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Ed You will, I the interesting mean time if j proceedings, fj The usual | Thursday, anc both of which all parts of tlu with the exam regularity man On Saturday zation, and to ( appointing Cor the evening Mi several miniate ' On Sunday, half-past 10. < intended to do — this of cours< vast concourse again. His pli ing, as!t 10. Good old Father Manning was to have preached, and fuUy intended to do so, but when t,hc time came, he found that he was not abW — this of course was a great disappointment, as more than one half cf the vast concourse of people j>resent never expected to see or hear him sDeak again. His place was supplied by the next on the list. Elder T. S. Hard- ing, e publklied in the Christiaii MkssenvtER, with reference thereto. In lie evening \ye liad orti^^of ^ ipost interesting meetings of tlie whole, on ti subject «f Home 11 JROM THE CHRISTIAN MfeSSENGF.Jt. .e„„,i JO „i,i, juci, a.,e„,i„„ »,.adei^„',T,h!:r« s 1 w^^f ^h„;r ...me ilf ,1,0 l„x.Um,„ |„cS Sf .1 .i^mXvT™ .".'"" t '""""T! I. ./,ar, ,, a,„l t,„.t t., iIk. g,.„ero,ity ,,f ,!,„ |K,„|,i„ to "Ur h™. from place to pliirc when hcccbwh v, iiiul aiini>lv Iliiir Ln„, ,-. . . , wann Wtea b.-othc; .stood „V.u. Tho niterest nian,fo«ted .,.. the behalf of the poor nofflccted Ind ans wi, vory fervcU and pleasing Nearly £20 was il.nnedia?drHub"c S Ind It is, perhaps, not necessary to add any thing to the above by way of Apology, Preface, or Introduction. 1 beg to say, however, in justice to myself, as well as my brethren, that several material "additions and cor- rections have been made to the Historical Sketch as delivered at the Jubilee meeting. The responsibility of these, as we 1 as that of publishing it in thi 5 form, rests on myself alone. The truth is, I had derided not to attempt any thing of the kind, but was induced, after the Jubilee Celebration had commenced, to attempt something which might, at least, be deemed an apology fcr the -Historical Sketch" which the pubic had bein given to expect. I did so, and the Association was pleased to express its approval, and to direct that it Hhould be published. The emendations, which J was lefl at liberty to make, have swelled it into too formida- ble an article for a Newspaper, and it would not well bear dividmg. It is therefore sent forth in its present torm, commended to the indulgence of Christian friends: and withthc full expectation, that the interest felt in the subject, will insure its reception, especially by the mem- bers of that Denomination whose History is sketched May a review of the past, tend to humble us before ixod, and, at the same time, to increase our hope and conhdence for the future ! • Charlottetown, July 19, 1849. S. T. R m ' ■k-Mri A.? Hislorical Sketch of the Nova Scolia Baptist Association, delivered at the Jubilee Celebration on Monday the 25th June, 1849. BY ELDER S. T. RAND. ene a Remarks. * 9"''" ^■''OK'-"- ^--ETCH may be appropriately in troduced by a few .om. .-H upon Associations in gel eral. They need not be limited to our own country to our ownDenommat,on,nor eyen to the history of the Church; but wherever we can trace the princiole or , he exercise of it, as indicating the will of (5od and the law of creation, .aither may we direct our attentfon And, first, we may remark, that the principle of As- sociation pervades the universe. Whether we lift L our eyes to the heavens, or look abroad oyer the earth or the ocean, or descend into their hidden depths we every where trace the operation of a law, which draws kindred existences together in the closest harmony- we see what God hath united and what man cannor^se- parate-we trace the beauty, the utility and the power of union; uttering forth the glory of the Godhead Tnd urging onward the diffusion of happiness. Whkt is heaven but an Association of holy, happy kindreH spirits? What is hell, but an As^Li^^ors^Z, and sin, its misery deepened by the eternal exerdse- or rather the eternal executioni-of this violated law of 4 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE our nature ? What is earth, with its teeming millions- its kingdoms, countrico, cities, villages, hamlets, neigh- hourhoods and families? What is it, but one vast Asso- ciation? What id the Church? It is an Association of re- deemed sinners, out of every nation, kindred, tongue ano people ; all drawn together in clustering harmony around the Cross, and near to the throne of God and the Lamb, to unite in the " New Song" for ever and ever. W^hen, therefore, we arc asked where we find our authority for Associations, we may answer — every WHERE. In the stars which cluster in the firmament — in the countless drops of the ocean — in the sands upon the sea-shore — in the "thousand hills" with the "cattle upon them," with all the "fowls of the mountain," and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the great deep — in the flowers with their thousand tints — in every leaf of the forest — in every particle of matter — in every voice which is uttered — there is evidence of the will of God — there is an argument for Associations. But we turn to the Bible. Do we find in this Book any commands or any statements which authorize us to associate together for tlie promotion of the worship of God, the cause of benevolence, or our own happiness? The most cursory acquaintance with the scriptures, will enable any one to answer the question. At the opening of that blessed volume, we are assured by the Creator himself, that isolation — that a state of solitary existence, or action, is not the state adapted to man ; and on its last page there is a reiteration ol its ten thousand invitations to holy, social bliss, " The Spirit and the Bride say, come! and let him that heareth say, come! and whosoever will, let him come! and partake of the water of life freely." We may well wish we could trace the history of As- sociations: that we could begin with the beginning and end with the end: that we could follow them in all their ramifications and results. But we must wait for this until this mortal shall have put on immortality, until death is swallowed up in victory, until we see as we are seen, and know as wo are known. The Bible, how- ever, abounds in notices respecting religious Associa- tions. We have there a brief sketch of what was pro- 1 t 1 C a s F h i o g NOV\ SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 5 bably tlio first one. It is deeply interesting. It was attende ' by a great multitude, and the greatest har- mony prevailed. The occasion was one of vast magni- tude. Events hitherto unthought of, had just transpired ; an enterprize,big with importance to the whole universe, had been undertaken. Every heart, every jthought, every hand, in that vast assemblage, was engaged. — Not a jarring note was heard; and the occasion was one of exquisite and uninterrupted enjoyment. It was held on the first Sabbath. It celebrated creation's birth. God rested from his labors to attend it. '' The mor- ning stars SANG together! and all the sons of God shouted for joy!" The first religious Association was held in heaven. It has continued until the present moment ; the church on earth is daily sending up her hosts to join it. It will continue on to eternity, for there *• Congregations ne'er break op. And Sabbaths never end." But descending to earth, we find that Associations for the worship of God, have formed no small part of the externals of devotion, in all ages of the Church.— From the time that " men began to call upon the name of the Lord," under the patriarchal dispensation, down through the assemblings of the Jews, on their Sabbaths, their New moons, and their three yearly Associations, until "the day of Pentecost had fully come, "as related in the 2d chapter of Acts ; such meetings were of fre- quent occurrence, nor can their authority be questioned ; and from that period, when *' there were together de- vout men out of every nation under heaven," onward to the celebrated Council held at Jerusalem, when the leading brethren in the church, '' the Apostles and El- ders came together to consider of the matter," in which all the churches were interested ; and down to the pre- sent day, all branches of the Christian church, in all places, however they may have designated them, and however they may have conducted them, have had their Associations. They have " come together to consider of the matter:" they have held their stated religious gatherings: and the propriety, utility and scriptural au- a HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE thority for such meetings, have been universally admif- tetl. It is not pretended th^.t there has never been any thing amiss in the mode of conducting them. We can- not even say, that they have never been perverted into instruments or occasions of evil. It does not, however, come within the range of this brief Sketch, to enter into these details, nor to defend every thing connected with Associations, as they have been Con- ducted even by our own denomination. The " infalli- bility of the Church," is no part of our creed, as Bap- tists. It is enough that we believe in the infallibility of her Head, and that we honestly endeavour to obey him ill all things; resting our hopes of acceptance in his sii;(ht, oil the blood of the Everlasting Covenant alone. - Origin of the N. S. Baptist Association. The designation of our present meeting as a Jubilee, intimates that the first regular session of this body, was held filly years ago. This was at Granville, in the year 1 801). It will not, however, be imagined, that a movement among the churcher., of so much consequence, was devis- ed, arranged and regularly organized, in one day. Much previous thought, discussion and planning, would be un- avoidable. Several previous meetings of the ministers had been held, and the one which took place in June, 1799, had almost assumed the form of regular organi- zation. We would like to go back and look in upon that meeting, and compare it with the present. Seven plain, farmer-like looking men are assembled, and they have come from New Brunswick, as well as from the different parts of Nova Scotia. They are all compara- tively young in years, and younger still in their experi- ence of ecclesiastical affairs. And not more than one, if even one, has ever attended'an Association in his life. They have met in a small, old-looking meeting-house, situated in a thinly settled neighbourhood, and used oc- casionally for a court-house, a false floor being spread over the gallery for that purpose, where the Judge's bench. Jury box, &c. &,c. occupied a temporary locality above the pulpit, during the process of civil trials; then s c r V ti n g r: NOVl SCOTIA BAPTIST . SSaCUriON. 4 to be removed to intike place for the worshippers It is to bo regretted that there are no notes of that meetinir We would hke tu liiten to the prayers that were offered and hear the conversation that took place, and the Rcso* lutions that were formed : but we cannot. That house however, will long bo remembered. In the place where It stood, one of our aged fathers in the ministry first performed the solemn rite of baptism. That place is stir the sphere of his pastoral labors. At the time of his first baptis^n, a Revivnl of Religion was in progress m the adjoining township, and about thirty jjersons came over on horseback to attend the conference on the Saturday previous. An awful solemnity rested upon them as the cavalcade moved on. A venerable deacon in the company, exclaimed, ''Tl look like a mighty host ! even the host of God !" ^o that house, soon after, people flocked from a distance of thirty miles. The power of the Lord was presnt to haal, and so im- pressive was the operation of the mighty Spirit of God, that strangers were led to exclaim "that even in the streets, as well as in the house, it appeared like the House of God, and the very gate of heaven !" On that spot the blessings of heaven, the blessings of Revival, ha/e continued to descend, and hundreds in that region have been hopefully called out of darkness into marvel- lous light. That House, and, we may almost say, that generation of worshippers, have passed away ; but the Church, and the God of the C'hurch, still live. That old building is but a fact of history. Where it stood, the dead are slumbering. But near that spot, another house of worship, on a larger scale, has l(»ng stood, and points upwards with its steeple towards the heavens to which it leads. On a neighboring eminence stands a still larger public edifice, with oJiers around it ; where are clustered the rising hopes of our Churches and our country; and at this moment, scores of ministers and messengers, with hundreds of Baptists, from both Pro- vinces, are assembled in that Meeting-house, celebra- ting the fiftieth anniversary of our Association. The meeting referred to, the last before the more formal or- ganization of the Association, and where the prelimina- ries were adjusted, was held in the old Baptist Meeting- '•| ^'i " li ifiiliaiiii'rtiii itimiiiililhi- ESHK 8; HISTORICAL SKETCH QF THB house m Horton. It stood in yonder burying-ground. This was, as has been stated, in the year 1791). There were present, Edward Manning, James Manning, T. S.. Harding, Joseph Dimock, Elijah Easterbrooks, Tho- mas H. Chipman, and John Burton. One incident, trifling in itself, but ill- strative of the "times," con- nected with the commencement of this enterprise, is deemed too valuable in its connection to be lost. Elder E. Manning had written to Elder T. H. Chipman on the subject of Associations, offering suggestions res- pecting the formation of one in Nova Scotia. The same letter came back to him, with a different folding and direction, the blank leaf written upon by Elder Chipman, approving of the suggestions, and promising concurrence. The difficulty, in those days, of obtain- ing a sheet of paper, is probably the reason why he wrote on the same letter: but was it not ominous of the harmony of sentiment and action, which for fifly years would characterise the undertaking.'' May that har- mony never be interrupted 1 Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Association. No Minutes of the Meeting at Granville in 1800, have been discovered ; but the following is a copy of the Pre- amble and Rules then adopted : — The Association of tlie Baptist Cliurches iu Nova-Scotia and New-' Brunswick, was constituted at a JMeetingof a number of the Ministers and Brethren from different Cliurches, in Granville, in the County of Annapo- Ks, on the first Monday after the 20th June, A. D. 1800, after having carefully examined, apjnoved and adopted, the following principle.", fuid Rales, viz: — 1. That such a combination of Churches is not only prudent, but use- ful ; as has Ix^en proved by the experience of many years in England and America. Some of its most obvious benefits are: — Union and Connnunion among the several Churches — maintaining more effectually the faith once delivered to the Saints — obtaining advice and counsel in cases of doubt mid dliViculty, and assistjmce in distress ; aud in general, being Letter able to i^romote the cause of God. t i NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 9 2(1. That sHch Association is entirely consistent with the indcpcndonce ar.d power of partic^tlir Churclies, because it pretends to no other [wwem than those of an advisory Council; utterly disclaiming all superiority, jurisdiction, coercive right, or infalUbility. 3d. Tliat an Association should consist of men of prudence, judgment, and knowledge, particularly in riie Scripfjires,— such men alone being tl»e proper persons to represent communities, which profess to hold tlie Scrij/- turcs as their only rule of Fuidi and Practice, in matters of religion ; and who have a right to expect that every advice, o'Jnion or direction they receive from an Association, should be scriptural; it being necessary tluit such persona should be skilful and expert in the laws of God, as Counsel- lors are in the laws of the land; for this is die ground of the CImrchw* application to them. RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION. RULE 1. The Nova-Scotia Baptist Association sliall consist only of Messengers chosen and sent by the Churches; such Messengers to he Uie Ministers of tiie said Churches, and such other judicious brethren as the respectiv« Churches may select; and also such other prudent brefeliren of like faitk and order, as die Association, at the time of its being held, may irtvite to sit in Council with them. The expenses of Uie Messengers to be borne by tlie Churches that send them. Ri;le 2. With their Messengers, the Chiu-ches are to send Letters addressed to tlie Association, in which mentioa should he made of the names of the Messengers, and their authority to act for the Churches ; of the state of the Churches ; their peace and harmony; Uieir increase by Baptism, or lettern dismissive or recommendatory, from other Churches; their diminution by ." Gave general satisfaction. Praye*- per brother Harding. Exliortation per brother Crandall. The Moderator and Clerk, with the Elders and Messengers, took Uieir'seats. Singing and prayer by the Moderator. Qiose brother Joscj-'h Dimock. Moderator, and brotlier Edward Manning, Clerk. R«ad letters from the following Churches, by their EMers and Messen- gers, viz:— 1st. Baptist Church, Annapolis, Elder Thos. H. Chipman; Joseph Fellows, and S, Morse, Deacons, 2d, Baptist Church, Annapt.lis; Elder James Manning, and James Delap, Deacon, Baptist Cliurcli in Horton, Elder Hmding; R. Kiasman, and Peter Bishop, De.tcon«— num- tiers 185. Baptist Church in Newport, Daniel Divnock, Deacon, Mes- senger; [the letter] expressing thanks to the Association for ministerial lielp, and craving more aid. Baptist Ciuirch in Sackville, N. B.; Elder J. Crandall gives information^ their numbers, and craves help. Another Branch of said Church at Salsbury, sent, per brother Crandall, another Setter, giving some plead two letteis from the Bapti.st Church in Halifax, requesting the Association to send two ministers to attend, llie last Sabbath in this month, at the dedication of their Meeting-house, and to supjily t> eir Minister's absence for three months; and stJiting the situation of the Baptist Church in Shelburne, and recommending some brother in the ministry to go to their assistance. The The original document was exhibited. «ta«M itHml mrt i mmimimM mm ■iiiiiiiiii 1-3 hlloHlCAL SKETCH OF tUt I A'lsoeiation noniinatcdbrother Chipmau and Edward Manning, to go to the asEistance of the Halifax brethren, at the dedication of their House. The A.ssui;iation agree to recommend to tlieir diflfercnt chnrches tc send to the Halifax brethren aasistance in the absence of tlieir Minister. Agreed that tl»e ordinance of Baptism should not be administered to any but those that join the churches, except in cases where tliey cannot be blessed with suijh a privilege. In answer to tlie request of the Horton Chiurch, respecting how far the church shi-ll proceed with a member who is guilty of a public offence, have agreed that if the member he visited, according to the Gospelj and cited to appear to give an account of his or her proceedings, and tliey neglect [to do so,] that it is for the honor of God and the health of tlie church, to cut Uiem off. TIk! Church in Newport requests assistance : several brethren offer to serve then* in course. The Church in Sackviile requests assist- ance likewise. The Association agree that those who feel tliemselves at lil)erty to go, shall visit them, and tliat brother Silas Morse and Joseph Fellows, who preach without ordination, [shall] have a certificate from tlie Association. ^ Voted, that the Association should be held, next year, at the Baptist Meeting-house in the lower end of Granville, bi'othcr Joseph Dimock to prepare the Circular letter; or, in case of failure, brother T. H. Chipman; brother Joseph Dimock to preach the Introductory sermon; and, iu case of failure, brother Edward Manning. The Jubilee Committee have proposed the raising of a "Jubilee Fund." part of which to be employed in the collection of Historical documents. Would not the re- printing of the earlier copies of the Minutes, be a very proper appropriation of a part of this fund, with a fac' simile attached of this old manuscript, introducing us, as it does, into the artless simjjjjcity of these " primitive times?" A copy of the first printed Minutes may now he ex- hibited and read. It is here copied entire : MINUTES OF THE BAPTIST, NOVA-SCOTIA AND NEW-BRUNSWICK ASSOCIATION, ffdd at SackvillCi in the County of Westtiior eland, June 25 & 26, 1810. At 10 o'clock,, a. m. Introductory sermon by Brother Daniel Merrill, from Rev. xx. 1, 2, 8. 2. Introductory prayer by Brother Theodore S. Harding. 8. Chose Brother Theodore S. Hurding, Moderator. 4. Chose Brother Thomas Ansley, Scribe ; and Brother William Free- wan, Assistants I mmm wiimmmm + ft NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCJATION. 13 6. Voted that Brethren D. Merrill and H. Hale, Messengers from tlie Lincoln Association, lake a seat with us. 6. Read Letters from several churches and took the following account of members added, dismissed, excluded, and who died tlie year past ; and the present number in each r^hurch. CHURCHES. elders and -13 CO 1 "5 MESSENGERS. 'a p o -< OB ^ a h 44 Q 37 5 _ 63 DiGBY James Manning Lower Granville Do. Do. 14 60 Upper Granvill i; Thomas Ansley Edward Manning 11 56 65 CORNWALLIS 2 56 IIORTON Theodore S. Harding Edmund J. Reis Peter Bishop John Burnham 4 270 Newport William Smith George Dimock 1 2 1 90 Onslow Nathan Cleaveland Thomas I^ynds 2 36 Amherst Thomas S. Black William Freeman 15 DiGBY Neck Peter Crandal 69 Salsbury, N. B, William Sinton 6 2 46 Sackvill£, N, B. Joseph Crandal Jonathan Cole William Laurence Joshua Reed 55 Waterbury Elijah Easterbrooks 50 Prince William L. Hanunc.jd 2 2 1 1 37 Wakefield, J 22 Total 84 95 8 6 924 7. Voted, that Elder J. Crandal write the Corresponding Lettei-. 8. Adjoiu:ned until to-morrow, Tuesday Morning, June 26. Prayer Meeting this morning at 6 o'clock. It was a refreshing time from the presence of the Lord. At 10 o'clock Elder Daniel Merrill preached from Mat. xix., 19, 20. After concluding the exercise& of the morning, we proceeded to tlie business of the present session. 9. The Circular Letter written by Thomas Ansley, was read and ac- cepted. 10. Voted, that Elder E. Maiming, and EkJer T. S. Harding, nupply tlie church at Newport. ■^^ .V-'^ 1^ 14 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THK 11. In answer to the Church of Salnburj, votetl— l«t, Tliat a day of Fasting and Pmyf-r be appointed, and that those Brethren wlw stand opposed to the order of God's house l)c invited to attend to the same. 12. 2d, Voted, that a Church Meeting !« appointed, and Brethren chosen to visit, advise, adinonisii and exhort, in meekness and in much Jove, the above descril^d Brethren. Should their endeavors prove fruit- less, it ig our advice to exclude them. 13. Voted, Uiat Brother Hammond be examined as a candidate fur ordination. 14. Considering the dilficultie^ attending the ordination at Prince Wil^ l.am, should Brother L. Hammond l^e thought a proper candidate, we vote that he should Ix; ordained here. 15. Voted, Elder J. Manning supply tlie first Baptist Church of Digby. 16. Voted, the Association next year l)e held at Onslow. 17. Voted, Elder T. S. Harding write the Circular Letter. 18. Voted, Elder T. Ansley write the Corresponding Letter. 19. Brethren E. Manning and T. Ansley are appointed Mca.^rngers to the Lincoln Association. 20. Appointed Brother Edward Manning to preach the Introtluctorv Bcrmon; in case of failure, Brother J. Crandal. 21. Voted, that 600 copies of the Minutes, Circular and Corresponding Letters, lie printed. 22. Brethren E. Manning and T. S. Harding to superintend the print- ing of the minutes and letters, and thef must distribute them by the middle of next August. 23. Voted, that the Articles of the Lincoln Association, be recommended to the churches in connection with us, to l)e adopted by them. 24. Voted, ten dollars be given to each Messenger appointed to go to tlie Lincoln Association, to help to lx?ar their charges. 2o. Voted, Elder J. Crandal shall receive the same for his attendance last year. 26. Examjiied Brother L. Hammond, and received satisfaction; and we consider him a proper subject of ordination. 27. Met at 6 o'clock, and attended to the ordination of Brother L. Hammond. Introductory prayer by Brother T. S. Harding ; and a sermon preached by him also. The charge was given by Elder D. Merrill. When tlie hands of the Elders were laid on the head of the candidate. Brother J. Crandal poured out his soul in prayer to God. The right hand of fellow- ship was given by brother Edward Manning. The concluding prayer was made by Elder Hale. wmmmmi NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 15 ' CIRCULAR LETTER. To the Churches ivhich compose the Nova Scotia and N. B. Aaaociatioii, thvidk in the footsteps of Jesus, and bear our cross day by day, and then we should wear our crown of rejoicing. O Brethren, how our hearts ought to rejoice to see such a cloud of wit- nesses arising for the visibility of Christ's kingdom ! We trust that it will soon be the case that we shall all see eye to eye, all speak the tame things, and all be perfectly joined in one mind and in one judgment, so that it shall not be said « Know ye the Lord, for all shall know him, from the least of them to the greatest of them." Let us then rememl>er we are not our own, but the Lord's : bought with theprice of blood, redeemed from the earth, and we ought to have new MMB mm BSii 1^ Historical sketch of the motives, new dcHircs, new afTectionHi and ought to shew to the worJJ around us that we are christians. Let us . :.TJcmber what our Lord »aid to his disciples : « He that hath my commandments} and kcepeth them, he it is that lovcth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myHclf to himi And now may grace, mercy and peace be multiplied, through the know- ledge of God the Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory •od honor, world .vithout end. Amen. Signed in behalf of the Association, Theodore S. Harding, Moderator. Thomas Ansley, Clerk. ■ !■ CORRESPONDING LETTER. The Nova Scotia and N. B. Baptist Associotim, convened at Sackville, N. B. June 25 fy 26, 1810. To our Corresponding Asi^ciation, scndeth Christian salutation. Dearly beloved Brethren in the Lord, our hearts are made glad by the good intelligencb brought to us by your Messengers anrl Minutes, informing m of your good orc-er and steadfastness in the faith of the Goppel and the numbers ailded to you. May youi- heaits continue to be fired with ardent seal to make known the honor and victories of the cross, until thousands and tens of thousands, be bror.ght in delightful harmony to receive Jcsua of Nazareth as the; Prophet, Priest and King. Brethren, we trust your hearts will rejoice to hear of the great things the Lord hath done, and is doing in these regions of the earth. For he is giving us an increasing unanimity of sentiment in the lively oracles of truth. Our Minutes will ulso inform you of our additions. Our present interview has been delight- ful and refreshing, the Lord being in the midst of us. And now, dear Brethren, we wish you much of the Divine presence in your present Con- vention. We also wish for a continuance of your profitable corres|M)n- dence. Asking an interest in your prayers, we subscribe ourselves your Brethren in the faith and patience of the saints, farewell. Signed, in behalf of the Association, Theodore S.Harding, Moderator. Thomas Ansley, Cierk. Progress of the Denomination* It may be well to trace the progress of the Denomi- nation for the next ten years— from 1810 to 1820— as it :.r.3i NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 17 is exhibited by the numbers added to the churches, with the exchisious and deaths. The following is the aggre- gate statement for each year : YEAR. ADDITIONS. 1811 92 1812 76 1813 138 1814 133 1815 36 1816 41 1817 48 1818 200 1819 2(50 1820 183 r Fotal 1207 EXCLUSIONS. DEATHS. 24 13 3 56 30 24 20 16 7 16 209 6 13 9 12 4 14 20 9 19 18 125 We may next take a brief review of the business transactions of this period. In 1811, the Association was held at Onslow ; T. H. Harding, Moderator, and E. Manning, Clerk. The churches of Halifax, Nic- taux, Wilmot, Chester, and Springfield, were added the same year. The following entry is mj de in the minutes: Voted, to advise our churches to observe the first day of January next, and the first Wednesday of April, as days of fasting and prayer ; {ind to keep the first Thursday in Novemlier as a Thanksgiving day. The following statement is in the corresponding let- ter : — Brethren, we greatly rejoice in the unanimity of Fcntlment which pre- vails amongst us in this session ; \vc all see eye to eye in the doctrine and ordinances of Jesus, and we are lx)und together by cords of divine love, too strong for death itself to break. Our joy is increased by an addition of regular baptised churches of Jesus to our Association. In 1812, Elder D. Harris was appointed Treasurer of the Association, and the churches were directed to raise a sum, averaging sixpence to each member, to pay for printing the Minutes. The Circular and Corres- ponding letters, speak of declensions, calamities, wars, and threatened judgments. The next year, it was held at Sheffield, in New Brunswick. The first contribYition i . iaiiii* ' ?' r" '»'" >y nBym i iii i 18 HISTORICAL SKETCH Of THE half of Bo,ne,°ic M ss ons Iwr.."''" "*''*" '" ''<'- compliance with a renr».' f. ^ *" ""-^ ^ren were sent, in 'abol. for thrco IX o'r ttwar.'"h''''"^<=''''° receive 5s. ner dav ir. k„ "j •^''*'»n™; they were to raised for pr.nti„7M-„urerih °"" "V'"' ""''P'"^ ''""ds ciation Pleds 1 t!,ems"lvr;, T'"'"'" "'" '^c ^^«so- In this humble ma Z be!An onr h"^ ""^ t'''^'''"'=^ Missionary Society. ^ ' ""'"* "'"' foreign Two churches this venr nako/l „j • ordination of Ministers „nd the /""' '''•''.""''^""g 'he mended them to call „ .H ^^^o^'af'on recom- and, if it should be houX'n'iv^T, ''''"' '^'""''hes. Brethren spoken of Tft "'"'"'"''''<:' «" "rdain the . intending ti labor The Crete Z^'""", /''"^ "-'<' an interesting docnnent nr'i I h^" ""^""^ >-«"''' '« »hen. E. nlnnin., «•?«' E ^ ''"' '''''™^ «f «he hea- Chipman's name fi^stTplars a'ao';! "'"■''-"'" ^m. 815 at Cornwallis, t? e Home^^tion ^ "'f '"'"■' formed; X20 13s. was taken nn h! n .^'^''^'r ""as purpose. Brother Mnnrn t. "^ ,^ collection for that fion in Nictaux in ISirr tT t'*''.'^"''''^'^ »' 'he Associa- depression-;';';?.^,^ .f,7^^- J^;;j- «Peak of tc.„poral and present unfavorable prospects h,. ^ T^ y*"""' ■ng appeals, the claims of the destitute ifr"' ^ •'*""'•- aid. Ne.vt year it was held at Frederick on '""t"!""^ 'hen it was ctngrd^SrMoX"^'' """' ''"^ '^^ posingtisis'sociati^rtr^"'';' ''''"'' «'""-'='^«« <=o"'- -iniswrs at Newport L", ""''^^ 'f ^--^^^^ion for us." was recommended t- 18^9 M^ ^ T""'' "^^""y^'- to the Ministry and .!„ A ^"i'^"" """« ordained was introduct7;nradtt.tT.'^XSls.^^^^^^^^ ■- iiiifli XOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 19 The session of 18^ was held at Sackville, N. B —it continued three days— Missionary journals were read- various committees were apjiointed, and three candidates tor the ministry were ordained, viz : Samuel M'Culla, limothy Robertson, and Charles Millar. £M were received for Missionary purposes. The concluding paragraph of he Corresponding Letter, will form a suit- able conclusion to the sketch of this period of our his- tory : ^ The Lord has gmciously revived ln.s noik in several of our elinrchec. The Lord has lieen evidently preaent by divine Jnfhienee, and has made ourA«8ociationa8easonofrefic8hing. God grant that when we have done meeting an.l ct.rresjwnding on earth, we may all meet in heaven, to «.ng the praises of Ilirn « who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." James Munho, Moderator. Charles TuppER,Cl{..k. It becomes difficult, as we proceed in our history to make such a selection from the various matters which engaged the attention of the Association, as will yas broucrht to the notice of the Association, by an affectmg lett^rfrom a lay brother, Mr. James Stephens of Raw- don and some measures were adopted respecting this matter This letter was pp.blishefi in the Minutes. In 1822, the Association, hitherto comprising New Bruns- wick as well as Nova Scotia, was divided, and the designation, of course, changed. Eleven churches werr? separated to form the New Brunswick Associa- *^We now tuiT 'o 1831, and take a glance at the suc- ceeding ten ye ./ From this period, as already inti- mated, the period w'.ien our Education Society com- menced operations, there is, as indicated by li e Minutes and other records, a manifest acceleration in our pro- gression. The sphere of business is enlaxged ' ehurchea I MiWiiiaMMii m»mttfii0tmmiig0ad:im HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE are added in rapidly encreasing numbers; vastly larger returns are made; more of a business tact is apparent; the literary character of the Minutes is much improved; and various incidents occur, which add greatly to the interest and importance of our history. But all this renders it encreasingly difficult to proceed in a satisfac- tory manner with this Sketch. The following is a summary of the statistics, from 1831 to 1840: YEAR. ADDED BY BAPTIS M. EXCLUDED DIKl 1831 120 51 21 1832 358 30 31 1833 432 191 30 1831 621 62 32 1S35 199 102 45 1838 458 28 23 1837 .393 41 38 1838 335 64 32 1839 477 82 55 1840 394 50 5J3 Total, 3782 701 340 In 1810, there were connected with the Association, 70 churches; 40 ordained ministers; and 6097 church- members. In 1831, it is announced in the Minutes, that a suitable building for an Academy has been erected at Wolfville, and is nearly finished. " Since the last meeting of the Association, one of their oldest and most revered minis- ters, has been called from his earthly labors, we doubt not, to receive a crown of joy that fadeth not away. Our beloved brother, Thomas Handley Chipman, will long live in the aftections of the people of God, who have known his worth and his labors; and the tribute of christian remembrance that was paid by many of his fellow-laborers to his memory at the meeting, was felt by all to be his just due," The Foreign Missionary Society was formed in 1832. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed, iv reference to the approach of the cholera. In 1833 the Magazine was enlarged, its publication transferred from St. John, .*ft NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 23 N. B. to Halifax, and J. W. Nutting, Esq., appointed Editor, in connection with Rev. C. Tupper. A day of public thanksgiving was appointed, to Almighty God, for averting the plague of cholera. Many of the letters in 1834, speak of the enjoyment of the reviving influ- ences of the Holy Spirit. One extract must be given, it is from the Chester Church: One hundred have been added hy Baptism. On one occasi-'P, fcrty-four persons received the right hand of fellowship, and all sat down, for the tirst time, to the table of the Lord. None but those who have witncsseil the like occurrence, can conceive of the holy melting and glowing of soul, so sweetly experienced on the occasion. Here were to be seen the hus- band, whose locks were silvering for the grave, with sons and daughters, now joining the wife and mother, who for many years had been praying for this happy day. A marked blessing followed the Temperance cause. - Instances occurred in which several of a family had united with the Tem. perance Society, and others had not. The former were now converted, and members of the Church; while the latter were still left without in the worl(' . Letters from other Churches, speak of similar occur- rences respecting the marked approbation of Heaven as resting upon the Temperance movement. Two Church- es on PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, were added this year. The first Minister belonging to the Associntion, who visited Prince Edward Island, was Elder C. Tupper. On Elder T. S. Harding's first visit, in 18-;U, he reorganized the Church at Tryon and Be- deque. They received our Articles, and joined the Association. In 183r>, Elders Bill and W. Chipman, visited the Island as Missionaries. They found a num- ber of Scotch Baptist Churches, differing from them m some things, and scarcely willing to commune with them. They invited a meeting of the Churches by delegates. It was held at Lot 48, on Tuesday, September 30,— we may call it the first Association held on the Island ; all the Ministors, among whom was Elder C. Tupper, then pastor at Bedeque, and delegates from all the Churches, except East Point, (who did not hear of it in time,) were present. The discussion lasted 6 hours, and closed in harmony; a proposal being carried, which, by mutual jS& iSSfm 'istSimm mmm 5U HISTORFCAL SKETCH OF THE P concession, would enable those Churches to unite with the Nova Scotia Association, if they chose. Elder John Shaw attended the next year at Amherst, and the Churches at Three Rivers and East Point, were cheer- fully received. There are now in the Island, 8 Churches belonging to the Association — and 5 in Cape Breton. In 1835 the Association ^as held in Horton, and the Session commenced, by previous cwrangement, on Wednesday. A motion was submitted for liquidating the debt on the Educational Institution; and £400 were subscribed for that purpose on the spot. Brother M'Learn was sent on an agency to the United States. The publication of the Christian Messenger, was decided on at Halifax, in 1836, the only time the Association was ever held in that place. Among the important measures, adopted at that Session, may be mentioned, A Resolution on Domestic Missions — an addition to the Missionary Board, with instructions to meet quarterly — and the appointment of Rev. Richard M'I.earn, with Rev. W. Chipman, as Secretaries of the Board, — An answer to a question proposed, stating " That Churches cannot consistently patronize public speakers, unless they are properly licensed," — A Resolution to raise, by subscription, during the year, £1800 for the Horton Institution; £634 15s. of which was subscribed on the spot, — And the appointment of the Rev. R M'Learn Agent, to complete this object. The Circular Letter is a capital article, by Mr. Pry or, on " The Influence of the Holy Spirit." " The weather was exceedingly fine; the attention and hospitality of the people of Ha- lifax, were extraordinary — and every circumstance fa- vorable to our meeting, combined to make the season delightful." The Minutes of 1838 record the death of three aged ministers, viz: Rev. J. Barton, Rev. Peter Crandall, and Rev. John Craig. At this Session, held at Chester, it was resolved to send a Missionary from the bosom of our own Churches, to the Heathen. Two beloved brethren in the ministry, met with us on that occasion for the last time — Rev. James Munro, and Rev. F. W. Miles, of New Brunswick. There brother Munro made his last public appeal in behalf of the Re- deemer's cause; it was a fervent, mithetic address to ^^#^^y»3iE'^f'^»'9'5'^w^" *^*' NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. ^^5 poor sinners, for whom, as he assured them, "Christ had opened Heaven!" He was to have preached the Introductory sermon on Mondays but an attack of asth- ma— the complaint under which he had for yea.s labored prostrated him, and he was unable to , ttend. The sermon was preached by brother I. E. Bill. It was a singular coincidence in the history of Mr. Munro, that helfirst landed at Chester, when he came out in his youth from Scotland. In that same place he was after- wards led to rejoice in the hope of pardon through a Redeemer's blood; and there the last messenger came to summon him home. His body moulders in the grave- yard at Chester, and the humble stone which marks his grave, bears this appropriate inscription: "Remember the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you." We shall not soon forget our visits to his dying bed. His composure of mind; his confidence in the Redeemer; his testimony to the reality and power of faith; will long be remembered by many. In view ot such'an exit, who does not exclaim, "Let me die the death of the Righteous, and let my last end be like his!" Eider Joseph Dimock, our beloved father in the gos- pel, went up from the Association at Bridgetown, in 1810, to join that of the Church of the first-born, and the innumerable company of angels, in heaven. His venerable fornix his silvery locks, his placid counten- ance, his tremulous voice, his affecting exhortations, — his prayers of childlike simplicity, and humble fervency all seem still to be living realities in our midst. We can hardly believe that he is gone, to meet with us on earth no more. But his spirit holds Jubilee in heaven. ' ' My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horse- men thereof!" But we must hasten on. From 1840 until 1847, there were added by Baptism, 33-24: excluded, during that period, 448; and 413 died. As near as can be ascertained, there have been con- nnected with the Association, in all, 11,473 church members. There have been excluded, 1573, (many ol whom have been restored), and 1075 have died. Ac- cording to the Returns of 1848, there were in the Association, lOG Churches, 50 ordained Ministers, an,d " " i j i r^" " mpifi u pmnEwiiw I * dd HISTORICAL SKfetCtI OP TUB f)3*29 members. Twelve Ministers in the Connection, have died since 1800, and 5 have been excluded. In 1840 the Association was held, for the first time, at Liverpool. A Sabbath School Union was formed; an attempt was made to raise, by subscription, £5000 on behalf of the Academy and College ; but it did not succeed. The British arid Foreign Bible Society were memorialized, requesting that the restrictions, which virtually excluded the co-operation of Baptists, might be removed: And the Churches were most earnestly recommended to abolish the use of intoxicating liquors as a, beverage. It is a gratifying fact in our History, that the Association -took hold of the Temperance Re- formation, at the commencement, and have continued unanimously to promote it, until the present time. In 1842, the following important measure was adopted: — *'That hereafter, wherever the Association is held, the Church shall, by a Committee of arrangement, or otherwise, take care that all Delegates are furnished with seats together in a Body ; and that no Delegate shall be permitted to leave the business before it closes, without a vote of the Association." In January, 1843, a Special Meeting of the Associ- ation was held at Nictaux, to consider certain grave charges made by the Tlonorable Joseph Howe, against the Editors of the Chr Han Messenger, and the Mission- ary Board, in a series >f letters addressed by him to the Baptist Denomination. This was the only Special Ses- sion ever held. It was numerously attended ; the most perfect unanimity prevailed; the "charges" were de- cided to have been triumphantly refuted, and the thanks of the Association were tendered to the Editors of the Chnstian Messenger, for their manly independance, up- rightness, and christian conduct in the affair, and the deepest sympathy was expressed for them in their trials, as the objects of unjust and inexcusable attacks. Reso- ntions were also passed respecting Education, and Or- dinutions, and X30 was obtained for a beloved brother in affliction, Rev.vR. W. Cunningham. The regular meeting of the As: ition was held the iame year, at Yarmouth, and measures were adopted to carry out the plan of "An associated Union Society," NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 27 introduced the previous year by Dr. Sawers. Dr. Bab- cock visited the Association, on behalf of the American and Foreign Bibie Society. A Committee was appointed in reference to that subject; collections, to be taken up in the churches, were recommended; and brother J. W. Barss w - -^pointed Treasurer. Our Coll as opened in form, withal students, on January 1, 1839, under the designation of 'Queen's College." This name the Imperial Government would not allow in sanctioning the charter, and it was changed to "Acadia College." The College building, reared "without money," went up and spread its "wings," in the summer of 1813, the materials being brought from all parts of the Province, every portion coming in and taking its place in perfect order, and in due time, as though they had been animated, — as those who for- warded them certainly were, — a Correspondent of the Messenger, giving an account of the "raising," &c., only expressing the general feeling which actuated "the? people," when he says, "To be candid with you, there is just now very little room in my mind for any thing but 'Our Institution.' " A Theological Chair was established, and Rev. E. A. Crawley appointed Profes- sor of Theology, in 1845. In the same year, brother and sister Burpe were sent as Missionaries to Burmah; a Convention of the Churches inNova Scotia, New- Brunswick and P. E. Island, was formed in 1846; and in 1849 the Association held a Jubilee at Wolf- ville. Concluding Remarks. Our Sketch must not close without some reference to the advantages which have accrued from our annual assemblings. These have been various and great. Religious acquaintances have been formed and renewed brotherly love has been promoted — holy kindlings of soul, and heavenly aspirations, have seemed almost to annihilate the distance between earth and heaven, as we have gathered around the common Mercy-seat. Oar hearts have been made glad when Zion has re- 28 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE joiced, and our ears have been saluted with the good news of sinners converted to God — and it has been pro- fitable to mourn with her, when she has been shrouded in sackcloth. One feature of our meetings deserves a prominent place in the record of our history, and we must not forget to ascribe it to Him who is the Author of all our blessings — it is the harmony of sentiment and action, whi( -i has, with very slight exceptions, always characterized them. In the warmth of our emotions, we generally pronounce each Association, as it closes, **the most interesting one we ever attended." There has been a growing conviction, for several years past, that, owing to our rapid increase us a Denomination, our Association must be divided. This matter has se- veral times been carefully debated; but hitherto we have found it impossible to separate — the idea has ap- peared something like rending soul and body asunder : and perhaps the most powerful argument against a divi- sion, is, the tie of Christian affection. It has appeared impossible to be reconciled to the idea of not meeting with one heart, with one accord, in one place. May this brotherly love continue ! But the united strength of all the Churches, has, by this means, been brought to bear upon the great enter- prises of Christian benevolence. Union has indeed been found to be strength; and what the Churches, m their isolated capacity, would neither have accomplished, nor thought of, has been effected with ease. The Home and the Foreign Missionary Society— the Education Society— the Academy and College— the Sunday School Union— the Religious Newspaper— and, finally, the Associated Union Society, with all their beneficial re- sults, to individuals, to the Church, and to the world- are the effects of that union of the Churches, com- menced with so much deliberation, and in so h"mble a manner, fifty years ago. How little did those seven men, who met in the place of our present Jubilee, in the year 1799, to talk over the plan of an Association, imaoine what mighty results would spring from that small beginning ! Did those of them who survive to attend our present anniversary, ever dream, at that time, NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. ^ that they would live to see what their eyes behold this day ! ' ' The Lord hath done great things for us, where- of we are glad." But we must add, that the Lord has not unfrequently set the seal of his approbation upon those meetings, by making them the direct means of "reviving his work," in the Churches where they have been held. It was at an Association, of divine appointment, that the first great Revival, recorded in the annals of the Christian Church, occurred. It was when, on that occasion, the brethren were assembled for the Morning prayer-meet- ing, that the "sound as of a rushing mighty wind," came from heaven, and filled all the place where they were sitting. The "day of Pentecost" was an annual Association, and at the one referred to, there were to- gether "devout men," out of every nation under hea- ven. To record the Revivals, and instances of individual conversion, and spirituil benefit in some way, which have occurred in connection with the Baptist Associations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, would require a larger space than can be allotted to this Sketch. A single instance may be given, as an illustration of what has probably been of no unfrequent occurrence — it fell under the writer's personal observation. In June, 18'^, a poor boy, 14 years of age, walked seven miles and back, on the Lord's day, to attend the Association at Canar. He heard a sermon from Elder Jnmes Munro, from 1st. Cor. 1: 31. It wa the first Association he had ever attended. He was under reli- gious impressions, and the solemn manner of the preacher, as well as the subject, is not effaced from his memory yet. Four years after that, the Spirit of the Lord was again striving with him. The Association was held in Horton, and he wished to attend it. He came and returned, 13 miles, on the same day. He took his scat in yonder gallery. The venerable Hand- ley Chipman spoke, after the sermon, in tones which vibrated through the soul of that youth, of his confidence in God, and his assurance that Jesus, who had done so much for hhn already, would not forsake him. Such a hope appeared to be, as it truly was, worth millions of worlds. After the intermission, a crowd was seen mo- pu^tSb^;-^ a ,sJaitili) was the text, and neither text nor sermon will be forgotten to all eternity. Another four years revol- ved, and that same lad, now entered upon the wide world for himself, but still a stranger to the practice and the sweets of piety, strolled away down to Canar, on Sunday afternoon, to tittend, for the third time in his life, the Baptist Association The house was filled to overflowing, and there was a host without, many of whom, alas! manifested but little sympathy with the de- votional exercises of the day— that youth too much rer sembled the rest; but being told that a converted lawyer was preaching, he had the curiosity to approach the western door, and listen. Seats were elevated on each side of the pulpit, and there sat the Ministers, some of whose faces were familiar to him. Brother Crawley was preaching from Ps. 48: 1'3— "Walk about Zion, and go round about her," &c. He spoke of the " sta- bility of the Church." His manner of preaching was something new. The heads of the sermon were pen- cilled down, and afterwards pondered upon. An old grey- headed man was there from the United States— father Case— who, at a subrequent meeting, expatiated upon the value of the soul, in such terms as carried conviction to that youth's heart, and deepened the religious impres- sions already made. That year was an era m his his- tory. In the following December, in company with a dear friend, who had been benefitted at that Association, he was immersed, by father Manning, in the "Little Lake" of Billtown; and the preacher remarked, the same day, to a friend, that he "thought he had baptized two Ministers." They are both here in that capacity this day ; and the one whose personal history has thus been intruded upon you, is the one who is delivering this Sketch. A Revival followed that Association in Cornwallis, in 18532. A number of us were received into the Church; and it will be remembered by several present, how frequently allusions were made to the im- pressions produced by the very sight of the Ministers, tl £ V s X i r 1 1 I NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 31 " seated on the right hand and on the left;" as well as by their public addresses, private admonitions, and prayers. But our remarks must close. Who can tell us the his- tory of the next half-century? Who that is now living, will attend the next Jubilee, the Centenary of this As- sociation? What changes will have occurred in the world ere then ! May we be deeply humbled before God, under a sense of His goodness, and our ingratitude. Surely we have all the encouragement we can desire, to go forward in the Lord's work — "in His strength, making mention of His righteousness, even of His only." We have glanced at the first Association; let us re- member the last; for it hastens on. "The Son of Man will come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him," and '' before Him will be gathered all nations.^^ This will be the conclusion of the whole matter. At that Meeting, our history will undergo a more solemn reca- pitulation. Our acts, our resolutions, and our motives, both as churches and as individuals, must then be scru- tinized. O may we be gathered among the "sheep," at the "right hand;" and through the everlasting love of Jesus, be accepted, and go, amidst the loud Hosannahs of the Redeemed Multitude, " into life eternal !" Amen il)IM>i.->