 
 
 624. 
 
 14- 
 
 7 
 
 Chappawamiick 
 
 79 
 
 995 
 
 26 
 
 S 
 
 -.uck Marflx 
 
 168 
 
 1141 
 
 28 
 
 9 
 
 Sroad Run 
 
 359 
 
 1372 
 
 26 
 
 Oct. 
 
 
 
 
 
 3789 
 
 cVater Lick 
 
 12 
 
 486 
 
 10 
 
 J790 
 
 Ooole Creek 
 
 21 
 
 624. 
 
 H 
 
 I 
 
 Opeckon 
 
 55 
 
 667 
 
 i5 
 
 2 
 
 Long Branch 
 
 i94 
 
 2005 
 
 19 
 
 3 
 
 Water Lick 
 
 138 
 
 2187 
 
 34 
 
 4 
 
 Little River 
 
 32 
 
 2017 
 
 3r 
 
 5 
 
 Gool'e Creek 
 
 39 
 
 1898 
 
 3« 
 
 6 
 
 rimmb Run 
 
 38 
 
 1882 
 
 33 
 
 32 
 
 7 
 
 Prying Pan 
 
 48 
 
 1820 
 
 ii 
 
 Broad Run 
 
 90 
 
 184.6 
 
 3i 
 
 9 
 
 G i ove 
 
 .^3 
 
 1786 
 
 11 
 
 i8go 
 
 Back Lick 
 
 35 
 
 1719 
 
 3* 
 
 I 
 
 riappy Creek 
 
 102 
 
 1780 
 
 31 
 
 2 
 
 Little River 
 
 216 
 
 1901 
 
 30 
 
 3 
 
 Suck Marfli 
 
 355 
 
 1853 
 
 3i 
 
 4 
 
 Broad Run 
 
 143 
 
 1831 
 
 31 
 
 5 
 
 Chumb Run 
 
 94 
 
 1598 
 
 25 
 
 c 
 
 Frying Pan 
 
 126 
 
 2005 
 
 31 
 
 7 
 
 Opeckon 
 
 64 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 Ebenezer 
 
 185 
 
 2004 
 
 23 
 
 9 
 
 >Jew Valley 
 
 153 
 
 2036 
 
 3« 
 
^.^U:; lllbTORY OF TilL 
 
 Tn 17 S 9, the Ketofton AiTociation was divided 
 into two, by a line running from the Potomac 
 a foiith courfc. The diflrii^ above this line retain- 
 ed the name Ketoflon, the other was called Chap- 
 pawamfick. The didricls met feparatelv until 1792, 
 when they again united. Some attempts at a diviliou 
 have fince been made, but have not fucceeded. 
 
 For more than twenty years after the ailbciation 
 was organized, the cuftom of laying on hands upon 
 all pcrfons immediately after they were baptized, was 
 invariably prad:ifed in this allociation. It was an ar- 
 ticle in their confeffion of faith, and the want of it, 
 was deemed by many a bar to pommunion. After 
 the great revival, firft the neceffity, and then the pro- 
 priety of it, began to be queilioned, until it was final- 
 ly difufed ; and in the revifal of the confeffion of 
 iaith that article was expunged. 
 
 In 1 79 1 , a cafe was brought before the affociation 
 which produced conliderable agitation James Hut- 
 chinfon, who was born in New Jerfey, but raifed in 
 Loudon county, Virginia, had gone to Georgia, and 
 there fiift became a Methodiil and then a Baptill 
 preacher. Previous to his joining the Baptifts he had 
 been baptized by a IMcthodift preacher. When he 
 offered to join the Baptifls of Georgia, it was made a 
 queftion whether his baptifm, being performed by an 
 unbaptized perlon, was valid. The Georgia Baptifts 
 decided that it was valid. «; 
 
 In the year above rnentioned, Mr. Hutchinfon 
 came to Virginia to lee his relations in Loudon coun- 
 ty. V\ hile he was there, his preaching became ef- 
 fedtual to the converfion of many. Mr Hutchinfon 
 baptized them. Thefe things fhrred up the quefti- 
 on in the Ketocton Affociation, whether the baptifm 
 of Hutchinfon and his new difciples, was valid, 'j'he 
 deciiion here, was juft the reverfe of the decifion in 
 Georgia They determined not to receive either him 
 or thofe baptized by him, unless they would fubmit 
 to be rebaptized. After feme time they confented. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. SxJS 
 
 dnd the ordinance was readminiftered. Their pro- 
 ceeding on this occalion, was more ftrid than that of 
 any other alTociation upon the fame fuhjed. The 
 queftion has been before moll: of the alTociations, at 
 one time or other • and in every other inllance they 
 either deemed it unnecelfary to rebaptize, or leit it to 
 the confcience of the party to be rebaptized or not. 
 The arguments were : That the mod important pre - 
 requifite to baptifm was faith in the fubjetft. That, 
 although it was expedient to have a fixed rule for 
 qualifying perfons for the adminiftration of the ordi- 
 nances, yet the want of fuch qualifications in the ad- 
 miniftrator, ought not to be viewed as having futhcient 
 weight to invalidate the baptifm* On the other hand 
 it was argued : that if fuch baptifm was fandioned, 
 every thing like ordination might be difpenfed with : 
 That, ordination was not only expedient, but an in- 
 ilitution of the bible, and therefore indifpenlible : 
 That fuch proceedings, if allowed, might go to great 
 lengths, and, ultimately, produce confulion. 
 
 About the fame time the alTociation was confulted 
 as to the propriety of a church's requiring of each 
 of her members to contribute to the expenfes of the 
 church according to their property . The afTociation 
 determined that a regulation of that kind in a church 
 was lawful, and that perfons that would not fubmit to 
 it deferved to be excluded from the privileges of the 
 church, it was eafy for the church to' ask, and for 
 the affociation to give her advice ; the corredtnefs of 
 which cannot be doubted upon right principles. But 
 "it was not quite fo eafy to execute. The attempt 
 was made in fom.e of the churches, but in confequence 
 of the violent oppofition it met with, tliey delifled 
 :?rom it. ' 
 
 In 1787, the lawfulnefs of hc;reditary Havery was 
 debated in this afibeiation. They determined thjit 
 hereditary llavery was a breach of the divine law. 
 They then appointed a committee to bring in a plan 
 iOf gradual emancipation ; which was accordingly 
 
304. illSTORY OF Tiin 
 
 done. They were treading upon delicate ground. 
 It excited conliderable tumult in the churches ; and 
 accordingly, in their letters to the next alTociation, 
 they remonftrated fo decidedly, that the affociation 
 refolved to take no farther fteps in the bufinefs. 
 
 The afTociation took up the fubjedl of the General 
 Meeting of Correfpondence, at different periods; but 
 in every inftance decided againft encouraging it. 
 There are however, within the limits of the diftrid:, 
 a very refpeclable party who are favourable to the 
 iniHtution of the General Meeting ; and it is hoped, 
 that at no very diftant day, the whole affociation will 
 difcover how requifite fuch a meeting is, towards pre- 
 ferving peace and uniformity, among a great people. 
 
 rhe oliirje of moderator has been difcharged by 
 Meffrs. Friiloe, Moore, and Munroe, alternately; 
 each of whom feems to poflefs the qualifications re- 
 quifite to fill the chair with dignity and skill. 
 
 Their flanding clerk, for many years, has been Mr. 
 Thomas Buck. It is not prefumable they will want 
 any other, as long as he is willing and able to a6ti 
 
 CHAPTER XXVlIf. 
 
 liiftorkal Sketches of the Churches in the KetoBoTt 
 AJfociation. 
 
 KETOCTON. 
 
 Of the origin of this mother church fome account 
 has been already given in the general hillory of the 
 Regular Baptiils. After Mr. Garrard had removed 
 to Millcreek, the care of the church fell to elder 
 John Marks. From the time that their numbers 
 firfl appear on the minutes, until the prefent day, 
 there has been very little variation. From which 
 we infer, that their courfe has been even and fmooth. 
 
 Elder J. Marks, mentioned above, moved from 
 
S:ETO€tON ASSOCIATION. 305 
 
 Penniylvania into Virginia, either with Mr Gar- 
 rard or about the flune time. He was rather at an 
 advanced ilage of lifel when he came ; but fettling in 
 a healthy country, and being very temperate and re- 
 gular in his life, he lived to be very old. He died 
 about the year 17B6; having from fir-ft to laft main-, 
 tained a fpotlefs reputation for piety and fleadineis. 
 
 As a preacher, he was found and fenfibie, yet cold 
 and phlegmatic Being a poor man and obli<.T'ed to 
 labour for his fupport, hi! minifterial fervices were 
 confined within a fmall circle. To this circumilance, 
 added to his cold and dry method, may be afcribed 
 his not being more fuccefsful. For fome years, this 
 mother church v/as without any regular paftor. Mr. 
 William Gilmore, a warm and active preacher from 
 Maryland, having lately fettled within the limits of 
 a neigbouring church, has confented to attend them 
 flatedly. 
 
 LITTLE RIVER 
 
 Was fome of the early fruits of Rev D. Thomas's 
 ininiftry in Virginia. In this work, however, he 
 was powerfully aided by Rev. Richard Major, their 
 firft pailor. For although the firft feed were fown 
 by Mr, Thomas, yet Mr. 'Vfajor watered and nour- 
 ilhed the plants until he brought them to perfedion. 
 So rapidly did the gofpel fpread in this church, that 
 juft two years after they were conftituted, they were 
 themoft numerous church in the aflbciation ; having 
 two hundred and feventy two members. Her 
 branches, however, extended into the neighbouring 
 parts. When any of thefe branches became fuffici- 
 ently numerous, they were conftituted into new 
 churches ; by which, tl:^ mother church was redu- 
 ced in numbers During Mr. Major's life, they 
 were a happy and united people, greatly attached to 
 their minifter. After his death, they were without 
 atiy regular pailor for fome y^ars. Lately, they have 
 
iiOti ■ HISTORY OF lilE 
 
 choleii Rev. Robert Latham as their paftor, who is 
 a man of gifts, and who ncglecis not the gifts that are 
 in him, 
 
 NEW VALLEY 
 
 ^ Was formed partly by emigrants from Pennfyl- 
 vania, and partly by converts in Virginia. Their 
 firfl paflor moved from Great Valley, in Pennfylva- 
 nia, and fettling here, took the care of this church. 
 He was not much diftiil^uiflied j and the church 
 feems to have trodden in his fteps, as to her religious 
 profperity. She was reprefented by her paftor in the 
 allbciations, until 177B. After that time, her name 
 appears no more upon the minutes until 1793, and 
 then flie has only thirteen members. For eight or 
 ten years after this, they feem ftill to have been a dc- 
 clming people i but for four or five years paftjthey ap- 
 pear to be looking up. Mr. Gilmore's labours here, 
 as well as in mofl: of the places where he preaches, 
 fcem to be attended by a divine blefling. 
 
 GOOSE CREEK. 
 
 This church exhibits proof how much good may 
 be done by ad;ive and intelligent private members ; 
 v/ho, like Aquila and Prifcilla, are willing to be 
 helpers in Chrijl Jefus, It does not appear, during 
 the thirty five years they have been ading as a 
 church, that they ever had any regular paftor ; and 
 yet there are few churches in the alTociation whofe 
 courfe has been more profperous.* 
 
 LEESBURG and EBENEZER. 
 
 Thefe are young churches that have not been dif- 
 . . * 
 
 * The compiler thinks it worthy of note, that in his frequent 
 and diligent refearches of the minutes of the aflbciation, he has 
 not obfeived a finglc feflion in which this church has not been re- 
 pi'efented. lie hag not been informed of her internal order ; but 
 . lie infers from what he has iaarned, that fhe is at home as well as 
 ubrcacl, a' dutiful and obedient daughter of Salem, 
 
KEtOCTOX ASSOCIATION. .%? 
 
 tinguifhed for any thing very remarkable. Neither 
 of them at prefenthave any refident paftor. Ebenc- 
 zer has however the ftated fervices of William Frif- 
 toe. Leesburg is frequently vifited by Jeremiah 
 Moore. Thefe old, faithful, and laborious fervants 
 of the moft high God, through the fcarcity of preach- 
 ers, are under the ncceffity offerving feveral congre- 
 gations belides thofc in which they are refidents. 
 
 NORTliFORK. 
 
 This church was once under the care of elder Al- 
 derfon Weeks,* a preacher of acceptance and ufeful- 
 nefs. Of late, elder William Gilmore has become 
 their partor; and under his miniftry God has granted 
 them*a precious revival. Returns of twenty fix bapti- 
 zed, were made to the laftafTociation, and the work was 
 il:ill going on. Mr. Gilmore is fpoken of as a young 
 preacher of good talents, and who is willing alio to 
 occupy them.* ** 
 
 ALEXANDRIA, 
 
 In the city of that name, though not a large, is a 
 refpecStable church. They are the fruits of elder 
 Moore's minifterial labours, and with whom they 
 are a very favourite people ; while they on their part, 
 reciprocate his tender regard. What more glorious 
 fight on earth, than a pious and afifed:ionate people 
 receiving the tidings of peace and falvation, from pi- 
 ous, animating, and affectionate minifters ? The Me- 
 thodifls have taken the k ad of late years, in Alexan- 
 dria : indeed, in moil of the large towns in Virginia, 
 they have greatly out-ltripped the other chrilliaa 
 fe6ts. Whether their government being more ener- 
 getic than that of the Baptifls, is on that account 
 better adapted to the diforderly habits of a town -, or 
 whether their frequent change of preachers tends to 
 
 * Mr. Weeks, the firft paflor of this church, moved to Bedford, 
 and there has the care of a church. Wc prefiinie it is tlie fame 
 nan. 
 
$QB HiSTOilY OF THL 
 
 gratify that tafte, which, (like that of the Athenians), 
 prompts them to ttll or to hear fomc new tiling; of 
 whether, having influence with their preachers, they 
 flation their belt ones in populous cities, ^ which is 
 not the cale with the Haptifls); cannot be eaiily de- 
 cided, rhe friends of the llaptifts, in fome places, 
 hope, that at no diilant day, the fcene will be changed. 
 
 TKYING PAN 
 
 Has been a larger chuFch than it is at prefent. 
 Many of the members moving to other parts, and 
 there being little or no revival to fill up the vacancies, 
 they have for fome years had rather difcouraging 
 profpeds . 
 
 Elder Jeremiah Moore, their prefent paftor, is itbout 
 iixty four years of age. He was born 7th of June, 
 1746, in the county of Prince William, of parents in 
 the middle rank of life, and raifed in the Proteftant 
 Epifcopal church. At about feventeen years of age, 
 he heard Rev. David Thomas preich ; by which his 
 thoughts were turned upon facrei things. He had 
 never given into the daring vices of the age, but was 
 rather virtuoufly inclined, having from a very early 
 period, iiad fome legal notions of religion. His con- 
 victions were extremely pungent, and lafted a confi- 
 derabie length of time. At laft a revelation of the 
 Redeemer's fuUnefs to fave the greateft of finners, 
 was made to his mind, and he rejoiced in the hope of 
 his gloiy. His firfl: profeflion of grade, was in the 
 year 1772, and he foon was baptized. 
 
 Mr. Moore is not only a preacher but a writer. 
 He publiflied a few years fince, two or three treat- 
 ifes in defence of his principles -, in which very con-r 
 iiderable ii^genuity is difplayed. 
 
 His call to the miniltry has fomething worthy of 
 note. His mind being p^evioiifly much agitated be- 
 tween his imprellions to preach, and his apprehen- 
 iions of unworthinefs, God decided his doubts, by 
 imprelling upon his m^nd, in a diftingui(hed manner. 
 
KETppTON ASSOCIATION. 309 
 
 thefe words : " NegkSi not the gift that is in thee;" 
 followed quickly by thefe : ** Studj iojhow thy (elf 
 approved a workman that needeth not to be ajhanied.'* 
 After this, he commenced preaching, fully perfuaded, 
 weak as he felt himfelf, that God had called him. 
 Perfecut.ion and afflidion are faid to be proof of ami- 
 uilter's call. Mr. Moore foon had this, proof. In. 
 1773, while he was preaching in the bounds of the 
 church called Difficult, a magiilrate attended by the 
 reilor of the parilli, had him arrefted by a conllable 
 and ordered to prifon^ His mittimus was written in 
 thefe remarkable words : ** I fend you herewith the 
 body of Jeremiah Moore, who is a preacher of the 
 gofpel of Jefu« Chrilf, and alio a ilroller," bcc. 
 This was fomewhat fimilar to Pilate's infcribing over 
 the crofs of Chrift, " Jejas of Nazareth King of the 
 Jews," Mr. Moore efcaped this imprifonment by 
 obtaining legal licenfe for places of preaching. 
 
 At another time, a lawlefs mob, headed by two 
 magiflrates feized Mr. Moore, and another preacher 
 that was with him, and carried them oif to duck 
 them.' After they had ducked Mr. Moore's compa- 
 nion, they difcharged them both. 'I hefe, added to the 
 feoffs and ignominious reproaches unjuiliy thrown 
 upon him, were a part of his eaidy fufferings in his 
 Mailer's fervice. . It is now little lefs than forty 
 years lince he began to preach, during all which time 
 he has laboured with increaiing diligence.* 
 
 In point df talents Mr. Moore certainly ftands 
 in the front rov/ of Virginia preachers. His perfon 
 and voice are , extremely advantageous ; his flyle is 
 llrong and energetic, and indeed elegant ; efpecially 
 as he had not the advantages of a rehned education ; 
 his ideas are brilliant, and really flow upon him 
 fo abundantly, that by Ibme of his friends it has been 
 
 * In 1795, Mr. Moore preached^ at a General Committee, in 
 Louifa, vyhere the compiler heard him obferve, thut he had tra- 
 velled and preached diftances fufficient to i^ach twice round the 
 world. He has lolt no time lince that. 
 
HISTORY OF THK 
 
 thought rather a hurt, as it prevented him from ma- 
 king fo clear an arrangement as he might otherwife 
 do. He is well verfcd in the fcriptures ; and with- 
 out doubt, often gives hicid explanations of myfterious 
 texts. His fydem is high Calvinifm, which he 
 preaches with great ingenuity : and indeed, fomc of 
 his warmeft friends are of opinion, tliat his talents 
 and temper tending that way, has fometimes prompt- 
 ed him to enter unfeafonably upon the mysterious' 
 points in that fyftem ; and, thereby to deal out to 
 weak ilomachs, meats too flrong for tlieir digeftion. 
 His talent for pulpit fatire, is probably equal to any 
 man's in Virginia. This he is thought, ibmetimes, 
 to throw out rather too lavirtily upon his opponents. 
 Solomon fays. Though ijou hray a fool in, a mortar^ 
 yet will not his fooilfliucfs depart from him. If that 
 be corred:, then it is better fometimes, nol to anjbcr 
 a foot according to his iollij. 
 
 Finally, admitting thcfc inaccuracies, yet it is 
 doubtful whether any preacher in Virginia has run a 
 more honourable courfethan Mr. Moore; honourable 
 to his God, honourable to himfelf, and honour^le to 
 liis people. His age foretells, that the crown of glory 
 will not await him much longer, 
 
 BULL RUN 
 
 Has been a more numerous church than at prefent. 
 When the gofpel was carried here by the admirable 
 and amiable Richard Major, a great revival of religi- 
 on arofe ; fo that in a little time a church was confti- 
 tuted, having one hundred and twenty fix members. 
 From the conftitution of new churches, &c. their 
 number had become fomewHat reduc-ed, until about 
 1792, they had the fmiies of heaven, and large addi- 
 tions were made. Not many lefs than a hunaied were 
 baptized; by which this church rofe to higher prof- 
 perity than Ihe had e\'cr previoully enjoyed. After 
 the lofs of Mr. Major, they employed Thomas Bridg- 
 es as theirpreacher. His condudt while among them. 
 
KETOGTON ASSOCIATION. 311 
 
 was approved of, as far as it was known ; infomuch, 
 that when he left them, they gave him a letter of 
 commendation. It was after he left them, that his 
 nefarious pradices were made manifeft.* 
 
 DIFFICULT AND POPESHExVD 
 
 Were once large and increafing churches, being the 
 mother of many pious and ufeful members ; many 
 of whom moved off to the weftern country. See 
 the note under the Ketodon table. 
 
 OCCOQUON 
 
 Is the only church wholly in Prince William coun- 
 ty. She v/as raifed under the miniftry of David 
 Thomas, and had him as their paftor for fom.e time. 
 Their prefent paftor is elder Philip Spiller, a preach- 
 er who confines his labours chieily to his own vicini- 
 ty. His church has rather increafed, of late years. 
 
 CHAPPAWAMSICK. 
 
 This church has been much diftinguifhed among 
 her lifter churches, in. the Keto^lon Aftbciation. 
 From her, have been conftituted feveral of the nei'j;h- 
 bouring churches; and in her, v/ere raifed fome of the 
 moft eminent minifters of the gofpel, that have ever 
 appeared in the aflbciation; WtUiam and Daniel 
 I'nftoe, eremiah Vioore, and William Grinftead, 
 are all fons of C'happawamlick. 
 
 When Mr. Thomas firft began to preach in thefe 
 parts, he met with violent oppofition. Public wor- 
 Ihip was fometimes prevented by the enemies of re- 
 ligion. To pleaie God is to offend the devil. Satan 
 felt his throne iliake, and was determined to prop it 
 svith the pillars of darknefs. Perfecution, feoffs, re- 
 
 * Of 'late, the compiler has had an opportunity of frequently 
 feeing Bridges in the penitentiary. He prottfTcs to have repent- 
 ed, and to hope that he has obtainecl pardon of'od for all his 
 crimes. His k^'^-^p'-^v "n:l ''.'' -w rrif-'nors f''- '^ — '" ■ ■^"" "■■'■••'■. 
 ly reformed 
 
313 ftlSTORY OF THE 
 
 preaches, falfe reports, &c. were tried ; but all in 
 vain. They fell before the gofpel, as the walls of 
 Jericho fell before the blowing of the ranis' horns. 
 Mr. Thomas fowed the firft feed ; which were water- 
 ed by his minifterial fons William and Daniel Frif- 
 toe, and in a few years, by Mr. Moore alfo. So ra- 
 pidly did the word increafe among thein, that in 
 1770, three years after the conflitution, they had one 
 hundred and feventy fix members. And the follow- 
 ing year, after difmiffing thirty fix members to form 
 the Potomac church, they had remaining two hun- 
 dred and twelve. The next year difmiffing ninety 
 feven at once, to form Brent Tov/n church, they 
 v/ere reduced to 116. From this period, Chappa- 
 wam.fick gradually declined for many years. Willi- 
 am Friflioe had fallen into Potomac, and Daniel in- 
 to IVent Town ; fo that the mother church was rather 
 dc/litute. About 1786, William Friftoe returned 
 and continued among them for many years. In the 
 great revival, about 1791 and 1792, this church arofe 
 from the dufl and put on her garments of praife. 
 Her num.ber from being very fmall, increased to 
 nearly a hundred : after the revival fubfided, ano- 
 ther winter fucceeded. Times grew fo difcouraging, 
 that Mr. Frifioe had ferious fears that God had re- 
 moved the candleflick, and that he would no more 
 be gracious to the people of this vicinity. Wilh 
 thefe impreflions, he moved fome diftance up the 
 country. This took place about 180 1 or 1802. A 
 few years previous to Mr, Frirtoe's removal, Mr. 
 \yilliam Grinftead had been baptized. Mr. Frifioe 's 
 dejecftcd feelings were caught by Mr. Grinftead. 
 He was filled with anxiety. At length he felt im- 
 preflions to look out for a remedy. He himfelf be- 
 gan to exhort ; and from that to preach. God fmi- 
 led ; his labours were blefled ; and more than fixty 
 added to the church. ' ** God works in a myflerious 
 way." Had Mr. Frifioe continued, Mr. Grinflead 
 according to human views, might not have become 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 313 
 
 a preacher. Under elder Grinllead's miniftry, they 
 have been a happy people. Mr. Grinflead is a po- 
 pular preacher, of plealing manners, and extenlive 
 
 Elder William Frifloe, though a confidcrablc dif- 
 tanceoff, is ihll a member of v happawamfick. He 
 was born about 1748, in the county of Stafford. At 
 a very carlv period of life, he heard the gofpel from 
 the mouth of David Thomas. He became feriously 
 impreffedj and Urove to do many things in a legal 
 way, to obtain divifje favour. When every refuge 
 railed, he cafl his care upon Chrifl: ; and found in 
 hitn a rich fuoply of pardoning, faving love.- Al- 
 though but a mere youth, he felt impreffions to 
 preach ; and accordingly, at about nineteen years of 
 age, he began to appear in public for that facred par- 
 pofe. He demeaned himself with fo much gravity 
 and prudence, that no man could clef pi fe his youth. 
 As he grew older, he extended his labours to more 
 diftant parts. Wherever he went, his preaching was 
 more or lefs effedlud in the falvation of finners. 
 Some of the moll eminent preachers in Virginia, 
 owned him as their fpirituai father, Lunsford, Ma- 
 fon, Hickerfon, with feverai others, received the ti- 
 dings of peace from his lips. In 1774, when about 
 twenty fix years of age, he was chofen moderator to 
 the alTociation, although all the older preachers \vere 
 prefent. From that time, he often difcharged the 
 duties of that office. His zeal, like a lamp fed by 
 inexhauilible ftores of oil, has never been extmguilh- 
 ed; indeed, has feldom burnt dim. Forty three 
 years oi zcearinefs and pamfidncjs have not yet made 
 him weary in well doing. His infirmities of body, 
 for many years, have been conil.int -y yet, maugre ail, 
 he travels almoft incelfantly, and deals out the food 
 of life to the hungry flocks. He attends three or 
 four different congreg.itions llatedly^ and thffe at a 
 coniiderable diilance from each other. 
 
 P2 
 
.-vi-i HISTORY OF TllL 
 
 111 tlie pulpit, though not verfed in the learning of 
 the fchools, hedifplays abilities, which many dodors 
 of divinity have not attained. His language, though 
 plain, is ftrong and nervous. His manner is folemn, 
 as one having authority. He is a ftrong Calvinift in 
 his principles, and preaches them full as much as is 
 proper. iVlr. Friftoe's age and infirmities indicate 
 that he will be fent for ere long, to receive his re- 
 ward . 
 
 Mr. Frifloe, by the appointment, or rather, at the 
 leaued: of the Ketodon Aflbciatio]!, undertook to 
 write her hiilory. His book came out in the year 
 1809. 
 
 WHITE-OAK 
 
 .Appears firil on the minutes of the aficciation, in 
 ihe year 179 - , ha.ving been taken off from Hartwood, 
 tind conftituted under the,* care of Andrew Leach, 
 He continued paftor for many years, during which, 
 they had many trials as well as comforts. A few 
 years paft, he removed to Nanjemo}', in Maryland, 
 ^ince his removal, they have obtained the minif- 
 terial attention of elder Hipkins Pitman, a refident 
 within the bounds of Golhen Ailbciation -, in con- 
 fcqucnce of which, they were difmiffed in 1809, to 
 join the Goflicn. They have had a fmall revival of 
 late. 
 
 HARTWOOD. 
 
 'i'his church was formerly called Potomac, but 
 in 1785, changed its name to Hartwood. They were 
 under the care of elder William Frifloe. Mr. Frif- 
 toe remarks in his hidory of the KetoCton AfTccia- 
 tion, that " the weaknefs of her members in com- 
 mon, was fuch, that (he was fcarcely ever able to di- 
 xqOl her own difcipline : yet out of her arofe a num- 
 ber of ufeful, and fome very eminent gifts, viz. Luns- 
 •brd, Mafon, Hickerfon, and feveral others that are 
 !':*is kjiown abroiid/' Mr. Friilce was their minif- 
 
KETOGTON ASSOCIA.TIQN. 31.3 
 
 ter for feveral years, during which time the above 
 preachers- were raifed up. After he ceafed to adb as 
 partor, they obtained the miniflerial fer vices of elder 
 John Hickerfon- 
 
 Since his death Ephraim Abel attends them in the 
 charadter of paftor. 
 
 In this church arofe James Garrard, late governor 
 of Kentucky, While in Virginia, he was diflin- 
 guifhed by his fellow citizens, and elected to the af- 
 fembly and to military appointments. After h.e 
 moved to Kentucky, he began to preach, and was 
 thought to poiTefs talents for the pulpit. He conti- 
 nued to preach until he was made governor. For 
 the honours of men, he refigned the office of God. 
 He rclinquilhed the clerical robe, for the more fplen-- 
 did mantle of human pov/er. The prophet fays to 
 Afa, " if ye forfake God he will forfake you." It 
 is not ftrange, that colonel Garrard, after fuch a 
 courfe, fliould fall into many foolilli and hurtful 
 fnares , While governor, he had for his fecretary 
 H. Toulmin, faid to be a tranfatlantic Socinian 
 preacher, but a man of talents. Through this man, re- 
 port fays, governor Garrard fell into the Arian or 
 Socinian icheme. Through the governor, many 
 others were corrupted; until a ferious and diftrefling 
 fchifm took place.* So it remains at this time, it 
 is due to governor Garrard to fay, that his condud: 
 has been orderly, and indeed gentlemanly ; and that 
 he has honoured every other charafter which he has 
 everaflumed, except the one, which of all others, he 
 ought to have valued. 
 
 BROAD RUN. 
 
 The origin of this church is treated of in our gene- 
 ral hiftory of the Regular Baptifts. Since that tim.e 
 
 ' * Let it be tried a thoufaiid tiines, and in nine hundred and 
 ninety nine cafes it will he 'ound, tl-at preachers who aim at 
 worldly honours, will be coinpletelv ruined, cr greatly deprecia- 
 ted as preachers. 
 
316 III3T0RY OF Tin: 
 
 their courfe has been regular and fleady. They have 
 not, for many years, had any refident paflor ; yet 
 they were attended flattdly, for a length of time, by 
 elder William Friftoe. They are biefled v/ith a 
 number of valuable private members, wnofe acftions 
 lay, that their right hand fhall forget her cunmng 
 before they forget Jerufalem. They are not lo nur 
 inerous as m the days days of their youth. 
 
 THUMB RUN 
 
 Was planted by the labours of Mr. William Frif- 
 toe, who continued to attend them monthly for a long 
 time, although he lived at the dilfance of forty miles. 
 I'ormany years the church dwindled, until they were 
 almofh reduced to nothing : but being revived in a 
 fmall degree, about 1^02, they grew to about fifty 
 members. A few years paft they had another com- 
 fortable revival ; by which they have arifen to their 
 prefent flate. It does not appear, that they have 
 ever bad any regular paflor, but have been viiited by 
 the preachers of the adjacent churches. They have 
 Ibme zealous and active private members. The la> 
 hours of Mr. Latham, who is at prefent their occa- 
 fional paflor, have been blelled among them. 
 
 BREIST TOWN. 
 
 This church was flricken oft from Chappav/am- 
 fick, under, the pafioral care of the indefatigable 
 Daniel Frifloe. They were a very happy and united 
 people during the time of AJr. Friftoe's continuance 
 among them. By his death, they fuflained an almofl 
 irreparable lofs. They have fince pafled through 
 many perplexing fcenes at different times ; and have 
 alfo enjoyed lome heavenly feafons. Their flate may 
 be faid to have been, rather a declining one. 
 
 UPPER CARTER'S RUN 
 
 Was once a tolerably profperous church j but by 
 the removal of her paflor, with fome other caufes. 
 
KETOCTOIS! ASSOCIATION. ol/ 
 
 Hie declined ; until (lie has diiappearc-d from the mi- 
 nutes of the aiTociation.* 
 
 LONG BRANCM 
 
 Was formerly under the care of elder John Miuv 
 roe. Their courfe has not been marked by any thing 
 lingular. Elder William Grinlbead is then- pieient 
 miniiler, though living at fome diflance from chein. 
 
 BACK LICK 
 
 Was firfl called Accotink, but afTumed her prefent 
 name about 1792. She was made up of membt-rs 
 taken off from Popeshead and Difficult churches. 
 Her firil minifter was Henry Hagan, a preacher of 
 fomediftin(5lion. He died about 1793. Mr. Moore 
 then preached for them for fome time. Of late, they 
 have had no ftated miniilry. They have had, at dif- 
 ferent times, fome pleafant revivals, and may be faid 
 to be a church of very refpedtable Handing. 
 
 HEDGEMAN's RIVER. 
 
 This church lies upon the borders of F.mquier and 
 Culpepper. The members of which flie was firfl 
 compoied, were difmilfed from Hartwood, for that 
 purpofe, anno 1791. They had Rev. John Hicker- 
 fon for their preacher, from the time of their confli- 
 tution, until he died. Since his death, they have had 
 no ftated preacher. They have been a flourifhing 
 church. 
 
 Elder John Hickerfon was born in Fauquier. 
 Elis father, Nathaniel Hickerfon, is flill living. 
 John proielied to know the joyRil found, when quite 
 a young man. i he following is a ihort representa- 
 tion of him given by Rev. Jeremiah Moore v/ho v/as 
 his friend and intimate. ** Brother Hickerfon was 
 eminent for piety, zeal, and laboriousnefs, in the work 
 of the mmillry. He never lolt light of tlie preciou? 
 
 '^' See note under the tabic. 
 
i:lS XlISTOllY OF Tiie 
 
 dodrines of rich ^nd fovereign grace. Few, very few 
 have made equal progrefs in divine knowledge, who 
 flood on the fame ground with him. He died fud- 
 denly of a cramp in the ftomach, at Leesburg Virgi- 
 nia, on Saturday, the 28th of January, 1809. 
 
 His remains were conveyed to his mournful family, 
 and interred, on Monday following." 'J'he following 
 verfes were compofcd by Mr. Moore, in honour of 
 his memory. 
 
 1 Hark, Hark' what awful tidings roijrl 
 ' What ftrains of grief we hear i 
 
 'i'he mighty herald is no more, 
 And Zion drops the tear. 
 
 2 In mournful accents fhe complains. 
 Ah, muft the mighty fall! 
 
 And Death, the tyrant, ever reign. 
 The grave confume us all ? 
 
 3 Muft prophets and apoftles die. 
 
 And iuints for ever weep; 4 
 
 Muft ufeful gifts and virtue lis 
 In death's eternal fleep ? 
 
 4 No! Faith forbids thefe mournful ftgiis, 
 And dries the flowing tear; 
 
 Sees faints from fleeping tombs arife, 
 And the great Judge appear. 
 
 5 Then fliall the herald quit the tomb 
 With fhouts to fovereign Grace. 
 
 The day of full reward is come, 
 And faints muft take their place, 
 
 6 At Chrift's right hand, his bride appears. 
 From fin and death releafed ; 
 
 Her eyes are waflied from grief i^nd tearSj 
 Her foul is filled with peace, 
 
 7 Eternally his faints fhall flng 
 His praife, in lofty ftrains ; 
 
 And heaven, with hallelujahs, fing-, 
 " The Lord, the Saviour rti^nj." 
 
 SOUTH RIVER 
 
 Has always been a fmall church, but has had fome 
 very worthy and refpedtable members. 
 
ICETOCTON ASSOCIATIOK, 3l9 
 
 William Northern, who at prefent difcharges tfie 
 duties of paftor, has not been^ many years, in the mi- 
 niflry. The pious own him as amefTenger of peace. 
 
 Water lick 
 
 Was, in a confiderable degree, the fruit of the mi- 
 niftry of Rev. John Price ; and he was their iirft paf- 
 tor. After Mr. Price moved to Kentucky, they had 
 the fervices of Rev. James Ireland, until his death. 
 Since iMr. Ireland's death, God has raifed up for this 
 and fome of the adjacent churches, the adtive and 
 ufeful Samuel O'Hendren. This church has palled 
 through a courfe, hitherto, not very profperous nor 
 very adverfe. 
 
 Rev. John Price, their firfl paflor is a man of con- 
 fiderable gifts. He a.d:ed for many years as clerk 
 to the Keto(fton Ailbciation ; and was, while in Vir- 
 ginia, conlidered a man of weight in religious con- 
 cerns. In Kentucky likewife, he has been diflin- 
 guiihed as a man of zeal and parts. By fome of his 
 acquaintance, however, it has been thought that his 
 ::eal partook too much of the nature of party fpirit. 
 In the difputes about hereditary ilavery, Mr. Price 
 •took a very acfcive part in favour of hereditary ilave- 
 ry. In the late unhappy divifioBs in that country 
 refpeding the affair of Jacob Creath and others, 
 Mr. Price is on the fide of the minority; v/ho feem 
 difpofed to puih things to extremes. In dif- 
 putes, as inveterate as this has been, it is out of the 
 queftion, in the eftimation of men influenced by pi- 
 ous feelings, whether, in the merits of the cafe, this 
 iide or that is right. Men prompted by difinterePced 
 motives, for the love of God, will fay to all parties, 
 '* Are ye not carnal ?" It is impoflible, in difputcj 
 carried on as that has been, but that both fide* 
 mufii be wrong. It is charitable to hope that Mr. 
 Price, and thofe refpecSlable charadters engaged witli 
 him, will, in their lafl: days, fee better times, when- 
 '•":•'■-■•- 'hall rerram ■ -^— ^-^^•-— -"-.-■-' 
 
320 iliSTOllY OP THE 
 
 ceafe to bite and devour one another. Thomas Buck, 
 clerk to the alTociatiohy/i^' a member of this church. 
 He, though not a preacher in words, is a prcacher in 
 works. He is a man of wealth. 
 
 HAPPY CREEK. 
 
 This church was iirfl called Lower South River; 
 and has long been a church of good {landing. Al- 
 though never numerous, there have always been 
 members in her communion, who were an honour to 
 the caufe which they profefied. 
 
 Mr. Ireland was their iirll: paftor. He refigned ; 
 and after others had adled and moved oft", he again 
 became their preacher until his death. Mr. Mar- 
 iliall, the fecond paflor, was among the firft fruits of 
 the miniftry of the Separate Baptift preachers in 
 Fauquier, about Carter's Run. He foon became a 
 very zealous and fuccefsful preacher. From Carter's 
 R un he went to Battle Run, and preached to much 
 purpofe. From thence he travelled over the Blue 
 ridge, and preached in his zealous way upon South 
 river, where was a confiderable and rather fingular 
 i\iv ^ Mr. Marlliall being a man of more warmth 
 than wifdom, more grace than gifts, did not obtain 
 the paftoral care of a church at firft. After fome dif- 
 ficulties, he was at lail chofen paftor of South River 
 now called Happy Creek. But moving to Kentuc- 
 ky about 1782, he was fucceeded in the care of the 
 church, by John Taylor, one of her own fons. Mr. 
 Taylor alfo, about 1783, moved to Kentucky -, and 
 has been there, as he was in Virginia, a preacher of 
 weight, wifdom, and ufefulnefs. 
 
 Benjamin Dawfon, their prefent pallor, a fewjTars 
 paft moved into the upper end of Fauquier ; and 
 although not within the limits of Happy Creek, yet 
 being convenient, he was called as their preacher. 
 
 * It Is faid, that tbofe rellgioufly exercifed, would bark as 
 dog-s. This exercife is faid not to have been uTicomir.on when 
 The Jerks prevailed, in Kentucky. 
 
KET^CTON ASSOCIATION. 321 
 
 He appears to be highly eftimated by his fellow la- 
 bourers ii^ the afTociation, and by his acquaintance 
 generally. He is certainly a man of gifts, and of very 
 pleafant manners. 
 
 BETHEL 
 
 Is a young church, taken off, as to the lirfl: mem* 
 bers, from Buck Marih; but has fmcc increafed ra- 
 pidly. 
 
 Samuel O' Hendren, their paftor, is a young preach- 
 er, in high eflimation wherever he is known. As 
 thriving trees, fhow in fpring, by their bloflbms, 
 that ripe fruit in plenty, may by and by be gathered ; 
 fo Mr. Hendren's prefent exhibitions, indicate fome 
 precious and plenteous ingathering, at a future day. 
 May neither frofts nor blafts corrupt or dellroy the 
 ripening fruit ! 
 
 BUCK MARSH 
 
 Has long h^^cn far the moil: numerous church in 
 the Ketodlon AfTociation. This church was planted 
 by the labours of Daniel and William Frifloe and 
 others. After their conftitution, they were joined 
 by a confiderable number of members who were dif- 
 miffed from Mill Creek. The ciftance at wIiigIi 
 the two Mr. Friftoes lived, rendered it inconvenient 
 for therti to a<fl: as ftated paflors ; they therefore, 
 procured the attendance of Rev. John Garrard. Af- 
 ter Mr. Garrard's death, xMr. Ireland became their 
 paftor: which took place, about 178s, He continue 
 ed their faithful and fuccefsful paftor, until his death, 
 in 1806. Mr. Collins, the pallor of Zoar, a neigli- 
 bourfng church, then became their flated miniller. 
 He alfodied, anno 1808. Of late, Mr. Friftoe gives 
 them, fi:atediy,his minifterial labours, in muchweak^ 
 nels, and in much wifdom, viz. bodily wcaknels and 
 fpiritual v/ifdom, the refalt of above forty years' e.V^ 
 periencc. 
 V O <^ 
 
82;i uibToiiY vh iHi; 
 
 ZOAR. 
 
 This church was lirft fo called by her paftor, be* 
 caufe ** /he «»tfs a lUtle one" Although Ibmewhat 
 grown, theyftre ll:ill,buta I'mall people. 
 
 Mr. Chriftopher ColHns, their ftrlt paftor, was a 
 fi-ian of a ftrong mind greatly improved by ftudy and 
 literary purfuits. He moved from Weilmoreland 
 to Jefferfon, fome years after he v/as baptized ^ but 
 before he began to preach. i he great dearth of 
 good tilings in his new habitation, ftirred up his fpi- 
 rit to appear in the pulpit. Being advanced in life 
 betore lie became preacher, his talents did not appear 
 to advantage. As a preacher, he was rather dry and 
 tedious; yet what he faid was feniible, and his la- 
 bours were owned of God for good. He kept a 
 kind of diary of his religious m-ovements ; by refer- 
 ing to which, he could tell every text, with the heads 
 of every difcourfe, he ever delivered or eve^ heard 
 delivered. In his condudt he was very remarkable 
 for a lingular corredlnefs. He died regretted by all 
 defcriptions of perfons. 
 
 Mr. Francis Moore, their prefent pallor, has been 
 labouring in the vineyard but a fev/ years. He com- 
 itienced after the death of Mr. Collins, and was foon 
 recognized by the church, as their pailcr. He is the 
 fon of Jeremiah Moore, mentioned above, and is 
 thought to have drunk from the fame fountain. His 
 miniftry is thought already to have been productive 
 pf good, and is faid to promife much and extenfive 
 good. 
 
 MILL CPvIiEK. 
 
 1 iiis has been fliown to be the oldefl church in 
 the Ketodon AfTociation. f^See General Hiftory of 
 Regular Baptifls.) Mr. Garrard continued to be 
 their paflor until his death. After fome years, viz. 
 about 1788, they invited and obtained the fervices of 
 Rev, David Thomas. The church had become much 
 
KETOCTON ASS..OCIATIOI>\ .S23. 
 
 fmalicr before Mr. Thomas became their paftor. 
 For a feafon they rejoiced in his miniftry ; but feme 
 of the members becoming wife in their own conceit, 
 took it into their fancy, that Mr. Thomas preached 
 fcilfe doctrine. It would be a wafte olvtlme and pa- 
 per to ftate the ground of difpute. It was in fad a 
 difpute, almoil about nothing. But, behold, how 
 great a matter a little fire kindleth. Out of this, 
 they made out to flir up a contention, that laft- 
 ed feveral years, caufed a fchifm in the church, 
 and interrupted the harmony of the aiTociation for 
 feyeral feiiions. The party who objected to Mr. 
 Thomas's dodcrine, and who were excommunica- 
 ted by the majority, formed fomething like an in- 
 dependent church, offered to join the Philadelphia 
 Affociation, got them a preacher, baptized feveral 
 perfons, and really cauled no little difturbance. In 
 1 800, however, the breach was healed in a great mea-- 
 fur.e. Mofl if not all that had been excluded, were 
 reinftated, and thofe that had been baptized by unau- 
 thorifed perfonc, v/ere rebaptized. In the mean 
 time, Mr. Thomas, difcouraged by thefe inaufpicious 
 circumftances, added to fome other caufe, moved to 
 Kentucky, where he io now living, but is almofl 
 blind. After their unhappy difputes v/ere fettled, 
 the phurch invited Mr. John Hutchinfon, their pre- 
 fent paftor, to come and live among them, and take 
 the paftoral care. Since Mr- Hutchinfon has refided 
 among them they have moved, in a more orderly and 
 peapeable way. 
 
 ^ Mr. Hutchinfon is refpedied as a preach.er of gifts, 
 found in the faith and faccefsful in doing good. 
 
 TIMBER RIDGE. 
 
 This is quite a new church raifed by the labours of 
 Mr. Huchinfon. 
 
'32^i OTSTORY OF TUB 
 
 NORTH RIVER, CROOKED RUN, and 
 PATTERSON'S CREEK, 
 
 Are new churches ; concerning v/'hich, nothing^ 
 intere fling is ^ known, except that they are preachea 
 to by elder John Munroe a pradlitioner of phyfic. 
 The two laft of thefe are new churches raifed up un- 
 ^er his labours. 
 
 Doctor Munroe has long been engaged in the 
 heavenly employment of difpenfing the gofpel ; and 
 was, when a refident of Fauquier, as well as fince 
 his removal to Hampfliire, a very fuccefsful preach- 
 er of the gofpel. In the pulpit, he is a man of fo- 
 lemn dignity, warm addrefs,and fpeaks as one having 
 authority. He frequently takes up contefl:ed fub- 
 jedls 3 and his opponents fometimes complain, that 
 at fuch feafons, he adminifters very ftrong corro- 
 sives. The Dod:or, however, independent of this, 
 preaches the gofpel of peace, in power and demon- 
 ilration of the Spirit. He is now getting old, and 
 has profeiled divine things from early life, yet has 
 maintained, from iirfl: to laftj an unblameable conver- 
 fation. 
 
 A$ a pliyfician, he has been in extenfivc pradtice, 
 and generally viewed as a man of skill. 
 
 NANJEMOY. 
 
 This church lies in the ftate of Maryland ; but hav- 
 ing been raifed by the labours of preachers within 
 the Ketodlon Aflbciation, they have hitherto conti- 
 nued among them. ,,. 
 
i5p,EENBrvlER ASSOCIATION. 
 TABLE OF GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 32:^ 
 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 }fames of 
 
 S.«^ 
 
 ga 
 
 ?^ 
 
 By ivhom 
 
 Former 
 
 Prefsnt 
 
 Ccuuties, 
 
 Churches. 
 
 
 t's^ 
 
 •■ > 
 
 planud. 
 
 Pajiors. 
 
 ^/ijlon. 
 
 
 • § 
 
 
 r 
 
 
 
 
 
 Grein- 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 brler 
 
 1781 
 
 12 
 
 J. Aidirfon 
 
 |. Alderfon 
 
 J . Alderfon 
 
 Green. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 biicr 
 
 Big Levels 
 
 J796 
 
 H 
 
 58 
 
 J. Alderfon 
 J. Osburne 
 
 J. Osburne 
 
 J. Osburne 
 
 do 
 
 Taze's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Vulley 
 
 x3o; 
 
 37 
 
 +5 
 
 J. Alderfon 
 J . Lee 
 
 J. Lei 
 
 J. Lee 
 
 Kenhaw„ 
 
 Mud 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 do 
 
 River 
 
 1807 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 J. Alderfon 
 J.Lee 
 
 J. Lie 
 
 J. Lee 
 
 
 Keiihawa 
 
 1796 
 
 12 
 
 33 
 
 J. Alderfon 
 J. johnllon 
 
 J. Johnllon 
 
 none 
 
 du 
 
 Cole 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 River 
 
 1807 
 
 4-'^ 
 
 35 
 
 J, Alderfon 
 J. Johnllon 
 
 J . John (ton 
 
 ].-Lit 
 
 1 do 
 
 Petel's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 j 
 
 i 
 
 Creek 
 
 1803 
 
 32 
 
 »5 
 
 f. Alderfon 
 J. Osburne 
 E. Hughes 
 
 E. Hughes 
 
 E. Hughes 
 
 1 " 
 
 Indian 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 I79i 
 
 23 
 
 61 
 
 J. Alderfon 
 
 m. Lacy ' 
 J. Alderfon 
 
 J, Ellifcn 
 
 IMcnroE 
 
 Blue Stone 
 
 1804 
 
 IZ 
 
 
 J. Alderfon 
 — Si:auiey 
 
 -— Stanley 
 
 none 
 
 Giles 
 
 1 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 History of Greeubvicr Affociatioriy including the 
 Skctchts of Churches, 
 
 Beiides the churches wefl of the Alleghany in 
 Greenbrier and the^adj^icent parts^ there were fome 
 likewife, formed more ibiithward, on New river, 
 to. Thefe lafl affociated with the Strawberry. But 
 being very inconvenient, they were organized in 
 1793, as a feparate afTociation under 'the name of 
 New River Affociation. The churches in and about 
 Greenbrier, affociated with the Ketodon; but now, 
 fi-^ding it more convenient to unite with the New 
 lliver, they petitioned the Ketodci::, and obtained a 
 
r>20 IIISTOKI Ux iilL 
 
 difmimon from them. And in 1795, became mem- 
 bers of New RivGr, which then confided of ten 
 churches. The New River Aiibciation were in the 
 habit of holdiiig, what they called conference meet- 
 ings, ill which feveral churches united in communi- 
 on, 6cc. The •Greenbrier churches ^Iso met occa- 
 iionally in what they termed fociety meetings; in 
 which, they proceeded ahnon: in the fame manner as 
 an alTociation. They received letters and delegates, 
 attended to the requefts of churches, gave ^heir ad- 
 vice, and fcnt a circular letter from each meeting, 
 6c. &c. I'he fociety meeting?, it fcems had a hap- 
 py'tendency towards ripening of them for a fcparate 
 afibciation, which their inconvenient iituation, as it 
 refpedied the other part of the New River diRrict, 
 feemed to demand. After ailbciating about fix years 
 with the New River Aflbciation, they petitioned, 
 and obtained leave to form a feparatc conftitution. 
 Mr. Ofburne mentions this fubjedl in the foUov/ing 
 words : " 'J'he reafon which induced us to become an 
 afibciation, was convenience. 'J he New River Dif- 
 tri(!> Aiibciation beim; at fuch a diftancefrom us, made 
 it inconvenient to attend. Brother Alderfon, John- 
 lion, and myfelf were delegated to attend the aflbcia- 
 tion ; and while we were there, a motion was made 
 by fome perfon, that wc fliould become an aflbciatc 
 body by ourfelves. The next year, we accordingly 
 petitioned to that effect, and had our petition granted. 
 This meafurc threw my mind into a great exercise 
 in refped: to fupporting the dignity of an aflbciation ; 
 feeing, at that tinie, we had but four churches au^ 
 three ordained miniilcrs. When the time came for 
 our fociety meeting, in vv^liich we were to confult 
 whether we were to become an aflbciation or not, my 
 mind was lb overpowered with a fcnfe of the great- 
 nefs of the undertaking, that I was determined to op- 
 pofe its conflitution ; but brother Alderfon being ap- 
 pointed to preach the introdudory fermon, accord- 
 ingly preached. In his fermon, he fliowed that Cod 
 
' CliEE^'BRIEH. ASSOCIATION. 3'Z7 
 
 did not choofe the Jews becaufc they were numer- 
 ous, but becaufe they v/ere few in number, in or- 
 der to iliow his power, and make h mi felt* a glorious 
 name. Jliis difcovery had its proper etled. 1 plain- 
 ly fiw, that God could, of a handful of , weak and de- 
 fpifed outcafls, make a great people. Although prefl- 
 ed Oii'^very fide, he will caufe thctn to grow and 
 thrive. Thus while we were but a weak and feeble 
 band, we were conflituted, in 1807. At that time 
 we were but four churches, now we are nine ; v/hh. 
 a hope that we fhall ftill continue to increafe." 
 
 They have continued to meet regularly, fmce their 
 conflitution. The bufinefs of the affociation lias been 
 conduced prudently; and at them, the preaching and* 
 other public exercifes have been often very powerful 
 and generally happy. Not having any of their mi- 
 nutes, details of the proceedings of -the allaciations 
 cannot be given. The alTociation annually meet the 
 Friday before the fecond Sunday in Septeir^ber, and 
 continue three days Mr. John Alderfon has gene- 
 rally aded as moderator, fometimes Mr. Jofrah Of- 
 burne ; and Mr. Crutchfield of late years as clerk. 
 Before him Mr. Ofburne was clerk. V/e ihali, 
 therefore, proceed to the sketches cf the churches; 
 .beginning with 
 
 GFCEENBRIER. 
 
 By giving a hiflorical relation of this church in 
 particular, the reader will be informed of the firft rife 
 of the Baptiils in thefe parts, feeing this is the olddl 
 church in the difl:ricl:, and is, in a fenfe, the mother 
 of the red. They have been from firll to lafb, a 
 nrofperous people; 3^et, like all others, have had 
 their ebbs and floods. By attending to Mr. Aider- 
 fon's memoir, v/e ihall fee her rife and progrefs. 
 
 Mr. Alderfon was born in the ftate of New Jcrfey, 
 and was the fon of Rev. John Alderfon, a l^aptift 
 aiiniller of con'liderablc diiHndlion. His father had 
 ?he n^ft'^rnl cnr-'^of I.^^nville's (.'reek chuicb, in Kgck- 
 
328 HISTOK,Y OF THE 
 
 ingham county, where his fon fir/t entered upon the 
 niiniftry. 
 
 Mr. Alderfon, in his communications to the editor, 
 gives the following account of his early life : 
 
 " My father being much from home, and I hein^ 
 the oldeft fon, much dependance was placed on me, 
 to take care of ftie farm : fo that I had very little op- 
 portunity to learn. The chief of the books that I 
 read, were the bible and the Baptiftcatechifm; which 
 lait I got by heart ; and not only faid it over at fchool, 
 biit alfo in the public congregations, on Sundays, 
 after fermon. By thefe means I was kept from all 
 grofs immoralities. By an exprefiion dropt from my 
 father, after I had recovered from a very fcvere fpell 
 of licknefs, my mind was very folemnly imp^elled ; 
 which I have never loft to this day. After palling 
 through a painful and tedious law work,^in which, 
 I would fet refolutions, and then break them ; 1 be- 
 came at laft, deeply concerned. I fought the Lord, 
 with my whole hearty and at lafl, obtained comfort, 
 great comfort, by the application of thefe words : 
 ** You are built upon the foundation of the apoftlcs and 
 prophets, Jefus Chiifl himfelf being the chief corner 
 il:one." After many trials and doubts as to my con- 
 verlion, I began at laft to be exercifed about preach- 
 ing. I, atfirll, thought itimpoffible, that fo weak a 
 creature as I, could be called to preach : but being 
 perfuaded .it laft, by many divine tokens, that it was 
 the will of God, I entered upon the folemn work.'.' 
 
 Od:ober, I775» which was after the removal of 
 his father, he was inaugurated as paftor of f.ynville's 
 Creek church. A fhort time after this, lie vilited 
 Greenbrier, and iinding a wild, uncultivated place, 
 M which, Chrift and his crofs was feldom, if ever 
 preached. His bowels yearned towards the people, 
 lie proclaimed among them the pure gofpel. It 
 produced fomc gracious confequences. Sometime 
 after his return home, he v\^as particularly fent for, 
 :o revifit Greenbrier. He went; and found one per- 
 
* Greenbrier ASSOCIATION. 320 
 
 fdrf, af leart; ripe for baptifai» whom he received 
 (being aided (jy two of his members who had remo- 
 ved to that country) and baptized. 
 
 At anbthef vifit, fome time aftef, he baptized t\Vo 
 otiiers. On thi^ vifit, he began to meet with oppo- 
 fitidn. Some of the people held the Baptifts in very 
 great contenipt He continued his iriinii^rations in 
 Greenbrier, and continued them with faccefs. God 
 was with him and profpered him. The defert has 
 bloflbmed as a rofe. 
 
 Mr. Alderfon moved to Greenbrier to ii'^e, in the 
 year 1777, and has ever fince continued among them 
 in the fame place where he. firft fettled. About this 
 time the Indian war broke out • and the inhabitants 
 of Greenbrier, &c. were obliged to fliut themfelves 
 up in forts. This continued four years, and was a 
 great hindrance to the progrefs of the gofpel. Mr. 
 Alderfon, notwithftanding, continued his minifteriai 
 labours. After having preached to the inhabitants 
 of one fort, protected by a fmall guard, he would 
 travel through woods and wilds, until he reached 
 anothei. In fome of the forts, he was gladly receiv- 
 ed and attentively heard. In others, he was fome- 
 times much oppofed. One fort propofed to (hut 
 their gates againft him; but he finally obtained ad- 
 mittance. At fome times he was threatened with 
 very rough treatment ; but thefe threats were never 
 executed. He continued his labours through thefe 
 various difcouragements. Neither cold, nor heat, 
 nor ftorms ; nor perils from favages; nor perils from 
 his own countrymen ; nor perils from deftrudtive 
 beafts : nor inward temptations, nor outward afflic- 
 tions, retarded his labours. He that was for him, 
 was more than all that could be againft him. Seven 
 long years did Mr. Alderfon continue his work ; 
 during which, he never heard or faw a Baptid 
 preacher except himfelf. As many as two or three li- 
 cenfed itinerant Preibyterian pre.vjhers paffed through 
 
SoO IJI^TORJ. 01? TIIE 4 
 
 the fettlenient, in that time. The/e preached the 
 docftrine of free grace, and were acceptable to Mr. 
 A. and liis handful of members. 
 
 Having gathered as many as twelve members, all 
 of whom, with their preacher, confidered themfelves 
 an arm of Lynville's Creek church ; they petitioned 
 the Ketocfton Ailbciation for helps, that they might 
 be organized as a church. One chief view which 
 they had, in applying to the aflbciation, was upon 
 a hope, that fome other preachers might be fent 
 among them. For, fome of the oppofers faid that 
 they were entirely a new people ; and that there were 
 none others in the world. In tliefe hopes they were 
 difappointed. The ailbciation replied, that if they 
 wiihed to be conflituted, they had the power in their 
 own hands. Accordingly, on the 24th of Novem- 
 ber, '>y[Uy they, by mutual confent, formed them- 
 felves into a gofpel church called Greenbrier. They 
 had a written church covenant, which they placed 
 in the front of their church book. Mr. Alderfon of 
 courfe, was their paflor. 
 
 The next fpring they appointed a communion, or 
 in other words, the adminillration of the Lord's 
 fupper. Numbers came forward and requefted the 
 privilege of communing with them -, to whom the 
 church replied, as might be expeQed, that none were 
 admitted to the communion, except they were pre- 
 vioufly baptized, upon a profeffion of vital faith, 
 and had yielded themfelves as members of the church. 
 When they heafd this, many of them changed their 
 tone and became enemies. 
 
 In 1786. the work of God broke out, on the right 
 hand and on the left, through different parts of the 
 country; and continued until 1790. in defcribing 
 this revival, our informant, the Rev. Jofiah Ofburne, 
 makes ufe of the following language: " In this revi- 
 val, a number of members were added ; the mouths of 
 gainfayers were flopped. The peoples' mouths, ears, 
 hearts, and doors, were all open to receive the word. 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION'. ' '331 
 
 Now, th^jtime of the finglng of birds was come ^ and 
 the voice' of the turtle was heard in our land. 
 Which cauled the heart of the old mourning preach- 
 er to rejoice in his God, and to fay with the prophet, 
 Zion's pords are lengthened, and her flakes are 
 ftrengthened. Thus, where ddrknefs reigned, and 
 the favage yell was heard ; the unwilling captive led 
 in ciiains, through the wilderncfs to a land of for- 
 row and worfe than Egyptian darknefs, to linger m 
 forrow and pam the wretched remains of life ; the 
 Lord opened a wide and effectual door, for the preach*- 
 ing of Jefus, by which numbers felt the virtue of his 
 blood, and were brought home to God." In the 
 midrt: of thefe goodly times, the Methodifts made 
 their appearance, and raifed nofmall oppolition about 
 dodrines. " They," fays our informant, " took bro- 
 ther Alderfon's track ; made his preaching places 
 theirs. Numbers under convidlion and in a hopeful. 
 way, joined them; and although alarmed by the 
 prea;ching of the Haptifls, turned to be their periecu- 
 tors." The revival being over, a decleniion enfued. 
 The love of many waxed cold, and feveral were ex- 
 cluded. Mr. A. now deplored the flate of Zion. 
 But God heard his groans. 
 
 Indian Creek church, hitherto an arm of Green- 
 brier, was conftituted in the year 1792, under the 
 care of iMark Richards, a preacher who had been raif- 
 ed up in the revival. In the conftitution ot this 
 church, Mr. Alderfon obtained the aid of Mr. John- 
 fton, who was the firfl i^aptift preacher that ever viiit- 
 ed thofe parts, after Mr. A.'s removal thither. Mr, 
 Johnfton finally became a reiident. After the year 
 1792, times became better; and they had a gradual 
 revival. In 1794, elder Joiiah Oiburne moved trom 
 Hardy county, and fettled in Greenbrier. He was 
 a great acc'eflion to Mr. A. who thus fpeaks of him : 
 *•' Brother Ofburne, then a licenfed preacher, moved 
 from Lofl river. Hardy county, and fettled on ^ the 
 Big levels cf Greenbrier, where' there ivas one arm' of 
 
;io^ IJISTORY OF THC 
 
 our church : thanks to the Lord, we have flood toge-^ 
 ther ever fince." 
 
 Mr /ilderfon is now a very old nvan, yet ftill la- 
 bours as much as ever, if not more. He has given 
 up the world, as to its cares -, and is only waiting for 
 the crown of life. 
 
 BIG LEVELS. 
 
 This church was raifed under the miniftry of elder 
 Joiiah Ofburne ; except as to a few who had been 
 baptized by elder Alderfop, previous to the removal 
 of Mr. Osburne into that country. It has always 
 profpered moderately, and has enjoyed harmony and 
 peace. An anecdote is told bv elder Ofburne refpedt- 
 ing this church, which appears worthy of notice. A 
 man by the name of Newel was feverely afflidted 
 with convulfion fits. He had ihem fo violently, 
 that his life was defpaired of. He became a chriflian, 
 and was baptized. Since which, he has never had a 
 fit within the knowledge of any perfon. How is this 
 to be accounted for ? The unthinking will fay, it hap- 
 pened fo. The philofophers, without faith, will fay, 
 it was owed to fome natural caufe ; perhaps the bap- 
 tizing effedled the cure ; feeing cold baths are fome- 
 times beneficial in fuch cafes. But a fpiritual believ- 
 er, will fee in it, an unfeen hand, capable of working 
 with or without natural caufes. 
 
 Elder J qfiah Ofburne, paltor of the above church, 
 was born March 5th, 1750, and raifed a Prefbyterian. 
 J-lis education wa almofl nothings being fcarcely 
 able to read when he grew up to manhood. Having 
 received religious inftrudion from his parents, he had 
 early exercifes about religion; but altogether in a legal 
 way. He continued his outward appearances, until 
 he left his father's houfe. He then gave up all pre- 
 teniions to ferioufnefs ; and became openly vicious, 
 until he was twenty eight years of age. He then 
 heard a l^aptifl minifler preach. The word came 
 home to his heart ; and he felt himfelf under the 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 333 
 
 curie of God's jsroken law. His convidlons became 
 Co Arong, that he .derpaired of mercy. His defpair, 
 however, was not of long continuance : in due feafon, 
 God revealed his arm, and (liowed lum that he could 
 juftify linners without the deeds pf the lav/. He re- 
 joiced in the difcovery with unfpeakable joy. His im- 
 preffions now led him to wifli to do fomething for a Re- 
 deemer, who had done fo much for him. J3ut he felt 
 himfelf incapable. He itrove for divine inftru6lion ^ 
 and God applied forcibly to hi.s mind this text: ** I 
 have chofen — the things that are not, to bring to 
 nought, things that are." He then yielded ; and be- 
 gan to preach, yet under very great embarraiiments. 
 When a meeting would be appointed he thought that 
 he would attend that, and would then decline for the 
 future. Having obtained help, he has continued from 
 that day to this, preaching the gofpel of the kingdom. 
 Mr. Ofburne's labours in the miniftry have been ex- 
 ceedingly blefled in the country where he refides. 
 
 As a preacher, he ftands equal, if not fuperior, to 
 any in that country. He has a fingular turn for 
 touching the feelings : fo that, at allbciations and 
 great meetings, it is generally laid upon him, to clofe 
 the meetmg. In fuch cafes, God has often owned 
 his exhortations, &c. to valuable purpofes. 
 
 A few years paft, he was drawn into a debate 
 about believers' baptifm, by fome of the Pedobap- 
 tifts. In confequeuce of this, his mind was im- 
 perceptibly led, to think much on this fubjedt ; and 
 finally, to commit his thougiits to writing. This he 
 did, in fuch an able manner, that his friends to whom 
 he Ihowed it, infifted on printing it. He confented; 
 and it came out, under the title of David and Goli- 
 ath. By many, this Is conlidered one of the befl 
 treatifes on baptifm, that has ever been publiHied. 
 
 TAZE's VALLEY and MUD RIVER. 
 
 Nothing has occurred in either of thefe churches 
 
S34 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 worth noticing. They lie in the lower end of Ken- 
 hawa county, contiguous to the Kentucky line. 
 
 KENHAWA. 
 
 This church flouriflied greatly while it was under 
 the care of elder Johnfton; infomuch, that in a few 
 years, two other churches were conftituted from it. 
 But the removal of their minifter who went to Ken- 
 tucky, proved a heavy misfortune. They experien- 
 ced great declenfion, and have ever fmce been with- 
 out a paflor. 
 
 COLE RIVER 
 
 Had, at the time of her conftitution, a confiderable 
 revival within her limits. But her minifter, elder 
 Johnfton removing to Kentucky in a fliorttime, they 
 declined in fome degree. Elder Lee is their preacher 
 at prefent. 
 
 PETER'S CREEK, 
 
 Was in a revived ftate, when conftituted, but now 
 is the rcverfe. It was literally, when conftituted, a 
 church in the wildernefs. 
 
 INDIAN CREEK, 
 
 AYas taken from Greenbrier, as has been fhown. 
 When conftituted, Mark Lacy was paftor. At firft, 
 for a fmall fpace of time, the church flouriftied. But 
 Lacy, after a ftiort period, began to condud himfelf 
 unbecoming his ftation ; which finally ended in his 
 exclufion. In confequence of this, the church droop- 
 ed, and were on the point of diflblving their conftitu- 
 tion, 'when in the year j 797, Mr. Alderfon undertook, 
 to fupply them. Being a favourite fon of heaven, 
 through his labours the church again revived ; and 
 God raifed, Within her borders, what may be termed, 
 one of the beft gifts that a church can recei\'c, a taith- 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. SS5 
 
 ful minifter. James Ellifon was ordained to the 
 palloral care of this church, anno ibo'S. 
 
 BLUE STONE. 
 
 Ther,e is nothing remarkable refpecfling this 
 church.' They are very .deftitute of minifterial fup- 
 ply. - 
 
330 
 
 ' iiiiidiiY OF Tiifi 
 
 TA^LE OF UiNION ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Names of 
 Churches 
 
 n 
 
 ^ o 
 
 o O 
 
 ^ 
 
 c-;? 
 
 Ijy whom 
 planted. 
 
 Former 
 
 piiStors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Siinpion's 
 Creek 
 
 Buchan- 
 an 
 
 Good 
 
 Hope 
 Olive 
 
 Branch 
 Weft Fork 
 S-ilem 
 
 Union 
 VaJley 
 
 Little 
 , Bethel 
 Pritchei's 
 . Creek 
 Pawpaw 
 Sandy 
 
 Creek 
 ^ethiema- 
 
 ne 
 
 J775 
 1786 
 
 1806 
 
 1803 
 
 1801 
 
 '180a 
 ii8o6 
 
 •795 
 
 1786 
 1805 
 
 1798 
 
 1803 
 
 5 
 
 45 
 
 5 
 
 17 
 
 12 
 
 11 
 
 9 
 
 23 
 
 9 
 
 14 
 
 5 
 
 lO 
 
 10 
 
 22 
 
 5 
 
 27 
 
 8 
 
 28 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 IS 
 
 21 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 J. Sutton 
 J. W. Love- 
 berry. 
 
 J. Sutton 
 
 Loveberry 
 Cazod 
 
 J. Waldo 
 
 Denham 
 
 Morris 
 
 J. Denham 
 
 J. H. Gofs 
 J. Carney 
 
 J. Waldo 
 
 P. Wells 
 J. Hickman 
 J. H. Gois 
 
 P. Wells 
 P. Wells 
 S. Harrils 
 
 P. Wells 
 
 J. Hickman 
 r. Martin 
 
 J. Smith 
 
 none 
 
 Counties 
 
 Harrifon 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 du 
 
 do 
 
 Randolph 
 
 do 
 Mononga- 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Hljlory of the Union AJJbciatiou, including the 
 Sketches of Churches. 
 
 The churches of which this aflbciation is compo- 
 fed, were in connexion with the Red btone, until 
 1804. : when they were difmifled to form an inde- 
 pendent alTociation ; having nine churches. They 
 meet once a year, viz. the Friday before the laft Sun- 
 day in Augufl: ; and continue three days. Of their 
 proceedings in the affociation, nothing is known. 
 We can offer a few remarks refpeding the church- 
 es, &c. 
 
UNION ASSOCIATION* SS7 
 
 '^ SIMPSON'S CREEK. 
 
 At the time that this church was conftituted, the 
 'country where the members refided^ was but newly- 
 fettled. They pafTed through many difficulties at 
 firft i but finally, rofe above them all. 
 
 Their firft paftor, Mr. Sutton, was confidered a 
 man of talents, piety, and ufefulnefs. hlder Gofs, 
 their prefent paflor, moved, a few years paft, from 
 Albemarle ; having, previous to that, travelled and 
 preached very confiderably. It is prefumable, he is 
 iequally induftrious, in his new habitation ; and pro- 
 bably more fuccefsful. 
 
 BUCHANAN'S. 
 
 This church, at fiirft very fmall, was revived foon 
 after their conflitution ; and became large and ref- 
 pedlable. But by the conflitution of other church- 
 es, they are now reduced to feventeen. 
 
 OLIVE BRANCH 
 
 Enjoyed a comfortable revival, foori after they 
 were conftituted. But churches, like individuals, 
 when they think they ftand, fhould take heed, left 
 they fall. There has been a great declenhon in this 
 church, of late. 
 
 WEST FORK, 
 
 Under the labours of elder Hickman, has rather 
 flouriihed than other wife. 
 
 SALEM 
 
 Has rather profpered. From 1801 until 1805, 
 elder John Denham was paftor : from 1 805 until 
 1809, Ifaac Morrifs. They now have the minilieri- 
 al fervices of Mr. Gofs. 
 
 S 3 
 
338 HISTORY OV THE 
 
 VALLEY '"^ 
 
 Has no regular paftor ; but is ftatedlj fupplled 
 by elder Wells and Harrifs. They are a thriving 
 people, 
 
 LITTLE BETHEL. 
 
 This church is alfo fupplied by Mr. Wells. And 
 although in the midft of mountains, and a wildernefs 
 country, they enjoy the fweet funfhine of divine 
 jnercy. 
 
 PRITCHEL's CREEK. 
 
 This church, though fmall at firft, increafed, in 
 1805, to fifty members: but by the difmiffion of 
 members, &c, is reduced now^ to tw^enty eight. 
 
 SANDY CREEK. 
 
 *' This church," fays Mr. Alderfon (vv-ho furnifhed 
 all our accounts refpcd:ing this aflbciation,) ** has 
 gone through various fcenes, as to revivals and de- 
 clenfions, as moft of the churches on the weflern 
 waters have. We all have to ftand againfl a torrent 
 of oppofition, from different quarters 3 efpecially the 
 Arminians," 
 
 GETHSEMENE 
 
 Is, at prefent, rather declining. They have no 
 fliated miniflry ; but catch the gofpel as it is occa«* 
 iionally brought by travelling preachers. 
 
 GOOD HOPE. 
 
 UNION-. 
 PAWPAW. 
 Of the above churchesj coi cerning which, no-- 
 
UNION ASSOCIATION. S39 
 
 thing IS faid, nothing is known by the compiler j 
 except the articles found in the table. 
 
 We fliould have been highly gratified to fay fome- 
 thing refpedling the minillers of the gofpel, in this 
 aflbciatipni but, for the want of acquaintance, can- 
 Hot. 
 
S40 
 
 l^ISTORY OF THE 
 
 TABLE OF RFD STONE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 K! 
 
 x-^^ 
 
 t> 
 
 
 
 
 
 §E 
 
 ^5 
 
 
 
 
 Names of 
 Churches 
 
 c 
 
 tr 3 
 
 *» U) : 
 
 • B "y whom 
 T planted. 
 
 e 
 
 Former 
 pastors. 
 
 Present 
 pastors. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 ( ^ 
 
 " 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 J^ltllc 
 
 "^ 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 Bethel 
 
 iSoi 
 
 II 
 
 50 
 
 
 /. Patterfon 
 
 J. Patterfon 
 
 Monon- 
 galia 
 
 forks of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cheat 
 
 »795 
 
 IZ 
 
 4-7 
 
 
 J. Corbley 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Mc.-nr 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tabor 
 
 1788 
 
 9 
 
 47 
 
 
 
 J. W. Pat- 
 
 do 
 
 Mtunt 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 terfon 
 
 
 Olivet 
 
 i8gi 
 
 to 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Antioch 
 
 t9o6 
 
 9 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 J. W. Pat- 
 
 do 
 
 Short ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 terfon 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 l802 
 
 IZ 
 
 104 
 
 
 E. Martin 
 
 E. Martin 
 
 Ohio 
 
 Crofs ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek nSoz 
 
 '3 
 
 60 
 
 
 I, Pritchard 
 
 J. Pritchard 
 
 Brooke 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Hiflori/ of the Red Stone AJJociation, inchiding the 
 Sketches of Churches, 
 
 Bed Stone AfTociation was organized, Odobef, 
 1776. It is not known how many churches were 
 in the afTociation at the time of the conftitution ; as 
 it is probable there were fome difmifled from differ- 
 ent aflociations, for that purpofe. The Keto<i;ton 
 AfTociation, in her feflion for 17 '5, difmilTed the 
 four following, viz. Laurel Hill, Ifaac Sutton, paf- 
 tor, thirty feven members. Ten Mile Creek, James 
 Sutton, eighteen members. Patterfon's Creek, Jo- 
 feph Barnet, paf^or, fix members. Gofhen, John 
 Corbley, paflor, fixty members. Making, in all, 
 one hundred and tv/enty one members, and four 
 preachers. The Red Stone diflricft is partly in 
 Pennfylvania, and partly in Virginia.* The num- 
 
 * It is alfo faid, there are fome churches in the Ohio ftate, 
 belonging to Red Stone AfTociation, 
 
BED STOJSfE ASSOCIAtlON, 341 
 
 ter of churches in Pennfylvania is not known. The 
 r)roceedings of the afibciation are not known in any 
 degree. The ftate of the churches, beyond what is 
 reprefented by the table, is very little known. Such 
 as is known fhall be here given. 
 
 LITTLE BETHEL. 
 
 Soon after their conftitution, this church had a 
 pleafant revival ; and rofe from eleven to fifty. They 
 receive and feed upon the bread of life, dealt out to 
 them flatedly, by their beloved minifter, John Pat- 
 terfon. 
 
 FORKS OF CHEAT 
 
 Was firft organized, under the attention of Rev, 
 John Corbley. 'i'hey have been rather a thriving 
 people ; elpecially during the time of Mr. Corbiey, 
 
 MOUNT TABOR. 
 
 They had, about the year i ^02, a precious revival ; 
 when their numbers increafed to upwards of lixty* 
 Since that pleafant feafon, they have rather declined, 
 
 SHORT CREEK 
 
 Began with the fmall number of tv/elve ; and have 
 increafed, through the riches of grace, to one hun- 
 dred and four. Elder Enoch Martin, their paftor, at 
 the command of Chrift, caft the net on the right fide ; 
 and gathered it full. 
 
 CROSS CREEK. 
 
 Thisalfo is a thriving church. Elder John Rich- 
 ard, their miniiler, has the happlnefs, moft to be de- 
 li red by a faithful preacher of the gofpel, viz. the 
 faccefs of his labours. 
 
 MOUNT OLIVET. 
 ANTIOCIL 
 
342 41IST0BY OP THE 
 
 Nothijig more than what is feen in the table, is 
 laiown, of the churches poffed over. 
 
 The term Regular Baptifts, is kept up in Red 
 Stone Aflbciation, in contradiftin6tion to the Seventh 
 Day Baptifts -, who are numerous in fome parts of 
 the diftricfl. 
 
 There are alfo fome who were deluded by the 
 impoftor, Samuel Counfil, mentioned jn our account 
 of the Accomack AfTociation. 
 
 The number of members, in all the Red Stone Af- 
 fociation, a few years paft, was one thoufand thre^ 
 hundred and thirty five : among whom, were thir- 
 teen or fourteen ordained preachers , befides licenfcd 
 ones. Some of the preachers in the Red Stone Af- 
 fociation, are faid to be men of great abilities. 
 
 For a hiflorical account of J. Cofbley, fee Biogra-* 
 phy. 
 
Portsmouth association, 
 table of portsrviouth association. 
 
 34J 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Names of 
 
 
 s §,, 
 
 >- is 
 
 By ivhom 
 
 Former 
 
 Prefcnt 
 
 CouniitS, 
 
 Churebea . 
 
 
 
 
 platited. 
 
 PAjhrs. 
 
 Pajhn. 
 
 Pungo 
 
 176a 
 
 ^ 
 
 86 
 
 J. Gamcwtil 
 G. Piummer 
 
 \. Lawrcute 
 
 t'nnccib 
 Ann 
 
 Black 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Water 
 
 '784 
 
 
 69 
 
 G. Plummer 
 r.Anniftea^i 
 
 W. Sorey 
 
 W. Sorcy 
 
 do 
 
 London 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bridge 
 
 ^78+1 
 
 55 
 
 193 
 
 
 W. Morris 
 
 J. Rittcr 
 
 do 
 
 Norfolk 
 
 i8o/j.' 
 
 
 21^0 
 
 
 W. Goodall 
 
 lone 
 
 Norfolk 
 
 Ports- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 mouth 
 
 1789 
 
 
 68 
 
 T.Arraiftead 
 B.Baker 
 
 r.Armiftead 
 0. Biggs 
 
 none 
 
 do 
 
 Upper 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bridge 
 
 1782 
 
 9 
 
 56 
 
 
 E, Mintz 
 r. Etheredge 
 ;. Grigg 
 
 D. Cr.% 
 
 do 
 
 Shoulder's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nanle- 
 
 Hill 
 
 1785 
 
 
 ai7 
 
 D. Barrow 
 
 E. Mintz 
 
 E. Mintz 
 J. Rittcr 
 
 T. Bunting 
 
 mond 
 
 Weftcrn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Branch 
 
 1779 
 
 8 
 
 49 
 
 
 E, Mintz 
 
 T. Bunting 
 
 do 
 
 South 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Qii^y 
 
 1785 
 
 *4 
 
 96 
 
 D. Barrow 
 
 0. Barrow 
 
 J. Bowers 
 
 Southanp- 
 ton 
 
 Black 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creek 
 
 1786 
 
 70 
 
 103 
 
 J. Dupuy 
 D. Baxrow- 
 
 D. Barrow 
 
 W. Browne 
 
 cl> 
 
 Meherrin 
 
 1788 
 
 
 139 
 
 
 J. Meglamre 
 
 W. Browne 
 
 do 
 
 Tucker's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Swamp 
 
 1S07 
 
 15 
 
 16 
 
 
 H. Jones 
 
 H. Jones 
 
 do 
 
 Sea Cock 
 
 17JJ7 
 
 iS 
 
 55'E. Bakcrr 
 
 
 W. Browne 
 
 SuC.^.: 
 
 Racoon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Swamp 
 
 1771 
 
 87 
 
 i-SS J. Meglamre 
 
 1 
 
 J. Meghmrc 
 
 W. Brovvnc 
 
 do 
 
 High Hills 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nottoway 
 
 1787 
 
 
 34 
 
 
 W. Browne 
 
 V/. Chsm. 
 blef; 
 
 dj 
 
 Sappony 
 
 1773 
 
 6 
 
 59 
 
 J. V/a!ksr 
 
 J. Bowers 
 J. Bcil^ 
 
 nonj 
 
 do 
 
 i 
 
 Mill 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 Swamp 
 
 1774 
 
 II 
 
 100 
 
 J. M.rlr.mr; 
 
 D. BaiiO'.v 
 
 \V. Browne 
 
 'file 0.? 
 
 Wigh: 
 
 Otter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dams 
 
 1791 
 
 
 Si 
 
 
 n. Boor;-,.; 
 
 8. Eoothe 
 
 Surrey 
 
 Rowanty 
 
 '773 
 
 
 2Z 
 
 
 .f . Uc 
 
 5"C'V 
 
 DJavt .dd:^ 
 
 iViven- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 j'orts 
 
 
 
 1 65 
 
 J. : - 
 
 ■^ Loc 
 
 
 l'.''r;.'o 
 
S4i4i lil^TOHY OV THE 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 History of the Portsmouth JJJociatio?!, Jrofu the firji 
 Settlement of Bapti/ts mihin her limits, until the 
 prefent Day, 
 
 It has already been fliown, page Ij that the firil 
 Baptifls who made their appearance in Virginia, fet- 
 tled in the fouth eaft parts of the ftate. Of thefe, it 
 is proper now to treat. 
 
 The account of their firfl: origin are foinewhat dif- 
 ferent. In certain memorandums, furnifhed by Mr. 
 Lelandj it is ftated " that the firll fociety of Baptifls 
 that was ever in Virginia, that we have any account 
 of, was in Ifle of Wight at a place called Burley, 
 about 1727. This fociety was compofed of emigrants 
 from England, who had Rev. Richard Nordin for 
 their minifter. He foon returned to Englajid, and 
 v/as fucceeded by MefTrs. Cafper Mintz, and Rich- 
 ard Jones. The church was formed upon the Armi- 
 nianplan, and is nowextindl." Mr. Leland's manu*K 
 fcript was, for fome time, in pofleflion of Mr. Backus 
 of New England, who inferted the following note : 
 ** A letter is now before me, written from Vir- 
 ginia, to elder Eyres of Newport, January 28th, 
 1742, by John Hamerftley; Where it appears, that 
 in confequence of letters from Virginia, Robert 
 Nordin and Thomas V/hite were ordained in Lon- 
 don, in May, 1714^ and foon failed for Virginia. 
 But White died by the way, and Nordin arrived in Vir- 
 ginia and gathered a Baptill church in Prince George 
 county ; and held meetings there and in other places, 
 until he died, December 111:, 1 72 5, in a good old 
 age. And on April 30th, 1727, the church ordain- 
 ed Richard Jones their elder, who continued to be 
 their minifter in 1742, the church had about forty 
 members." 
 
 ISAAC BACKUS. 
 May 3iil:, 1803. 
 
PORTiilOUTif ASSOCIATION. 34S 
 
 Mr. Backus farther notes, '^ William Sojourner 
 v/ent fi'om that church, and gathered a church i\\ 
 North Carolina, about 1740." Mr. Leland obferv- 
 ing Mr. Backus's note, fays in a letter to the editor, 
 *' you will fee in my manufcript, elder Backus's note. 
 I collected my account from Mr. Morgan's materi- 
 als. Mr. Hackusgot his information from an old 
 letter fent to elder F.yres. If there was a Robert 
 Nordin in Prince George, and a Richard Nordin in 
 Ifle of Wight, the difficulty ceafes. But if there was 
 but one Nordin who emigrated from England to 
 America, one of the accounts mull: be wrong. Per- 
 haps }>urkit's hiftory will folve the doubt." 
 
 Burkit and Read's hiflory fays nothing about it. 
 Nor is it probable there can be any farther informa- 
 tion obtained at this day. It appears, however, to 
 the editor, more than probable, that Mr. Backus 
 i^. fubflantially corre(^l, for the following reafons : 
 ]^r> B. had a document before him, written as early 
 as ij-^Zi about twenty eight years fubfequent to the 
 earliest time mentioned : fo that without fuppoling 
 the writer to be more than forty or fifty years of age, 
 he might have been an immediate witnefs of the fad:s 
 related. And indeed from his exadtnefs as to dates, 
 both in Lo#ffon and America, it is quite likely that 
 he was himfelf one of the firfl emigrants that com- 
 pofed the church. At any rate, he writes as one who 
 poflefl'es an intimlte acquaintance with the fubjecfl, 
 from firft to laft. The difference between the two 
 ilatements may be accounted for, by coniidering, 
 that Mr. Edw^ards did not procure his information, 
 until about forty years after the date of the letter 
 mentioned above, and that at that period a great deal 
 of it mull have been traditional, and conlequently 
 much more liable to be incorrc'ft. This may ex- 
 plain the diffei'eace of names and dates. As to the 
 difference of counties, it is not imDrobable, thit the Ifle 
 
 T2 
 
340 illJTOUV uV Lilt 
 
 of Wight and Prince Gqorgc might luvc bean at that 
 time all one county. 
 
 From thefe coniidcrations, ii appear., tJiat Mr. B.'s 
 note mail be accurate ; and that Baptills and Baptift 
 principles, have been in Virginia, very little (if art;.; ) 
 Jels than one hundred years. 
 
 Let us now purfue the narrative, as we have it laid 
 down in Mr. Leland's memorandums, and in the h. f«- 
 toryof the Kehukee AiTociation. 
 
 We find this church in the year 1742, tolerably 
 profperous tinder the care of Rev. Richard Jonei;-, 
 Avho, it appears from both llatements, was inflalled 
 as paftor, in J727. How long iMr. Jones continued 
 after this date, is "not now known. 'Jhe church itfelr" 
 is ROW extind:. The laft account of her exiflence, 
 was in December, 1756; at which time, there waij 
 a divifion among them. Some died, and fome mo- 
 ved to North Carolina, &c.- {o that it is not im.proba- 
 ble that her dilfolution took place, not long after. 
 Thofe that moved to North Carolina v/ere much 
 mdfe fuccefsful. In the courfe of ten years, after 
 this, they were increafed to fixteen churches. The 
 Kehukee hiftory relates, *'that under the ministry of 
 MefTrs. Paul Palmer and Jofeph Parker, the moA of 
 the original churches wcx^e planted. It is not faid 
 whether they were emigrants from England or na- 
 tive Americans. The moft probable conje6lure is^ 
 tint they were fomc of the fir 11 fruits of the labours 
 of Mr. Sojourner, mentioned in Air. Backus's note. 
 And indeed there can be but little doubt but that 
 Mr. Nordin and Mr. Jone», (the firfl: of whom lived 
 eleven years, and the fecond at lead fifteen), extend- 
 ed their mi nillry farther thin the immediate church 
 to which they aded as pallor. Palmer and Parker 
 Were both Arminians ; and lb were the churches and 
 preachers raifed under their miniftry. From which 
 circumflance, together v/ith 'fome original papers 
 iliU v^'---"-^^ -^t fc'jms almod certn'n, th*it the firft 
 
'^OuTSIklOU'ril 4?£.0CIATI0N. S4f7 
 
 f^migrants were wiiat in England are called General 
 Haptifls. 
 
 Their manner ofgatlicring churches was very loofe 
 indeed: Or.at leait, was very adverfe to the method 
 now prevalent among the Bap.tiftsin Virginia. They 
 required no experience of grace or account of their 
 converlion. But baptized all who asked it and pio- 
 fefTed to believe in the dod:rine of baptilin by im- 
 ineri ion.;^' h does not appear that they ever held 
 affoc lWK%i}9 r t!tg^!rrg,^7t h ' . » iiJi ft L y^ i i a^ i ti flead of 
 thefe they had yearly meetings : at which- they tranf- 
 adted bulinefs of a general nature ; or uich as reiped:- 
 cdthe welfare of ajl their churches 
 
 Some time previous to th? year 1765,! Rev. MeiTrs. 
 Vanhorn and Miller, relidents of New Jerfcy, were 
 Ijbnt from the Philadelphia Aflbciation to vifit the 
 churches, and to fet things in order among them. 
 By fomc they were viewed with jcaloufy anddiftruil; 
 being llyled Newlights. But by moil of the church- 
 es they were cordially received. Their labour vv^a," 
 not in vain. They effected much, very much indeed. 
 By their preaching and converfation, many precious 
 fouls were raifed from the ficep of death. The fpi- 
 rits of fuch as had ever tafled that the Lord was gra- 
 cious, were much refreshed, 'i'he honour of religi- 
 on, as profefTed by the BaptiRp, was exceedingly en- 
 larged. Their fpeech and preaching were not with 
 enticing words of man's wifdom ; but in dcmonfbra- 
 tion of the Spirit and of pov/er. Many of the mem- 
 bers of the churches v/ere convinced of the incorrecTt- 
 iiefs of the Arminian dodlrine, and relinquiiiied It. 
 And where thefe v/ere fufficiently numerous, and 
 otherwife qualified, they were nevv'ly organized and 
 
 * It is probable they required a promife on the part cf the 
 candidate to reform his Jire,a-.'id in general to be reltgicus ; which 
 it is faid is all that is required by many of the miniftcrs of the 
 General Baptifts in England. < 
 
 t The editor coidd not fin;l, from the Kehuhcc hiflory, or from 
 any documents before him, the precife y-^r in which they canr^. 
 
348 ., HISTORY OF THE 
 
 formed into new churches ; according to the plan of 
 the Philadelphia A/Tociation ; or rather according to 
 the Baptift confeffion of faith publidied in London 
 in 1689; according to which it feems the Philadel- 
 phia and Charleflon Aflbciations were organized. 
 What thefe reverend fathers left unfinilhed, was af- 
 terwards completed by their fens in the miniftry. 
 The Arminian doctrine and difcipline foon difappear- 
 
 ed i and the churcjics all ^^S#fi^\'^ i ^^ii tilnM^Vtoifl'^^^ ^^ 
 is not intenOecT to oe' unaerflood," tliat"this»revoratioBi 
 met with no oppoiition. This was not to be looked 
 for. Meffrs. Parker and Palmer, it ha? been faid, 
 were the fathers of thefe churches. Mr. Palmer 
 was dead. Mr, Parker was living ; and with two 
 
 other preachers, viz. William Parker and 
 
 "VVinfield, continued flill to purfue their former me- 
 thod. But being delerted by fo large a majority, 
 their party finally dwindled to nothing. 
 
 Nothing certainly appears by which it can be af- 
 certained whether they correfponded with any other 
 Baptifts in America, previous to the above reforma- 
 tion. There are fome circumftances, however, which 
 make it probable that they did. 1 ft. The letter writ- 
 ten by Mr. Mamerftley to Mr. Eypes, mentioned in 
 Mr. Backus's note renders it probable that fome 
 previous intercourfe had fubfifted between the Bap- 
 tifts in Virginia and thofe of New England. 
 
 2dly, It would appear hardly reafonable that the 
 Philadelphia Afibciation would fend meflengers to 
 any place or people with whom they had no corrcf- 
 pondence. Laftly, It is prefumable, from the cor- 
 refpondence with the Charlellon Affociation, which 
 immediately took place after the Kehukee Aflbcia- 
 tion vyas formed, that there had been fome former 
 acquaintance. 
 
 The churches thus newly organized, formed them- 
 felves into an affociation. '1 heir firll feflion was 
 holdcnin the year 1765, at a place called Kehukee ; 
 and for this reafon, their afibciation was called by 
 
!pORTS:\LOUTn ASSOCIATIOK, 349 
 
 that name. They immediately eftablirned a^corref- 
 pondence with the Charlellon Aiibciatioii. The 
 minifters belonging to the Kehukee Afibciation at 
 iirft, or, however, the principal ones, were Jonathan 
 Thomas, John Thomas, John Moore, John Burgefs, 
 William Burges, Charles Daniel, William Walker^ 
 John IVl eglamre, James Abbington, Thomas Pope, 
 and Henry Abbot. Of thefe, only two, viz. John 
 Meglamre, and James Abbington, were baptized, 
 after the introduction of (alvinifiic principles. 
 
 About the time of the conftitution bf Kehukee, 
 the Separate Baptiffs became very numerous in the 
 upper parts of North Carolina and Virginia ; and had 
 formed themfeives into an aflbciation. The Kehu- 
 kee Aifociation being delirous to form a more dole 
 connexion with people whofe zeal and piety they to 
 much revered, about the year 1772, fent ciders Me- 
 glamre and Thomas as deputies to the Separate Bap- 
 tifl Aflociation ; which- was holdenat Waller's meet- 
 ing houfe, in Spottfylvania county. The deputies 
 were kindly received : and the Separate AfTociation 
 alfo, deputed two of their minifters, viz. E.Craig and 
 David Thomfon, tovifitthe Kehukee the next Au- 
 guft, at their afibciation to be holden at the Kehu- 
 kee meeting houfe, Halifax county. North Caroli- 
 na. They attended ; the fubje(^l: was taken up ; and 
 the Separates ilated the following objedions to <l 
 communion with them : id, that they were not fuf- 
 ficiently flrid: in receiving church members, idly^. 
 They were, as they ailedged, too fuperfluous in their 
 dr€fs ; contending, that exceffive drefs ought to be 
 made a matter of church difcipiine. 3dly, that tlieii 
 principles and pradtices were at variance ; l.ecaufe^ 
 although they believed that faith in Chriil Jefus wzv, 
 eflentiai to baptifm, yet they retained many mem- 
 bers in their church, v/ho acknowledged themfelve : 
 to have been baptized in a fliate of unbelief. Thi^ 
 kit, was declared to be the main bar to a complete 
 union. Their objedion upon this ground, was the 
 
..yj I1I3TUUY or TiJ; 
 
 more efrcctuai, becaule it liad been a matter of con-* 
 iiderabic embarnirfment to a great number of the 
 Kehukcc minidcrs ; who had many thoughts of at- 
 tempting a rcforniation. Tliio occurrence furniflie^ 
 them with more favourable ground to make a begin- 
 ning; which was accordingly done, in the year 1774. 
 Mr. Burkit's church firft held a conference, and pub- 
 licly proclaimed, that they would commune witli 
 none, who confelfed they were baptised before con- 
 vcifion. Alledging, that adult perfons had no bet- 
 ter claim to baptifm, while they were in a flate of 
 impenitence and unbch'ef, than infants Jkad. ]\Ir, 
 Burkit's ciiurch was followed by fevcral others. 
 Vmt when the next allbciation met, which was that, 
 year, viz. 1775, holden at Moore's meeting licufc, 
 on the following Odober. The reformers met with 
 fevere oppofition. The corredlnefs of their proceed- 
 ings was mucii queftioned. Much diffenlion arofe. 
 One party blamed the other for doing too much j v/]io 
 in their turn were equally fevere upon their oppo- 
 nents, for not doing enough. Not inclined to alfo- 
 ciate together, both parties claimed the right of be- 
 ing called the aliociation. The reformers, becaufe 
 what they had done was ex:ad:ly congenial to the ori- 
 ginal plan, upon which the aliociation v/as organized, 
 The other party, being moll numerous, inlilted that 
 a majority ought to retain the power, and, confquent- 
 }y, the name of the allbciation. They moreover ar- 
 gued, that whatever mig/}t be thpir principles, it wa? 
 well known at the time of the conftitution of the af- 
 fociation, tlutthis evil cxiflcdin greater force than it 
 did at that time ; feeing none had been baptized in 
 known unbelief, lince the conftitution : That there- 
 fore, it was virtually if not pointedly agreed, that 
 fuch as were then in oiderly llanding, might retain 
 ^ their memberiliip ; left more miCchief might enfue, 
 by being too rigorous, than by fubmitting to fmall 
 inconveniences for the fake of peace : That the ailb- 
 ciation having been in exiftence for eight or nine 
 
rORTSTMOUTn ASSOCIATION. 351 
 
 years ; ail of which time they had fuftcred the incon- 
 venience, it was now rather ftrange,that they, at this 
 late period, fhould attempt a revolution ib likely to dif- 
 tLirb the peace and harmony of the churches.' To all 
 thefe arguments, it was aiiiwered: that to them it was a 
 matter of confcience ; which they could not relin- 
 quifh without wounding their own fouls. As neither 
 fide would give way, things came to extremities. 
 Each party organized a diftinfl affembly or allocia- 
 tion. 'i'he reformers kept poiieflion of the meeting 
 houfe; whilft the oppoiite party retired**, lirft to the 
 woods, and, on the 2d day, procured a private houfe 
 in the neii^hbourhood. Ail attempts at rcconciiia- 
 tion, proved ineftecftual during this feffion: Each 
 party tranlacled their ov/n bulinefs ; of which how- 
 ever very little v/as done. Thefe party broils v/ere 
 exceedingly afflicting to the pious on both lides. It 
 would appear from the arguments on the old fide, 
 that many of them did not deny the principles of this 
 reformation, fo much as the neceffity ; feeing i': 
 would unavoidably produce much confulicii ; and if 
 let alone the evil would of courfe, in time, vanifh. 
 Thofc who had undertaken to efteO: the reformation, 
 j)erfevered ; and finally accomplidied their wiflieSv* 
 In xAuguft, 1777, they held their firfc undii|3uted 
 afTociation, at elder lieii's meeting houfe, in Suffex 
 county, Virginia. They found on affembling, thit 
 liheir llrength had very much increafed. Ten 
 churches had fent letters and delegates ; of which 
 it appeared that fix were Regulars, or the eld 
 nde, and four v/ere Separates : who finding their 
 former obflacles removing, and being convenient; 
 were incorporated v^ith this afibciation. Or thefe 
 ten churches, four were in^- Virginia, and fix in 
 North Carolina, Their whole number of members 
 
 * The Regular Aflbciat'ion dwindled; and Hniily came to no- 
 thifiti;: pardy by falling in. v/ith ths liepara'.e?; ani. par:lyj,ilay 
 other CAUSES'. 
 
352 myroEY of thu 
 
 Gonlifled of one thoufand five hundred and ninety : 
 which was indeed very confiderable for that early pe- 
 riod. They agreed now, upon an abftrad; of prin-* 
 €iples; which was afterwards printed and publiihed. 
 In dodirines nor dilcipline it did not fubflantially 
 differ from the confefTion of faith generally received 
 among the Baptifts. They agreed to hold two alio- 
 ciations annually. And appointed the next at Bur- 
 kit's meeting houfe, the next May. The Kehukee 
 Alfociation continued to meet regularly, and to in- 
 creafe rapidly, until the year 1790. At their October 
 feflion for that year, it was found that there were no 
 lefs than fixty one churches; having more than five 
 thoufand members. Several ineffectual attempts, 
 previous to this, had been made to divide the dif- 
 trid. The number of churches was now fo large 
 that a divilion was almoft indifpenfible. They ac- 
 cordingly agreed to divide by the fiiate line, leaving 
 forty two churches in North Carolina and nineteen 
 in Virginia. The Virginia churches met by their 
 delegates, for the firft time, May 1791, at Portf- 
 mouih ; and on that account named their affociation 
 the Virginia Portfmouth Affociation. Their time of 
 meeting has been, from the iirft, on the fourth Sa- 
 turday in May, annually. Their bufinefs has beeh 
 tranfacted in peace and prudence. The number of 
 churches have increafed ; but not fo rapidly as in 
 feme other ailbciations. While elder Meglamre 
 lived and attended the affociations, he generally adl- 
 ed as moderator. After his death, or w^hen he was 
 abfent, the duties of moderator mofl commonly de- 
 volved upon Rev. David BarroXv, until his removal 
 to Kentucky. Since his removal, elders i3rowne. 
 Bowers, Muri-ell, &c. have occafionally atfted. Until 
 the divifion of the Kehukee diilrict, Mr. Burkit, (joint 
 author of the Kehukee hiftory,) was the ftanding 
 clerk. Since the divilion, that office has fallen into 
 the hands of different perfons at different times. 
 Eiders William Browne, James Wright, &c. were in 
 
H311TSMOUTII ASSOCIATION. 353 
 
 their turns placed in that office. Not having a re- 
 o-iilar file' of the minutes of the afTociation, a detail of 
 ihdr pfoceediftgs cannot be exhibited. This, how- 
 ever, is the lefs neceflciry at this ftage ofoUr work, in- 
 afmuch as the bufmefs of fo inany thers is already 
 detailed^ that it is not piefumable that there would 
 be any thihgnew or fingular. 
 
 There are fome verv valuable and able preachers 
 within the Portfmouth AfTociation -, but it is the opini- 
 on of foine who are intimately acquainted, that in point 
 6f minifteriai talents, they Have rather depreciated. 
 A fanguine believer can, neverthelefs, anticipate a 
 day, when God /liall fend them judges as at the fir ft, 
 hid connfellors as at the beginnhig. When the watch- 
 fnen now lipbn the walls, aided by a new band, flial! 
 proclaim to Zion, " Thj/ God ixigneth." 
 
 PUN GO 
 
 Church, is among the olded churches in Virginia. 
 Whilfl they have had their days of adverlity, as well 
 as their days of profperity, God has ftill preferved 
 them a name amohg the families of IfraeL Preach- 
 ers, like ferVants, can give us much eafe : thery can 
 alfo ilir up much confufion. In 1766, their firit 
 paftor, George Plummer, was inaugurated. He, for- 
 footh, miift marry his wife's fifter ; and was of courfe 
 fufpended. In January, 1774, they made choice of 
 Jofhua Lawrence. For fome years, he ftood in high 
 eflimation : but fome charges being exhibited againfl 
 him, though not fatisfad:orily proven, the church, 
 with the afTiftance of helps, offered an appeal to his 
 own confcience -, proposing that he fhould acknowr- 
 ledge, or deny the charges exhibited- againft him. 
 This he refufed ; and was excluded. He then com- 
 menced preaching upon his own indcpen.d.ence. 
 And publicly and folemnly denied the charges^: here- 
 by, fliev/ing more refped: to the world than the 
 church. He formed a party, v, ho built him a meet' 
 
 ^ U 2 
 
•^•>i' IIISTOUY Ol'- Tilt 
 
 mg houff. After fome years, however, he was re- 
 inftatcd. Well might Paul fay of minifters, " not 
 
 ^i^»^ V iiiw^j. 
 
 BLACK WATER 
 
 Is a daughter of Pungo. Nothing very remark- 
 able has occurred here. 
 
 LONDON BRIDGE 
 
 Has generally been a profperous church. Their 
 iirll: paflor was William Morris ; who, after fervmg 
 them faithfully about feventeen or eighteen years, 
 in 1802, took a difmifiion to Kentucky, the cemete- 
 ry of Virginia Baptift preachers. This v/as matter 
 of great grief to his affed:ionate people. 
 
 They next obtained the fervices of Jeremiah Rit- 
 ter ; who has adminiHered to them with confiderable 
 fuccefs. Of late years, God has raifed among them, 
 William P. Biddle, a young preacher of promifing 
 talents, and very amiable deportment. How re- 
 freiliing are thefe young and faithful ambaffadors. 
 
 NORFOLK 
 
 Church, was taken off from Portfmouth. They 
 have had their full fhare^f calamities : calamities fe- 
 vere, and forrowful indeed and in truth. Before their 
 conftitution, they were curfed with an arrant impof- 
 tor, by the name of Froft. He came from Europe, 
 and pretended to be a preacher. He made much 
 confufion ; to fettle which, the church appointed cer- 
 tain perfons to take him under dealings. Froft re- 
 fufed to hear them, and attended an appointment of 
 Jiis, to preach, that Qvemngt Juft as he commenced 
 preaching, he dropt down in the pulpit, and expired 
 in about three hours. In 1802, one Mather, an- 
 other European vagabond preacher came to Norfolk, 
 and made no little confufion. He alfo foon died. 
 In 1803, Benjamin Alliley, Peter Lugg, Henry 
 Keeling, and James Mitchell were ordained to th^ 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 355 
 
 miniflry. When the church was conftituted, they 
 had feveral preachers in their limits : none of whom 
 however, were called upon hy the church to take the 
 paftoral care. They inconliderately invited a certain 
 William Goodall to become their paftor. He was 
 then a reiident of Hampton. He proved the great- 
 eft ftumbling block of all. Goodall was a man of 
 fome talents as a preacher ; But devoid of fomethinp- 
 more valuable than talents, he blackened the Vap^ 
 tifts in Norfolk, more than all his preaching could 
 wipe off, if he were to live an hundred years. He 
 fell into the fin of polygamy, and was put out from 
 among them. Goodali's apoftacy, with fome other 
 fevere calamities that have fmce befallen them, has 
 apparently ahiioft ruined the Baptift-causc in Nor- 
 folk : but if it be the caufc of l hrift, it muft riic 
 again. The gates of hell may annoy; but cannot 
 prevail againil the true church. They have ftiil fe- 
 veral ordained preachers among them, but no paftor. 
 Elder lirowne has of late undertaken to attend 
 ihem once a month. 
 
 PORTSMOUTH 
 
 Was conftituted under the paftoral care of elder 
 Thomas Armifte'dd. His labours were much bleft'- 
 ed; and the church grew and multiplied. About 
 1792, partly from bad health, and partly from other 
 caufes, Mr. Armiftead refigned his charge. After 
 his refignation, the church declined greatly. They 
 employed Jacob Bifhop, a black man of confiderable 
 talents, to preach for them. This, as might have 
 been expeded, could not anfwer in v'irginia Elder 
 Thomas Etheredge, and Jacob Grigg, in their turn, 
 ferved them a fmall fpace of time. In i8o?, elder 
 Davis Biggs moved into the vicinity of Portfmouth, 
 and became their paftor. Under his watchful care, 
 the church has moved on in a much more tranquil 
 manner. 
 
 Eider Armiftead, the firft paftor cf this church. 
 
^50 HISTORY OF Tllfl 
 
 4vas a man of high family, and rich connexions. He 
 ferved as an officer in the American army, during 
 the revolutionary war. He was univerfally efteem- 
 ed as an officer of the moll unwavering courage. 
 He was alfo a man of flrong mind; and in all likeli- 
 hood, would have made a figure in the military line, 
 ifhehadnot become a Baptift. This, by lefTening 
 his military ardour, as well as rendering him fome- 
 what unpopular in the army, probably prevented 
 th^t diilincftion to which he might have been other- 
 wife raifed. Few men talked with more pleafurq 
 about military movements, than major Armiftead. 
 
 After his relignation, as above, he v/as never again 
 as ufeful. He became a merchant, moved from 
 plac6 to place, and preached whenever he found an 
 opportunity. The Major never could completely 
 fhake off his high notions of honour and refentment, 
 imbibed in the army. He was not unfrequently en- 
 ga'ged in making arrangements to fettle affairs of ho- 
 nour, invitations from others he would not refuse : 
 he would fometimes offer them on his part. This, 
 with feme other matters of diforder, expelled the ma- 
 jor, anno 1803, from the Baptift community. He 
 iliil occafionally preached; but not with much, if any 
 succefs. In 1809, he was again reftored to his 
 membcrfhip ; and died fliortly after. The major was 
 thought by many, in his beff days to injure his ufe- 
 fulnefs, by not rightly dividing the word of truth. 
 He dwelt too much upon the deep and myfterious 
 doctrines of Calvinifm. Do6irines hard to be under- 
 fcood ; and therefore ought to' be cautioufly m.anaged. 
 
 Eider Biggs, their late paftor, is a found and in- 
 genious preacher ; and efteemed, by his acquaintan- 
 ces, as an exemplary man. He alfo, has lately mo- 
 ved to the weilern country. 
 
 UPPER BRIDGE. 
 
 Nothing fingular has occured in tliis church. 
 Elder Jacob tirJgg, former paftor of Upper Bridge, 
 
pORTSivrouTii ASSocI.^IO^r. 3.57 
 
 U an Englifhman ; who received an education at tlic 
 Briftol Baptift academy, after he began to preach. 
 When he finiflied his education, he was fent by the 
 miliionary society into Africa. Having some dif- 
 tnrbance there, with the governor of the colony, 
 he came to Norfolk in Virginia. After preaching for 
 thechurch there, awhile, became to Upper Bridge • 
 and was there very ufeful. At length he moved to 
 Kentucky ; and was pafbcr to one of the moft prof- 
 pcrous churches tliere. But in confequence of the 
 diflurbances about hereditary ilavery, he again moved 
 to Ohio ; and finally, to Richmond, Virginia j where 
 he now refides. His high, and perhaps in fome re- 
 fped:s untenable opinions of civil liberty, involved 
 him in embarraliments both in Africa and Kentuc- 
 ky. Some of iiis friends are of opinion, that age and 
 experience have corredled thefe protuberances His 
 moral charadler has never been aifailed. By all who 
 know him he is efteemed pious and zealous. As a 
 preacher, for deep inveftigation, for clear and lucid 
 exhibition of divine truth, he is unfurpaffed by any 
 preacher in Virginia. 
 
 SHOULDER'S HILL. 
 
 On the firfl: preaching of the Baptifts in theft- 
 parts, they met with violent oppofition. A mob col- 
 lected at one of their meetings, and feized the preach^, 
 ers Barrow and Mintz, and carried them to a water 
 not far diifant. There they dipped them feveral 
 times, holding them under water until they were 
 nearly drowned ; alking them if they believed. At 
 length, Mr. Barrow replied, I believe you mean to 
 drown me. After fporting with them ti)us, hey :et 
 them go. Notwithllanding this oppolition, the pol- 
 pel progrefTed. Thechurch, with lome interruptivns, 
 has enjoyed |.;eace Anu profpenty. 
 
*^5S HISTORY OF THE 
 
 WESTERN BRANCH. 
 
 This is afuiall but increaling church. Mr. Bunting, 
 their prelent pailor, is a native of the Eaftern Sh ;e; 
 and is efteemed, both in his new and old habitatiJUj 
 a good man, and a found preacher. 
 
 SOUTH QUAY. 
 
 Nothing of note has come to our knowledge as to 
 this church. 
 
 BLACK CREEK 
 
 Has generally been a Jiappy and peaceful church. 
 They fuilained a great lofs in the removal of eld ?r 
 David iiarrow, in 1797. Since which time, hew- 
 ever, they have had the occafional miniilrations of 
 others ; whose labours have been blefled. 
 
 MEHERRIN 
 
 Is a daughter of Racoon Swamp, now under the 
 care of Robert Murrell, a pious and exemplary mi- 
 nifter of the new teftament and a leading man in the 
 AlTociation. 
 
 TUCKER'S SWAMP 
 
 Is a fmall new church, under the care of Hcnrv 
 Jones y a preacher of plain, but ufeful gifts. 
 
 SEA COCK. 
 
 Nothing remarkable has taken pJace here, 
 
 RACOON SWAMP 
 
 Has been a large and flourifhing church. She has 
 been the mother of many miniflerial fons. James 
 Bell, Zadoc Bell, Balaam Izzel, John Wall, Ran- 
 dolph Nufam, and Wiiiiam Biowne, were raifed 
 here. 
 
POBTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION* 350 
 
 HIGH HILLS OF NOTTOWAY, 
 
 Alio a daughter of Racoon Swamp, has nothing re- 
 markable. 
 
 SAPPONY 
 
 Fell firfl under the paftoral care of Mr. Rivers, a 
 pious minifler ; but his life was (liort. James Bell 
 was then inaugurated pallor. He alfo, lived but 
 few years, and died. Since his death, they have had 
 no regular paflor; but have been attended by Mr. 
 Browne flatedlj. They have had fomc revivals. 
 
 MILL SWAMP. 
 
 Within the limits of this church, there had been 
 for many years, fome Freewill Baptifls, as they were 
 termed. Some time previous to the year 1774, 
 several of the Baptiil preachers, holding with free 
 grace, preached among them. Their labours pro- 
 ved fuccefsful J and a church w'as conftituted. They 
 afked, and obtained the paftoral fervices of David 
 Barrow. From the tune of the conftitution, until 
 this time, they have been remarked for their regular- 
 ity in the preservation of difcipline and order. God 
 has been honoured among them. Elder Barrov/, 
 their paftor, was called of God to occupy the pulpit 
 at an early period of his life. Having a ftrong wifh' 
 to advance the Reedeemr's kingdom, he availed Iiim- 
 felf of every opportunity to improve his mind. He 
 applied himfelf to reading ; and fought inftrudtion 
 from every quarter within his reach. liis progrefs 
 was very confiderable. His preaching and conver- 
 fation were admired Mr. Barrow had no notion of 
 preaching barely for the fake ot being admired. He 
 fought the falvation of men; he fought it earneftly. 
 Receiving from heaven the bread of life, he dealt out 
 to each one his portion, in due feafon. He travelled 
 and preached far and wide. Jefus was with him, and 
 gave him many feals. His fpotless chara(tter as a 
 
066 lilSTOKY OF Till. 
 
 chrifbian, greatly aided his pulpit labours. All who 
 ::new him at all, knew he was a good man. In the 
 time of the revolutionary v/ar, Mr. B. was a warm 
 whig. He exhorted his countrymen to face the ene- 
 iny ; and fhake of the yoke of Hntifh bondage. He 
 ?et them the example. When dangers prelfed, Mr. 
 B. voluntarily fliouldered his musket ; joined the ar- 
 my ; and was found ready for the field of battle. His 
 unexceptionable deportment, rendered him very po- 
 pular with all defcriptions of men. After the revo- 
 lution, he was perfuaded to accept the office of ma- 
 giftrate. Th5 duties of which, he difcharged with 
 fidelity and ability, for fome years. Finding this of- 
 fice incompatible with the regular difchargc of his 
 miniilerial duties, he threw it up; refolving net to 
 be entangled with the afers of this life. 
 
 He carried his opinions of liberty fofar, as to think 
 it criminal to hold negroes in llavery. He therefore 
 emancipated all he had. Although this m.eafurc 
 proved his disinterefled zeil, to do right, it is quefti- 
 onable, whether it was not in the end, productive of 
 more evil than good. While it embarralfed his af- 
 fairs, at home, by lefiening his refources for the 
 maintenance of a large family ; it rendered him fuf- 
 picious among his acquaintances : and probably, 
 in both ways, limited his ufefulnefs. After he remo- 
 ved to Kentucky, it w^as a fource of much vexation. 
 After a life of twenty odd years' ufefulnefs in Virgi- 
 nia, he moved to Kentucky where he quickly dif- 
 tinguiihed himfelf as a man of talents, piety, and ufe- 
 fulnefs. He is flill living. 
 
 OTTER DAMS, 
 
 Is now under the care of Beverly Boothe. He is 
 a preacher of gifts ; and refpeftable among his ac- 
 quaintances. 
 
 ROWANTY 
 
 Was formerly under the care of JeiTe Lee j a. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATIOJW, S61 
 
 preacher of informa' on. He died; and thejr have 
 been fince deftitute of a regular paftor, 
 
 DAVENPORT'S 
 
 Has very few white members : but being in thfc 
 vicinity of Petersburg, there are, in that city, a num- 
 ber of people of colour, members, Thefe have built 
 them a meeting houfe j and carry on their vs^orfhip 
 regularly, through their preachers of colour. Many 
 of them are faid to be very pious and refpedtable ; 
 whilfl: many others, by their wretched Condud;, make 
 the Baptift name a term of reproach. ^ 
 
 This is the laft aflbciation which can now be taken 
 up. Befides thofe already treated on, there is one, 
 other, called Mayo, partly in Virginia, and partly in, 
 North Carolina. Concerning which, the documents 
 have unfortunately mifcarried. They a^rc^ now fent 
 for, particularly ; and, it is hoped, may arrive time 
 enough to be annexed as a fupplcment.i^ tf^^^^^ ^ 
 
 V9 
 
^>V"»*^*^* 
 
BIOGRAPHY. 
 
 Having finlihed the hiftory of the aflbciations, 
 churches, &c, we conceive our work would be deii- 
 cient, if we (liould not furnifh a fhort Biography of 
 the mofl dillinguifhed Miniflers, who have lived and 
 died faithful to their Divine Mafter 
 
 We have feledled thofe chiefly, who were remark- 
 able for fpreading the gofpel in new and ilraoge 
 parts. 
 
 The advantages of Biography, are almoft inde- 
 fcribable. 
 
 Principles however pure, without pradice, an- 
 fwer no valuable purpole. A man's life fhould al- 
 ways be a comment upon his profeffion. Without this 
 the mofl: unexceptionable theories fall into difgracc. 
 Much more regard is generally paid to the deport- 
 ment, than to the declarations of profelTors of re- 
 ligion. /Arguments in favor of opinions, are fome- 
 tim.es powerful indeed, but they are feldom so, un- 
 lefs backed by the moil powerful argument, good 
 examples. 
 
 A man may fliow his faith by his words -, but if he 
 wifhes to be believed, he muft fhow it by his works 
 alfo. Hence the proverb : ** example often does 
 
304 tVTROPUjCTION 
 
 more than precept." Modefly, or rather, humility, 
 forbids that any man fhould hold up his own exam- 
 ple lor imitation. The examples of others are (hown 
 to greater advantage : and the examples of the dead,* 
 better than thofe of the living. 
 
 Biography exhibits to public view, the moft pro- 
 minent features of a well fpcnt life, and thereby 
 excites laudable emulation in the readers, to imitate 
 the copy : an emulation fcarcely excitable by naked 
 theories. ^' 
 
 In wri4:ings, both facred and profane, of all ages 
 of the world. Biography has obtained a refpectable 
 place. The books of job and Ruth, are literal 
 biographies. And in all the hiftorical parts of the* 
 old and new teilaments, biographical sketches arc to 
 be found 
 
 The moft able profane writers of antiquity, were 
 fometimes employed in drawing the lives of eminent 
 departed charaders j who having a(fted well the parts 
 allotted them on the ftage of life, through the faith- 
 ful hiftorian, have lived after they were dead : and 
 their m.eritorious and diftinguifhed adions, fet forth, 
 as examples, to future generations. In modern times, 
 likewife, the excellence of great and good nien, has 
 not been forgotten through the want of writers capa- 
 ble of tranfmitting it down to pofterity. 
 
 It is quite pleafing as well as profitable thus to 
 form an acquaintance with men wliofe works we ad- 
 m^ire. ^J he ftatesman, the warrior, and even the 
 mechanic, or navigator, riiing into eminence in his 
 line of adlion, has found his way down to fubfequent 
 ages. And why fhould not the chriftian, foaring 
 above his cotemporaries, in adts of difinterefted piety 
 and benevolence ? Why ihould not the characSter, 
 moft precious in the light of God, and moft valua- 
 ble to, but not moft valued by men, find a place 
 on the page of fome faithful hiftorian. Among 
 moft, if not all the chriftian fedts, fuch men have 
 anfeiji and their lives and adions recorded. Some * 
 
'iO BIOGBAPllY. 365 
 
 have been the •authors of their own biography -, and 
 to a certain extent, this is undoubtedly very delirable: 
 but it is obvious, that at leaft, the finifhing flroke, 
 fhuft be put by others. 
 
 The Baptifts can boaft of but few men of great 
 worldly eminence. Like the primitive church, they 
 can ij^, *^ot many wife, not many mighty, not many 
 noble ar^ailed " Some among them, however, have 
 been highly ufefui in advancing the caufe of pure re^ 
 iigion. 
 
 To depidt a few traits in the characters of fuch, 
 feems properly to occupy fomp place in a •compilation 
 like the prefent. We will begin v^^ith the man who 
 commenced the moft diftinguiihed work.* 
 
 * Many things already related in the body of the work, will be 
 uiiiVoidably repeated ^n the Biography i in ordpr to connect ^he 
 narrative. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH]:.' 
 
 DISTiNGVISHED R4FTISf PREACIIEBS 
 
 liD LIVP;D and DILDFAITHFtJI 
 
 THE CAUSE O^ GOD 
 
 ^- SiiaBAL STEAKNo. 
 
 IN ou; Biogn^phy, it feems moft proper, that v^c 
 iliould commence wit?;^ tlie man who firll' commen- 
 ced the work. 
 
 Rev. Sliubal Stearns was the fon of Shubai Stearns ; 
 and his mother's firft, oy maiden name was Rebecca 
 Larrifoid. He was burn in Bofton, January 28th, 
 1706. In about a'year after the rife of the Separates 
 in New England, viz. 1745,, Mr. Stearns joined them. 
 He became a preacher; ^nd continued among them 
 for about iivc or fix ycdiS. But forming an acquaint- 
 ance with ibme of the Baptiils, he was convinced of 
 (he futility of infant baptifm. He wa? therefore 
 baptized on a profciticn of faith, at Tolahd in -Con-* 
 I ncdticut, by Kev. Wait 'Palmer, anno 1751.. IVIay 
 20th, of the fame year, he was ordaijied to the mi- 
 riftry, by faid {\ilmer and Rev. Joihua Morfe. In 
 the year 1754, iMr Stearns and his company moved 
 from New England, believing that God had called 
 
SIIUBAL STEARNS. 
 
 him V weft ward, to do a great work. It does hdf ap- 
 pear that he ftarted with any certain place in view, 
 on which to fettle ; hut^ refolved to follow the gui- 
 dance of the fpirit, as itftioiild be manifeiled to hiixi 
 from time to time. The firli: place at which he made 
 any fl:ay,^/as in Virginia, on Opeckon creek, where 
 there wa^a Haptill church, under the care of 8, 
 Heton,*" and where he met with rv^r. Daniel Mar-. 
 fliall his brother in law, juil returned from his miffion 
 to the Indian country. Mr. Stearns pitched at a 
 place called Cacapon, not far above Winchcfter. 
 Remaining there a Ihort time, and not ^finding that 
 minifterial fuccefs which his impreffions had led him 
 to hope for: he and his company, joined nov/ by 
 Mr. Marshall and his company, removed to North 
 Carolina, and fettled at a place called Sandy Creek ^-j* 
 and immediately formed a church. 
 
 He continued to labour with great affiduity, aided 
 by Marfhall and Breed. So great was their fuccefs, 
 that in a little time this little band fwelled to more 
 than fix hundred. Mr. Stearns's impreffions ref- 
 pe(fting a* great work in the weft, feemed now to be 
 verifying : and confidering fubfequent events, he 
 muft be an infidel indeed, who can doubt the origin 
 of thefe impreffions. 
 
 He was a preacher of fome dod:rinal talents ; but 
 he was more remarkable for his zealous, animating 
 manner. He brought from New England the fame 
 tone, geftures, &c. which had diftmguiflied the 
 Newlights in that country. 
 
 * Some of our documents reprefent the Opeckon church as 
 under the care of John Garrard; and we liave To reprefentei h 
 in oar fecond page. But in a paner finc^ come to hand, and 
 thought to be taken from Mr. Marfhall, by Rev. .Jolm V/illia.ns, 
 Mr. Heton is faid to be minifter. See liiilory of* R.egular Bap-. 
 tifts, page 289 
 
 t Some of our manufcripts fay, that Mr. Marfiiall moved to a 
 place called Hugwarry, and foritied a diflincl church ; and thE- 
 neither Stearns nor Marfhail came to North Carolina until I757 
 But we follow Mr, Lehnd*s manufcript a? moft probabI<?* 
 
o08 mOGRAVllY oV 
 
 He v/as of finall flature, had a very expreiiive and 
 penetrating eye, and a voice fingularly harmonious. 
 His enemies, it is faid, would Ibmetimes be captiva- 
 ted by his mufical voice. Many things are related of 
 the enchanting found of his voice ; and the glance of 
 his eyes, which had a meaning in every move. Mr. 
 Stearns continued to difcharge the duties of paftor, in 
 Sandy Creek church, until a fmall time before his 
 death; which took place on the 20th of November, 
 1 77 1. He lived and died faithful to the important 
 trufl confided to him. Mr. Stearns was an orator of 
 the right fort : and the effed:s of his public fpeak- 
 ingupon his hearers, proved it better, than if a thou- 
 fand finifhed orations had been publiflied from his lipSi 
 
 He was fick fome time previous to his death ; and 
 in the firft of his illnefs expfefled fome unhappinefs 
 at the darknefs of his mind ; but for a confiderabk 
 time before his deceafe, his foul became triumphant ; 
 and he exprefibd a longing defire to depart and t6 be 
 with Chrifl. 
 
 DANIEL MARSHALL. 
 
 Although Mr, Marshall was not a V^irginian by 
 birth ; nor ever relided long in Virginia ; yet, as many 
 of his fuccefsful labours were devoted to the inha- 
 bitants of Virginia, we cannot forego the pleafure of 
 infertinc: a (hort sketch of this excellent man's life. 
 We do this with greater delight, becaufe' we have it 
 in our power to tranfcribe from the eloquent pen of 
 Rev. Mr. Abraham Marfnall the amiable fon of this 
 venerable man. 
 
 This sketch, Vv'hich we prefent entire to our read- 
 ers, was dratvn by Mr. Mariliall and published in the 
 Georgia Analytical Repofitory, in 1802. The ap- 
 pendix was, we prefume, written by Rev. Mr. HoK 
 combe, the editor of the Repofitory. 
 
' .DANIEL MARSHALL. SCi) 
 
 ''* In giving a biographical sketch of my honoured 
 father, wc muft look back to the diftance of alniofb 
 a century. His birth was in the year of our Lord, 
 J 706, in Windfor, a to\^ in ConneOicut. He was 
 religioufly educated, by refpcdable and pious pa-% 
 rents ; and being hopefully converted at twenty years 
 of age, joined the then (landing order of Prefl)yterians 
 in his native place. The natural ardour of his mind 
 foon kindled into the fire of holy zeal; and without 
 the advantage of a liberal education, raifed him fo 
 high in the efteem of his brethren, that they called 
 him to the office nf a deacon. In the exemplary dif- 
 charge of his duty, in this capacitv, he continued 
 near twenty years. During this time, in eafy cir- 
 cumftances, he married ; and loft a wife, by whorn 
 he had a fon, named after himfelf, Daniel ; who is 
 ftill a ufeful member of fociety. At the age of thir- 
 ty eight years, our worthy parent was one of the 
 thoufands, in New hngland, who heard that fon of 
 thunder. Rev. George Whitfield, and caught his ie- 
 raphic fire. Firmly believing in the near approach 
 of the * latter day glory,' whei! the Jews, with the 
 fuUnefs of tiie gentiles, fliall hail tneir Redeemer, 
 and bow to his gentle fceptre ; a number of worthy 
 characTters ran to and fro, through the eaftern ftates, 
 warmly exhortmg to the prompt adoption of every 
 meafure tending to haften that blifsful period. 
 Others fold,^ gave away, or left their poiTeiTions ; as 
 the powerful impulfe of the momiCnt determined ; 
 and, without fcrip, or purfe rufhed up to the head of 
 the Sufquehanna, to convert the heathens ; and fet- 
 tled in a town called Onnaquaggy, among the Mo- 
 hawk Indians. One, and not the leaft fanguinc, of 
 thefe pious mifiionaries, was my venerable fither. 
 Great muft have been his faith ! great his zeal ! 
 when, without the leaft profpecit of a temporal, re- 
 ward, with a much beloved wife and three chidren, 
 he exchanged his commodious buildings, for a mifer- 
 
370 BIOGRAPHY OF 
 
 able hut ; his fruitful fields and loaded orchards, for 
 barren deferts j the luxuries of a well furniflied table, 
 for coarfe and fcanty fare; and numerous civil friends, 
 for rude favages ! He had^he happinefs, however, 
 tb teach and exhort for eighteen months, in this place, 
 with confiderale fuccefs. A number of the Indians 
 were, in fome degree, impreiled with eternal con- 
 cerns ; and feveral became cordially obedient to the 
 gofpel. Rut juft as the feeds of heavenly truth, fown 
 with tears, in this unpromiling foil, began to appear 
 ill their firft fruits, the breaking out of war among 
 the favage tribes occafioned his reluctant removal to 
 Connogogig, in Pennfylvania. From thence, after 
 lindmg it much more difficult to benefit fcribes 
 and pharifees, than publicans and finners, Ije remo- 
 ved to a place near NV incheller, in Virginia. 
 
 Here he became acquainted with a Baptifi: church, 
 belonging to the Philadelphia Alibciation; and as the 
 relult of a clofe, impartial examination of their faith 
 and order, he and my dear mother were baptized by 
 immerfion, in the fofty eighth year of his life. He 
 was now called, as a lice J) fed preacher, to the unre- 
 ftrained exercife of his gifts ; and though they were 
 by no means above mediocrity, he was inftrumental 
 in awakening attention, in many of his hearers, to 
 the interefls of their fouls. 
 
 Under tlte influence of an anxious defire to be ex- 
 tenfively ufeful, he proceeded from Virginia, to Hug- 
 warry, in North Carolina; where his faithful andin- 
 cefiant labours proved the happy means of aroufing 
 and converting numbers. Being evidently, and emi- 
 nently ufeful, as an itinerant preacher, he continued 
 his peregrination to Abbot's creek, in the fameftate; 
 where he was the inftrument of planting a church ; 
 of which he was. ordained paftor, in the fifty fecond 
 year' of his age, by his brothers in law. Rev. Mefii's* 
 Henry Ledbetter, and Shubal Stearns. Soon after 
 receiving this honour, my reverend father travelling 
 :it ditterent times, into Virginia, baptized colonel Sa- 
 
DANIEL MARSHALL. 371 
 
 muel Harris, with whom he immediately afterwards 
 made fcver-.l tours, and preached, and planted the 
 golpcl in various places, as far as lames* river. It 
 was but a few years after his ordination, before, in- 
 duced by appearances of increafmg ufetulnefs, he took 
 an affecftionate leave of his beloved' charge, and fettled 
 on Beaver creek, in South Carolina. 
 
 In this place, likewife, a church was raifed under 
 his miniiby ; and until brought to a good degree of 
 maturity in divine things, was an objed of his tender 
 and unremitted care and folicitude. At the direction 
 of divine Providence, as he conceived, and as fubfe^ 
 quent events have proved, his next removal was to 
 Horfe creek, about fifteen miles North of Augufta. 
 
 The fruits of his labours in this place remain in a 
 refpecftable church ; fome of whofe fons, raifed up 
 under his care, have fuccefsfully diftufed the light of 
 divine truth through various benighted regions. 
 From Horfe creek my aged father made his firfl vi- 
 fits to this ftate. On the fecond or third of thefe, 
 while in prayer, he was feized, in the prefence of his 
 audience, for preaching in the parilli of St. Paul ; and 
 made to give fecurity for his appearance in Augufta, 
 on the following Monday, to anfwer this charge. 
 Accordingly, he ilood a trial ; and after his meeknefs 
 and patience were fufficiently exeicifed, he was or- 
 dered to come, as a preacher, no more into Georgia. 
 
 In the words of an apoftie, limilarly circumftanced, 
 he replied, ** Whetiier it be right to obey ^iod, or 
 man, judge ye." Conliilently with this juft, and 
 fpirited replication, he purfued his luminous courfe : 
 and on the ift of January, 771, came with his fami- 
 ly, and took' up his final earthly refidencc at the 
 Kioke. The following fpring, the church here was. 
 formed ; and it is famous for having>furniflied mate- 
 rials for feveral other churches. For this purpofe, 
 many common me.ibers have been difmiffed, and (q- 
 veral minillers ordained. Among thefe are Rev. 
 MeiTrs. Saunders Walker^y San;\uel Newton, Lovelefs 
 
S7t lilOGRAPIIY OF 
 
 Savage, Alexander Scott, and tne writer of this arti- 
 cle. Through God's bleffingon the miniftry of her 
 indefatigable founder, and paftor, this church continu- 
 ed to lengthen htr cords, and ftrengthen her flakes ; 
 breaking forth on the right hand and on the left; un- 
 til our beloved country was unhippil v involved in the 
 Jiorrors of war. N o fc enes, however, from the com- 
 mencement to the termination of holHlities, were fo 
 gloomy and alarming as to deter my ineffimable fa- 
 ther from difcharging the duticN of his ftation. Nei- 
 ther reproaches, nor threatenings could excite in him 
 the leafl appearance of timidity, or any thing incon- 
 iiflent with chriftian and minifterial heroifm. As a 
 friend to the American caufe, he was once made a 
 prifoner, and put under a flrong guard. But obtam- 
 ing leave of the officers, he commenced and fupported 
 fo heavy a charge of exhortation and prayer, that, like 
 Daniel of old, while his enemies flood amazt-d and 
 confounded, he was fafely and honourably delivered 
 from this den of lions. Even the infirmities of old 
 age, and the evident approach of the kmg of terrors, 
 were not fufficient to fhake his faith or hope ; nor, 
 ' in the leafl perceivable degree, to abate his zeal. 
 
 A few months previous to his deceafe, rifing in his 
 pulpit, which he had frequently befprinkled with his 
 tears, and from which he had as often defcended to 
 weep over a carelefs auditory -, he faid, 
 
 " 1 addrefs you, my dear hearers, with a diffidence 
 that arifes trom a failure of memory, and a gener;il 
 weaknefs of body and mind, common to my years. 
 But 1 recollect, * he that holds out to the end ffiall be 
 faved ;* and I am refolved to iinifh my courfe in the 
 caufe of God." 
 
 Accordingly, he attended public worfhip regular- 
 ly ; even through his lingering mortal illnefs'3 until 
 the laft fabbath, but one, before his difTolution. In 
 his family, he invariably performed his ulual round 
 of holy duties, until the morning immediately prece- 
 ding his happy change. Fully apprized of this, as 
 
DANIEL MARSHALL. 
 
 at hand, and per-fedlly in his fenfes, he expreffcd, dif- 
 tindly and emphatically, his fteady and increafing 
 confidence of future blifs. - 
 
 The following, taken by me, in the prefence of 
 a few deeply affed:ed friends and relatives, as he deli- 
 vered them, were his lafl words : 
 f' ** Dear brethren and fillers, 1 am jufl gone. This 
 \riight i {hall, probably, expire. But 1 have nothing 
 to fear. 1 have fought a good fight ; I luve finiflied 
 ly courfe ; I have kept the faith. And hencefortli 
 there is laid up for me a crown of righteoufnefs. 
 fGod has ihown me, that he is my God ; that I am his 
 fon ; and, that an eternal weight of glory is mine !" 
 
 The venerable partner of his cares, and, 1 may add, 
 faithful afliftynt in all his labours j fitting bedewed 
 with teuTS, by his fide 3 he proceeded : 
 
 ** Go on, my dear wife, to ferve the Lord. Hold 
 out to the end. Eternal glory is befcre us !" 
 
 After a filence of Ibme minutes, he called me, and 
 faid, " IVly breath is almoU gone. I have been pray- 
 ing that i may go home, to-night. I had great hap- 
 piness in our worfiiip this morning ; particularly in 
 iinging, which will make a part of my exerciles in a 
 blefi^ed eternity." 
 
 Now, gently clofing his eyes he cheerfully gave 
 up his foul to God, with whom, 1 doubt not he 
 walks, " high in falvation, and the climes of blifs." 
 
 This folemn event took place at the dawn of the 
 fecondday of November, 1784, in thefeventy eighth 
 year of his age, 
 
 A fuitable difcourfe to his mem^ory, w^as delivered 
 from the above mentioned paffage of holy writ, by 
 the late Rev. Charles Bufiey. 
 
 VVhatever infirmities might appear in my certainly 
 eminently pious, and extenfively ufeful father, it 
 would not become me to bring them into view, ex- 
 cept it were to fi.ow, as might afil be done, that 
 ** e'en his failings 1 aned to v rtue's fide." And I 
 handle too feeble a pen tc delineate the various excel- 
 
374 BIOGRAPHY OF 
 
 lent quilitlcs ani graces, which adorned hiiij, in 
 every relation he fuftained through fife. I will only 
 
 Tho'no proud pile, learn'd pen, nor letter'd ftone, 
 His virtues rare, to late po{terity reveals ; 
 
 He' 11 ever Ihine, and v/axingly has (hone, 
 Through rolling years, ia minifterial feals. 
 
 A. M." 
 
 APPENDIX 
 To the Biography of Mr. Marshall. 
 
 In 1748, Mr. Marfliall married his fecond and; 
 lafl: wife, Mifs Martha Stearns, lifter to Rev. Shu- 
 bal Stearns. Mr. IVlarihall had the rare felicity of 
 finding in this lady, a Prifcilla, a helper in the gof- 
 pel. In fad:, it fliould not be concealed that his ex- 
 traordinary fuccefs in the miniftry, is afcribable in no 
 fmall degree, to Mrs. Marfhall's unwearied, and zeal- 
 ous co-operation. Without the fliadow of a ufurped 
 authority over the other fex, Mrs Marfliall, being a 
 lady of good fenfe, fingular piety, and furpriling 
 elocution, has, in countlefs inftances, melted a whole 
 concourfe into tears, by her prayers and exhortations! 
 
 Another caufe to which VIr. Marfliall's diftin- 
 guiflied utility is attributable, in a great meafure, was 
 his bold and independent method of procedure. 
 With a foul expanded by contemplations on auguft 
 objed-s, a boundlefs ambition direded to a corref- 
 pondent prize, and the world completely under his 
 feet, he was capable of the moft difficult and arduous 
 enterprizes ; and could be difmayed by no dangers. 
 Superior to local attachments, he v/ent from place to 
 place, inftrudi ng, exhorting,, and praying for indivi- 
 duals, families, and congregations . whether at a liiuf- 
 ter, a raco, a ^mbiic mar.i^^L, xh. open field, an army. 
 
DANIEL MAUSHALL. 3i5 
 
 or a houfe of vvorfhip ; wherever he was able to com^ 
 mand attention. 
 
 Such coiidud: was, indeed, and may ftill, by many, 
 be conlidered irregular; and little lefs than as favour- 
 ing of infanity. But if he a(5led in fome of theie in- 
 ftances as if he were belide himfelf, it was for the 
 fake of precious fouls : and the fruits of his ailonifli- 
 ing exertions have abundantly fliowii that he was 
 conftrained by the love of Chrift. 
 
 It may poffij^ly be thought that IVIr. Marfhall was 
 the fubjedf of deiufive hopes ; and culpably enthuii- 
 aftic, when he left New Bngland, with a family, to 
 roam under the rifing beams of the latter-day glory, 
 as he fuppofed, for the converfion of fouls. But let 
 this matter be fairly confidered, and it will appear; 
 that his moil fanguine expectations muft have, fo far, 
 been fully realized. Since the period at which Mr, 
 Marfliall commenced his career, thofe burning and 
 fhining lights. Rev. MelTrs. Whitneld and Wesley 
 with their zealous affociates and numerous follow- 
 ers, have aroufed a (lumbering world, and liberally 
 flied the luftre of truth in its darkefh receiles ; thou- 
 fandsofable and evangelical writers and preachers 
 have been raifed up, and as many gofpei churches 
 formed ; a revolution in America has bellowed re- 
 ligious liberty on one quarter of the globe; the man 
 of iin's fyftem has been almoft demolifhed, with a 
 vengeance that makes us tremble ; liberty' of confci- 
 ence has made rapid advances in Europe; the fhouts 
 of all truly religious denominations, have been min- 
 gled at the funeral of bigotry; the fcriptures have 
 been tranflated into feveral barbarous languages ; 
 mifhonaries have gone out, literally, into all the 
 world; andiinners, of all defcriptions,^ have fallen, by 
 thoufands, beneath the-fwordof the Spirit, v/hich is 
 the word of God. 
 
 • Nov/, can it be reafonably prefumcd, that when 
 Mr- Marfhalj, in the fervour of his piety, exchiinged 
 
BIOGRAPHY OF 
 
 New England for the ^4ohawk nation, he expe^f^ed, 
 that by this time, the kingdom of Chriil would be in 
 a more refped:able and triumphant, ftate, than is fuf- 
 flcicnt to make its moft formidable enemies gnaw 
 their chains ? 
 
 As to any fpccial confidence that Mr. Marihall 
 might have in God as engaged to preft*'-'e and prof- 
 per a family devoted to his fervice, tlit reader will 
 probably be of opinion that it could not have been 
 ftronger than it was well founded, on running his 
 eye over the following faifts : 
 
 With pleafure I announce to the chriftian world, 
 that one of its brightefh ornaments, Mr. Marfhall's 
 aged and venerable relid:, is not only yet in time, 
 but with an uncommon fhare of good health, enjoys 
 a flow of comfortably cheerful fpirits. 
 
 Mrs. Marshall, in the enjoyment of all that can 
 render life a blelling, has a pleafant relidcnce in Co- 
 lumbia county, near Augufta, and is furrounded by 
 her ftep fon, Mr. Daniel Marihall, all the children, 
 flie ever bore. Rev. Abraham Marfhall, MefTrs. John, 
 Zacheus, Levi, Mofes, Solomon, and Jofeph Mar- 
 lliall, two daughters, Mrs. Eunice Pittman and Mrs. 
 Mary Willborn, and about fifty grandchildren. 
 
 I cannot take leave of this very remarkable and 
 highly favoured family without foliciting Mrs. Mar- 
 fhall's pardon, for the freedom of fome of the pre- 
 ceding remarks, which truth and duty urged me to 
 make : and fmcerely wifliing that my reverend friend 
 Mr. Abraham Marfliall, to a greater age than that 
 of his renowned father, may be clafled by all, but 
 himfelf, with the moft eloquent, popular, and ufeful 
 charaders in the ftate of Georgia, V. S, 
 
SAMUEL IIArvRlSS. ^77 
 
 SAMUEL HARRISS. 
 
 By reverting to the biography of Mr. Marfliali, th(5 
 reader will find thct in one of his evangelical jour-* 
 nies, he had the iingular happinefs to baptize Mr, 
 Samuer H.^nifs, commonly called Colonel Harrifs, 
 Mr. Harrii.. was born in Hanover county, Virginia, 
 January T2th, 1724 Few men could boaft of mote 
 refpe(5table parentage. His education, though not 
 the mofl liberal, was very confiderable, for the cuf- 
 toms of thatday. AVhen young, he moved to the coun- 
 ty of Pittfylvania : and as he advanced in age, became 
 a favourite with the people, as well as with the rulers. 
 He was appointed church warden, iheriff, a juflice 
 of the peace, burgefs for the county, colonel of the 
 militia, captain of Mayo fort, and commifTary for the 
 fort and army. All thefe thint^s, however, he count- 
 ed but drofs, that he might win Chrift Jefus, and be- 
 come a minifter of his word, am.ong the Baptiils ; a 
 fe(ft at that time every where fpoken againft. His 
 converfion was efteCted in the following way : He 
 iirft became ferious and melancholy without know- 
 ing why By reading and converfation, he difcover- 
 ed that he was a haplds fmner ; and that a (cniQ of his 
 guilt, was the true caufe of his gloom of mind. 
 PrelTed with this convidtion, he ventured to attend 
 Baptift preaching. On one of his routes to vifit the 
 forts in his official charad:er, he called at a fmall 
 houfe, where he underftood there was to be Baptift 
 preaching. The preachers were Jofeph and Wil- 
 liam Murphy ; at that time, commonly called Mur- 
 phy's boys. Being rigged in his military drefs, he 
 was not willing to appear in a confpicuous place. 
 He feated himfeif behind a loom. God, nevcrthe- 
 lefs, found him out by his Spirit His convidions 
 nov/ funk fo deep, that he could no longer conceal 
 them. He left his fword and other parts of hi3 rig- 
 ging fome in one place, and ibmein another. The ar- 
 
 X y 
 
o7b l)IGGR^\pIIV Ol'" 
 
 rows of the Almighty ftuck fad in him j nor could he 
 fhake them off, until fome time after. At a meeting, 
 when the congregation rofe from prayer, colonel Har- 
 rifs was obferved ftill on his knees, with his head and 
 hands hanging over the bench. Some of the people 
 went to his relief; and foand him fenfelefs. When 
 he came to himfelf, he fmiled ; and in an ecftacy 
 of joy, exclaimed. Glory ! glory ! glory ! &c. ^oon 
 after this, he was baptized by Rev. Daniel ^4arfllall ; 
 as mentioned above. This probably took place, 
 fome time in the year 1758. He did not confer with 
 iielli and blood ; but immediately began his minifte- 
 i-ial labours j which afterwards proved fo efFe(f>ual as 
 to acquire him the name of the Virginia apofrle. 
 
 In 1759, he was ordained a ruling elder. His la- 
 bours were chiefly confined, for the firfl fix or {even 
 years, to the adjacent counties of Virginia and North 
 Carolina; never having palled to the north of James 
 river, until the year 1765. During the iirll years of 
 his miniftry, he often travelled with Mr. IV'J arfliall ; 
 and mufl have caught much of his fpirit. For there 
 is obviouHy a confiderable refemblance in their man- 
 ner. January, 1765, Allen Wyley travelled out to 
 Pittfylvania, to feek for a preacher.* He had been 
 prevjoufly baptized by fome Regular Baptift minif- 
 ter in Fauquier ; but not being able to procure 
 preachers to attend in his own neighbourhood, and 
 hearing of the Newlights, (as they were called in 
 North Carolina), he fet out by himfelf, fcarcely 
 knowing whither he was going. God diredled his 
 way, and brought him into the neigbourhood of i\ir. 
 Harrifs, on a meeting day. He went to the meet- 
 ing, and was immediately noticed, by Mr. Harrifs, 
 -and asked whence he came. He replied that he was 
 feeking a gofpel minifler ; and God having diredled 
 his courfe to him, that he was the man : and that 
 he wifl:>ed him to go with him to Culpeper. Mr* 
 
 * ScGppge 7.' 
 
SAMUEL IIARRISS, . 379 
 
 Hurrlfs agreed to go, like Peter nothing doubting but 
 it was a call from God. The effeds of his vifit may 
 be ken in another part *of this work, page lo. After 
 this, three others came from Spottfylvania, to obtain 
 Mr. Harrffss fsrvices. He departed into North 
 Carolina, to feek James Read, who was ordained to 
 the minillry. Their labours were fo highly tavour- 
 ed, that from that time, Mr. Harrifs became alniofl 
 a'cdnftant travelier. Not confining himfelf to nar- 
 row limits, but led on from place to place; wherever 
 he coaid fee an opening to do good there he would 
 hoift the fl ig of peace. There was fcarcely any place 
 in Virginia, in which he did not low the gofpel 
 feed, it was not until 176c, th^t this eminently ufe- 
 fiil man was ordained to the adminiitration of ordi- 
 nances. Why hs was not ordamed, at an earlier pe- 
 riod, is not certainly known. ' SoiJit i-xj^ tliat he did 
 not wiili it. Others, that his opinions refped:ing the 
 fupport of ministers, were objected to by the leading 
 elders. After his ordination, he baptized as v/ell as 
 preached. 
 
 In every point of view, Mr. Harrifs might be con- 
 sidered, as one of the mofl excellent of men. Being 
 in eafy circumftances, when he became religious, he 
 devoted not only himfelf, butalmod all his property, 
 to religious objects. He had begun a large new 
 dwelling houfe, fuitable to his former dignity ; which, 
 as foon as it was covered in, he appropriated to the 
 ufe of public worfliip : continuing to live in the old 
 one. 
 
 After maintaining his family in a very frugal man- 
 ner, he diilributed his furplus income to chariti^ble 
 purpofes. During the war, when it was extremely 
 difficult to procure lalt, he kept two v/aggons run- 
 ning to Petersburg, to bring up fait for his neigh- 
 bours. His manners were of the mofl winning iurt; 
 having a fmgular talent at touching the feelings. 
 He fcarcely ever went into a houfe, ..withowt exhort- 
 ing and praying for thofe he met there. , 
 
S80 BIOGRAPHY OK 
 
 Asa dodlrlnal preacher, his talents were rather be- 
 low mediocrity; unlefs at thofe times when he was 
 highly favoured from above : then, he would fome- 
 times difplay confiderable ingenuity. His excellen- 
 cy lay chie^y in addreffing the heart : and perhaps 
 even V^. hitiield did not furpafs him in this. When 
 animated hmifeif, he fldom failed to animate his au- 
 ditory, borne have defcribed him, when exhorting 
 at great meetings, as pouring forth ftreams of celtfti- 
 al lightning from his eyes ; which, whitherfoever he 
 turned his face, would rtrikc dov/n hundreds at once. 
 Hence he was often called Boanerges. So much was 
 Mfv Harrifs governed by his feelings, that if he be- 
 gan to preach, and did not feel fomc liberty of utter- 
 ance, he would tell his audience he could not preach 
 without the I.-ordj and then lit down. Not long be- 
 fore the commencement of the great revival in Vir- 
 ginia, Mr. H. had a paralytic ftroke ; from which he 
 never entirely recovered. Y et this did not deter him 
 from his diligent ufefulnefs. If he could not go as 
 far, he was ftill not idle within that fphere allowed 
 him by his infirmities. At all ailociations and ge- 
 neral committees where he was delegated, he was 
 ialmoil invariably made moderator. This office, like 
 every thing elfe, he difcharged with fome degree of 
 Singularity, yet with general fatisfadlion. 
 
 For fome fliort time previous to his death, his fen- 
 fes were confiderably palfied. So that we are depri- 
 ved of luch pious remarks, as would probably have 
 fallen from this extraordinary fervantofGod in his, 
 Jafi: hours. 
 
 He was fomewhat over feventy years of age when 
 he died. 
 
 The remarkable anecdotes told of Mr H. are fa 
 numerous, that they would fill a volume of them- 
 felves, if they were colleded. A part of them Q^ilj?- 
 we fhall record. - •• *^* ■* 
 
 Mr. H. like Mr. Marfliall, pofiefied a foul incapable 
 of being difmayed by any difficulties. To obtaiahis 
 
SA^IUEL IIARRISS. 3S1 
 
 jwn content to undertake a laudable enterprize, it 
 was futficient for him to know that it was pollible. 
 His faith was fufficient to throw mountains into the 
 fea, if they ilood in the way. He feems alfo never to 
 have been apalled by the fear or the fliame^of man. 
 lie could confront the ftoutefh fon of pride, and 
 boldly urge the humble doctrines of the crofs. Like 
 the brave foldier, if beaten back at the ftrft onfet, he 
 was iliil ready for a further affauit. So that he often 
 conquered oppofers, that, to others, appeared com- 
 pletely hopelefs. With this fpirit he commenced hit 
 career. 
 
 Early after he embraced religion, his mind was im- 
 prefled with a deiire to preach to the officers and 
 foldiers in the fort. An opportunity offered in fort 
 Mayo ; and Mr. Harrifs began his harangue ; urging 
 moft vehemently the neceffity of the new birth. Li 
 the courfe of his harangue, an officer mterrupted him, 
 faying, ** Colonel, you have fucked much eloquence 
 from the rum cask, to-day : Pray give us a little ; 
 that we may declaim as well, when it comes to our 
 turn." Harrifs replied, * I am not drunk/ and re~ 
 fumed his difcourfe. He had not gone far, before he 
 was accofted by another, in a ferious manner: who, 
 looking in his face, faid, ** Sam, you fay you are not 
 drunk j pray are you not mad, then ? What the de- 
 vils ails you!" Colonel Harrifs replied, in the 
 words of Paul, * I am not mad, mod noble gentle- 
 man.' He continued fpeaking publicly and private- 
 ly, until one of the gentlemen received fuch impref- 
 lions as were never afterwards fhaken oft. He be- 
 came a pious chriflian. 
 
 At another time, a captain Ball, in the county of 
 Culpeper, came to a place where Mr. Harrifs was 
 to preach, and faid to him, " You fliall not preach 
 here." Another replied, ** But he (hall." From 
 this (harp contention of words, they proceeded to a 
 a (harper conteft of blows and fcuffies. Friends on 
 both fiaes rntereliQd themfelve?^ ; fome to rn^ke 
 
oSS IJIOGRAPHY 01' 
 
 peace,. ^Ad others to back their foremen. The mul- 
 titude divided. Colonel Harifs's friends took him 
 into a houfe. Lewis Craig was to guard tlie door, 
 while Mrv H. was preaching. Ball's gang came up 
 -and drov^thedentinel from his ftand. The day end- 
 ed witli noihin?- butconfufion. 
 
 o 
 
 On another occalion, he was arreflcd and carried 
 into court, as a dlfturber of the peace. In court, a 
 captain Willams vehemently accufcd him as a vaga- 
 bond, a heretic, and a mover of fcdition everywhere. 
 Mr. IJarrifs made his defence. But the court or- 
 dered that he fliould not prcach'in the county again, 
 for the fpace of twelve months ; or be committed to 
 prifon. The colonel told them that he lived two 
 hundred miles from thence ^ and that it was not like- 
 ly that he lliouid difturb them again, in the courfe of 
 one year, Upon this he was difmiiled. From Cul- 
 peper he went into Fauquier ; and preached at Car- 
 ter's run. From thence he croffed the Blue ridge; 
 and preached in Shenandoah. On his return from 
 thence, he turned in at captain Thomas Clanahan's, 
 in the county of Culpeper, where there was a meet- 
 ing. While certain young minifters were preaching, 
 the word of God began to burn in colonel Harrifs's 
 heart. When they finiOied, he arofe and addreiled 
 the congregation : *' 1 partly promifed the devil, a 
 few days pafl, at the courthoufe, that I would not 
 preach in this county again in the term of a year. 
 But the devil is a perfidious wretch 3 and covenants 
 with him are not to be kept : and tlierefore I will 
 preach." ile preached a lively, animating fermon.. 
 The court never meddled with him more. 
 
 On one occafion, in Orange county, one Healey 
 pulled him down as he vims preaching; and dragged 
 him about, feme times by the hair of the head, and 
 fometimes by the leg. His friends refcued him^ 
 On another time, he was knocked down by a rude 
 feliov/, while he was preaching. He went to preach 
 to the prifoners once, in the town of Hillfborougii, 
 
SAWUEL IIARRISS. 38^ 
 
 They locked him in -, and kept him there for feme 
 time. 
 
 Colonel Ilarrifs did not fiiffer as many perfecutions 
 as fome other Baptifi: preachers. Tempered in Ibmc 
 degree peculiar to himfelf, perhaps his bold, noble, 
 yet humble manner, difmayed the ferocious spirits 
 of the oppofers of religion. 
 
 When he lirft began to preach, his foul was fo ab- 
 forbed in the work, that it was difficult for him to 
 attend to the duties of this life. A man owed him a 
 fum of money, which he actually ftood in need of, 
 to defray the expenfes of his family. He went to 
 the man, and told him he would be very glad if he 
 would difchajge the debt he owed him. To which 
 the man replied, he could not pay him the money. 
 Harrifs faid, I want the money to buy wheat for my 
 family^ You have a good crop by you, I had ra- 
 ther have wheat than money. The man anfwered, 
 * i have other ufes for my wheat.' How, then, faid 
 Mr. H. do you intend to pay me ? I never intend to 
 pay you, until you fueme, replied the debtor. 
 
 Mr. Harrifs left him^ meditating: Good God, faid 
 ke to himfelf, what ibali I do ? IVIufl; I leave preach- 
 ing to attend to a lawfuit ! Perhaps a thoufand fouls 
 will perifli in the mean time, for the want of hearing 
 of Jefus. No ! I will not ! Well, what will you 
 do for yourfelf ? What? I vi^ill fuehim atthe court 
 of heaven. 
 
 Having refolved what to do, he turned afide into 
 a wood ; and fell upon his knees, and thus began his 
 fuit : 
 
 " O blelTed Jefus I thou eternal God.. Thou know- 
 ert, that I need the money wliich the man owes me, 
 to fupplv the wants of my family ; but he will not 
 pay me without a lawfuit. Dear Jefus, fliall 1 quit 
 thy caufe, and leave the fouls of men to periih F 
 Or wilt thou, in mercy, open fome other way of re- 
 lief?". 
 
 In this prayer, Mr. H. fniTn'l f ^^'^ ^-■-^[\p, of di-r 
 
384. BIOGRAPHY UF 
 
 vine goodncfs, that to life his ov/n words, *' Jelli:; 
 laid unto him, Harrifs ! keep on preaching, and 1 will 
 become fecurity for the payment." 
 
 Mr. H. having his debt thus fecared, thought it 
 mod proper to giye the debtor a difcharge. Accord- 
 ingly he fhortly after, paffing by to a U'ceting, carri- 
 ed a receipt in full to the man's houfe ; and gave it 
 to his fervant, deliring him to give it to his mafter. 
 On his return by the houfe, after meeting, the man 
 hiiiled him at his gate; and faid, Mr. H. what did 
 you mean by the receipt you fent this morning ? 
 Mr. H. replied, I n-;cant juft a? I wrote. 
 Well, but 1 have not paid you, anfwered tlie debt*- 
 or. Harrifs faid. True ; and I know alfo, that you . 
 faid, you never would, without I got the money at 
 the tail of an execution: But, Sir, 1 fucd you in the; 
 court cf heaven ; and Jefus has agreed to pay me. X 
 have therfore given you a difcharge ! 
 
 This operated fo effedlually upon the man's con- 
 fcience, that in a /ev/ days he prepared and fent to 
 Mr. H. wheat enough to difcharge the debt. 
 
 Note, Some of the chriftian worldlings of th(^„ . 
 pre fent day, will hy^ Aye ! but this will not do often. 
 We anfwer. The principle is correic, at all times ; 
 viz. to commit our grievances to our heavenly Fa- 
 ther, and truft him for a full recompenfe. How dif- 
 ferently do thofe brethren ad:, who, for the mere pelf 
 of this v/orld, not only go to law with the wicked, 
 but with their own brethren ! And femetimes, in or- 
 der to gain their point, will flrive to blaft their re- 
 putation in open court ! For the honour of religion, 
 itmuft here be added, that thefe things have feldom 
 (we wilh we could fay never) occurred among the 
 Baptifts. 
 
 • In 1787, a lady once asked him at meeting, when 
 the people were much exercifed with weeping, &c. 
 if he did not think there was more hypocrify than 
 any thing elfe in it. He replied. No ! And drew 
 aut a doUat, faying, Now, Madam, if you will fhed 
 
JEREMIAH WALKER, 385 
 
 'ibme of thefe hypocritical tears, 1 wUl give you this 
 dollar. She could not produce a tear. 
 
 A criminal, v/ho had been juft pardoned at the 
 gallows, once met him on the road and Ihowed him 
 his reprievci Well, faid he ; And have you iliown it 
 to Jefus ? No, Mr. Harrifs, I want you to do that 
 for me. The old man immediately defcended from, 
 his horfe, in the road j and miking the man alfo 
 alight. They both kneeled down jVlr. H. put 
 ona hand on the man's head, and with the other held 
 open tlie pardon. And thus, in behalf of the crimi- 
 nal, returned thanks for his reprieve ; and prayed for 
 him to obtain God's pardon alio. 
 
 A volume might be filled with entertaining anec- 
 dotes refpedling this venerable man. Let thefe fuf-^ 
 lice. 
 
 JEREML\H WALKER. 
 
 Rev. Jeremiah Walker was born in Bute county. 
 North Carolina, about the year 1747. He polTeiled 
 rare and Angular talents. When but a fmall boy, 
 although defcended from rather obfcure parentage, 
 and having very little education, he was remarkably 
 fond of reading and improving his mind. He was 
 alio noticed, as a boy of very moral and virtuous ha- 
 bits. When quite young, he embraced vital religion; 
 and, being bapti:^ed, foon began to preach The 
 few Baptid preachers that were then in the miniflry, 
 were very illiterate. Mr. Walker of courfe had very 
 little chance of improving his fmall llock of litera- 
 ture, from their converfation. The invincible ener- 
 gies of his genius, tOA^sred above every obflnu'tion. 
 He quickly flione forth .vith lb much fplendour as 
 to make it queilionable, whether the obfcurity of his 
 education, as well as the unlearnednefs of his fociety, 
 did not, by leaving his min ' unlhackled from fcho- 
 
 Y2 ^' 
 
386 moGRArnY OF 
 
 laftic dogmas and from critical flridlures, rather ad- 
 vance, than impede his real greatnefs After preach- 
 ing in his native neighbourhood, and in Pittlylvania 
 county, Virginia, for fomc few years, he was indu- 
 ced by the new church called Nottoway, formed in 
 Amelia county, Virginia, (now Nottoway) to move 
 down and take the pafloral charge of them. This 
 took place, anno 1769. Here he became very con- 
 fpicuous. Great talents feldom fail of great fuccefs. 
 Mr. Walker, though paflor of Nottoway church, 
 dilleminated his evangelical principles far and near. 
 He was almoft inceflantly employed in preaching 
 the gospel Jn a few years, aided by others, parti- 
 cularly certain young preachers of his own railing, 
 he planted between twenty and thirty churches fouth 
 of James river. In thefe were aifo, a confiderable 
 number of gifted charaders, who afterwards became 
 diftinguiflied preachers. Ail of whom, were either 
 brought to the knowledge of truth through his mi- 
 niftry, or were nurtured under his foflering hand after 
 they were brought. ' All who knew him about this 
 time, coincide in afcribing to him every thing that is 
 defirable in a minifter of the gofpel. In talents as a 
 preacher, he was equalled by itw of any denomina- 
 tion. His voice was melodious : his looks were af- 
 fedlionate: his manner was impreffive and winning: 
 his reafoning was clofe and conclufive: his figures 
 were elegant, well chofen, and ftri(5tly applicable. 
 All of which advantages were heightened by the 
 moft unaffedied fimplicity. In private converfation, 
 he was uncommonly entertaining and inflrucfting to 
 all; but efpecially to young preachers. Affable with 
 all forts of people, he was beloved and admired as far 
 as he was known. Belides this, he was conlidered 
 by all his acquaitances exemplarily pious; and no 
 doubt was fo at that time.. No fpot nor wrinkle 
 was found in his charad:er. 
 
 i3o diftinguifhed a man among the defpifedJBap* 
 
JEREMIAH WALKER. 387 
 
 tlih, could not long efcape the notice of their 
 opponents. When persecution began to arife, the 
 enemies of the crofs foon caft thdir eyes upon Je- 
 remiah Walker. Him they viewed as the champion. 
 ' If we can but filence him, faid they, the whole hofl 
 belide, will hide themfelves in dens and caverns."' 
 Accordingly Mr. Walker was arrefted in Chefter- 
 iield county, by virtue of a warrant from a magif- 
 trate : and after examination, was committed to jail. 
 Mr. Walker's patience, humility, and uniform pru- 
 dence and piety, while in prifon, acqun-ed tor hiin 
 the eileem of ail whofe prejudices would allow them 
 to think favourably of a BaptifL He kept a journal 
 or diary when confined ; in which are some of the 
 moil pious and fenlibie reflections. 
 
 When Mr. Walker came out of jail, he flood, if 
 poffible, in higher ellimation than he had done be- 
 fore. Wherever he went to preach, he was attend- 
 ed by a large concourfe. And from his preaching, 
 the moil beneficial confequences were conilantly 
 oroduced. 
 
 Were, alas ! we couldvvillingly drop the pencil, 
 and leave the picture with these bright colourings^ 
 Our wiflies cannot be indulged. Candour compels 
 us to forego the defire. lake the inspired histori- 
 ans, v/e muil not only exhibit the goodnefb and the 
 greatnefs of God's people, but their foibles and their 
 follies too They told of David's rife ; they told of 
 his downfall like wife. No maxim is more furely 
 eftabli{hed by experience arid ohfervation, than that, 
 high delights are fraught with great dangers. God 
 hath fet adverfity over againlt profperity. And when- 
 ever S mail in my chdradler arifes to didingui/hed 
 eminence, he may look for fome downfall, uhitfs he 
 watch his fteps with a commenfurate vigilance. 
 
 Mr. Walker had arrived to a dei.!:ree of diltindtion, 
 far above any of his afibciates In whatever dire<^tion 
 he might travel, he was hailed by many as fither in 
 the gofpel. Careifed by his fricndsV admired 'by all. 
 
388 iTOGRAPHY OF 
 
 even by his enemies; invited to the focicty of the 
 great; very influenzal, ami, mdf-ed, all powertul m 
 aiibciations and other places among the Baptiftsf 
 i^till young and inexperienced, it will not appear 
 flange to an experienced mind, that this man, thus 
 ftanding on a pinnacle, fhould tilt over. ^ 
 
 Oh popular applaufe ! what heart of rnaii 
 
 If proof againft thy fwett, feducing charms? 
 
 The vviiell and the beft feel urgent need , 
 
 Df all their caution, in thy gentleft gales. 
 
 But, fwelled into a guft, who then, alas 1 
 
 With all his canvals fet, and, inexpert 
 
 And therefore heedlefs, can withftand thy power 1 
 
 In every good, there will befome evil. Theplain^ 
 familiar, aftectionate manners ol the Baptifls in thole 
 days, under luitdble re llri Aliens, were furely favour- 
 able to vital piety. This habit, however, am.ong the 
 unlufpicious and incautious, expofed them to Inares ; 
 into which too many fell. It would have been hap- 
 py for IV<r. VV. if he had obkrvcd fomewhat more 
 of etiquette; efpecially among females. 'J heir fqnd- 
 nels for his company, under the pretence of religious 
 afft'dion, was often nothing more than carnal love 
 in difguife. He was ultimately entrapped. In the 
 year 1774, he attempted a criminal intrigue vyith a 
 young woman; for which he was excluded: but 
 foon again reftored on account of his apparently 
 deep contrition. His deportment after this, was fa 
 correct for fome years, that he had almoll regained 
 his former flanding. But, iamentable to relate, about 
 the year 1784, or 17S5, he fell into a fimilar trans- 
 greflion; in which, things were carried much farther 
 than in the firft. He was immediately excluded from 
 fellovvihip. He funk down into the utmoll: con- 
 tenipt. His nanie founded with infamy far and near* 
 The friends of rtligion were abailied beyond expref- 
 fion; while their enemies triumphed, as if the Bap- 
 tiiis had funk i#verto nle a^ain. In no ^rciat while 
 
JEREMIAH WALKER. 389 
 
 after this wretched event, he moved to Georgia; from 
 whence, in the year 178b, he vilited Virginia ; pro- 
 fefied to be again reftored to divine favour 3 and pe- 
 titioned the church from which he had been exclu- 
 ded to reinflatehim in his memberfliip. After fome 
 in^ediments were removed, he was received as a 
 m* Vber, and alfo permitted to refume his minirtry. 
 
 'f he fequel of his life is an almoft continual ilrug- 
 gle againlt the prejudices of both church and world, 
 Ihc sword never departed from hishouse. After his ref- 
 toration, his morals were corr^dl:: for in truth, except 
 the above fin, no other feems to have been capable, 
 of producing a momentary temptation to his mind. 
 
 He became an Arminian,, after his downfall ; and 
 thereby excited among the Georgia Baptifts, no fmall 
 degree of contention. Finally, however, they fplit : 
 Mr. Walker, with a fmall party, formed a dittinft 
 fociety, called General Baptifts. The others were 
 called Particular Baptifts -, in alluiion to the dodrinc 
 of general and particular redemption, holden by them. 
 Juft the fame in name and principle, as the kinds of 
 Baptifts in England. In 279 1 , he travelled into Vir- 
 ginia, and attended thp aflbciation holden by the 
 Middle Diftridt, at Cedar Creek, in Lunenburg. 
 From thence he went to the General Committee,-'' 
 in Goochland ; and then went through various parts 
 of the ftate, leaving his pamphlets and his verbal ar- 
 guments in favour of Arminianifm, whitherfoever he 
 went. In this journey of Mr, Walker, thole who af- 
 foclated with him, found him ftill the fame pleafant, 
 fenftble, inftrudting, genteel character, that he had 
 formerly been. 
 
 Alas! alas! that fo fplendid a garment fliould be 
 fo iDotted ! 
 
 In hislaft illnefs,he endured, with remarkable for- 
 titude and chriftian refignation, the moft excrucia- 
 ting and acutfefufferings. He died September 20th, 
 
 * See accoimt of that General Cor jfe 81, &:r^ 
 
390 l^OGRAPIiy OF 
 
 1792. Rev, Abraham Marfliali preached his funcTai 
 fermon from Zechariah i ith ch. and 2d ver. *' Howl, 
 fir tree, for the cedar is fallen." 
 
 Mr. Walker married Mifs Jane Graves, in North 
 Carolina, when very young. They lived together 
 :n great harmony tor many years. After he went to 
 Georgia, flie diedj and he married a widow la^. 
 Wijfh whom he lived alfo in flri(!^eft harmony. For, 
 his flips to the contrary notwithflandin;^, he was 
 xceedingly alF<;d:ionate and kind in his family. 
 Beiides his Epurfold, (fee. he pubiiflied many 
 other fmall treatifcs at different times. Some of 
 which v/ere celebrated for their clevernefs and in- 
 genuity. (Sec further account of him, page 81 \ 
 
 
 
 DUTTONLANE. 
 
 Mr. Dutton Lane was born November 7th, 1732, 
 iiear Baltimore, in Maryland. At v/hat time he be- 
 came a relident of Virginia, is not known. But he 
 was baptized by Shubal Stearns, anno 1758. He 
 was criained to the miniflry, and, probably, to the 
 care of Uan River church, 0(ftober 22d, 1764; 
 having commenced public fpeaking immediately af- 
 ter he was baptized. Mr. J.ane was not a man of 
 much learning; but having a ftrong conftitution, 
 a loud voice, and feivent fpirit, he did great things 
 VI the name of the holif child Jcsits. 
 
 Unenlightened as the Virginians were, at that 
 time, it, was not to be cxpeded that he would be al- 
 lowed to go in peace. His gv/n father was among 
 the firft to fct his face againfl the Baptifls generally, 
 and againft Dutton, his ion, in particular. lie once 
 purfucd him with an inftrument of death, to kill him, 
 it fell out however, that inflead of killing his fon, he 
 was himlelf llain by the fword of the Spirit : from which 
 lie foon after revived with a hppe of eternal life j and 
 
vas baptized by that very fon v/honi he had pcriecu- 
 
 ted. 
 
 One William Cocker had conceived fiich maligni- 
 ty ao-ainft the Baptiib, that he was accatlomed to 
 fay, that he would rather go to hell than heaven, if 
 gomg to heaven required him to be a Baptifc. But 
 fal^g accidentally, where Mr. Lane preached, he 
 was ftruck down with deep convidionj from which, 
 being delivered by converting grace, he became a 
 pious Baptift. Mr. Lane continued preaching until 
 his death : but the latter part of his life was fome- 
 v/hat obfcured by his adopting and maintaining cer- 
 tain ftrange opiiuons. By diving into fubjed:s not 
 revealed, and rather neglecting thoie which were ob- 
 vious and plain, he was much leis thought of. He 
 lived and died a pious man, however, in the eilima- 
 tion of thofe who knew him well. 
 
 WILLIAM MURPH V. 
 
 Mr. William Murphy was among the earliell: of 
 the Baptift preachers raifed in Virginia. His talents 
 were viewed as very conliderable for that period. 
 He and his brother Jofeph were called, by v\^ay of 
 derilion, Miirp/ii/'s boi/s. It was at one of their 
 meetings, that colonel Harriss was brought to a full 
 {QnCe of his danger; as mentioned in his biography. 
 William Murphy was not only an experimental 
 preacher, and in that way, cf great ufefulnefs ; but 
 when the difputes about free will and free grace, ran 
 fo high in the alibciations, in 1775^ &c. William 
 [Murphy was found among the ableft disputants in 
 fupport of the dodrrines of free grace. 
 
 After continuing his miniftrationsiin Virginia anl 
 
 North Carolina, for a good many y^ars, he then mo- 
 
 ed to the weftern coTintry; and ff^m thenc<5, a few 
 
30^ flroGKAPHY OF 
 
 4 
 
 years fince, Ke pafled over Jordan and entered the 
 land of reft. 
 
 JOSEPH MURPHV. 
 
 Mr. Jofeph IVIurphy, brother to the kit mentiort- 
 ed gentleman, and who also became a fellow labour- 
 er with hini in the vineyard of Chritl, is ftill living 
 in Surry county, North Carolina; and is about feven- 
 ty fix years of age. 
 
 He was not thought to poflefs talents equal to hig 
 brother, yet was eHee/ned a man of ftrong natural 
 parts ; v/hich were wholly negledted until he turned 
 religious. Then he fought for knowledge of every 
 fort by which he could promote the caufe of truth. 
 He learned enough of letters to enable him to read 
 and to preach his bible. He po/Teired ready wit and 
 a bold and intrepid fpirit i by which things he often 
 foiled his adverfaries without converting them. As 
 a difciplinarian, he was thought judicious and ufeful. 
 He was once taken up, and carried before a magif- 
 trate for preaching ; but he defended himfelf fo ex- 
 pertly, that the magiftrate bade him go about his bu- 
 iinefs. He is now refpedied as a venerable old man. 
 
 JiLIJAH BAKEk. 
 
 He was born anno 1742, in the county of Lunen- 
 burg, of honeil and reputable, but not opulent pa- 
 rents When grown to the 'ears of maturity he was 
 much addi(5ted to frolics and fport of all forts. ^Xjq-- 
 ing to hear Mr. Jeremiah Walker preach, he becaine 
 throughly convinced of the neceflity of vital religion. 
 His volatile difpofition, neverthelefs kept him from 
 feeliin^ fdr it. However refolved, when under 
 
ELIJAH BAICF.K. .^Qiu 
 
 preachin^fi alliiis refdlutioA? would fill at the fotind 
 of the fiddle, or ths cordial invitatioii of his pleafjnt, 
 butcirnAl compioions. ^ He at lad came to a deter- 
 mination to give his old companions one more fro- 
 lic, and then forfake them forever. This reroliition 
 he jkept; and wis no mo-e to be foviiid: among th.e 
 Ions of carnal pleafure H;" liil:eaeci now, noi: to the 
 rrvnlic of the violin, b it to fuiylimer -miiiic, the 
 faithful preiching- of the gofpel.- rhus ffi^-infT 'Jp 
 the world, after «nany previous inf:.ffefl:ual -eitbrts, 
 his convictions f')on becatne., exceedingly (harp and 
 pungent.. Sometimes he was'fo convuii^r-d as not to 
 be able to ftand 'deavcn ukimarely.fm lied; and 
 Pvlr Daker was conilrained by the love of God now 
 filed abroad m his hrart, to make a profelTion of 
 grace; and was baptized, anno 1760, by Mr. ^^amucl 
 IJarrifs. Illiterate as he was, he immediately com- 
 menced public fpeaking. When he fir d; made a pro- 
 feiiion, he was remarked for being often cad: down 
 with doubts refpeccing the reality of his converfion. 
 This, by the bye, did not hinder him from making 
 great exertions, firft as an exhorter and finger, and 
 then a preacher. Having exhorted about twelve 
 months, his firft labours were laid out, chieHy in the 
 county of his nativity and the adjacent ones, where 
 he was happily inilrumcntal in planting and wa- 
 tering feveral churches, .^fter about three years, 
 he g-ave up all worldly cares, and devoted his whole 
 tiineto preaching ana other mdniPcerial duties. -About 
 177^, he began to ilretch his lines, and to travel 
 more extenlively. Coming down into the lower end 
 of iienr-ico, he, in conjun tion with one or two 
 others, planted i:?oar S warn p church, ^^'hen, as his 
 ^iy v/ould be opened, he extended ;h is -labours ;^a- 
 •dually downwards ; and was cjiief inlf-umMt in plant- 
 ing all the churches^^in- fame ^ itv, ^'?iirks <.at)* 
 Yorlc, te. Then, CT) ti-v- /\:v \ :■ : river into 
 Oloucefter, preached i oun- 
 
3#4 WOGHAPnt OF 
 
 ty with conliderable fucfefs. There, he formed be- 
 (]uaintance with Mr. Thomas Elliott, then refident 
 of Glouceller, but who had not long before moved 
 from the Eaftern Shore. Mr. Elliott, difcoveringa 
 beauty in religion, felt his heart's dclire that his bre-. 
 thren in the flefli might be faved. Accordingly, 
 fpring, 1776, they fet fail, and arrived on the Kaft^ 
 ern Shore of Virginia, on Fader Sunday; and went 
 immediately to church, where an eflablifhed clergy- 
 man was, that day, to preach and adminifter the facra* 
 ment. After waiting for feme time, and fmdingth& 
 minifter did not ccme, Mr. Baker told the people 
 that he would preach for them, if they would go 
 down to the road. The novelty of the fcene exci- 
 ted their attention, and the people w^nt. Mr. B. had 
 no other pulpit than the end of a horfmg tree ; which 
 having mounted, he began one of the mofl fjccefs- 
 ful minifterial labours, that has fallen to the lot of 
 any nian in Virginia. Many wondered; fome mock- 
 ed ; and a few were ferioufly wrought upon. He 
 Continued his miniftrations, from houfe to houfe, for 
 feveral dj^ys. And when he left them, he appointed 
 to return again at Whitfuntide. At his fccond viiit, 
 he was accompanied b}' his brother Leonard ; v/ho 
 was at that time only an exhorter. When they ar- 
 rived, they were informed that the minifter of the 
 parifh had appointed to preach againft the Baptifts, 
 and to prove them to be in an error. Mr. Baker 
 and his company went to hear him. His arguments 
 iX^ere ineffeiftual. The people followed Baker. He 
 preached that night at a Mrs. Hunt's. His brother 
 continued with him about a v/eek. They had meet- 
 ing both day and night. The effeds were not re- 
 markable at firft ; but at every meeting there were .. 
 good appearances. This encouraged Mr. E. Baker 
 fo much, that he r^i' -acj'^ to remain there for fomqr 
 time. Hvi broth'. • i ■'. hyr 'abouring in the vine- 
 yard. Hu labours wrtC greatly blelied. He ber 
 came at once alm©ft a refident ; for indeed fiUed as 
 
ELIJAH BAKES; 39^5 
 
 fie was with increafing follcitude for thje profperity 
 of the golpel, he could not be found elfewhere, than 
 -At the phices where he had evidences that God call* 
 od him. After he married, he fettled in Northamn-^ 
 ton county. 
 
 In doing fo much good, it fell to Mr. Baker's por- 
 tion (as generally happens) to give offence to thei 
 enemy of fouls and his fuhordinate agents. They 
 put him into Accomack prifon, and kept him there 
 many days. The moil attrocious attempt was that 
 of feizing him by a lawlefs pow^er, and carrying him 
 on board of a veflel in the adjacent waters; where 
 they left him : having contra<fted with the captain tQ 
 make him work his pa/Tage over the feas, and then 
 leave him in fome of the countries in Europe ; ai- 
 ledging that he teas a disturber of the peace. Thi$ 
 took place on Saturday night. He was immediately 
 put to work, and kept at it until late at night. The 
 next day, being Sunday, he asked and obtained leave 
 of the captain to fing and pray among the crew. 
 The Captain attended ; and was convinced that he 
 was a good man. Without delay he ikt him on 
 fliore. In the mean time, his friends had defpatch- 
 sd a meflenger to the governor, to obtain authority 
 to prevent his being carried forcibly away. This 
 they obtained; but Mr. B. was difcharged before 
 his return. He met with various kinds of perfecu- 
 tion : v/hicli only ferved to confirm his faith, anc^ 
 whet his zeal in his Redeemer's caufe. 
 
 Mr. Leland, in a letter to the compiler, rpake^ 
 the following remarks refpe(fling this bleflbd man : 
 
 *' is it poiiible for you to get the biography of 
 Elijah Baker? He began his career in Mecklenburg, 
 or near that place : was cotemporary with John Wil- 
 liams and firit ordained in n church of that place : then 
 came to Boar Swamp, ..k!, v h J. -'Anthony, plant- 
 ed- that church : then I . C\:.- ^---.Citv,: Jame^City^ 
 and York, where he alfu rL. harcti^^ : thencjp 
 
 ihe croiied the Mockjack bav, and rV^i th'- likC;, id e 
 
30() BIOGRAPHY Oh 
 
 part of GloucCiter, called Guinea : thence over the 
 bu)/ to the ; allern Shore of Virginia and iVlaryland, 
 where he conihtuted the firft ten iiaptiit churches in 
 tlioie pnrts. 
 
 iSe.was a man of low parentage, fmall learning, 
 and confined abilities- But with one talent, lie o id 
 more than many do with five, if jufticc could be 
 done his memory, the v-etail would make a rich p^'ge 
 in your intenued hiftory. At the lajt -^ahsbury AfTo- 
 CKition, which he attended when nearly worn out 
 with difeale, at the clofe of the meeting he addreff- 
 cd the audience in a manner as if heaven and earth 
 were coming together j then, returning to Mr. Le- 
 mon's, foon died." 
 
 He had declined in health a confiderablc time be- 
 fore his death , and having a wjlh tD lee his brother 
 Leonard, of Halifax, Virginia, to whom he was fond- 
 ly attached ; he wrote him a letter, dated September 
 2 lit, 1798; of which the following is an extrad : 
 
 ** — ■ And now% brother, are you ftruggling 
 
 through the trials of this life, leaning upon your Be- 
 loved ? Labouring, and waiting for the coming of 
 the Lord Jefus, wdio fhall change our vile bodies, 
 and failiion them according to his glorious body? 
 Or have you got into a lukewarm (late, which i fear 
 has been too prevailing amongfl ibme! 
 
 ** Dear brother, louie of my complaints are fuch, 
 that I cio not expect to continue long in this world: 
 However, I leave that to my dear Uedeemer, who 
 has the power of life and death in his own hands. 
 But in all probability, I (hail never be able to come 
 out as far as your hculc again : yet, dear brother, I 
 lliould be very glad to fee you, if you could rnxike it 
 convenient to coinepver cnce more, while I live I 
 will pay all your e0)enfcs. And if our dear mo- 
 ther is yet alive, Mc^ fend oitt fonse relief to her. 
 As tdreligign, thanks be, to (jod, there is feme little 
 ilir am.ongl^us. J have blaptized eight lately." 
 
 It feeniS, his brother could not go immediately ; 
 
I4L I J A H R A K i: \x , 367 
 
 but ilarted in, ,a few weeks; and arrived jiift time 
 enough to fee Him die : which took place, November 
 (ith, 179B. ./-:;':^- 
 
 . As he died at Dodlor Lemon's, it will be mofl 
 faitable to quote the Dodor's own v/ords rcfredinf^- 
 him, in a letter to the compiler. " In Mr. Baker, I 
 foimd the ll-raelite indeed, th'e humble chriliian -, the 
 preacher of the gofpel in the limplicity of it; and the 
 triumphant funt, in his lafc in.oments. in his preach- 
 ing, he was very. plain; and generally experiaicntal : 
 always very expvefs on the doitrine oi' regeneration : 
 nevcF' entering upon the dod:rines by which he con- 
 ceived he ihould give offence to one or another, [n 
 his iall: illnefs, I attended his bed nde, dd.y and night, 
 lor three weeks : and had many moil agreeable con- 
 verfations with hsm, on the glorious things of the 
 kingdom of Chriii. He retained his fenies to the 
 lad minute ; and fsemed rather tranilated, than to. 
 fufter pain in his diilblution. Death v/as to him as 
 familiar ia his converfatian, as if he talked of an ab- 
 fent friend. from whom he expected a viiit."* 
 
 He vi^as twice married. His iirll: wife w^as Sarah 
 
 Copeland ; a lady of refpedVable connexions : br 
 
 V/hoin he had one fon, now living. She died ; and 
 
 he then married a widow lady, on the Eailern Shore ^ 
 
 who had no child by him. 
 
 ■'■• In tlie fame letter, the Doclor mentions Mr. Plillip Ilufrhes ; 
 who alfo died at Tiis houfe , and who vvas in his day a man of note^ 
 in the miniflry, both on the Weflern and Eaftern Shore : but as 
 his candle rather went out in darki-efs, it will not be proHtable 
 to fay much about him. By way cf caution to young min (ttv?, 
 tiiey may be informtn, that by marrying he became rich, by be- 
 ing rich he became proud aud carelefs ; an Antinomian in prin- 
 ciple, ind int^mpei^ie in pra^lice. Ills lall: years wsre a hlo* 
 w po a hi? ftrit . ^•r.-'i ii net. in Gath , Of . . 
 
yOS BIOCIlAlUi Ul* 
 
 JOHN WILLIAMS'. 
 
 fie was born in the county of HanoveP;, ttnilo 174.7, 
 Tie wavS of a very refpecfbablc family, and received a 
 tolerable education. In the month of June, 1 769, 
 when adling as a flieriif of Lunenburg, he was awa- 
 Jceoed to know and to feel his fin and his danger. 
 He became a convert ; and fhortly after, lifted up his 
 voice to exhort his fellow men to flee from the wrath 
 to come, lie was not baptized until the firll: Sun- 
 day in February, 1770. He continued to exhort, 
 until fome time the following fummer; when he 
 ventured to take a text; and from that time com- 
 menced preacher. December, 1772, he was ordain- 
 ed to the miniiby, and took the care of Meherriii 
 church. His gifts, at iirft, were far from being auf- 
 picious. Many pronounced that he would never be 
 a peiacher: fo delufory are the jirft eiforts of the 
 mind. 
 
 fie not only fucceeded in becoming a preacher, 
 but in becoming a firfl rate preacher, at leall:, in the 
 eflimation of moll of his acquaintances. 
 
 He was exceedin;^ fond of readini^r and writinq; : and 
 indeed was generally Itudioiis : by which means, he 
 greatly improved his mind. 
 
 When hefirft commenced preacher, he was zeal- 
 ous, active, and laborious in the miniilry ; travellint^ 
 .and propagating the gofpel in different parts. He 
 may well be numbered amonc; the fathers in Ifraei. 
 His talent, however, was not employed fo much ii: 
 breaking down the bars of prejudice in new and un- 
 enlightened places, as in direding and regulating the 
 youDg converts when gathered by others. Pleafing> 
 affable, and refined in his manners, he had a hand to 
 fmoql|iiP' fome of thofe protuberances left by rough- 
 er workmen. In alibciations he was expert with hi^ 
 pen, asfewell as v/ije to offer counfel, Ele adteda^s 
 clerk t» the Gener&l AfiociatioQ > and wncn th&y ijJv- 
 
jfc^iii; WILLIAMS. ^yo 
 
 V'ided the afiociation into diftricls, a unanimous vote 
 pf thanks was offered Mr. W. for his faithiul and 
 skilful fervices as ckrk of the affociation. He alfo 
 Uil'chsrged the duties of clerk to the Roanoke AlTocia- 
 tion until a little time previous to his death. He in- 
 troduced feveral excellent regulations botli into the 
 General and Roanoke Aflbciations, for the govern- 
 ment of churches, 6cc. Fev/ men underftood cliiirch 
 difcipline better, or were more fuccefsful in building 
 up large refpecflable churches wherever he attended. 
 For many years he adued as pailor to four churches, 
 whom he atteiiddd monthly. He v/as in hi^h eRi- 
 mation both as a man and a minifter. Even the ene- 
 mies *of the Baptiils, would often except Mr. \V. 
 from their reproaches. In his temper towards thofe 
 of other religious perfuafions, he was remarkably li- 
 beral. Indeed, by fome of his acquaintances it is faid, 
 that he was friendly to open communion ; but that 
 he was retrained from putting it into practice, by 
 his tendernefs for his brethren ; moil of Vv horn differed 
 from him on this head. This liberality of fpirit did 
 not prevent him from maintaining liis own principles 
 with great firmnefs, whenever an occalion offered. 
 It was fuch an occalion as this, which drew fortk 
 his reply to Mr. Patilloe's^fermon on infant baptiim. 
 He committed his arguments to writing, with an 
 intention of printing them in the form of a pam- 
 phlet ; but as nothing came out on the other 
 Mde, and as fo much had been already publiflied oa 
 fliat fubjedt, it was not put to the prefs. 
 
 In his preface he makes the following remark : 
 ** 1 hope 1 have fufficiently demon ftrated to nvf 
 countrymen, for a feries of years, that I am not over- 
 bearing on others, or bigoted to my own principles 
 which are not effential to falvation; but have uni- 
 formly endeavoured to promote a catholic fpirit, with 
 peace and concord, in the Ifrael of God. But ne- 
 v«rthelc£s I am fet for the defence of the gofpel j 
 
 * A celebrated Preabvtcriafl Pfeticher, 
 
4J}U IJieCilAiniY oi 
 
 and as fuch, circumflances often occur, that invohin- 
 tviiily lead me forth to contend for the fi:i!:li and or- 
 der of Ch rill's church." 
 
 He was generaliy upon the hell: ternfis with the 
 Presbyterians; who were pretty ; numerous in his 
 neighbourhood. 
 
 His talents, if not e(]ua1to any, were certainly very 
 little inferior to thofe of the iirit {^radc. 
 
 His appearance in the pulpit v/as noble and ma- 
 Jeftic, yet humble and affec>ionate. In the begin- 
 ning of his difco.urfes, he was dodlrihai andlbmewbar 
 nietliodical : often, ver/^scp, even to the aftoni/h- 
 mentof his hearers. Towards the clofe, VAid indeed, 
 fo'p.ctimes tliroughout iiis fermon, he was exceeding- 
 ly animating, liis exhortations were often incon>- 
 parable. At an early period, ii£ became very cor^ 
 pulent. At an aiTociation, in the year 1 793 he accii- 
 dentally fell by the turning of a ftep, as he was pall- 
 ing out of a door, and became, for .a year or two, a 
 crippie ; being under the necetiky of going on 
 crutches. jNotwithllanding this, he would ftiJl go 
 in a carriage to the meetings, and preach fitting in a 
 chair in the pulpit. Duruig feveral of the laft years 
 of his life, he was afPiiifted with a very painful dif- 
 . cafe. Under his fevcre fufrering, he was not only 
 • patient, but, when he could have any mitigation of 
 his pain, he w^ alfo cheerful. About ten days be- 
 fore his death, he was attacked by a pleurify ; from 
 wliich, no medicine could give him relief. His 
 wo'k was findhcd ; a^d his Mafler had called for 
 him. On the 30th day of April, 1795, he fell 
 afleep. 
 
 Nothing very rymarkable tranfpired at his death: 
 He.was penlive and filent. i'cXold his wife, that 
 to live or die v/as to him indilterent : he had commit- 
 ted this to God, who, he knew, would do right. Hp 
 faid he felt fome anxiety for his numerous family ; 
 but that thefe alfo, hs was willihg to truft in the 
 iiands of a gracicus Prcvid'^iice. 
 
JAMEf5 READ, 4.01 
 
 .Taaiiary, 1768, he WiS -narriei to Mifs Frances 
 Hashes, of pDWhatari coa ity ; by whom he had 
 fourteen children; of who n, eleven were livin'^, at 
 the titne of his death : and of tiiefe, four profeired re- 
 ligion, and were baptized. 
 
 JAMES READ. 
 
 So 'macli has already been faid of Mr. Read, in 
 our account of the firll: rife of the Baptifts in Spot- 
 fyh/<^nia, 5cc. that we may now be much (liorter. 
 He v/a**' born about the year 1725 or 1726. His fa- 
 ther lived fro:n the time Mr. R. was about feven. 
 years old, on the Shenandoih river. He had early 
 and awful alar ns about eter lal things, when nothing 
 more than a boy He fays, that when bound an ap- 
 prentice he would often call upon God, on particular 
 emergencies ; and that he often had the moft mani- 
 feft a»fwers to his prayers. Once he ftates, that 
 having permiiTion from his mafter to go and fee his 
 parents, he caine to a creek fo much fwelled that he 
 could not pafs. He'mg much diftrefled he fell up- 
 on his knees and prayed to God to help him over. 
 After a little time, a horfe that was feeding near at 
 hand, adiually came to where he was ; believing him 
 to be fent of Providence, he mounted him without 
 fiddle or bridle. He carried him over; and then dif- 
 mounting, the horfe immediately returned. Fhefe 
 anfwers of prayer increafed his religious impreflions, 
 fo that to many he appeared to be running into me- 
 lancholy. 
 
 ft was not until he had commenced a man of 
 family, and had, in a great meafure, ihaken ofF 
 his ferious thoughts, that he met with the ISfev/- 
 li rhts as the/ vvere called in North '"aroliua, to 
 which place he had moved about tne fame tmie that 
 
 AS 
 
'402 BfOG;RA!>Hy 01# 
 
 Stearns and his party came. Under Mr* Marfliall's 
 preaching, he was firft wrought upon according to 
 the gofpel plan. After feme Itruggles againft it, he 
 finally became a Baptift : probably as early as 1756 
 or I 57. VV^hen he iirft profeffcd, he could neither 
 read nor write. He immediately began to learn, his 
 wife being his inltrudlor. Of his fubfequent labours 
 and ufefulnefs, and alfo his downfall, fee a full ac- 
 count, page 9, &c. After his excommunication, in 
 Spottfylvania he went on home, cilled Grafly Creek 
 church together, of which he was a member, made 
 confeflion of nis guilt and profeiTed repentance, a ma- 
 jority were willing to excufe him ; but doing every 
 thing by unanimity, they called for helps. I ot giv- 
 ing fatisfa<flion, his excommunication was confirmed. 
 This took place, Nov. 21, 1770. He made no attempt 
 for reiteration until the next July ; when he was re- 
 jed:edj the church not thinking his repentance evan- 
 gelical. His next attempt was July, 1772 : he was 
 again reje6ted ; and for the same reafon. On the 7th 
 of September, the church calling for helps, he was 
 reltored to memberfliip ; and in November, he was 
 reftored to the free exercife of his miniftry. We 
 have detailed the particulars more ai large, becaufe 
 Mr. Read was certainly a diflinguifhed preacher in 
 the firfl rife of religion, and like wife to ihow how 
 cautioufly they adled in thofe days.* 
 
 He was never as ufeful after his refloration. He 
 however, continued to pre-ch ; and was eftcemed 
 bymofl of his acquaintances, a fincere chriftian, and 
 as a father in the gofpel ; although he had fhameful- 
 ly, though for a fliort time, departed from the right 
 way. He tells us in his manufcript, that about 1791, 
 he was ilirred up of God, to travel through the 
 churches in Virginia, and to endeavour to encouage 
 them to zeal and perfeverance. Though infirm in 
 body he made the attempt. He fays he was kindly 
 
 * This account is taken from Grafiy Creek church book. 
 
JOHN WALLER. 4»0i> 
 
 and rerpe(5lfully received by the brethren wherever 
 he went j "^nd that his labours were blefled to the 
 deiired end. 
 
 For about thirty years before his death, he ufed to 
 fay, that he had a prefentiment of his death, and that 
 it would not take place until he was feventy two. 
 And after that, he ihouid look for death every day. 
 From want of education, he did not not know the 
 precife year when that would happen, but faid it was 
 one of 2 years. Accordingly, in the year 1798, which 
 v/as about the time expeded, he finiihed his courfe. 
 His death was glorious indeed. He de .lared, not 
 only a willingnefs, but an anxiety to dep 'rt and to 
 be with Chritl. His laft words were, (turning to a 
 friend ila ,ding by), " do you not fee the angels wait^- 
 ing to convey my foul to glory?" 
 
 ! ie hved and died a poor man, having generally a 
 large family. 
 
 JOHN VMLLER. 
 
 No charac^ter has as yet paffed before us, more 
 worthy of notice than the prefent. 
 
 He was born, December 23d, 1741, in Spotfylva- 
 nia county ; v^^as a delcendant of the honourable fami- 
 ly of W,;llers in England c<t a very early period, he 
 manifcfted a great talent for fatyricai vv^it. This 
 determined his uncle, who had the direction of his 
 education, to bring him up for the law. Me was put to 
 a grammar fchool ; and made an encouraging ad- 
 vancement in the dead languages. His uncle s death, 
 and his father's narrow refources, added to his own 
 unbridled inclinations to vice, prevented him from 
 finifhing even his clallical education. He now began 
 indeed to ftudy, not the laws of the land, but thofe 
 of the gaming table. Letting hiinielf loofe to every 
 fpecies of wickcdnefs and profanity, he quickly ac- 
 q^uired forhimfelf the infamous appellation off Swear:*' 
 
4d4 BIOGRAPHY OP 
 
 i7ig Jack Waller : by which he was diflinguifhed from 
 others of the fame nan.-e So far did he ii.ouige his 
 iTiilchievcus temper, that he once had three warrants 
 ferved on him at the lame tmie, on account ot one 
 uproar. It was frequently renjarked by the com- 
 n-cn people, " that there could be no deviltry among 
 the people, unlefs bweanng Jack was at the head of 
 it." He was lometuTies called, the DtviVs adjutant 
 to mufler his troops. To thefe, may be added, his 
 fury againft the Baptifts. He was one of the grand- 
 jury who prefented L. Craig for preaching. This 
 happily terminated in his good. Craig, in order to 
 turn their milchievous intentions into fomething be- 
 neficial, watched the difmilTion of the grandjury -, and 
 in order to gam their attention, more certainly, 
 bought them a mug ot grog. After he had gotten them 
 together, he began, ** 1 thank you, gentlemen of the 
 grandjury, for the honour you have done me. While 
 1 was wicked and injurious, you took no notice of 
 me ; but fince I have altered my courfe of life, and 
 endeavoured to reform my neigbours, you ccntern 
 yourlelves much about me. 1 have gotten this m.ug^ 
 of grog, to treat you with ; and (hall take the fpoiling 
 of my goods joyfully." When Mr. W. heard him 
 fpeak in that manner, and obferved the meeknefs of 
 his Ipirit, he was convinced that ( raig was poffefled 
 of fomething that he had never feen in man before. 
 He thought within himieif, that he Ihould be happy 
 if he could be of the fame religion with Mr Craig. 
 Fromi this time, he began to attend their meetings. 
 And was found of the Holy Spirit. The con^mand- 
 ment came and he died. He faw and felt himiftlf a 
 finner. He now, for the firil time, except in blaf- 
 nheming, began to call upon the name of the Lord. 
 
 * Mr. Craig was remarkably pious and zealous ; availing him- 
 felt of every opportunity to incuJcate the gofpel of C hvift. He 
 knew the giog was the nioft certain way to comuand the atten- 
 tirn of tht grandjury, to whon> he defirtd to oflera lecture. *'Be 
 l^ wife 3s ferpcnts and harmlefs as doves." 
 
JOHN WALLER. 405 
 
 His convidions were deep and pungent. He ate no 
 pleafant bread and drank no plealant water, for ievcn 
 or eii^ht months. He was almoll in defpair. He 
 relates his exercifes in the following words : 
 
 '' 1 had long felt the greateft abhorrence of my~ 
 felf ; and began almoft to defpair of the mercy of 
 God. However, I determined in my own foul, ne- 
 ver to reft from feeking, until it pleafed God tofliow 
 mercy or cut me oiF. Under thefe jmpreffions, i 
 was at a certain place, fitting under preaching. ( ^n 
 a fudden, a man exclaimed, that he found grace ; 
 and began to praife God. No mortal can dclcribe 
 the horror with which I was feized at that initant. I 
 began to conclude my damnation was certain. Leav- 
 ing the meeting, 1 hafted into a neighbouring wood, 
 and dropped on m.y knees before God, to beg for 
 mercy. In an inftant, I felt my heart melt, and a 
 fweet application of the Redeemer's love to my poor 
 foul. The calm was great -, but fhort," 
 
 From this tmie, he felt fom.e increafe of ftrength; 
 yet at fome times, he felt the enemy break in upon 
 him like a flood ; and he would be almoft ready lo 
 give up his hope. But the application of tliefe 
 words gave him great comlort : " Who is among. 
 you th.tfeareth the lord; th. twalketh in darkncls 
 and hath no light ; let him truft in the name Oi the 
 Lord, anc ftay upon his God." ilaiah 50. 10. And 
 again : ** By this we know that we have paired 
 from death unto life, becaufe we love the brethren." 
 
 By the time MefTrs. Harrifs and Read came on 
 their next tour, he felt lufiicientiy confident to be- 
 come a candidate for baptifm ; and going up into 
 Orange county, was there baptized by Mr. Read, 
 fome time in the year 1767. Baptifm was to him, 
 as it has been to thousands, a fandified ordinance. 
 His foul received great accefijon of ftrength and 
 comfort. Chrift was reveaUd in him Having 
 contracted debts by diliipation, he fold property to 
 pay them. He cunleired not vvith fiefii and blood; 
 
46§ wo OR A PHY Of 
 
 but began to preach, that men ought every where to 
 repent, it was not long before his labours became 
 eficdtual, at ieaft, in one way. That arch enemy of 
 fouls, whom«,he had ferved lo faithtully before, now 
 began to roar in hideous peals againit him. He suc- 
 ceeded in raifing up a powerful oppofi'ion.* 
 
 At length, it was tliought proper to conftitute a 
 church, in Ur. Waller's neighbourhood ; who ma- 
 king choice of him as paflor, he was ordained to the 
 work of the minifcry, June 20th, 1770. He now 
 beg-in to lengthen his cords. Bending his courfe 
 downwards, he baptized Kev. William Webber, be- 
 ing the firfl he did baptize. Odober, 1770, ac- 
 companied by J. Burrus, he travelled down as fur as 
 Middlefex, (fee the account, page 13). Wherever 
 he went, he was attended by a divine power j turn- 
 ing many to righteousnefs. His name founded far 
 and wide. By the ungodly, he was confidered as a 
 bold, inexorable fanatic, that would do much mif- 
 chief unlefs reftrained. The j^aptifls and their ad- 
 herents looked upon him as fet for the defence of 
 their caufe; and with much confidence rallied around 
 him, as their leader. His perlecutions and imprifon- 
 ment in Caroline, in Middlefex, in Ellex, &c. have 
 been already mentioned in our General H[i{lory. 
 
 In this bright and burning way. Waller continued 
 until J775ori776i when, he formed an acquaint- 
 ance with one Williams, a preacher of fomiC talents^ 
 apparent piety, and in >Jr. Weiley's connexion, con- 
 fequently an Armiiiian : this man, by his converfati- 
 on and books, so wrought upon Mr. Waller's mind, 
 as to bring him over to believe the Arminian fyftem. 
 Knowing this to be contrary to the opinions of his 
 brethren, he refolved to make a bold etfort to preach 
 and argue his principles at the next affociation ; and 
 thereby convince his brethren 5 or failing in this, to 
 
 * See a full account of hia perfpcutioijs, in our GcnCi-al Hi0o.- 
 rVj page 15, and eifewl:crc. 
 
JOHN WALLI-.R. 407 
 
 Hibmlt to be cut off from them. Accordingly, he 
 took his text, i Cor. 13. i\. In his exordium, he 
 flated, that when young and inexperienced in religi- 
 on, he had fallen in with the CalvinilHc plan; but 
 that becoming more expert in doilrine, or in tlie 
 language of hjs text, when he became a man, he put 
 away thefe chiidilh notions. He then went length- 
 ily into the argument. For want of truth, or for 
 want of talents, he made few, if any converts to. his 
 opinions ; and of courl'e, had to confront the whole 
 hofl of preachers and members now affembied. Mr.- 
 Waller, forefeeing his fate, took the fhorter and more 
 reputable courfe. Inflead of awaiting a fair trial, 
 he proclaimed himfelf an independent Baptiil: preach- 
 er. This flep was probably reforted to by Waller, 
 under an exped:ation that his popularity was fo great, 
 that he fliould be able to bring over many of the 
 churches to his party. Be it as it may, he immedi- 
 ately commenced his operations on anextenlive plan. 
 On his return from the affociation, he ufed his utmoH: 
 endeavour to form a ftrong party. He preached 
 from houfe to houfe; fpread his wings over a large 
 field of miniOerial labour ; ordained lay elders in eve- 
 ry neighbourhood, to prevent inroads ; and also feve- 
 Fal helps in the miniifry. He alfo eftabliflied vv'hat 
 he called camp meetings ; in which, they continued 
 together feverai days, under certain written regula- 
 tions, of which the following is an extract. 
 
 Camp' Meeting Begulations, 
 
 I. No female, on any account whatever, fhall be 
 permitted to Itiy in the camp, later than an hour by 
 lun at night ; nor appear in the camp, earlier thaii 
 an hour by fun in the morning 
 
 II. The perfons in the c mp, fliall dcr^^nd G^r fuf- 
 $enance, daring tht camp meeting, on ih-z friendly 
 hofpitality ot the neiofhbourhood. 
 
 III. Any perfon in camp, wakmg at any period of 
 
408 BIOGRAPHY OF 
 
 the night, may pray or fing, without difturbing the 
 llLimbers of others. 
 
 The novelty of thefe meetings, excited the atten- 
 tion of the people in fuch a manner, that great mul- 
 titudes crouded after him. 
 
 By thefe means, his party gained ftrength daily. 
 Few men poilelTed greater talents for heading a party 
 of this defcription, than Mr. Waller. The only 
 thing in which he was deficient, was, that he could 
 not be happy while feparated from his brethren. 
 He ufed to fa\, that in the midft of apparent prof- 
 perity and the carefTes of his friends, he flill yearned 
 after the people of God from whom he had witdrawn. 
 Some years after his reftoration, he faid to a young 
 preacher who was difTatisfied, and talked of diflent- 
 ing, " If you could have adiftant view of my fuffer- 
 ing and leannefs of foul, while a diflenter from my 
 brethren, you would never again indulge fuch a 
 thought '* He was again fully reinftated m connex- 
 ion with his brethren, in 1787; when a full union be- 
 tween Separates, Regulars, and Independents, was 
 accompliflied.* 
 
 A very great revival commenced under Mr. Wal- 
 ler's miniftry, in '787. This continued for feveral 
 years ; and fpread through all his places of preach- 
 ing In this revival he was greatly engaged j and 
 baptized ^rom firfl to laft, many hundred. Early in 
 this revival, Mr. A. Waller, fon of his brother Ben- 
 jamin, was brought in; and in fome few years began 
 to preach. Mr. Waller immediately recognized him 
 as his fuccefTor ; and declared that he believed his 
 work in that part of the earth was finished Accord- 
 ingly, November 8th, 1793, after taking the moft 
 aiFciftionate farewell of the churches, he moved his 
 
 * A partial reftoration had taken place fome years before this; 
 30 that Mr. Waller and his party met in aflbciation, with the 
 Separate Baptifte. 
 
.JOilN WALLEP., 409 
 
 family to Abbeville, in the ilate of South Carolina* 
 This removal was faid to have arifen, partly from ^ 
 economical con fi derations, and partly from a ftrong 
 deiireon his own, and on the part of his v/ife, to live- 
 near a beloved daughter; who had fome time previ- 
 oufly, married Rev. Abraham Marfhall, of Georgia. 
 Perhaps there might be other caufes. His laboursv 
 in his new refidence, were alfo blefTcd; but not to a 
 great extent. He remained, however, faithful in 
 the caufe, until his death j which took place, Jul/ 
 the 4th, 1802. 
 
 His death was, as might be hoped and expe6led^ 
 truly glorious. His eldell fon defcribes it, in the fol-- 
 lowing words : 
 
 " His conflid v/ith death, as it refpe<f:ied bodil)-^ 
 affliction, was truly hard; but his foul appeared to 
 be happy indeed! Never did I v/itnefs fucha relig- 
 nation and chridian fortitude before! He was re- 
 duced to a perfed: fkeleton ; and, in feveral places, 
 the fkin was rubbed off his bones. His pains ap- 
 peared to be excruciating; but no murmur was heard 
 from his lips. On the contrary, he would often fay, 
 •^ I have a good Mafter ; who does not give me one 
 ftroke too hard, or one too many.' 
 
 " The laft fermon he preached, was on the death of 
 a young man. The text on which he preached, 
 was Zechariah 2. 4. * Run fpeak to this young 
 man.' He addreffed himfelf chiefly to youth; in 
 feeble, but animating drains : obferving that he count- 
 ed UDon its bein^ the laft fermon he fliould ever 
 preach ; and fervently prayed, that, Sampfon like, 
 he might Hay more at his death than he had done in 
 his life. He continued fpeaking until his ftrength 
 failed him. And with reeling fteps, he advanced to 
 a bed; where Vv^e thought he would have expired. 
 From thence he was removed home in a carriage, 
 for the laft time. He faid, as to his foul, he v/an 
 p.^derno concern; as he had given it to J,efus lonr- 
 
 B3 
 
41W UrOGRAi»JlY OP 
 
 iince : and he was under no doubt but what his 
 IVlafter would provide a manfion for it Juft before 
 his departure, he fummoned all his family around 
 him, black and white ; and told them, he was anxi- 
 ous to be gone and to be prefent with C'hrift : and 
 then warned them to walk in the fear of (iod ; cor- 
 dially fhook hands with all ; and loon after, with a 
 pleafant countenance, breathed his laft and fell afleep 
 in Jefus." 1 looked on the corpfe, with thefe words 
 frefh in my mind : 
 
 " O lovely appearance of death." 
 
 •Thus this great i^an of God, conquered the lafl 
 enemy and afcended to that rest, that remainetli for 
 the people of God. He died in the fixty fecond 
 year of his age ; having been a minifter of God's 
 word for about thirty five years : having in that time, 
 lain in four ditt'erent jails, for the fpace of one hun- 
 dred and thirteen days, in all; befides buftetingSj ftripes, 
 reproaches, 6cc. Nor was his labour in vain in the 
 Lord. While in Virginia, he baptized more than 
 two thoufand perfons 3 affifted in the ordination of 
 twenty {even minifters ; and helped to conftitute 
 eighteen churches. For many years, he had the 
 minifterial care of five churches -, to whom he preach- 
 ed ftatedly. 
 
 Asa preacher, his talents in the pulpit, were not 
 above mediocrity 3 but he was certainly a man of 
 very ftrong mind. His talents for art and intrigue, 
 v/ere equalled by few. This he exercifed fome- 
 times, as it was thought, beyond the innocence of the 
 dove. He was perhaps too emulous to carry his fa- 
 vourite points ; elpecially in alTociations. Yet it 
 muft be owned, that fuch influence as he acquired 
 in this way, he always endeavoured to turn to the 
 glory of God, 
 
 ^ He had been married to Jvlifs E, Curtis, previous 
 t6 hia becoming religious, py her he had a number 
 
JAItlES CIIILQfi. 411 
 
 of chiHren ; fome of whom the old man had the hap- 
 pinefs to fee profefs the fame faith with himfelf. 
 
 JAMES CHILES. 
 
 In every generation, there will be fome odd and 
 eccentric religious men ; who, like Sampfon and Jo- 
 nah, do much good, with a conliderable mixture of 
 evil. Mr. Chiles is an inftance of this fort of men. 
 Before he embraced religion, having a flurdy fet of 
 limxbs and a refolute spirit, he often employed them 
 in bruiling his countrymen's faces. He was likewife 
 a gambler. Rut (lod, who is rich in mercy, pluck- 
 ed him as a brand from the burning. Ho^^-ever 
 converted in things of greater confequence, he was 
 never converted from his oddnefs. He was a mem- 
 ber of the iirfl: Separate Baptift church no h of 
 James river. He was remarkably fond of vili' ns : 
 by which he pretended to be taught of God how 
 every matter was to eventuate. It happened, how- 
 ever, like the Trojan prophetefs, if he had the gift 
 of prophecy, his cotemporaries had not the gift of 
 faith. So that it availed him nothing. His weak- 
 ness in this particular, if it was a weaknefs, w^as hap- 
 pily more than countervailed by his Zealand his-fuc- 
 cefs in the miniR-ry. He was the firft inftrument of 
 planting the gofpel upon Bluerun. He alfo broke 
 the way mto Albemarle ; where many were convert- 
 ed under his miniflry. In various other places, God 
 fet feals to his miniftry. After a few years, he mo- 
 ved to South Carolina : where he planted a large 
 church. He retained his notions about vifions, to 
 his laft day. Report fays, that after meeting with 
 misfortunes, and being reduced in his property and 
 health, he went to the houfe of a woman, arid told 
 her, that his God faid, he mud die there that day. 
 She faid, I hope not, Mr. Chile?. Yes, faid hf ^ 
 
41':i DlOGEArilY Of 
 
 my God lays fo: but, however, I will return a 
 while, andconfultmy God again! 
 
 He returned; and, returning faid. Yes, Madam,- 
 my God fays I muft die to-day. 
 
 The woman again expreffed doubts. She faid. 
 You look too well, Mr. Chiles, to die fo foon. 
 
 He faid, I will try my God once more. After re- 
 tiring for lome time, in prayer, he came back, and 
 faid. It is fixed ; the decree is irrevocable : to-day I 
 muftdie in your houfe. Having fo faid, he ftretch- 
 Gd himfelf upon the bed, and yielded up the gholl:.- 
 
 JOHN PICKET. 
 
 Mr. Picket was born in King George county, 
 January 14th, 1744, of refpedlable parentage. He 
 had, when grown to the years of maturity, a very 
 flrong propenfity to gaming and fports of every kind. 
 JHe followed the buhnefs of a dancing mailer; and 
 probably with a view to get bufmefs in that line, as 
 well as to indulge his propenfity for fport, he went 
 off about the year 1764 or 1765, to Pee Dee, in 
 JNorth Carolina. God intended this tour for a very 
 different purpofe. While there, befell in at one of 
 the meetings of Jofiah Murphy, one of the earliefl: 
 Baptiff preachers in thofe parts. Murphy fpoke a 
 word in leafon to this prodigal. He came to himself. 
 He began to loathe the now worse than hufky fports 
 and plcafures to which he had been devoted. He 
 went to his father, and v/as feaffed with the fatted calf, 
 and clothed with the befh robe. He was baptized by 
 J. Murphy, anno 1766. So foon as he felt the 
 fmiles of his heavenly Father, he wrote to his earth- 
 ly parents, in Fauquier ; informing them of this mar- 
 vellous change. They were fwallowed up v/ith af- 
 Conifhment. 'Jo them, it v/as flrange indeed, ihut 
 
iOIIN PICKET, 4 14, 
 
 this their fon that they thought was loil, fiiould be- 
 come fo fervently pious ; while their other ions, that 
 they had always with them, continued to be thp 
 fame. This letter produced fome alarm in the fa- 
 mily ; and fome good efFedts. Mr. Picket continued 
 in North Carolina, for fome time j being unwilling 
 to leave the fociety of thofe to whom he was united 
 by ties ftronger than death. He did not return to 
 Fauquier until after the death of his father, in 1 767.. 
 When he came, fmdino: his friends and nci:^hbours 
 overfhadowed v/ith ip:nQrance, he bei/-an to warn 
 them, com.mencing firil with private con verfition and 
 exhortation, then to hold family v/orihip. Then to 
 have little meetings, and addrefs them by v/ay q£ 
 exhortation. Thofe exertions being crowned v/ith 
 fuccefs ; many being convi(fted and fome converted^ 
 he took texts and commenced preacher. Mr. Picket 
 then procured a viiit from Mr. Murphy, who came 
 to Fauquier and baptized a few. The work fpread 
 far and near. Mr. Picket being fervent in fpirit, and 
 thus encouraged, held not his peace, day nor night,; 
 but proclaimed boldly the things of God. In the 
 fall of 1768, MefTrs. Harrifs andRead came and bap- 
 tized thirty {even more ; and conflituted them into 
 a church, November 12th, 1768, under the name of 
 Carter's Run. Mr. Picket was ordained, and took 
 the care of this church. May 27th, 1772.^-' His 
 zeal and ad:ivity could not pafs unnoticed by the ene- 
 mies of the crofs. The mob broke into the meet- 
 ing houfe and iplit to pieces the pulpit and table; 
 while the m.agiilrates ifibed their v/arrant and feiz- 
 ing Mr. Picket thruil him into Fauquier prison. 
 There he continued for about three months preaching; 
 through the grates, and admonifhing as many as came 
 
 * We have a manufcript from the Carter's Pvun church, and 
 another from Mr. Leland, taken when he Jived in Virginia, iind, 
 probably from the hp§ of iV'Jr. Picket ; v/hich fpecifies the ex;i6^t 
 date of thcfe occurrences. We have, ihcrefoiC, Kilo-.vcd 'v,'r. 
 L-'s manuscriotj as to date.-. 
 
414 BIOGr.JI'IIY OF 
 
 to him, to repent and turn to God. The word of 
 God was "001 bound. Great numbers were awaken- 
 ed under ..his prifon labours. This imprifonment 
 took place about 1760. When he was turned out of 
 prifon, he feemcd to increafe in zeal; and extending 
 jiis labours round about in Gulpe'per, and over the 
 Blue ridge, where be was fo succefsful, that, on the 
 iiril baptizing thiU was suppofed ever to have taken 
 in Shenandoah, as many as tifty were baptized. 1-^e 
 was never wearied in welldoing ; buttontmued iled- 
 iaft to the end. We will now clofe our account of 
 jnm, in the words of the mannfcript furnifhed by 
 one of the members of his own church : 
 
 **I]cilood found in faith, calling on fmners to re- 
 pent; not fparing his own, but gave his labours to 
 the Lord and to bis ftllow men; and went on with 
 zeal and courage. Towards his latter days, his zeal 
 for the good oi' fouls fcemed to increafe. Infirmity- 
 appeared to urge on him, attended with deafnefs. 
 About June, 1803, he told his wife that his work 
 was finiflied ; tenderly beleeching her and his chil- 
 dren, to ferve tlie Lord. And fo fell aflecp." 
 
 Well might the unrighteous^ but enlightened 
 prophet, wifh to die the death of the righteous. 
 
 ELIJAH CRAIG. 
 
 IvFr. Craig was one cf the firft converts to the 
 Daptiil: preaching. Fie had been awakened through 
 the preaching of elder David 'J'homas, previous to 
 176^; and at thjft time, viz. January, 1765, Mr. 
 Alien Myley procured the attendance of elder Samuel 
 IJarrifs, by travelling to h'ittsylvania. When IVIr. 
 Harrifs came and pi-cached an experience of grace, 
 he found his heart could teltify to the truth of it;; 
 having fometime previoufly experienced a change, 
 v-rliich he had net view^cJ as converiion, but only the 
 
ELIJAH COAIC. 41:r- 
 
 encouragement of heaven to go on to feek. lie was 
 now (o ftrj^ngthed, that, in conjunction with cer- 
 tain young converts in his neighbourhood, who 
 were of the Regular Baptiiis, he undertook to ex- 
 hort, &ic and to hold little meeting,^ in the neigh- 
 bourhood. His tobacco houfc was their chapel. 
 Being moll of them labouring men, they ufed to la- 
 bour all day, and hold meetings, almoit every night, 
 at each other's houfes, and on Sundays, at tlie above 
 mentioned tobacco houfe. By thefe little prayer 
 and exhortation meetings, great numbers were av/a~ 
 kened, and feveral converted. For farther account 
 fee page 8 and 9« 
 
 Mr. Craig was conilitued into the fivii Separate 
 Kaptift church in thofe parts, viz Upper Spotfyl- 
 vania ; and was afterv/ards taken olf with the conlH- 
 tution of Bluerun, to which he was confecrated paf- 
 tor. He was certainly a great ble(Hng to Bluerun 
 church : for under his care they ficuriihed He v/as 
 accounted a preacher of coniiderable talents for that 
 day ; v/hich, united to his zeal, honoured him with 
 the attention of his perfecutors. . They lent the Ihe- 
 liff and pofle after him, when at his plough. He 
 was taken and carried before three magiilrates of 
 Culpeper. They, without hearing arguments oro cr 
 eon, ordered him to jail. At court, he, with others, 
 wasaraigned. One of the lawyers told the court, 
 they had better difchargc thein ; for that oppreiling 
 them, would rather advance, than retard them. He 
 faid, that they were like a bed of camomile ; the 
 more they were trod, the more they v/ould fpread. 
 The court thought otherwife, and determined to im- 
 prifon them. Some of the court were of opinion 
 that they ought to he confined in a dole dungeon : 
 but the majority v/ere for giving them the bound?. 
 ?vlr. Craig f\ys they were fed on"rye bread and water, 
 to the injury of thejr hc'-l^'i After Ihiying there 
 one month, preaching id all who" can ic*, he gave 
 bond for good hth"'\^':"- ■"'• .^ ':'-*"".•" ?Mt. He was 
 
41 C« BiecRAniY OF 
 
 aifo confined in Orange jail, at another time. He 
 was a preacher of ufefuhiefs for many years after he 
 commenced ; but finally falling too much into fpe-^ 
 culations, his mifiiilry was greatly hindered. In 
 1786, he moved to Kentucky ; where continuing his 
 fpeculations, he became obnoxious to the church ; 
 ^nd was excommunicated, anno 1791. How long 
 he flayed out, is not known. Ije was, however, 
 reftored ; and continued in the church until the year 
 3808 ; when he died. 
 
 He was naturally of a ccnforious temper; and a]-» 
 ways feemed better pleafed to find out the faults than 
 the virtues of mankind. This, however, fo long as 
 he was warm in religion, was checked by a fuperiof 
 principle; but after he declined in his religious exer- 
 cifes and became a fpeculator, he could feldom be 
 pleafed. As good a proof as any that could be na- 
 med, of this peevifh temper, may be gathered from 
 two pamphlets, his only writings that have evef 
 reached us. In the one, lie undertakes to prove that 
 ilationed preachers or pafcors of churches, are pre- 
 cluded, by the fcriptures, from receiving any corn- 
 pen fation for their fer vices. In this pamphlet, he 
 takes fo many opportunities to condemn preachers, 
 for being money fcekers, that it would feem the 
 main delign of the publication was to indulge a fault- 
 finding temper. His other pamphlet was a perfonal 
 philippic againfi: Jacob Creath, on account of fomc 
 private difpute between Creath and a Mr. Lewis;. 
 who is faid to be very refped:able. Without know- 
 ing anything as to the merits of the cafe or the pro- 
 vocation given by Mr. Creath ; candour compels us 
 to fay, that no provocation can juflify the flyle of 
 this pamphlet. It is written with a pen dipt in poi- 
 {on. The Baptirts are a free people ; and every one 
 fays and does that v/hich feemeth right in his owa 
 eyes, l^ut it is to be hoped that the prefent, nor any 
 other generation will ever witnefs another publica- 
 tion wf itten in the flyle or temper of the above para 
 
LEWIS LUNSFOHD. 417, 
 
 pMet ; and that, too, by one Baptiil preacher againil 
 another. 
 
 LEWIS LUNSFORD. 
 
 We now come to the man, who, in point of talents^ 
 as a preacher, was never exceiled in \ irginia ; and 
 by m-my it is doubted whether he ever had a fupe- 
 rior a ly where eh^e. 
 
 Mr. Lunsford was born in Stafford county, Vir- 
 ginia, of indigent parents. He received a very flender 
 education indeed ; nor h id he the means to eniar-ge it. 
 The' God of naturfe furnilhed him with powers to 
 furmount all obilacles. To obviate the want of edu- 
 cation, he ufed after working all day, to read till late 
 at night, by firelight. At an eariy if age of iiis life, 
 while attending the minillry of v^'iliiam Friftoe, he 
 was happily arrefled by divine mercy. Mr. Friftoe 
 baptized him when a boy. He immediately, both 
 in private and in public, began to ftand up as an ad- 
 vocate for the gofpel His talents, at this tender 
 age, commanded attention, and procured for him the 
 flattering appellation of Tlie fFouderiid Boy. After 
 moving in a more confined circle for forie few years, 
 Jie began to enlarge his borders, '^bout 177"^, di- 
 vine Providence direded his attention to the lower 
 counties ; in the Northern Neck. Wherever he 
 placed his foot as a preacher, there attended a blefs- 
 ing. Believers were added to the church, through 
 his infirumentality, in moft of the neighbourhoods of 
 thtk lower counties. Mis preaching made a great 
 noife ; not only for its ingenuity, but for its novelty. 
 Here, as in moil: other places where the 13aptiil:s 
 preached, they crurd out that fome new dodrine was 
 flarted ; that the church vvas in danger. Mr. L. was 
 accounted worthy to fhare a part of this oppofition. 
 A clergyman appointed a fet day to preach againft 
 
 C3 
 
418 BlOORAPilY OF 
 
 the Anabaptifts. Crowds attended to hear him. He 
 told ftories about Jack of Leyden, and Cromwell's 
 roundheads ; bat he could not by fuch tales, flop the 
 golpel current, now fwelling to a torrent. When 
 Mr. L. preached again in the fame parts, they at- 
 tacked him by more weighty arguments. A confta- 
 ble was fent with a warrant to arrell him. The con- 
 flable, with more politenefs than is ufualonfuchoc- 
 cafions, waited until Mr. Lunsford had preached. 
 Kis fascinating powers palfied the conrtable's hand. 
 He would not, he faid, ferve a warrant on fo good a man . 
 J\nother man took it, and went, tremblingly, and 
 fervedit. Mr. Lunsford attended the fummons, and 
 appeared before a magillrate. He was held in a re- 
 cognizance to appear at court. The court deter- 
 mined, that he had been guilty of a breach of good 
 behaviour ; and that he muft give fecurity, or go to 
 prifon. He was advifed to give fecurity ; under the 
 expeiftation of obtaining licenfe to preach He tried; 
 but could not. He often regretted that he had taken 
 this ftep ; and was forry he had not gone to prifon. 
 'I'his took place in Richmond county. 
 
 After the repeal of the law for eflabliihing one 
 fed: to the exclufion of the reft, a banditti attended 
 Mr. Lunsford's meeting, with flicks and ftaves, to 
 attack him. Juft as he was about to begin to preach, 
 they approached him for the attack. His irreligious 
 'friends, contrary to his wish, drew flakes out of a 
 fence to defend him. This produced a great up- 
 roar and fome skirmiihes. Mr. Lunsford retired to 
 a houfe. The perfecutors purfued him. He Ihut 
 himlelf up ; and they were not hardy enough to 
 break in to him. One of them defired to have the 
 privilege of convCrfmg with Mr. L. with a view of 
 convincing him. He was let in ; and did converfe. 
 When lie came out, he wore a new face. His party 
 asked him the refult. You had better converfe with 
 him yourfelvcs, faid he. 
 
 It was not until January, I778, that Mr. Lunsford 
 b/'-came a fettkd prci-chcr, and took the care of Mo* 
 
Li: WIS LUNSFORD. 419 
 
 xatico Ghurch, coiiilitated at that time. He held it 
 as an opinion, that impoiition of hands by a presby- 
 tery, was not iieceflary to ordination ; but that the 
 call of a church was fuiiicient- It was in this way 
 he tooi^ the care of Moratico church. He never 
 would fubmit to be ordained by the impofition of 
 hands ; although the refufal produced no Imall dis- 
 content among the Baptifcs ; as' may be feen in our 
 account of the General Committee and AfTociations. 
 In 1779, he married his firll wife ; and became a re- 
 fideni: of Northumberland. From the time he fet- 
 led in the Northern Neck, and, indeed, from the 
 time he began to preach therCp he gradually increaf- 
 £d in favour v^^ith the people. It is hardly probable 
 thai any man ever was more beloved by a people 
 when living, or more lamented when dead. He had 
 two remarkable revivals of religion in the bounds of 
 his church, l^he ,one, about the time of the conili- 
 tution of the church, and the other commenced in the 
 year 178 H ; ,and had fcarcely fubhded at his death in 
 1793. During thele revivals, he was uncomnxoniy 
 lively and engaged. He preached almoft inceifant- 
 ly : and by bis acquaintances, after the laft revival, it 
 was thought that he made a rapid advance in the im- 
 provement of his talents, both in v/ifdom and vvarnith; 
 efpecially the latter, from wdiich he never receded, 
 during his relidence on earth. Certain it i:-, that 
 during feveral of the laft years of his lite, be was more 
 careffed, and his preaching more valued, thin any 
 other man's that ever reiided in Virginia. Lunsford 
 was a fure preacher, lie feldom failed to rife pret- 
 ty high. In his befl: ftraiiis, he was more like an an- 
 gel than a man His countenance, lighted' up by an 
 inward flame, feemed to flied beams of lieht where- 
 ever he turned. His voice, always harmionious, 
 now feemed to be tuned by defcending feraphs. His 
 fl:yle and his manner so sublime and lo energetic, 
 that he feemed indeed like an am.bafTadcr of the 
 skies, sent down to com.mandaU meij every where'to 
 
420 BIOGRAPHY OP 
 
 repent. He was truly a meirenger of peace ; and by 
 hitii the tiJi,; ^s or peace 'vere co.nmunicited to mul- 
 titLides. •'o highly was he eltirnated among hiso'.vii J 
 people, that rhere were but few preachers that vilit- 
 ed them, to whom they would willingly iiiten, even 
 for once, in p-eference to their beloved pallor. He 
 was alio clever in converfation -, having a conliderable 
 fhare of wit ; which in his cheerful moments he 
 would ufe in an innocent, but entertaining manner. 
 In argument, he inclined fomewhat to be fatyrical : 
 and by this means, fometimes gave offence to thofe 
 who did not know him well. It was, however, per-i 
 fedtly clear, that he xiid not deiign to fport with the 
 feelings of any. For it is not likely that any man of 
 his popularity, ever had fewer permanent enemies. 
 He was very fond of reading j and retained what he 
 read fo correcftlv, that few men could make more ex- 
 tenfive quotations than Mr. Lunsford For his own 
 advantage, he had procured and read fome diitin- 
 guiflied treatifes on medicine. He alfo kept family 
 medicine. So capacious were his faculties that 
 with thefe fmall opportunities, he ad:uaily became fo 
 skilful in the adminiftration of phyiic, that he was 
 often called on to attend patients at a conliderable 
 dillance. To all fuch applicants, he not only render- 
 ed his fcrvices gratis, but often furmflied meoicine. 
 He had the care of a large aud opulent church, of 
 whom fome were very liberal in their contributions: 
 by a great part of them he was too much neglecfled. 
 For tlie want of this and of his own attention to his 
 fecular affairs (through his miniftry) he was in but 
 narrow circumlhmces. Yet, he lived well; and ren- 
 dered to every man his jufl dues. But now, painful 
 as the task is, we muii add, that Lunsford died. 
 This great, this good, this aimoft inimitable man, 
 died, when only about forty years ot age. He lived 
 in a fickly climate, and had frequent bilious attacks,. 
 Thefe were fometimes very levere. F"or two or 
 three years before his death, he laboured under re- 
 
LEWIS LDNSFORD, 421 
 
 pleated Indifpofitions, even when travelling about. 
 His manly foul would never permit him to flirink 
 from the work, f > long as he had frrength to lift up 
 his voice. Sometimes, after going to bed as bring too 
 ill to preach, prompted by his feraphic fpirit, he would 
 rife again, after foms other perfon hid preached, 
 and deal out the bread of life to the hungry fons and 
 daughters of Zion. 
 
 He was a iliepherd indeed. The Dover Afibcia- 
 tion, for the ycnr 1793, v/as holden at GiebelanJing 
 meetnig houfe in Middlelex county. I'his was near- 
 ly oppolite to Mr. Lunsford, and, the river excepted, 
 probably not more than fifteen or eighteen miles from 
 hih ho^fe. Although jufl niing from a bilious at- 
 tack, he would not (tay from a place where his 
 heart delighted to be, and where he had the befl 
 ground to believe he could do good. He went ; and 
 appeared fo much better, that he made cxteniive ap- 
 pointments to preach in the lower parts of Virginia. 
 He was choien to preach on -.undiiy ; and he did 
 preach indeed. On Tuefday he came up to King 
 and Qjjeen, and preached at Hruington meeting 
 houfe, from thele words : Theielore ht us not .skep, 
 m (io olhers, but let us watch and be sober. It was 
 an awakening difcourie, worthy of this mailerly 
 workman. On that day, he took cold and grew 
 worfe. He however preached his laft fermon the 
 next day evening : Obferving when he began " it 
 may be improper for m^e to attempt to preach at this 
 time j hut, as long as 1 have any ibength remaining, 
 I wi(h to preach the gofpel of Chrilt; and 1 Vvili 
 very gladly fpend and be fpent for you. He then 
 preacheu his laft lermon from: " Iherefne, beinv; 
 jnitijied bij faitliy ziPt Imve peace witJi God, througli 
 our Lord J ejus Christ." He continued to grow 
 worfe, until, having arrived at Mr. Gregory's in 
 E'fi'ex, he took his bed, from Vvhence he was carried 
 to the g ave. . ! n his licknef«, he was remarkably 
 ■fiient; Having very iittie to fiy, which he could 
 
■iS^ lilOGRAl'flY OF 
 
 avoid. lie was fond of joining in prayer; and 
 fometimes exerted his now relaxed mind, in making 
 rf;marks worthy of fiich a man. He exprelled fome 
 anxiety, at the thought of leaving his helplefs family; 
 but appeared quite religned for the will of heaven 
 to take place. On the 26th of Odober, 1793, lie 
 fell aileep in the arms of Jefus, aged about forty 
 3^ears. Rev. Henry Toler preached two funeral 
 fermons for him. One at the place of his death, a~ 
 notherat Mr. Lunsford s meeting houfe, in Lancafler 
 county, called Kilmarnock. Thefe two fermons were 
 printed in a pamphlet : and, annexed to them, were 
 two handfome elegies, written by ladies of his 
 church.* It ieemed to be a myftery to many^ why 
 God iliould have called home, fo great, fo ufeful a 
 man in the bloom of life. Thofe who thought pro- 
 per to offer reafons or conjedtures for explainuig th^ 
 ways of Providence, feemed generally to agree, that 
 IVIr. Lunsford's popularity as a preacher had rifen 
 too high. The people, wherever he was or where 
 he was expeiled, feemed to have loll all relilh for any 
 other man's preaching: That, God knowing the 
 capacity of mod of his fervants, was unwilling that 
 the lelfer lights fhouldbe fomuch fwallowed up by 
 the greater. Perhaps the better way is to form no 
 conjediure about it ; but rcfl perfuaded, that the ways 
 ;f God are always wife ; howiever unaccountable to 
 man . 
 
 He was twice married. He had by his fird wife 
 one furviving child. By hijj fecond wife, he left 
 three children. 
 
 WILLIAM WEBBER. 
 
 Mr. Webber is alfo one of the fathers in Ifrael. 
 He was born, Auguil: 15th, 1747, of parents in the 
 middle line of life. His education was but lleader ; 
 
 * Another w.is uTitten bv Rev. A. Sioaddus, which wns much admirec}. 
 
Wlh'LlAtl WEBBER, 423 
 
 having been sent to fchool only thre-e years. At iixr 
 tQen years of age, he was put apprentice to a houle- 
 joiner. After he had ferved his time out, he con- 
 tiuued to'work at his trade, until God called hitn to 
 be a workman for him. In October, 1769, he went 
 to hear the Baptifts preach. He was awakened ta 
 know his danger : and his fpirit took no reft from 
 that time until about fix months after, he obtained 
 a hope of falvation ; and was baptized, June 1770, 
 by elder John Waller, then juft ordained. He had, 
 as was ufual about that time, exercifed a gift in ex- 
 hortation, previous to his being baptized. Of his 
 further progrefs, his ordination, &c. fee the account 
 in the General History, and, aifo, of Dover church. 
 Few men in Virginia, fu&red more persecutions, 
 than William Webber, He was iirft feized in Chef- 
 teriield county, December 7th, 1770, and imprifoned 
 in that county jail until March 7th, 1771 3 juft three 
 months. In Auguft, the fame year, he was taken 
 off the ftage, ia Middiefex county, and put into pri- 
 son ; where he was confined forty five days ; having 
 the bounds a part of the. time. In both thefe prifons, 
 he and his fellow fufferers ufed to preach through 
 the grates, regularly twice a week, to fuch as v/ould 
 come to hear. Befides thefe imprifonments, he was 
 often very roughly treated, by the fons of Belial, at 
 different places All of which, this man of God bore, 
 with chriftian patience and meeknefs. Although he 
 was in narrow circumftaaices, he ufed when young, 
 to devote a great deal of his time to preaching : and 
 being much refpedted and beloved, he was an inftru- 
 ment of doing a vaft deal of good. As he grew old- 
 er, and his tamily larger, he found it neceffary to 
 limit his labours chiefly to his own and the adjacent 
 jieighbourhoods. He was itill very fuccefsfui in 
 turning many to righteoulneis ; and in confirming the 
 fouls of the difciples. Mr. V/ebber.was a man of 
 talents, though not in the pulpit: there he v/as hard- 
 Tv un to. mediocritv. Be was ?. man of fof.md 'Rnd 
 
424. BTOCnAPHY OF 
 
 Corre^T: judgment ; well acquainted witli mankind; 
 well verfed in the fcriptu-es; ioand in the principles 
 of t*~sQ .gofpel, and ingenious in defending them 
 againlt error. As a companion, he was remarkably- 
 agreeable: he was lively, pleafant, and cheerful 
 yet without levity. His converfation was chief- 
 ly upon the fubjefl of religion: to which, he had a 
 turn f )r directing the attention of his company, with- 
 out permitting it to be irkfome. In his church, he 
 was greatly beloved by !his members, and all who 
 knew him. He was remarkably plain, both in his 
 drefs and manners. His chief excellency, however, 
 was in aflociations and public bodies. He was made 
 moderator of the General Afibciation, as early as the 
 year 1778. And although there were many older 
 minifters than himfelf, for feveral years after, yet 
 lie feldom attended an alTociation or General Com- 
 mittee but he was placed in the chair. His addrefs, 
 either in the chair or out of it, was far from being ac- 
 compliOied. But, ftill, he was preferred before men 
 of far more refined powers; on account of his foft, 
 yet manly, affed:ionate, and unaffeded method. It 
 is likely, that lefs atfedation was never in any man 
 than in ^Villiam Webber. You always faw him in 
 his true colours. About the year 1799, he had a 
 fevere and long spell of ficknefs, which had well 
 near brought him to his grave. He did, however, 
 recover; but his conftitution was fo fhaken, that he 
 was never as healthy afterwards. He failed to at- 
 tend the Dover AfTociation, 1807, being then ill. 
 He recovered fo far as to go out fome fmall diftance 
 from home ; but relapiing, he lingered for fome 
 months ; and then 29th day of February 1 808 he yield- 
 ed to the king of terrors, but who had loft his terror, 
 as to him. In his laR illnefs he enjoyed great, very 
 great religious confolation. Elder Watkins of Pow- 
 hatan vifited him fome little time betbre his death. 
 In his converfation he faid to him with many tears. 
 ** jBrother Watkins, I never had fo glorious a mani- 
 
JAMES IRELAND* 4.-25 
 
 feftatlon of the love of God in all my life as T have 
 had iincc my ficknefs. O ! the love of God." 
 
 SIMEON WALTON. 
 
 He was a man of note, in his day and generatioit,. 
 In point of education, he had opportunities above 
 many of his companions in the miniftry. Having a 
 relifh for literary purfuits, he improved his mind 
 above Vv'hat might have been looked for from his 
 fchool learning. Being a good mathem.itician, he 
 was appointed to difcharge the duties of county fur- 
 veyor, in Amelia the place of his refidence, for 
 a length of time., Being a ready fcribe, he was 
 clerk to the Middle Dill:ri(fl: Affociation, for many 
 years. There was a confiderable intimacy between 
 him and elder John Williams. They were kindred 
 fpirits. As a preacher, he was thought to be above 
 mediocrity: though in this charader, he did not 
 iliine as' brightly as might have been exped:ed, con- 
 fidering his clevernefs in other points. He refided 
 in Nottoway church, as paftor, for many years. 
 But in 1795, he moved to Kentucky; where, in 
 March, 1798, God took him to himfelf. hev/as a 
 ^ood and faithful fervant. 
 
 JAMES IRELAND, 
 
 James Ireland was a native of Scotland. He 
 emigrated to Virginia after he had arrived to the 
 age of manhood. He had ferious and religious im- 
 preiiions, from an early period of life Having 
 ibme poetical genius, he fometimes occupied ^his ta- 
 lent upon ferious fubjedls. God, who works m a 
 
 D3 
 
1-i't) BIOGRAPliy 05- 
 
 myilerious way, made this the medium of anelfedu- 
 a! call. By revising one of his religious poems, he 
 was llruck with a deep fenfe of the guilt of fm. 
 After paiTing through very fevere and pungent con- 
 victions, he obtained a hope of eternal life, iJis 
 godly forrow worked repentance not to be repented 
 of. lie was baptized among the Separate ikptifts, 
 in one of the earlieft tours made by IVieflrs. Kead 
 and Harrifs. He had preached previous to his bap- 
 tifm ; a thing not uncommon at ti:e firft rife of the 
 Baptiils in V^irginia. After he was baptized, he 
 foon became eminent as a preacher. His firft la- 
 bours were in Culpeper and round about thofe 
 parts* Me finally moved over the Ridge, and took 
 the care of feveral churches. (See the table of the 
 Ketodton AfTociation.) His manui^r of preaching 
 was highly plealing to his hearers. Being a man of 
 confiderabk iearninjr, his Ayie was handfome, thousrh 
 plain : and his manner was. affe<::tionate and tender. 
 Frequently deeply affected himfeif, v/ithhis own views 
 of the nxomentous fubjeds which occupied his lips, 
 liis thirfty audience alio led up by the ft reams which 
 flowed from their preacher, drank fweetly of the 
 heavenly fountain. He was an eloquent man. His 
 eloquence however, was not of the iiaftiy kind, con- 
 filling of fair words and fine fpeeches, the enticing 
 words of man's wifdom. He was above it. fiut in 
 Ijmplicity and goodly fincerity, he preached jefus 
 Chrift, and him crucified. His arguments v/ere clofe 
 mid pertinent. His exhortations were warm and pa- 
 thetic. 
 
 After labouring in the Lord's vineyard about for- 
 ty years, he fell aileep in the fpring of 1 806, at his 
 ov7n lioufe, in Frederick county, having fuf- 
 tained with fortitude, a long and fevere illnefs. His 
 lofs was grievcully felt by the churches and congre- 
 I'-ation ^o \vliom he miniitered. it is no eafy matter 
 to fupply the place of fuch a man as Mr. Ireland. 
 
 IVlr. Ireland was a man of too much diftindion to 
 
JfOliX MF.GLAMRfc. 427 
 
 <ilcape the notice of the enemies of tlie crofs. He 
 was often oppoied, and freq-iiently treated very 
 roughly by them. He was once arrcited while 
 preaching, and thrown into Culpeper jail. V\ hiie in 
 clofeconiinement, fonieof the more malignant burnf 
 at the prifon windows, red pepper or fome kind of 
 naufeous fubitance, with a view to fuftbcate him with 
 the fmoke. It ahiYoil coil him his life Efcaping, 
 however, v/ith his hfe, he never regained his con-- 
 ilitntion ; being always afterwards fubjecl to difor- 
 dercd bowels, and other diltrefling inlirmities. Gra^ 
 cious heaven ! that ever fach a man as James ire- 
 land flioiild be lb far in the pov/er of fuch unprinci-. 
 pled mifcreants! Mr. Ireland bore all the fcotis and 
 buftetings of the ungodly, as a follower of the meek 
 and lowly Jefus ought to do. He fuffered with hun 
 here; and, doubtlefs, he now reigns with hiin in 
 glory. 
 
 JOHN- MliGLAMRE. 
 
 Mr. Meglamre was born in fome of the northerii 
 dates, June 7th, 1730^ and moved to North Caroli- 
 na previous to his becoming a Baptift. About 1^764 
 or 1765, he joined the Baptifls and became a preach- 
 er. After labouring fome years as paftor of the Ke- 
 hukee cliurch, he moved to Suflex county, Virginia ; 
 and there, by his pious exertions in the Redeemer's 
 kingdom, raifed a very numerous church. Pie \vas 
 a man of very corred: principles, morals, and man- 
 ners ; and greatly refpeded and beloved as far as he 
 was known. 
 
 In the Portfmouth AlTociation he aded as modera- 
 tor, whenever 'he v/as prefent ; as he hid aifodone iii 
 the Kehukee, previous to the diviiion. He yieiaed 
 his foul into the hands of him wno gave it, December 
 13th, 1799. 
 
4,2$ BIOGRAPHY OP 
 
 He lived the life of the righteous ; and, doubtlcfs, 
 in his latter end, realized the gain ol godlinefs. 
 
 JOHN CORBLEY, 
 
 Was a native of Ireland ; and v^^hile a boy, agreed 
 to ferve four years for his paflage to Pennfylvania. 
 Wiien his time expired, he came to Virginia, and 
 fettled in or near Cuipeper ; where he became a con- 
 vert to true religion, under the miniftry of James 
 Ireland. After liis converfion, he became fo noted, 
 that the enemies of the crofs conlidered him worthy 
 of a prifon. He was accordingly put into Cuipeper 
 jail, where he flaid a conliderable time. The exadl 
 year in which he was impriloned, is not known j but 
 it was probably previous to 770: for in 1769 he was 
 a delegate from Mountain Run church in Cuipeper, 
 to the Kctodron Aflbciation j and acled as clerk of the 
 ailociation. His name does not appear on the min- 
 utes again, until 1775 ; when he comes as a repre- 
 fcntative of a church called Goflien, in Kedflone fet- 
 tlement, Pennfylvania. It appears that he had moved 
 there feveral years previous to this; and in conjunc- 
 tion With Ifaac Sutton, had planted the iirft three 
 or iour churches in the Redllone fettiement. Mis 
 firil wife was a Papifl, and was married to him pre- 
 vious to his profellion of religion. She proved a 
 tl:orn in his hde, during her life. She died; and he 
 married a moll amiable w^oman, by whom he had fe- 
 vcn children. But, how delufory is all earthly blifs! 
 Tiie Indians, for many years, were exceedingly trcu- 
 biefome in the iiedllone country. Mr Corbley and 
 his vviie and children, on a Sunday morning, ilarted 
 to walk to the meeting houfe, lefs than half a 
 iiaie from his houfe. After going a fmail dillance, it 
 was found that his bible, which he had given his wife 
 to carry, had been forgotten. He went back after 
 
J.OUN CORD LEY. 429 
 
 it. On his return to overtake his fvimily, he C.\w 
 two Indians running; one of v/hom made a direful 
 yell. He fu^ped:ed foinething bad; and ran to a 
 fort about half a mile off, and obtained affillance. 
 When they came to the place, he found his wife 
 killed with a tomahawk ; and the infant which iht 
 had in her arms thrown acrofs her breaft, with its 
 brains dafliedout againil: a tree. Three of the other 
 children were killed, and two fcalpedand wounded 
 that afterwards recovered. Only, one, a little girl, 
 efcaped unhurt. She was attacked, but a dog feised 
 the Indian that was pursuing her ; by which (he got 
 into the buflies and hid herfelf. The feelings of Mr, 
 Corbley, on this afHiding occafion, are beyond dcfcrip- 
 tion. He fell into a melancholy ftate of mind ; du- 
 ring which, he could not preach, or fcarcely do any 
 thing elfe. Reflecting at length, that the liand of 
 Providence was viiible in the prefervation of his own 
 life, he took courage and recomenced his labours. 
 His minillry was very effectual in that country : 
 though thinly fettled, he baptized three or four hun- 
 dred perfons. He was a man of great gifts; and 
 cflecm.ed by moft, a very pious chriiban. His fuc- 
 cefs drew upon him the refentment of the v/icked .; 
 which they vented in a very diabolical manner. A 
 bafe woman accused him of making frequent crimi- 
 nal propofals to her ; and offered to confirm it by a 
 I'olemn oath. Although he knew it to be f-ilfe, and 
 the church did not believe it; yet he thought it belt 
 to remain lilent and not preach, until it could by fome 
 means be cleared up. They cited the Vv^oman to ap- 
 pear before a magiflrate, in order to fvvear her to 
 what file affirmed; and in the mean time v/ere,,earn- 
 eftly engaged in prayer. When fhe ca'.me before the 
 magiftrate, £l:ie was taken with a trembling; and for 
 fo'me time remained speechlefs. Some \-7i{]ied toex- 
 cufe her, and let it pals off: but Mr. Corbley inliit- 
 ed on her fv/earing ; v/liich Hit- did, and exprefsl v 
 
declared his innocence : and fiiid it Was a plot laid 
 by certain perfons whom flie named. 
 
 in the time of the whiskey infurrediion, as it is 
 commonly called, Mr, C'orbley was accufed of ta- 
 king an active part in favouring and aiding the infiir- 
 gents ; for which, as being a difunguiflied man, the 
 government chofe to make an example of him. He 
 was fcizcd, and haftily carried to Philadelphia, which 
 was upwards of two hundred miles from home -, and 
 there kept in prifon in great a{llid:ion. His wants 
 ^.vhile in prifon were benevolently fupplicd by doc- 
 tor Roo;ers, and others of his friends in Philadelphia. 
 He w^as never brou2:ht to trial : and of courfe it can- 
 not, with certainty, be faid whether he was accufed 
 falfely or not. He was not accufed of being an in- 
 furgent hinifelf; but aiding and abetting thofe that 
 were. If this was the cafe, it was certainly a very 
 imprudent piece of conduct ; 3'et, confidering the 
 ilate of things in that country, at that time, it muft 
 be viewed by the impartial, rather as an error of the 
 head than ot the heart. He lived about seven years 
 after he was releafcd from prifon : during which 
 lime, he continued to occupy his talents and to do 
 good. In 1805, he finilhed his courfe in peace. 
 
 Mr. Corbiey, though a good preacher, was thought 
 to do more good out of the pulpit than in it. He 
 generally, after preaching, mixed with the congrega- 
 tions : and, by iingino; and pious exhortations, ire- 
 quently made very ferious impredions. 
 
 JOHN GARRARD. 
 
 Concerning Mr. Garrard much has already been 
 faid in the general hi dory of the Regular Baptifts. 
 A few further remarks will fmiih his hifcory. He 
 came firfl from the bounds of the Philadelphia AiTo- 
 
ciation, and fettled in Berkley county, on Opeckon 
 creek. His removal to the Ketodton below the Ridge, 
 with his return, &c has been already mentioned.. 
 After he had again fettled in Ajill Creek church, he 
 became a confiderabie traveller, fomeiimes with and 
 fometimes without Mr. Thomas. He was a warm, 
 ;:ealous, and fuccefsful preacher ; and highly reputed 
 v\^herever he was known. Me often adted as modera- 
 tor to the ailbciation ; and was by all efleemed as a 
 venerable father in the church of God. He lived to 
 hs( a very old man ; and died about 1784. 
 
 JOSEPH ANTHONY. 
 
 Mr. Anthony ought to fland among the iirftof If- 
 jael's worthies ; if not for talents, yet for v/hit is 
 much more valuable, for unfeigned piety, unwearied 
 zeal, and exteniive uiefulnefs. For his firft com- 
 mencement as preacher, his perfecutions, &c. fee 
 Toaees 12 and 17. His firft uieful labours after he 
 
 J. o / 
 
 could venture to travel out, Vv^ere in the lov/er end 
 of Henrico, Charles City, and James City ; where he 
 aided Mr. Baker in planting the churches in thole 
 parts. After a few years, he moved up to Henry 
 county j and was there during the reft of his life, 
 very laborious, and fuccefsful in turning m.any to 
 sighteoufnefs. He feldom was in company with 
 any irreligious perfons, that he did not exhort them 
 *^o repentance. He was for many years a leading 
 charad:er in the Strawberry Ailbciation. When the 
 jViayo v/as taken oit, he fell into that diiln\5i:j in 
 whicli he adled as moderator as long as he lived. 
 He died triiuiiphant in the Lord. 
 
 Blciscd are the dead ihat •-'■- ■" '';" "":v7; -— thrir 
 Zi-arks do lollow tlieui. 
 
.132 
 
 BiCuliAMlV OF 
 
 RICHARD MAJOR. 
 
 Mr. "Richard Major was a native of Nev/ Jcrfey ; 
 v.'here he contirxucd until he was thirty years of ap-c; 
 md then moved into louden countv, Virginia. 
 During the early part of his life, he was haraffed oc- 
 cafionally w^ith awful convidlicns : which he endea- 
 voured to fliake off, by reforting to wild company. 
 They would, however, return upon him ngnin v/ith 
 double force. When he had ari(cn to the years<of 
 maturity, he was ftill purfued by the moil horrid 
 temptations. Ceing a man of flrong mind, he could 
 not avoid Ibrting objections to the gofpcl plaji of 
 falvation; then he would be tempted to believe that 
 lie would be damned for fuch wifdom. Grace final-* 
 ]y prevailed ; and he became a zealous chriflian. 
 
 He was not a man of much fchool learning; but 
 his vigourous mind rofe above all obftrudions. 
 Well tauglit in the fchcol of ChriH:, and devoting 
 himfelf to the {ludy of the fcripture he became a 
 workman that needeth not to be afhamed. He 
 snnglit not great things i'cr himsc/f; but in fim- 
 plicity and godly fincerity he preached Chrift cruci- 
 fied. He was remarked, by all who knew him, for 
 his indefatigable labours in the miniilry. From the 
 time he entered on his work, until his conftitution 
 began to fail, he travelled far and near in order to 
 perfuade finners to repent. He fucceeded beyond 
 many of much greater talents. He is faid to have 
 planted, from firll to lajft, fix or eight churchcg. 
 For feveral years after he commenced preacher, he 
 met with great oppofition from individuals. A cer- 
 tain m^an, whofe wife had been baptized by Mr. Ma- 
 jor, determined to kill him on fight ; and went to 
 meeting for that purpofe. He fat down in hearing; 
 intending to catch at fome obnoxious exprelTion 
 which might fiiU from Mr. Major ; and under that 
 pretence to attack him. But God produced a dif- 
 
RICHARD MAJOR. 43.3 
 
 ferent refult. For the man infhead of executing his 
 defign, became fo convicted, that he could not keep 
 on his feet : and was afterwards baptized by th? man 
 whom he intended to murder. Another really at=- 
 tacked him with a club in a violent manner. Mr. 
 Major being remarkable for great prefence of mind, 
 turned to him, and m a folemn m.inner faid, " atan, 
 I command thee to come out of the man." His club 
 immediately began to tall, and the lion became as 
 quiet as a lamb. Thefe are a £&w of the many oc- 
 currences of this kind that took place in the long life 
 of this valuable man. For ten or twelve years before 
 his death, his ilurdy conflitution beg.in to fail. He 
 was attacked by the gravel, a very painful difeafe ; 
 and in order to gain relief, he went to the medicinal 
 fprings. From the water he could get no relief^ 
 but by apparent accident, he was informed of a re- 
 medy;* which upon trial, he found very effediual. 
 This gave him refpite for feveral years. But being 
 attacked by the fame difeafe again, after a tedious 
 and painful illnefs, he finiflied his courfe at about 
 fourfcore years of age. He has doubtlefs found a 
 bright maniion in his Father's kingdom. 
 
 So much was he efteemed in the latter part of his 
 life, that he had ferious apprehenfions, that he muft 
 be too much at eafe for a gofpel minifler ; or, in other 
 words, it feemed as if the expreffion, woe be itnlo j/oii 
 ZDhen all men speak wed of i/gu, applied to his case. 
 In the midil: of thefe thoughts, he accidentally heard 
 a man lay to his charge one of the moll: abominable 
 crimes. At firft he felt irritated; but recoUeding 
 his previous reflections, he was foon reconciled. 
 
 **The remedy was the juice of red onion mixed with the jtiicr 
 of horferaint j taking a e,ii! everv mornin?^. 
 
 h5 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A MEMORIAL AND REMONSTRANCE AGAINST THE Gl£.. 
 NERAL ASSESSMENT, PRESENTED TO THE GENERAl! 
 ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA, AT THE SESSION FOR THE 
 YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED 
 AND EIGHTY FIVE, 
 
 Draiun (>)> fames Madimi% miv Prejident of the United. Stats;//, 
 
 41^41 C 4i^4^<3#^ 
 
 A MEMORIAL AND REMONSTRANCfi. 
 
 .^Q THE IIOr'tOURABLE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OJ? 
 THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 WE, the fiibscribers, jcitizens of the faid com- 
 monwealth, having taken into ferious conlideration 
 a bill, printed by order of the laft feffion of general 
 aflembly, entitled "A bill eftabliihing a provilion for 
 teachers of the chriftian religion;" and conceiving, 
 that the fame, if finally armed with the fandlions of a 
 law, will be a dangerous abufe of power; are bound 
 as faithful members of a free ftate, to remonftrate 
 ugainfl it, and to declare the reafons by which we 
 are determined. We remonftrate againft the faid 
 bill: 
 
 Becaufe we hold it for a fundamental and una- 
 lienable truth, ** that religion, or the duty which we 
 owe to the Creator, and the manner of difcharging 
 it, can be dkexfled only by reafon and convi,«rtion. 
 
435 ifcil fcj| KA 
 
 not by force or violence."* The religion, tlien, of 
 every man, mull be left to the convidtion and con- 
 fciences of every man ; and it is the right of every 
 mail tcexercifeit, as thefe may dictate. This right 
 is, m its nature, an unalienable right. It is unalien- 
 able i becaule the opinions of men depending only 
 on the evidence contemplated by their own minds, 
 cnnot follow the dictates of other men. It is unali- 
 enable, ^Ifo; bccaufe what is here a right towards 
 mail, is a duty towards the Creator, h is the duty 
 of "very man to render to the C reator fuch homage, 
 and luch only, as he believes to be acceptable to him. 
 'jLiiiS duty It; precedent, both in order of lime, and in 
 degree of obligatior^ te'thte tl*imi* dl'civil iociety. 
 Before any man can be confidered as a member of 
 civil fociety, he m.ull be confidered as a fubje(5t of the 
 Governor of the univerle. And if a member of 
 civil fociety, who enters into any fubordinate afloci- 
 ation, muft always do it with a rcfervation of Iris 
 duty to the general iRluhority ; much more muft eve- 
 ry man who JDeccmes a member of any particular 
 civii fociety, do it with a faving of his allegiance to 
 the univerfal Sovereign. We maintain, therciore, 
 that, in matttrs of religion, no man's right is abridg- 
 ed by the inflstuticn of civil fociety -, and that rehgi- 
 on is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it 
 is, that no other rule exifls, by which any queftion 
 which m.ay divide a fociety can be ultirDatcly deter- 
 mined, but by the will of the majority. But it is 
 alfo true that the majority may trefpafs on the rights 
 of the minority, 
 
 Becaufe if religion be exempt from the authority 
 of the fociety at large, ftiil lefs can it be fubjed: to 
 that of the legillative body. The latter are but the 
 creatures and vicegerents of the former. Their ju- 
 rifdidtion is both derivative and limited. It is limit- 
 ed with regard to the co-ordinate departments: more 
 
 •'* Declaration of Rights, article i6» 
 
APPENDIX. <f!37 
 
 neceffarily, it is limited with regard to the conditu- 
 ents. The prefervation of a free government re- 
 quires, not merely that the metes and bounds which 
 feparate each department of power, be invariiibly 
 maintained ; but more efpeCially, that neither of 
 them be fufFered to overleap the great barrier which 
 defends the rights of the people.. The rulers who 
 are guilty of fuch an encroachment, exceed the 
 cominiilion from v/hich they derive their authority, 
 and are tyrants. The people who fubmit to it, are 
 governed by laws made neither by themlelvet;, nor 
 Ky an authority derived from them, and are Haves. . 
 - Becaufc it is proper to take alarm, at the firft ex- 
 periment on our liberties. Vf e hold this prudent 
 jealoufy, to be the iirft duty of citizens, and one of 
 the noblpft; charadlcriftics of the late revolution. 
 The freemen of America did not wait until ufurped 
 power had flrengthened itfelf by exercife, and entan- 
 gled the queftion in precedents. They faw all the 
 confequences in the principle, and they avoided the 
 confequences by denymg the principle. We re- 
 vere this lefibn too much, foon to forget it. Who 
 does not fee that the fame authority which can eila.- 
 blifh chriftianity in exclufion of all other religions, 
 may eftablifli, with the fame eale, any particular 
 fe(5t of chiiftians, in exclufion of all other fed;s ? 
 That the fame authority which can force a citizen to 
 contribute three pence only of his property, for the 
 fiipport of any one eftablilhment, may force him to 
 conform to any other ef!:ablifhment, in all cafes 
 whatfoever. 
 
 Becaufe the bill violates that equality which ought 
 to be the balis of every law ; and which is more in- 
 difpenfable, in proportion as the validity or expedi- 
 ency of any law is more liable to be impeached. *' H 
 all men are, by nature, equally free and independ- 
 ent,"* all men are to be coniidercd as cnterinj^ into 
 
 ♦Declaration of P.aht.S; artirlc 7. 
 
48^ -APPENDIX. 
 
 focitty on equal conditions, as relinquifhing no niprc. 
 and therefore retaining no lefs, one than another, ot 
 their natural rights : above all, are they to be conli- 
 <^ered as retaining an " erjiial title to. the free exer** 
 cife of religion according to th« didatcs of coa- 
 fcience."* Whiiil we afTert for ourfelvcs a free- 
 dom'' to embrace, to profefs, and obferve the reli- 
 gion which we- believe to be of divine origin; we 
 cannot deny an equal freedom to thofe whofe mind& 
 have not yet yielded to the evidence which has con- 
 vinced us. If this freedom be abufed, it is an of- 
 fence 2.gain{): God, not againft man. To God, there- 
 fore, and not to man, muft an account of it be ren- 
 dered. 
 
 As -the bill violates equality, by fubjedling fomc 
 to peculiar burdens ; fo it violates the fame principle 
 by granting to others, peculiar exemptions. Are 
 the Quakers and Menpnifts the only fedfs who think 
 a compulfive fupport of their religions unneceffary 
 and unwarrantable ? Can their piety alone be en^ 
 trufled with triQ care of public worfl^iip ? Ought 
 their religions to he endowed, above all others, with 
 extraordinary privileges, by which profelytes may 
 be enticed from all others ? We think too favoura- 
 bly of the juftice and good fenfe of thefe denomina- 
 tions, to believe, that they either covet preeminences 
 over their fellow citizens, or that they will be fedu-- 
 ced by them from the common oppofition to the 
 meafura. 
 
 ijecaufe the bill implies, either th^t the civil ma- 
 glftrate is a competent judge of religious truths, or 
 tliat he may employ religion as an engine of civil 
 policy. The nrlt is an arrogant pretenfion, faliilied 
 by the extraordinary opinion of rulers, in all ages, 
 and throughout the world; thefecond, an unhallow- 
 ■--d perverfion of the means of falvation. 
 
 liec^ufe the efrabliflimentpropofed by the bill is not 
 
 * Declaration of E-ights, article i^'. 
 
i'equilite fof the fapport of the chriitian religlorr. 
 To fay that it is, is a contradiflioa to the chridiaii 
 religion itfelf; for every page of it difavows a depend-* 
 ence on the power of this world ^ it is a contradiction 
 to fa(5l, for it is knawn that this religion both exifted i 
 and flouriflied. not only without the fupport of hu- 
 man laws, but in fpite of every oppofition from 
 them J and not only during the period of miraculouJi- 
 aid, but long after it had been left to its own evi- 
 dence and the ordinary care of Providence : nay, it ii; 
 a (Contradiction in terms; for a religion not invented 
 by human policy, mud have preexifled and been 
 fupported, before it was efl:abli(hed by human poli- 
 cy ; it is moreover to weaken in thofe who profefs thi:> 
 religion a pious confidence in its innate exceilencu 
 and the patronage of its Author ; and to fofter in 
 thofe who flill reject it, a fufpicion that its friends, 
 are too confcious of its fallacies, to trufl k to its 
 own merits. 
 
 Becaufe experience witnefTes that eccleliaftical 
 ellablifhments, initead of maintaining the purity 
 and efficacy of religion, have had a contrary opera- 
 tion. During almoft fifteen centuries has the legal 
 eflablifhment of chriflianity been on trial. What 
 have been its fruits? more or lefs in all places^, 
 pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and 
 .fervility in the laity; in both, fuperflition, bigotry, 
 and perfecution. Enquire of the teachers of chrif- 
 tianity for the ages in which it appeared in its 
 greatefh luflre ? thofe of every fe<ft point to the 
 ages prior to its incorporation with civil policy. 
 Propofe a refloration of this primitive flate, in which 
 its teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of 
 their flocks, many of them predid: its downfall. On 
 which fide ought their teftimony to have greatell 
 Weight, when for, or when againil: their intercii ? « 
 
 . Becaufe the eflablifhment in queftion, is not ncc^f- 
 iary for the fupport of civil government. If it be 
 urged as nece-flary for the fupport of civil govern-- 
 
 « 
 
14 v) APPENDIX. 
 
 ment, only as it is a means of fuppofting religion^ 
 and it be not necellary for the latter piirpofe, it can- 
 not be necelTary for the former. \f religion be not 
 w;thin the cognizance of civil government, how 
 can its legal eftdblifliment be fai4 to be necefTary to 
 civil government ? What influence in fa(fl have ec- 
 cleliafHcal eftablifliments had on civil fociety ? In 
 fome inflances they have been Ccen to exa6t a fpirit- 
 ual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority ; in 
 more inftances have they been feen upholding the 
 thrones of political tyranny ; in no inftance have they 
 been fecn the guardians of the liberties of tne people. 
 Rulers who wilhcd to fabvert the public liberty, may 
 have found an eftablifhed clergy convenient auxilia- 
 ries. A juit government inflituted to fecure and per- 
 petuate it, needs them not. Such a government will 
 be beft fupported by protedling every citizen in the 
 enjoyment of his religion, with the same equal hand 
 which protects his perfon and his property; by nei- 
 ther invading the eq.ual rights of any fe6t, nor fuf-- 
 fering any fed: to invade thofe of another. 
 
 Becaufe the propofed eilabhOiment is a departure 
 from that generous policy, which, offering an afylum 
 to the perfecuted and opprefTed of every nation and 
 religion, promifed a luftre to our country, and an ac- 
 ceffion to the number of its citizens. What a me- 
 lancholy mark is the bill of fudden degeneracy ? In^ 
 itead of holding forth an afyhun to the perfecuted^ 
 it is itfelf a signal of perfecution. It degrades from 
 the equal rank of citizens all thofe whofe opinions in 
 religion do not l>cnd to thofe of the legillative au- 
 thority. Diftant as it may be, in its prefcnt form, 
 from the inquifition, it differs from it only in degree: 
 the one is the fir/l: ilep, the other the lail, in the ca- 
 reer of intolerance. The magnanimous fufferer 
 tinder the cruel fcourge in foreign regions, mufl 
 view the hill as a beacon on our coaft, warning him 
 tofeek fdme other ]iaven> where libert}^ and philan- 
 
APPENDIX. 441 
 
 thropy in their due extent may offer a more certain. 
 repofe from his troubles. 
 
 Becaufe it will have a like tendency to banifh our 
 citizens The allurements prefented by other fitua* 
 tions, are ever/ day thinning their number. To fu* 
 peradd afrgfh motive to^ emigration, by revoking the 
 liberty vehich they now enjoy, would be the fame 
 ipecies of folly, which has diflionoured and depopu- 
 lated flourifhing kmgdoms. 
 
 Becaufe it will deftroy that moderation and har- 
 mony, which the forbearance of our laws to inter- 
 meddle with religion has produced among its feveral 
 fedts. Torrents of blood have been fpilt in the old 
 world, by vain attempts of the iecular arm to extm- 
 guifh religious difcord by profcribing all differences 
 in religious opinion. Time has at length revealed the 
 true remedy. Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous 
 policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to 
 aiTuagee the difeafe. The American theatre has ex- 
 hibited proofs, that equal and complete liberty, if it 
 does not wholly eradicate it, fufficiently deftroy^ its 
 malignant influence on the health and prosperity of 
 the ftate. If with the falutary effefts of this fyftem 
 tinder our own eyes, we begin to contracft the bounds 
 of religious freedom, we know no name that will too 
 feverely reproach our folly. At leaft let warning be 
 taken at the firfl fruits of the threatened innovation. 
 The very appearance o^ the bill has transformed that 
 " chriftian forbearance, love, and charity,"* which 
 of late mutually prevailed, into animofities and jea- 
 lousies which may not foon be appeafed. What 
 mifchiefs may not be dreaded, fhould this enemy to 
 the public quiet, be armed with the force of a 
 law? 
 
 • Declaration of Rights, articb 16. 
 F3 
 
4-1:^ APPENDIX. 
 
 Becaufe the pclicy 6f the bill is adverfe to the dif*r 
 fufion of the hght of chriftianity. The firft wifh of 
 thofe who ought to etijoy this precious gift ought to 
 be, that it may be imparted to the whole race of 
 mankind. Compare the number of thole, Avho have 
 as yet received it, Avith the number ftill remaining 
 tinder the dominion of falfe religions, and how fmall 
 is the former! T3oes the policy of the bill tend to 
 ledhn the dilproportion ? No ; it at once difcourages 
 thofe who are ftrangers to the light of truth, from 
 coming into the regions of it; and countenances by, 
 example, the nations who continue in darkness, in 
 fliutting out thofe who might convey it to them In- 
 ■0:':?d of levelling as far as poflible every obftacle to 
 the viiftorious progrefs of truth, the bill with an ig- 
 noble and unchriilian timidity, would circumfcribe 
 it, w^ith a wall of defence againll the encroachments 
 of error 
 
 Decaufe attempts to enforce by legal fandions, 
 acfls, obnoxious, to fo t:reat a proportion of citizens, 
 tend to enervate the laws in general, and to flacken 
 the bands of fociety. If it be difficult to execute any 
 law, which is not generally deemed neceffary or fa- 
 lutary, what mult be the cafe where it is deemed in- 
 valid and dangerous ? And what may be the eifedt of 
 fo ftriking an example of impotency in the govern* 
 ment on its general authority ? 
 
 Becaufe a meafure of fuch fmgular magnitude 
 and delicacy, ought not to be impoled, without the 
 cleared evidence that it is called for by a majority 
 of citizens; and no fatisfadory method is yet propo- 
 fed by which the voice of the majority in this cafe 
 may be determined, or its influence fecured. "The 
 people of the refpective counties are indeed requefted 
 to iignify their opinion refpeding the adoption of 
 the bill, to the next feffion of alfembly." But the 
 reprelentatidh mufl be made equal, before the voice 
 
APPENDIX. 443 
 
 either of the reprefentatives or of the counties, will 
 be that of thej people. Our hope is that neither of 
 the former, will after due co p. lide ration, cfpoufe the 
 dangerous principle of the .Jyill. Sliould the event 
 difappoint us, it will flill le^^ve us in full confidence, 
 that a fair appeal to the latter will reveffe the fen- 
 tence againft our liberties. ^^ 
 
 Becaufe finally, " the equal right of ef ery citizen 
 to the free exercife of his religion according to the 
 dictates of confcience," is held by the iame tenure 
 with all our other rights. If vye recur to its origin, 
 it is equally the gift ot nature j if we weigh its im- 
 portance it cannot be iefs denr to us ; if we confalt 
 the " Declaration of thofe rights which pertain to 
 the good people of Virginia, as the bafis and founda- 
 tion of government,"* it is enumerated v/ith equil 
 folemnity. or rather with ftudied emptiafis. Eitner 
 then we rnuit fay, that the will of the iegiflatur^ is 
 the only meafure of their authority ; and that, in ihe 
 plenitude of this authority, they may iweep away all 
 our fundamental rights; or, tiiat they ai(^||bouiid to 
 leave this particular right untouched and lacred : ei- 
 ther we mull fiy that they may con.troul the free- 
 dom of the prefs j may aboliiii tne triiii by jury; may 
 fwallow up the executive, and judiciary powers of 
 the ftate: nav, that tiiey may annihilate our very 
 right of fuftrage, and erect themleives into an inde- 
 pendent, and hereditary afiembly; or we mud iay 
 that thi^y have no authority to enadt into a law, the 
 bill under conlideration. We the fubfcribcrs fify, 
 that the general afiembly of this commonwealth 
 have no luch authority; and that no effort may be 
 omitted on our part againif fu dangerous a uiurp-. 
 ation, we oppose to it this Remonirrance, carneiii^ 
 praying; as we are in duty bound, that tiieiupreu-v- 
 Lawgi.y-r of the univerfe, by illuminating thgfe to 
 whom it is addrelfed, may, on one hand, turn t leir 
 councils from every a.d', winch would aifroniiiis nu- 
 
 1 
 
f 
 
 } 
 
 ^4^ APPKNDIX. 
 
 ly prerogative, or violate the truft committed to 
 them; and, on the other, guide them into every mea- 
 fure which may be worthy of his bleffing, may re- 
 dound to their own praife, and may eilabhfli more 
 firmly the libeities, the property, and the happinefs 
 of this commonwealth. 
 

 GENERAL TABLE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 . VIRGINIA ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 The following table wilt furnish a general view of the 
 state of the Virginia Associations ; and likewise an» 
 swer as an 
 
 INDEX, 
 
 To show in what part of the book each Association -is 
 treated on. 
 
 
 5? 
 
 -0 
 
 1 y 1 
 
 
 Names of Aflbciations, 
 
 fco. 
 
 
 refent ni 
 
 ber of 
 
 Churche 
 
 efent nu 
 
 ber of 
 
 Member 
 
 h3 
 
 Cfq 
 
 re 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 » 
 
 • 3 
 
 r 3 
 
 from to 
 
 Gcneiai AflTociat'On 
 General Coinmittee 
 General Meeting ot Cor- 
 
 refpondence 
 Dovc;r Alfociation 
 Orange 
 Gofheii 
 Albemarle 
 Culpeper 
 Middle Diftria 
 Appomattox 
 Mcnerrin 
 Roanoke 
 Strawberry 
 Nevv tiivev 
 Hoifton 
 Monntain 
 Accomack 
 Ketocton 
 Greenbrier 
 Union 
 Rea Stone 
 Portsmouth 
 ■ Mayo* 
 
 Totals 
 
 • The accounts from Mavp a 
 muft be hft almolt blank, i^j^ 
 
 1760 
 
 
 1783 
 
 
 1800 
 
 
 1783 
 
 37 
 
 I7«3 
 
 
 1791 
 
 »9 
 
 1791 
 
 9 
 
 1791 
 
 18 
 
 1783 
 
 8 
 
 1804 
 
 16 
 
 1804 
 
 16 
 
 1788 
 
 30 
 
 1766 
 
 24 
 
 1793 
 
 9 
 
 1788 
 
 lomV. 
 
 1799 
 
 3inV. 
 
 1808 
 
 7 
 
 1765 
 
 3z 
 
 1807 
 
 9 
 
 1804 
 
 13 
 
 1776 
 
 7inV. 
 
 1790 
 
 20 
 
 17S,8 
 
 
 
 
 
 287 1 
 
 9628 
 2650 
 
 1037 
 
 1353 
 1329 
 2114 
 
 9S0 
 2510 
 1728 
 
 348 
 
 59> 
 190 
 
 891 
 
 206l 
 
 356 
 
 262 
 
 344- 
 
 317(» 
 
 3o.5-*3 
 
 ire noji^oinf; to hai^d ; O; cov.ric th 
 
 4l U.<U ^x^m^H^/i. 
 
 4-> 
 
 69 
 
 69 
 
 86 
 
 86 
 
 89 
 
 90 
 
 138 
 
 139 
 
 140 
 
 141 
 
 168 
 
 169 
 
 >73 
 
 174 
 
 195 
 
 194 
 
 207 
 
 208 
 
 £lS 
 
 219 
 
 231 
 
 232 
 
 259 
 
 26a 
 
 267 
 
 268 
 
 274 
 
 275 
 
 278 
 
 278 
 
 279 
 
 280 
 
 288 
 
 298 
 
 324 
 
 3^5 
 
 335 
 
 336 
 
 339 
 
 340 
 
 342 
 
 343 
 
 
 36 < 
 
 
 : this 
 
 \iffociatIo! 
 
 <^f>^ 
 
ODSi.il V'ATIO^S ON MAYO, Scc. 
 
 "In". B. According to the note at the foot of .%e 
 p'cceding page, the accounts from Mayo^Ailbciation 
 have not come to hand. Beit tlfc jCompiler how- 
 ever can inforra.the reader, that the churches com- 
 pofing this afTociation are partly in North^X'arolina, 
 and partly in Virginia. Thofe in Virginla^are in 
 the counties of Henry, Patrick, and Pittfylv;^nia,' 
 and are in number, the *. ompiler thinks, about feven ; 
 which, if added to the others, amount to two .hun- 
 dred and ninety four churches in the whole itate. 
 Admitting the average number in the churches,, the 
 fame as that of btrawberry, the mother affociation, 
 the whole number of members v/ill be five hundred 
 and four ; which added to thirty thoufand^ five hun- 
 dred and forty eight, make the total amount of Bap- 
 tifts in V'irginia thhtij one thousand and fifty two. 
 Asplund's Hegifter for 1791, foon after the great re- 
 vival, makes the number of Baptists twenty thou- 
 fand four hundred and thirt}^ nine, in Virginia. The 
 increafe in nineteen years is more than fifty per 
 cent. During this period, it has been fuppofed, 
 that, more than one fourth of the Baptifts of Virgi- 
 nia have moved to Kentucky and other parts of the 
 weflern country. 
 
 END. 
 
 ;> -xj^^ V .. >^- > if,!;. 
 
r^