USA > Missouri > Polk County > The history of the Polk County Baptist Assciation : with history of churches, biographies, Southwest Baptist College, articles of faith, and church covenant > Part 22
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
6. Heb. 1:8. Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever. Heb. 1:3, 8:1; Col. 3:1-4.
7. Heb. 7:25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the ut- most that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Col. 2:9. For in him dwelleth all the full- ness of the Godhead bodily. Heb. 2:18. In that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. Heb. 7:26; Ps. 89:19; Ps. 45.
298
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
5. OF JUSTIFICATION. - We believe that the great gospel bless- ing which Christ1 secures to such as believe in him is justifica- tion;2 that justification includes the pardon of sin,3 and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;4 that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood;5 by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God;6 that it brings us into a state of most bless- ed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity .?
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. John 1:16. Of his fulness have we all received. Eph. 3:8.
2. Acts 13:39. By him all that believe are justified from all things. Isa. 3:11, 12; Rom. 8:1.
3. Rom. 5:9. Being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43.
4. Rom. 5:17. They which receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Titus 3:5, 6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25, Rom. 5:25.
5. Rom. 4:4, 5. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom. 5:21, 6:23, Phil. 3:7-9.
6. Rom. 5:19. By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom. 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12.
7. Rom. 5:1, 2. Being justified by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. 5;3. We glory in tribulation also. Rom. 5:11. We also joy in God. 1 Cor. 1:30, 31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8.
6. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION .- We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel;1 that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith ;? and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel;3 which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.4
299
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. Isa. 55:1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. Rev. 22:17. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Luke 14:17.
2. Rom. 16:26. The Gospel-according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedi- ence of faith. Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17.
3. - John 5:40. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46.
4. John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8.
7. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION .- We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again;1 that re- generation consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;2 that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with Divine truth,3 so as to se- cure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel;4 and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.5
1. Jno. 3:3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jno. 3:6, 7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27.
2. 2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Ez. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28, 29; 5:5; 1 Jno. 4-7.
3. Jno. 3:8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Jno. 1:13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Jas. 1:16-18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth. 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13.
4. 1 Pet. 1:22-25. Ye have purified your sonls by obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 Jno. 5:1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11.
5. Eph. 5:9. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness and truth. Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Math. 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 Jno. 5:4, 18.
300
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
8. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH .- We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God;1 whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,2 we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy;3 at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all sufficient Saviour. 4
Places in the Bible where taught :
Mark 1:15. Repent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts 11:18.
1. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Eph. 2:8. By grace ye are saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. 1 Jno. 5:1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God.
2. Jno. 16:8. He will reprove the world of sin, of righteous- ness, and of judgment. Acts 2:37, 38. They were pricked in their heart and said, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. Acts 16:30, 31.
3. Luke 18:13. And the publican . . smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 15:18-21; James 4: 7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12, 13; Ps. 51.
4 Rom. 10:9-11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 4:14; Ps. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12.
9. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE. We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously re- generates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;1 that being perfectly con- sistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end;2 that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and uu- changeable;3 that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes hu- mility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy;4 that it encourages the use of means in the high- est degree;5 that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who
301
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
truly believe the Gospel;6 that it is the foundation of Christian assurance ;? and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves de- mands and deserves the utmost diligence.8
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. 2 Tim. 1:8, 9. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testi- mony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thon partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of God; who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not accord- ing to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1. 2; Rom. 11:5, 6; John 15:16; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9.
2. 2 Thess. 2:13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks al- ways to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctifi- cation of the Spirit, and belief of the truth; whereunto he called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14.
3. Ex. 33:18, 19. And Moses said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will cause my goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee, and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy to whom I will show mercy. Matt. 20:15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23, 24; Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28, 29; James 1:17, 18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36.
4. 1 Cor. 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now, if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 1:26:31; Rom. 3:27, 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; 1 Thess. 2:12.
5. 2 Tim. 2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Cor. 9:22. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Rom. 8:28-30; Jno. 6:37-40; 2 Pet. 1:10.
6. 1 Thess. 1:4-10. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God; for our Gospel came unto you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, etc.
302
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
7. Rom. 8:28-30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called, and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things; if God be for us, who can be against ns? Isa. 42:16; Rom 11:29.
8. 2 Pet. 1:10, 11. Wherefore the rather. brethren, give dili- gence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11.
10. OF SANCTIFICATION .- We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness;1 that it is a progressive work;2 that it is begun in regeneration;3 and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continued use of the appointed means-especially, the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer.+
Places in the Bible where taught;
1. 1 Thess. 4:3. For this is the will of God, even your sancti- fication. 1 Thess. 5:23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4.
2. Prov. 4:18. The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 2 Cor 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16.
3. Jno. 2:29. If you knew that he (God) is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Rom. 8:5. They that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Jno. 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13, 14.
4. Phil. 2:12, 13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh both to will and to do, of his own good pleasure. Eph. 4:11, 12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30.
11. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS .- We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end;1 that their perse- vering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguish- es them from superficial professors:2 that a special providence
303
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
watches over their welfare;3 and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.+
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. John S:31. Then said Jesus, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. 1 John 2:27, 28; 3:9, 5:18.
2. 1 John 2:19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have con- tinued with us; but they went out that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us. John 13:18; Matt. 13:20, 21; John 6:66-69: Job 17:9.
3. Rom. 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are called accord- ing to his purpose. Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Ps. 121:3; 91:11, 12.
4. Phil. 1:6. He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 2:12, 13; Jude 24:25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; 1 John 4:4.
12. OF THE HARMONY OF LAW AND THE GOSPEL. - We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government;1 that it is holy, just and good;2 and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin;3 to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the Holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. 4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. Rom. 3:21. Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea, we establish the law. Math. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15.
2. Rom. 7:12. The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom. 7:7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Ps. 119.
3. Rom. 8:7,8. The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; Jno. 6:44; 5:44.
4. Rom. 8:2, 4. For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
304
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 10:4; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20, 21; Heb. 12: 14; Math. 16:17, 18; 1 Cor. 12:28.
13. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH. - We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers,1 associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel;2 observing the ordinances of Christ;3 governed by his laws;4 and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his 5word; that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors, and dea- cons,6 whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. 1 Cor. 1:1-13. Paul, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? Math. 18:17. Acts. 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17; 14:23; 3 Jno. 9; 1 Tim. 3:5.
2. Acts 2:41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls. 2 Cor. 8:5. They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12, 13.
3. 1 Cor. 11:2. Now I praise you brethren, that you remem- ber me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them unto you. 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5:6; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:11.
4. Matt. 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatso- ever I have commanded you. John 14:15, 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thess. 4:2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; all the Epistles.
5. Eph. 4:7. Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 1 Cor. 14:12. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Phil. 1:27. That I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. 1 Cor. 12:14.
6. Phil. 1:1. With the bishops and deacons. Acts 14:23, 15:22; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1.
305
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
14. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER .- We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,1 into the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit;2 to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life;3 that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper,4 in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the love of Christ;5 preceded always by solemn self-examination.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. Acts. 8:36-39. And the eunuch said, See here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest. And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Math. 3:5, 6; Jno. 3:22, 23; 4;1,2; Math. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2: 38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8.
2. Math. 28:19. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:47,48; Gal. 3:27,28.
3. Rom. 6:4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20,21; Acts 22:16.
4. Acts 2:41,42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and there were added unto them, the same day about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Math. 28:19,20; Acts and Epistles.
5. 1 Cor. 11:26. As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Math. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20.
6. 1 Cor. 11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. 1 Cor. 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; Jno. 6:26-71.
15. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH .- We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath;1 and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes,2 by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations;3 by the devout observance of
306
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
all the means of grace both private4 and public;5 and by prepara- tion for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. Acts 20:7. On the first day of the week, when the disci- ples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them. Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16. 17; Mark 2:27; Jno. 20:19: 1 Cor. 16:1, 2.
2. Ex. 22:8. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Rev. 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Ps. 118:24. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
3. Isa. 58:13, 14. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sab- bath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sab- bath a delight, the holy of the Lord honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob. Isa. 56:2-8.
4. Ps. 118:15. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous.
5. Heb. 10:24, 25. Not forsaking the assembling of your- selves together, as the manner of some is. Acts. 11:26. A whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. Acts 13:44. The next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Lev. 19:30; Ex. 46:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3; Ps. 26:8; 88:3.
6. Heb. 4:3-11. Let us .labor therefore to enter into that rest.
16. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT .- We believe that civil govern- ment is of Divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society;1 and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed;2 except only in things op- posed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,3 who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the 4earth. Places in the Bible where taught.
1. Rom. 13:1-7. The powers that be are ordained of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Deut. 16:18; 2 Sam. 23:3; Jer. 30:21.
307
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
2. Math. 22:21. Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's and unto God the things that are God's. Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8.
3. Acts 5:29. We ought to obey God rather than man. Math. 10:28. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20.
4. Math. 23:10. Ye have one master, even Christ. Rom. 14: 4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? Rev. 19:16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Ps. 72:11; Ps. 2; Rom. 14:9-13.
17. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED .- We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked;1 that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem;2 while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse;3 and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.4
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. Mal. 3:18. Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked: between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34, 35; Rom. 6:16.
2. Rom. 1:17. The just shall live by faith. Rom. 7:6. We are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held, that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 1 John 2:29. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 John 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 11:32; Prov. 11:31; 1 Pet. 4:17, 18.
3. 1 John 5:19. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. Gal. 3:10. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Ps. 10:4; Isa. 55:6, 7.
4. Prov. 14:32. The wicked is driven away in his wicked- ness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. See, also, the ex- ample of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:25. Thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil
308
IIISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. John 8:21-24; Prov. 10:24; Luke 12:4, 5: 9:23-26; John 12:25, 26; Eccle. 3:17; Matt. 25.
18. OF THE WORLD TO COME .- We believe that the end of this world is approaching;1 that at the Last Day Christ will de- scend from heaven,2 and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution;3 that a solemn separation will then take place;+ that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;5 and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of right- eonsness. 6
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. 1 Pet. 4:7. But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10- 12; Matt. 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matt. 28:20; 13:39, 40; 2 Pet. 3:3-13.
2. Acts 1:11. This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11.
3. Acts 24:15. There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 1 Cor. 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28, 29; 6:40; 11:25, 26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Acts 10:42.
4. Math. 13:49. The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just. Math. 13:37-43; 24:30, 31; 25:31-33.
5. Math. 25:35, 41. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Rev. 22:11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Pet. 2:9; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 6:22; 2 Cor. 5:10, 11; Jno. 4:36; 2 Cor. 4:18.
6. Rom. 3:5, 6. Is God unrighteous, who taketh vengeance (I speak as a man) God forbid; for how then shall God judge the world? ? Thess. 1:6-12. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble yon, and to you who are troubled, rest with us-when he shall come to be glori- fied in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe. Heb. 6:1, 2; 1 Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:2-16; Rev. 20:11, 12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17.
309
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Seeing then that all things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God? ? Pet. 3:11, 12.
CHURCH COVENANT.
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to re- ceive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its pros- perity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, disci- pline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We engage, also, to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children, to seek the salvation of our kin- dred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exem- plary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and ex- cessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sick- ness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to se- cure it without delay. We moreover engage that when we re- move from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
310
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
PRAYER.
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will; working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
INDEX.
BOOK I-HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY ASSOCIATION.
PAGE
Organization, 1840, 1 1
Called Liberty,
1
First Meeting at Turkey Creek,
-
2
Embraced Seven Counties,
3
In 1855 Twenty Churches, 5
Union Association Formed of Sac and Liberty,
6
Freedom Association Organized 1858, 8 -
Constitution and Rules of Decorum, 15
Polk County Association Organized 1890, -
71
BOOK II-CHURCHES.
Providence, 92
Mt. Zion,
93
Enon,
95
Turkey Creek,
97
Freedom,
98
Mt. Zoar, 99 -
99
Oak Grove, -
100
Union Grove,
100
Bolivar,
- 101
Mt. View,
-
102
-
Brighton,
-
312
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Slagle. -
103
Humansville, 105
Pleasant Ridge,
-
106
Concord, 107
Mt. Pleasant,
- 107
Friendship,
108
Cedar Bluff,
- 108
Cedar, Cedar County,
108
Mt. Olive, - - 109
Pleasant View,
111
Salem, - £ - - 111
Campbell's Grove,
112
Pisgah,
113
Bethel, -
115
Center Point,
115
Sharon,
115
Prairie Mound,
116
Morrisville,
117
Schofield,
118
Fair Play,
119
Harmony,
119
Rock Prairie,
120
Elkton,
121:
Buffalo,
121
Mt. Pisgah, -
132
New Hope, Dallas county,
125
Hopewell, Dallas county, 126
Pleasant Ridge, Dallas county, 126
Louisburg, Dallas county,
- 127
Buffalo, Macedonia, Dallas county, -
128
BOOK III-BIOGRAPHY.
Eld. B. McCord Roberts, 129
Eld. Elijah Williams, 130
Eld. D. R. Murphy,
- 131
Eld. Geo. Mitchell, 134
Eld. Wm. Tatum, 136
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
313
Eld. Henry Akard,
- 136
Eld. Wm. B. Senter,
137
Eld. Jehu Robinson,
141
Eld. Wm. F. Spilman,
143
Eld. Isaac Ingram,
-
146
Eld. Burrow Buckner,
148
Eld. J. E. B. Justice,
149
Hon. Samuel L. Smith, 150
Dr. Peter B. Smith, 152
152
J. K. P. Williams,
153
Eld. J. R. Callaway,
154
Judge Thomas Higginbotham, 155
J. B. Thurman,
156
Eld. D. G. Young,
- 157
Eld. Jas. Schofield,
159
Eld. Greenberry Mitchell,
- 162
Eld. J. F. Ingram,
163
Eld. Robert Ross,
163
Eld. Jas. S. Buckner,
164
Eld. Wm. B. Epps,
- 165
Eld. R. C. Gilmore,
165
Eld. J. C. T. Wood,
166
W. J. Eskew, -
167
Eld. D. P. Brockus, sr.,
168
Eld. W. C. Armstrong,
170
Eld. S. D. Tidwell,
172
Eld. J. L. Taylor,
174
Eld. F. J. Leavitt, I
182
Eld. S. P. Collins,
183
Eld. J. M. Payne,
184
Eld. Geo. L. Wilson,
185
Robert Hook,
186
Wm. Lovett,
186
Jas. Ballenger,
187
Calvin H. Davis,
187
Wm. F. Combs,
- 187
Mrs. D. E. Schofield,
-
-
187
Hardin M. Williams,
314
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Merida N. Wills,
-
189
H. C. Turk, -
189
Jas. P. Slagle,
190
Eld. W. H. Burnham,
190
Eld. Geo. W. White,
192
Hon. J. W. Burks,
193
Wm. F. Burnes,
-
194
Dr. I. M. Jones,
194
Prof. J. M. Leavitt,
195
Eld. J. L. Leonard,
196
Eld. D. P. Brockus, jr.,
197
Asa Kerby, -
-
198
Eld. G. H. Higginbotham,
-
198
Eld. G. M. Botts.
199
Eld. Jas. Owen,
199
Eld. S. W. Ailey,
200
S. O. Gordon,
201
Eld. J. A. Newport,
201
Eld. J. Hl. Stinecipher,
202
Eld. B. F. Chamberlin,
204
Eld. S. S. Pike,
205
Mrs. Esther M. (Sanford) Lovelace,
206
Mrs. Ella Cowen (Prather) Beagle,
208
Jesse Howard Murray, 209
-
210
Reuben C. Slagle,
211
Geo. W. Davis,
212
Jas. P. Brock,
- 213
Prof. Asa B. Bush,
213
Eld. J. W. Mayfield,
215
Eld. J. W. Haines,
216
Eld. N. J. Stinecipher,
218
Z. T. Simmons,
218
Willis J. Tiller, 219 -
Eld. Thompson Pitts,
220
Eld. W. N. Hatfield, 220
Francis Tillery. 221 -
-
-
John H. Baker,
210
W. S. M. Barnett,
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
315
Jesse Bewley, - - 222
Eld. Obadiah Smith,
223
Samuel A. Derossett,
- 224
Eld. M. A. Wolfe,
225
R. F. Conley,
- 226
J. W. Lightfoot,
226
John Lightfoot,
227
Eld. W. T. Campbell,
229
Wm. Cary,
230
Eld. S. M. Murray,
231
G. W. and J. W. Alexander,
231
Eld. Lawson Scrivener,
232
Eld. J. W. Cranfill,
232
Jas. F. Blakey,
232
Eld. L. J. Tatum,
233
Eld. Wm. S. Hodges,
238
Eld. John W. Ragsdale,
238
Eld. Wm. E. Hoover,
239
A. J. Lower, -
239
Eld. F. M. Kelley,
240
Eld. B. L. Mitchell,
241
Eld. E. D. Fortner,
242
Mrs. Priscilla A. Dunnegan,
242
Eld. Daniel M. Sewell,
243
Eld. W. D. Cheek,
244
Eld. David Hitson,
245
Eld. R. G. Mitchell,
246
Eld. Charles Grove,
246
Prof. Edwin Maxey,
247
Ezekiel Lindsey,
248
Starling W. Lindsey,
248
Eld. Richard Harrison, 250
John Claypool,
- 250
Eld. John C. Mitchell,
251
Eld. T. F. Simmons,
- 252
Eld. W. A. Gilmore, 254
A. J. Hunter,
- 255
-
-
-
316
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
BOOK IV-SOUTHWEST BAPTIST COLLEGE.
Origin of Southwest Baptist College,
- 267
First Year, located at Lebanon in 1878, 268
Second Year, at Bolivar, in 1879, 269 -
The First Faculty, 269
Third Year, -
269
Fourth Year, 1881-2,
270
Fifth Year, 1882-3,
- 270
Sixth Year, 1883-4,
270
Seventh Year, 1884-5,
- 270
Eighth Year, 1885-6,
270
Ninth Year, 1886-7,
270
Tenth Year, 1887-8,
271
Eleventh Year, 1888-9,
-
271
Twelfth Year, 1889-90,
271
Thirteenth Year, 1890-1,
271
Fourteenth Year, 1891-2,
271
Fifteenth Year, 1892-3,
271
Sixteenth Year, 1893-4,
272
Seventeenth Year, 1894-5,
272
Eighteenth Year, 1895-6,
272
Trustees, - - -
- 272
Sketch of Eld. J. R. Maupin,
274
Sketch of Eld. A. S. Ingman,
274
Sketches of Graduates, - -
275
Sketch of Eld. G. W. Sherman,
- 293
Sketch of Eld. Charles Ingram,
293
BOOK V-ARTICLES OF FAITH AND CHURCH COVENANT.
Articles of Faith,
- 294 Church Covenant, - 309
-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.