THE REDSTONE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Annotated Reproduction of the Published
Annual Meeting Minutes for 1804-07
1804 | 1805 | 1806 | 1807
Redstone Minutes Page | Sidney Rigdon Among the Baptists | Rigdon Revealed
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1804 Meeting Georges Creek Fayette Co., PA |
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1805 Meeting Turkey-Foot Somerset Co., PA |
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3 NOTE. -- Those Churches from whom letters were not received, have their total numbers in the above list as they stood last year. 4. Appointed Brother THOMAS HERSEY, Moderator, and Brother James Estep, Clerk. 5. Appointed Brethren BENJN. STONE, JAMES FREY, JAMES ESTEP, NATHANIEL SKINNER, and THOMAS HERSEY, a committee to arrange the business for to-morrow 6. Appointed Brother CHARLES B. SMITH, to preach at early candle light. 7. Adjourned until to-morrow 9 o'clock A.M. N.B. Brother SMITH preached this evening agreeably to appointment, from 1 Samuel 6. 20. -- "Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God!" SATURDAY, 9 o'clock, A.M. Met pursuant to adjournment, and after singing and prayer, by Brother HERSEY, [proceeded] to business.9. Invited Brother CHARLES B. SMITH, and Brethren John Fenton, Levi [Dungin], [----] Lovet, and Samuel Poland to sit in council with us. 10. Received a letter from John Miller, of Goshen Church, Muddy creek, complaining of the conduct of said Church toward him. in refusing to approbate his preaching [among ----- -----]. After a short consultation, Resolved, that it is improper for the Association to [interfer in] the business. The letter was unanimously rejected. 11. Appointed Brethren THOMAS HERSEY, BENJAMIN STONE, and James Estep, and [------ --------] to compose and send a letter of Love to Mount Tabor Church. 12. Query from Connellsville. -- Is it consistent with Gospel order, of our Lord [----- ----] Equity, to hold our fellow creatures in perpetual salvery? Answered unanimously, [----- ---- -----]. 13. Query by Association. Do we hold fellowship with any Church, who hold [fellowship] with any members, who hold slaves in perpetual servitude? This Query was [rese------ until] next annual Association for an answer. 14. Received a Letter from Concord Church, at Warren, requesting [------- -------] union, council and fellowship of this Body. Said Church was unanimously received. 15. Appointed Brethren, BENJAMIN STONE, THOMAS HERSEY, James Estep, [a committee to] write to the Union Association, inviting them to correspond with the Redstone Association. 16. Received a request from Pigeon Creek Church, soliciting the appointment of [------ -----ing] Presbytery, to ordain Brother James Estep. Appointed Brethren MATHIAS LUCE, DAVID PHILLIPS, THOMAS HERSEY, and BENJAMIN STONE, to attend to his ordination, the Saturday next preceding the [1st] Lord's day in October 1805.
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[17. ------ed], first we do earnestly recommend to the Churches, that they endeavor to [in------- ---ed] for the support of Ministers travelling within the bounds of this Association. -- [--- ----] same be brought forward yearly to the Association, there to be delivered to the [---- ----] Each donation shall be published in the Minutes. [18. In] consequence of Letters of credence and recommendation, received from the Church at [---- -----e] to the distressing situation of our dear brother, HENRY GEORGE, this Association [------- him] deserving of their charity and liberality. Resolved to use our influence with [congregations?] to which we respectively belong, to raise some contributions for his relief, [whenever they] think proper to visit us in the course of the ensuing year. [19.] Whereas, we are sensible that Churches are liable to be imposed upon by disorderly men, [therefore we] request them to be careful to require of travelling preachers satisfactory credentials [and] commend that all our sister Churches be careful to furnish their Ministers when [they travel on the] road, with such certificates, as may exempt them from the charge or suspicion of imposition. [20.] The Association recommend to all the Churches not to countenance as ministers Alexander Dallas, Daniel Brown, Dr. Arculus Green, a Mr. Pane from one of the Carolinas, [------ -----], and Samuel West, who pretend to be regular Baptist preachers and are not. [Resolved], that our next Association convene at Cross Creek, Wood county, Virginia, [at the] Meetinghouse near Charlestown, the Friday next preceding the last Lord's day [in September], A.D. 1806. [21. Appointed] Brother MATTHIAS LUCE, to preach the introductory Sermon, and in case of [-------], Brother ENOCH MARTIN. [22. Resolved], that our first quarterly meeting for the ensuing year commence the Saturday [------ ----] the first Lord's day in November, 1805, at Georges' Creek -- brethren FREY and [-------d]. -- The second at Pigeon Creek, the Saturday next preceding the third Lord's Day in [-------], 1806 -- brethren ENOCH MARTIN and CHARLES B. SMITH to attend. -- The third [------- -----], the Saturday next preceding the second Lord's day in June, 1806 -- brethren [------ ---ey] and JAMES ESTEP to attend. -- The fourth at Indian Creek, the Saturday [---------] the third Lord's day in Aug. 1806 -- brethren BENJAMIN STONE, THOMAS HERSEY AND MATTHIAS LUCE to attend. A circular letter, prepared by brother Hersey, was read and approved. [23. Appointed] brother ENOCH MARTIN to prepare the circular letter for the ensuing year. [24. Appointed] brother THOMAS HERSEY to correspond with the Philadelphia Association. [25. Appointed] brother Benjamin Jones and brother Thomas Hersey to superintend the printing [of the minutes] of the Association for the present year. The Moderator concluded by prayer. [26. ---------] sermons delivered this day at the Stage, while the Association was in session, [--------] brother Henry George from Psalm 127, v. 1, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain." [27. ---------] brother BENJAMIN STONE from Mathew 11th ch. 28th v. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest." [28. -------- sermons] were delivered in divers places in the vicinity this evening. LORD'S DAY, 29th September. 29. The sermons delivered this day, were 1. By brother JAMES ESTEP, from Heb. 6 ch. 17 [-18 vs.] "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That two immutable things, in which it
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was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us." 2nd. By brother JAMES FREY from Gen. 19 ch. v. 17. "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountains lest thou be consumed." 3d. By brother THOS. HERSEY from Rom. ch. 8. 2. "For the law of the spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death." 4th. brother BENJAMIN STONE, from Luke ch. 23. v. 48. "And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts and returned." [These] concise discourses were delivered this evening to a crowded audience. 30. Appointed brother James Estep bearer of a Letter of Love, signed by the Messengers, to our beloved brethren of Union Church, Horseshoe Bottom. N.B. The business of the Association was conducted with solemnity, harmony and love. The blessings of the divine spirit evidently accompanied the preaching of the word. Many appear to experience deep searchings of heart. Rejoice, O! Zion! shout aloud for joy! The sons [are] coming from far, and thy daughters from the ends of the earth! AMEN.
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Through the tender mercy of God, we have been indulged [with] another annual interview. We have endeavoured to offer unto God the sacrifice of prayer [and] praise, and think we have enjoyed divine teachings amidst the great congregation. Were [you] to hear of the effusions of sovereign grace, and that showers of mercy are surely falling on [some] of our Little Cities, if not on all. God has not yet forsaken Zion, but in the midst of [des-----] wrath, remembereth to be gracious. We lament their unhappy situation where vital [Godliness] is on the decline, and entreat them to repent and do their first work, defore divine [displeasure] break out against them. Take heed, brethren, of errors and delusions. in this [day of] darkness, calamity, blasphemy and rebuke. Contend earnestly, by a holy conversation [----], godliness, in heart and life, for the faith once delivered to the saints. -- Mark them which [----] divisions, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned of God, and avoid them. Many of our churches are almost destitute of ministerial helps. Our heart's desire and prayer to God is, that they may be seasonably, consistently, and happily supplied. Let us [unite ----] holy opportunity, to implore the Lord of the Harvest, to send forth labourers, far and near [to] proclaim the everlasting gospel. We feel it to be a duty incumbant upon us, not only to [pray] for labourers to be multiplied, but that God would crown, with abundant success, the efforts [of] his servants who are now bearing the heat and burden of the day. Prayer was made [w----- ---asing] of the Church under God for Peter in prison, and he was delivered. -- Ministers of [the] Gospel are now saying as Paul to the Thessalonians, "Brethren pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, and that they may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men." We can never be sufficiently thankful for that union, harmony and stability of mind [with] which God has at present endowed the churches in our immediate connection; so [that in]
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4. While we esteem our elders, who labour in word and doctrine, worthy of double honors, we would caution you not to depend on outward means and human helps to the omission of public worship. Let not sanctuary seasons pass unobserved. Forget not the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is. Like the saints of old, speak often one to another, and let every one use the gift that is in him; and let all things be done decently and in order, with a single eye to the glory of God. 5. We would caution you to guard against false TEACHERS. The world is full of impostors -- Thieves and robbers, who have not come in by the door. God complains by Jeremiah, ch. 14. v. 14. "The prophets prophesy lies in my name; I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them; they prophesy unto you false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." -- There are "trees that may be known by their fruits," -- "Wells without water" -- "Clouds without rain," -- "They daub with untempered mortar," "saying peace, peace, when there is no peace." -- "They have put no difference between the holy and the profane, the unclean and the clean." "Go ye not after them." is our Lord's command. -- But unstable, trifling people, led by vain curiosity, in the wickedness of their hearts, disobey God's holy commandment, and no wonder if they are ensnared and overcome by the great adversary of souls. Finally, Brethren, be faithful -- Watch and pray -- Keep your hearts with all diligence -- Administer the discipline of the church with impartiality. Dare not connive at the sins of great men among you. But few such are called -- Have not the faith of Christ with respect of persons, lead the cause of the poor and needy, the widow and the fatherless. Remember them who have the rule over you; who have spoken unto you the word of God; [----] faith follow, as far as they follow Christ, considering the end of their conversation. Pray for them, that they may speak the word of God boldly in demonstration and power of the holy [Ghost]. And to your prayers liberality, honoring God with your substance -- Jesus said, Math. x. v. 10, ---- "The workman is worthy of his meat." If our ministering brethren have sown unto [---] spiritual things, is it a great thing if they reap some of our carnal things? In rebuking your [backwardness] to contribute to their necessities, we hope no man will say, we have touched the apple of his eye. Many of our elders are poor, and many precious souls need their labours of [love]. Many of them scarcely receive a cent from their hearers, from one year's end to another. [Can we] not minister to their wants, and assist them to circulate the glorious gospel far & wide? [What] we do to the least of Christ's disciples, he esteems and judges done to himself. -- "Forget not the Levite," was the [------tion] of Moses to Israel; and that "God hath ordained, that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel," is the declaration of Paul to christians. [Would] to God! that all the professed ministers of Christ could say in truth with the same Apostle with regard to this matter, "I ABUSE NOT MY POWER." -- Let brotherly love abound -- Believe [---- man] implicitly -- Search the scriptures for yourselves -- Let proud reason bow to inspired [-----], remembering the wisdom of man is foolishness with God. In experience, doctrine, [discipline], men and morals, try the spirits by the unerring oracles of God. Hold fast the profession [of] your faith, without wavering. Press on with holy ardour in the heavenly race, until you reach [the] mount of glory, where nothing that defileth or maketh a lie, can ever enter. THOMAS HERSEY, Moderator. JAMES ESTEP, Clerk. |
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1806 Meeting Cross Creek Brooke Co., VA |
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1. At 12 o'clock, agreeably to last years appointment brother MATHIAS LUCE, preached the introductory sermon from Philip. 1 chap. xvii. ver. "Knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel." --
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5. Proceeded to business -- appointed brother JOHN W. PATTERSON Moderator and brother MATHIAS LUCE, Clerk. 6. The Baptist church at New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio -- applied for admission into our body; -- after hearing their faith and order, they were cordially received. 7. Received a similiar application from the Baptist church at Beulah, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, -- who were unanimously admitted to the privileges and fellowship of this association. 8. Received the minutes and letter of correspondence from the Philadelphia association for 1805, which were read and approved. 9. The letter of correspondence with the Baptist association at Philadelphia, prepared by brother HERSEY, was read and approved. 10. Resolved that the 13th article of the association of 1805, be wholly struck out, WE leaving wholly, the case of slavery to the prudence of the Legislature --- ... praying that the Lord would put it into their hearts to liberate them. 11. The letter of correspondence with the Union association was read and approved. 12. Query by Sharon church. Does this association consider baptism by a Dunkard Universalian which was done by three times plunging, as valid? and shall any church within this association receive members from such churches who have renounced their principles? Answer. Our Brethren are referred to the minutes of our former associations for information, where we have given our sentiments on several similar questions. 13. Resolved to recommend to the churches in our connexion respectively, a more particular attention to the circular address of the general committee of correspondence appointed by the Philadelphia Baptist association October 1812. 14. Resolved that our Brethren BENJAMIN JONES and THOMAS HERSEY, be a committee of correspondence, to correspond with the aforesaid general committee of correspondence, in the name and behalf of this association; and report at our next session. 15. Appointed brother JAMES ESTEP, to write a letter of correspondence to the Philadelphia Baptist association for next year. 16. A number of baptist persons of the regular baptist Order, applied for assistance to be constituted into a viable Gospel Church, on Dunkard Creek, Virginia, on the Sunday preceding the first Lord's day in November next. Brethren PATTERSON and HERSEY agreed to attend. 17. Received a similar application from a number of persons on short Creek, Ohio. Brethren MARTIN, ESTEP and HERSEY agreed to attend on Saturday preceding the first Lord's day in October next.
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18. Resolved that our next association be held at the new Meeting-house new building in the bounds of Mount Herman church on Tenmile Creek. 19. Resolved that our next association commence on Thursday preceding the last Lord's day in September, A.D. 1807, and if God permit, continue four days. 20. Resolved that our first quarterly meeting be held at Mount Olivet, Sandy creek glades 1st Lord's day in November 1806. Brethren FREY, SKINNER, and BROWNFIELD to attend. The 2d. at Turkey-foot, the 3d. Lord's day in May, 1807. Brethren FREY, ESTEP, and SKINNER to attend. The third at King's creek the second Lord's day in June, 1807. Brethren JONES and PRICHARD to attend. The fourth at Newel's town the third Lord's day in August, 1807. Brethren Luce and Spears to attend. NOTE, [None?] of these quarterly meetings will commence on the Saturday preceding the days specified above. 21. The circular letter was read and approved. 22. Appointed Brother Thomas G. Jones, to compose a circular letter for 1807. 23. Appointed Brother ENOCH MARTIN, to preach the introductory sermon at our next association. In case of failure Brother Benjamin Stone is invited to attend. 24. Appointed Brother THOMAS HERSEY to superintend the printing of the minutes for this year, and to distribute the printed copies equitably among the churches. 25. In conformity to the resolve, contained in the 17th article of our association minutes for 1805, the Messengers from Goshen church, brought forward to the Treasurer, two dollars seventy one cents. The Messengers from Salem Church, four dollars. 26. The association doth earnestly recommend, to all the churches in their connexion, a strict attention to the above named 17th article of our minutes for 1805, relative to the establishment of a Missionary fund. 27. Resolved that the Moderator and Clerk of this association for the present year, be directed to write a letter of recommendation for Henry George our dear brother in the ministry, to the churches of the Philadelphia association. He being about to travel among them to solicit some assistance in his present difficulties. 28. Resolved as a standing rule of this association, that the constitution of this Body be brought forward and read annually at the introduction of our session. N.B. The sermons delivered at the stage on Saturday while the association was sitting, were first by brother JAMES FREY, from John 13th chap. xxiii v. "Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom, one of his disciples whom Jesus loved." -- The second by Brother JAMES ESTEP, from Isaiah 27th chap. xiii v. "And it shall come to pass in that day, that
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the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem." -- The third by Brother HENRY FRAZIER, from Luke 13th chap. iii v. "Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish." LORD's DAY, Sept. 28th, 1806. The sermons delivered at the stage this day, were, first, by Brother THOMAS G. JONES from Math 28th chap. xx verse, "Teaching them to observe all trhings whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. Amen." The second by Brother THOMAs HERSEY from Psalms 24th chap. vii verse, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in." The third by Brother BENJAMIN STONE from Rev. 22d chap. xvii. verse, "The Spirit and the Bride say, come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely."Brother JOHN W. PATTERSON concluded the social solemnities of the day, with an appropriate EXHORTATION. The following supplies were appointed for New Lisbon, that is, THOMAS G. JONES four sabbaths in the ensuing year -- JAMES ESTEP 4th sabbath in October next, the first sabbath in July 1807 -- likewise the sabbath preceding our next Association -- JAMES FREY the 2d sabbath in August 1807 -- JOHN PRICHARD, two sabbaths in the course of the year aforesaid.
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In whom we have obtained an incorruptable inheritance -- called to be saints. It has been our uniform desire, ever since we have been united in an associate Body, to furnish something from our annual meetings that might, by the grace of God, be instrumental for the instruction, edification, and consolation of your souls. If these addresses are attended to, with that humble deligence [sic] and candid prayerfelt temper, which the gospel inspires, we make no doubt but that they will be made lasting blessings to some of the dear lambs of Christ's fold. We shall not avail ourselves of the laboured ornaments of language,
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but in the simplicity and spirit of the gospel, endeavour to enlighten your understanding and enliven your affections upon a momentuous subject -- we are about to advance a sentiment, which if false, leaves us in awful uncertainty, whether one soul that now is, or ever will be upon the face of the earth, shall ever reach the kingdom of glory. Brethren, "ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." Eph. 2. xx. The doctrine we are about to deliver, is established by an authority too awful to be contended, and supported by revealed evidence too clear to be safely doubted. We believe with David, "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk. O Lord, in the light of thy countenance." Psm. 89. xv. "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day; and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." verse 16. This is the character of a real saint -- he depends upon, and receives, constant, special, and supernatural influences of God's Spirit -- thus spiritual life and holy exercises of grace are habitually continued in every regenerate soul -- "God is his God forever and ever, and will be his guide even unto death." Psm. 48. xiv. verse. The doctrine of infallible connexion between renewing grace and crowning glory meets with distinguished opposition. It is not unfrequently styled the "Doctrine of Hell" -- The doctrine "of Devils" and a "Damnable doctrine" -- The defenders of this doctrine are often denominated "Deceivers" -- "blind guides" -- and "Wolves" in sheeps cloathing. We are not disposed to deal in hard names, and great swelling words of self importance. -- Laying aside every carnal weapon, we risque our faith on the broad Basis of eternal truth and refer the ultimate decision to that awfully glorious day, when it will fully appear, who is on the Lord's side, and whether such relivers were ever commisioned by God to condemn and blaspheme his revealed word. We have reason to fear that the religion of many, consisteth in human reasoning, self made opinions -- commandments of men -- party zeal -- speculative fancies -- vain philosophy and foolish imaginations. The Lord grant that our speech on this solemn occasion, may not be with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but the power of God." 1 Cor. 2 chap. iv, v. verses. While we examine the scriptures, we acknowledge them to be a sure guide in the way of truth, and desire to fit humbly down at our Redeemer's feet, to learn of him who is meek and lowly in heart -- God forbid that we should ever strive to evade the meaning of his word -- neither would we dare to quibble with a vain curiosity, like Nicodemus enquiring, "How can these things be."
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We have the raging "disputers of this world" to spit fire one at another; and in love to your souls, strive to feed and nourish you with the "living bread" and "living water" of "Eternal life." We would not rock you to sleep on a bed of down -- "Many are the afflictions of the righteous" -- But will their afflictions link them to Hell? No, The Lord delivereth him out of them all." -- The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." Psm. 34. xvii, xviii, xix. -- The bush may be burned with fire but shall not be consumed. Believers are often "troubled on every side, but yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4 viii, ix. vs. "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety, by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long; he shall dwell between his shoulders." Deut. 33. xii. -- "He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munition of rocks; bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure." -- Isa. 33. xvi. There are many that tell us that this sentiment is a "sleepy pill" [a] "quieting dose" just calculated to stupify slumbering mortals, and make them sleep and snore the louder. -- But to us, the doctrine of the perseverence of the saints is an awfully alarming, though really glorious Truth. This doctrine teaches that every genuine believer, has a principle of divine life, implanted in his heart by the Holy Ghost, in his regeneration, which like a stream of the river of God's love, that springs up in his soul unto everlasting life. Divine grace received in the soul that is born again, like a grain of mustard seed sown in the earth, will become a great tree; like a little leaven will leaven the whole lump and bring the weary Pilgrim home to glory, with songs and everlasting joy upon his head. That sanctifying grace here and glorification hereafter, are infalibly connected in God's eternal scheme of redeeming love, is not only taught in the word of truth, but divinely confirmed in the experimental saint. How any of God's children can close their eyes against such evidence, we shall not undertake to determine. But this we know, "That the of {all} the just {in their habitual and unfailing experience} is as the shining light, that shineth more and more {with continued and increasing brightness) unto the perfect day." Prov. 4. xviii. "In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death." Prov. 12. xxviii. Isaiah informs us, chap. 35. viii. That this way shall be called the way of holiness, and he assures us with much boldness, that, The wayfaring [men], though fools, shall not err therein," -- and is not afraid to say, in positive language, verse 9, "The redeemed shall walk there." These solemn truths, rightly considered, have a powerful influence to rouse a drowsy soul. There is a voice in these sacred passages that cries, "Oh! sleepy, sleeping virgins, it is high time to awake["] & "compare your dim Tapers with the heavenly Lamp. In vain you search
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the vessel of an unrewed [sic - unrenewed?] heart, for the oil of sanctifying grace -- the unction from the holy one -- the anointing that abideth -- the incorruptible seed that remaineth -- even the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive." John 14. xvii. How bright soever the path of the just may be, "the way of the wicked is as the darkness, yea the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine." Prov. 18. v. We need not remind you that there are many professors, zealous high minded professors, who are not professors of religion -- who say they are Jews and are not -- Solomon informs us what way such persons are in Prov. 14. xii. "There is a way which seemeth right unto the carnal reason of a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." The apostasy of such professors, can never furnish a reasonable argument against the sentiment we maintain. The Apostle John giveth us the following account of the [falling] away of some who made a fair profession in his day, "They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt continued with us: but they went out, that they might be [made] manifest, that they were not all of us." 1 John 2. xix. We know and are sure, that it is a truth according to Godliness, yet [many?] presumptuously affirm, that it tendeth to licentousness and opens a door for unbounded wickedness in heart and life. But how a man can be tempted to serve sin and satan, by being solemnly assured, that a genuine BELIEVER, in Jesus Christ, will certainly continue to fear, love, adore and serve God to his dying moment, and that all who are intirely destitute of such a spiritual temper and disposition never had a right knowledge of God, is a mystery we are unable to explain. Have these [men] a spiritual understanding of that question, proposed by one who was not a whit behind the chiefest Apostles? Rom. 6. i. ii. "What shall we say then? shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid: how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" Have they rightly considered his enquiry, Rom. 6. xv. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid! He esteemed this doctrine as one of the most powerful incitements to practical Godliness -- How pertinent his argument -- He begins with a solemn dissuasive against immorality and impiety of every description. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof; Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." -- The Apostle so far from thinking our doctrine of licentious [----ency], brings it forward as the only argument of sufficient weight to encourage obesience; and establish his exhortation upon this immovable
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bottom, "For sin shall have dominion over you." Rom. xii, xiii, xiv. We humbly conceive that the genuine gospel doctrine of perseverence, teacheth, that all those, who have ever believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, with faith unfeigned, such as worketh by love, and purifieth the heart, will remain believers, or in other words, will continue to believe, until faith is swallowed up in vision -- that all who are born of the spirit, do see the kingdom of God here, set up in their own souls, and shall certainly enter into the kingdom of glory in a coming world -- that all who are of the truth, (1 John 3. xix.) have received the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not; neither knoweth him; but They know Him, for he dwelleth with them, and shall be in them; John 14. xvii. and abide in them forever. -- These have all been taught of God to pray. -- "He hath poured upon them the spirit of grace and supplication," (Zech. 12. x.) and they will continue to be praying, supplicating, spiritual Believers, through all the house of their pilgrimage here below, fir this plain, evangelical reason, assigned by Paul, Gal. 4. vi. "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba Father." This is the same doctrine he taught the Romans, chap. 8 xiv. "Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption." He giveth us his opinion concerning the nature and tendency of this doctrine, Rom. 6. xviii. "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" -- Again, verse xxii. "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." -- This is undoubtedly a lively and correct description of the experience of all who ever did truly believe in Jesus to the saving of their souls. "They walk not after the flesh but after the spirit." -- "As many as are led by the spirit of God, are the sons of God." "If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ" -- (Rom. 8. xvii.) The end of [THEIR] faith is [not apostasy and ruin but] the salvation of the soul." It is therefore evident, "The promise is sure to all the seed." A most accurate preacher, who knew how to give the Trumpet a certain sound, draws a careful line of distinction, between that faith which ends in salvation, and that which results in irretrievable apostacy. Spreaking of himself and other genuine believers, he saith, "But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them who believe to the saving of the soul" -- Heb. 10. xxxix, so true is that saying, "If any man be in Christ he is, not will or shall be, a new creature, old things are already passed away; behold, all things are become new." -- To which agrees the declaration of our Lord, John 5. xxiv. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hearest my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come
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into condemnation; but is passed, not will or shall pass, but IS passed from death unto life." It is evident, if we may give full credit to those sacred testimonies, that the faith of those primitive christians, had carried them so far in the spiritual knowledge of salvation, that they had taken hold of their SAVIOUR, by his precious name, JESUS. This dear name is not only given him in his word, but is experimentally received into the hearts of all his people. Thus it is written, Matt. 1. xxi, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins." He is that glorious "DELIVERER, who hath come out of Zion, to turn away ungodliness from Jacob." -- This he effectually accomplisheth, not only by the application of his invaluable RIGHTEOUSNESS for justification [----] by which all our iniquities are pardoned and subdued, all our sins cast into the unfathomable Depths of the sea, (Mich. 7. xix.) but by working [in] us, by the sanctifying influences of his Holy Spirit, both to will and to perform, the good and perfect will of the Lord." The {doctrine of} the grace of God that bringeth {the knowledge of} salvation {through Christ} hath appeared to all men, {Gentiles as well as Jews, wherever it hath been preached;} teaching us {even all of us, who have ever heard and learned of the Father its heavenly efficacy} that denying {forsaking and abhoring especially in ourselves} ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in the present world; looking {in the full assurance of faith} for {the fruition of} that blessed hope, {the power of the gospel has established in our souls} and the glorious appearing of the great God and our {never failing} saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself {a sacrifice} for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity; {which blessed intention will most certainly be accomplished.} Hence it is evident, that in spite of all opposition, from [the] wicked world, lusting flesh, and tempting Devil, "the righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger." Job 17. ix. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doth, (in the obedience of faith) shall prosper." "The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff, which the wind driveth away." Psm. 1. iii, iv. No weapon hell can form against Zion shall ever prosper -- God will [still] lengthen her cords and strengthen her stakes -- He will multiply her converts, accomplish his promises, and love them to the end -- she shall [be] a cup of trembling to all her enemies, yea terrible as an army in banners; for she is a house built, by grace, upon that eternal Rock, against which the gates of hell shall never prevail -- the stormy winds may blow, and tempests spend their rage, but not one lively stone, shall ere be lost [out] of this "Building of God," "made without hands," "for it is founded upon a rock." Matt. 7. xxv.
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May we not confidently believe that the prophet Zachariah in chap. [12 v. viii] alludes to the gospel day, and the church of Jesus Christ? [T----- ----] his words, "The Lord shall defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he that is feeble among them at that day, shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." The testimony of our Lord is indisputable, John, 10. xxvii. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all: and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." When our Saviour delivered these words, the sacred Historian informs us, "Then the Jews took up stones to stone him." -- Now, Dear Brethren, if we were to share the same fate, in defence of the same truth, we pray God to enable us, to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ -- we will rejoice in that word, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction," Isaiah 48. x. -- Our afflictions shall work out for [us] a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The candle [of the] wise virgins, of evangelically virtuous souls, shall not go out by night (Prov. 31. xviii.) "When they fall, they shall arise, when they sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto them. (Mich. 7. viii.) The angel of God's presence goeth before them. How encouraging that word [of] Nehemiah, chap. 9. xii. "Moreover, thou leadest them in the day, by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in their way wherein they should go." "God is our refuge and strength," saith David, "a very persent help in trouble," Psm. 46. i. This Psalm is full of consolation to Gods people in affliction. It is recorded of Luther, that when he was in affliction, or received any distressful tiding, he used to say, come let us sing the 46th Psalm, which always composed his mind --- Oh! what an astonishing consideration is this, a "Good hope through grace," is a Blessed hope, sure and steadfast." -- To all who are looking [to] this day, by the eye of faith, for the glorious appearing of the great God, he will another day appear, the second time, without sin, unto salvation. Formidable, crafty, and determined are our numerous enemies, [b----] "Fear not; for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them." 2 Kings, 6. xvi. "Fear not little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Luke 12. xxxii. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" :If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, then they had swallowed us up quick. Blessed be the Lord who hath not given us a prey to their teeth." Psm. 124. ii, iii, vi. A [saint?] may say with David -- "The Lord is on my side" -- "The Lord taketh [--- ---]." -- "the Lord is my strength" -- "I shall not die but live" -- Psm. [ --- ---, 118. xvii. ---]. When the chastening scourge of his [heavenly]
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[Father] is laid upon him, he may add -- "The Lord hath chastened me sore; but he hath not given me over unto death." Psm. 118. xviii. God [--- ---- --- -----] the mountains," And shake the walls of [Jerico] [with the ---- blast] of rams horns. Oh! Believer, "Thy life [shall be] bound [up] in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God." I Sam. 25. xxix. [N--- ---- power of hell] shall ever loose the mystic band, or [---k the ------ ---- -----ting] love. "He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit," [with --- ----- ----on] there is indissoluble. When [---- --- ----- ----] appears in the external world, it [----] never be [---- ---- -----] tongues, "Here God began to build, and was not able to finish." -- for ye are ["]the fullness and glory of him who filleth all in all," Eph. I. xxiii. "We will therefore rejoice [that] our names are written in heaven." Luke 10. xx. Rejoice in the [Lord] O ye [righteousness] and again we say rejoice. "There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, & underneath are the everlasting arms. Israel shall dwell in safety alone -- Happy art thou O Israel; who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou shall tread upin their high places." Deut. 33. xxvi, xxix. The saints are living, fruit-bearing branches of the living Vine that never withers -- they are living members of that living head that never [falters?] -- To this munition of rocks we'll fly, and in the obedience of [faith] sit humbly down under his shadow with great delight. He will lead us in green pastures, and lead by still waters. He will shew us the [way] of the footsteps of the flock, and feed our kids, by the shepherds tents, with the sincere milk of the word that they may grow in grace thereby. How vain are all the efforts of those who would overthrow the workmanship of God. No name that God has "grown upon the palms of his hands," [&] No name upon the breast of our great HIGH PRIEST, shall ever be, [---rased] -- No devil shall ever destroy those that are written among the [-----] living in Jerusalem." He that establisheth Zion, counts up every [--- man] that was born in her. "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
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1807 Meeting Tenmile Washington Co., PA |
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Met agreeably to last years appointment: DAVID PHILIPS delivered the Introductory sermon from Zachariah, chap. 6, verse 7, Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
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Resources
Campbell's 1817 Circulating Letter Campbell's recollections of 1823 (1848) Campbell's Debate on Christian Baptism (1824) Campbell on experimental religion/revivals (1824) Baptism of William Church in Pittsburgh (1826) Greatrake's first anti-Campbell pamphlet (mid 1824) Campbell's first reply to Greatrake (1824) Scott's reply to Greatrake (1824) Greatrake's second anti-Campbell pamphlet (late 1824) Campbell's second reply to Greatrake (1825) Greatrake's Redstone Assoc. Letter (1826) Greatrake's third anti-Campbell pamphlet (1826) M'Calla's anti-Campbell pamphlet (1826) Greatrake's Harp of Zion (1827) Greatrake's "Dialogue" with Andrew Fuller (1828) Greatrake's fourth anti-Campbell pamphlet (1830) McCalla's Discussion of Christian Baptism (1831) Greatrake's fifth anti-Campbell pamphlet (1836) Elder Lawrence Greatrake Home-Page Greatrake sources 1 Greatrake sources 2 Rigdon Among the Baptists - part 1 Rigdon Among the Baptists - part 2 Rigdon Among the Baptists - part 3 Rigdon Among the Baptists - part 4 Rigdon Among the Baptists - part 5 Baptist History Page Baptist History links Primitive Baptist Library BaptHist.txt OhioHist.txt Redstone.txt |
OPENING NEW HORIZONS IN MORMON HISTORY