their faith, and practice as a church, they were most cordially received, by giving to their representative, the Revd. Edmon Jones, the right hand of fellowship.

9. Appointed the first quarterly meeting, at Maple Creek Church, to begin the Saturday before the first Lordsday in October next; Henry Spears, W. Brownfield, and James Frey to attend. The second at the Broad Ford of Connaughnough, to begin the second Lordsday in October next; Frey, Estep and Brownfield, to attend. The fourth at Indian Creek, Virginia, to begin the Saturday before the second Lordsday in June, 1813, PATTON, and BROWNFIELD to attend.

9. Appointed the following supplies, for a branch of Bulah church, in Saltlick township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania. Frey the second Lordsday in April 1813, Brownfield, the third Lordsday in May, Prichard rge first Lordsday in June, Luce the fourth Lordsday in August.

10. Appointed HENRY SPEARS, to settle with Jacob Crabb treasurer of the Missionary Fund; and to produce a statement of accounts next association.

11. Doctor David Jones being present, was invited, and received a seat with us.

12. The letters prepared to corresponding associations; the first by James Estep to the Philadelphia; the second by John Prichard to the Baltimore; the third by Benjamin White to the Union; were read and adopted.

13. The circular letter, written by MATTHIAS LUCE, was read only once in association, and then through the hurry of business, adopted.

14, Appointed Brownfield, to write the Circular letter for next year on the subject of "The work of the divine spirit in regeneration."

15. Appointed the following brethren, to prepare letters to corresponding associations for the next year; E. JONES to the Philadelphia; JAMES FRY to the Baltimore; HENRY SPEARS to the Union, and Henry McDunnough to the Beaver association.

Business with closed doors.

16. Received a query from the church at Wills Creek, relative to marriage. The final answer is referred to next association.

17. From the church at Maple Creek. Query, "will this association continue in its connection a church that has received and continues in full fellowship a member having two living wives?"

Answer; this association recommend to the churches in connection, not to receive, nor continue members in fellowship, having two living wives, unless they have had lawful cause to put the first away, and have actually obtained a lawful divorcement.

18. Whereas printing last years MINUTES has miscarried; therefore Resolved, that printing them be omitted.

19. After investigating the preparation of the minutes of 1810 for the Press by Brownfield, the association have risen from their seats, thereby to express their most hearty approbation of the same.

20. Appointed Brownfield, and Luce to superintend the printing of the Minutes and Circular of the present session, and the CONSTITUTION of association.

At 5 o'clock the session was closed by singing and prayer of the the Moderator.

Note. -- While the business of association was transacted by the representatives

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from the churches; the sermons delivered this day at the stage to a very numerous and attentive congregation; were first, by JAMES SEYMOUR, messenger from the Union association, from Coll. chap 15 verse 14. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." The second by ELIJAH STONE, from John's Gospel, chap. 18, verse, 36. "My kingdom is not of this world." The third by BENJAMIN STONE, from Psalm 144, verse 3, "Lord what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him?" The fourth by William Stone from Math. chap. 22, verse 42, "What think ye of Christ?"

Sermons were delivered by the ministering brethren this evening at several places, some of which were very impressive.

LORDSDAY, 10 o'clock, A.M.

EDMON JONES of Pittsburgh, began the evangelical exercise of this day, with singing and prayer, and then preached an excellent sermon from Ephesians chap. 4, verse 4, "There is one body, and one spirit even as ye are called in the hope of your calling." A second, by Dr. David Jones, from Rev. chap. 18, consisting of an exposition on the Prophetic Mysteries therein contained. A third discourse, of very uncommon length, by a Mr. Campbell, late of Washington county, Pa. from Gal. chap. 6, verse 14, and onward. James Estep, concluded the solemnities of the day, by singing and prayer.

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CIRCULAR  LETTER.

The Elders and Messengers of the Redstone Baptist Association to the Churches they Represent, send Christian salutation.

BELOVED BRETHREN,

As it has been our custom to address you annually in an epistolary way, in conformity therewith this year we have deemed it expedient to call your attention to GODS providence in general, but especially, respecting his people. Providence of which we are now about to treat, must be considered as distinct from foresight, foreknowledge, and predestination, which all respect some act of the divine mind in eternity. This may be called eternal providence. But providence in time which now is under consideration, and may be called actual; is the execution of whatever GOD has foreknown, and determined, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, Eph. 1. 11. Purpose & Providence exactly agree, the one is the fulfilment of the other.

1. "To prove divine providence by the light of nature. Hence all the heathen nations acknowledged it, excepting the Epicurians, --, and from a foolish notion that it was unworthy of a God.

2. Divine Providence is proved from the being of a God. The argument that proves the one does the other.

When the Psalmist speaks of the fool saying in his heart "There is no God." he adds, the Lord looked down from heaven, &c.

3. The providence of God is manifested by creation of the world; as the being of God may be proved from hence.

4. It is by the perfections of God manifested, particular his power, wisdom and goodness, --. Since he created the world, has he not supported it, but left it to chance and fortune, it would have appeared unworthy of a God. Where is the wisdom of God more manifested, than in the righteous disposal of the works of hands.

5. It may be concluded from the worship of God.

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Cicero said, there are some philosophers, (meaning the Epicurians) suppose, God takes no care of human affairs; but says he, if this be true, "what piety can there be; what sanctity; what religion?" Such were they among the Jews, who said, The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and the Lord seeth not. Ezekiel, 0. 9.

6. The order of things, from the beginning of the world to this time clearly evince a divine providence.

II. We proceed to shew some distinctions, to explain the doctrine of providence. 1. Providence, may be considered as immediate and mediate. Immediate, is what is exercised by the Lord, without the use of means. The sun standing still in the days of Joshua, and going back in the time of Heziah, ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz. Mediate, is what is exercised in the use of means. "The stars in their course fought against Sisera." Judges, 5, 30. 2. The providences of God attend man, in every stage of life in which they come, the afflictions they meet with, and their joys. 3. The providence of God often appears to them before conversion, as well as afterward; in bringing them to the place -- sometimes out of curiosity; at other times with a malignant spirit scoff. 4. What more free than the heart of a despotic prince? Yet the Kings heart, is in the hands of the Lord. He can turn like the rivers of water, whithersoever he will. 5. Jonah did not intend to go to Ninevah to preach, but made (as he thought) his escape; but finally was made willing, and did obey after his correction. 6. God is a Saviour of all men in a providential way, but especially they that do believe. 1. Tim 4. 10, Psal. 33. 18. 7. Jacob concluded, every thing respecting his children were against him. His beloved Joseph he thought dead. Next to be bereaved of all his children -- But God had provided in providence, that Joseph was only sold in Egypt; and there was exalted in a peculiar manner. Which old Jacob confessed, when his eyes beheld; and said "It is enough." The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works Psal. 145. 17.

We may add with the inspired Apostle, and say, Oh the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom, and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out! Rom. 11. 38. Paul's enemies sent him frequently to places as a prisoner, where he preached the Gospel, and so finished his course, and answered all the purposes God intended him to do. We say with Paul; And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, who are the called according to his purpose, Rom. 8. 28. Although there are many things that trouble us, we are not cast down; because purpose and providence will meet together. Though, we at present cannot see through these things, still we trust in him, who is the gift of the father to us, and is made our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

Then let all the ministers of the everlasting gospel be encouraged to go forth and make known the riches of his grace, and be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. Warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Col. 1. 28. And you brethren, that are not called to the ministry of the word, are called to many things, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus 1st Peter 5. 10. To holiness, watchfulness and prayer. For brethren, ye have been called to liberty; only use not that liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love to serve one another Gal. 5. 13. To bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. In closing our address to you, we feel a consolation unutterable, that the Church of Christ has been preserved by

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divine providence. Though in a wilderness state, which renders her undesirable by many: Yet blessed be God, she is on her way to better days. For Christ's kingdom will come and his will be done in earth, as in heaven. Then pray with, and for one another, promoting peace and harmony, watching over each other in love. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalms 132. 1. Beside all these add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brother by kindness, and charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you, that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 5, 8. 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. 2 Cor. 13. 11. (SIGNED) JOHN PRICHARD, Moderator, JAMES ESTEP, Clerk.

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CONSTITUTION

OF THE

REDSTONE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

APPROVED AND ADOPTED AT INDIAN CREEK, MONONGALIA COUNTY, VA.

September, 2d, 1809.

That the great essential privileges of Gospel liberty and free government, may be individually established among all the churches,

WE DECLARE.

Section. 1. That all the churches are equally free and independent, and have certain indefeaseable rights, which are, receiving, dismissing, censuring, or expelling their own members. Or tolerating to improve, or licencing to preach, such of their members as appear in their judgment to have gifts, and are divinely called to the work of the ministry. And silencing such of their members as have been Tolerated, or Licenced, or Ordained to the ministry, if the case may require. And all, and every other power, and privilege essentially necessary to the free and regular exercise of gospel discipline, and well being or happiness of the Churches respectively. Together with every power, and right, and privilege not hereafter mentioned in this Constitution, shall be, and remain entire to the Churches forever.

2. This Association, hereby receive the scriptures of Old and New testament, as the divine, and revealed word of God, and as an infalible rule of faith and practice. And the regular Baptist Confession of Faith, adopted by the Philadelphia regular Baptist Association, September 25th Anno Domini 1742, as generally expressive of the meaning [of] these holy scriptures.

3. This Association shall be known by the name of "The Redstone Baptist Association," and always consist of the representatives of the several Churches in union with this body, by them duly chosen.

4. Always, when this Association is convened, there shall be an introductory sermon delivered suitable to the occasion. After which, it shall be the duty of the next preaching Moderator if present, and if not, the next preceding Clerk, to call over all the names of the Churches contained in the list. And on each several call one of the representatives of the Church thus called, shall come forthwith and audably read, or cause to be read the letter sent from the Church, and then deliver it to the foresaid Clerk or Moderator. After all the Churches are thus called, and their

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letters have been read, it shall be the duty of the then Moderator, to nominate two of the representatives, the one for Moderator and the other for Clerk of the then present session. And the officiating Minister, who preached the introductory sermon shall (if necessary) in like manner nominate other two, who shall be voted for by lifting the right hand, and the two having a majority of votes, the one shall be Moderator, and the other Clerk, and shall serve in the offices to which they are respectively chosen, until their successors are thus appointed.

5. It shall be the duty and privilege of every Church in union with this body to send representatives, with a letter addressed to "The Redstone Baptist Association," stating the time and place of the meeting of the Association. Their faith, by referring to the Regular Baptist Confession of Faith aforesaid, their number Baptised, received by letter, dismissed, excluded, deceased, and total number remaining since the last session. And enter all difficult cases that cannot be settled in the Church according to good order, by way of Postscript or Query at the bottom, or on the back of the letter, with the name of the Clerk of the Church signed thereto, which shall not be read, only before the session.

6. That each Church may send representatives discretionary to association, but three only shall be entitled to vote.

7. Any Church, neglecting to send representatives and a letter for three years successively, shall be struck off the list.

8. Churches that apply for admission into this association, having their petition signed by their Clerk, or other satisfactory evidence, and their faith and practice as a Church; agreeing with the Regular Baptist Confession of Faith aforesaid, shall be received, by the Moderator giving their first mentioned representative the right hand of fellowship.

9. The association may appoint a committee, or committees for the sake of expediting business, into whose hands shall be delivered all the letters addressed to the association, with the CIRCULAR letter addressed to the Churches, whose duty it shall be to make a written statement of all the business contained in the letters respectively, and correct such errors, as may be in the Circular, of either faith or language, and deliver all the letters, with the statement of business to the Moderator, at his opening the session for business.

10. It shall be the duty of the Moderator, to preside during the time of session, and maintain good order and decorum. To bring before the session all business addressed to the Association, and propose it in a way, that it may be voted for or against. And after counting the votes, declare on which side of the question is the majority. Give a casting vote if the session be equally divided. Demand order as often as he may think necessary. Any person refusing to comply shall be expelled.

11. All motions made and seconded, concerning any business of the session, shall be put to vote, and a majority of votes shall be a final decision; except in cases of conscience. Voting shall be performed, by the members of the session lifting their right hands, or rising from their seats.

12. Any person speaking to any subject, shall stand up and audibly address the Moderator, or body of the session, and speak pointedly to the subject in hand; but not longer than ten minutes, nor oftener than twice, on one subject, without special leave from the Moderator.

13. It shall be the duty of the Clerk, to enter in fair manuscript all decisions of the session, and audibly read the same over at the close of business.

14. This Association shall annex to their Minutes, a Circular Letter addressed to the Churches composing the Redstone Baptist Association

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And appoint a person to prepare them for the press, and have them printed, and distributed to every Church and person, according to the money they shall have paid for the same.

15. The Association shall keep a standing secretary, whose duty it shall be to enter all the decisions, and resolutions of the Association, in fair transcript in a book kept for that purpose. And shall deliver up to his successor all books, bills, documents, or whatsoever things may have come into his hands in consequence of his office.

16. A meeting of the Association shall be held annually. And when in session, shall appoint the time when, and place where the next Association shall convene.

17. This Association shall have power to alter, or amend, or increase or diminish the foregoing sections of this constitution, two thirds of the session agreeing thereto. Provided, they do not deviate from the regular Baptist confession of faith aforesaid.

Signed by order, and in behalf of the Representatives of Association.

MATTHIAS LUCE, Moderator.

BENJAMIN WHITE, Clerk.