USA > Georgia > Bibb County > Macon > Georgia Baptists: historical and biographical > Part 6
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At the Salem Association, Rev. Mr. Marshall delivered the introductory discourse, from Isaiah Ixii. 6, 7; "I have set watch- men upon thy walls, O Jerusalem," etc. Rev. Mr. Marshall was chosen moderator, and Jesse Mercer, clerk.
At the meeting of the Powelton conference the foregoing May, upon the subject of an Indian mission, "it was proposed that a general committee of the Georgia Baptists should be formed, consisting of three members from each Association in the State, the leading object of which should be, to meet and confer with other christian societies, in order to remove differ- ences, and if possible, bring about a more general and close union among real christians on the principles of eternal truth."
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This being approved, the Rev. Messrs. Marshall, Walker and Mercer, were appointed to meet that committee at Powelton, on Saturday before the first Sabbath in May next ensuing. This looks very much like a Convention, and if the good sense and picty of those times had permitted, no doubt it would have been opposed as such.
In looking over the returns made by the several churches, we conclude there must have been a considerable revival dur- ing the last associational year. Seven hundred and thirty-two were returned as the whole number baptized, of which the African church in Augusta reported two hundred and twenty- Big creek, Oglethorpe, eighty-eight; County-line, Wilkes, twenty- three; Salem, Oglethorpe, twenty-six; Whatley's mill, Greene, (now Bethesda) forty-nine; Freeman's creek, Clark, fifty-six; Lower Beaverdam, Greene, twenty-eight; Philip's mill, Wilkes, thirty-eight; Powel's creek, Hancock, twenty-nine; Rocky Spring, Lincoln, thirty-one; Sardis, Wilkes, thirty-three; be- sides respectable numbers from several other churches.
The meeting of the body in 1803 was held with the church at Whatley's mill, Greene county. The introductory discourse was delivered by Jesse Mercer, from Solomon's Songs iv. 15, " A fountain of gardens." The same officers who acted the year before were retained.
The churches at Double Branches, Lincoln county, and Bethel, Hancock county, recently constituted, applied for membership and were received. The ministers present from other bodies this year were the Rev. Joel Willis, from Hephzibah, and Rev. John Cleveland, from the Sarepta Association ; letters and minutes were received from the Charleston and Bethel, but no messengers. Also a letter on the subject of revivals, originally addressed to the churches of the Roanoke Association, Virginia, detailing an account of a most gracious work amongst those churches. An address, too, was read from the General Com- mittee of the Missionary Conference at Powelton, and the Asso- ciation concurring in its leading objects, a delegation consisting of Revs. Marshall, Walker and Mercer was again appointed to meet that committee. The last Saturday of April ensuing was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer for this commit- tee-" that it be guarded from errors on the one hand, and di-
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rected to objects the most proper and useful on the other." General meetings were appointed at various places ; and it was agreed that "if orderly ministers of other denominations should attend any, they should be treated with respect, provided they make themselves known. The number baptized this year was six hundred and eighty-nine; the whole number in connection was three thousand three hundred and forty-five. There were fourteen ordained ministers and seven licentiates. The min- utes of this session appear not to have been printed until early in the year 1804, to which the clerk appended the following ar- ticle : " Doubtlessly there is a glorious revival of the religion of Jesus. The wicked of every description have been despoiled of their boasted coat of mail; even deists, who stood in the front of the battle, have had their right arm broken, their hope disappointed, and their prognostications metamorphosed into falsehoods. As the fruit of this work, there have been added to the churches of the Georgia Association more than fourteen hundred. To those of Sarepta, more than one thousand, a year ago; we doubt not but that number has greatly increased by this time. To those of Bethel more than two thousand. There is, and continues, a great work in some of the churches of Heph- zibah and Savannah, and is kindling in others. More than one hundred have been added to one church of the Charleston As- sociation. We are authorized to say, that in six Associations in Kentucky there are at least ten thousand young converts. To all which we add, that the accounts from different and dis- tant parts, verbally received, state that the Lord is doing ex- cellent things in the earth. O most mighty Jesus, ride pros- perously because of truth, meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. THY KINGDOM COME ! COME! COME !"
The session of the Association in October, 1813, was held with the church on Fishing creek, Wilkes county. Mr. Rhodes being absent in consequence of indisposition, Rev. Mr. Mercer delivered the introductory sermon, from Genesis xxiv. 56, " Send me away, that I may go to my master." Mr. Marshall and Mr. Mercer were continued as moderator and clerk of the body.
The cloud of war still hanging over the land, on motion, a committee consisting of the clerk, Lumpkin, Rabun and Brown, 5
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was appointed to draw up an article expressive of the sense of the Association on the subject. The article reads as follows :
" The article to be drawn up, expressive of our sense of the political state of our nation, was presented, and after being read several times, was adopted without dissent. It stands thus :
' That however unusual it may be for us, as a religious body, to intermeddle with the political concerns of our country, yet, at this momentous crisis, when our vital interests are jeopard- ized, to remain silent would indicate a criminal indifference. WE, therefore, in this public and solemn manner, take the lib- erty of saying that we have long viewed with emotions of in- dignation and horror the many lawless aggressions committed on the persons, rights and property of the people of these United States, by the corrupt, arbitrary and despotic govern- ment of Great Britain and its emissaries. And as it has been found necessary to resist such wanton and cruel outrages by opposing force to force : Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Association that the war so waged against Great Britain is JUST, NECESSARY AND INDISPENSABLE-and, as we con- sider everything dear to us and to our country involved in its issue, we solemnly pledge ourselves to the government of our choice, that we will by all the means in our power aid in its prosecution, until it shall be brought to an honorable termina- tion. And we also exhort and admonish particularly the churches belonging to our connection, and brethren and friends in general, to take into consideration the command of our Lord by his apostle, ' To be subject to the powers ordained of God over us,' and to be jointly united in the common cause of liberty and independence-to be examples to all within their reach, by a peaceable and quiet endurance of the privations and afflic- tions of the present war ; by a promptness to defend their vio- lated rights when called on to personal service ; and by a cheer- fulness in meeting the accumulated, though indispensable ex- penses thereof; in all things showing themselves the real friends of liberty and religion, by bringing all their energies to bear on the measures of the government, thereby the more speedily (under God,) to bring about a happy termination of these ca- lamities by the restoration of an honorable and lasting peace. And for that purpose we further exhort them to let their united
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supplications ascend to the Lord of Hosts, that he would gra- ciously preside over the councils of our nation, be our sun and shield, and cover our armies and navies in the day of battle.'"
The next session of the body was held at Powelton, Han- cock county, October 8th, 1814, and the three days succeeding. Rev. Mr. Mathews, who had been appointed to open the ser- vices, being absent, the Rev. Mr. Davis supplied his place. The officers of the last year were continued.
On account of the low state of religion, and the calamitous state of the nation by reason of war, the second Thursday in December, the 18th of June, and the 24th of August, next after the Association, were set apart as days of humiliation and prayer. The ninth article of the minutes of this session, breathes so excellent a spirit upon the subject of missions, we cannot withhold it from the reader. It is as follows: "Ac- cording to a suggestion in the letter from the Whatley's mill church, brother Mercer presented and read the circular and constitution of the 'SAVANNAH BABTIST SOCIETY FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS,' and then moved for the approbation of the Associa- tion, which was given most willingly and unanimously-where- upon it was thought proper to recommend the subject for its evident importance, to the consideration of the churches. And Friday before the first Sabbath in May next, was named as a day on which all who were individually disposed, as well of other Associations as our own, might meet at Powelton, in Hancock county, to form a society and digest a plan to aid in the glori- ous effort to evangelize the poor heathen in idolatrous lands."
The spirit of missions thus manifested has been increasing in this body ever since, as we shall see as we pass on.
In 1815, the Association met at Long creek, Warren county. The introductory discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Math- ews, from Romans xii. 2 : " Be not comformed to this world," etc. Rev. Mr. Marshall was appointed the moderator, and Mr. Brown the clerk.
We insert, verbatim, the seventh, tenth and fifteenth articles of the minutes of this session, as indicative of the state of feel- ing which pervaded the body on the subject of missions and other matters of general utility. The seventh article reads as follows: "Received from the BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MIS-
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SIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES, through its agent, Rev. Luther Rice, the report of the board, accompanied by letters desiring the aid of this body in their laudable exertions to spread the Gos- PEL OF CHRIST among the heathen in idolatrous lands. The Asso- ciation unanimously agreed to co-operate in the grand design, and the more effectually to do so, resolved itself into a body for missionary purposes ; and appointed the brethren Mercer, Thompson, Roberts, Rabun and Brown, a committee to digest rules for its regulation ; to send a circular address to the churches in our connection relative to the subject; and to hold corres- pondence with the corresponding secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions agrecably to request."
The Georgia Association was thus, in the year 1815, resolved into a missionary society. How has it then happened, that no complaint was ever heard of her proceedings in this respect, till she became connected with the General Association, or, what is now styled the CONVENTION ? The Association at that time proposed to co-operate with the Board of Foreign Missions; the Convention is only an enlargement of the plan of operations; other bodies, and other societies entering into the plan, in order to prosecute more successfully the great design.
The following article speaks well, not only for the Associa- tion, but for the presbytery with which they were to act for the suppression of vice and immorality : " Received a letter from the committee of the Hopewell Presbytery, requesting the ap- pointment of some of this body, to meet in a General Associa- tion of the different denominations, to be assembled at Athens, Tuesday before the Commencement in 1816, to combine their efforts to promote morality and virtue, as well as religion. The brethren A. Marshall and E. Shackelford are appointed a com- mittee for that purpose."
, The articles that follow show a spirit of dependence upon the Author of all good for his blessings
" It is recommended that the 31st day of December next be kept by the churches as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, in consideration of the low ebb of vital religion. Let us, breth- ren, duly observe the day, by a prompt attendance at our places of worship-in solemn assembly-to confess our sins, mourn
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over afflicted Zion, and implore Almighty God to pour out his Spirit upon us."
In October, 1818, the session was held with the church at Powelton, Hancock county. Rev. Mr. Reeves preached the introductory sermon from Psalm xc. 16, 17: " Let thy work ap- pear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children : And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us."
The spirit of missions was rapidly on the advance in the body at this time, as will appear from the following extracts, taken from the minutes: " Received with pleasure, two circu- lar addresses from the secretary of the Baptist Board for For- eign Missions in the United States. One containing a very flattering account of the prosperity of the mission cause gen- erally-the other detailing their views respecting the estab- lishment of a seminary for the education of candidates for the ministry. Our best wishes attend their laudable efforts."
" Received a communication from the secretary of the Ken- tucky Mission Society, inviting our co-operation in the estab- lishment of a school in that State, for the education of the youth of both sexes, belonging to such of the neighboring In- dian tribes, as may be disposed to avail themselves of the oppor- tunity. The subject was taken up and considered by the Asso- ciation as a beautiful theory, but very doubtful in practice. The moderator was instructed to communicate our disapprobation of the plan proposed."
"The mission board, having closed their proceedings for the year past, made the following report, which was read and ap- proved :
The Georgia Association Board, for foreign and domestic missions, to the Association of which it is the board, report :
That on their appointment they received $260 87}, of which sum they forwarded $143 00 to the treasurer of the general board, leaving a balance of $117 87}, which is now let out on interest, being under an impression that it was best to economize, and begin with such sum as would enable the board to increase their appropriations as circumstances might require and their funds justify. Early in the spring they addressed letters to all the ministers of the churches in your bounds, with a view "to stir up their pure minds by way of remembrance to ' this
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grace ;'" and the result is manifest in the good returns made to this session from the churches. The work in which the general board is engaged is confessedly great and of the first magnitude ; especially as it combines the domestic with the foreign mission. The evangelizing of our own Indians is alone the broad work of ages. We invite the Association to inspect the moral state of the heathen in our own country, and ask, that if they had been taught to cheat, steal, lie and swear, by men called christians, does it not prove they can, and that it is a shame they have not been a long time ago taught the fear of God, the sin and Saviour of man, and also to pray! If every- where on the face of the globe multitudes are perishing for lack of knowledge, like a harvest waving with more than golden ripeness, may it not be asked, with surprisc, why we have been idle so long? We say, then, in the words of the report of the board of the Powelton Mission Society, " The obligations of christians to effectuate the great command are original and of the most binding force. The enlistment is during the service. The missionary fervor then should be vivid, firm and constant, and the cfforts vigorous, prompt and perpetual." Will you, as invited by the Saviour, lift up your eyes on the fields and be- hold them white nigh unto harvest ! And pray the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into his harvest. In this senti- ment the board most cordially unite and say, "Thy kingdom come! thy will be done ! As in heaven, so on earth ; for thine, O Lord, is the kingdom and power, and thine be the glory for- ever. Amen !"
In 1820, the body had occasion to mourn the death of WIL- LIAM RABUN, distinguished alike in church and State. The year following, a resolution was passed to form a General Asso- ciation, to be composed of such associations in the State as should deem it proper to enter into such an organization. In 1822, in connection with difficulties in Williams' creek church, Rev. Thomas Rhodes is noticed as a disorderly man, and the part of that church which refused connection with said Rhodes is declared the true Williams' creek church. In 1825-6, etc., the body was efficiently engaged in promoting missions among the Indians at home and the heathen abroad, and education (theo- logical) in assisting to rear up the Columbian College, District
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Sarepta Association.
of Columbia. In 1827-8, this body, with others in the interior, enjoyed a season of great refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Thousands were added to the churches. The cause of benevolence grew in favor with the people, and their charities were greatly enlarged. Sabbath-schools and Bible classes began to attract much attention and were generally encouraged. In- deed, it may be remarked here, that efforts for improving the world and the church have never met with such opposition in this Association as in others in the State. The reason of this, it is believed, is that the ministry has been more intelligent, if not more pious.
At the session in 1832, letters were received from the Ocmul- gee and Flint River Associations, touching certain matters of difficulty existing between those bodies and the Georgia As- sociation. A letter was also received from four seceding churches from the Flint River Association on the same subject. As the nature of these difficulties is fully set forth in the his- tory of the Georgia and of the Central Association, already published, it is thought inexpedient to go into detail here. The case of the Eatonton church in the Ocmulgee, and of the Sharon and Teman churches in the Flint river, were the main matters. The Ocmulgee dropped correspondence with the Georgia and has never renewed it. The Flint also dropped for a few years, but renewed it soon after the division in her own ranks, which resulted in the formation of the Primitive Towa- laga.
For a more particular account of this body, the reader is re- ferred to "Mercer's History."
SAREPTA ASSOCIATION.
In May, 1799, the brethren met at Shoal creek, Franklin county, to confer about forming a new Association, having al- ready obtained letters of dismission for several churches from the Georgia Association. In the fall, they met again at Vans' creek, Elbert county, and formed the Sarepta Association, by adopting the constitution and decorum of the Georgia, to whose next session they sent as messengers William Davis and G. Smith. The minutes of the first session are not preserved.
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The churches which were dismissed from the Georgia and joined in the Sarepta, are Shoal creek, Vans' creek, Dove's creek, Hollow Spring, Cabin creek, Nail's creek, Millstone and Trail creek. On 12th October, 1800, the body met at Millstone, Oglethorpe county-Thomas Gilbert, moderator, and William Davis, clerk. Five churches joined-fourteen churches in the Union-one hundred and seventy baptized. Total, seven hun- dred and ninety-seven. In 1801, at Shoal creek. In 1802, at Cabin creek-sermon by Dozier Thornton-eight new churches joined. In 1803, at [Cloud's creek-introductory by William Denman-eight new churches joined this year also. The body now had in union thirty-three churches-baptized three hun- dred and seventy-five. Total, two thousand eight hundred and seventy-three-a great increase this in three years !
In 1804, Falling creek church, in Elbert, entertains the body. D. Thornton and William Davis, officers. Received a commu- nication from General Committee of Correspondence, in Penn- sylvania, requesting religious statistics-appointed a committee to furnish them. For several years the progress and increase of the body was about the same as above. Nothing material occurs until 1812, when a great revival was experienced, and twelve hundred and sixty-five were baptized. Total, three thousand one hundred and fifty-seven. "So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed."
In 1815 the Hopewell Presbytery requests its co-operation in attempting to arrest prevailing vices. A committee is ap- pointed to meet one from the Presbytery. It is understood they did not agree touching the sanctity of the Sabbath, and so nothing definite was settled as a plan to suppress vice.
Falling creek was the seat of the session in 1816. Appointed the Sarepta Mission Society to meet at Double Branches. This society was in active operation some dozen years ; missionaries went among the Cherokee Indians and preached the gospel ; some schools were sustained by it. Thomas Johnson, Littleton Meeks and John Sandidge were among the preachers. Several churches were dismissed to form the Tugalo Association.
Several sessions pass off as usual, when, in 1820, a powerful excitement is felt in the meeting at Vans' creek, under the ministry of M. Reeves, J. M. Gray and J. Mercer; several had
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what is called " the jerks." Resolution passed : " Resolved, That we suggest for our own consideration, and respectfully that of sister associations in the State, the propriety of organizing a general meeting of correspondence." This was drawn by Rev. A. Sherwood and handed in by C. J. Jenkins. Here is the com- mencement of the State Convention, which has been an instru- ment of so much good. The circular for this year was on "the religious education of children," of which the Charleston As- sociation expresses its cordial approbation at its ensuing session.
No material change occurs in the affairs of the union until about 1830, when the importance of domestic missions begins to be felt by the body. Several itinerants are henceforth engaged in spreading abroad the good tidings, and many poor ministers have libraries purchased for them.
In 1835, the session is at Falling creek, Elbert county. The body votes to join the State Convention, after fifteen years' con- sideration. About $420 00 in hand for benevolent objects. An executive committee manages the fiscal concerns. In 1836, opens correspondence with the Central Association. Five or six churches (with George Lumpkin and John Lacy, ministers,) enter their protest against uniting with the Convention and corresponding with the Central Association. These withdraw, and form what is called " The Oconee Association."
For several years past, up to 1845, the affairs of the body have progressed without any material variation. Domestic and. foreign missions, Sabbath-schools, temperance societies, all re- ceive the hearty encouragement of the churches. Her min- isters appear to take pleasure in every good word and work.
HEPHZIBAH ASSOCIATION.
This body was formed of churches dismissed from the Georgia in 1794. Neither the month, nor place, nor presbytery, can be ascertained, for the records of the Georgia and of this are both lost. The churches are in the counties of Burke, Screven, Jef- ferson, Richmond, Warren, etc. In 1803, George Franklin was moderator and Norvel Robertson, clerk. A circular from the GENERAL COMMITTEE, formed at Powelton, was received and its measures approved. Churches, twenty-two; baptized, three
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hundred and six-total, eleven hundred and thirty-two. In 1804. Franklin, Ross and Tharpe were appointed delegates to " the General Committee " at Powelton. In 1806 is found this query and answer :
Q .- Where ought the saints' feet to be washed ?
A .- In the church, after the Lord's Supper.
Several sessions pass off in the usual manner. In 1815, C. Bateman is chosen to itinerate in Montgomery and contiguous counties. Received a corresponding letter from Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. Agreed to do more for domestic missions, and a meeting is appointed at Bark Camp to organize a society for this object. In 1816, received a letter and messengers from the " Hephzibah Mission Society," and passed a vote wishing them prosperity. Voted $100 00 to brother Bateman, (he af- terwards became a violent anti-missionary,) for services as do- mestic missionary last year, and expressed gratification at the reception of a letter from the secretary of the General Con- eral Convention.
In 1818, the body expresses itself favorable towards the Gen- eral Baptist Convention. Expecting to engage in domestic missions and contribute a mite towards foreign, it cannot promise aid to the Kentucky Mission Society, from which a letter had been received. In 1819, this body resolves " to take no part in the missionary cause." Agreed not to correspond . with the Foreign Mission Society !
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