USA > Georgia > Bibb County > Macon > Georgia Baptists: historical and biographical > Part 17
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On the 11th September following, he buried with Christ i baptism the first white person who had ever received that hol rite in Savannah, and on the 26th of November of the sam year, they were regularly constituted into a church, of which Dr. Holcombe was chosen pastor. This "little one has become t, as a thousand and this small people a great nation." access.
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Henry Holcombe, D. D.
In this city, his whole soul seemed to be engaged in the work of doing good, and much under God did he accomplish. It may be well to state some of the means which he adopted to accom- plish his benevolent designs :
1. In 1801, the "Savannah Female Asylum," (a society for supporting and educating helpless female orphans,) was formed in his parlor, under a constitution and by-laws drawn up by himself. This institution, from its formation to the present time, has been the favorite of all denominations; and individ- uals as well as bodies in both the civil and religious departments of the community, have vied with each other in supporting it.
2. He published " the Georgia Analytical Respository," a re- ligious magazine, devoted to literature as well as religion.
3. About this time he published an address to the friends of religion in Georgia, on their duties in reference to civil govern- ment, in which he urged them to discard the idea that atten- tion to affairs of State is incompatible with the christian pro- fession. After showing why we should support civil goverment and how we should do it, he concludes by saying, "At all elec- tions, let every one qualified to vote attend and do his duty, as in the presence of God, considering that incalculable benefits may be the result of it." -
4. As a pastor, he was indefatigable in his labors, visiting from house to house, not only the members of his church but the people of his congregation, and enforcing his public dis- a{courses by private exhortations and prayers.
5. The execution of a man, for the comparatively small crime of stealing a gun, attracted his attention to the extreme se- einverity of the penal code of Georgia. He was instrumental in rousing public attention to this subject, and may be regarded is the originator of our State penitentiary.
6. His opposition to Deists, theatrical entertainments, etc., vas open and manly, and subjected him to dangers from which he was delivered only by the hand of Providence. Sev- ral attempts were made against him, among which were the mfollowing, which we give in his own words: "An attempt was cWaade at night, to decoy me by a stratagem into an ambuscade; ut, as an ever-watchful Providence would have it, without uccess. A well-dressed fellow, who assumed the style and
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manner of a gentleman, endeavored to get me out of my house after midnight, under the pretence of wanting me to perform a marriage ceremony. And had I not happened to hear the clock strike twelve, just before the knock at my door, I might have believed him in the assertion, that it was but a little past ten o'clock, and been led into the snare of my adversaries. Hc said his name was Clark, that the parties to be married were respectable strangers, had been disappointed in obtaining their marriage license sooner, had to sail next morning, were very desirous of being married by me, and that he would give me immediately a fee of fifty dollars. But, on peremptorily refus- ing, from an upper window, to come down stairs on any con- sideration at so unseasonable an hour, this Judas, who had before expressed himself with the greatest politeness, over- whelmed me with a torrent of the bitterest curses; and swore by his God, that if I opened my mouth to call the guard, he would break every window in my house. From this unsuccess- ful stratagem, they had recourse to violence. Returning, ac- cording to my well-known custom, about nine o'clock in the evening, from the meeting of a society of which I was a mem- ber, with a small son at each of my hands, a musket was snapped at my breast, and the fire rolled so near me, in throw- ing out my hand in the dark, I laid hold on a bayonet! But God being pleased, at this critical moment, to make my heart like adamant, I exerted a loud authoritative voice in a few inter- rogations, which so alarmed the two cowardly assassins, whom I perceived before me with fixed bayonets, that they sneaked away, as if expecting every moment to be seized, 'begging ten thousand pardons,' and, with tremulous voices, apologizing for their dastardly attempt on my life."
His efforts to promote union and concentration of effort baract among all christians, and especially those of his own denomi ositio nation, were worthy of the man, and were productive of good ancem results. He was in the conference of Baptist ministers which ier an agreed to found the Mount Enon Academy, (in 1804,) andnd was adopted a constitution as a misssionary society, called the Gen shed b fork, an Like eral Committee, (in 1806,) and exerted his utmost powers to pro moto these objects. He selected the site, purchased the land and was appointed the agent to collect funds to carry it on, in om en
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Henry Holcombe, D. D.
which he was quite successful. He had the happiness to bap- tize many persons of distinction, among whom was Hon. Joseph Clay, an eminent civilian, and a Federal Judge of the District of Georgia.
During a preaching excursion in the up-country, while some two hundred miles from home, he delivered a discourse on a very warm day; and immediately afterwards drank freely of cold water. This brought him, in a moment, from perfect health to the borders of the grave. Though, for the time being, he obtained partial relief, yet he continued seriously indisposed ; and, on his homeward journey, fainted in the pulpit at Mount Enon. Continuing to preach after he reached Savannah, he was taked dangerously ill of a violent fever, and was laid by about two months. In 1808, he again met the General Com- mittee at Mount Enon, and the following year went to Augusta and aided in the ordination of Rev. William T. Brantly, Sr. His labors were too much for the state of his health, which continued very feeble, and brought another violent and pro- tracted attact of sickness in 1810. After recovering, so far as to be able to attend the session of the Savannah River Associ- ation in the city, he resigned his charge of the Savannah church, and retired to Mount Enon.
Such a man could not be permitted to remain long in retire- ment. He was recalled to Beaufort-soon after, invited to r. visit Boston, with a view to settlement-and then called to the care of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia ; which last ed call he accepted, and made arrangements to remove thither.
On the 14th December, 1811, he embarked for Philadelphia, for via New York, and after a stormy and dangerous passage, he arrived among his new charge the 1st January, 1812. With ort characteristic zeal he entered upon his labors in this important mai-position, and was instrumental in doing much towards the ad- odlancement of the Redeemer's cause. Though in early life a sol- chllier and an officer, he became an advocate of peace principles, adInd was at the head of a peace society. A volume was pub- m-ished by him, entitled "Primitive Theology;" a very good ro-york, and teaches sound doctrine.
Like other great and good men, he had enemies-perhaps inl'om envy, if nothing else. These tried hard to make it appear
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that Dr. Holcombe was opposed to the missionary cause. This will never be believed in Georgia, whose sons are now reaping the benefits of his pious and benevolent labors. His sermons and writings, his sacrifices and toils, and the whole course of his life, contradict and refute the slander. Hear his sentiments in his own words: " Let us, therefore, send the Word of Life, on the wings of our bounty, in all directions, to disperse the clouds of superstition and ignorance, until Pagans, Mahometans and Jews, with all merely nominal christians, shall see with us the salvation of God." The truth is, there was a difference of opin- ion between him and some prominent men in regard to im- portant matters connected with the mission cause, and rather than wrangle and strive, Dr. Holcombe withdrew from the business, for the time being, for the sake of peace. But, to his latest day, the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom was the object, of all others, nearest to his heart.
It was not as a writer, but as a public speaker, that Dr. Hol- combe's talents were most availing. There was an indescriba- ble something, not only in the matter, but in the manner of his preaching, which commanded and retained the attention, while he not only forced his words upon the ears, but his sentiments upon the hearts of his hearers. Without seeking the elegan- cies of composition, he rose to a surprising energy and ease of expression-gave forth his many thoughts in a clear, nervous diction, and when warmed with the subject, would lead his ad- miring audience the willing captives of his ardent rhetoric along with him to fasten on those transports with which genius and piety can supply the attentive mind.
On the 22d of May, 1824, after an illness of only one week, he took his departure hence, "to be with Christ, which is far better." When a respite from oppression in breathing gave liberty of utterance, such expressions as the following fell from his lips : "I am in good hands." " Oh, the sublime attainments of faith !" "It is all for the good of my soul." " Oh, the pros- pects of faith !" Just before he breathed his last, and after he had become speechless, a brother asked him if he felt comfort able and happy, and requested him, if he did, to raise his hand in token of it. He immediately raised his hand-that hand
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Alexander Scott-Miller Bledsoe.
with which he had so often pointed sinners to the Lamb of God-and then sank into the slumber of death.
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Mr. Hol- combe before 1810, by Brown University.
ALEXANDER SCOTT
Resided in Columbia county during the revolutionary war, and was the first moderator of the Georgia Association, in May, 1785. His wife taught him to spell, but she died before he could read. He had preached in Wilkes, and was the means of bring- ing Silas Mercer to think seriously on the subject of baptism, and finally baptized him. Soon he removed to South Carolina, and was many years pastor of Black Swamp church, and mod- erator of Savannah River Association. About 1807, several of his parishioners removed to Wilkinson county, Mississippi, and Mr. Scott went with them, but did not long survive the re- moval. He was in high reputation as an excellent counselor. A son of his, A. M. Scott, (Abram Marshall, it is presumed,) has been Governor of Mississippi.
MILLER BLEDSOE
Was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, October 7, 1761. At the age of fifteen, he entered the service of his country under Captain Ambrose Dudley, in Orange county, who was himself sa minister of the Baptist persuasion, who yet felt it his duty, n those perilous times, to give the strongest evidence of his ove to his country. Captain Dudley's company belonged to he Second Virginia Regiment. After remaining in Virginia e ome time, his company marched to Valley Forge, in 1788.
Mr. Bledsoe was detached with others, under Colonel Lee, to apture a certain strong post of the enemy's called the Hook. ust before the troops reached the fort, an hour before day, elee harangued them and said he wanted no cowards. Seven- en stepped out of the ranks-the balance, with unloaded guns, lade their attack. A soldier in his shirt was in the act of put- dung his match to a cannon, pointed at the invading column, hen Colonel Lee (who was foremost in the charge,) transfixed
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him with his sword. After a few minutes' work with the bayonet, the fort was surrendered. In searching for the enemy in the dark, Mr. Bledsoe was shot at so close as to be burned by the powder, and was severely wounded by a bayonet. He was at the battle at Camden, and was in North Carolina also, near enough to Guilford, to hear the report of the cannon in that battle. In the South, Mr. Bledsoe had command of a company. After a time, he returned with his company to Henry county, where they had enlisted, and went thence himself and joined the army near Yorktown.
He had made many promises, during the war, if the Lord would spare his life, he would serve him; but these were short-lived promises. In 1788 he obtained a hope, and joined the church in Orange county, called North Fork, and was bap- tized by Aaron Bledsoe, a relative of his. He soon began to preach, and was ordained about 1792, by George Morris, Aaron Bledsoe and John Waller. In February, 1793, he emigrated to Oglethorpe county, Georgia. The first church of which he had charge was Salem, then numbering about seventeen members. He was pastor also of Freeman's creek, Big creek, Baird's meeting-house and Scull shoals. He and Silas Mercer were in- strumental in gathering Big creek, which was first called Lib- erty. They had preached some time at Major Waters' dwelling house. There had been considerable excitement in all his churches the year he first attended the Association, (Georgia,) and a report went before him that he was an Arminian. But nothing could be further from the truth; for though a grea revivalist, he was a follower of John Gill. Indeed, he pushed his Calvinistic ideas so far as to render him timid and cautious about joining with his brethren in the Conventions and mis sionary operations of the day. He was a man greatly favore of the Lord. He numbered the baptisms he performed unti they reached twelve hundred, and then desisted, lest he shoul sin after the manner of David, in numbering the children o Israel. As this occurred long before his ministry closed, i would be interesting to know how many he did baptize. H was remarkably careful about experiences. Such relations a pass frequently with the churches in these days would hav found no favor in his eyes.
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Charles O. Screven, D. D.
He died at his son-in-law's, in Oglethorpe county, about the year 1841. The last five years of his life were full of suffering, but he said he had nothing to change in the main truths he had preached, and was ready to depart in the full assurance of hope. He had a great desire to see some of his descendants enter the ministry. The year before he died, Rev. Sylvanus Landrum, now (1874,) pastor at Memphis, began to hold prayer-meetings and deliver exhortations. The old preacher insisted that an appointment should be made at the place of his residence, and that the youthful exhorter should preach in his presence. The meeting was accordingly held. At its close, the grand-father was raised up in his bed, and exhorted his son in the gospel in a manner which will not likely ever be forgotten; and, having placed his trembling hands upon him, prayed. He then ex- pressed himself, Simeon like, ready to depart in peace.
That prayer has been answered, for the grand-son is one of the most useful ministers in the South-a worthy descendant of such a sire.
CHARLES O. SCREVEN, D. D.
CHARLES ODINGSELL SCREVEN was the son of General James Screven, who was killed during the revolution, by a party of Tories and Indians, near Medway meeting-house, Liberty county, Georgia. He was born in 1774, and in February, 1786, when twelve years of age, (having given evidence that he was " born again,") was baptized by Dr. Furman, in Charleston, South Carolina, and united with the Baptist church in that place. As he has left no journal or record of himself, we must nistpass by the period of his youth-the time he passed as a stu- reddent in Brown University, Rhode Island, where he graduated- ntiland come at once to the commencement of his ministry in Sun- uldbury, Liberty county. He was heir to a handsome patrimony, roland owned a plantation in Bryan county, called "The Retreat," iopposite Sunbury, where he resided temporarily, after his return Hfrom college. Having been licensed by the Charleston church, ahe visited Sunbury in the latter part of the year 1801, and in- avf uired if preaching would be acceptable to the inhabitants of the own. Having obtained their unanimous consent, he preached
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to them. They expressed a willingness to hear him again the next Sabbath, and were gratified. They then expressed a wish for a continuation of his services, to which he cheerfully consented. There was not a single Baptist in the place. A church of Congregational Presbyterians occupied the ground and owned a small meeting-house. Morals were exceedingly low and the people desperately wicked.
Only a few weeks after Mr. Screven had entered regularly upon his labors in Sunbury, the Rev. Mr. Hoyt arrived, who had been invited by Mr. Gildersleeve, pastor of Medway church, (unknown to the people in Sunbury,) to preach there and at New Port. Mr. Screven, feeling himself delicately situated, Jest he should be in the way of Mr. Hoyt, submitted the matter to Rev. Mr. Lewis, also a Presbyterian, who assured him that his services were desired by the community, and encouraged him to persevere.
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· He accordingly went on, amidst many discouraging circum- stances, until several colored persons were converted as seals of We wi the the wh the Bar A times with his ministry. He had been in the habit of delivering but one sermon each Sabbath, on account of the feeble state of his health. Several members of his congregation manifested their personal interest in the gospel by expressing a desire to have two sermons a day, instead of one. He complied with their desire, and the seed sown began to spring up. Mr. Screven visited Charleston, and was ordained by Dr. Furman, Mr. Bots- ford, and Mr. Clay, of Savannah, on the 29th of May, 1804. About the same time he was married to a Mrs. Jones, the mother of Rev. Charles B. Jones, late of Savannah, and now of and h Florida. With this amiable lady he lived only about a year subjec She died, leaving him one child, who was also a minister of the those gospel, Rev. James O. Screven. Happy woman ! the mother of not am only two children, and they both " watchmen upon Zion's this, he walls !"
Soon after his return from Charleston, several colored people applied for baptism. As there was no Baptist church, perhaps verted nearer than Savannah, Mr. Screven invited Rev. Mr. Clay t many he the old attend with him in Sunbury, which he did. They heard thei experiences, and Mr. Screven baptized them on the 30th Juneipon wh From this date to the 2d of November, 1806, seventy person Ur. Serer
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Charles O. Screven, D. D.
were baptized, among whom were only two whites, Mr. Jacob Dunham and wife. He subsequently became an eminently pious and useful minister of the gospel.
Mr. Screven had been invited by Mr. Gildersleeve to unite with the Presbyterians, who stated many advantages that would probably ensue. He declined the offer, however, as- suring the reverend gentleman that he acted from principle, and that while the Bible remained as "the only rule of faith and practice among christians," he could not be anything but a Baptist. A conversation on the subject of baptism ensued, which ended without conviction to either.
A Baptist church having been constituted, Mr. Screven ad- dressed a letter to the selectmen of the Congregational church, requesting permission to administer the Lord's Supper and worship occasionally in their meeting-house. To this request he received an affirmative answer, and for a time matters went on prosperously. Nearly all who had hitherto been immersed were colored people. But so soon as the word was received with gladness by a few " honorable women," the opposition of the Congregational minister (who was Socinian in faith,) and their unconverted husbands and friends began to be manifested, which finally resulted in the withdrawal of the Baptists from the " old meeting-house," as it was called, and the erection of a Baptist house of worship.
An old disciple, familiar with the scenes and men of those 4. he times, writes me as follows : " So soon as his doctrine clashed with that they had so long sat under, the strife began. Christ off and him crucified, and occasionally touching upon doctrinal ar. the subjects, soon brought upon him the enmity and contempt of those around him, and your brother, who addresses you, was roff not among the least in the opposition. Notwithstanding all u's this, he fearlessly delivered his Master's message, which soon, as a sharp arrow, pierced the hearts of some to conviction and plet conversion. Judge now the feeling this excited in this uncon- ips, verted community. Families became divided, and, amidst tomany heart-burnings, the community were invited to convene at heit" the old meeting-house," to see if terms could not be agreed inerupon which would secure more peace and harmony as regarded ons Mr. Screven's preaching, etc. I remember well the day. After
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opening the meeting, the subject (baptism by immersion,) was brought up, which appeared greatly to disturb the feelings of the unthinking portion. Remarks the most unpleasant were made on that subject and the divisions made in families, by the Congregational minister. At length Mr. Screven rose, with a calmness and dignity peculiar to himself, and, addressing the minister, remarked . " For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me, yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel," and immediately resumed his seat. This was "a nail, fastened by the Master of assem- blies in a sure place." It electrified the audience, and they broke up without coming to any conclusion to proscribe him. Finding, however, that his doctrine was offensive to many, he withdrew peaceably, and for a time preached in private houses. A subscription having been raised to build a Baptist meeting- house, Mr. Screven gave the lot for a site, and the house long in use was soon completed.
The same aged disciple illustrates the spirit of his opposers, as well as the character of Mr. Screven by the following anec- dote : " While sitting with his wife, beside an evening fire, of a winter night, a large stone was thrown at his head, which barely missed their infant, which was in his arms at the time. Hand- ing the babe to his wife, he instantly rose, and walking out into the piazza, called out to the miscreant in the dark: 'If I am the object, here I am.' The wretch shrunk away from the presence of such goodness, without offering any other insult, or attempting any further injury."
Many, who were at first opposed to him, became his spiritual children ; and others laid aside their opposition, and became members of his congregation. Thus, by an affectionate and simple exhibition of truth, he was instrumental in turning many from darkness to light; and by his consistent christian deportment, he disarmed others of their enmity and prejudice against him. But he confined not his labors to Sunbury; the neighboring county heard the glad tidings from his lips; and no doubt the glorified souls of many poor negroes and white men are at this time shining stars in the bright crown that encircles his brow. In the year 1813, he was married to the present Mrs. Barbara R. Screven ; by whom he had several chil
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dren. Of these, three are still living. At this time, he was afflicted with the desease in the eye which terminated his life. From 1802 to 1821, though he suffered severely from his dis- eased eye, yet his labors were uninterrupted. From 1821 to the time of his dissolution, his increasing affliction necessarily interrupted his faithful labors. As a pastor, he was tender, affectionate and faithful to his people; ever striving to show himself a pattern in all things. As a preacher, he was sound, urgent and instructive. In consequence of the diseased state of his eye, he seldom wrote; but when he did, he evinced much strength of mind and power of reasoning. As a master, he was kind and humane to his servants. His honored widow says, she never saw him chastise a servant; he always coun- seled them, as friends who had distressed him. As a lover of souls, as a submissive christian under affliction, and as an affec- tionate husband and father, let me give the testimony of his widowed partner, who held affectionate converse with him seventeen years. As stated above, they were married in the year 1813, and at this time he was afflicted with the desease which terminated his life. It was, even then, very painful and distressing to him; so much so as to disturb his rest. But, she says, for seventeen years she never heard him use one expres- sion of repining against the dealings of God towards him. This disease was, for many years, slow in its progress; but, for six years before he died, his eye became exceedingly distressing. He would often sit up for hours at night in great agony, unable to find relief from anything. When his beloved wife would re- mark upon the severity of his suffering, he would reply, "Ah, my dear! it is just as it should be; I desire that the will of God should be done with me." Such submissive language as this was often expressed by him. His friends and physicians often advised him to give up preaching, and go to other places and try and find some cure for his malady. He once went to Sa- vannah, and once to Philadelphia, but obtained no permanent relief from his visits. He was devoted to the interests of the church ; and nothing could induce him to relinquish preaching, as long as he was able to speak for God. He sometimes thought he he out to give up his charge of the church, because he was not- il able to fulfil the duties of a pastor in visiting among his peo-
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