Henry County
GAGenWeb
Convened at Sardis Meeting House, Pike County,
October 20, 21, 22 & 23, 1827
1. The Introductory sermon was preached by brother John Blackston, according to appointment,
from 3d c. vi verse, Songs of Solomon. "Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like
pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh, frankincense, and all powders of the
merchant"... After sermon, business was opened by singing and prayer.
2.
Read the letters from the churches and minuted their state. The Association then
proceeded to the election of moderator and clerk, when brethren Robert
McGinty was elected moderator, and John Miller clerk.
3. Brother John M.
Gray was elected to preach the next introductory sermon, and in case of failure,
brother Jonathan Neil, and brother Jacob King was elected to write the next
circular letter.
4. Appointed the brethren, Mosely, Milner, Blackstone
and King, with the church at this place, to arrange the preaching from day to
day, during the Association, who reported that the brethren, Grenade,
Callaway and Henderson were to preach in the order of their names on Sabbath
day.
5. Appointed the brethren Eden Taylor, Jonathan Neil and John
Hambrick to arrange the business to come before the Association.
6. The
Association adjourned until Monday morning 9 o'clock; closed by prayer.
7. The brethren who were appointed to occupy the stand on the Sabbath day, (on
account of the inclemency of the weather) preached in the order of their names,
in the meeting house, to a crowded audience, while numbers attended without
doors, anxious to hear the word of life, other ministering brethren attended at
four different places in the neighborhood, and preached to and exhorted large
and attentive congregations, with much zeal and ability.
8. Monday
morning -- The association met according to adjournment, and opened by singing
and prayer by the moderator.
9. Received and read the report of the
committee appointed to arrange the business to come before the association.
Invited ministering brethren to a seat with us.
10. Called for letters
of correspondence, when a letter and minutes from the Yellow River Association
was rec'd by their messengers, the Rev. T. J. Hand and B. H. Wilson; a letter
and minutes was received from the Sarepta, by their messenger Travis Everett;
from the Ocmulgee, a letter and minutes by the Rev. brethren, Henderson,
Callaway and Montgomery; from the Georgia, by their messenger the Rev. brother
Walker, with minutes of last year; letter from the Chattahoochie by their
messenger Abram Myres, who were invited to a seat with us.
11. Called for
letters from newly constituted churches, when the following churches were
received into this association by their delegates: Fellowship, Upson County;
Fellowship, Houston; Roe's Creek, Pike; Good Hope, Upson; Macon, Bibb; Salem,
Fayette; Mt. Olive, Pike; Sharon, Monroe.
12. Resolved, that we
correspond with our sister associations: the Georgia, to which the brethren John
Milner and Cooper go as messengers; to the Yellow river the brethren, Stamper,
James Reaves and John Keeth; to the Ocmulgee, the brethren Lowry and Wm.
Henderson; to the Ebenezer, the brethren Neil Gray and Bowden; to the Sarepta,
the brethren Strickland and Orr; to the Hepzibah, Neil, Blackstone and Cummings;
to the Chattahoochie, brethren, Gordon, King, John Reaves and Byars.
13.
Appointed brother Austin Ellis to write the corresponding letter.
14.
General meetings - 1st district, Friday before 2d Sunday in April, at Hunting
Shoal; 2d district, Friday before 1st Sunday in July, Flat creek, Fayette; 3d
district, Friday before the last Sunday in June, Zebulon, Pike; 4th district,
5th Sunday in March, at Union, Crawford county.
15. This day the
ministering brethren, Walker, Montgomery and Mosely, occupied the stand, in the
order of their names, with the most happy effect--the Lord was with both
preachers and people.
16. Tuesday--met according to adjournment and
opened by singing and prayer.
17. The Circular Letter was called for,
read, amended and received.
18. The corresponding letter was called for,
read and received.
19. Ordered, that the clerk superintend the printing
and distribution of 2000 minutes, and be allowed $25 for his services and that
all charges be paid out of the Association Fund.
20. Resolved, That we
set apart the 4th day of July as a day of thanksgiving for the churches of this
association; and request other churches to meet for that purpose.
21.
Resolved, that Friday before the last Sabbath in January and July be a day of
Fasting, humiliation and prayer to God to revive his work among us; and that the
brethren meet in their churches and abstain from nourishment on those days.
22. On motion made and seconded -- that as this association has grown to a considerable extent, we recommend the churches to consider ?? the propriety of forming a new one, and that it be attended to at the next meeting of this body.
26. Quere -- What shall be don3e with "members holding letters of final dismission and will not give them up? We recommend that members holding letters of final dismission, be amenable to the church in whose vicinity he may reside.
27. Resolved, That our next Association be held at Shiloh, Washington Academy, Bibb county, on Saturday before the third Sabbath in October, 1828.
Robert McGinty, Moderator.
John Miller, Clerk.
State of The
Churches.
Ordained Preacher's names - *, Licensed Preacher's names - **,
Those marked thus (***) were absent.
Information below is from a table
and is listed in the following order: Church, County, Names of Delegates,
Baptiz., Recei'd, Dism'd, Reso'd, Excom., Dead, Total, Meet'g Sunday, Money
1. Indian Creek, Henry, George Lewis, Joshua Stephens, 1, 5, 6, -, 1, 2, 38,
-, 1.50
2. Temao, Henry, Barnabas Strickland, Hugh Longino, 18, 5, 15, 1, 1,
3, 59, 3, 2.00
3. Flint River, Fayette, Robert M. Sims, Thomas Glenn, 10, 11,
1, -, -, -, 79, 3, 3.00
4. Whitewater, Fayette, James Head*, Gilbert Gay, 12,
11, 5, -, 1, 1, 56, -, 1.75
5. Padanaram, Henry, Wm. Mosely* (***), Elisha
Rogers, 16, 10, 7, -, 2, 1, 59, 2, 3.00
6. Bethesda, Upson, Jeptha F. Walker,
John Thomas, 22, 9, 9, 1, 1, -, 75, 4, 3.00
7. Sardis, Butts, James Reaves*,
James Carter, 2, 4, 11, -, 2, -, 65, -, 1.50
8. Ramah, Henry, Thomas C.
Russell, Jacob Sykes, 32, 11, 7, -, 3, -, 66, 1, 2.00
9. Paron, Monroe, John
Morris, Moses White*, 3, 3, -, -, 1, 2, 38, 1, 1.75
10. Shiloh, Bibb, Rene
Fitzpatrick, Benjamin B. Lamar, 1, 6, 3, -, -, -, 29, -, 1.50
11. Mt.
Pleasant, Monroe, John W. Cooper*, Henry Greer, 8, 8, 9, -, 1, -, 63, - , 2.50
12. New Providence, Monroe, Rob't McGinty*, Eden Taylor*, 2, 2, 2, -, 1, 1, 51,
1, 1.62
13. Whatley's m h, Monroe, Thomas Bloodworth, Crede Caldwell, -, 1,
2, 3, -, -, 26, 3, 1.50
14. Holy Grove, Monroe, William Henderson**, John
James, 1, 12, 24, -, -, 1, 53, 4, 2.00
15. Concord, Jasper, Asa Edwards,
James L. Burks, -, 6, 18, 2, 1, 1, 78, 4, 1.33
16. Ebenezer, Upson, Zac'h
Gordon*, Henry Bell, 5, 4, 16, -, -, -, 45, 2, 2.00
17. Mount Paran,
Crawford, John Blackston*, Wm. Bowden, 17, 15, 3, -, -, -, 84, -, 2.50
18.
Antioch, Upson, Henry Garland, Leonard Sims, 6, 6, 4, -, -, 1, 38, 3, 1.50
19. Union, Crawford, Henry Dykes ***, Hiram Powell, 23, 9, 7, -, -, -, 50, 3,
1.50
20. Hopeful, Fayette, Stephen Liles, Thomas H. Cliett, 7, 1, 2, 1, 1, -,
42, -, 1.00
21. Bethel, Butts, John Brown, John M. Mitchell, 8, 16, 6, -, 4,
1, 95, -, 3.00
22. Smyrna, Butts, John Reaves*, Leonard Reese, 4, 5, 8, 1, 1,
-, 58, -, 1.50
23. Macedonia, Butts, Samuel Leek, Wm. Byars**, 3, 7, -, -, -,
-, 18, -, 1.00
24. Mount Carmel, Crawford, Ephraim Whittington, John
Williams, 12, 12, -, -, - , -, 30, 3, 1.50
25. Mount Pisgah, Monroe, Gray
Cummings, Jona Neel*, 4, 5, 9, -, 1, -, 54, -, 2.00
26. Flat Creek, Fayette,
John T. Davis, Samuel Persons, James Pelham, 9, 17, 2, -, -, -, 30, 1, 1.00
27. Flat Rock, Pike, Enoch Ember, Bluford Groce, 1, 11, 3, -, -, -, 31, -, 1.50
28. Deep Creek, Fayette, Absalom Tranthram, Matthias Turner***, -, 4, 7, -, -,
1, 26, -, 1.00
29. Phillippi, Henry, Barney Kinard, Ephraim Cox, 2, 3, 3, -,
2, 1, 20, -, 1.50
30. Bulah, Pike, Levi Martin, Israel Martin, 1, 2, 5, -, -,
-, 23, 3, 1.50
31. Armagideon, Pike, Andrew Battle, Wm. V. White***, 6, 7,
11, -, -, -, 32, 1, 1.50
32. Zebulon, Pike, Sion R. Ballard, Spencer
Stamper**, 1, 9, 11, -, -, -, 31, - , 1.50
33. Towaliga, Butts, Hugh Hammell,
Sam'l Bellah, 2, 5, 1, -, 1, -, 32, 4, 1.00
34. Hunting Shoal, Monroe, John
Keith**, Meshac Lowly*, 11, 25, 2, -, -, 2, 64, 2, 2.50
35. Forsyth, Monroe,
Pitt Milner*, John Miller, 6, 7, 11, -, 2, -, 72, 1, 2.00
36. Rocky Creek,
Monroe, Jos. Chipman*, John M. Gray*, -, 3, 5, -, -, -, 49, 4, 2.00
37. New
Hope, Upson, John Hambrick*, Thomas Johnson, 15, 7, 3, -, 1, -, 50, -, 2.00
38. Sardis, Pike, John Milner*, Henry L. Jones, 8, 16, 1, -, 2, -, 68, 2, 2.50
39. Bethlehem, Upson, Jacob King*, No letter, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, 2.50
40. Sandy Creek, Butts, Stephen Baily, 2, 4, 3, 1, -, -, 48, 3, 3.00
41.
Fellowship, Upson, Allen J. Sims, James Birdson, 23, 9, -, -, 1, -, 43, 2, 1.50
42. Fellowship, Houston, Allanson Culpepper, John Gilbert, 1, 1, -, -, -, -, 13,
-, 1.00
43. Roes Creek, Pike, Daniel Orr, Matthew Orr, 22, 8, -, -, -, -, 42,
-, 1.00
44. Good Hope, Upson, Mathew Calwell, Jesse Newby, 4, 10, -, -, -, -,
25, 4, 1.00
45. Macon, Bibb, B. B. Buchanan*, Austin Ellis, 9, 11, -, -, -,
-, 23, 1, 1.50
46. Salem, Fayette, J. F. Tharp, Jacob Mercer, 21, 12, -, -,
-, -, 44, -, 1.50
47. Mount Olive, Pike, James C. Holmes, Rigdon Heath, 3, 3,
-, -, 1, -, 16, -, 1.00
48. Sharon, Monroe, Philemon Lacy, Benjamin Story, -,
-, -, -, -, -, 13, -, 1.00
Circular.
The Flint River Baptist
Association, to the several Churches composing the same, send greeting.
Dearly beloved Brethren--Through the mercy of an all wise Providence, the time
has again rolled round, for us to comply with the duty of love and Christian
regard we owe to you. In compliance therefore, we deem it necessary to address
you from some subject, that may be calculated to benefit you, by assisting you
while on your journey through this vale of tears. And we know of none that is
better calculated, than the wisdom of God, our relationship to him as his
creatures; and the particular requisition he has made of us as creatures under
obligation to obey.
1st. The wisdom of God. God is represented in his
word as being a source of infinite wisdom. Prov. VIII and 22d verse. The Lord
possest me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. Acts XV, 88th,
known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 2d Peter, 3d
and 8th, but beloved be not ignorant of this one things, that one day is, with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, -- and in many
other places in the sacred volume he is spoken of as a God of infinite wisdom:
and it is equally certain that the human family was created by him, and stand
related to him as creatures, and not as his son; and of course are under
obligations to obey any requisition which he in wisdom thought proper to make.
For it is impossible for such wisdom to mistake, or to make a requisition that
was not advantageous for us to obey: and in one of the ten commandments we find
the following words, viz. thou shalt not covet. There is no doubt that the
wisdom of God saw that the enemy of the redeemer would endeavor to implant in
the heart of the human family the same principle for which he was hurled from
the upper world of light and glory. Therefore as a just God and Sovereign he
tells our parents and us also that we should not desire any thing unless it be
upon the strictest principles of justice. But alas, it appears that the enemy
infused his miserable principle into our old mother's breast, and induced her to
believe a lie, and to try to become as Gods, and by those means it has found its
way into the hearts of all her offspring, and spread its baneful effects over
universal nature. But notwithstanding all this, the law like its giver, stands
the same; unchangeable; and whether we as men and women, in a religious or
irreligious state are disposed to comply or not, the law remains the same; and
curses the offender for covetting, as well as for killing: and it is this
principle in opposition to God that is causing so many of our daughters to fall
out with the shapes that an all wise God has given them; and to set about the
work of altering them, by roping themselves in whalebone and white oak; --
which, like the project of their old mother, is fast tending to the most fatal
effects; by producing lingering diseases, destroying the sweetness of temper,
impairing the mind, disqualifying them for society, and in a word, as in the
first case, producing death: and as it were, hurrying their immortal souls to an
awful hell. It is this principle that causes our sons often in imitation of men
called great, in order to become great too, to betake themselves to the
intoxicating bowl, to the gambling rooms, and ultimately to the chambers of
death, perhaps in the most ignominious way. O youth! remember, the fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and to be great is to be wise and not covet. It
is covetousness, and not appetite that produces appetite in thousands of our
fellow men for the inflammatory liquor that ultimately causes them to become a
pest to society, a nuisance to their family, friends and connexions, which
subjects them to every vice, and ultimately brings them to want and disgrace;
and in some degree to become the murderers of themselves and relatives. It is
this principle in opposition to God's law that has caused many a son of Adam to
take unjustly his neighbor's property; defile his bed; debauch his daughter and
take his life, either for his rightful property, or in a duel, under the false
name of bravery or a mistaken notion of honor; for we know there is neither
bravery nor honor in the violation of a just and righteous requisition; and more
especially, where that requisition is from an all wise God, the creator of
heaven and earth. We might go on to enumerate the fatal consequences of
disobeying God's requisition, but we flatter ourselves enough has been said
already, to exhibit the deformity of that brat of hell; and more especially,
when we recollect, that we are addressing the followers of the Redeemer; and for
a man or woman to be a Christian, he or she must be reconciled to God, and of
course to his law: and from this consideration, we might conclude that not one
of the church of Christ would suffer himself to be justly charged with a
non-compliance with its requisition, which is so much spoken against in the word
of God as you may see Exodus XVIII, 21st, v. Prov. XXVIII, 16, Isaiah, LVII, 27,
Jeremiah VI, 13, Luke XII, 13(?), Ephes. v. 3(?), Col. III, 5, Heb. XIII, 5th,
II Peter, 2d, 3d, Mic. II, 2, 1st Cor. XIV, 39, Acts XX, 33, 1st Tim. VI. 10,
Prov. XXIst, 26, Heb. II, 9, Ps.X, 5, Luke XVI, 14, 1st Cor. v, 11, VI, 10. But
alas! we fear, that many, even Christian, as well as nominal professors are to
be found indulging this passion, notwithstanding they are told to set their
affections on things above, and not on things below. How often on the day of
conference do we learn with pain that some of the brethren have omitted the
assembling themselves together, because they had to attend to some of their
domestic concerns, which, perhaps, were of a trifling nature. We sometimes see
others whom God has blessed with no small share of the things of this world,
(which brings them under obligations to comply with the requisition which says,
"as you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them,") reading to find a
lot of land that lies near Mr. or brother A. or B. and when found, away to the
owner, -- not that they wish to cultivate it, or to accommodate their neighbor,
whom God has commanded them to love as they do themselves; but because they wish
to make fifty or one hundred dollars off of him, thereby oppressing him, and
taking from his family their faithful earnings, to gratify a covetous nature.
But like Adam, to excuse himself, he will say, if I had not done it, somebody
would. Because others swear, must we do so too? Brother C. has got a horse,
and he is very anxious to raise some colts; he is pushing about to get a mare;
he accomplishes his design and now wants a horse for the waggon: and if his
creature has got a bad eye or some defect or quality that would injure his
valuation should it be discovered, he supposes he commits no crime when he
trades said horse to his neighbor for one that will better answer his purpose;
although he has kept the defects of his horse concealed from the knowledge of
his neighbor. Oh brethren, these things should not be practiced among you. Nor
are these all the symptoms of covetousness; for God certainly does not send his
judgements upon the earth for the purpose of giving a chance for his creatures
to bear the necessities of each other, but for their wickedness; and yet brother
D. will ask under such circumstances one dollar per bushel for corn, when if the
Lord had sent seasons, he would take fifty cents, his debts notwithstanding. Say
any thing to him about it and he will tell you, he that does not provide for
them of his own house, has denied the faith and its worse than an infidel: when
at the same time, his house is provided with an abundance; and notwithstanding
the purchaser might be a friend and neighbor, a poor man withal, and with a
large family to maintain, having none to help him, and must give him his price:
and though you tell him that the law and the prophets says, "as you would that
men should do unto you, do ye also unto them." He will tell you a long tale
about what he has had to give -- that a man has a right to get as much as he can
for his produce--and that he would be willing to give that and more too rather
than suffer--that any thing is worth whatever it will bring--that he wants his
money back -- what he had to give when he came to this country. Excellent
accountant! turn every thing to your advantage. If thy neighbor steals, wilt
thou do so too? Shall the innocent suffer for the guilty at the hands of a man
called a Christian? O: brethren Jesus says, "if thy enemy hunger, feed him; and
if he thirst give him drink:" and in as much as ye did it unto one of the least
of these men brethren, ye did it unto me." -- Brother E. is a very steady fine
man; but if there is a house to build to worship God in, he has bought a negro,
or built himself a house; and it has so completely taken his change that he
cannot help much. But if Mr. Unfortunate's land that joins him should be sold on
the next sheriff sale day, he will muster up enough to buy that, instead of
lending him the money to redeem it. As to his wife and children, they must do
the best they can. And yet perhaps he scorns the idea of covetousness as much as
any member in the church. Oh! brethren, remember that God will hear the cries of
the distressed; and has said, vengeance is mine, and I will repay saith the
Lord. And if they children forsake my law, &c. I will visit their transgressions
with the rod, and their iniquities with stripes; and it is a fearful thing to
fall into the hands of the living God. Nor are these all the symptoms of that
miserable and unlawful passion; for we recollect not long since that brother
Deacon presented a subscription to raise funds in order to support the gospel,
and urged the necessity of contributing from the following considerations: that
their minister was a poor man and had a large family to support; and that more
than half his time was spent in attending churches and preaching the gospel; and
that he had not a moment to spend in reading, to improve his mind, that it might
thereby be more fraught with those things that are calculated to benefit him and
his congregations: and that the redeemer sent the disciples to loose the colt
or which he intended to ride; that the labourer is worthy of his hire; that you
shall not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn, &c. Brother F. sat with his
head hung down; but conference being over and on his way home, brother F.broke
silence. Well brother G. what do you think of this way of having subscriptions
for the support of the gospel? Said G. I think it is well enough: for I fear
that many of the brethren think too little with respect to that duty. Ah! said
F, I am as willing to support the gospel as any one, but I have made a promise
against signing; but when I get something to spare, I can hand it to him: and I
think that charity begins at home. Neither do I like the idea of giving a
preacher so much. 'Twill spoil him. I want a man that is obliged to preach any
how. Said G. ah! my brother, you ought to know that the family of our minister
feels as near to him as ours to us; and God has said, that certain people should
experience a famine, not for the want of bread or water, but for the want of
hearing of the word; and I fear that we shall experience that famine. Brothers
H. and I. it appears, were clear of that besetting sin, which seems to have
gotten such a seat in the hearts of the human family. Indeed, this is almost all
the sin in which professors can indulge themselves and retain an honorable
standing in the church. And we would not venture to say that it is so, because
it is a better sin than others, for which hundreds have been excluded; for it
certainly is the mother sin of all the rest: and it is only because it is so
congenial with our natures--because it goes unpunished -- and because we so often
hear all the powers of oratory used in defence of its cause: and good were it for
some of those if it could not be found in them: but alas! we fear it is
deeply rooted in their hearts: for although they are very liberal to the
missionary cause, in building meeting houses, and supporting the gospel, & c.
yet if you will visit their houses and plantations, you will see H's servants
almost naked, while their skins appear of an ash colour; indicating that they
have not eaten an ounce of meat in the course of months; notwithstanding they
are told to give to them, that which is equal and just. As for I, you will see
him busily employed in calculating interest at unlawful per cent which he is
about to retain out of the amount that his poor distressed neighbor wishes to
get, in order to get his wife and children from being turned out of doors. I.
tells his neighbor that he will let him have it at the moderate rate of 25 per
cent. By taking out and retaining the interest, it will amount to something like
31 per cent: and if at 16, to about 25 per cent. Oh! my brethren, is this the
way to do justice, and to love our neighbor as ourselves? and is it not certain,
that if we were in their situation, we would much rather get it at 8 percent?
and is it not going contrary to the direction of an inspired man of God? "Be
subject to the higher powers:" and is it not setting an example for others to
disobey the laws of their country? And has not David made the enquiry for the
man that should abide in thy tabernacle, who shall dwell in thy holy hill? and
answered, he that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taken reward against
the innocent, he that doeth these things shall never be moved, Ps. XV, 5. We are
told to give no occasion to the adversary; and is it not the fact that we are
reproached on that ground? We certainly know that it offends our brethren, and
of course the redeemer: and he has said it were better for that man, that a mill
stone was hanged around his neck, and cast into the sea, than to offend one of
these little ones: and the apostle says if meat make my brother to offend, I
will eat no more meat while the world standeth. And if this be an offence which
it certainly is; does it not cause or lead our brethren in the same practice?
are we not called the salt of the earth? and has not the world in a
legislative capacity said, that is justice 3 per cent was enough? Now my
brethren, if we act worse, or as bad as the world, wherewith shall it be
salted? O! unfortunate brother, you may employ all your oratory in defence of
your cause, but the word of God is against you; and it will appear a violation
of God's law at last; and in vain may you say, brother let me pick out the mote
out of thine eye, while the beam remains in thy own. And as for some of the
liberal brethren it might seem that they are surely free from this besetting
passion. Why? because they are doing all they can to get a Theological Seminary
erected for the purpose of educating the poor, young and illiterate minister of
the gospel. They tell us this is necessary. Why? because other denominations
have their Seminaries,and we shall be under par, and not able to plead our cause
against error. Notwithstanding there is no precedent of this kind in the gospel
of Christ, yet like Israel, we must have a king, to be like the other nations of
the earth. And beside all this, they say, at this Seminary, every child may
enjoy the advantage of education. Now we believe it is not because they are
unable to effect this themselves that they tell you so; but because they are
wealthy, and unwilling to part with their wealth; and wish you that are poor to
help them. After all, it will be impossible for your children to enjoy the
benefits, because you have not the means to support them in such a course.
Theirs, that are already rich, will enjoy directly, if not exclusively, all the
benefits. And for a further proof that they are in possession of this passion,
it will only be necessary for you to look around them; where you may see,
hundreds of unfortunate widows and orphans, and not one word is said about them;
unless God should be pleased to call one of them to the ministry. We do believe
while things go on in this way, they strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. We
might say much more here, but lest we leave out a more important part of the
subject, we proceed.
Surely, says one, if any people are clear of this
evil it must be the minister. Ah! we wish it was so; but we fear it will not be
found to be the case; for when we see a man so very anxious for ordination,
without much thought of the importance of the work -- of the care of churches --
and whether they are qualified for that important work or not, we are made to
fear they covet a great name. And when we hear others complaining because they
were not appointed to preach on certain days, we fear they wish to be though, or
called great; notwithstanding the Redeemer has said, he that is least amongst
you shall be greatest. And when we hear them complain of their small
compensation, we are made to fear sometimes, that they love money too well
notwithstanding they are not be greedy of filthy lucre -- 1st Tim. 3, 3d. Again,
when we see one, instead of laboring with his own hands, if necessary,
endeavoring to adopt some rules that will almost compel people to contribute
notwithstanding, the Lord requires duly, a free-will offering; and said to
Moses, "He that can give freely with his heart, &c. and every man according as
he purposeth in his heart; so let him give not grudgingly or of necessity, for
God loveth a cheerful giver--2d Cor. 9. vii. When we see a minister act thus, we
are really made to fear, that he goes for the fleece and not for the flock, and
that the 34th of Ezekiel will well apply to him. Now my brethren, I beseech you
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you endeavor to comply with the
command of God, and live free, if possible from that most besetting sin, being
well assured that our station is an important one, that our children are
looking to us for an example with their natures inclined to depart from the
transgression of God's holy law, it will be consistent with their nature, and
oh! where will they stop? Let us reprove, rebuke, exhort, and so much the more,
as we see the day approaching, not only our children, but our neighbors, and one
another -- to provoke one another to love and to good works. Finally, brethren,
farewell -- be perfect -- be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace,
and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Let charity and perfect
love,
In all our actions glow,
Then faith and hope shall soar above,
And more of Jesus know.
Robert McGinty, Moderator.
John Miller, Clerk.
The Flint River Association convened at Sardis, Pike county, on the 20th
Oct. to the sister Associations with whom she corresponds, sendeth Christian
salutation.
Dear Brethren -- The present year presents an epoch in our
ecclesiastical history, which affords abundant reason for rejoicing to the
friends of the Mesiah's kingdom. From many sections of our state, and more
particularly from several of the Associations with whom we correspond, we have
pleasing intelligence and it is with no small degree of joy, mingled with
gratitude, that we, in turn, inform you that God is blessing and carrying on his
work in this quarter of his vineyard, in a very wonderful degree. During the
present session of this body, not withstanding the inclemency of the weather on
the Sabbath, the congregation has been large, and hun????? and delightful. The
churches composing this body are pretty generally re????? and several newly
constituted ones added. During our deliberations, ??? ???? been regarded, order
preserved, and we bless God, that unanimity ?????? We have nothing more of a
special nature to add, only we af-?????? ???? a continuation of your brotherly
correspondence, and beg you will ??? ???? of our Christian regard. We remain
yours in the best of bonds,
Robert McGinty.
John Miller Clerk.
Received of John Miller $33 for printing 2000 of these minutes.
Rose & Slade,
(Messenger Office.)
Convened with the Church at High Shoals, Monroe County, GA.
On The 2d, 3d and 4th days of
September, 1847.
Printed at the office of the Georgia Jeffersonian, Griffin,
Ga.
Minutes.
1st. The Introductory Sermon was preached by bro. Allen
Cleaveland, from St. John 3d chap. and 14th and 15th verses, "And as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted
up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life."
After forty minutes intermission, the delegates assembled in the house, and
after prayer by bro. William Moseley, read letters from twenty-seven churches,
minuted their state, and enrolled the names of their messengers.
Bro. M.
Lowrey, the Moderator, requested the Association to release him, in consequence
of his age and infirmity.
Then proceeded to organize the body for
business, by electing brother William Moseley Moderator, and brother S. W.
Bloodworth Clerk.
2nd. On motion, called for and received correspondence
from sister Associations, as follows, viz. from the Primitive Western, a letter
and minutes, by her messengers, brethren I. Russel, D. Keath, and C. Webb; from
the Ocmulgee, a letter and minutes, by her messenger, bro. James H. Montgomery;
from the Yellow River, a letter and minutes, by her messengers, brethren G. W.
Lowrey, W. C. Norris, N. Center, D. Montgomery and J. Kean; from the Bulah, a
letter and minutes, by her messengers, brethren Josephus Barrow, T. Higgan, and
G. Crawford; from the Itchaconna, a letter and minutes by her messengers,
brethren W. C. Cleaveland and W. McKenney; from the Primitive Ebenezer, a letter
and minutes, by her messenger, bro. W. M. Cooper.
3d. On motion,
appointed brethren T. C. Trice, A. Cleaveland, and Daniel Godard, a committee to
arrange the business to come before the Association: Also appointed brethren M.
Lowrey, R. Cleaveland, and W. Dismukes, to unite with the delegation of this
church, brethren John Mullens and Joseph Carter, a committee to arrange the
preacher during the Association.
4th. Received and read a communication
addressed to this Association by a committee consisting of the brethren Thos.
Stocks, B. M. Sanders and P. H. Mell, appointed by the Georgia Association to
confer with us and endeavor to remove the unhappy difficulties that sever us as
a denomination.
Prayer by bro. W. C. Norris. Then adjourned until 9
o'clock tomorrow morning.
Friday Morning, 9 o'clock. Met according to
adjournment. -- Prayer by bro. W. C. Cleaveland.
5th. On motion, called
on the Arranging committee for their report, which was read and adopted for
action.
6th. Called the roll and read the decorum.
7th. Invited
visiting ministering brethren present, of our faith and order to seats with us.
8th. On motion, appointed a committee, consisting of brethren T.? C. Trice,
Wm. Moseley, and A. Cleaveland to confer with the committee from the Georgia
Association, and report the result of their labors tomorrow morning.
9th.
Appointed bro. A. Cleaveland to write the corresponding letter.
10th.
Appointed correspondence to sister Associations, as follows: viz. to the
Primitive Western, to convene with the church at Mount Zion, Troup county,
commencing on Saturday before the third Sunday in October next, brethren Wm.
Dismukes, Jas. Killpatrick and T. C. Trice; to Bulah, Ala., to convene with the
church at Rocky Mount, Tallapoosa county, commencing on Thursday before the
third Sunday in this month, brethren John Mullins, Wm. Dismukes, G. W. Falkner,
James Killpatrick and S. W. Bloodworth; to the Yellow River, to convene with the
church at Yancy's Creek, Dekalb county, commencing on Saturday before the fourth
Sunday in this month, brethren Mathew Yates, B. Thornton, B. Haygood, H.
Barron, and M. Lowrey; to the Itchaconna, to convene with the church at
Ebenezer, Upson county, commencing on Friday before the third Sunday in this
month, brethren J. McKenney, D. Wood, W. O. Smith, W. Trice, W. Willis, J. F.
Walker, T. C. Trice, and Z. Hughley; to the Upatoie, to convene with the church
at Phillippi, Marion county, commencing on Thursday next, by letter and minutes
only; to the Ocmulgee, to convene with the church at Newhope, Jones county,
commencing on Saturday before the second Sunday in this month, brethren J. M.
Middlebrooks, J. Dickey, M. Lowrey, D. Godard, G. Wright and A. Middlebrooks; to
the primitive Ebenezer, to convene with the church at Pleasant Plains, Wilkinson
county, commencing on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in this month, George
Wright, A. Ware, John Mullins, and S. W. Bloodworth.
11th. Appointed bro.
Joseph Godard to preach the next Introductory Sermon, bro. Wm. Moseley his
alternate, and bro. A. Cleaveland to write the next circular letter.
12th. Appointed union meetings as follows: viz for the first district, with the
church at Smyrna, Monroe county, commencing on Friday before the fifth Sunday in
July next. For the second district, with the church at Newhope, Upson county,
commencing on Friday before the fourth Sunday in April next. For the third
district, to be held with the church at Rose Creek, Pike county, commencing on
Friday before the fourth Sunday in July next. For the fourth district, to be
held with the church at Bersheba, Henry county, commencing on Friday before the
fourth Sunday in August next. Prayer by bro. Josephus Barrow. Adjourned until 9
o'clock tomorrow morning.
Saturday Morning, 9 o'clock. -- Met
according to adjournment. Prayer by bro. M. Lowrey.
13th. On motion,
again took up the item of calling for correspondence, and received a package of
minutes from the Upatoie Association, by her messenger bro. Wm. McCord.
14th. Called on the committee appointed to confer with the Georgia Association
to make the report. They report as follows:
We the committee appointed by
the Towaliga Primitive Baptist Association to meet the delegation from the
Georgia Association, in order, if possible, to settle the unhappy difference
that has severed the union of the two Associations and the Baptist denomination
generally, report that they have discharged the duty assigned them; and after
the most serious and prayerful deliberations, have been unable to come to any
satisfactory adjustment of said difficulties, but would recommend to the members
of our body christian forbearance and courtesy towards our brethren who differ
with us.
William Moseley,}
Allen Cleaveland,} Com.
Thomas C.
Trice,}
Which report was adopted.
15th. Called for the circular
letter prepared by bro. D. Godard, which was read and adopted.
16th.
Called for the corresponding letter, which was read and adopted.
17th.
Appointed the next session of this body to be held with the church at Ramah,
Monroe county, commencing on Thursday before the first Sunday in September,
1848.
18th. On motion, agreed to print the letter addressed to us from
the Georgia Association in these minutes, as follows:
The committee of the
Georgia Baptist Association to the Towaliga Association.
Dear Brethren:
The 14th article of the minutes of the last session of the Georgia Association
reads as follows, viz. "Appointed a committee consisting of Thornton, Sanders,
Stocks, Stokes and Mell to labor with those Associations once in correspondence
with us, in order, if possible, to bring about a reconciliation. All necessary
correspondence left with the committee." A majority of this committee have found
it convenient to attend the present meeting of your body, with a view to
promote, as far as practicable, the object of their appointment. Our Association
is impressed deeply with the obligation enjoined by the Scriptures on all
christians, "to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace." It is
peculiarly afflictive to them, to contemplate the present divided state of the
churches that hold the same articles of faith, and practice the same church
decipline, and have appointed this committee to labor on their behalf for a
better understanding with those Associations of their brethren, with whom they
once corresponded, but from whom they are at present so unhappily disunited.
Will the brethren of the Towaliga Association be pleased to recognize us in the
character of our appointment, and unite with us in one effort to remove whatever
obstacles may be in the way of a renewal of our correspondence.
Thomas
Stocks}
B. M. Sanders} Com.
P. H. Mell}
Sept. 1st, 1847.
19th. On motion, called on the committee appointed last year to meet with the
Central Association. According to their request, the brethren Wm. Moseley, S. W.
Bloodworth, and Daniel Godard, report, they attended, but for want of a quorum
they done nothing further than to tender them the letter printed in our minutes
of last year.
20th. Resolved, that we notice with feelings of the
deepest regret the death of our beloved brother Francis Douglass, who departed
this life on the 2nd day of August last. Under this melancholy and sad
bereavement, we cannot but mourn, but not as those who have no hope, for from
the evidences left behind, we have the pleasing assurance that our loss is his
eternal gain.
21st. Called for and received the church contributions,
amounting to $42; balance unexpended in the hands of the clerk, $17.37; total,
$59.37.
22nd. Agreed to have two thousand copies of these minutes
printed, and that the clerk have twenty dollars for attending to the printing
and distributing the same.
The committee on preaching report, that bro.
G. W. Lowrey preach on Sabbath, followed in exhortation by bro. T. C. Trice --
forty minutes intermission, bro. W. C. Norris to preach, followed in exhortation
by bro. W. Moseley.
Read the minutes and then adjourned.
William Moseley,
Moderator.
S. W. Bloodworth, Clerk.
Sunday, September 5th, 1847.
-- The brethren Lowrey and Norris came forward in the order of their names, and
preached with much zeal, and notwithstanding the weather was quite inclement,
they had a very large and altogether unusually attentive auditory, and we trust,
from the unsurpassed manifestation of the presence of the Lord amongst them,
that much, yea, very much good will result from their labors, together with the
labors of the ministering brethren generally, that have labored amongst us, as
we believe the Lord attended both speaker and hearers during the meeting.
S. W. Bloodworth, Clerk.
Circular Letter.
The Towaliga Primitive
Baptist Association to the Churches composing the same.
Dearly Beloved in
the Lord: According to our former custom, you will expect an address in the
order of a circular letter, which of course, must be short; as it would seem
unreasonable to offer a lengthy piece for publication in the small compass of a
common Minute. As usual, we have selected a portion of God's word, in order to
train the mind of the reader to the subject, as well as us to write. We propose
for the few intended remarks, the expression of the wise man Solomon, found in
the 7th chapter of Ecclesiastes and 29th verse, "Lo, this only have I found,
that God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions." In
order to do that justice properly due it, we might do well to notice the
character of the writer, and why and wherefore he thus wrote. In attending to
holy writ, we have an undoubted right to suppose he had been instructed from on
high, or he would not have so fully differed from the great body of the fallen
sons and daughters of men, and thereby has proven that he loved his God, and
that he was the rightful king to rule in the room and stead in his father David,
all of which his peaceful reign went to prove. See James 3 and 13, "Who is a
wise man and endowed with knowledge among you, let him shew out of a good
conversation his works with meekness and wisdom." And we are of the opinion that
his was in consequence of light being first afforded that brought him to know
that God "hath made man upright," and it was the same source that enabled him to
discover that man had "sought out many inventions, none of which was for man's
good, or God's declarative glory; as a proof of which, we offer his language
found 2d Chron. 1 chap. 10 verse, "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may
go out and come in before this people, for who can judge this they people that
is so great." We find a fervent desire to rule for Israel's good, as well as to
be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ, and readily
glorifieth the God of Israel by acknowledging the faithfulness of God in the
full performance of that promise made by him to his father David; see 2d Chron.
6 chap. 10 and 11 verses. --The Lord therefore, hath performed his word that he
hath spoken, "for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on
the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the
name of the Lord God of Israel; and in it have I put the ark, wherein is the
covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel." We find he
was not only the choice of the Lord to rule his people, and to build him an
house, but that he himself was to be his servant, and to render obedience
unto his Heavenly Father, in all things whatsoever he commanded him. He
evidently must have had a clear view of the fall of man, and of the entire
fallibility of the human family, although man once upright, soon a fallen being,
becomes an opposer of truth and righteousness, and readily engages in seeking
out many inventions, all of which stood opposed to the great object for which he
was created. Although the house was built for the Lord, and he himself was
pleased to acknowledge the offering, at the time of the dedication of the same,
and it has even proven to the admiration of the Queen of Sheba by seeing the
wisdom of Solomon, and the house he had built, the meat of his table, and the
sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, &c, she was
constrained to say, "and behold one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not
told me," and did conclude, "happy are thy men and happy are these thy servants
which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom." Yet after all this,
the inspired servant of the Most High was ready to say, "Lo, this only have I
found, that God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many
inventions," and with all these things, both king and subjects remained unsaved.
We now call your attention to one who of God is "made unto us wisdom and
righteousness and sanctification and redemption," whose moving cause was love;
"who loved us first, and gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all
iniquity," and save us from all our inventions. This is he that could love his
neighbor as himself; this was the God-man that could die for his enemies, who
death and the attendant miracles wrought at the same time, constrained the
centurian to acknowledge him a righteous man, through whose wisdom and power,
joined with pity, was to build for his subjects, and has built, "a house not
made with hands eternal in the heavens." The first was but a faint figure of a
building, which grand invention was formed before Adam's dust was fashioned to a
man. This is the wise master builder, long foretold by the prophet Isaiah 53 and
6, "All we like sheep, have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own
way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Paul 2d Cor. 5 chap.
21 verse: "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him." -- Now let us hear what the Lord saith
by his servant David, Psalms 85, verses 9 and 10: "Surely his salvation is nigh
them that fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met
together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other." One that could say
"And behold a greater than Solomon is here," "Destroy this temple and in
three days I will raise it up again." This looks like one that had power to lay
down his life and power to take it up again. Well might he have said to
Peter, "Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it." We conclude this looks like some of "the sure mercies of
David," and are of the opinion that "they never shall be confounded that put
their trust in him." But as he was to king Solomon so will he be to his
people; for he will give grace and glory, "and no good thing will he withhold
from them that walk uprightly." We now use for your encouragement the language
of the prophet. Micah, chap. 2, v. 10: "Arise ye and depart, for this is not
your rest," &c. & c. God who is rich in all blessings, provided through the
merits of his dear Son, well knows the wants of his fainting pilgrims while here
below, and though doubts may often arise, He well knows what will prove for
their good and his glory. This wise master builder is to be the Peace, and this
is what the child of grace needs. He has promised by his servant Micah, and
especially in 5th chap. verse 5, "And this man shall be the Peace, when the
Assyrian shall come into our land, and when he shall tread in our palaces, then
shall we raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal men." And now,
brethren, we exhort you in the conclusion, to have no confidence in the flesh,
but as much as in you is, "to live in peace with all men," remembering that the
Apostle James says, chap. 1, verse 27, "Pure religion and undefiled before God
and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their
affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." These things having
done, your conscience will be at peace through life, a serenity and calm
resignation in death, and the God of peace and of power will raise you where
trouble and sorrow will never follow.
Corresponding Letter.
High
Shoals, Monroe county, Georgia,}
September 4th, 1847.}
The Towaliga
Primitive Baptist Association, to her sister Associations, with whom she
corresponds, sends christian salutation.
Dear Brethren: -- We have
great reason to be thankful to our kind and Heavenly Father, for the privilege
of meeting together in an associate capacity. Our churches have been generally
represented, and from the letters which they have sent up, there appears to be
peace and harmony among them. The deliberations of our Association have been
conducted in the most harmonious manner, and Christian love, and forbearance is
manifest among us. We have been refreshed by the coming of your messengers, and
their preaching has been with power and energy to a large and attentive
congregation. We hope their labors will be blessed and the fruit be seen many
days to come. We solicit a continuation of your friendly correspondence, and
desire an interest in your prayers. And now, dear brethren, we close this our
letter of correspondence by subscribing ourselves yours in the bonds of the
Gospel.
The next session of our body will set with the church at Ramah,
Monroe county, commencing on Thursday before the first Sunday in September,
1848.
William Moseley, Moderator
S. W. Bloodworth, Clerk
State of
the Churches.
(Ordained Ministers; Licentiates - **, Absentees - *)
Information below is from a table and the information is listed in the following
order -District, Church name, County, Delegates Names, # Baptised, # Rec'd by
letter; # Restored; # Dism'd by letter; # Excommunicated; # Rec'd on Faith; #
Dead; Total Number; Money for Minutes & c.; Sunday for meeting;
1, High
Shoals, Monroe, John Mullins, Joseph Carter, 3, 2, 0, 4, 2, 1, 1, 43, 1.50, 2
1, Smyrna, Monroe, E. McCord, John McKenney, 1, 4, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 53, 1.50, --
1, Sandy Creek, Butts, J. Morris, A. Gorey, 0, 2, 1, 4, 1, 0, 2, 66, 2.00, 3
1, Hunting Shoals, Monroe, Meshack Lowrey, G. W. Head, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 38,
1.50, --
1, New Fellowship, Monroe, John Webb, D. Proctor, 5, 2, 1, 2, 0, 0,
0, 44, 1.50, --
1, Ephesus, Monroe, John W. Simmons**, A. Middlebrooks, 0, 0,
6, 5, 0, 0, 0, 39, 1.50, 1
1, Sharon, Monroe, Z. Hughley, Allen Wood, 0, 1,
0, 4, 2, 0, 0, 56, 1.50, 2
1, Liberty, Butts, David Berry, G. C. Thaxton, 0,
0, 0, 2, 0, 1, 0, 18, 1.50, --
2, Ramah, Monroe, Benjamin Haygood**, Benjamin
Rogers, 4, 1, 0, 3, 1, 0, 2, 30, 1.50, 1
2, Mount Gilead, Upson, John
Weatherly, Wm. O. Smith, 3, 0, 0, 3, 0, 0, 1, 25, 1.00, 3
2, New Hope, Upson,
John Dickey**, J. M. Middlebrooks, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 43, 1.50, 4
2, Shilo,
Pike, David Wood, William Willis, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0. 22. 1.00, 2
2, Emmaus,
Upson, J. F. Walker, William Trice, 0, 4, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 75, 2.50. 1
2,
Union, Monroe, Edmund Dumas**, William Cole, 3, 1, 1, 3, 2, 0, 0, 30, 1.00, --
3, County Line, Pike, Daniel Godard, John E. Duke, 4, 6, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 61,
1.50, 3
3, Rose Creek, Pike, Allen Ware, James K. Holsey, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0,
0, 35, 1.00, 4
3, Bulah, Henry, J. W. Driskell, Dolphin Lindsey, 0, 0, 0, 0,
0, 0, 0, 26, .75, --
3, Shoal Creek, Pike, Thomas C. Trice, Henry Jones, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 59, 2.00, --
3, Hopeful, Fayette, Matthew Yates, Blackman
Thornton, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 2, 25, 1.75, 2
3, Mount Pleasant, Henry, Joseph
Godard, S. W. Bloodworth**, 2, 3, 0, 2, 0, 0, 1, 34, 1.50, 3
3, Harmony,
Pike, William Dismukes, George Wright, 0, 0, 0, 2, 1, 1, 1, 41, 1.50, 1
3,
Concord, Pike, Allison Speir*, James Kilpatrick, 0, 0, 0, 4, 1, 0, 0, 18, 1.00,
--
4, Bersheba, Henry, William Moseley, Wm H. Miller, 2, 2, 0, 4, 0, 0, 0,
71, 3.00, 4
4, Phillippi, Henry, [No Representation}
4, Lebanon, Henry, R.
H. J. Holly*, Lewis Hand, 0, 1, 0, 1, 3, 0, 1, 35, 1.50, 2
4, Bethel, Butts,
Henry Barron, G. W. Falkner, 2, 0, 0, 2, 3, 0, 0, 36, 2.00, 1
4, Walnut
Creek, Henry, Allen Cleveland, Rick Cleveland, 0, 5, 0, 7, 0, 0, 0, 40, 1.50, --
4, Hebron, Henry, William Bennett, L. B. Jackson*, 0, 2, 0, 3, 1, 0, 0, 46,
2.00, 1
Recapitulation. -- Since the last Association, Baptised 30;
Received by Letter 40; Restored 5; Dismissed by Letter 60; Received on
Confession of Faith 3; Dead 14; Total number 1,109. Amount of funds $59.37
cents; Printer's Fee $25; Clerk's Compensation $20; Balance unexpended in the
hands of the Clerk $14.37 cents.
Transcribed by Linda Blum-Barton
from digital images provided by Allen Sullivant who is in possession of the
original brochure.
Convened at Ramah Meeting House, Monroe County, Georgia,
On the 31st day
of August 1848, and days following.
Minutes.
The Introductory
Sermon was preached by Brother Joseph Godard, from John 6, 40. After 30 minutes
intermission, the delegates assembled in the house --prayer by brother M.
Lowrey. After reading the letters from the Churches, chose brother William
Moseley, Moderator, and brother Joel Mathews, Clerk. The Association being
organized,
1. Invited ministering brethren present, of our order, to take
seats with us.
2. Ramah, a newly constituted Church in Fayette county,
petitioned by letter and delegates for membership in this Association and was
received.
3. Appointed the following committees, viz: on preaching,
brethren Lowrey, Dismukes and Mullins, on the part of the Association, and
brethren Haygood and Rogers on the part of the Church, at this place; and on the
arrangement of business, brethren Trice, Moseley and A. Cleveland.
4.
Appointed brethren, J. Godard, McKenney, and Dumas, a committee to examine
corresponding minutes.
5. Received correspondence from sister
Associations, viz: from the Yellow River, a letter and minutes by her
messengers, brethren Keen and Norris; from the Ocmulgee, by her messengers,
brethren Montgomery, Pounds, Hudson and Middlebrooks; from the Bulah, Ala. by
her messenger, brother Freeman; from the Primitive Ebenezer, by her messengers,
brethren Cooper and Evers; from the Echoconna, by her messengers, brethren
Cleveland and McKinney; from the Upatoie, by her messenger, brother Roquemore;
from the Primitive Western, by her messenger, brother Keith.
After prayer
by bro. Norris, adjourned till 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Brother Webb
of the Harmony Association, preached at the stand this afternoon, from 1 Cor.
15, 11.
Friday Morning, 10 o'clock.
Met according to adjournment --
prayer by brother Freeman.
6. Adopted the report of the arranging committee.
7. Called the roll and read the decorum.
8. Appointed brother Mullins
to write the corresponding letter.
9. Appointed correspondents to sister
Associations, viz:
To the Primitive Western, to convene at Emmaus Meeting
House, Coweta county, 11 miles S. from Newnan, on Saturday before the 3d Sunday
in next month, J. Godard, J. Mullins, T. C. Trice, A. Sutton and W. Bennett.
To the Bulah, Ala., to convene at Harmony meeting house, Chambers county,
Ala., 18 miles above Columbus, on Thursday before the 3d Sunday instant,
brethren Dismukes and D. Godard.
To the Yellow River, to convene at
Bethel Meeting House, Newton county, 7 miles W. from Covington, on Saturday
before the 4th Sunday instant, brethren M. Lowrey, R. Cleveland, A. Cleveland,
J. Mullins, H. Barron, W. Bennett, M. M. Merrit and F. B. Sansom.
To the
Echoconna, to convene at Providence Meeting House, Crawford county, 2 miles W.
from Knoxville, on Friday before the 3d Sunday instant, brethren A. Cleveland,
W. Fuller, J. Mullens, J. F. Walker, J. M. Middlebrooks and J. McKenney.
To the Upatoie, to convene at Valley Grove Meeting House, Talbot county, 10
miles N. from Talbotton, on Thursday next, brethren T. C. Trice, D. Godard, J.
F. Walker and Joel Mathews.
To the Ocmulgee, to convene at Mount Gilead
Meeting House, Putnam county, 4 miles N. from the "Half Acre" on Saturday before
the 2d Sunday instant, brethren M. Lowrey, J. Mullins and A. Gory.
To the
Primitive Ebenezer, to convene at Mount Nebo Meeting House, Wilkinson county, 7
miles N. from Irwinton, on Thursday before the 4th Sunday instant, brethren J.
Godard and J. Dickey.
10. At the request of Bulah Church, agreed to have
our "Articles of Faith" printed in these minutes.
11. Whereas, Samuel W.
Thaxton has in his possession, a letter of dismission from Liberty Church, Butts
county, and refuses to give up the same; this is therefore to let all persons
know that said Thaxton is excluded from said Church.
12. Adopted the
Circular letter as prepared by brother A. Cleveland.
13. Agreed that
Ramah, (Fayette county) be attached to the 4th district.
14. Appointed
Union Meetings viz:
1st district, Liberty, Butts, Friday before the 5th
Sunday, July,
2d do Ramah, Monroe, Friday before the 1st Sunday, May,
3d
do Shoal Creek, Pike, Friday before the 1st Sunday, July,
4th do Lebanon,
Henry, Friday before the 2d Sunday, July.
15. Appointed br. Wm. Dismukes
to preach the next Introductory Sermon; br. Wm. Moseley in case of failure, and
br. John McKenney to write the next Circular Letter.
16. Appointed the
next session of this Association to convene at Harmony Meeting House, Pike
county, 6 miles N. E. from Zebulon, on Thursday before the 1st Sunday in
September, 1849.
After prayer by br. D. Wood, adjourned till to-morrow
morning 10 o'clock.
Brother Montgomery, from the Ocmulgee Association
preached at the stand in the forenoon, from Mal. 3: 16, 17 -- followed in
exhortation by brother James Roquemore, from the Upatoie Association. In the
afternoon by br. Cooper from the Primitive Ebenezer, preached from Mat. 5, 20
-- followed in exhortation by br. Webb, of the Harmony Association.
Saturday Morning, 10 o'clock,
Met according to adjournment -- prayer by
br. Montgomery.
17. Adopted the Corresponding Letter.
18.
Resolved, That we notice with feelings of deep regret, that dispensation of
Divine Providence which has taken from the walls of Zion our beloved brother
Allen Ware; who departed this life on the 2d day of May last. Although we
mourn this sad bereavement, yet we bow in humble submission, believing that the
judge of all the earth will do right.
19. The Committee appointed to
examine corresponding minutes report that they find nothing to claim the
attention of this body.
20. Called for contributions for minutes, & c.
and received at the hands of the delegates $43.00, and from the former Clerk
$14.37, making $57.37.
21. Ordered that the Clerk superintend the
printing and distributing of 2,000 copies of these minutes, and that he retain
$25.00 for his services.
[N. B. After reserving 500 copies for
corresponding Associations, the number of copies due each Church, according to
the money sent up, will be found in the 13th column of the table exhibiting the
"State of the Churches."]
22. Agreed to renew our correspondence with the
Harmony Association, and appointed brethren J. Godard, B. Haygood and W. Willis,
our correspondents to the next session of that body.
After prayer by
br. Lowrey, adjourned to the time and place mentioned in the 16th item.
William Moseley, Moderator.
Joel Mathews, Clerk.
Brother Roquemore,
from the Upatoie Association, preached in the fore-noon at the stand, from Mat.
28, 18-20 inclusive, followed in exhortation by brother Freeman, from the Bulah.
In the afternoon brother A. Cleveland preached from Acts 17: 18, (latter clause)
followed in exhortation by brother T. C. Trice.
Sunday. -- Brother Norris
from the Yellow River Association preached in the forenoon from John 9: 35--38
inclusive, followed in exhortation by brother Roquemore, from the Upatoie. In
the afternoon brother Moseley preached from John 14: 21.
[The
preaching from day to day seemed to be of that character which, while it
attributes to God all the glory of man's salvation, holds man as an accountable
being -- "commandeth all men every where to repent," and looks upon the true
children of God as a "peculiar people, zealous of good works;" while the
preachers seemed to manifest that determination expressed by Paul in the 2d
chapter and 2d verse of 1 Corinthians and many, very many, of the bearers seemed
by their actions to say "men and brethren, what shall we do?"]
Constitution.
Art. 1st. We believe in one true and living God; and that
there are three persons in the Godhead--the FAther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Art. 2d. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the
word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
Art. 3d. We believe
in the doctrine of eternal and particular election.
Art. 4th. We believe
in the doctrine of original sin.
Art. 5th. We believe in man's impotency
to recover himself from the fallen state he is in by nature, by his own free
will ability.
Art. 6th. We believe that sinners are justified in the
sight of God, only by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Art.
7th. We believe that God's elect shall be called, regenerated, and sanctified by
the Holy Ghost.
Art. 8th. We believe that the saints shall persevere in
grace, and never finally fall away.
Art. 9th. We believe that Baptism and
the Lord's Supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ, and that true believers are
the only subjects of those ordinances and we believe that the true mode of
baptism is by immersion.
Art. 10th. We believe in the resurrection of the
dead, and a general judgment.
Art. 11th. We believe that the punishment
of the wicked will be everlasting, and the joys of the righteous to be eternal.
Art. 12th. We believe that no minister has a right to the administration of
the ordinances, only such as are regularly called, and come under the imposition
of hands by the Presbytery.
Art. 13. We believe that the Georgia Baptist
Convention, the Missionary Bible, Tract, Sunday School Union and Temperance
Societies, together with Theological Seminaries, and other kindred institutions,
falsely called benevolent, are unscriptural, unsupported by Divine
Revelation, and therefore improper; and we believe that no individual who is
united with, or are the advocates of all or either of them, should be held in
fellowship by our Churches.
Corresponding Letter.
The Towaliga
Primitive Baptist Association, to her sister Associations with whom she
corresponds -- sendeth Christian Salutation:
Dear Brethren:-- It has been
through a well ordered train of the providences of our Heavenly Father, that we
have been permitted to assemble once more in our annual meeting. The business of
our Association has been conducted in harmony and love; while our souls have
been refreshed by the coming of your messengers, while they have been enabled to
preach that Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth. We have great reason to believe that good will result from their
labors, to the glory of God and all the food of dying men. We request a
continuance of your friendly correspondence, and an interest in your prayers on
our part, and upon the Israel of God every where. We close by subscribing
ourselves yours in Christian fellowship and love.
William Moseley, Moderator.
Joel Mathews, Clerk.
Circular Letter.
The Messengers composing the
Towaliga Primitive Baptist Association: To the Churches whom they severally
represent--send Christian Salutation.
Beloved Brethren: Having been
permitted by the great Head of the Church, to meet in an associate relation, and
to receive as evidence of your mutual friendship, the epistles sent by your
messengers, we, in return, affectionately address you by letter, according to
our usual custom, praying that grace, mercy and peace from God, our Father, and
Jesus Christ our Saviour, may be multiplied unto you.
The subject to
which we would invite your earnest attention, and which, we believe to be of
vital importance is, the support of the Gospels. And as a foundation for the
following Circular, we refer you to 1 Corinthians 9:14.--"Even so hath the Lord
ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."
The world, ordain, which we find in the text signifies to appoint, to decree, to
establish, to institute. We refer 1. To God's appointment. 2. To the nature of
that appointment, and 3. To the objections that are made against the support of
the Gospel.
1. We refer you to some of those passages which prove God's
appointment, 1-Cor. 9; 13 --"Do ye not know that they which minister about holy
things, live of the things of the temple, and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar?" Mat. 10; 9, 10. "Provide neither gold nor silver, nor
brass in your purses; nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither
shoes, nor yet slaves; for the workman is worthy of his meat." The first verse
referred to, brings to view the custom of the children of Israel and the literal
Priests under the command of God; that while the priest waited at the temple,
and upon the altar, they were made partakers with the altar; and the principle
is kept up to the gospel dispensation, and is referred to by the Apostle,
showing the duty of the Church or spiritual Israel towards her minister, and the
right that he has to partake of the temperal substance of the Church.
In
the second passage which is the language of the Savior. He charges them to
provide nothing for their journey, but lays it down as an established principle,
that the laborer is worthy of his meat.
2. The nature of that
appointment, 1 Cor. 9: 6, 7, 8, "Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to
forbear working? Who goeth a warfare at any time at his own charges? Who
planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a
flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or
saith not the law the same also?" Why is it that the Apostle asks the first
question, relative to his and Barnabas' forbearing to work? Is it not because he
considers the Church bound to support them and release their hands from it? The
second question is, "who goeth a warfare at his own charge?" The inference we
are left to draw is, that a soldier is not to go on a warfare at his own charges
or expense, but the government that he is in the service of and fighting for, is
bound to support him. And it would be considered that any government that
would withhold and refuse to support her soldiers that were defending her coasts
and territory, would act unjustly in withholding from her soldiers their just
right, and that they could not expect the smiles of Heaven to rest upon them
while acting thus. If the inference be correct that it would be unjust to take a
soldier's time and service without rewarding him for the same, it would be
equally unjust, for a Church or Churches to have the time and service of her
minister engaged in a spiritual warfare in defending her coasts and religious
principles, and for the Churches to fail to reward him for his time, trouble,
expense and services.
The Apostle still carries out the idea by referring
to the husbandman in planting of a vineyard, and asks the question, "Who
planteth a vineyard, and eatheth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a
flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" The Apostle says "Say I these
things as a man? or saith not the law the same things also? The Apostle would
have his brethren to understand that it was not his views as a man only, but
that the law saith the same things also. That is, that God's law makes it right,
that if a man feed a flock he is entitled to eat of the milk; and if he plants a
vineyard to eat of the fruit of it. If God's law holds out the idea, what can
be more reasonable than for a Minister who attends to the Lord's vineyard to eat
of the fruit thereof? Or the Minister who attends the LOrd's flock to eat of the
milk of it? In further support of the idea, we refer you to 1 Cor. 9; 11: "If we
have sown unto you spiritual things is it a great thing if we shall reap your
carnal things?" This verse explains the manner which God has appointed that the
Minister should live and be supported. For the further illustration of this
subject, we refer you to the husbandman, who sows his seeds at the proper time,
according to the laws of nature; he plows in hope and thresheth in hope, and the
promise is he shall be made to partake of his hope; or in other words, the
Minister sows unto the Church spiritual things -- labors in the gospel field,
and in return he expects and has the right to reap your carnal things. And it is
your duty in return, to see that he does reap your carnal things to the full
extent that he sows to you. We refer you to one other passage, 1 Cor. 9; 9:
"For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the
ox that treadeath out the corn." We suppose a case. You go to your neighbor to
get his ox to tread out your corn or wheat, as the case may be -- when you
get him you turn him loose without feed or support; is it not reasonable to
conclude that after such treatment, the ox would not visit you often, and have
but little disposition to serve you? And it is equally as reasonable to suppose
that the owner of the ox, when he knew of the treatment his ox had received,
that he would be unwilling to let you have him anymore. We suppose that you
agree that the treatment would be hard upon the ox; if so, we ask you is it not
equally hard treatment to call a minister to serve you, get his time and service
and then muzzle him? or withhold from him that which you are justly bound to
give him for serving you; and if so how do you think they can preach to a people
that they believe are withholding their just rights from them.
Objection
1st. We, old school Baptists, have declared a non-fellowship against all those
things.
Answer.--We remark that not withstanding we have declared a
non-fellowship against religious speculations, yet we deny having ever declared
non-fellowship against the support of the Gospel or the Gospel Ministry; but we
hold it to be the duty of the people that have the time and service of the
Minister to reward him for the same.
Objection 2d. We want a preacher
that is obliged to preach whether he gets any thing or not.
Answer.
-- We suppose then, that you will call a Minister to serve you and say to him,
be ye warmed, and be ye clothed, and yet give him not wherewith to warm and
clothe him.
Objection 3d. We are opposed to giving to preachers, because
there is danger of spoiling them.
Answer.-- The Churches will have to
alter very much from what they are now doing, if the spoil their Ministers by
giving to them: but we ask you if your fears arise because there is danger of
spoiling the Ministers, or because you are afraid it will touch your purse:
Again: is it right to call a Minister to serve you through heats and cold --
deprived of the enjoyment around his fireside with his wife and children -- take
his time and service, and all the expense attending the same, and all for the
good and prosperity of the Church and glory of God: and then for you to withhold
from him the temporal blessings which God has blessed you with? It seems that
the answer is easy and plain that it is not right.
We say to you in the
conclusion, not to call a man that you believe that giving would spoil; for in
calling such a man to serve you, you act unfaithfully, and also endanger the
Church; for such a man, you must know would make merchandise of the Church if
it was in his power. Again, we recommend to you, not to call a man and leave him
in a worse condition than you found him: and not to tie your Minister's hands by
withholding from him that which is his just right, and which you are bound to
bestow. By withholding, you Ministers will be reduced to poverty, and subject to
the frowns of the world; they will also be compelled to retire hom to attend to
the necessities of their families; and the consequence will be, a famine,
produced not for want of bread, but for the word of the Lord. Finally, brethren,
Farewell! Let love be without disimulation; abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
William Moseley, Moderator.
Joel Mathews, Clerk.
State of the
Finances.
Paid Printer $22.37 -- Clerks' Compensation
$25.00...............$47.37.
Balance on hand...........................$10,00
Statistical Scale.
[Ordained Ministers' names - *; Licentiates -
**; Absentees - ***:]
(The following information is from a table and is
listed in the following order:
District, Church, County, Delegates, Baptised,
Rec'd by letter, Restored, Rec'd on conf, Dism'd by letter, Excluded, Dead,
Total, Money, No. of Min'ts, Meetings, Distance in miles and direction from
noted places., Pastoral supply.
1st, High Shoals, Monroe, John Mullins*,
Aaron Sutton -, 1, 1, 1, -,6 , 2, -, 39, 1.50, 52, 2, 12m. N. Forsyth, John
Mullins
1st, Smyrna, Monroe, Wm. Fuller*, John McKenney, -, 3, - , 2, 2,
1, -, 55, 1.50, 52, 4, 1m. S. E. Forsyth, W. C. Cleveland
1st, Sandy
Creek, Butts, John Morris, Amos Gory -. 1, 2, -, -, 7, -, -, 69, 2.00, 72, 3,
7m. S. E. Jackson, Allen Cleveland
1st, Hunting Sh'ls, Monroe,
Meshach Lowrey*, A. Ponder, 4, -, -, -, 2, 2, -, 41, 1.50, 52, 2, 7m. N. E.
Forsyth, Meshach Lowry
1st, N. Fellowship, Monroe, Charles M. Sutton,
John Webb,11, -, -, 3, -, -, 1, 57, 1.50, 52, 5m. E. High Shoals, Wm. Dismukes
1st, Ephesus -, Monroe, J. W. Simmons**, A. Middlebrooks, -, 2, -, -, -, -,
2, 39, 1.50, 52, 1, 8m. E. Forsyth, Meshach Lowry
1st, Sharon -, Monroe,
Allen Wood*, Z. Hughley - -. 2, 2, -, -, -, 1, 63, 1.50, 52, 2, 14m. S. W.
Forsyth, James Matthews
1st, Liberty, Butts, Green C. Thaxton, John H.
Moore, -, 4, -, -, 3, 1, -, 17, 1.50, 52, 4, 6m. S. W. Jackson, John Mullins
2nd, Ramah, Monroe, Benjamin Haygood**, Benj. Rogers, 4, 1, -, -, 2, -, -,
31, 1.50, 52, 1, 10m. W. Forsyth, W. C. Cleveland
2nd, Mount Gilead,
Upson, John A. Jackson, Wm. O. Smith, 1, 4, -, -, -, -, -, 30, 1.50, 52, 3, 7m.
N. E. Tho'ston, Wm. M'Carra
2nd, New Hope, Upson, John Dickey**, J. M.
Middlebrooks, 1, -, -, -, 3, -, 1, 33, 2.00, 72, 4, 10m. E. Tho'ston, David Wood
2nd, Shiloh - -, Pike, David Wood*, William Willis -, -, 1, -, -, -, -, -,
1, 23, 1.00, 34, 2, 3m. W. Barnesville, David Wood
2nd Emmaus -, Upson,
J. F. Walker, Joel Matthews, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, 78, 3.00, 105, 2, 2m. W.
Tho'ston, Wm. Moseley
2nd, Union - -, Monroe, Edmund Dumas**, W. Cole
- -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, 30, 1.00, 34, 4, 5m. N. E. Barn'sv'le, Elij'h Thompson
3rd, County Line, Pike, Daniel Godard*, F. Gardner -, -, 1, -, 1, -, -, 1,
62, 1.50, 52, 3, 12m. E. Zebulon, Daniel Godard
3rd, Rose Creek, Pike, J.
K. Holsey, Francis B. Sansom, -, -, -, -, 3, 1, 3, 31, 1.00, 34, 4, 6m. W.
Griffin, Joseph Godard
3rd, Bulah - -, Henry, D. Lindsey, D. B. Griffin -
-, -, -, -, -, 6, 1, -, 19, 1.00, 34, 3, 10m. E. Griffin
3rd, Shoal
Creek, Pike, Thomas C. Trice*, H. Jones -, 1, 2, -, -, 10, -, 1, 52, 2.00, 72,
1, 8m. N.W. Zebulon, Daniel Godard
3rd, Hopeful - , Fayette, (Not
represented) -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, 6m. W. Fayetteville, --
3rd, Mt. Pleasant, Henry, Joseph Godard*, D. N. Quinn -, -, 4, -, -, 9, -, 1,
29, 1.50, 52, 1, 2m. N. Griffin, Joseph Godard
3rd, Harmony -, Pike,
William Dismukes*, G. Wright, 1, 2, -, -, 2, 1, -, 41, 1.50, 52, 1, 6m. N. E.
Zebulon, Wm. Dismukes.
3rd, Concord, Pike, N. Ellis***, Allison Spier***
- -, 3, -, -, -, 1, -, -, 20, 1.00, 34, 2, 7m. W. Zebulon, Wm. Dismukes
4th, Beersheba -, Henry, Wm. Moseley*, Miles M. Merritt, 5, -, -, -, 3, -, -,
73, 3.00, 105, 4, 9m. S. E. McDono', Wm. Moseley
4th, Philippi -, Henry,
(Not represented), -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, 8m. E. McDono',
4th,
Lebanon -, Henry, James J. Davis***, L. Hand -, 2, 3, -, -, -, -, 2, 39, 1.50,
52, 2, 10m. W. McDono', Allen Cleveland
4th, Bethel, Butts, Henry Barron,
W. H. Webb -, 4, 2, -, -, 6, 1, -, 35, 2.00, 72, 1, 3m. N. Jackson, Wm. Moseley
4th, Walnut Creek, Henry, A. Cleveland*, Rice Cleveland*, 1, 1, -, -, 3, 1,
-, 38, 1.50, 52, 1, 5m. N. E. McDono', Allen Cleveland
4th, Hebron -,
Henry, (Not represented), -, -, -, -, -, -, -, -, 1.50, 52, -, 12m. W. McDono',
--
4th, Ramah -, Fayette, J. Harrell, William Bennett -,-, -, -, -, -, -,
-, 11, 1.50, 52, 2, 1 1/2m. S. W. Fay'v'le, --
Recapitulation -- Baptised
46, Rec'd by letter 34, Restored 1, Rec'd on conf. 6, Dismissed by letter 68,
Excluded 12, Dead 13, Total 1,055, Money $43.
Transcribed by Linda Blum-Barton, Feb. 2007, from digital images provided by
Allen Sullivant who is in possession of the original brochures.
Copyright © 1996- The USGenWeb® Project, GAGenWeb, Henry County
This page was last updated
04/18/2025
