/v^v;r35;-vt;?:: 
 
 
/ 
 
 FIFTY YEARS ^ 
 
 WITU 
 
 THE BAPTIST MINISTERS AND CHURCHES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MARITIME PROVINCES 
 
 OF 
 
 , CANADA. 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. I. E. BILL, 
 
 ST. JOHN, N. B. 
 
 SAINT JOHN, N. B. 
 PRINTED BY BARNES AND COMPANY, 
 
 PRINCE M'lLUAM BTRKIT, 
 1880. 
 

TO 
 
 THE KEY. CHARLES TUITER, D. D., 
 REV. E. A. CRAWLEY, D. D., 
 
 REY. J. M. CRAMP, D. D., 
 
 MEX EMIXEXTLV USEFUL IX TIIEIIl llESI'ECTIVE SrilERES OP 
 CnRISTIAX SERVICE, 
 ASD 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF THE FATHERS, 
 
 WHO IX THEIR DAY ^^'ERE BRIGHT, BURXIXiJ AXD SIIIXIXG LIGHTS, 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 
 IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED 
 
 BT 
 
 t 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Havino been mercifully preserved amid manifold dangers, by sea and by- 
 land, at home and abroail, for more than half a century, in the ministry of tlie 
 Gospel of the Lord Jesus, it is deeply impressed on my mind that it is a sacred 
 duty which I owe to ray covenant God and Fatlier, to place upon permanent 
 record what my eyes have seen, my ears lieard, and my hands have handled, 
 of the glorious triumphs of His Kingdom in that «*ection of the Church of 
 Christ with which I have been identified in body, soul and spirit, during these 
 long years of ministerial service. Not indeed that frau and imperfect 
 humanity may be exalted ; but that Christ the Saviour may be glorified and 
 the interests of His Church promoted. 
 
 It has been said that " there is a future for the Baptists." I l)elievc that i.s 
 true of them in relation to this countrj- as well as elsewhere. They have also 
 a PAST that has laid foundations broad and deep upon which tbcy may go on 
 to build, with prospects l)right and cheering, untU ' Jc voice of the Arch- 
 angel and the tnniip of God .«hall summon all to give an accoui.t of their 
 stewardship. 
 
 Nowhere in this wide world arc the foot-prints of Zion's Kins more dis- 
 tinctly seen than in the rise and progress of a vital Christianity, as associated 
 with the origin and multiplication of Baptist Ministers and Churches in these 
 Maritime Provinces. Their wondrous history is all radiant with light from 
 the celestial hills, and thoroughly permeated with llie power of sovereign 
 grace. ^Fen — feeble men — were the agents for canning forward this mighty 
 work; but Jehovah wrought through them with irresistible power to save, 
 lledeemed men planted and watered; but God gave the increase. To Hi* 
 name 1)e all the glorj'. 
 
 My purpose is to so review the past as to stimulate to renewed vigor and 
 increased activity in prosecuting the great work sf» nobly commenced. In 
 this way David, the man of God, l)raced un the ancient Church for the per- 
 formance of her great mission. " We have heard with our ears, O God, our 
 fathers have told us, what work Thou didst in their days. How Thou didst 
 drive out the heathen with Thy hand, and plantcdst them: how Thou didst 
 afflict the people, and cast them out. For tlicy got not the land in possession 
 by their own .sword, neither did their own arm save them; but Thy right hand 
 and Thine arm, and the light of Thy countenance; because Thou hadst a 
 
VlII PREFACE. 
 
 favour unto flicm." So sliotild wc feel with re^^ard to those warriors in the 
 ;^eat spiritual battle-field, wliosc conflicts and whose trinm[ths we are 
 <,"Hlled to review, 
 
 I am apprehensive that some will feel that lives so full of interest, and 
 «vent« so freighted with wonderful results, have been disposed of in a style 
 not sufliciently minute in detail. I'ut the reader will please remember that 
 while the material at commanrl is ample, space is limited, and then-fore I 
 have been compelled to use brevity in many cases where more ample fuUnesH 
 seemed desirable. I have noted the ))uddings nf Baptist sentiment in Nova 
 Scotia a hundred and twenty years ago; the tirst Baptist (hurclj in the Pro- 
 vince«; the conversion and niinistrj' of Henry AUine; tlie work performed in 
 Shelburne and elsewhere Ijy David George; tlie early ministry of the Futhers 
 in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick; the planting of the early Churches; the 
 rise and progress of the tirst Baptist Association; the separation in 1H21, to 
 lonu the New Brunswick Association: the great revival of 1H28-20; the rise 
 and progress of our educational institutions — their early struggles an<l tri- 
 umphs; the commencement of our denominational press, and its onward 
 inarch : the cjrganization and progress of Home and Foreign Missions. I have 
 also traced the old Nova Scotia Association up to 18.50, and have given in 
 connection with this, brief notices of individual Churches. I have told of the 
 organization of the Convention in 1841), the work committed to its care, and 
 the success which has crowned its efforts up to 1880. The book also contains 
 full historic sketches of the P'athers, and condensed memorial notices of their 
 early successors who have passed away ; an interesting biography of the late 
 Hon. Judge Johnston, as one who performed a prominent part in founding 
 and sustaining our literary institutions; sketches of the Central, Eastern and 
 Western Associations of Nova Scotia; of the first Association of New Bnms- 
 wick, founded in 1822, and of the Eastern and Western Associations of New 
 Brunswick, which succeeded the first one; with a brief historic sketch of the 
 Prince Edward Island Baptists. All these historic records of the Associations 
 are carried up to 1880. Numerous references are mjwle to Sabbath-school and 
 Temperance movements; and the work concludes with interesting revival 
 sketches, first from the pens of the Fathers, and secondly, by more than 
 «;venty of our living ministers. 
 
 In the preparation of this work the Author is indebted to Benedict's '* His- 
 tory of the Baptists;" to the Autobiographiciil Sketches of Kev. Charles 
 Tupper, D. D. ; to Dr. Cramp's " Centenary of the Baptists ;'" to the Jubilee 
 Sketch of the (iranville Street Church, by Rev. E. M. Saunders, A. M. ; to 
 the Centenary Sketch of the 1st Horton Church, by Rev. S. W. DeBlois, A. M. ; 
 to Judge J. W. .Johnston; to the Minutes of the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick 
 and Prince Edward Island Associations, as also to the Minutes of our Conven- 
 tion ; to the Christum Messenger and Christian Visitor; and to the Library of 
 the Fredericton Baptist Church; not forgetting those friends who have kindly 
 supplied Minutes that could not l)e obtained elsewhere. 
 
 Last, but not least, the Author is under special obligation to Herbert C. 
 Creed, Efl<i., A. M.. of Fredericton, for valuable assistance rendered in put- 
 ling the work satisfactorily through the press. 
 
I'UKFACE. l.V 
 
 Ahovc all, f Ijo Author wf)ul(l irratcfully acknowledge liis very great obliga- 
 tions to the Great Father of all, for permitting Iiim to hear some humble part 
 in the great work accompli shed, under the divine blessing, by the Baptists of 
 these 3Iaritime Provinces; and that He has so mercifully continued to him 
 vigor of body and mind, that now, in the si'venty-sixtli year of his age, 
 he is enabled, amid the pressure of pastoral duties, in a comparatively short 
 period, to prepare this book for publication. 
 
 In this work, the reader will find Baptist history, not so much described by 
 the Author, as unfolded by the men who havj made the history, llis object 
 has lieen so to pres^-nt the facts of the case in liand that the voices of the 
 Fathers and of the Brotheihootl should be heard, all along the lines, proclaim- 
 ing the message of life eternal, and performing in all fidelity the mission 
 assigned them to do. He cherishes the hope, therefore, that the reader will 
 see, as in a mirror, the workers and the work of the Baptist Denomination of 
 this country, from its beginning to the '.resent hour. With thes<Mhought.H 
 and desires, tije Author of this history commits it i)rayerfully, with all its 
 shortcomings, to the kindly consideration of his readers. 
 
m. 
 
CON TENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I.— IIeniiy Alline AND nis Ministry. 
 
 CIIAPTEIl II, —David GEonoE AND 1118 WoKK, 
 
 CHAPTER III.— The Planting of the Early Ciiurcreb, 
 
 Sackvillc, N. B. — Ilorton — Newport — Cornwallis — Chester — 
 Argylc— Halifax— Onslow, etc. 
 
 CHAPTER IV.— The Rise and Progress ok the Baptist Association op 
 Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 
 
 CHAPTER v.— A New Epoch. 
 
 The great revival of 1828-29— The formation of the Granville 
 Street Church in Halifax — The rise of our Educational Insti- 
 tutions. 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— The Nova Scotia Association from 1829 to 1850. 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— The Educational Policy op the P .ptists Fought Out. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII.— Pen and Ink Sketches of the Fathers and their 
 early Associates in the Ministry. 
 Edward Manning— Theodore 8. Harding — James Manning 
 — Thomas Handley Chipman — Thomas Ansley — John Burton 
 — Joseph Dimock — Harris Harding — Joseph Crandall — 
 .Tames Innis— Elijah Estabrooks — Enoch Towner — James Munro 
 — Peter Crandall — John Craig — David Nutter— Israel Potter — 
 Lathrop Hammond — Samuel McCully — David Harris— Edmund 
 Reis — William Chipman — George Dimock — Nathan Cleaveland. 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— Biographical Sketches. 
 
 Hon. J. W. Johnston— lion. W. B. Kinnear — Rev. Richard Bur- 
 pee — Rev. R. W. Cunningham — Rev. Richard McLearn — Rev. 
 Charles Lewis — Rev, Alex. McDonald — Rev. Samuel Elder — Rev, 
 E. B. DcMill— Richard Creed— Rev, Levi H. Marshall-Simon 
 Fitch — Rev. William Burton— Rev. Jarvis Ring — Rev. Charles 
 Miller — Rev. Timothy Robinson — James W. Nutting— Rev. John 
 Davis— Rev. Charles Spurden, D. D. —Rev. James Parker— Rev. 
 A. R. R. Crawley — Hon. Jonathan McCully — Rev. A. 8. Hunt — 
 Rev. George Richardson— Rev. Willard G. Parker — Rev, James 
 A. Smith. 
 
Xll CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER X.— The Convention and its Mission. 
 
 CHAPTER XI.—TiiE FiKST Baitist Association of New Brunswick, 
 
 With Historical Sketch of one of the mother Churches,— the 
 old Canning Church. ^7 ^ 
 
 CHAPTER XII. — The Eastern and Western Associations of New 
 Brunswick, l iOi> 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.— The Central, Eastern/ and Western Associations 
 OF Nova Scotia. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— A Historical Sketch of the Baptists op Prince 
 Edward Island. 
 
 CHAPTER XV.— Biographical Sketches an:> Memorial Sermons. 
 
 Rev. Charles Tupper, I). D. — Professor Isaac Chipman — Rev. R. 
 H. Emmerson — Senator Caleb R. Bill — Rev. Samuel Robinson. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. — Revival Letters, and Records op Gospel Labour 
 BY Livmo Ministers. 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Portrait of the Author 2 
 
 " Rev. Edmund A. Crawley. D. D., Ill 
 
 View of Acadia College (1843-1877), 114 
 
 Portrait of Hon. Judge Johnston, 268 
 
 " Rev. Charles Spurden, D. D., 334 
 
 " Rev. .7. M. Cramp, D. D 361 
 
 Rev. a. W. Sawyer, D. D., 466 
 
 View of the New College Building (1878), 550 
 
 Portrait of A. F. Randolph, Esq 621 
 
 Rkv. Charles Tupper, D. D., 734 
 
FIFTY YEARS 
 
 WITH THE 
 
 BAPTIST MINISTERS AND CHUF ^HES 
 
 Of THE 
 
 Maritime Provinces of Canada. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HENRY ALLINE AND HIS MINISTRY. 
 
 THIS remarkable man was to tlie Baptists of these Provinces 
 what John the Baptist was in his day to the coming King- 
 dom of Olirist. He was as **the voice of one crying in the wilder- 
 ness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord. " In the accomplishment of his 
 grand mission, he passed rapidly from place to place, conscious that 
 he was charged by Heaven with a most sacred trust. In his time 
 there Avere neither roads for carriages, nor carriages for roads ; his 
 mode of travel therefore was on horseback. Long years ago, the 
 elderly people used to tell us that Henry Alline always rode a splendid 
 horse, and with loaded whip, passed in a rapid canter from place 
 to place, — pausing only to proclaim, where opportunity offered, 
 trumpet-toned, tlie Gospel of the Grace of God. 
 
 His ideas on some theological subjects were crude and unsatis- 
 factory; but on vital points, such as the entire depravity of the 
 human heart, and Salvation only by Grace through faith in Christ 
 Jesus, he was as clear as the morning liglit. He was taught these 
 verities by deep and pungent convictions in his own soul, produced 
 by the Spirit's light and power. 
 
 From the depths of his own experience he preached to the hearts 
 and consciences of others, and therefore it was that his ministry was 
 so effective. 
 
li HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 The following account, probably Avrittcn by Edward Manning, is 
 extracted from Benedict's History of the Bajfiints: 
 
 " Henry Allinc was born of rcsiw3ctable and pious parents, at 
 Xewport, R. I., June 14, 1748. In 17G0 the family removed from 
 Newport to Nova Scotia, and settled at Falmoutli. Henry was the 
 only son, and was early instructed in the principles of the Christian 
 religion; and when about eight years old, according to his own ac- 
 count as stated in his journal, his mind Avas seriously impressed with 
 a sense of divine things. 
 
 From this early period, it appears that convictions followed from 
 time to time, until they terminated in a sound conversion, Avhich 
 happened in March, 1775, when he was almost twenty-seven years 
 old. Soon after his conversion, his mind was led to the work of the 
 miiii8tr5\ Having always been taught to believe that learning 
 was absolutely necessary to (pialify men for this important under- 
 taking, he resolved on going to New England, to solicit the aid 
 of his friends and relations there towards obtaining it. Pursuant 
 to this resolution, he took leave of his frien ' , and actually pro- 
 ceeded some distance on his journey. But Providence hedged up 
 his way by a number of insurmountable obstacles, and he returned. 
 This was in the close of the year in which he was converted. 
 After passing through many trials, occasioned by the struggles of 
 his own mind and the solicitations of his friends, some urging him 
 to go in pursuit of learning, others to engage in tho ministry 
 without it, he, the next spring, began to pretich. His first efforts 
 Averc crowned with such remarkable success, that he was encouraged 
 to proceed. He soon began to travel extensively, revivals of reli- 
 gion almost constantly attending his ministry, and for about eight 
 years he Avas abundantly oAvned of God as the instrument of the 
 conversion of souls. He Avas much beloved by his friends, and 
 much abused and persecuted by many Avho nn'*' asonably became I'is 
 enemies. Thus, notAvithstanding some errOi^s in liis creed, ho was a 
 bright and shining liglit through the dark regions of Nova Scotia. 
 
 Mr. Allinc Avas brought up a Congregationalist, and from that 
 <;ommunity he never separated; but he out-stripped most of his 
 brethren in his ardent zeal and evangelical exertions, Avhicli soon 
 procured for him the appellation of a " Ncav Light." 
 
 His notions of Church discipline Avere confused and indefinite. 
 The external order of the gospel, and particularly baptism and tho 
 mode of it, he professed to vicAV Avith great indifference. He baptized 
 but little himself, and ncAcr condescended to go into the water; but 
 
UISTOKY OF THE BAITlST.S. 15 
 
 was willing his followers should pnictisc whatever mode ihfy chose. 
 If they could be easy in their minds under the entire omission of 
 the ordinance, he considered it ratlior tlieir felicity than neglect; but 
 if their minds dwelt much on baptism, lie advised them to go foi-Mard 
 in what mode they chose, that they might thereby quiet the troubles 
 <jf their minds, and so forget the tilings that were behind, and be 
 prepared for tlic calm and undisturbed enjoyment of the things of 
 <Tod. Such instructions from a leader, we might naturally suppose, 
 would lead to confusion among his followers. 
 
 Mr. Allinc also plunged into some speculations on theological 
 points, which he could not have fully understood, as it would have 
 puzzled a Jesuit to define them. 
 
 But with all the exceptions we may take to his maxims and 
 
 doctrines, he was undoubtedly a man of God, and his labours were 
 
 ■rowned with remarkable success. lie was un<juestionably the 
 
 instrument of the conversion of many hundred? of souls in the 
 
 Provinces of Nova .Scotia and New Brunswick. 
 
 Having preached in this countiy about eight years, namely, from 
 1770 till 1784, he travelled into the United States, where he sickened 
 And died, at the house of the l?ev. David McClure, in the town of 
 Northampton, State of New Hampshire, Februaiy 2nd, 1784, in the 
 3Gth year of his age. 
 
 • As he lived in a country where he had but little opportunity of 
 <loctrinal instruction, and was almost incessantly employed, during 
 his short ministry, in travelling and preaching, it is not strange that 
 his sentiments were hastily adopted. Ilad he lived to review his 
 system maturely, he would probably have pruned it of many of its 
 exceptionable parts. 
 
 Ilis principal l)usines8 was to roam through the forests and hew 
 down the Irees, spending but little time in preparing and arranging 
 '^hem ; and he raised up many communities, which afterwards (some 
 during his life, and others after his death) were organized into 
 distinct Churches of the New-Light or Congregational order. The 
 most distinguished of thee were those of Cornwallis, Newport, 
 llorton and Upper Granville. • 
 
 There were, at this time, the remains of a few Baptist Cimrchcs, 
 and besides these there were many Baptist members, scattered in 
 different i)arts of the country. Many, but not all of them, fell in 
 with the New-Light party. 
 
 In a short time, however, many of the New-Light Podo-Baptists 
 took to the water, but all continued iu communion together. But 
 
10 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 Baptist sentiments made rapid advances; some of tlie New-Light 
 ministers were baptized, and Avere tlins ([ualified, with more con- 
 sistency, to Imptize their converted brethren. Some great revivals 
 of relig'on took phice, and the converts almost uniformly becamo 
 Baptists, and follovved their Kedeemer into the watery tomb. 
 
 The Bai)tist leaven thus intermixed, produced a gi-adual fermenta- 
 tion, and in the course of a few years, many of the New- Light 
 Congregational Churches were in reality transformed into New- 
 Light Baptist Churches. 
 
 But the Baptists, either without much thought upon the subject, 
 or from a principle of reciprocal charity, continued on the mixed- 
 communion plan, long after they had become a large majority in the 
 Churches. 
 
 But what are called close comnninion principles were at length 
 broached among them, and caused no small stir in the Churches. 
 The Pedo-Baptists, and indeed a number of the Baptist members, 
 were much opposed to the restrictions which they imposed. But aa 
 light and consistency prevailed, prejudice and tradition gave way, 
 and in process of time a reformation as to external order was effected; 
 80 that now most of the Churches in Nova Scotia and New Bruns- 
 wick have adopted what our enemies call ' the monstrous doctrine 
 of close communion.' " 
 
 The following extract from Mr. Alline's journal, is characteristic 
 of the religious state of society at the time of Mr. Alline's ministry, 
 and of the obstacles with Avhich he had to contend: 
 
 " 1782. Angnst ofh. In the morning I took my leave of the 
 people (at Pictou), and set out, Avith a young man Avho had been 
 with me about tAvo months, to go through the woods to Cobequid. 
 But not being able to get through, Ave were obliged to 'odge in the 
 woods on the ground, with no other shelter but the trees, and the 
 ethereal canopy. But God was with us, and all was Avell. 
 
 6th. In the morning, about eight of the clock, Ave came into the 
 settlements, and travelled down through the country. There were 
 two poor, dark ministers there, who informed the people that there 
 was a strange impostor from the countries up the Bay, who they 
 heard was coming among them, Avho was neither college-learned nor 
 authorized by the Presbytery. 
 
 He Avas a 'New Light;' he was a Separ.itist, and one that broke 
 up tlie Churches. The poor, dark people, most of them, conceived 
 snch an opinion of me, that they would gaze at mo as I passed their 
 doors, with as much strangeness as if I was one of the antediluvians; 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 17 
 
 and when I came down to tlie public house I was even refused a bed 
 or a room for my money. I then sent the young man that was with 
 me to another public liousc; and when they heard my name, they 
 likewise refused to take me in. The young man returijcd and found 
 me walking in the street, and told me that he believed I must lie in 
 the street all night. I replied that I could do it without reluctance 
 for the name of Christ. At length there was a poor old man who 
 said he would willingly receive me, if he had a bed fit for me to 
 sleep in; but did not like to receive me because he was so poor. 
 But he directed the young man where to find a house he believed I 
 might get entertainment in. But when he went there, the man at 
 first refused, saying he hud heard of me and did not like to receive 
 me, or any such man as I was, into his house. Yet after some dis- 
 course (when the young man told him that it was hard that a man 
 could not get a lodging for any money, when they called themselves 
 Christians), the man said he would let me have a room and a bed, 
 and sent for me to come. When I came there, he led me through 
 the house to my room; and the people looked on me as if I had some 
 distemper that was catching. However they soon began to show 
 more freedom; and some of them, hearing me sing, knocked at the 
 door and asked me if they might come in and hear me sing? I re- 
 plied, Yes! if they thought it was safe for them. For their concep- 
 tions had been that there was danger of being caught with that 
 spirit that I went about with. But the people began to be free; and 
 the man of the house called me out, and desired me to pray in his 
 family, and numbers of people came in. However, my design was 
 to deliver my message as far as I was able, if it was in the street (if 
 there was no door opened), before I left the place. But the third 
 day I was there, I was desired by a poor man to preach at his house. 
 I appointed to preach there at four o'clock in the afternoon. The 
 minister of that part of the country, hearing thereof, wrote me a 
 note, demanding me to meet him and his elders at such n tavern, at 
 four o'clock, to give them an account, what right I had to appear 
 in the capacity of a preacher of the (Jospel.'' 
 
 Mr. Alline goes on to give his answer, and relates how a second 
 challenge was given and accepted by him. 
 
 '* We then began,'' he goes on to say, *' and continued for about 
 three hours, on the call and qualifications of a minister; the door 
 into the ministry; the power of ordination; and original sin: at 
 Avhich some of them got so fettered with their own darkness, that 
 they left the room. The minister likewise got up, and broke off 
 
30 HlSTOUy OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 from the discourse. But the eyes of the people began to be opened; 
 for after it was done, the man with whom I boarded being present, 
 (they) declared they were satisfied, and that now they saw sind were 
 astonished at what prejudice and false reports had done. And from 
 that hour I had more houses ojK-n to me than I could supply. Thus 
 the enemies of Christ, by their endeavouring to shut the door 
 against the Gospel, were the means of opening it." 
 
CHAPTER 11. 
 
 DAVID GEOKGE AXD HIS WORK. 
 
 AT the close of the American War, a coloured man named 
 David George, with many other people of colour and a large 
 number of whites, came from the Southern States, and settled at 
 Shelburne, N. S. A record of the organization of the Church there, 
 its progress and dissolution, is contained in Rippon^s Register, 
 Vol. I., pages 473-483. From this we learn that David George 
 was born a slave in Virginia, about 1T42. " He was induced by the 
 severity of his master, when he had grown to manhood, to run 
 away. He was pursr<5d first to South Carolina, then toward the 
 Savannah River, and, to escape his pursuers, he fled among the 
 Creek Indians and became the servant of tiieir king, Avho was 
 called Bluesalt. He was now about 800 miles from his master; 
 still his master's son pursued him, found where he was, and took 
 him; but before he could get him out of the Creek Nation, he 
 escaped from him and fled to the Natchez Indians, and lived with 
 their king Jack. But he was soon heard of again and was pur- 
 chased bv a Mr. Gaulfin, who lived on the Savannah River at Silver 
 Bluff. Mr. Gaulfin had an agent among the Lidians, whose name 
 was John Miller, and into his custc Jy the poor hunted refugee was 
 delivered. After serving him a few years, he, by his own request, 
 went to live with his master Gaulfin, at Silver Bluff. He was all this 
 time a thoughtless and wicked man; but after about four years he 
 was awakened to a religious concern by the conversation of a man 
 of his own colour. His convictions were deep and distressing, but 
 his deliverance was clear and joyful. Soon after his conversion he 
 began to pray and exhort among the coloured people. He received 
 instniction and encouragement from preachers of his own colour. 
 He was now entirely illiterate, but he got a spelling-book, and by 
 his own unwearied exertions and the instruction of the little white 
 children, he learned so much that he could read in the Bible. This 
 was before the American War, during the whole of which he con- 
 tinued to preach in different places with a good degree of success 
 
 » 
 
20 inSTOKY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 *'Tlio remaining part of the liistory of this worthy man," says 
 I)r. Benedict, " I sliall give in liis own words, as related to Dr. 
 Ilil)pon of London, and the late Samuel Pearce of Birmingham." 
 
 " AVhen the English were going to jvacuaLe Charleston, they 
 advised me to go to Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and gave the few 
 black people, and it may be as many as 500 white people, their i)as- 
 sage for nothing. We were twentv-two days on the passage, and 
 used very ill (m board. When we came off Halif.ix, I got leave to 
 go ashore. On showing my ])a])ers to General Patterson, lie sent 
 orders by a serjcaut for my wife and children to follow me. This 
 was before Christmas, and we staid there till June; but as no Avay 
 was open for me to preach to my own colour, I got leave to go to 
 Shelburne (150 miles, or more I sui)i)ose, by sea,) in the suite of 
 General Patterson, leaving my wife and childrea, for a while, be- 
 hind. Xumbers of my oAvn colour were here, but I found the white 
 people were against me. I began to sing at first in the woods, at a 
 cam}), for there were no houses then built. They were just clearing 
 and preparing to erect a toAvn. The black people came from far 
 and near; it was so new to them. I kept on so every night in tlio 
 week, and appointed a meeting for the first Lord's Day, in a valley 
 between tAvo hills, close by the river, and a great number of whito 
 and black people came; and I was so overjoyed with having an 
 opportunity once more of preaching the Word of God, that after I 
 had given out the hymn, I could not speak for tears. In the after- 
 noon we met again, in the same place, and I had gi'eat liberty from 
 the Lord. 
 
 "We had a meeting now every evening, and t^^osc poor creatures, 
 who had never heard the gospel before, listened to me very atten- 
 tively; but the white people, the justices, and all, were in an uproar, 
 and said that I might go out into the woods, for T should not stay 
 there. I ought to except one Avhite man who knew me at Savannah,, 
 and Avlio said I should have his lot to live upon as long as I would, 
 and build a house if I pleased. I then c it down poles, strii)ped 
 bark, and made a smart hut, and the people came flocking to the 
 preaching every evening for a month, as though they had come for 
 their supper. Then Governor Parr came from Halifax, brought my 
 wife and children, gave me six months* provisions for my family,, 
 and a quarter of an acre of land to cultivate for our subsistence. 
 It was a spot where there Avas plenty of water, and A\iiicli I had 
 secretly Avished for, as I knew it Avould be couA'enient for baptizing 
 4it any time. The Aveather being seA'ore and the ground covered 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 21 
 
 witli snow, Ave niised a platform of poles for the liearers t<» stand 
 upon; but there was nothing over their heads. Continuing to 
 attend, they desired to have a niceting-house built. "We had then a 
 day of hearing wliat the Ijord had done; and I and my wife heard 
 their experiences, and I received four of my own colour: Brother 
 Sampson, Brother John, Sister OflRe. and Sister Dinah. These 
 all were well at Sierra Leone, except Brother Sampson — an excel- 
 lent man — who died on his voyage to that place. The first 
 time I ba])tized here was a little before Christmas, in the creek 
 Avhich ran through my lot, ' I preached to a great number of people 
 on the occasion, who behaved verv well. I n<jw formed the Church 
 with us six, and administered the Lord's Supper in the me(?ting- 
 housc, before it was finished. They went on with the building, and 
 Avc appointed a time every other week to hear exi)eriences, A few 
 months after, I baptized nine more, and the congregation very much 
 increased. The worldly blacks, as Avell Jis tlic members Of the 
 Church, assisted in cutting timber in the wctods, and in getting 
 shingles; and we used to give a few copi)ers to ])uy nails. We were 
 increasing all the Avinter, and baptized almost every month, and 
 administered the Lord's Supper first of all ortce in two months. 
 But the frame of the meeting-house was not all up, nor had we' 
 covered it with shingles, till aboiit the middle of summer, and then 
 it had no pulpit, seats, nor flooring. About this time, Mr. AVilliam 
 Taylor and his wife, two Baptists, who came from London to Shel- 
 burne, lieard of me. Mrs. Tavlor came to mv house, when I was so 
 poor that I had no money to buy any potatoes for seed; and was so 
 good as to give my children somewhat, and me money enough to 
 buy a liushel of })otatoes, Avhicli one i)roduced thirty-five bushels. 
 The Church was now grown to al)out fifty members. At this time 
 a white person, "William Holmes, who, with Deborah his wife, had 
 been converted by reading the Scriptures, and lived at Jones' Har- 
 bour, about twenty miles down the river, came up for me, and would 
 have me go with him in his schooner to his house. I went MJtii him 
 first to his own house, and then to a town they called Liverpool, 
 inhabited ])y white people. Many had been baptized there by Mr. 
 Chipman of Annapolis, in Nova Scotia. Mr. Jesse Dexter preached 
 to them but was not their pastor. It is a mixed communion Church. 
 I preached there: the Christians were all alive, and we had a little 
 heaven together. "We thei returned to Brother Holmes', inid he 
 and his wife came uj) with me to Shelburne, and gave their experi- 
 ences to the Church on Thursday, and were baptized on Lord's Day. 
 
fIFSTOKY OF THK ISA ITISTS. 
 
 Their rclafionH, wlio lived in the town, were very angrj', raised u 
 mob, and endeavoured to hinder tlieir l>einpj baptized. Mrs. Holmes' 
 sister, es|)eeialh', laid hold of her hair to keep her from going down 
 into the water: bnt the justices commanded jjeace, and said that she 
 should l)e ba]>tized, as she herself desired it. Then they were all 
 quiet. So«m after this, the ]»ersecution increased and ])ecamc so 
 great that it did not seem possible to preach, and I thought I must 
 leave .Shelbunie. Several of the black people had houses on my lot; 
 but forty or fifty disbanded soldiers were employed, who came with 
 the tackle of ships, and turned my dwelling house and ever}' one of 
 their Louses quite over: aiid the meeting-house they would have 
 burned down, had not the ringleader of the mob himself prevented 
 it. But I continued preaching in it till they came one night and 
 stood before the jmlpit and swore how they would treat me if I 
 preached again. But I stayed and preaciicd, and the next day they 
 came and beat me with sticks, and drove me into a swamp I re- 
 turned in the evening, and took my wife and children over the river 
 to Birchtown, Avhere some black j)eople were settled, and there 
 seemed a greater prospect of doing good than at Shelbume. I 
 preached at Birchtown from the Fall till about the middle of De- 
 cember, and was frequently hearing experiences, and baptized about 
 twenty there. Those who desired to hear the Word of God, invited 
 me from house to house and so I preached. A little before Christ- 
 mas, as my own colour persecuted me there, I set off with my family 
 to return to .Sliclburne; and coming down the river the boat was 
 frozen, but we took whip-saws and cut away the ice till we came to 
 Shelburne. In my absence, the meeting-house Avas occupied by a 
 sort of tavera-keepcr, Avho said, *' The old negro Avanted to make a 
 heaven of this place, but I'll make a hell of it." Tlien I preached 
 in it {IS before, and as my house Avas pulled down, lived in it also. 
 The peoi)le began to attend again, and in the summer there Avas a 
 considerable revival of religion. Now I went down about tAventy 
 miles to a place called Ragged Island, among some Avhite ]>eople, 
 who desired to hear the Avord. One Avhite sister was converted there 
 while I Avas preaching concerning the discijdes Avho left all and fol- 
 lowed Christ. She came up afterwards, gave her experience to our 
 Church, and Avas baj)tized, and two black sisters Avith her. Then 
 her other sister gave in her e\j)erience, and Joined us Avithout 
 baptism, to Avhich she Avould have submitted, had not her family 
 cruelly hindered her: but she Avas the only one in our Societ}, Avho 
 was not baptized. 
 
IIISTORV OF TUB IIAPTLSTS. 23- 
 
 '• By tliiii time the Chri.stians sit St. John's, al»out 200 miles from 
 SUclI>urne. over the Bay of Fundy. in New Brunswick, liad heard 
 of me and wished nic to visit them. Part of the first Saturday I 
 was tliero, was 8i)ent in hearing,' the exjwriences of tlic black people; 
 four were approved, some of whom had ])een converted in Virginia^ 
 A fortnight after I baptized them in the river, on the Lord's Day- 
 Numerous spectators, white and black, were present, who behaved 
 very well. But on Monday, many of the inhabitants made a dis- 
 turbance, declaring that nobody should preach there again, without 
 a license from the Governor. lie lived at Frederick-town, about an 
 hundred miles from thence up St. John's River. I went off in the 
 packet to him. Colonel Allen, who knew mo in Charleston, lived 
 but a few miles from the Governor, and introduced mo to him; 
 upon which his Secretary gave mo a license.* I returned then to 
 St. John's and ])reachcd again, and left Brother Peter Richards to 
 exhort among them, lie afterwards died on the passage, just going 
 into Sierra Leone, and we buried him there. When I got back to 
 Shclburne, I sent Brother Samjjson Colbart, one of my elders', to 
 St. John's, to stay there. lie was a loving brother, and the Lord had 
 endowed him with great gifts. When the experiences of nine or ten 
 had been related there, they sent for me to come and baptize them. 
 I went by water to Halifax, and walked from thence to llorton, 
 about 80 miles from Annapolis, and not far from New Brunswick. 
 There is a large church at Horton; I think the largest in Nova 
 Scotia. They are all Baptists: Mr. Scott is their minister. We 
 spent one Sal»bath together, and all day long was a day to be remem- 
 bered. When I was landing at St. John's, some of the people who 
 intended to be baptized, were so full of joy that they ran out from 
 waiting at table on their masters, with the knives and forks in their 
 hands, to meet me at the water side. This second time of my being 
 at St. John's, I staid preaching about a fortnight, and baptized ten 
 people. Our going down into the water seemed to be a pleasing 
 sight to the whole town, white people and black. 
 
 '* I had now to go to Frederick-town again, from whence I obtained 
 the license before; for one of our brethren had been there, and heard 
 
 *'rhe following is a copy of the Liocnse: — 
 
 Secbetaby'h Office, Fkedebick-town, 17th July, 1792. 
 
 I d" hereby certify, that David George, a free negro man, has permission from His 
 t)xcellency the Lieutenant Governor, to instruct the black people in the knowledge, 
 and exhort them to the practice, of the Christian religion. 
 
 JON. ODELL, Secbetabt. 
 
HI8T0UY OF THE HAITI8TI4. 
 
 the experience of three of the [Kjople; und they sent to me, entreat- 
 ing me tliut I would not return until I hiwl heen and haptized then;. 
 Two brethren took me to Frederick-town in u boat. I baiii/ed on 
 the Lord'H Day, about 12 o'clock; a great number of jjcople attended. 
 The Governor said he wa8 sorry he could not come down and see it; 
 but he had a great deal of company that day, which also hindered 
 one of his fcrvantn from being baptized. I cjime bsick to St. .Iohn*H, 
 and home to Slu'lhiirne. Then I was «ent for to l*re«ton, it may be 
 four miles fnmi Halifax, over against it on the other side of the 
 river. Five converted persons, who lived there, desired to be bap- 
 tized and join the church. I baptized them and administered the 
 Lord's Supper to them at Preston, and left Brother Hector I'eters, 
 one of my elders, with them. In returning to Shelburne, with about 
 .'30 ])a;-!8engerH, we were blown off into the sea and lost our course. 
 I had no blanket to cover me, and got frost-bitten in both my legs 
 up to my knees, and was so ill when I came towards land that J 
 could not walk. The Church met me at the river side and carried 
 me home. Afterwards, when I could walk a little, I wanted to 
 speak of the Lord's goodness, and the brethren made a wooden 
 aledge, and drew me to meeting. In the s])ring of the year 1 could 
 walk again, but have never been strong since. 
 
 *' The next Fall, Agent (afterwards (Jovernor) (Jlarkson came to 
 Halifax about settling a new colony at Sierra Leone. The white 
 people in Nova Scotia were very unwilling that we should go, though 
 they had been very cj'uel to us, and treated many of us as bad as 
 though Ave had been slaves. They attempted to persuade us, that if 
 we went away, that we should be made slaves again. The l)rethrcn 
 and sisters all around, at St. John'j^, Halifax, and other jdaces, Mr. 
 Wesley's peojde and all, consulted what was best to do, and sent in 
 their names to me, to give to Mr. Clarkson, and I was to tell him 
 that they were willing to go. I carried him their names, and he 
 appointed to meet us at Bircbtown the next day. We gathered 
 together there, in the meeting-house of Brother Moses, a blind man, 
 one of Mr. Wesley's i)reachers. Then the fSovernor read the i)ro- 
 clamation, which contained what was offered, in <?ase we had a mind 
 willingly to go, and the greatest part of us were pleased and agreed 
 to go. We ai)})ointed a day over in Shelburne, when the names 
 were to be given to the Governor. Almost all the Baptists went, 
 except a few of the sisters, whose husbands were inclined to go back 
 to New York, and Sister Lizzie, a Quebec Indian, and Brother Lewis, 
 her husband, who was an half Indian, both of whom were converted 
 
HISTORY OF TlIK HAITIHTS. 25 
 
 under my ministry, and Inwl been })jij)tized by me. Tlicrc ure a few 
 Hcattered Buptirttrf yet at .Shelburne, St. Jobn's, Jones' Harbour, and 
 Ragged Inland, licsidcs tbe (.'ongrcgations I mentioned iKjfore. The 
 meeting-bonse lot, and all our land a< Sbelburne, it may be balf an 
 acre, was Hold to mercbant IJlaek for about i'T. 
 
 *' We dejiarted and called at Liver|)ool, a j>lace I mentioned before. 
 1 j)reacbod a farewell Hcrmoii tliere; I longed to do it. Before I left 
 tbe town. Major Collins, wlio, witb bin wife, used to bear meat tbis 
 jdace, wnii very kind to me, and gave n)G riome salted berringn, 
 wbicb were very acceptable all tbe way to Sierra Leone. We sailed 
 from Liverpool to Halifax, Avbere we tarried tbree or four weeks, 
 and J i)reacbed from bouse to bouse, and my farewell .sermon in 
 Mr. Marcbington's Metbodist meeling-bouse. 
 
 ''()tir passage from Halifax to Sierra Leone avjis seven weeks, in 
 wbicb we bad very stormy weatber. Several i)erson.s died on tbe 
 ■^oyjigc, of a catcbing fever, among wbom were tbree of my Elders, 
 Sanijison Colwell, a loving man, Peter llicbards, andJolin Williams. 
 
 **Tbcre was great joy to sec tbe land. The bigb mountain at 
 fome distance from Freetown, wbere we now live, appeared like a 
 cloud to us. 
 
 **I i)reacbed ibe first Lord's Bay (it was a blessed time) under a 
 sail, and so I did for several weeks after. We tben erected a bovel 
 for a meeting-bou.se, wbicb is made of posts ])ut into tbe ground, 
 and pol(!S over our bead^, wbicb are covered witb grass. Wbilc 
 I was preacbing under tbe sails. Sisters Patty AV'ebb and Lucy 
 Liwrence were converted, and tliey, witb old Sister J*cggy, Brotber 
 Bill Taylor and JJrotber Sanipson Haywood, tbree wbo were 
 awakened Jjcfore tbey canu^ tbis voyage, have since been baptized 
 ill tbe river. 
 
 ''()ii the voyage froju Halifax to Sierra Leone, I asked tbe fiov- 
 ernor if I might not hereafter go to England; and sometime after 
 wearrivetl there, I told him I wished to see the Baptist brethren 
 who live in his counay. He was a \CYy kiiul man to me and to 
 everybody; be is very free and good-natured, and used to come and 
 hear me lu'cacb, and would sometimes sit down at our })rivatc meet- 
 ings; and be liked that I should call my last child by his name. 
 And I sent to Mr. Henry Thornton, — 0! what a blessed man is that! 
 he is brother, father, everything! — be ordered me live guineas, and 
 I have leave to come over. When I came away from Sierra Lcono, 
 1 preached a farewell sermon to the Church, and encouraged them 
 to look to the Lord, and submit one to another, and regard what 1 
 
86 HISTOltV OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 said to tlicm bv my three Elders, ]Jrethren Hector Peters and John 
 Colbert, who are exhorters, and Brother John Ramsay." 
 
 Dr. Benedict's narnitive concindes as follows: — 
 
 *' Mr. George was on a visit to London when he gave this account 
 of himself; he returned to Sierra Leone, not far from the time that 
 Messrs. Radway and Grcgj;: went as missionaries into that country. 
 Whether he is yet alive, and Avhat progress the Baptist cause has 
 had at Sierra Leone, since about 1792, I have not been able to learn. 
 
 If David George bo yet living, he must be upwards of 70 years old. 
 
 The Church at Shelburne was broken up when Mr. George and 
 his followers left the place. There were, however, a few scattered 
 Baptist members left, who were formed into a Church a few years 
 after, by Mr. Burton of Halifax. 
 
 William Taylor and his wife, who are respectfully mentioned in 
 David George's narratiA'c, came from Dr. Rippon's Church in Lon- 
 don, and were, for many years, the principal members in the Church 
 at Shelburne. Mr. Taylor was a wealthy and liberal man. By his 
 generosity, and, it is said, by some considerable assistance from the 
 Church from which he emigrated, this small people built a very 
 commodious meeting-house, which is now in a great measure unoc- 
 cupied. Mr. Taylor died a few years since. During his lifetime 
 he was a deacon of the Church, and had the care of the meeting- 
 liouse. His widow is yet alive. There is yet a small Church in 
 Shelbnme, but without a pastor." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE PLANTISa OF THE EAELY CHUECHES. 
 
 WE find in Benedict's History of the Baptists the following- 
 historic sketch, furnished mainly by the Kev. Edward 
 Manning, who had taken much pains to supply materials for !ho 
 work. As Benedict's History is dated 1813, only a few years after 
 the founding of the first Baptist Association in Nova Scotia, and as 
 Mr. Manning was a prominent actor in the proceedings of that 
 period, and in the formation of the Churches, we take it for granted 
 that the account given, in all its essential features, is correct. We 
 therefore transcribe it in full. 
 
 " At the close of the French War, many families emigrated from 
 New England, and settled in different parts of the two Provinces 
 which, at that time, were all included under the name of Nova 
 Scotia. Among these immigrants were some Baptists; and from 
 that period there have always been a few of the denomination in the 
 country. 
 
 In the year 1763, immediately after the conclusion of the French 
 War, Nathan Mason and wife, Thomas Lewis and wife, Oliver Mason 
 and wife, and a sister by the name of Experience Baker, all of the 
 Second Church in Swansea, Bristol County, Mass., Benjamin Mason 
 and wife, Charles Seamans and wife, and Gilbert Seamans and 
 wife, from some of the neighboring Churches, resolved on removing 
 to Nova Scotia. And with a v' w to i\\rv spiritual benefit, these 
 thirteen persons were formed into a Church on the 21st of Ai)ril, 
 1763, and Nathan Mason was ordained their pastor. Soon after^ 
 this little Church sailed in a body for Nova Scotia, and settled 
 in a place now called Sackville in New Brunswick. Hero they 
 continued almost eight years, enjoying many spiritual blessings, 
 and witnessing much of the goodness of the Lord, in this new 
 and remote situation. Elder Mason labored here with good 
 success, and the little church increased to about sixty members, and 
 Mr. Job Seamans, formerly pastor of the Cluirch in Attleborough, 
 Mass., now of that of New London N. H., Avas converted and 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE BAFTISTS. 
 
 began to preaeli among tliem. But tlie lands and government not 
 meeting their approbation, and finding themselves uncomfortable 
 in other respects;, in 1771, the founders of the emigrating Church, 
 with Elder Mason, removed back again to Mass., and settled at a 
 place called New Providence, now in the township of Ches'nre in 
 Berkshire County. What became of the converts Mr. MasoL ^ef*- 
 behind, I do not find; but it is probable they were scattered and the 
 Church broken up after the founder had left them. Some further 
 account of the Baptists there will he given in its due order. 
 
 HORTON. 
 
 Not long after the settlement of tlie Church in Sackville, an 
 Elder Moulton, from one of tlie New England States, probably from 
 Massachusetts, began to preach at llorton. J lis preaching was 
 attended with success, and in a short time a Church Avas formed 
 consisting of Baptists and Congregationalists. What became of 
 Mr. Moulton I do not liud: but the Church did not enjoy much 
 prosperity, until it was revived under the ministry of Henry Alline. 
 This zealous minister was cordially received among them, and the 
 Church adopted his maxims of discipline. They travelled but a 
 short time, however, in fellowsliip with his New-Light connection, 
 before tliey made choice of a Mr. Piersons, a mitive of England, for 
 their minister, who induced them to give up their mixed communion 
 plan, and settled them on consistent ground [1778]. But in a sliort 
 time, by the influence of one of their deacons, they broke down 
 all their bars, and again admitted unbapiized persons to their com- 
 munion. In this practice they continued until 1809, when a refor- 
 mation was again effected, which is likely to be permanent. 
 
 About fclie year 1790, Elder Piersons removed to llopewell. New 
 Brunswick, where he died sliortly after. 
 
 David George, in sjjcaking of Horton (Church (Ri])pon's Register, 
 Vol. I., p. 481), mentitms that a Mr. Scott was tlieir minister. Ho 
 probably succeeded Mr. Piersons, and continued with them but a 
 short time, liut I can gain no further account of him. 
 
 A few vears after Mr. Piersons' removal, the Church made choice 
 of Elder Theodore S. Uarding for their pastor, in which office ho 
 continues to the present time. He had l)een a Methodist i)reacher, 
 but was baptized and ordained l)y Mr. Burton of Halifax, soon after 
 his settlement in that city. 
 
 NEWPORT. 
 This town received its name from Newport on Rhode Island, from 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 2^ 
 
 •which most of the i)lanters of it emigrated, "While Mr. John Sutton 
 was in Nova Scotia, he preached some time in Newport [1763] and 
 haptized a fe^v persons; but he soon left the country iind returned 
 to New Jersey. 
 
 Shubal Dimock is said to have been one of the principal promo- 
 ters of religion in this town, lie was a native of Mansfield in Con- 
 necticut, and was brought up a Presbyterian, But when he was 
 Imnight into the light of the gospel, he found himself under the 
 : necessity of dissenting from the parish worship; for which he was 
 oppressed and plundered, and this oppression led him to seek an 
 asylum elsewhere. Accordingly in 1760, he removed to Nova Scotia 
 and settled at Falmouth, where he tarried about a year. He then 
 removed to Newport, where he spent the remainder of his days. He 
 became a Baptist [and was immersed by his son Daniel] about the 
 year 1775. lie was a man of eminent piety, and occasionally 
 preached. His eldest son Daniel was a Baptist in sentiment before 
 he left Connecticut, but was not baptized till he settled in Nova 
 Scotia, where the rite was administered to him by Mr. Sutton about 
 1703. This man was also a preacher, and preached until within a 
 few days of hi;? death. Joseph Dimock, pastor of the Church in 
 Chester, is lii." oldest jon. 
 
 The two Dimocks, Shubal and his son Daniel, united with the 
 Church in Horton, but labored much to promote religion in their 
 own town. But it does not appear that any Baptist Church was 
 formed here until the year 1800 [Aug. 17, 1779]. The father died 
 about ten years before this period, and the son about four years 
 after it [1805]. Mixed communion was the prevailing custom 
 among most of . the Nova Scotia Baptists when the church in this 
 town was formed, and it fell in vith the practice, continued it for a 
 short time, and then gave it up. 
 
 The Newport Ciiurch has waded through many trials from its 
 disputes resi)ecting the terms of communion, but more on account 
 of the ill conduct of its late pastor, AVilliam Dclany, whose labours 
 were, for aAvhile, attended with much success, but who, a short timo 
 since, fell into the sin of drunkenness and was excommunicated 
 from the Church [1809], This shipwreck of their i)astor, by caus- 
 ing divisions, had like io have destroyed their visibility as a Church; 
 but they have since recovered, in a good degree, from this painful 
 shock, and although they have no settled minister, bid fair to be one 
 of the most flourishing Churches in the Province. 
 
30 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 \ 
 
 CORNWALLIS. 
 
 The history of this ('hurchwill lead us back to the year 177C, 
 when Henry Alline began his New-Light ministry in Nova Scotia, 
 and established a Cliurcli here upon his plan, over which he was 
 ordained pastor. 
 
 After Henry Alline's death, a Congregational minister of the Xew- 
 Light connection, by the name of [John] Payzant, was ordained to 
 the pastonl office liere, in which situation he continued a number 
 of years, when he removed to the town of Liverpool, where he now 
 resides. Their next, who is also their present pastor, was Rev. 
 Edward Manning, who has furnished me with much information of 
 Nova Scotia, and the following respecting himself. He was ordained 
 as their pastor, Oct. 19, 1795, being then anunbaptized New-Light 
 minister. But his mind soon became disturbed about baptism, and 
 for three years subsequent to his ordination, was much agitated on 
 the subject; during which time he continued a motley mixture of 
 administrations, sometimes immersing, and at other times sprink- 
 ling both adults and infants, constantly endeavouring to prove from 
 the Scriptures the eligibility of his subjects for the ordinance, and 
 the validity of his different administrations. But at length his 
 mind was brought to a stand; the only gospel baptism was clearly 
 exhibited to his view, and he was made willing to obey. He accord- 
 ingly went to Annapolis, and was baptized by the Rev. Thomas H. 
 Chipman, the former pastor of the Church in that place. 
 
 This measure, as might be expected, produced some agitation in 
 the Church, but it was finally agreed that he should continue their 
 pastor, without being obliged to sprinkle any more, either infants 
 or adults; but open communion both pastor and people conscien- 
 tiously maintained. About this time, a very refreshing season was 
 granted to the Church, and many believers were added by being 
 baptized in the gospel mode. 
 
 The Church, however, was far from being harmonious for many 
 years, but was in an agitated and divided state. Mr. Manning was 
 obliged after a few years to relinquish open communion, and in 
 1807, soon after the Church was reformed to its present unmixed 
 and consistent plan, he was led to call in (question the validity of 
 his former ordination. 
 
 This brought on liim a new and peculiar trial, for the brethren 
 were not unanimous in their opinions about the matter. In the 
 midst of their enquiries. Elders Isaac Case and Henry Hale, two 
 missionaries from the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society, 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 31 
 
 came among them; by their advice and assistance a unanimity was 
 obtained, and his ordination was effected [1808]. Since that time 
 they have moved on in order and harmony. 
 
 CHESTER. 
 
 This Church was formed in 1788 upon the open communion plan, 
 most of the members at that time being Congregationalists. One 
 article in their confession was: "We believe baptism to be a 
 divine institution, yet, as there are different opinions as to the 
 subjects and outward administrations of the ordinance, we give free 
 liberty to every member to practise according to the dictates of their 
 consciences, as they profess to be directed by the word of God." 
 
 Different ministers labored among them with success. Rev. 
 John Secomb, a very godly minister of the Congregational order, 
 became their pastor, and continued in that office till his death. 
 Rev. Joseph Dimock, who was then a Baptist minister, and who is 
 now their pastor, made them a number of visits during Mr. 
 Secomb's life, and soon after his death, (viz. : in 1793), he accepted 
 u call and settled among them. Under his ministry they have been 
 & prosperous and generally a happy people. They had however, for 
 a while, some severe trials, occasioned by their disputes about the 
 terms of communion. In 1809, a partial reformation was effectod, 
 go that no more were to be received into the church unless they were 
 baptized. But still a few good people who had not been baptized 
 were admitted to their communion. Thus matters continued until 
 1811, when the reformation was completed, and the church was re- 
 ceived into the Association. 
 
 ARGYLE. 
 
 In this place there was also a Church established by that success- 
 ful planter of Churches, Henry Alline; but it had become broken or 
 dissolved before the present one was erected. 
 
 About 1806, there was a very pleasing and extensive revival in 
 this place, and the present Church was gathered under the ministry 
 of Mr. Enoch Towner, their present minister; their number is about 
 70. One Pedo-Baptist, who is a very old and pious person, is 
 admitted to their communion. The Church generally are convinced 
 of the propriety of unmixed communion, but the old disciple is not 
 inclined to go into the water; and they are waiting, (with patience 
 it is hoped) until some escorting angel shall bear him beyond the 
 bars of communion-tables, and thus complete the reformation which 
 they have brought to such a hopeful period. 
 
32 HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 
 
 HALIFAX. 
 
 This Church was founded by Rev. Jolin Burton, its present jias- 
 tor, in the following manner. Mr. Burton is a native of England, 
 was initiated into the Episcopal Church in infancy, and never 
 entirely left that establishment until he became a Baptist. He was, 
 however, licensed in England as a dissenting minister. He arrived 
 at Halifax May 20th, 1792; but he had no design of tarrying there, 
 for he left England with the intention of settling in the United 
 States. At this time there was a Mr. Marchington in Halifax, who 
 liad built a meeting-house for the Methodists, to which denomina- 
 tion he belonged; but on account of a disagreement between him 
 and the Society, his meeting-house was unoccupied when Mr. Burton 
 arrived. Into this house he was invited, where he preached for 
 more than a year after his arrival in Halifax. 
 
 In the Fall of 1703, Mr. Burton travelled into the United States, 
 and at the town of Knowlton in Xew Jersey, he was baptized in 
 December of this year, and the next month was ordained at the same 
 place. In June, 1794, he returned to Halifax a Baptist minister, 
 to the astonishment of all his friends. He was now entirely .alone, 
 there not being an individual Baptist in the town but himself. Ho 
 continued i>reaching in Mr. March ington's meeting-house until the 
 next year; and by this gentleman he was much befriended until 
 after he had become a Bai)ti8t. But noAV being left without patron- 
 age, his prospects were truly gloomy and discouraging, being low in 
 his temporal circumstances, and almost destitute of the society of 
 his brethren, as the Province was then much overrun with error 
 and enthusiasm, and the few Baptists who were scattered in it were 
 8o much intermixed with the Pedo-Baptist 'New Lights,' that he 
 could have but little fellowship or communion with them. But his 
 prospects soon became more encouraging; liberal helpers were raised 
 up for the supply of himself and family. In a short time a number 
 were bai)tized, and in 1705, a small Church was constituted, which 
 has never been large, but is respectable and well established. A 
 respectable congregation has been collected, from which Mr. Burton 
 receives a comfortable support. They have purchased a lot 35^ by 
 36^, on which they have erected a commodious house of worship, 
 and also a dwelling-house for the accommodation of their pastor. 
 Both of the buildings are of brick; and they, with the lot, cost 
 about £900 in the currency of the Province, which is about 13,600. 
 The meeting-house is about 36^ by 25|^, with galleries. Towards 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 33 
 
 defraying the expenses of this estate, Mr. Burton collected consid- 
 erable sums in different parts of the United States. 
 
 PROMISCUOUS CHURCHES. 
 
 Ik'sidcs the Churches whose history has been given, there are the 
 following in this Province which have established unmixed commu- 
 nion, viz.: Sissil)0(), in the township of Digby, Upper Granville, 
 Lower ({ranvillo, itagged Islands, Clements, Onslow, Amherst, 
 Lnncn))urg, Digby Neck, Nictau, and Wilmot, and a small Church 
 on Jordan and Pleasant Rivers, in a new settlement between Nictau 
 and Liveq>ool. On the Isle of St. John's in the Gulf of St. Law- 
 rence, and which island is attached to the Province of Nova Scotia, 
 there is a small Church under the care of Elder Isaac Bradshaw. Some 
 of these Churches were nearly as old in their beginning, as those 
 whose 111 story has l)een given at large, and were formerly mixed in 
 their communion: others are of later date, and were established at 
 lirst on tlieir present foundation. 
 
 There are also four Churches in this Province, which admit un- 
 baptizod members to their commuuion, viz. : Yarmouth, Argyle, 
 Barriugton, Cockwert. There are also about 20 Baptist members in 
 the town of Liverpool, some of whom are in the communion of a 
 Congregational Church under the pastoral care of a Mr. Payzant. 
 Yarmouth Church is said to consist of almost 300 members: Rev. 
 Harris Harding is their i)astor. It was first planted by Henry 
 Alline. For many years it consisted of Pedo-baptists and Baptists 
 indiscriminately. In 1807, they effected a partial reformation, so 
 that none Ijut Baptists are permitted to sign their articles, and enjoy 
 the privileges of complete membership; but about twenty or thirty 
 Pedo-l)apti8t8 are admitted to their communion. This they call 
 not open, but occasional communioti.'^ 
 
 EARLY CHURCHES IN NEW BRUNSWICK. 
 
 As we have already seen, a Baptist Church was established at 
 Sackville (originally Tantramar) by Elder Mason and his associates 
 from Swansea, in 17G3. The Horton Church, constituted in 1778, 
 claims to be tlie first Baptist Church established in the Maritime 
 J'rovinces, if not in Canada; but according to Benedict's History, 
 the Baptist Church in Sackville, under Elder Mason as their pastor^ 
 was organized fifteen years before the Church in Horton. Tho 
 original members, with their pastor, continued here for about eight 
 years, and then returned to the United States. But Baptist senti- 
 3 
 
34 UISTORY OF TUB BAPTISTS. 
 
 ments bad taken root, and continued to grow. " Two Baptist minis- 
 ters," says Benedict, "' whose names were Windsor and Rounds, 
 are mentioned as having labored here in early times: but how long 
 or with what success we are not told." 
 
 A Mr. Joseph Reed was called to the ministry in this Church. 
 Particulars are not given, but the i)robability is that Mr. Reed was 
 the successor of Mr. Mason. JIo labored here for some years and 
 then removed to llorton, N. S., where he died. 
 
 As the result of these changes, the tirst Baptist Church of Sack- 
 Tille lost its visibility before Henry Ailing' came upon the stage. 
 Under his ministry a revival of religion took place in Sackville, and 
 a Church was constituted on the Congregational plan; but this 
 subsequently was demoralized and scattered. 
 
 When Joseph Crandall, as a young convert to the truth, came to 
 them in the year 1800, in the power and spirit of the gospel, souls 
 were converted and a new Baptist Church was organized. This 
 probably was the first Baptist Church constituted in New Brunswick 
 by "the Fathers." This was thirty-seven years after the establish- 
 ment of a Church in this place by Elder Mason. 
 
 " Though seed lie buried long in dust, 
 It shan't deceive the hope ; 
 The precious grain can ne'er be lost, 
 For grace ensures the crop." 
 
 The Church at Salisbury, over which Father Crandall presided 
 from its commencement till his removal by death, was organized in 
 1800. Likewise the Church at Waterbury or Canning, so long under 
 the effective ministry of Elder Elijah Estabrooks, was constituted 
 in 1800. The Church at Prince William, under the pastorate for 
 many years of Elder Lathrop Uammond, was also established in 
 1800. Not long after came the Churches of Wakefield and Spring- 
 field. These were followed by the rise of the following Churches, 
 viz.: Germain Street, St. John, in 1810, First Keswick in 1812, 
 Fredericton in 1814, Nasliwaak in 1814, St. Martin's about the 
 same time. 
 
 Benedict, who wrote in 1813, speaks of Baptist Churches, in addi- 
 tion to the above, as existing in the following places, viz. : Mauger- 
 ville, Shepody, Woodstock, Kingsclcar, Long Reach, Sussex, St. 
 Mary's, St. George, St. Andrew's, and St. Stephen. He adds: 
 "Very little information has been obtained respecting the time 
 when, or the circumstances under which, these Churches were formed; 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAmSTS. 35 
 
 cxcc]>t that a mimbcr of tliem were gatlicrcd, and others were 
 enlarged and strengthened, by Elders Isaac Case, Henry Hale, 
 Daniel Merrill, and Amos Allen, who travelled hither under the 
 l)atronage of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society." 
 
 Benedict also speaks of a system of error introduced into the 
 (churches l)y New-Light enthusiasm, called " The New Dispenm- 
 Hon."' This system consisted largely in a mystical explanation of 
 tiic Word of God, and in regarding mere animal impulses as the 
 infallible teachings of the Holy Spirit, which must be followed at 
 all hazards. Some of the Baptist teachers Avere, for a time, led 
 astray by these speculative ideas, but subsequently saw their mistake 
 and retraced their steps. 
 
 The date of the organi;:ation of several of the above Churches, as 
 given in our Bap-ist Year Book, does not correspond with the state- 
 ments of Ik'ucdict's History. This may be accounted for in this 
 way. Probably in the transition state of these Churches, several of 
 Iheni lost their visibility, and the present dates are given from the 
 time of their resuscitation. 
 
 The table given on page 42 shows that only five New Brunswick 
 Churches were represented in the first Association up to 1810, viz. : 
 Salis1)ury, Sackville, "Waterbury, Prince William, and Wakefield. 
 
 ( 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE BAPTIST ASSOCIA- 
 TION OF NOVA SCOTIA AND NEW BRUNSWICK. 
 
 *'TN l**'*?,'' sjiys Boiiodict'H History, ''four ministers — whose 
 
 J^ iianics are Payzant, Cliijmiaii, James and Edward Manning — 
 met in Cornwallis, and devised the i)lan of an Association. Accord- 
 ing to their request, six Churclies, by tlieir delegaten, met the next 
 year, among whom were six ministers; and all the Churclies at this 
 time were composed of a mixture of both denominations. The As- 
 sociation was formed, and mixed communion at that day was a thing 
 of course, and continued to be i>ractised in this body for cbven 
 years, namely, until 1800." 
 
 While no Minutes of the first Association were i»ublishcd until 
 1810, the following copy of the Preamble and Rules adopted at the 
 organization in Lower Granville, appears in the "Jubilee Sketch" 
 furnished by Elder S. T. Rand. 
 
 The Association of the Baptist Churches of Nova Scotia and New 
 Brunswick was constituted at a meeting of a number of the ministers 
 and brethren from different Churches, in Granville in the County of 
 Annapolis, on the first Monday after the 20tli of June, 1800, after 
 liaving carefully examined, approved and adopted the following 
 jirinciples and rules, viz. : 
 
 1st. — That such a combination of Churches is not only pnideiit 
 but useful, as has been proved by the experience of many years in 
 England and America. Some of its most obvious benefits arc- 
 union and communion among the several Churches, — maintaining 
 more effectually the faith once delivered to the saints, — obtaining 
 advice and counsel in cases of doubt and difficulty, and assistance 
 in distress, — and in general being better able to promote the cause of 
 God. 
 
 2nd. — That such Association is entirely consistent with the inde- 
 pendence and power of i)articular Churches, because it pretends to 
 
HISTOBY OF rilE BAITISTS. 37 
 
 no other powers tliau those of an advirtory council, utterly dirfcluim- 
 in;,' all Huperiority, jurisdiction, coercive right or infallibility. 
 
 3i(l. — That an Association should consist of men of prudence, 
 ju(l{,'nient and knowledge, particularly in the Scriptures, such men 
 alone being the proper persons to re])rcsent communities which pro- 
 fess to hold the Scriptures as their only rule of faith and practice in 
 matters of religion; and who have a right to expect that every advice, 
 opinion, or direction they receive from an Association, should be 
 scriptural, it being necessary that such persons should be skilful and. 
 expert in the laws of God as counsellors are in the laws of the land: 
 fur tills is the ground of the (.'hurch's application to them. 
 
 RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Rule 1. 
 
 The Xova Scotiu Bai)tist Association shall consist only of messen- 
 gers chosen and sent by the Churches, — such messengers to be the 
 ministers of the said Churches, and such other judicious brethren hh 
 the respective Churches may select; and also such other prudent 
 brethren of like faith and order, as the Association, at the time of 
 its being held, may invite to sit in council with them. The expense 
 of the messengers to be borne by the Churches that send them. 
 
 Rule 2. 
 
 With their messengers, the Churches are to send letters addressed 
 to the Association, in which mention should be made of the names 
 of the messengers, and their authority to act for tiio Churches; of 
 the state of the Churches, — their pcjice and harmony, — their increase 
 by baptism, or letters dismissive or recommendatory, from other 
 Churches, — their diminution by death, excommunication or dismis- 
 sion to other Churches; and their present numljer of meml)ers. If 
 any questions arc to be put to the Association, any ditticulties to be 
 stated, advice to be asked, or business of any kind to be proposed, 
 the same must be set forth and expressed in such letters. 
 
 Rule 3. 
 
 All matters at the Association are to be determined by the suffrage ^ 
 of the messengers composing the body, except such as are plainly 
 determined by Scripture, which are never to be ])ut to the decision 
 of votes. All that speak are to address the Moderator, who is to 
 take care that none be interrupted wliile speaking, and that no other 
 indecorum take place. 
 
3H lirsTOIlY OK TIIK HA1TI9TS. 
 
 JlLLK 4. 
 
 The CIiurcliCH arc to he rcoclved into the Amoc'mt'um by ])C'tition, 
 Hctting fortli tlic'ir faith aiul order, tlioir dc^i. *o be lulmittcd, and 
 \villin;ruc»8 to conform to the rnlcs of tlic uHrtociutod body. WhtMi u 
 j>ctition i.s i)rc.«!('ntcd und the matter is ready for a vote, the Modera- 
 tor Bhall 8tato tlje (jtiostion, and the HutTra^^'c being given in favor of 
 the ai)|»lication, the Moderator whall de'dare tliat 8nch a Clinrch is 
 received into tlic Association, in token of whicli ho iH to give tlio 
 mesBcngerH from the (yhnrcli the right luind of fellowship, and dcsiro 
 them to take their seats in council. 
 
 lU'LE r>. 
 
 The Association is to meet annually on the first Monday aftor the 
 JiOth of June, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, and to continue ii ses- 
 sion until Imsiness is linished. It is to be opened with Divine wor- 
 shijj, after which a Aloderator and Clerks are to bo chosen; the letters 
 from the Churches arc then to be received and read; the names of 
 the messengers to be taken down, and business to bo attended to, and 
 Minutes thereof made. A C'irculai" Letter from the Associatitm to 
 the CliurchoH is to be prepared, signed by the Mod(!rator and Clerk, 
 and sul)niitted to the meeting for their approval, in order to be 
 ]»rinted in the Minutes. The Minutes of the Association to bo 
 ])rinted forthwith, and distributed to the respective Churches. 
 They are to contain the state of the Churches as reported in their 
 letters, — when and by whom vacancies are to be sup})lied, — who is 
 to preach the next Association sermon, and whatever else it may bo 
 useful for the Churches to know. 
 
 lli'LE a. 
 
 Connections to be formed and correspondence to take place be- 
 tween this Association and other Associations in England and Ame- 
 rica, by mutual letters or messengers to them, and from them to us. 
 
 JI11.E 7. 
 
 The Faith and Order of this Association to bo expressed in a 
 Confession of Faith, the same as set forth by ujjwurds of one hund- 
 red congregations in Great Britain in the year 1087, and adopted )>y 
 the Association of Philadelidiia in 174^, some of the leading i»rinci- 
 ples of which are as follows: the imimtation of Adam's sin to his 
 Ijosterity; the inability of man to recover himself; effectual calling 
 
HISTORY OF THE ilAlTISTS. 39 
 
 by Sovereign grace; justification by imputed rightcouHness; immor- 
 »ion for bai)tigni on profcasion of fuith and repentance; the congre- 
 gational mode of wors!ii[» and discipline; and the independence of 
 Churches and reception of members upon evidence of sound con- 
 version. 
 
 Rule 8. 
 
 If any Cliurch belonging to the Association cease to comply with 
 its rules for three succeeding years, in not sending messengers, let- 
 ters, or money to assist in meeting necessary expenses, such Church 
 shall be dropi)ed from the Minutes, and considered as not belonging 
 to the Association, unless peculiar circumstances shall appear to 
 explain <»r justify such omission. 
 
 We learn from the Historic Sketch by Rev, S. DeBlois, that the 
 Hc'oond meeting of the Association was held in Ilorton in 1801. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. James Manning 
 from Ma1a(0ii 2: 7. 
 
 A manuscript document, written by Elder E. Manning, records 
 the doings of the Association at its session in 1803, thus: — 
 
 "I'lio Hajjtist Association met according to appointment, at tho 
 baptist ineeting-houso, Cornwallis, 20th of June, 1802. Sermon by 
 iJro. T. II. Chipman, from (renesis 45: 24, — *'Sec that ye fall not 
 out by the way." (lave general satisfaction. Prayer by Bro. Hard- 
 ing, Exhortation per liro. Orandall. Tho Moderator and Clerk, 
 with the Elders and Messengers, took their seats. Singing, and 
 l)rayer by the Moderator. Chose Bro. Joseph Dimock, Moderator, 
 and Bro, Edward Manning, Clerk. 
 
 Read letters from the following Churches, by their Elders and 
 Messengers, vi;c. : Int liaptifft Church, Annapolis — Elder Thomas 
 II, Chipman; Joseph Fellows and S. Morse, Deacons. 2nd Baptut 
 Church, AnnapoltH — Elder James Manning, and James Delap, 
 Deacon. Baptist Church in liorion — Elder Harding; B. Kinsman 
 and Peter Bishoj), Deacons — numbers, 185. Baptist Church in 
 Neivport — Daniel Dimock, Deacon, messenger. (The letter) expres- 
 sing thanks to the Association for help, and craving more aid. 
 Baptist Church in Sackvillc, JV. B. — Elder J, Crandall; gives infor- 
 mation of their numbers, and craves help. Another branch of said 
 Clmrcli at Salisbury sent per Bro. Crandall another letter, giving 
 some pleasing intelligence. Baptist Church in Dighy. 
 
 Read the plan of the Association, which was carried in its proper 
 
40 HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 
 
 place. Read an Article of the Baptist Confession of Faith respect- 
 ing the Resurrection of the Body; and the Association approved of 
 it. Read two letters from the Baptist Church in Halifax, request- 
 ing the Association to send two ministers to attend the last Sabbath 
 in this month, at the dedication of their meeting-house, and to sup- 
 ply their minister's absence for three months, — and stating the situ- 
 ation of the Baptist Church in Shelburne, and recommending some 
 brother in the ministry to go to their assistance. The Association 
 recommended Bros. Chipman and Edward Manning to go to tlic 
 assistance of the Halifax brethren at the dedication of their House. 
 The Association agreed to recommend to their different Churclies 
 to send to the Halifax brethren assistance in the absence of their 
 minister. 
 
 Agreed that the ordinance of baptism should not be administered 
 to any but those that join the Churches, except in cases wlicre they 
 can not be blessed with such a privilege. 
 
 In answer to the Horton Church, respecting how far the Church 
 shall proceed with a member who is guilty of pul^lic offence, have 
 agreed, if the member be visited according to the gospel, and cited 
 to appear to give an account of his or her proceedings, and tliey fail 
 (to do so), that it is for the honor of God and the liealth of tlic 
 Church to cut them off. The Church in Newport requests assist- 
 ance; several brethren offer to serve them in coui-sc. Tlie Cliurch 
 in Sackville requesls assistance likewise. The Association agree 
 that those who feel themselves at liberty to go, shall visit tliem; 
 and that Bros. Silas Morse and Josc'i)li Fellows, ■•ho preach without 
 ordination, have a certificate from the Association. 
 
 Voted, that the Association sliould be held next year at the Bap- 
 tist meeting-house in tlie lower end of Granville, liro. Joseph Dim- 
 ock to prepare tlie Circular Letter; or, in case of failure, Bro. T. H. 
 Chipman. Bro. Joseph Dimock to preach the introductory sermon; 
 and in case of failure, Bro. Edward Manning." 
 
 The Association met again in Horton in I8O0. But the only 
 record of the proceedings is given in the Historic Sketch quoted 
 above, and reads thus: *' A (jouncil was appointed to advise the 
 Church in Cornwallis in reference to the difficulties about baptism.*' 
 
 We now quote again from Benedict's History: " The Association 
 had now become considerably large; it had enjoyed many })ros])erous 
 seasons, and believers' baptism had almost suj)planted the doctrine 
 of infant sprinkling. Tlie reader will perceive by the i)receding 
 history of the Churches that the terms of communion had been 
 
niSTORY OF THE BAl>nsTS. 41 
 
 previously much agitated among them. Many liad come to a point 
 on the subject; and tlie Association, at its annual session in 1809, 
 found itself so mucli straitened and embarrassed that a vote wfus 
 then i)assed that, for the future, no Church should be considered as 
 belonging to it, whicli admitted of open communion. On account 
 of this vote, four Churches were dj'opped or else withdrew. 
 
 It was a trying circumstance in the minds of man)', to shut their 
 doors against so many of their pious and beloved Pedo-bii tist bretli- 
 ren wlio had so long travelled in communion with th And 
 
 under these delicate circumstances, some were doubtless ove alous 
 in j)usliing the reformation; while others, pr<,ba])ly from the tender- 
 ness of their feelings, declined promoting u measure of the propriety 
 of wliich they were most fully convinced. 
 
 Some of these persons said to their brethren, * Do not wait for us, 
 but go forward and do your duty, and leave us to do ours.' And 
 many of these who had long been halting, and who felt in a measure 
 easy in their minds, while their baptized brethren sanctioned their 
 neglect by admitting them to the same Church privileges with them- 
 selves, now were awakened to a sense of their duty, came forward, 
 and were l)aptized. 
 
 Many wlio had l)ecn for a long time embarrassed were now re- 
 lieved, and viewed themselves as standing on tenable ground; and 
 many individuals tliroughout tlie country, and tlie whole Church at 
 Halifax, who had refused communing iind associating with tho 
 mixed communion connexion, as soon as they were reformed, most 
 cordially united Avith them. 
 
 The discipline of the Churches has been much better regulated on 
 the new plan than on the old one." 
 
 SKETCH OF THE ASSOCIATION FUOM 1810 TO 1821. 
 
 The X. S. and X. B. Association met at Sackville, N. B., Juno 
 25, 1810, and for the first time, so far as we know, published Min- 
 utes of the proceedings. From these we learn how denominational 
 business was conducted seventy years ago. 
 
 "1. At 10 o'clock, A. M., Introductory Sermon by Brother 
 Danikl Mkrrill, from Rev. 20: 1, 2, 3. 
 
 2. Inl roductory prayer by Brother Theodore S. IIakdincj. 
 
 3. Chose Brother Theodore S. Harding, Moderator. 
 
 4. ('hose Brotlier Thomas Axsley, Scribe; and Brother William 
 FuEEMAX, Assistajit. 
 
42 
 
 IIISTOUT OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 5. Voted that Brothers D. Merrill and H. Hale, Messengers 
 from tlic Lineohi Association (Me.), take a seat with us. 
 
 6. Read Letters from several Churches, and took the following 
 account of members added, dismissed, excluded, and who died the 
 year past, and the present number in each Church: 
 
 ClIUKCIIES. 
 
 Elders and Messengers. 
 
 *. 
 
 • 
 
 o 
 
 < 
 
 • 
 
 IS 
 
 • 
 
 o 
 "a 
 
 
 h3 
 
 Dijrbv 
 
 James Manning 
 
 44 
 14 
 11 
 
 37 
 
 5G 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 G3 
 
 j^ '^ ■-'J ,•••• ....••.■..♦ 
 Lower Granville, 
 
 do. do 
 
 GO 
 
 Upper Granville, 
 
 Cornwallis, 
 
 Thomas Ansley, 
 
 Edward Manning 
 
 55 
 50 
 
 Horton 
 
 Theodore S. Harding, . . 
 PjDmuni) J. Reis, 
 
 4 
 
 • • 
 
 
 270 
 
 
 
 
 Peter Bishop 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 John Burnham, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Newport 
 
 William Smith 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 90 
 
 
 Georsfc Dimock 
 
 
 Onslow, 
 
 Nathan Cleaveland, . . . 
 Thomas Lynds, 
 
 
 
 
 
 36 
 
 Amherst 
 
 Thomas S. Black, 
 
 William Freeman 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 Diffbv Neck 
 
 Peter Crandall 
 
 
 
 
 
 G9 
 
 Salisbury, N. B., 
 
 8ackville, N. B., 
 
 William Sinton, 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 46 
 
 Joseph Crandall, 
 
 55 
 
 
 JoNATi{AN Cole, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 William Lawrence, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Joseph Reed 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Waterbury, N. B 
 
 Prince William, N. B.,. 
 Wakefield, N. B........ 
 
 Elijah Estabrooks, 
 
 L. ILimmond, 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 50 
 37 
 
 2'^ 
 
 
 
 84 
 
 95 
 
 8 
 
 G 
 
 924 
 
 Tuesday Morning, June 26. 
 
 7. Prayer meeting tliis morning at G o'clock. It was a refresh- 
 ing time from the prc,«once of the Lord. 
 
 8. At 10 o'clock Elder Daniel Merrill preached from Matt. , 19: 
 19, 20. 
 
 After concluding the exercises of the morning, we proceeded to 
 the business of the present session. 
 
 0. The Circular Letter, written by Elder J. Crandall, was read 
 and accepted. 
 
IIISTOllY or THE JJAFTISTS. 43^ 
 
 10. Yotiu chat Elder E. Manning and Elder T. 8. Harding sup- 
 ply the Church at Newport. 
 
 11. In answer to the Church of Salisbury, voted — 1st, that u 
 Day of Fasting and Prayer bo appointed, and that those brethren 
 who stand opi>oscd to the order of God's House, be invited to attend 
 to the same. 
 
 l;i. 2nd — Voted, that a Church meeting l)C appointed, and breth- 
 ren chosen to visit, advise, admonish, and exhort, in meekness and 
 much love, the above described brethren. Sliould their endeavours 
 prove fruitless, it is our advice to exclude them. 
 
 V). Votedj that Brother Hammond be examined as a candidate 
 for ordination. 
 
 14. Considering the difficulties attending the ordination at Princa 
 William, should Brother L. Hammond be thought a proper candi- 
 date, we vote that he should be ordained here. 
 
 15. Voted, Elder J. Manning supply the first Baptist Church of 
 Digby. 
 
 10. Voted, the Association be held next year at Onslow. 
 
 17. Voted, Elder T. S. Harding write the Circular Letter. 
 
 18. A'otcd, Elder T. Ansley write the Corresponding Letter. 
 
 19. Brethren E. Manning and T. Ansley are appointed Messen- 
 gers to the Lincoln Association. 
 
 20. Appointed Brother E. Manning to preach the Introductory 
 Sermon, in case of failure, Brotlicr J. Crandall. 
 
 21. Voted, that 600 copies of the Minutes, Circular and Corres- 
 ponding Letters, be printed. 
 
 22. Brethren E. Manning and T. 8. Harding to superintend the 
 printing of the Minutes and Ixstters; and they must distribute them 
 by the middle of next August. 
 
 23. Voted, that the Articles of the Lincoln Association be recom- 
 mended to the Churches in connection with us, to be adopted by 
 tliom. 
 
 24. Voted, ten dollars be given to ' h Messenger appointed to 
 go to the Lincoln Association, to help to bear their charges. 
 
 25. Voted, Elder J. Crandall shall receive the same for his attend- 
 ance last year. 
 
 20. Examined Brother L. Hammond, and received satisfaction; 
 and wc consider him a proper subject of ordination. 
 
 27. Met at G 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. 
 
44 HISTORY OF THE iJAITlSTS. 
 
 Merrill. When the hands of the Elders were kid on the head of 
 the candidate, Brother J. Orandall poured out his soul in prayer to 
 God. The Right Hand of Fellowship Avas given by Brother Edward 
 Manning. The concluding prayer by Elder Ilale." 
 
 OOREESPONDINCI LETTER. 
 
 Tlie Nova Scotia and Kew Brunsioich AHSOciation coiivencd at SacTc- 
 ville, N. B., Jutieiio and 26, 1810, to our Corresponding Associa- 
 tion, sendeth Christian salutation. 
 
 Dearly Beloved Brethren in the Lord, — Our hearts were 
 made glad by the good intelligence ])rought to us by your Messen- 
 gers and Minutes, informing us of your good order and steadfastness 
 in the faith of the Gospel, and the numbers added to you. May 
 your hearts continue to be fired with ardent zeal to make known the 
 honour and victories of the Cross, until thousands and tens of 
 thousands Ije brought in delightful harmony to receive Jesus of 
 Nazaretli as their Prophet, Priest and King. Brethren, wo 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 lie is giving us 
 an increasing unanimity of sentiment in the lively Oracles of God. 
 Our Minutes will also inform you of our additions. Our present 
 interview has been delightful 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 convention. We also wish for a 
 continuance of your profitable correspondence. 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. 
 
 We give the above record of 1810 Just as we find it, Avithout re- 
 construction or correction, omitting only the Circular Jjetter, so 
 that our readers may have a just conception of the mental discip- 
 line of the Fathers seventy years ago. It will be seen that notliing 
 was said in that Association about Home or Foreign Missions, Sun- 
 «day Schools, or Education, &c. It was emphatically a transition 
 state. 
 
 1. These jxjople were converted to God. 
 
 2. They organized churches. 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 45 
 
 3. These Clmrclies, as light increased, were found to be imper- 
 fectly constructed. 
 
 4. The next thing to do was to come into gospel order. 
 
 5. When the Churches were reconstructed they proceeded to 
 organize their Association on a correct basis. . 
 
 This they did in 1809; and in 1810, as we have seen, they pub- 
 lished their records. But the reconstruction did not embrace all. 
 Ilcnce the struggle and the contest, as indicated by the Circular 
 Letter. But substantial work was done, and valuable aid was ren- 
 dered by the Massachusetts Baptist Home Missionary Society, which 
 then covered what is now the State of Maine. The missionaries to 
 the Provinces were Elders Case, Hale, and Merrill. It will be seen 
 tliut the last two were present at the Association of 1810, and 
 rendered important service. 
 
 The following letter from the Kev. Daniel Men-ill to the editor of 
 the American Baptist Magazine will be read with interest in this 
 connection. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER 
 
 FROM THE REV. DANIEL MERRILL, TO THE EDITOR OF THE 
 "AMERICAN RAPTIST MAGAZINE." 
 
 Sedgwick, Maine, Aug. 17, 1810. 
 My Dear Brother, — 
 
 A fortnight to-day, I returned from my eastern expedition. My 
 route lay through part of his Britannic Majesty's dominions, and 
 hard ]>y some of the strongholds of Satan; I was everywhere, how- 
 ever, received with sufficient attention and civility. 
 
 It was very pleasing to me to behold my beloved brethren of Nova 
 Scotia and New Brunswick, who have so lately emerged into gospel 
 liberty, so expert in discipline, so determined in Christian order and 
 communion, and so well marshalled in battle array. They appear, 
 in a very good degree, like veterans, whilst they are, in age, but 
 very cliildren. Fourteen years only have elapsed since but one lap- 
 tized Church was to be found in both Provinces. Now they can 
 count nearly forty, and some of them are large and flourishing. 
 
 Their Association, which I visited as a Messenger from the Lin- 
 coln Association, Avas liolden at Sackville on the 25th and 2Gth of 
 June. It Avas a good season. Tokens of the Chief Shepherd's 
 kindness and presence appeared sjjecially manifest. The Elders and 
 Messengers of the Churches were solemn, cheerful, and of good 
 courage. The letters from the different Churches were refreshing, 
 
46 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 and fraught witli much good news. In one County (Annapolis, if I 
 mistake not,) between two and tlirec hundred had })ut on Christ the 
 I)resent year, by being baptized into Him. l}al)ylon appears to be 
 in full retreat; yet her pursuers should be very wary, for she is A'ery 
 subtle, and by no means in a very good mood. She thrust one of 
 Christ's ministers into 2)rison, the week before I left those regions; 
 and their evil eye was fixed on Bro. Ilale, to take him the same 
 week; but he being a "Gospel Ranker," they were not and I pre- 
 sume they will not be able to incarcerate him. 
 
 Zion's God is so generally lengthening her cords, and making her 
 stakes stronger, that I cannot in one short letter descend to particu- 
 lars, witliout leaving the larger half behind. However, that my 
 letter be not altogether in generals, I Avill particularize a few 
 instances. 
 
 I will begin with Brier Island. The place was notorious for irre- 
 
 ligion, perhaps as much so in projmrtion to i's magnitude, as was 
 
 Sodom on the morning of Lot's escape. Last Autumn or Winter, 
 
 Bro. Peter Crandall visited the Island, and preached to as many of 
 
 the shy islanders as he could collect within hearing of his voice. 
 
 He was threatened with death if he ventured to preach on this Island 
 
 again. However, he loved their salvation more than he feared their 
 
 threatenings; he ventured, — the people collected, — he spoke, and 
 
 the Lord spoke too. At a late hour the assembly was dismissed. 
 
 He retired, but ere soft sleep had closed his eyes, a messenger 
 
 requested he would visit a house distrcst. Without gainsaying he 
 
 arose and followed him. Whilst on his way, in the first house he 
 
 jmssed, he discovered a light; it came into his mind Just to call and 
 
 see how they did. He found them in the agonies of dying unto sin, 
 
 — an household distrest for sins committed and salvation infinitely 
 
 needed. He saw their anguish, manifestly such as all must feel or 
 
 die forever; and observing their exercises and situation such as he 
 
 judged not expedient to l)e interrupted, retired in silence. The next 
 
 house he found and left in a very similar condition. Going a little 
 
 further, he heard a person in the field, manifesting by his sighs and 
 
 groans, bitterness of spirit. Mr. Crandall turned aside, and in silent 
 
 wonder beheld, and left the sin-sick man. He was soon at the 
 
 house whence they had sent for him. Here he found a company 
 
 sorely opprest witli their load of sin, burdened by it, and longing to 
 
 be free. Here he broke silence, and pointed dying sinners to a 
 
 living Saviour. On this never-to-be-forgotten Island, in sixteen of 
 
 the eighteen families which reside on it, were thirty-three hopefully 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 47 
 
 horn from above. The reformation had reached the main, so that 
 whcu I saw him, he had baptized between fifty and an hundred. 
 
 Before this shall reach you, Brother Hale's to Brother Collier will 
 probably be handed to you. 
 
 In addition to what he has communicated, I will add that he has 
 given but a very modest account of what the Lord hath wrought at 
 Bclit-le Bay by him. I know not whether I ever saw or heard of any 
 one garrison being so largely harassed by a single gospel ranger in 
 the compass of one campaign, and that too a winter one. It is true 
 Brotlicr Ansley, who is no mean soldier, was there one evening, in 
 which the Lord wrought wonderfully. An account of this evening, 
 with one preceding it, is nearly as much as I have now time to 
 relate. 
 
 On an evening preceding the two, and in which Brother Hale 
 delivered his first discourse to the then idle jjcople on Belisle Bay, a 
 Polly Davis was arrested by the Spirit of Truth, and before the next 
 rising sun, was set at liberty. The next day being a militia muster, 
 the young men came to see their changed associate, and wondered 
 at but luited the change. 
 
 Aiiotlier lecture was appointed for tlic following evening. Not 
 far from the time of meeting, two of the foremost youn^ien, taking 
 the inn on tlieir way, called for half a pint of ardent spirits each and 
 drank it, observing that they would raise the devil at the meeting. 
 The religious exercises began, and sleep i)revailed over the young 
 men, till little more was to be heard. However, they awoke from 
 their drunkenness, and in season to hear a sentence or two, and 
 what they heard was as a nail in a sure place. They had rest no 
 more until they found it in believing. Soon after this, at an evening 
 lecture, Brother Ansley preached; and when Brother Hale had ob- 
 served what he judged expedient, and the assembly were dismissed, 
 the people all sat down. A solemn silence now prevailed for nearly 
 an hour, when a young woman about twenty, who had been baptized 
 about two years before, arose and, filled with a sense of her back- 
 sliding heart, spake in such a feeling and solemn manner as greatly 
 to affect the whole assembly. It was now a time of weeping, mourn- 
 ing, and lamentation. The saving health of our Immanuel soon 
 appeared in healing the broken-hearted, and netting tlie poor cap- 
 tives free. Before the morning light, nine young converts were 
 chanting forth their young hosannas. 
 
 You can hardly imagine how suddenly and deeply these things 
 waked the enemies of reformation, and roused all their powers of 
 
48 JIISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 
 
 opposition. Tlio Church Priest now visited where he had never 
 walked before. The dialogues between him and his now converted 
 but heretofore deluded parishioners, would be sufficiently entertain- 
 ing had I time to relate them. 
 
 From Belisle Bay I came down the river to the City of St. John, 
 where I preached three times, — twice on the commons, — and baj)- 
 tized one worthy nuin and two honorable women. 
 
 In bonds of perpetual f ; udship, I am sincerely yours, 
 
 Daniel Meruill. 
 
 This Mr. Merrill has an interesting history. Before he became a 
 Baptist, he Avas the esteemed pastor of a large Congregational Church 
 in Sedgwick, Maine. He became troubled in his conscience on the 
 subject of hcUevers'' baptism. He examined the Scriptures, read 
 Pedo-baptist books, and adoj)ted various methods to banish his 
 doubts regarding the validity of infant baptism; but all this was 
 unavailing. His perplexities increased, but he could not endure the 
 thought of renouncing the faith of his fathers, and l)ecoming a des- 
 pised Baptist. In his trouble he })rayed earnestly *' Lord make me 
 anything p^it a Baptist/' but the truth pressed his conscience until 
 he cried in deep anguish of spirit before the mercy seat, " Lord 
 maheme amjtiiing Thou ivouldst have me to he, even if it he a Baptists 
 As might be expected, soon he felt constrained by God's word to 
 embrace with his Avholc heart the doctrine of believers' baptism, as 
 maintained by us. He accordingly jjreached seven sermons to his 
 Church, giving his reasons for this change in his religious opinions, 
 und putting forth such a chain of Scriptural argument as produced 
 a powerful impression upon his people. The result was that Mr. 
 Merrill, his wife, and other members of his Church, numbering in 
 all sixty-six, Avere l)uried in baptism. May 13th, 1805, by Dr. Bald- 
 win, of Boston; nineteen more were baptized the day following, and 
 the whole were formed into a Baptist Church, and Mr. Merrill was 
 ordained their ])astor. The members of this Congregational Church 
 continued to repair to the water until about one hundred and twenty 
 of them were l)aptized. The sermons i)reached by Mr. Merrill on 
 the subject of baptism, passed through several editions and were ex- 
 tensively useful. It seemed a fortunate circumstance that one so 
 eminently qualified to teach should, in the providence of God, have 
 been chosen to instruct the young converts in the Provinces, and to 
 guide the infant Churches to a more thorough knowledge of gospel 
 doctrine, precept and practice. 
 
HI8T0KY OF THE BAITISTS. 49 
 
 111 1811 , the Association met at Onslow, with Brother T. S. Harding 
 as Moderator, and Rev. E. Manning as Clerk. Introductory sermon 
 by llcv. Edward Manning. Four Churches were added, viz. : 
 the Baptist Churches of Halifax, Wilmot, Chester, and S])ringfield. 
 AVhulc membership, 1221. 
 
 In 1812, the Association held its anniversary with the Church at 
 Upper (iranville. Introductory sermon by Rev. Josei)h Crandall. 
 Ri'v. John Burton chosen Moderator, and Rev. E. Manning, Clerk. 
 The liiijitized Churches of St. John, New Canaan and Lunenburg 
 re(pu'stod, l)y letters, admission into the Association, and were 
 unanimously received. Total membershi]), 1371. 
 
 The Minutes of 1813 say that the Association was held at the 
 Ba])tist Meeting-house in Sheffield, N. B. (now known as Water- 
 bury). Elder Edward Manning preached the introductory sermon, 
 (lod's gracious i)resence was manifested. Elder Joseph Crandall was 
 chosen Moderator; William Sinton,' Clerk. The baptized Churches 
 of Madanikisway (Keswick) and St. Mary's were, l)y a unanimous 
 vote, received. Total membership, 1005. 
 
 In 1814, the Association was held with the Church in Chester. 
 Brother Thomas Ansley delivered the introductory sermon. Rev. 
 E. Manning chosen Moderator, and Bro. William Chipman, Clerk. 
 The Baptist Church of Fredericton, by their own request, was ad- 
 mitted into the Association. We see that the Church of St. Mar- 
 tin's appears this year for the first time ui)on the Minutes. It was 
 probably organized in 1813. Brother Edmund J. Reis preached on 
 Tuesday morning from Prov. 13: 15. *' A contribution was made 
 for the poor heathen, to be sent to the Treasurer of the Auxiliary 
 Bible Society of Halifax, and forwarded by that Society. Amount 
 received, £S 13s. " — $34. 00. This may be regarded as the commence- 
 
 MEXT OF OUR FOKEIGK MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE. 
 
 In compliance with a request from the Church in Chester, Breth- 
 ren Joseph Crandall and Samuel Bancroft were commissioned to 
 l>reach the gospel to the people on the shore to the eastward of 
 Chester, each to receive five shillings per day, during three months^ 
 and the Association pledges to see it paid. T'his is the first system- 
 atic EFFORT OF THE FATHERS IN THE IIOME MISSION DEPARTMENT. 
 
 Prior to this, they had all been missionaries in turn, but under no 
 direction by any organization: and no one was pledged to see them 
 paid for their services: but from this time forward, men were sent 
 forth to do mission work. Then we should further note that Home 
 and Foreign ]Missions were commenced in the same year by the- 
 
fiO HISTORY OF THE HAPTISTa. 
 
 Fathers, showing that they regarded tliem as twin sisters in the great 
 work of sjiving souls. Brotlier Holmes Chipman was appointed 
 Treasurer of money collected. Total membership, as reported, 1494. 
 
 In 1815, the anniversary was held with the Cornwallis (!hurch. 
 Introductory sermon by Father Joseph Dimock. Elder J. Dimock 
 €hosen Moderator, and Elder E. J. Reis, Clerk. An api)ropriate mis- 
 sionary sermon was prea(!hcd l)y Brother Edmund .1. lieis from the 
 passage in Jonah, "Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and 
 ])reach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.'' ''A refreshing time 
 from the jtresence of the Lord.*' A liberal contribution was taken 
 up for sending a missionary to the eastward of Halifax, amounting 
 to £29 13s., or 1118.00. The collections of these modern times, at 
 our great anniversaries, are small in j)ro})ortion to this contribution 
 for Home Missions made by the Fathers s.'xty-tive years ago. 
 
 **In answer to the Church of Chester, voted that the Baptist 
 Catechism should be procured, and recommended ti) the Churches 
 in connection, to be used by their members in the education of their 
 children.*' 
 
 We are not told by whom this Catechism was prepared; but we 
 doubt not it was sound in the faith; and the resolution indicates 
 that the Fathers believed in properly training the children in the 
 right ways of the Lord. A great need of our Churches and of our 
 families of the present day is a Baptist Catechism, all sparkling with 
 the truth of Cod. 
 
 " In answer to the request of the Church of St. John, that a Code 
 of Discipline might be adopted and recommended to the Churches 
 in connection, — 
 
 Vo*'>d, That a Committee should be ai)])ointcd to draw up a Code 
 of Dii-cipline, for which the following brethren were chosen: — 
 Joseph Dimock, Edward Manning, William Chipman, Joseph Cran- 
 dall, and Thomas Ansley." 
 
 " Voted, That the Association is considered a Missionary Society, 
 and with them is left the whole manngcmcnt of the Mission business." 
 
 This is the fikst kegui.ae Missrox.viiY Society coxstituted uy 
 THE Fatiieus. Jo.seph Crandall and James Mir.iro were appointed 
 missionaries to the east of Halifax; and the Treasurer, Holmes 
 Chipman, was directed to pay each the sum of forty dollars out of 
 the fund. Total membership, 1207. 
 
 The Association met at Nictaux in 181(5. Rev. Joseph Crandall 
 preached the introductory sermon. Brother Joseph Dimock, Modcr- 
 iitor, and Brother James Munro, Clerk. A liberal collection was 
 
IIIHTOUY OF TlIK UAITISTS. 61 
 
 made for tlic imrposc of rcnewinf^ the Mission on the shores of Nova 
 Scotia, cast of llaiifiix, and also for extending miBsionary exertion 
 <»n the Northern shores of the IVovince of New IJrunswick. !Mem- 
 l)crshii> reduced to 003. 
 
 At, tliis session, .lanu's Munro was present as a candidate for ordi- 
 nation. After a satisfactory examination, lie was set a])art l)y the 
 layijifi; on of liands. Ordination sermon by Ehler E. Planning. 
 
 1817. The Association was lield at Frederieton. Introductory 
 sermon ])y Kev. Josej)!! Dimock. lirotlier J. Dimock cliosen Moder- 
 utor, and Brother James Munro, Clerk. Menibers.'iip, 1104. Home 
 Minsionary etiorts stron<(ly commended. 
 
 ISIS. The Association asscnihled at Newport. Uev. Josc])h 
 Crandall preached the Association sermon, ''much to the satisfac- 
 tion of the Association generally."' liro. Josei)h Dimock chosen 
 Moderator, and liro. E. Manning, Clerk. Membership rejiorted, 
 VM't. Brother Houghton delivered an aj)propriate sermon, having 
 reference to Missions; ut the close of which a collection was taken, 
 amounting to fifty-six dollars. 
 
 A Committee was appointed to superintend the missionary con- 
 cerns of the Provinces, consisting of Brethren T. II. Chipman, Ed- 
 ward Manning, T. S. Harding, Simon Fitch, Daniel Lockhart, 
 Cieorge Dimock, and William CMiijmian. This arrangement indi- 
 cates a more orderly management of missionary affairs. The 
 whole amou!it collected this year for Home Missions, was £40 12s. 
 2d., or *1 80.44, — very large, in com])ariKon with our modern 
 contributions. 
 
 '' Employed Brother T. Ansley for eight weeks to the eastward of 
 Halifax; Bro. David Harris eight weeks on the North Shore, on the 
 south banks of the Kiver St. Lawrence; and Brother James Munro 
 for eight weeks to the destitute up the River St. John. It was also 
 agreed that each missionary should receive ton dollars per week, and 
 all ex])enses borne, and that they account for all moneys received 
 to the Committee; but this does not apply to any articles of clothing 
 given to the missionary or his family.'" 
 
 1810. The Association met in (Jermain Street, St. John. Num- 
 ber of members of Churches reported, 1570. Brother David Nutter 
 a])|)eare(l before the Ijody as ii candidate for ordination, an<l gave the 
 most satisfactory evidence of his call and ([tndifications for the min- 
 li^try. Ordination sermon by Elder Harding. Laying on of hands by 
 Elders Chipman, Manning, Harding, Ansley, Crandall, Drinkwater, 
 and Dimock. Consecrating prayer by Elder Chipman; charge by 
 
08 HISTOIIV OF THE HArTIHTS. 
 
 Elder Manning; Imnd of fi'llow.^lii]) by Elder Drinkwuter ; con- 
 cluding i)rny('i' l»y Elder Cnindiill. 
 
 Collections for ini^Hioniiry ])ur|)osc8 on the incrciwe. More mi»- 
 »<ionurie.s jii)]»ointed. Eiders Diniock and Nutter and Dt-ncon Floyd 
 were npifointcd a (/oniniittee to coun.'<el and assist the Church at St. 
 Martins, as their ease may re(|uire. 
 
 1820. The Assoeiatioii anniversary was held at Saekville, N. B. 
 •Sermon by KMer E. Manning, Elder J. Munro, Moderator; Elder 
 C Tupper, (.'lerk. Mend»ershi]» of the C'hurehes increased to K'85. 
 The Churches of Windsor and Miramiehi added. Bro. Samuel Mc- 
 Cully aj)i)eared m u candidate for ordination, and aftc-r a careful 
 examination, he was set apart in the usual way. 
 
 "Voted, That Elders K. Manning, D. Harris, ami Brethren 11. 
 Chipman and AVilliam (hipman be our Committee to su|»erintend 
 missionary concerns in Nt»va Scotia. Als(», Elders B. Seott, E. 
 Estabrooks, T. S. Harding, and Jtrethren T. rettingell, W. Wilmot, 
 J. Drake, and J. King, in Xew Brunswick." 
 
 TUs was the first Board ajtpointed for Home Mis!<lon» i)i Xettr 
 Jirunswickvi>:\)Qv\i\\\)-. Elder T. H. Harding was ut that time officia- 
 ting in Fredcricton, and therefore was jdaccd upon the new Board. 
 
 William Wilmot, one of the Board, Avas vlie father of the Hon. 
 L. A. AVilmot, late fiovernor of Xew lirunswick. He Avas a J?ai)tist 
 local i)reacher, and Mas a man of strong intellectual capabilities. 
 The son inherited the father's gifts. 
 
 The Association in 1820 recommended the observance of the 25th 
 of December, as a day of Thanksgiving; the Ist of January as a day 
 of Fasting and Prayer; and the first Monday evening of every month 
 as a season of special prayer for the success of the (Josiiel. 
 
 The Female Mite Society of the Cermain Street Chunjh, St. 
 John, contributed for Missions this year, £lo .'Is. Td. (st'OO.;,?.) The 
 Church Avas small and engaged in building its first house f'oi' the 
 worship of (lod; but their contribution to the cause (»r Missions 
 indicates the depth of their piety and their carnestJiess in wending 
 the gospel to the destitute. 
 
 A re([uest came from the Church at Miramiehi, for the ordination 
 of Brethren T. Ilol)ertson and Charles Millar. After careful exami- 
 nation, these two brethren Avere set apart to the ministry of the 
 word. 
 
 1821. The Association Avas held at Onslow. Sermon by Rev. 
 William Elder. Kca-. E. Manning, Moderator; Brother Elder, Clerks 
 The mcmbershi]) had reached 1827. 
 
III.'STOUY OF TIIK BAIT18TH. 63 
 
 A( the rc'iiuost of a nuinl>cr of brctlireii from New Brimswick, it 
 Will* iiiiiiniinously ii^^recd tliut thirf AsHociatioii be divided, and that 
 t\u' line winch seimrateH Xew lirunswiek from Nova Scotia be tlio 
 dividing' line, 'Fhat the Ni:\v liurxswK k Haitist Asssociation 
 meet on the lir^l Mondav in Julv, 182:;^. 
 
 This was a vijry injportaiit niovemeni, and we doubt not the intor- 
 t'sts of the denomination demanded it. 
 
 HKKT('}[ OF THE N. H, AHSOCIATION FROM 1822 TO 1827. 
 
 The ?Sova Scotia Association held its first rtcssion as sucli, in 1832, 
 at Iforton. The mendjersliiji n^jtortcd is reduced to 1401. Klder 
 T. S. Hardin;.', the i)reacher; Elder J. Mnnro, >roderator; Elder 0. 
 Tujiper, Clerk. 
 
 "The followin"; <)iie8tion was proposed by the (Vmiwallis Cliurch: 
 Would it be considered for the ^dory of (iod, and for the Jiealth and 
 pciw:e of Zion, for any one Church in this connection, to proceed to 
 ordain any candidate for tlie Gosjicl ministry, without calling a 
 (Jonncil from sister (nuirches, where such Council could conveni- 
 ently be procured?" 
 
 '* Answer:— Wo conclude, that though we admit the right of 
 every Church of (Hirist to choose its otticers; yet it appears to us 
 highly imi)roi»er for any Church, travelling in an associated capacity 
 with others, to proceed to the ordination <»f a minister, without the 
 advice and assistance of sister ( 'hurches. AVe would also recommend 
 to Churches and ministers to be careful not to recommend any man 
 as a preacher, Avith whose character they are not well ac(piainted. 
 We would also advise ministers. Churches and private Christians, in 
 this day, when error in principle and immorality m practice so much 
 prevail, not to receive or encourage any man in tln^ character of a 
 preacher, who is not well recommended for soundness in the faith 
 and ]U'actice of tlie (lospel.'' 
 
 This wholesome advice is Just as imjiortant and as necessary in 
 1880 as it was in 1823; and minukrH, CJmrdicH nnd private Chris- 
 tian.^ will do well to take good heed tliereto. 
 
 "Mite Societies" were now in healthful progress in several 
 Churches. The one at Windsor, where the ('hurch num'^ered only 
 :J8 members, contributed £U 10s. ;Jd.,— or J^CJO.Sfl, to t. Mission 
 cause. A proportionate liberality at the present time, ou the part 
 of all the Churches, would fill the coffers of the denomination to 
 repletion. 
 
 Brother Ceorge Richardson appears for the first time in the list of 
 
54 UISTOBl OF THE BAITLST.S. 
 
 ordained ministers, having received ordination at llanmiond'.s Plains 
 in tliis year. 
 
 182,'5. The Association met at Clements. Sermon hv Elder David 
 Nutter. Kev. AVilliam Elder, Moderator. Elder Uobert Davis, 
 Clerk. Membersliip, 14.')!. 
 
 Elder Isaac Case, from Bodenham Associaticm, preached tho 
 opening sermon. The session was j)artieularly crowned with tho 
 Divine i)resence, saints were comforted, and the attention of sinners 
 awakened to the consideration of eternal realities. 
 
 1824. This vear the Association met at Cornwallis. Sermon by 
 Elder Joseph ])imock. Moderator, AVilliam Elder. Clerk, Iild ward 
 Manning. Membership, 154."). 
 
 1825. The Association held at Amherst. Sermon l>y Kev. T. S. 
 Harding. Elder Joseph Dimock, Moderator. Elder Charles Tu])- 
 pcr, Clerk. Memberslii]) of the Churches, 1580. 
 
 *• Voted, to re(|uest the Baptist Association of New lirnnswick to 
 .^ unite with us in the publication of a Eeligious Periodical Magazine; 
 and appointed Elders J. Munro, C. Tui)per, and S. McCully, a 
 Committee to prepare a letter, to be addressed to them, on the 
 subject." This was the inceitiox of orii Dexomixatioxal Press. 
 Our Fathers saw, at this early stage of their history, that such a 
 medium for the communication of intelligence, and for the inter- 
 change of thought, was absolutely necessary to unity of action in 
 denominational work. 
 
 182G. The annual session was held at Wilmot. Sermon by 
 Elder Jjimes Munro. Elder .rosejjh Dimock, Moderatcn*. Jirother 
 AVilliam Elder, Clerk. Nundjer of iuembers reported, 1034. 
 
 The Minutes contain a letter received from Brother James Stevens 
 of Rawdon, strongly recomnuaiding the formation of a fund for the 
 relief of aged ministers, and of the widows and orphans of deceased 
 ministers. The Missionary Committee was instructed to devise a 
 plan for earning into effect the benevolent purpose of the Avriter. 
 
 Fifty-four years have i)assed away since this good man, Stevens, 
 now departed, wrote that touching letter to his Baptist brotherhood; 
 but to this hour, we regret to say, no efficient plan has been adopted 
 for the ade<|uate f-upportof men who have worn out their lives in the 
 service of the denomination, or to meet the necessities of their widows 
 and oi'])hans, when cotupolled by death to bid them farewell. Provi- 
 sion is made for soldiers who have fought the l)attles of their country, 
 for the officials of the political com])act: luitfor the soldiers of the 
 Cross, and for the iiighest officials in Cod's Church, no ample pro- 
 
HISTORY OF THE UAITISTS. 55 
 
 vision i.s iiiiule. AVhile fouiuli)!^, guiding, juid feeding Churches 
 with tiio bread of life, their salaries are only e(|ual to a most econom- 
 ical living, and when uo longer able to serve, by reason of sick- 
 ness or the intirniities of age. they arc turned otf tiO seek supplies 
 from the charities of a cold-hearted world. When summoned by 
 death to leave loved ones behind them without suitable support, 
 their dying moments must be full to the })rim with the deepest 
 imxiety regarding the future welfare of those dear ones. In the 
 name of all that is i)ure in heaven and just upon the earth, wo 
 most solemnly protest against such a gross violation of Christian 
 obligation! 
 
 The following record api)ears in the Minutes of 182G: " Requests 
 having ]»een made for the ordination of Brethren John Hull and 
 Edward X. Harris, they gave a statement of their religious experi- 
 ence, doctrinal views, and call to the ministry. The council, after 
 due deliberation, concluded to ordain Brother Hull, but on account of 
 the youth and inexperience of Brother Harris, thought it be^t to 
 defer his ordination, though well satisfied (i his piety, call to the 
 ministry, &c.'' The day following, Brother Hull was ordained. The 
 whole of the services were solemn and interesting; and a numerous 
 assembly ap])cared heartily to join in wishing success, in the name 
 of the Lord, to our young Brother. 
 
 It is added: — " Brother Hull is a native of the eastern part of the 
 I'rovince, and has been engaged in preaching four or five years; and 
 has been made the instrument of good to many. He was, at his 
 first entrance upon the ministry, a Pedo-baptist, but has lately em- 
 braced the principles of adult baptism, aid was immersed, together 
 with several of the people among whom he had labored, by one of 
 our Missionarv brethren." 
 
 Brother E. X. Harris was ordained soon after by his father, Rev. 
 David Harris and others associated with him. 
 
 In the course of the proceedings, the messenger to the New 
 Brunswick Association was instructed to confer with that body on 
 the subject of the religious i)ublication mentioned in 182"). 
 
 I82T. Anniversary at Chester. Sermon by Elder George Dimock. 
 Kldur J, Munro, ^[oderator. Elder J. Dimock, Clerk. Membership 
 of the C;hurches, ITll. 
 
 At this meeting of the body, the contemplaiod magazine became 
 an established fact. Arrangements between the two Associations of 
 Nova .Scotia and New lirunswick had so far progressed as to justify 
 the issue of the pei'iodicaJ in question January 1st, 1827, under the 
 
116 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 t'lila oi the Jiajjf i.sf Misfiiohary 3tagazine of Xova Scotia and Xew 
 Brunswiek. It was jmblishecl first under the direction of the Mis- 
 sionary Board of New lirunswick; but now it received the full sanc- 
 tion of the Kova Scotia Association, bv the action of the })odv, as 
 recorded thus: — 
 
 " A])pointed Elder Charles Tupper Editor of the Xova Scotia and 
 New Brunswick Baptist Magazine, on the part of this Association; 
 and resolved that he be remunerated for liis trou])le; and that this 
 Association ]>ecome responsible for the expense of the publication, 
 and share equally the loss; or (fain with the New Brunswick Asso- 
 ciation; and that our Missionary (,*omnuttce settle Mith the Editor." 
 
 Brother Henry lilakslee was a})pointed associate publisher by the 
 New Brunswick brethren. 
 
 This was a noble effort, on the part of the Fathers, to bring the 
 power of the press to bear ui)on denominational progress. They 
 took the lead of all the other denominations of these Maritime Pro- 
 vinces in this regard. 
 
 A hearty vote of thanks was given to Dr. Mct^ulloch, of Pictou, 
 for valuable services rendered to the denomination when in Britain; 
 and also to benevolent ministers and others of Edinburgh, who, 
 through Dr. ^IcCulloch, had sup])lled a valuable collection of books 
 for tlie use of our Churches. This was regarded as a very generous 
 act on the jnirt of the worthy doctor, who, though a distinguished 
 Presbyterian clergyman, in this way manifested a very kindly feeling 
 towards his brethren of the Baptist faith. 
 
 The Missionary C'ommittee, to whom w-as referred the subject of 
 liro. James Stevens' letter of last year, regarding ])rovision for 
 infirm ministers and those dependent upon them for support, held 
 consultation upon the subject, and strongly recommended that a 
 fund should be established fortliwith for this ])urpose, and suggested 
 that the needful sum could be raised by collections from tlie Churches 
 and by donaticms from individuals in land or money; also that the 
 fund so raised should be placed in the hands of a reliaWe ('ommittee 
 to be used as circumstances might demand. 
 
 As no further Associational action was taken on the suggestions 
 of this Committee, we take it for granted that the Fathers were 
 too much concerned for the Mclfare of others to take time to 
 look after their own interests; and in like manner, and perhaps for 
 the same reason, no jiroper attention has been given to this momen- 
 tous suliject, down to the i)resent hour. 
 
 If ministers are too self-denying to look after their own secular 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 57 
 
 interests, ought not prominent and wealthy hiy brethren to take tho 
 case in liand for them? God would reward them for so doing. 
 
 We have now heard the last of Associational ordinations. The 
 Fathers had now come to see, more clearly than ever, tliat the power 
 of ordination, according to New Testament teachings, was not in- 
 vested in Conventions, Conferences, Synods, or Associations, hut in 
 the Church as governed by the law of Christ. Hence, instead of con- 
 tinuing to ordain pastors, missionaries or evangelists as heretofore, 
 they, henceforth, left the matter in the hands of the individual 
 Churches, witli this proviso, however, that in all cases when possible, 
 it would be advisable, as a prudential measure, and for the promo- 
 tion (if liarmony in the body, to call an advisory Council, composed 
 of ordained ministers and judicious lay brethren, to aid in this im- 
 portant matter. ' 
 
 This, therefore, lias been the usual practice of all our Churches 
 in tho Maritime Provinces from 1827 to the present time. • 
 
 Said Father Manning, when addre .sing an Association, in tho 
 early days of our ministry, "I have observed that rei)reseutative 
 bodies, the world over, are very much inclined to take to themselves 
 horns, and to so use them as to destroy the liberties of the people. 
 Our Association, therefore, must not put on horns." To this 
 sentiment, aft- v fifty years' experience in church life, we add our 
 liearty Amen I 
 
 We have now sketched with as much Ijrevity as possible, the origin 
 and progress of the first Baptist Association in these Provinces from 
 1800 to 1827, inclusive. As the years have j^assed in review, wc 
 have seen how increasing light dawned upon the Fathers, and with 
 what fidelity and earnestness they prosecuted their grand mission. 
 AVe have seen how converts were multiplied and Churches increased; 
 how new forces from time to time were added to the ministrv, and 
 how the missionary spirit gradually unfolded itself, and sent forth 
 laborers to gather in the ripened harvest. llow in 1821, tliey 
 divided into two bands, separated by the geogra})iiical lines drawn 
 between Xova Scotia and New Brunswick, but still bound together 
 by the strong ties of tlic One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism., so 
 that when the time came they were prci)ared to co-operate in origi- 
 nating a nuigazine, as the first denominational organ of the kind 
 I established in this country. We have seen also hoAv faithfully they 
 I dealt with all those, who, l)y reason of unsoundness in the faith, or 
 of unholy practices, proved themselves unworthy of a place in the 
 ranks of the ministry. In a word, this record of the progress of our 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 early associated Clmrelios is all luminous on the one hand with the 
 fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion of the people to the claims of 
 their high and holy calling; and on the other hand, no less radiant 
 with the light of the Divine countenance and with the smile of the 
 God of love! 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 A NEW EPOCH. 
 
 w 
 
 V 
 
 II Y speak of 1828 as a neAV epoch in Baptist History? 
 1st. A revival movement on an enlarged scale was inau- 
 gurated. About this period there was an accession of young men to- 
 the ministry, far beyond anything that had occurred since the Fathers,, 
 as young men, had entered the field. This was true especially of 
 Nova Scotia. Their names were Richard McLcarn, William Burton, 
 John Pryor, Edmund A. Crawley, William Chii)man, Ezekiel Masters, 
 Robert Dickey, Richard Cunningham, and Ingraham E. Bill. 
 
 If any ask why the latter should be named among the number, wo 
 answer, for the simple reason that a series of impressions, irresistible 
 jmd permanent, had forced upon him the conviction that, contrary 
 to all the plans and pursuits of his former life, he must henceforth 
 consecrate body, soul and spirit to the ministry of the gosjiel. 
 Though trained religiously by Christian parents, and well instructed 
 theoretically in the doctrines of the gospel by a careful study of the 
 Assembly's Catechism, he lived a stranger to vital godliness until ho 
 was in the nineteenth year of his age. Then by the private minis- 
 ti-ations of Father Mjinning, deepened by the preaching of Father 
 T. S. Harding, he was led, through, long months of severe mental 
 conflict, to experience the sweetness of redeeming love, and to realize 
 his i)ersonal interest in the great salvation. His new-born faith, 
 love and joy filled him with such earnest longing for the world's 
 redemption, that he was almost persuaded that it was his duty even 
 tlicii, to devote his life to the ministry of the Word. But the fear 
 of rnnniiifj before he was senf. held him back. His beloved pastor. 
 Father Manning, spoke to him on tlie subject; but his reply was that 
 he felt himself wholly uniiualified for a work of such magnitude. 
 r In the 22nd year of his age he was married to the young lady of his 
 choice, Isabella Ijyons, and took i)ossession of a valualde proi>erty, 
 kindly left him bv his father, Asahel Bill. He entered upon the 
 duties of his married life by erecting the family altar, which, through 
 
^60 IIISTORV OF THK HAl'TrftTS. / 
 
 grace, luis never been 1)rokon down. He resolved to do wlijit ho 
 could, in connection with his secular calling, to help forward the 
 interests of truth and the salvation of souls. After mere than a year 
 of married life, the hirth of a son stimulated him to incicascd exer- 
 tion to make all needful provision for the future. His agricultural 
 pursuits prospered, aiul in the summer of 1827, arrangements were 
 made for an expansion of })usiness; but no sooner was the bountiful 
 harvest of the season gathered in, than he l)ecame strangely imiu'essed, 
 without any ap])arent cause, with the idea that it was his imperative 
 duty to abandon his secular vocation, and go out to win souls for 
 Christ. One deathless soul seemed to him of more value than the 
 whole material universe; and as multitudes of these priceless souls 
 were hastening to perdition, he must needs go and warn them of 
 their impending danger. In vain he sought to stifle these convic- 
 tions, and to resist all impressions leading to the ministry. Visits 
 to the throne of grace were multiplied: but this only tended to 
 •deepen the impression. The words of Paul were continually ringing 
 in his ears, "If I do tliis thing willingly 1 have my reward; but if 
 against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 
 Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the 
 gospel." Jiut to do this seemed as impossible as to touch the heavens, 
 or to remove mountains. 
 
 While pondering one day alone in his room over his insufficiency 
 for the great woi-k, the words of the Apostle came home to his heart, 
 as if spoken Avith an audible voice from heaven, "Unto me, who 
 am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should 
 preach among the Oentiles, the unsearchable ri(!lies of Christ!" To 
 him it was the voice of God, powerful and all-subduing. With 
 deepest emotion and Avitli uplifted hands, he exclaimed, " Lord, this 
 is more than I can bear I"' Up to this time he had carefully con- 
 cealed his feelings, as far as possible, even from his wife. But just 
 at this moment her sister passed through the room, saw the conflict, 
 and, with her face bathed in tears, hastened to tell her sister what 
 she had witnessed. 
 
 As so(m as the young man could command his feelings, he has- 
 tened to communicate with a loved brother. He found him at his 
 work, and from the fulness of his heart said to him, '* My brother, 
 I cannot tell what is to become of me, my Avife or child; for I feel 
 an awful necessity laid upon me to preach the gospel of Christ." 
 His brother, with streaming eyes, rej)licd, "Go to your Bible and 
 your God. I will take care of your family." It was enough! The 
 
IIISTOKV OF TIIK BAITISTS. 61 
 
 battle had been long and severe, but now victory came: and the young 
 man. there and then, resolved in the strength of the Master, that come 
 what might, joy or sorrow, life or death, he Avould henceforth obey 
 the Divine mandate, and give his life to the ministry of salvation. . 
 lie very soon opened his heart to his i)astor. who encouraged him 
 to go forwai-d in the Master's name, and appointed meetings for 
 him and Brother E. Masters, who also felt that he was called to the 
 Avork of the ministry. Their lirst meeting was held at the house of 
 the late Joseph Xewcomb, at Pereaux, and the next, the evening fol- 
 lowing, at Deacon William Eaton's, Lower Canard. The house was 
 crowded, and there the young man preached his first sermon. He 
 Avas all weakness; but the message was clothed in i)ower from on 
 high. The work of revival commenced and continued through the 
 Avintcr months Avith blessed results. Father Manning was confined 
 if) his house by indisposition for the Winter; but Spring came 
 and he was able to call a conference of the Church. At that 
 meeting, twenty-five of the young converts Avere joyfully received 
 for baptism. As the pastor Avas too feeble to baptize so many, he 
 had arrii^red Avith Father Harding to assist him. The Sabbath Avas 
 fine, — the i>lace of baptism, Shetfield Mills, — the congregation very 
 large; and 0! hoAv impressive, to see these venerable servants of God^ 
 full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, proceed to administer the sacred 
 rite to these ncAv-born souls I Among the converts baptized was a 
 Avhole liousehold, viz. : the AvidoAv Ells, her son and four daughters 
 all in the bloom of youth, six in all. There Avas also a loA'cd daugh- 
 ter of Deacon Eaton's, only eight years of age, Avho had given the 
 most satisfactory evidence of conversion to Christ. "When standing 
 upon the communion table relating her experience, the pastor asked 
 her why she Avished to be baptized. She meekly replied, '' Because 
 Jesus was haptized.''' Surely the transactions of that baptismal day 
 Avere Avritten in heaven, and called forth songs of rejoicing from 
 angelic choristers. Of the number baptized, three became deacons 
 of the Church Avith Avhich thev then united, viz. : Brethren Joshua 
 Ells and ilenrv Eaton, Avho sti 1 live to glorifv God, and Thomas 
 Rand, Avho, after faithfully discharging for many years the duties of 
 his office, exohangcd his place in the Church beloAv for a seat in the 
 Church above. He Avas the father of T. H. Rand, so long the effi- 
 cient Superintendent of Schools first in Nova Scotia and now in Ncav 
 BrunsAviek. Robert Dickie, so favorably knoAvn in this country and 
 in some of the States of the American Union, Avas one of the con- 
 verts of that revival. 
 
'62 HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 
 
 When the young miin who liad cntorod the minirtry with such 
 painful niisgivingc and severe trials, saw such marked tokens of 
 approval, he could but thank God and take courage. 
 
 It was under these circumstances that he attended the Baj)tist 
 Association of 1828, — held that year in Ilorton, Nova Scotia, — as one 
 of the young men, licensed by their respective Churches to engage 
 in ministerial work. 
 
 AVe may say in tliis connection tliat this class of young men expe- 
 rienced, in no stinted measure, the spirit of self-sacritice possessed 
 so largely by the Fathers. Their talents and their energy could not 
 have failed, with the ordinary smile of Providence, to give them 
 success in any secular calling or profession. 
 
 Going into the Baptist ministr}-, in the condition of the Churches 
 ut that time, meant, as they well understood, hard, self-denying 
 work, Avith very small remuneration. Churches of any ability to 
 support pastors were in-incipally su])i)lied; and the prospect for a 
 multiidication of Churches, able and willing to give pastoral supjjort, 
 was far from flattering. But the grave (juestion for them to decide 
 was, — Am I willing to forsake all for Christ and for soulsjlfcid trust 
 Him for temporal sui)port? After mncli prayer and many fore- 
 bodings, they were enabled to decide this question in the affirmative. 
 
 In the spirit of a Christian manhood they laid themselves upon 
 the altar, girded on the gospel armour, and in the name of Israel's 
 God, hastened forward to the mighty conflict with the principalities 
 and powers of darkness. The impression ])roduced by this decision 
 on the part of these young men was widespread, deep and abiding. 
 As they went forward in the performance of the sacred du Jes of 
 their Divine embassy, ministers and Churches were stimulated Avith 
 fresh zeal; and hundreds, renewed by the grace of (Jod, pressed into 
 the gates of Zion. 
 
 2nd. But it Avas not alone the calling of so many young men to 
 the ministry, that constituted this ncAV epoch of Avhich avc speak; 
 but there Avas a ncAV departure regarding educational matters. 
 
 The Fathers had long been thinking of an institution of learning, 
 having special reference to the improvement of the rising ministry 
 of the denomination: but they had neither men nor money to em- 
 bark in such an enterprise. J'\ither Manning especially, in Avhose 
 soul this educational seed-thouglit had lirst been soAvn, Avas very 
 anxious that the Avork of higlier education should be commenced by 
 the Baptists, and had correspondence Avitli some leading minds in the 
 United States on the sul)ject. But up to this time, there Avere no 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. G3 
 
 men jimong us prepjircd to conduct and carry forward successfully 
 the desired institution. 
 
 But with 1828, there came light and aid from an unexpected 
 quarter. There arose a class of men who Inid, as Episcopalians, 
 ])eon educated in King's College, Windsor, l)ut who, by the grace of 
 God, had been converted to the faith and practice of the New Testa- 
 ment. Tlicse, with others educated elsewhere, liad, in accordance 
 witli Ba})ti!st polity, organized a Baptist Church in Halifax, under 
 circumstances of most peculiar interest. The Sketcli of the Origin 
 and History of the (Jranville Street Baptist Church, by Rev. E. M. 
 Saunders, A. M., furnishes the following information on this 
 ijiubject: — 
 
 OKFOIN OF THE GUANVILLE STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 As late as the year 1818, there was no evangelical ])rcaching in the 
 Church of England in Halifax, The Rev. Mr. Temple, private 
 chaplain to Lord Dalhousie, was the first to prcacli '* the truth as it. 
 is in Jesus."' The Rev. J. T. Twining, afterwards Dr. Twining, 
 chaplain of tlie garrison and curate of St. Paul's, "was probably 
 indebted, under God, to Mr. Temple for his change of views and 
 religious experiences, It soon appeared in his preaching. His 
 ministrations and those of Mr. Temple resulted in the conversion of 
 a number of persons attending St. Paul's Church. 
 
 The Rev. Hibbert I]|inney, father of the present Bishop, j)reaclicd 
 evangelical trutli about this time at Sydney, C. B.; and among those 
 converted to (Jod under liis ministrations, were several persons who 
 afterwards identified themselvc with the converts in Halifax. 
 
 The late Bishop Inglis, then rector of St. Paul's, so opposed evan- 
 gelical preaching, that a rupture took place between him and Mr. 
 Twining, which led to the dismissal of Mr. T. from the curacy. 
 This produced a great sensation in the parish.. About three- 
 fourths of the congregation followed Mr. Twining in the seces- 
 sion, and in the establishment of sei)arate services, in a Church 
 built by the Methodists. Here :Mr. Twining preached for a 
 few months to crowded congregations. Meanwhile his followers 
 collected money, purchased grounds, and built the Gniuville Street 
 Chapel at a cost of £2,250. It had been believed by the seceders 
 that they could retain their connection with the Church of England; 
 but the strong opposition of Dr. Inglis prevailed against them. 
 This led Dr. Twining to discontinue his separate labors. The greater 
 part of the seceders returned to St. Paul's; but some of those who 
 
G-k illSTOllY OF TllK BAPTISTS. 
 
 lijul rcccivotl tlie 'Mifo of fiiitli," liiivin;? tieecded intelligently, could 
 not return to ministrations from which no npirituul food could bo 
 obtained. During the week, they held prayer-meetings in each 
 other's houses; and on the Sabbath days, they met with various con- 
 gregations in the city. In the main ',\ cy were in harmony with the 
 I'resbvteriaitis in doctrine; but thev \\x e not satisfied with the dcvo- 
 tional piety then existing in that 1»ody. Among the Methoilists 
 they found "fellowship of the Spirit/ but radical difference in 
 doctrine. 
 
 In the meantime they corresponded with the hite Kev. C. Sim(!on» 
 of Cambridge, England, for the i)uri)ose of procuring an evangelical 
 preacher of the Church of England, but were unsuccessful. 
 
 One of their number, the late John Ferguson, having family rela- 
 tions with tlie late Kev. Edward Manning, enjoyed opportunities of 
 liearing Bajitist jireaching in the country. He and bis religious 
 associates in Halifax naturally made the ac<pniintance of the late 
 Kev. John IJurton, who had been for about tliirty years pastor of a 
 Baptist Church in the city and its surroundings, llis congregation 
 was made up chiefly of coloured i)eo})le. His gifts were quite moder- 
 ute, and his Church was mncli dcsi)ised in the city. These enquirers 
 after truth i)erceived in him the graces of the true Christian, the 
 zeal of a minister of the gospel, — and withal, the doctrines ju'eached 
 by him commended themselves to their minds as the truths of God's 
 Word. He gained a great influence over their hearts; and they 
 attached themselves to his ministry, and Avere therefore led for tho 
 first time to examine the soundness of the Baptist faith and prac- 
 tice. Their e\i)ericncc had largely divested them of denominational 
 prejudices, and left tiiem free and unl)iased to investigate the truth 
 of (jiod's Word. Several of them were soon led to embrace the pecu- 
 liar views of tlio Baptists; and the others were not long in comingto 
 the same conclusion. Mr. Ferguson was baptized by Mr. Manning 
 in Cornwall is, July 0th, 182G. 
 
 There were about twenty persons in all who were associated in 
 these experiences. 
 
 AVhen the secession from St. Paul's fell to pieces, the Granvilla 
 Street Chapel was left in an unfinished state, and being for sale, 
 it was purchased for £850 by those who had embraced Baptist 
 views. 
 
 The Crawley family had heard tho truth as it is in Jesus, from tho 
 late Ilev. Hibbert Binney at Sydney, C. B., and were therefore pre- 
 pared to unite with their friends, the converts in Plalifax. The late 
 
II1.ST0RY OF THE BAPTISTS. 65 
 
 Ifoii. W. B. Kinnear, long known and beloved in the St. John 
 Ohurchcs, Imd been a monibor of the Church of England, but, 
 liaving received the grace of (Jod, M'as led to embrace Baptist doc- 
 trincH. He visited his friends in Halifax, and with some of them 
 I'olluwod Christ in the ordinance of baptism. These people, thus 
 led, in a way tiiey i<new not, to a full knowledge of the truth, judged 
 it Aviso and expedient to form a. .seroml linptixt C'lnirch in Halifax. 
 
 Correspondonco was opened with Baptists in England and the 
 United States, witli a view to engage a pastor whose labours might 
 commence witli tlie organization of the Church. After some delay, 
 the Rev. Irah Chase, Professor of Biblical Theology in Newton 
 Tiicological Institution, consented to make tliem a visit and render 
 thcni any assistance in his power. 
 
 Accordingly, on the 3ith of Scpteml)er, 1827, he, together with 
 Alexis Caswell, then Professor in a College near Washington, arrived 
 in Halifax. They were cordially received. Due preparation for 
 bai)tisni and the organization of the Church was commenced at once. 
 
 On the morning of the following Lord's Day — September 30th — a 
 largo concourse of people assembled at a (piiet spot on the shore of 
 the Bedford Basin, wliere Professor Chase baptized tlio following 
 candidates: — Lewis Johnston, M. D., J. W. Nutting, Esq., Mrs. 
 Lewis Johnston, Mrs. J. \V. Johnston, Miss E. Tremain, and Miss 
 S. Grant. ♦*♦**♦♦ 
 
 In the afternoon the Stone Chapel was ojjcned for the first time 
 for public worship. The Articles of Belief and the Covenant were 
 substantially the same as those of the Associated Baptists of these 
 Provinces. After reading them to the Church, which had already 
 adopted them. Dr. Lewis Johnston, having been appointed by the 
 Church for that purpose, came forward and received from Professor 
 Chase the right hand of fellowsliip for all the members. ♦ ♦ * 
 
 During the progress of the formation of the Church, the desire 
 entered deeply into the hearts of the brethren that Professor Caswell 
 Avould remain in Halifax, and take the pastoral oversight of the 
 Church. * * * ♦ After due consideration he accepted their 
 unanimous invitation as a call from God. On the following Sab- 
 hath he was ordained pastor; and Dr. Lewis Johnston and J. W. 
 Nutting, Esq., were ordained deacons. 
 
 This interesting sketch of the origin of the Granville Street Bap- 
 tist Church cannot fail to impress our readers with the fact that tho 
 
 hand of God was in the movement from first to last. 
 5 
 
 I 
 
C6 IIISTOUY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 The Church, bo auspieionBly organized for action in 1827, 
 appealed for admission into the Baptist Association in June, 1828, 
 and was most joyfully accepted. These Halifax brethren hiul no new 
 religious theories to introduce, but came prepared to accept tho 
 Baptist platform as expounded by the Fathers. But knowing tho 
 ■wishes of the Fathers regarding Educational work, they resolved 
 •especially to co-operate on this line. 
 
 The Association held that year in Ilorton, was composed of the 
 following ministers and messengers, viz.: — 
 
 Ordained iiii)iiKtpr.<*: — Thomas Ansley, Edward Manning, George 
 Dimock, James Munro, T. II. (.'hipman, Peter Crandall, T. S. 
 Harding, Geo. Ilichardson, Iliohard McLearn, Joseph Dimock, 
 Charles Tupper, Alexis Caswell, .Io8e})h Crandall (13). 
 
 Lirensed prciirhrrs: — Wm. Chipmau, Ezckiel Musters, Ingraham 
 E. Bill, John C. Austin, Wm. Burton, John Bezanson ((!). 
 
 Laymen: — James Dolap, Wm. Bent, AVm. Cogswell, Holmes Chip- 
 man, Walter Bead, James Marsters, Asa Dimock, Joseph Brad.shaw, 
 Stephen Dimock, Joseph Weare, (ieorge Harris, John Mader, Val- 
 entine Snielser, Ezra Head, Daniel Lockhart, Eli.sha Harris. I'eter 
 Strong, Alex. McPhail, Simon Fitch, Samuel Bisho]), Elias Payzant, 
 Josiah Fuller, Asaph DavidsoK, Major Chipman, John Whitman, 
 Thos. Spurr, Wm. H. Chipman, David Ellis, Ebon Smith, Thomas 
 Mills, James Mills, James Iliggins, Fj-ancis Parker, Eleazcr Taylor, 
 Gains l/cwis, Jos. Wel)bcr, Daniel Dimock, L. D. Geldert, Philip 
 Freeman, AVilliam Holmes, Edward Hiieslis, Evan Powell, Jjcwis 
 Johnston, M. D., J. AV. Nutting, E. A. Crawley, Benj. Bigelow, 
 Abel Parker, AVm. Skinner, E. Huntington, Isaiah Shaw (.50). 
 
 There were twenty-nine Churches then connected with the Asso- 
 ciation, twenty-three of which were rcpreHcntcd at this important 
 session. 
 
 Elder James Munro was chosen Moderator; Elder Charles Tupper, 
 Clerk; and Bro. William Chipman, Assistant Clerk. The introduc- 
 tory sermon was preached by Elder Charles Tupper, from 2d Cor. 
 4: 7, " But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excel- 
 lency of the power may be of (lod and not of us." 
 
 In the course of the i)rocecdings a special meeting for consultation 
 was called, to consider the Educational question. It took place in a 
 large room in Fowler's Hotel. S3]cmn ])rayer was offered for Divine 
 guidance, and then the matter was duly considered. Not a dissenting 
 voice! All agreed to submit the Educational plan for Associational 
 ;action. The Fathers wept for joy. The young men pi-eparing for 
 
HISTORY OF THE HA1TI«T8. 6T 
 
 the ministry gave glory to flo«l that a brighter day was dawning 
 upon tlicm. All felt that God was jjresent to bless. 
 
 At the projior time, a Prospectus ))rcpared by the Halifax brethren, 
 was pri'rtcnicd to a full meeting of the Association, and was cordially 
 and luiiininiousiy adopted. Here it is: — 
 
 PUOSPECTUS 
 
 OK Tin: NOVA S(OTIA BAPTIST KDL'CATION KOCIETY, AND OP THE 
 l.rTKUAHY AND TIIEOLOdKJAL IXSTITUTIOX TO HE CONNECTED 
 TJIEIIEWITII. 
 
 After setting fortli tlio objects in view, the document continues as 
 follows: — 
 " For the purpose of compassing these objects, it is proposed, — 
 
 1. Tliiit u Society be formed, to be culled Tlie Nuta Scotia BaptUt hJduaition 
 t^irii'tii. 
 
 2. That nil persons paying an annual subHoription of twenty dollars and 
 upwards, or making a donation of ten ])()und.s or upwards, shall be memlxjrsof 
 this Society. 
 
 , :{. That the funds of this Society will be appropriated to two main objects: 
 first, to establish a suitable Seminary of learning; and secondly, to alTord 
 pecuniary assistance to indigent young men called to preach the gospel, for 
 the puri)ose of enabling them to obtain instruction. 
 
 4. That a general meeting of the Society be held annually. 
 
 5. That there be appointed a President, two Vice-Presidents, two Secreta- 
 ries, and a Treasurer, a Board of Directors, and a Committee of Management. 
 
 0. That the Hoard of Directors be chosen at the annual meeting of the 
 Society, and the Officers and Conunittee of Management be chosen l)y the 
 Board of Directors. 
 
 7. That of the Board of Directors, ten at least shall be ordained Baptist 
 ministers, and two-thirds of the whole number, at least, regular members of 
 Hai)tist Churches in connection with the Nova Scotia Baptist Association. 
 
 H. That the Committee of Management shall consist of at least seven, and not 
 more than twelve members, of whom more than ) alf shall be regular members 
 of Baptist Churches in connection with the Novit Scotia Baptist Association. 
 
 9. That the Board of Directors shall hold at least one meeting every year, 
 to consult on the affairs of the Society, ascertain and report its state and prog- 
 ress, review the proceedings and rules of the Committee, and make such 
 general regulat ions as may be found proper for the lulvancement of the objects 
 of the Society and the government of the Committee. 
 
 10. That as soon as means are obtained, the Society will establish and 
 maintain a Seminary for Education at [lorton, under the direction and gov- 
 ernment of the Committee, subject to the supervision and control of the Board 
 of Directors. 
 
 11. That a principal object to ho observed in the management of the Insti- 
 tution being to adapt the course of study to the state of society and the wants 
 of the people, and to place the means of instruction as much as possible withia 
 
^^ HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 tbc reach of all persons, it Is considered primarily necessary to attend to 
 those branches of education which arc of more general use, at the same time 
 that n Avider range of literary acquirements shall be open to those who may 
 have the ability to seek them, or to whose prospects in life they may be more 
 suitably adapted. It is also considered desirable that, as far as may be prac- 
 ticable, persons wishing to (pialify themselves for the various callings of life, 
 should have opportunity to receive instruction at their leisure seasons of the 
 year, in the particular branches of study more immediately reciuisite for their 
 respective objects. With these principles in view, it is proposed that this Insti- 
 tution shall afford the means of instruction in the usual branches of English 
 literature, and of scientific, classical and other studies which usually comprise 
 the course of education at an Academy and College. It will, however, be tho 
 business of the Committee to exercise their discretion from time to time, in 
 adopting or discontinuing such branches of the course of study as circum- 
 stances may require or render expedient, and progressively as the funds of the 
 Society shall permit, to adapt this Institution to answer all the ends above 
 proposed. Provided, however, 
 
 12. That of the Committee and Board of Directors, that part who shall be 
 members of Baptist Churches in counection with the Nova Scotia Baptist 
 Association, shall have the sole regulation of the Theological Department in 
 the Seminary. 
 
 13. It shall be the care of the Committee to provide efficient teachers for 
 the Seminary, to whose moral and religious character special regard will be 
 had ; and it is considered an object in every department under the influence of 
 the Society, never to be lost sight of, that the scholars and students, while 
 acquiring information to fit them for their various stations in life, should be 
 led ( » a knowledge of the true relation of man to his Creator, and of that faith 
 in the Lord Jesus Christ, which aioue can furnish a sure pledge of their good 
 conduct in this world, and their happiness in eternity. 
 
 14. That the Seminary be open to children svl persons of any religious 
 denomination. 
 
 15. That to the attainment of the objects of the Institution it is essentially 
 requisite that the whole system should be conducted upon a principle of the 
 most strict and simple economy; and no distinctions among the scholars and 
 students, arising from wealth or external circumstances, permitted to appear. 
 The scholars will, as soon as practicable, be boarded at the Institution; and it 
 is thought advisable to connect with the establishment a farm, under the care 
 of some respectable person, for the supply of articles of provision for the use 
 of the School, and for affording an opportunity of employing the boys during 
 a portion of their leisure time, in healthful labor, by which they may obtain 
 exercise, acquire a habit of industry, and be less exposed to the irregu- 
 larities which result from misemployed seasons of leisure. The diet and 
 dress of the scholar.'; to be of the plainest kind, and to be regulated by the 
 Committee, and made known as part of the terms of the School, to be conformed 
 to without exception. 
 
 16. The terms ol tuition and board to be fixed at as low a rate as possible. 
 
 17. The funds for purchase of land, erection of buildings, and the various 
 expenses incident to the commencement of the undertaking, as well as those 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 09 
 
 whioli may attend its annual support, to he obtainert by donations and annual 
 contributions. 
 
 18. The subscription lists to be divided into several columns, by which the 
 annual contributions lUay be kept separate from the donations ; and persons 
 making donations may distinguish the particular objects to which they wish 
 the donations to be e.vclusively applied. The annual contributions and dona- 
 tions not expressly limited, to be appropriated by the Committee as it shall 
 see most fit for the general advancement 'f the objects of the Society. 
 
 Then follows u list of officers for tiie vear: — 
 
 President — Hev. Edward Manning. 
 
 Vin-rrcmienh — Rev. Charles Tupper and J. W. Nutting, Esq. 
 
 Treasurer— '^imon Fitch, Esq. * 
 
 Secretaries— VA\m.\m(S. A. Crawley and Wm. Chipman, Esqrs. 
 
 Managinf/ Cmnvdttee — Dr. Lewis Johnston, E. A. Crawley, Esq., J. W. 
 Jsutting, Esq., Simon Fitch, Esq., J. W. Johnston, Esq., Wm. Chipman, 
 Esq., Mr. Wm. Johnston. 
 
 A subscription was oi)enod. and in IForton eleven men subsoribecT 
 towards the object £310, or *1,240. 
 
 Elders E. Mann in fr, James Mnnro and C, Tapper were appointed 
 a deputation to submit the subject to the Churches, and solicit their 
 co-operation. Elder Tupper was exi)ected to bring the matter 
 before the New Brunswick Churches. 
 
 The Committee, as directed, proceeded to purchase lands, and to 
 make arrangements for the erection of a suitable Seminary edifice, 
 and to open the School Avith the least possible delay. 
 
 Certain friends of the cause were requested to act as local agents 
 in soliciting snbscri})tions and donations from all persons who might 
 be disposed to contribute to this worthy object. The response was 
 generous in both Provinces and the prospect.^ cheering. 
 
 In the retrospect one cannot but admire the forecast and faith of 
 tliese Fathors. We recollect a remark of Father Mnnro with regard 
 to his successor. "The man," said he, " who successfully succeeds 
 me in the })astorate must stand, upon my shoulders."' So the aged 
 ministers all felt. Hence their anxiety to provide for their succes- 
 sors the means of mental culture. Their minds were too broad to 
 admit of narrow jealousies. Tliev had no fears that other and 
 brighter stars might arise to eclipse their glory. The more brilliant 
 their successors the better, in their estimation, so that Christ was 
 honored and souls saved. 
 
 But what a])out their faith? In the review it seems lo us like the 
 faith of Nehemiah, when he wont forth, in the name of Israel's God 
 •and in the face of obstacles towering up to the very heavens, to 
 build the second Temple. 
 
70 HISTORY OF TllK JtAPTISTS. 
 
 The entire membership of the Baptist Churclies in Nova Scotia 
 and P. K. Island in 1828 was only 1772, and many of these in very 
 humble circumstances. The pastorate, as it regards remuneration, 
 was most miserably sustained, and many of the people incapable of 
 a})preciating enlarged mental culture. But in full view of all this, 
 these men of strong faith believed that an Institution of learning 
 Avas a desideratum — an absolute necessity; that the needful means 
 to establish it would be forthcoming: and therefore in the name of 
 the Lord they went forward. We have the results. 
 
 There was a general rush from all sections of the Province to the 
 Association of 1828. There evidently was an expectation in the 
 public mind that something out of the ordinary course of events 
 was about to take place. 
 
 Rev. S. W. DeBlois, in his '' Historical Sketch,'' narrates a cir- 
 cumstance which illustrates this fact. He says: 
 
 *' After the delegates had been appointed by the Chester Church, 
 there wore five sisters, recently baptized, who desired very much to 
 attend the Association, but could find no way to get there. After 
 much deliberation, they decided to make their way on foot; and 
 lieaded by one, who was living in 1854, Mrs. Edward Hickman, 
 always afterward known by the appellation of Joshua, they came 
 through the woods a distance of fifty miles. As they were descend- 
 ing llorton Mountain, Elisha De Wolfe, Esq., generally called Judge 
 De Wolfe, met them, and in his usual bluff and kindly way, enquired 
 Avhero they had come from and whither they Avere going. They told 
 him their names and their errand. 'Well,' he said, 'this is won- 
 derful: you five women have walked all the way from Chester. 
 When you get to Horton Eoad,' as Wolf ville was then called, * go 
 to my house, Judge De Wolfe's, — any one will tell you where it is, — 
 and tell Mrs. DeWolfe to lodge and feed you, and entertain you 
 comfortably till your Conference is over;' and they were, as I was 
 afterwards informed, entertained right liberally at this gentleman's 
 house, who, though himself an Episcopalian, was father of a numer- 
 ous i)r()geny amongst whom both Methodists and Baptists occui)y 
 prominent positions." 
 
 After the Association of 1828, the young Licentiates went forth in 
 different directions preaching the word. As Autumn approached. 
 Brother Masters and myself, by si)ecial request, spent a Sal)l)ath 
 preaching in a new meeting-house in L^pper Aylesford, towards the 
 erection of which, Mr. William Parker, father of Rev. Obadiidi 
 Parker, still living, and Rev. James Parker, who has gone to his 
 
niSTOUY OF THE BAPTISTS. 71 
 
 rest, lart(clv contributed. We left oiir homes very early on Sunday 
 inorninsf. and had to ride on horseback some fifteen miles; as w& 
 pursued our journey we came to a beautiful forest, and there wo 
 turned Jiside to pour forth our souls in fervent supplication, that the 
 Divine presence would accompany us. The prayer was answered. 
 The sermon in the afternoon was founded upon the passage, ''The 
 ffreat dav of His Avrath is come and who shall be able to stand?'' 
 Backsliders \vere aroused from the slumber of years and sinners were 
 pricked in the heart. ' " '"■ 
 
 At this meeting a circumstance occurred, which led to important 
 results regarding myself and others. It was this. Brother Stephen 
 Taylor, a leading member of the Nictaux Church, came from his 
 home, a distance of some fifteen miles, "to hear the young man 
 preach," and to invite him to make a visit to Nictaux. I accepted 
 the invitation, arranged the time, and accordingly went. When I 
 get there I found, to my surprise, that Father Thomas Handley 
 Chipman, the revered pastor of the Church, had resolved, by reason 
 of the infirmities of age, to retire from the active duties of pastoral 
 life, — tliat he and his people were looking for a minister to take his 
 place, — and that I had ])een sent for Avith this in view. 
 
 Settling down with a given Church was to me a new idea. The 
 one controlling desire was to save souls, — near at hand or far away, 
 to search them cut, and by the blessing of God, lead them to the 
 Cross. But after spending some time with the people, and preaching 
 in the diffei'ent sections of the field with encouraging results, I 
 yielded to the earnest pleadings of the pastor, and to the unanimous 
 call of the people, to accept the pastorate of the Church, with the 
 understanding that in a few months. Providence permitting, I would 
 enter upon my work. 
 
 It was customary in those da3-s for the denomination to hold what 
 was designated a Genmd Meeting, in the month of September, for 
 purely religious exercises and effort. This year (18J28) it was hold 
 in the new house at IJp])er Aylesford. 
 
 Among the old ministers i^esent were Fathers E. Manning, T. II. 
 Harding and Thomas Ansley. Then there were three licentiates from 
 the 1st Cornwallis Ciuirch, viz. : — William Chipman, Ezekiel Masters 
 and I. E. Bill; and from the Horton Church, Richard Cunningham. 
 The services were all deeply inii)ressive — one of the morning prayer 
 meetings es])ecially so. The place seemed full of the i)resence and 
 glory of the Kedcemer. Si?*nts rejoiced — sinners wept. This general 
 meeting gave a powerful impetus to the work already commenced. 
 
72 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 I made another short visit to Kictaux before removing tliither 
 permanently, holding meetings by the way, through Aylesford and 
 Upper Wilmot. A few of these meetings were attended by Father 
 Ansley. A letter from Thomas Tupper, Esquire, dated Aylesford, 
 December 19, 1828, and published in the Baptist Missionary Maga- 
 zine, then conducted by his brother, llev. Charles Tupper, presents 
 a very truthful statement regarding the rise and progress of the 
 blessed work of grace tlien going forward. 
 
 After descril)ing the very low state of Zion, prior to the revival, 
 Mr. Tupper says: — 
 
 ''About the beginning of September, Brethren Bill and Masters 
 came and preached in Aylesford, and we began to feel some groan- 
 ings for deliverance. I then obtained a promise from Brother Bill, 
 that he would soon come and preach in our part of the Township. 
 
 * * * Subsequently Father Ansley and Brother Bill came and 
 preached in my house. The Lord was there. * * * Such a dis- 
 play of the mercy and power of Jehovah, I never saw or felt before. 
 It was almost a day of Pentecost. The Lord indeed visited His 
 people, and your unworthy brother among them. We returned with 
 
 * weeping and supplication,' and the Lord made many of us to sing 
 then as in the days of our youth. Sinners wept and trembled. The 
 right hand of the Lord did valiantly. His arrows were sliarp in the 
 hearts of His enemies. Stout-hearted sinners were made to bow to 
 the sceptre of Immanuel, and a goodly number liave been brought to 
 rejoice in the Lord. * * * Indeed I cannot describe to you the 
 alteration which has taken place. The cards are burnt, — the bar- 
 room and taverns forsaken, — tlie violin is cast to the moles and to the 
 bats. Family altars are erected, and the voice of prayer and praise 
 is heard in our dwellings. The wilderness and the solitary place are 
 glad, and the desert rejoices and blossoms as the rose. The Lord has 
 prepared for us ' a feast of fat things, of wine on the lech well refined.' 
 ^ Bless tlie Lord, my soul, and forget not all Ilis benefits.' "' 
 
 One of the converts of that memorable evening was the son of the 
 writer of the above, who subsequently became the Hev. James Tupper, 
 so widely and favourably known as a most earnest and successful 
 minister of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 The revival thus opened, rolled on, as a mighty tidal wave, over 
 mountain and plain — through Aylesford, Wilmot, Nictaux and all 
 along the beautiful valley of the Annapolis River — extending south 
 to New Albany, north to the Bay of Fundy, a distance of some 
 twenty miles, — and stretching from Aylesford on the cast, down west- 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 73 
 
 ward to the Granville lines, a distance of some thiity miles. The 
 whole land was indeed vocal with the songs of ransomed souls. From 
 east, west, north and south, the people came in crowds with intense 
 desire to hear the word of God. The meeting held at the house of 
 Brother Tapper, as described by him above, was only as the first 
 fruits of the showers of blessing that descended upon mountain 
 and valley, and of the rich harvest of souls gathered into the fold of 
 Christ. 
 
 As Winter was approaching, friends came from Wilmot and Nic- 
 taux to our home in Billtown, wutli their teams, in sufficient number 
 to remove family and furniture to the new home prepared for us at 
 Nictaux. Prior to this I had taken my leave of my dear mother 
 Cliurch in a farewell discourse in tlie old Canard meeting-house, 
 made dearer to me than ever by the gracious revival we had expe- 
 rienced in the opening of my ministry. I addressed tlie people from 
 the passage, "Finally, brethren, farewell. Bo perfect — be of good 
 comfort — l)e of one mind — live in peace; and tlie God of love and 
 peace shall ho witli you." Many tears were shed at this parting; but 
 the Lord called and I must obey. 
 
 Once settled at Nictaux, arrangements were at once made for a 
 winter campaign for Christ and for souls upon such a scale as the 
 cause seemed to demand. The determination was '* to know nothing 
 among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified."' Demands for 
 meetings in all sections were increasingly urgent. Among the rest, 
 a special call from ^[ount Handley came from the local leader of the 
 Circuit, for me to i)reach in the Methodist Chapel, originally built as 
 a free place of worship for all evangelical denominations, — but which 
 had, by some means, fallen into the hands of the Methodist brethren, 
 by deed to the Conference. 
 
 I accci)tcd the invitation and went up, pleading earnestly with 
 God that in mercy He would go with me. Tliere were only a few 
 praying peo})le in the i)lace, but the house was crowded, mainly with 
 the unconverted. I addressed them from the passage, *• Except ye 
 rci)ent, ye shall all likewise perish." From the commencement of 
 the service, there was a consciousness of the coming nigh of the Holy 
 One. This impression deepened as the service proceeded; but when 
 making my closing appeal to the unconverted, I tremoied from head 
 to ft^ot, as if shaken by an unseen hand. Eternal realities ruslud 
 into my mind, all luminous with the Spirit's light and power, ujtil 
 ^ seemed as one standing at the bar of God, and in the presence of 
 three worlds— lieaven, earth and hell. The effect upon the congrc- 
 
74 HISTORY or THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 gatioii was ovcrwiiolniing. — every head bowed and every face batlicd 
 
 in tears. A man ])ro>sent, who had spent many years on board a ship 
 
 of war, and who liad rushed madly into all sorts of impiety, was 
 
 arrested; and as lie afterwards told us, "When the line was drawn 
 
 between the saint and the sinner, such burning enmity rose up in 
 
 my heart, that my first thought was to drag the minister from the 
 
 pulpit into tlio street: but the next thought was. He is right and I 
 
 am wrong; lie is going to heaven, I am going to hell." His mental 
 
 agony for a time was terrible; but before he reached his home the 
 
 Lord appeared for his salvation, and — 
 
 " His tongue broke out in unknown strains. 
 And 8unj4 surprising grace." 
 
 He lived many years after this great change, to serve his (Jod; and 
 from that day until he departed to be with Christ, as he had been 
 faithful to his earthly sovereign, so was he thenceforth a valiant 
 soldier in fighting the battles of the Prince of Peace. It was said 
 that some twenty ])ersons dated their conversion from that one 
 service. 
 
 I followed up this meeting with two or three more in the same 
 house; and the good work went forward with deepening power. But 
 as the converts wished to be baptised, and join the Baptist Church, 
 the presiding minister of the Circuit informed me, that unless I 
 would preach Wesloyan doctrine, I wonld not be allowed to preach in 
 their cIk oel any more. As I was not disposed to do that, I had only 
 to retire with the best grace possible. But this obstacle thrown in 
 the way only tended to increase the earnestness and determination of 
 the i)eople. Private houses were thrown open, on every hand, for 
 preaching; and preparations were at once made to build a Baptist 
 meeting-house. This was soon accomplished, and a large part of the 
 community became attached to the Baptist faith. 
 
 Tidings of the extraordinary work on Mount Handlcy s])read far 
 and wide; and fresh calls for ])reaching multiplied, beyond the 
 ability to supply. It mattered iu)t where the meetings were held, 
 on mountain, or in valley, — in sunshine, or in storm, — on Sabbath 
 or week day, — people came in crowds to listen and enjoy; and they 
 went away saving, thev had never witnessed such displays of Omni- 
 potent grace before. 
 
 Brethren Richard Cunningham and Robert Dickie, — both con- 
 strained by the love of C'hrist to enter the gospel field, — came to our 
 assistance. The former accepted a call to the i)astorate of the Chute 
 Cove Church, embracing Wilmot Mountain, and became eminently 
 
HISTORY OF THE IJAPTISTS. 76^ 
 
 useful. I shiiU hcio describe a scene that occurred in his section of 
 
 tlio lickl. 
 
 A number of converts had requested baptism, and as the young 
 men engaged in the work were not ordained, Father Ansley was sent 
 for to administer the sacred rite. I'his was in midwinter, and ar- 
 rangements Averc made for the meetings to extend over at least two 
 days. As the meeting went forward on the appointed day, several 
 related their experience, and were received for l)aptism. Arrange- 
 ments were made to baptize on the next day; but a violent storm 
 arose, and so blocked the roads that Father Ansley was unable to 
 attend. The people came, however, despite the storm, and crowded 
 the place. As the administjator Avas not present, what was to be 
 done? All with one concent decided that Brother Bill, Avho Avas 
 l)rcscnt, nnist preach. lie took for his text the passage in the 2nd 
 chapter of Acts, '' Then they that gladly received the word were 
 baptized; and the same day there Avere added unto them about three 
 thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' 
 doctrine,*' &c. He proceeded to discuss the subject in hand under 
 deep imi)re8si(ms, until near the close of the discourse, when there 
 Avas a repetition of the scene on Mount Ilandley, as described aboA'c, 
 only the influence upon the speaker was still more poAverful. In a 
 fcAv minutes there Avere cries for mercv from aAvakened souls, and 
 shouts of )-ojoicing from ransomed spirits. I had always been accus- 
 tomed to stop Avhen others were constrained to speak, but in this 
 instance it Avas impossible. I continued my address until my physical 
 strength gave Avay, and I came near falling, Avhen Brother Cunning- 
 htim caught me in his arms and sustained me. For hours the meeting 
 Avent forAvard Avith Avondrous poAver. Brother Cunningham Avas 
 clothed with the majesty of the Spirit; and Brother Nathaniel Viditoe, 
 tlien a young convert, spoke as a dying man to dying men. How 
 many Avcre savingly converted to God during that memorable day I 
 kii(»w not; but the triumphs of that scene were recorded, I doubt not,. 
 u])on the long roll of the eternal ages. 
 
 'I'hat night the storm cleared away. Father Ansley came to bap- 
 tize the converts, and the Lord added to the Church such as should 
 be suved. 
 
 In /■ .lesford and part of Wilmot, under the guidance of Brother 
 Masters, meetings Avere being held almost daily in the different sec- 
 tions, and many iu all that region Avcre turned from darkness into 
 light. 
 
 Brother \uiilam Chipman, for many years the highly-esteemed 
 
70 HISTORY OF THE UAITISTS. 
 
 Deacon find Clerk of the 1st Cornwallis Church, having resolved to 
 consecrate himself to the ministry, was preaching the Gospel Avith 
 earnestness and with good results in the western section of Corn- 
 wallis, then known us Pleasant Valley. As Spring approached, and 
 as many converts were wanting haptism, the opinion jirevailed that 
 the three licentiates from the 1st Cornwallis Church should be set 
 apart by the imposition of hands. Accordingly, the matter Avas 
 duly considered by the Churches immediately interested, and arrange- 
 ments were made for the ordination of these three brethren. 
 
 The first was to take i)laec at Xictaux. As Father E. Manning 
 had been largely instrumental in my conversion, and as he had bap- 
 tized and married me, of course he must be i)rominent in my ordin- 
 ation. He cheerfully responded to the call, and came to us in the 
 fulness of the Spirit's Ioao and grace. The council had a prepara- 
 tory meeting the day preceding, and arninged the order of exercises. 
 The day came, — March 3rd, 1829, — and the people flocked from all 
 directions in immense num])ers, and crowded the old Nictaux meet- 
 ing-house to its utmost capacity. Father Manning preached the 
 ordination sermon from 1st Timothy 4: 15. "Meditate upon these 
 things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear 
 to all." I seem to hear his voice and his message now echoing over 
 the intervening years, calling me to entire devotion to my blessed 
 work of saving souls. Rev. AVilliam Elder, of Bridgetown, asked 
 the ([uestions and gave the charge; Ilev. T. 11. Chipman mrrlc the 
 ordaining prayer and gave the hind of fellowship; and th< ^ ^aclud- 
 ing prayer was offered by the candidate. The Baptist Muyazine of 
 that day, in recording the event, said: "The presenoc of Jehovah 
 was peculiarly manifest throughout the exercises. Creat unanimity 
 in the council, and much satisfaction and happines in the Church. 
 A very large congregation assembled on the occasion, and deep 
 solemnity was apparent. A very lively, and it is hoped, a permanent 
 interest was excited in the public mind." 
 
 On the following day, March the ith, the same council proceeded 
 to Aylesford, and there organized a Church, composed mainly of 
 persons dismissed from the Nictaux Church for that purpose. The 
 next day, March the 5th. the council, by the wish of the Church, 
 ordained Brother Ezekiel Masters its pastor. It was a delightful 
 season. 
 
 On the 19th of March, 1829, Brother "William Chipman was 
 ordained over the Second Cornwallis Church. With a pastor of 
 such deep-toned piety, such a protracted experience in church mat- 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 77 
 
 ters, and so tLorouglily uHvo to the interests of his charge, all felt 
 that success was certain. 
 
 The Baptist Mayazine, in noting the proceedings, remarked, " The 
 three bretln-en, wliose ordination we have now recorded, were all of 
 them formerly memhers of the 1st Baptist Church in Cornwallis. 
 They arc now happily settled, with very encouraging prosi)ect3 of 
 usot'iilncss. Tlieir labours have been already blessed to the good of 
 their respective congregations." . :' , 
 
 I may here add that the prospects of neither of these three breth- 
 ren were more hopeful, in some respects, at the time of their ordi- 
 nation and for some years after, than were those of Elder Masters. 
 But a series of circumstances occurred, which in the issue rendered 
 his scpuratiou from the denomination necessary. This occasioned 
 deep grief in the hearts of the brotherhood generally; but especially 
 in the inmost soul of the brother who had been so intimately asso- 
 ciated with liim in the early years of his ministry. The lesson to 
 each and all was, ''Let him that thinketh he standetli take heed 
 lest he fall." 
 
 Some few years ago Avhen passing through Billtown, I happened 
 to meet this brother, near the beautiful lake Avhero we were baptized 
 together. I sto})})ed to speak to him, and as I looked upon his 
 white locks and furrowed brow (he was twelve years older than myself), 
 my heart went out to him as in days of yore. Pointing to the lovely 
 lake, I said, " Brother, you remember the great baptismal day when 
 you and I were ])aptized by Father Manning, in that placid sheet of 
 Avater, into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost?*' He re- 
 plied with evident emotion, "I do;'' and Avith big tears starting to 
 his eyes, he added, " I ^hall meet you above." I said, " God grant 
 it, my brother." I shook him heartily by the hand, saying farewell, 
 and tlicn passed on, i)ondeving over the frailty of man, and the 
 wondrous grace that had sustained me through temptations sharp 
 and long. " Kept by the power of God. " How true— how precious ! 
 
 But to return. My first administration of the ordinance of bap- 
 tism occurred shortly after my ordination. The day Avas cold and 
 blustering, — but the candidates, ten in number, had been waiting 
 some time for my ordination, and Avere unAvilling to delay their bap- 
 tism longer. So Ave had the ice. cut, and proceeded through snow 
 and storm, to administer the divine rite. After the baptism, we 
 returned to the house to give the hand of felloAvship. There the 
 presence of the Redeemer was signally manifested; and the people,. 
 Avith one heart and soul, gave glory to God. A letter from Kev.. 
 
78 IIISTOJIY OF THE BAmSTS. 
 
 Joseph Dimock, juldrcsscd to tlic Baptist 3fii(/((zine, May 24, 1829, 
 — in si)caking of this glorious work of reclecming mercy, — says, 
 ** Letters from Nictaux slate that two liundred ami one luivc been 
 baptized, within a distance of tM'elve miles of the place, since last 
 Autumn. The work is on the advance." 
 
 On the 25th of May in the same year, Brother Richard Cunning- 
 ham was ordained to the pastorate of Chute's Cove Cliurch, includ- 
 ing what Avas then known as the Marshall Settlement, afterwards 
 Port William. It was a season of deep interest and of brightening 
 prospects for minister and people. 
 
 The reader will see, in the revicAV of this chapter, that the inan- 
 gurfition of the educational movement, — the going forth of so many 
 young men to preach the Gospel, — the Avondrous outpouring of the 
 Spirit ui)on so many of he Churches, — and the awakening of sue)) 
 a multitude of souls to a new s])iritual life, justly entitle the year 
 1828 to he called the beginning of a new epoch in tlie history of tiie 
 Baptist Denomination of this country. For years tlic Fathers luid 
 prayed for an increase of labourers in the wide-spread liarvest-field: — 
 now they saw such an answer to their prayers as transcended tlieir 
 most sanguine expectations. Long liad they sown in tears: now they 
 ><;ould reap in joy. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE NOVA SCOTIA ASSOCIATION FROM 1829 TO 1850. 
 
 IN June, 1829, the Association was held at Yarmouth. Tiitroduc- 
 torv sermon hy Elder E. Manning. Elder T. S. Harding, 
 Moderator. Elder William Chipman, Clerk, J. W. Nutting, Esq., 
 Assistant (!lcrk. 
 
 The great, revival power had brought mi many new converts; three 
 hundred and fifty-eight being reported as received by baptism, and 
 five new Churches added, '••iz. : Brier Island (now West])ort), Ayles- 
 ford, Brookfield and Pleasant Iliver, Liverpool, New Albany. Total 
 membership, 2255. Of all the ministers that attended that Associa- 
 tion, only three or four remain; the rest have fallen asleep. 
 
 Interesting facts contained in Letters from some of the 
 
 Churches. 
 
 First CormvaUis Church. — Three brethren from this Church, viz. : 
 William Chiimian, Ezekiel Masters, and Ingraham E. Bill, havo 
 been ordained to the work of the ministry, and dismissed to preach 
 the gospel at other stations. « 
 
 Nictavx. — There has been a most extensive and happy revival in 
 this Church, in which one hundred and fifty-one persons have been 
 added to it by baptism. It commenced last Autumn and increased 
 during the AVinter. Brother Ingraham E. Bill, who was ordained 
 to the ministry on the fourth of March last, has been labouring in 
 connection with the aged pastor, the Rev. Thomas Ilandley Chip- 
 man. Thirty-seven members have been dismissed to form a se}iaratc 
 Church in New Albany, and forty-three to form the new Aylesford 
 Church. Brother Bill's labours havo been greatly blessed in this 
 district. 
 
 Horton. — The prospects of this Church appear very cheering. 
 There has been a considerable increase since last Association, — many 
 young persons especially. 
 
 Chutes Core— This is one of the Churches that havo shared 
 
80 HlSTOllY OF THE BAITIHT.S. 
 
 largely in the outpouring of iho Holy Spirit during tlic period of 
 the late revival in the western i)art8 of tlio Province. They gave a 
 call to Bro. Richard W. Cunningham, a member of the Horton 
 Chui'cb, and he has been lately ordained in thin Church. His min- 
 istry has been abundantly succesHful, and eighty persons have lately 
 been l)aptized and joined the Church. 
 
 ('/icsfcr. — This l)raiu'h of our Zion is flourishing under the care of 
 its aged and beloved pastor, Elder Josei)h Dimock, who has baptized 
 twenty-six persons the last year, 
 
 Vftnnofff/i. — This ('hurch is the largest in the Province, containing 
 three hundred and eighty-five members; and seems deeply impressed 
 with the benefits resulting from their having joined our Association. 
 Forty members have been added l)y baptism this last year. The 
 administration of the ordinance has been remarkably blessed to the 
 Hpiritual good of numy. 
 
 (h'anrillf Street, IFcdifa.r. — The deep-rooted prejudice against 
 evangelical truth and the denomination is disapi)earing. 1'hey have 
 greatly improved and enlarged their Sunday school. It now num- 
 bers between two and three Jiundred children. 
 
 Sernnil ('ornii'dUis. — In a very prosperous state. Bro. William 
 Chipman was duly ordained on the nineteenth of March, and set 
 over them as their pastor. His exertions have been blessed in building 
 up and feeding the Church of Christ. 
 
 Brie?' Mand. — This Church was formerly united with that of 
 Digby Neck, and met in Association; but since its separation, has 
 not sent delegates. T'hey at ])re8ent are greatly revived, and have 
 Rev. Samuel Bancroft as th||ir ])a8tor. 
 
 Aylesford. — The establishment of this Church is one of the happy 
 fruits of the late revival. A glorious work of grace commenced in 
 September last, and on the fourth of March, by the advice of Council, 
 the Aylesford Church was constituted, and Brother Ezekiel Masters or- 
 dained as their ])astor. The present number is one hundred and thirty. 
 Bruokjield and Pleasant River. — A few jjcrsons had been con- 
 verted and were baptized by Elder Thomas H. Chipman at this 
 place about the year 1808, but remained in a low state until the past 
 year, when they were visited by Elder Thomas Ansiey, whose labours 
 were greatly blessed among them. A Church was formed and num- 
 bers added to it. 
 
 Liverpool. — This little Church, which was first formed by Elder 
 David Nutter in 1821, became almost extinct, but was visited by 
 Elder Thomas Ansiey, reorganized, and gi'eatly blessed. 
 
' HISTORY OP THE BAPTISTS. 81 
 
 Neio Albanij. — This new Church, formerly a brancli of that of 
 Nictaux, was organized on the 12th of the present month (June) by 
 Biothreu Ansk-y and Bill, and has been one of the fruits of the lato 
 revivals. Brother Bill preaches among them occasionally. 
 
 June, 1830. The Association convened with the Baptist Church 
 at Nictaux. Introductory sermon by Elder T. S. Harding. Elder 
 Williiuu Elder, Moderator. Elder William Chipman and J. W. 
 Nutting, Esfi., Clerkrf. Two new (.'hurciies received, viz, : Falmouth 
 and Westchester. Three hundred and thirty-two added by baptism. 
 
 TluTC are connected with the Association at this date, — thirty- 
 eight Churches, — three tliousand one hundred and one members, — 
 and twenty-seveu ordained ministers. 
 
 The Digest of Letters presents the following facts. 
 
 Upper (IranvWe. — This Church has been increasing in numbers. 
 Twenty-one have been added by baptism. 
 
 Fird CorntimUis. — This Church, which has of late been a nursery 
 for Gospel ministers, has again sent a labourer into the vineyard, — 
 Bro. Kobert Dickey, who was ordained over the new Church at Fal- 
 mouth. Thirty-two have been added by baptism during the year, 
 and a Temperance Society formctl to save the people from the foul 
 offence of drunkenness. 
 
 Iforton, — The prospects here are truly pleasing. Lively zeal per- 
 vades the Church ard renders the ordinances of God's house profit- 
 able and delightful. Eighty converts have been added since the last 
 Association. 
 
 River Philip, — Union and harmony prevail in this Church. Part 
 of their numbers have been dismissed, and set off as a separate Church 
 at Westchester. 
 
 Wimhor. — There is a good attendance on public ordinances, and 
 fiome cases of serious awakening to the consideration of eternal things. 
 ►Several members have been dismissed to form the Church lately 
 organized in Falmouth. This is a station of great importance, — 
 situated in the heart of a populous country, near the oldest seminary 
 of learning in the Province, — and amid a society embracing many 
 wealthy and intelligent persons. 
 
 Chute's Cove. — This Church is still increasing under the active 
 labours of Elder Cunningham. 
 
 Atitigonish.—Thia little Church, which has lately grown up under 
 persecution and every worldly disadvantage, has taken deep and 
 abiding root in the country. 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE BAmSTS. 
 
 Amherst. — There is reason to rejoice that several precious souls 
 have been brought to the saving knowledge of Christ to cheer and 
 brighten the path of Elder Tuppcr. 
 
 Sissiboo. — The settlement of Elder Daniel MacGregor as their 
 pastor, and the removal of difficulties, have again united them to- 
 gether and renewed their communication with the Association. 
 
 Tryoji, P. F. Island. — This interesting Church has of late been 
 refreshed by the labours of our young Brother James Stevens. 
 
 Second Coryiivallis. — There has been for two years past a gradual 
 work of grace in progress in this Church, and many have been added 
 to the host of God's people. 
 
 First Halifax. — It is a matter of heartfelt joy to learn from the 
 letter of this long-established Church, that the troubles and dissen- 
 sions which have so long shaken it, have at length come to a hapi>y 
 close. Seventy-three members who had seceded have lately returned 
 to the bosom of the Church and to their faithful and affectionate 
 shepherd, the venerable Brother Burton. 
 
 lirookjield. — The increase of faith and union in this little Church, 
 lately planted in the wilderness, is cause of much satisfaction. 
 Several have been added to their number, and they have derived 
 great comfort and edification from the ministerial labours of Breth- 
 ren Bill and Cunniiitrhain. 
 
 Sew Albaiiji. — Tin- addition of twenty-two to thisClnireli by bap- 
 tit^m. pro\e.< that the word has boeu (jiiitk and powirfii! in de'uol- 
 isbiiig tlu' t-trongbold i»f .sin and nnbiliff in tht- iKurtn of tin; |M.'op|p. 
 Kldcr lugraham K. Bill dt'V uteri a purliuu uf his time Lu Lhu litilc 
 flixk. 
 
 Fahnuulh. — Thii* (hiinli, whi<h wu* formerly a brsnch of the 
 Windsor ( liurcli. »iii* ul their iriwf^rici'. Hft off iiM udixtiiict Uwly, m 
 iii4? \\\\S\ of 'latitmrv, \>^'Ms^ by tiic ,uW\w of ti CoiinnI (.<f miiiit*t4«ff 
 I'oiivent'ii for thut purjMMM*. Whi'ii ruiictitut^fd il WitM ('oni|MMM^i of 
 tin'tiiy-*' Mii.t . ., '. . iiiiImt Imvc Ik?**!! Ml4«ii. Hiai 
 
 i{4ilMTll> i "X I iiii' (luinh. iiTMl i« A4»fr iaiMMi' 
 
 }||j£ wish j»4n j<...... , .*.a -lipi :;*< II* TiM^^*-*. v''!- .1 '.■ ' 1.,.,^ jupg^llu 
 
 of fttitb tiiid \*fm'\w%* ojH' wliM ii ' ;: '\*M 
 
 iittjr w»)f. ^%*m^ ftir 
 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAITISTS. 
 
 new Churches were received, viz. : — Guysboro, Third Halifax, and 
 Mabou, 0. B. One hundred and twenty added by baptism. Entire 
 membershijj, 3309. 
 
 Ilegarding the division of the Association, suggested last 5'ear, it 
 was unanimously voted that the division be deferred for the present. 
 
 In reply to a (jucstion proposed by the Upper Granville Church, 
 it was decided that this Association have no scriptural authority 
 whatever to license any person to exercise his gifts in any way in a 
 public capacity. 
 
 There are connected with the Nova Scotia Baptist Association 
 forty-one Churches, — three thousand three hundred and nine mem- 
 biTs, — twenty-six ordained ministers. 
 
 Interesting facts and observations contained in Letters from 
 
 some of the Churches. 
 
 Lower (iranville. — Brother Joshua Cogswell, a Lii<ntiatc from 
 the First Cornwallis Church, is labouring and preaching the word 
 among them. 
 
 First (ormnillis. — The Church express themselves as grateful for 
 the blessing of a faithful ministry, un<l derive great satisfaction from 
 seeing some of their fellow-sinners embracing the offers of mercy and 
 following the Divine Master in Ilis blesscnl inf*litution. They rejoici) 
 in the belief that the strong arm of intem[M>ran(r iiaM received tt 
 deadly wound, and that nuuiy lia\e thus U'cn reelaimeil fr<»n> niiii 
 ami herome KoU-r and estimable chanu-ti'i'H. Twenty-four liavi- In-fu 
 adijctl to lite ('liunh l»y lmpti(^ni during llic? Imi yvar. 
 
 .Si-tr/ntrf.—'l'Uf hnilin-n >*|m uk of mm li ••oj.ifurt and nfrenlimont 
 III iIh- ordinann „ of tjic (i««|H|. ^uid of Ibiir SM'iiig bUiimi^ lu llio 
 itwaki-ning and '-ouvirHtoii of M»rii< j>i< ( ioiik immiIk. 
 
 0««/«»f»,™Tliii» briimdi of our Zioo ii|»|»«' t-^. t« km* tnivfdliiig furwiu'tj 
 'm\mrmtmyutui »<ubnii«».MUi loit. j - . . }.i# «,f ihtttr l>i«rd, mkI »nj 
 « rjjoy.iig a grwduaj ittenrnttp of iiu»ii»h r% 
 
 ,\trt4mjr.-^Ty' iitU'mrttnK hiUr Cr jn tliM Clinrefi f^intaiiiii an 
 viuitni iff tmr H'^".>\ UruiUfr *>»»-»#• |mii*» m m «ll IIm* I'ltiifelMMi,— 
 
 hs't i.< \m^ ^ tmtkM mM i m m km Mmtw'^mmm, tevii^ kmmmm 
 "\ ' :t«- nm Ht4mim4 Mipttif^ mdmimfm m m^ Pmnmrn, NMOMMai 
 immmmn^ mpmmm wtiliii iM f»mm m ilm ^tani aft* iiifpp% 
 
84 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 ate Brother Mayiiard Parker, a Licentiate of the Nictaux Church, 
 who has been labouring among them during the past Winter. Ap- 
 pearances are very pleasing in this Church; it is considerably in- 
 creased since the last Association. 
 
 Horton. — Brother James Stevens has been ordained by this Church 
 as an evangelist. The cause of temperance is rapidly gaining ground 
 among all classes. A number of the sisters of the Church, feeling 
 deeply for the souls of the heathen, have formed a ** Mite Society"— 
 the object of which is the education of Burman children. 
 
 Ilawdon. — The accounts from this district are very cheering; sin- 
 ners have been awakened and converted. Brother John Doyle lius 
 been licensed to preach, and is exercising his gifts among them with 
 acceptance and usefulness. 
 
 Wihnot. — We lament that the enemy has crept in and sown tares 
 in this j)ortion of our Ix)rd's field. A person licensed to ju'each has 
 been sowing divisions in the Church by j)romuIgating doctrines 
 contrary to scriptural truth. After using every st'riptural means of 
 reclaiming him from error, the Church, by the advice of a Council 
 from sister ChurciiCH, revoked his licenne to preach, and excluded 
 him with thirteen otherK who adhere to him. 
 
 YartiKtuth. — The letter convey« the pletuiing intelligence of u 
 work of grace in Argyle, where the Chun li hiu Jjecn reorganized 
 und now consistii of thirty-nix mcnjlRTH. They have embnicpd the 
 faith and onler of tin- Churchcn of thJN Asuociation. Elder Harrij 
 Harding in Mtill »<pared to lal>our amonfi^ hiM Ix'Ioved flix-k, and tlMjr 
 hn»'- < ii;/ri^'<«t Kldrr Wm, Burton m hi« aifiiiitatit. The uni**' of 
 l^ni|M runif m grreally flonrii«hin<f. 
 
 h'iiKt JJttli/oj. — Th<' hi'artu of thi* !>r«'thren of thtfi C'hnrch haw 
 liftrn niiich <-oinfortc«<l and n'frcKhiMl by thi* r&at<»mti<ip tti ihe nmmn- 
 tier of thuMf wlio had w«'CNlf<<1 from thtiii. 
 
 Falmtmfh. — Chart h iwitiugn •«■ ir#»ll atif tided, itmiin'f^nem la- 
 enmtmg. and thi^ (ha.^h waJkinf in harm<itiy. Th«> l^rethren Mt 
 •Mittiii tiro kimmm *i4 wfin^ii* rt Itirf-rv^t fwrta of Xhf imttakkf. 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 85 
 
 Three hundred and fifty-three received by baptism. Total member- 
 ship, 3433. 
 
 Messenger from New Brunswick, — Elder William Sears; from 
 Oxford, Bov'^ "nham, Lincoln and Eastern Maine^ — Elder Isaac 
 Case. 
 
 On the suggestion of the First Cornwallis Cliurch, the following 
 resolution was passed: 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the Association be presented to His Excellency 
 Sir Archibald Campbell, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of New Bruns- 
 wick, for his benevolent, humane and Christian conduct to the Baptist Mis- 
 sionaries and other Ch'-istian captives in Burmah, at the time he commanded 
 the British forces (!uriug the war with the Burmese ; and that Brother E. A. 
 Crawley be appointed to address His Excellency on this subject." 
 
 " VoUd, That it be recommended that particular attention be paid to the 
 encoura.irement of Sabbath Schools throughout the Churches connected with 
 this Association." 
 
 " Thiit a prayer meeting be recommended to lie observed in the several 
 Churches, for the spreadiuc of the Gonpel at home and abroad." 
 
 '• That it be recommended to the Churches that Tuegday, the 10th day of 
 .Fuly next, be observe*! as a day of fasting and prayer, in reference to the ap- 
 proaih of the cholera mi>rbus to the sboreH of this Province." 
 
 " That a vote of thanks Ik? given to Brother Charles Tupp<T, Editor of the 
 Nova (M;otia and New Bninswick liaptint Magazine, for his U)K)urH in that 
 cafMicity." 
 
 There are connected with the Nova S<?otia Ji^iptift Atwiix-iatiou 
 ftirfif'fonr rimnhe?', — Hire*' iliouHatnl nij- hHnUrfd ami thirtjf-tliree 
 iiH-mlKT.-, — thirlif-tttn- (inhiined miniriteri«. 
 
 Iiitrrffding fiietn frirtu, the Letter h ofifntf^E^'irehen. 
 
 t pi}fr h'nntrilfr. ~Thi» f'hnreh h«- in-i-u <:illnt tit monrn thcloM 
 (»f itii vonerahle and miwh '•!..nj, i j.,(-j(.f, Khhr TliomiM .Vn«>iej|| 
 who WMOiilMl ti> thf fMMU*ral ehtir^* of tite (hiireh in IHlo. tlif 
 tfthrNirti. mit imiy within hw *»wn (httrgi', imi ii? vanrran oth*T |i«rli 
 *hmB kf km pt mt Bl m d Um* <;4Mi|M>!, Iuiv« Imwii grmtly <»wiie<l »a«f 
 bbittC & iMt kmm ttmkf Mh^r in Om iimiffl aod m itttMM 
 mimltr #1 Smm 0kh9L Wmiiwr %iiAmw^ Xtdium hm 
 «rMm4 mm llw tmk «i fHri-t t|ia« ^^pmrnA t4 thmr nnder- 
 \km<A. 7%m ijmi km imr» i«4 Ims liil«Mn»«--flMiiv ««f > ano«i 
 
 ' i 'n^ ««rfv4 mm oC bM|*t«iiM hm 
 
 (Mr d* •} y^mmi l» liw eam w m ' m fm «4 
 
is HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 in baptism; and the work of reformation is still in progress in almost 
 every part of the Township. 
 
 JS^ictanx. — The Church in their letter mourn the loss of some of 
 their members who have been removed from the assembly of the 
 saints below; their prospects, nevertheless, are very encouraging. 
 Brotherly love prevails among them. Their social meetings are 
 attended with blessing. Thepjaching of the Gospel produce* a 
 deep impression throughout the district, and there has been an en- 
 couraging accession to their numbers. They pay a just tribute to 
 the memory of their departed pastor, the venerable Bro. Chii)man; 
 and rejoice that his best hopes have been realized in the zeal and 
 faith of his successor. The cause of Temperance has been greatly 
 blessed among them. The Temi)erance Society now consists of 
 nearly eight 1 .iudred members. No less than seventeen retailing 
 liquor-shops, within the compass of their operations, have ceased to 
 vend ardent spirits, and whole communities are recovering from the 
 moral desolation of former intemj)erance. A number of the sisters 
 of the Churcli have united themselves into a society to raise funds 
 for the Jiaptist Mission in Btirniah, and the sum of £^^'.\ {til^'Z) \iM 
 }>een already «lonated to this nobh; object. A lU-ligions Tract Society 
 huH uUo U't-n formed among them. They suggest the propriety of 
 bringing the <aii-<' of TcmiH'runcelx'forethe Ijcginiuture, and praying 
 for its interjHf'^ilion to axriist in checking the destructive evil tluit \* 
 iiupping the foundulioiiM of f»ociety. 
 
 Ilitriun. — l>nriiig tin* \m\. Witit/rdiTfiand wUemn tttt<'nti<»ii bpjrwi 
 \m\w gin'M to \\\v iUm\w\, in roii(Mijii<MMT of a iH;ri<'*« of wi^-k-day 
 l<H'tur«"« l<y V.\*\i'V l'ry<»r, A nunitM-i of m>u\* hii%<' Ut-ii ( oi»v«rt«'<i 
 mid olM'Vi'd th<- ordiuaijd of thi* HmriiMtr 'i'lif ('hun-h iAmU' thut 
 IliAt Oicy h»t< ;j'r< it tvmmm Ut bk'^M Um' I>fr«i Utt K\w cHljibiiNhiiK nl 
 of thi' Hii|)tiiti \vmWms in Morion. Tin* \%n-\\\n>i\ of th<' ms- n 
 
 liMK' tMi'ti gr«titiy inntriiriM iKil iti \*um%*i%n%^ k\w mmk of !«««# 
 
 >«<*' ' ' •" hM mtmm tfc^»i. wd Uw imtar km em- 
 
 U^ •>- '»• «'<• '^ iim 9mrmam M' u m tm, 
 
 H^ |%Mwii c€ f iw^ « 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 87 
 
 these latter days. Thirty-eight have received the rite of baptism 
 and joined the Church. 
 
 Wihnot. — Tl^e interests of religion are on the advance. The cause 
 of Temperance is prevailing. Drunkards and tipplers have been 
 rescued from the jaws of ruin, and the wife and mother made to sing 
 for joy. The missionary flame has been kindled up in the Church, 
 und their ardent prayer is that it may never be extinguished. 
 
 JIamtnond\s Plains. — There has been a considerable increa-:e of 
 members in this Church, and several have been dismissed to assist 
 in forming the Church on Windsor Road. 
 
 Chester. — Brethren in this j>ortion of the Lord's vineyard continue 
 to enjoy union and steadfastness. Brother Anthony Dimock has 
 been dismissed to the Church at Liverpool and ordained as an evan- 
 gelist. Eleven of their members have also been dismissed to form 
 a Church at Sherbrooke. 
 
 Litth Forks. — Tokens of the rich grace of God have been lately 
 manifested toward this Ciiurch. They enjoy a share of the labour* 
 of Elder C. Tupi)er. Uoligious meetings are well attended. A deei> 
 feebng affects the mindni of many, and several have ubtiiined ho[)C 
 and been uddi-d to tlie Church. 
 
 Falmi'uth. — .\ bh*Hi«ed revival of religion liaM commenced in thin 
 coiigrvgution, and many have f<.'Ilo»ed the Saviour in the ordinance 
 of baplMm. The «ubiect of Foreign .Mii»iiionM hm, for mtmc time 
 piift, mrniu»\'j ingaifc'd the attention of ruuny, 
 
 Gvtf0fHiro. — The brt'thruu rejoice in the onbroken harmony an«i 
 IffTotherly W\9 wliieb have uniformly f>revai]e<l among the memlMTit 
 of the Church *\ihv \U formation. ^iotwithitt4«itdii.g much |»er«<^'a- 
 ii<m, the g^oo<i eaitiM' in gaining groiiitd. and many •tftiln fe«v« \mim 
 eonf«rt«d to <*«m1, ii«*t a few of wh<»m refer ilwir first •«al(«fifiif l# 
 t\m\aiMmm*d fMT ^'•mt*HM%^**, (Iro. John ^hnUUn* |»rejK'hing 
 and ^wmikmm iiate \me%% mitrli tiliiMPit WHWiy :iuiu. TlMPy Imm« 
 
 Trmfm^k.'^'fkm dnmit mm tmmtiititi^ \tf WitU^r DkivMi JkMm 
 
 — ■ — ■ ^ w^mmr^ ■nm%%m P^mwiM^ anv, mMPHp^ll^HB flHIsHai 
 
 \ 
 
d$ HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 to the (^Jhurcli. A Female Mite Society has been formed, and £1G 
 ($64) have been contributed to the Burman Mission. Two meeting- 
 houses are in the course of completion for the use of the Church. 
 The Church wats joyfully received as a member of the Association. 
 Sherbrooke. — The Church here was constituted in November last 
 by Elders Joseph Dimock and Maynard Parker, and consists of eleven 
 members. They have been received into the Association. » 
 
 JiDie, 1833. The Association convened with the Church at Bridge- 
 town, Annapolis County. Introductory sermon by Elder Edmund 
 A. Crawley. Elder James Munro, Moderator. Elders William 
 Chipman and Richard Cunningham, Clerks. * 
 
 Elders Hague, from Boston, and Miles and Bancroft, from New 
 Brunswick, were invited to seats; also Elder AVilliam Harris, from 
 the Principality of Wales. Brethren Wellesley Caton and Wellington 
 Jackson were introduced and received as licentiates. Elder David 
 Crandall was introduced and accepted as messenger from New 
 Brunswick, and Elder David Nutter as messenger from the Baptist 
 Association in Maine. 
 
 Four hundred and thirty-two were received by baptism. Three 
 new Churches were added, viz.: — Port Medway, Baddeck and Stewi- 
 aeke. Whole number of members, 3915. 
 
 The division of the Association wiis again up for discussion and 
 decidwl in the negative. A move to commence the Association on 
 Wednci»day was pass*e<l over to the Churclu»8 for their decision. 
 
 Vot«l, to oj)en corres|Hmdence again with the Oxford, Cuml>er- 
 iand. liowdoiuham. Lincohi, and Eatitern Maine .\sl^iK-iations. Elder 
 Wiiiiam Burton uj>|M>in;<'d me?ii?ongfr, antl X'lO (140) allowe<l to 
 pay liij* ex|KnM-i. 
 
 Mixt«i II >4 rnt'in.4 vigpi 4tIiverp<I during tiM MMiiB. Mo«1em ur- 
 fnti^'m^'\xu ;ri\e u»* <m«' «>r two. 
 
 A day of pufiln tiiank'«giviti$r wan Tvr nmmp . n ApA to }»r» of wiprred hy 
 all the <'htlreUt^«, Ut o(f«'r iiutt^fi tha.uk» to (.od fur Imping h«iir<i 
 pmjer ami ariMltd tht* fh*tlrr't m\\\% whu-it the Vfnwmv ^m •<» 
 
 with the *t»ptjiM .lMMNM«tion of Nov» Hr^ist »t tiiui 
 
 fhtm^H^^ — tkret xhawmmi mn» htindnmi mtvA 
 
 tJttrf j-f«Nir *tr^^niA mil 
 
 f.'mm the Lr^en frmm- tks 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 89 
 
 sanctuary and domestic circles. Considerable additions have been 
 made to their numbers since the last Association. 
 
 Loii'cr GranviUe. — The power and mercy of God have been much 
 displayed in His word and ordinances among them, and many of 
 different ages have been added to their number. Seventy-three were 
 received by baptism during the year. 
 
 Wihnot. — The Church laments the removal by death of their old 
 and much-estcemcd member. Deacon William Bent. , , 
 
 First CornicalUx. — Some occasions of trial have occurred in this 
 extensive and hitlierto flourishing portion of the Lord's vineyard, 
 but these have been removed hy the prudent intervention of a Council 
 of Elders from sister Churches. 
 
 First Clement.'^. — The state of the Church is highly prosperous and 
 encouraging. Tlieir venerable and aged pastoj-, Elder Israel Potter, 
 who has long laboured with godly zeal and much success among 
 them, and who is still much endeared to them for his work's sake, 
 finding himself througii the infirmities of age unable to attend to 
 pastoral duties, has recpiested to be released from tlie charge; and the 
 Church have chosen Elder Henry Saunders as their pastor, who is 
 labouring among them with much acceptance. Sixty-one have been 
 baptized during the year. 
 
 Xictaux. — Tliis Church still continues to prosjicr, and has during 
 the jjast year licensed two of its members to preach the ConiMil, one 
 of whom is at the Academy at Ilorton. The Female Mite Society 
 conuecU'd with the Churcli has Wen very active and successful. The 
 TemfHTance S<x'iety numlK.rs little sliort t)f one thoiiRund meml>ert), 
 and a^ they say, 8t*<nM dttermined not to relax its o|K.'rations until 
 th«' ('vil« of intemjieranct' are hurled in the shades of i*verla«ting night. 
 
 r/<f*/^/-,_Thi« Church ha* Ix't-a refrei*lied In the ail<'itJou of itoine 
 by bapti!*rn und the n-uuiuu of utherM wUuoi they hud Umg mouriuid 
 a!« hu\ hi: ;:u[if aJ*traT. 
 
 Anli>}tmiiik. — Bro, John Whid«I<'ri h{4> Im-ih ordaju. <I a- an <!naii- 
 jreliiit in thin <'hiirch. 
 
 ium \hm '{'tjirn MMi H«Htoi|w gfcimh> in PritM « K'lvwii MmmI, I» 
 **«»•• tWir putttr, aM4| hm mmtmned ittiUi*^, Ikmm hmn bM» 
 
 f*i*»am.^'nm OhwbIi Im* kmt of kte gwatljr hiwiifltint hf 41^ 
 
 rm,r^ if r^^pm km %akm ptenau Trflytigiii km* »i 
 
90 HISTOUY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 Waterford. — Elder Hezekiah Hull has had the pastoral care of 
 this Church, and is still labouring with acceptance. 
 
 First Halifax. — Twenty were baptized by the pastor. Elder 
 Burton, and joined tliis Church in 1832. 
 
 Aylenford. — Although this branch of our Zion is yet in its infancy, 
 they have sent forth .«everal to preach the word of Life, two of whom 
 have been i)ublicly set apart to the ministerial oflfice, — Brethren 
 Henry Saunders and Ebenezer Stronach. 
 
 Second Clements. — This Church is increasing, having received 
 sixteen members by baptism during the year. 
 
 New Alhajiy. — Fourteen have been added to this Church since the 
 last Association, and one ot the brethren has received a license to 
 preach, and is labouring among them. 
 
 Fahnonfh. — Twenty-five have been added to this Church by bap- 
 tism during the past year. That holy ordinance has been abund- 
 antly blessed among them. 
 
 (InyHboro. — Brethren have been compelled, for the first time since 
 their organization as a Church, to use discipline. Their i)rospects 
 are pleasing. Several have been added to the Ciiurch. 
 
 Port Medway. — Application was made by this Church for admis- 
 sion into our Association, at the })resent session, which was granted 
 bv a unanimous vote. The Church was organized by Elder David 
 Nutter in the year lb22, and consisted at that time of aeveutceu 
 memlKTs. 
 
 liuddevk, ('. li. — This Churcli, consisting of seven members, wa« 
 organized in August, 1822. I)y Elder Richard 51clx>arn, on his mis- 
 Mionary tour to the Island of Cape Breton. 
 
 tilfu'iarke. — This Cliurch wa'^ formtni in Xovembcr, 18.32. by Elder 
 Jariii'M Munro, an<l cun-tii'tjii of fift'-cii nu'mlwrs, moHt of wiioni had 
 Ih'«!i HieniUfrN ui KhliT Mnnro'M Chiinli ut Onsloir. 
 
 Jtiti*', i§t$^ *T\h' Af-'N iiiii Mi >n( t w th the (Miunh at AmiMfi^ 
 Khhr Jntnm Miii!iro j^rftwhid ili< uittiMJuttury mriwm. EUk*r 
 JiuiM" Miiiiro, M'^lir.) I ill' r» W riiij.fiiuii rtfid i{. MtlA'mru, 
 
 VUrk*. 
 
 Kldir ihia^ kinduii fruin Vupdmm, mmtmm immlw Um- 
 4MttUiuu Amut^mi^M, iii t iImI u* a mat : m wmm wim WAm M. IK^mnm 
 mM Hr». Mliff T. BaiNl, itMHtiril* tt^Mti tli» 91 fil V^nrndk^ CMwih* 
 
 Hit kt^^mii wmk tgr»iif y mm wmm Hmi ^ wA tif lnpiMm* Sif^ 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. , 91' 
 
 4 
 
 St. Margaret's Bay, Economy, Jeddore, Three Rivers (P. E. I.) and. 
 East Point (P. E." I.) 
 
 " There are now connected with the Nova Scotia Baptist Associa- 
 tion, — fifty-three Churches, — four thousand five hundred and forty- 
 nine memhers, — and thirty-four ordained ministers." 
 
 Tiie Committee appointed for the purpose of taking into consid- 
 eration the several questions proposed to tliis Association, reported 
 as follows: — . ^. ■ 
 
 1st. With rega^X to the question proposed by the Church at Hammond's 
 Plains. " Whether it be according to the Bible that Deacons should administer 
 the ordinances of the Gospel." Your Committee cannot find any proof from- 
 Scripture that it belongs to the oflice of Deacon to administer Baptism and the 
 Lord's Supper. 
 
 3nd. With reference to the question proposed by the Church at Sissiboo, 
 " What mode is most scriptural with regard to setting apart Deacons ." Your 
 Committee conceive that the Churches should look out suitable men for the 
 Deacons' office, possessing the qualitications required in Scripture (see Acts 
 G: 3 anr' 1st Tim. 3: 8-12), and that those persons should be set apart as in the 
 jtrimitive example (Acts (i: 6, 7), l)y prayer and imposition of hands. We do 
 not, however, insist on the observance of the lattq- ceremony, but wish the 
 Churches to proceed on such a subjeCi according to the best light they caa 
 obtain, without making it a matter of contention or disaffection. 
 
 4th. In regard to the matters alluded to in the letter of the Second Halifax 
 Church, the Committee recommend the following reply : — On careful consider- 
 ation of the subject proposed, we do not coincide in opinion with the brethren 
 in said Church, as to the scriptural rule in the matter in question; at the Kuroe 
 time we do not desire to del)ate the <iueslion with them, but &ri: willing to uhc 
 mutual forl>earance and leave our brethren to the exercise of their own view« 
 thereon. We would, however, for the further «MtiHfa<rlion of our breihnjo, 
 explain that, though wi- tin not deem it unwriptural to practiw^ wt-ekly roin 
 muiiiiMi. »t; do not think H«Tipturc enjoim* it, and that in all tiutc* »•• deem 
 It imiNtrtant tlia. • Church should, for tbi* and other pur|iaiM^, bt; furuinbed 
 with kuttable Eldi fi. -h;1 apart uud ordaine«l to ttii* o(Br«!. 
 
 Th<; lilxivc iCjHiil wiui upprov«ti l»y the Amn^x iutioti. 
 
 Wmlml. A (Miiwil I oit»iirfiii|{ ..f Eld«r-. K Mauuinic. T. H. HMilm» V. 
 < hipttMMi, ft. M'\j:mi H < uftwifiKlmm K Ma-Urs, T H Porter, 1. Htfmi 
 iH'U, w»A e^Mf I.I, 'h! f, ti iviiij^ l,»...ti rtfnm->Ai I hy th' I hurt-U «i Amtrnputka 
 
 *mll^f^^iirAu^^n^ ][ 'nfn -tr- nwrttTi T iff- -Mriif 'hi 'iMitlBg 
 
 •>f «ttMnii^«.t iti !bi. •iiii^'mtMliaii —Mr WWiMl MMfr l«t« tM.«m uf iIm. 
 
 m mtm mm mmmmu v<«k mmb. 
 
 • mmmtim* 
 
*M: 
 
 "■98 HISTORY OF THE HAPTISTS. 
 
 Voted, To continue our correspondence with the Oxford, Cumberland, 
 Bowdoinham, Kcanebeck, Lincoln, and Eastern Maine Associations; that 
 Elder James Munro be our messenger to the aLove Associations, and that ho 
 "be allowed £10 ($40). That Elder Edward Manning be our messenger to the 
 New Brunswick Association. ^ . ^ . 
 
 Interesting facts from the Digest of Letters. ' 
 
 Annapolis and Upper GranviUe. — This Church has been called 
 to pass through a severe trial with reference to their once esteemed 
 pastor, in having to exclude him from their communion and his 
 pastoral relation to them, prior to which they prudently called a 
 Council from sister Churches, and unanimously proceeded in con- 
 currence with their advice. Being thus left without an undcr-shep- 
 herd, they were remembered by the (Jreat Shepherd of the sheep. 
 Some of the ministering brethren were influenced to visit them, and 
 particularly Brother McLearn, whose labours of love were owned of 
 God and blessed to the Church and to poor sinners. Thirty persons 
 have already been added to the Church, and the work is still pro- 
 gressing. 
 
 The /Vr,"./ CunncaUi-s Church, under the pastorate of Elder E. 
 Manning, sent the following cheering report: — "Tlie Lord has 
 chosen his j)eo})le in the fu mare of affliction. This Church has been 
 made to realize this truth; but the liord has graciously visited them 
 with mercy during the past year, and has wrought a glorious work. 
 But little of i\\v fire, the i'arflti/aah', or the sfronf/ mind, but much 
 of the stiU xmtfil roire; and ]»oteut have Ikhju the cffectg. A mnlti* 
 tudc have In'en made to fetd that hiii its an evil, — that tlic wrath of 
 Ciod \a reveale<l uguint^tall unrigiitcoutine^, — and to look to the I>ird 
 for riglit«'oii-!i'NM uM(] Htrength. Thus changt-d in their \iew8, their 
 conduct bii.' Imch <lmiig«*d. One hniidred and tifty-one willing eon- 
 Tart;^ havf put on the Ivinl .leuui*. Thin \* truly the l>»r<r« doing 
 Mid in;irvf|l'»iii« in our eye*. Thin i'hureli ii< AXmt a fruitful ioil f<»r 
 the pffMlu' tiMii of the heraldi* of the ('r<MM. One during thf> \nai 
 fmur \mM U'<*n M't t^mri by tb- impHiinon of U^n4^. to the greni vorfc 
 of tlic mitiiittry, mad ux aum' prornifing young men are \wamtd k- 
 sh liie titiM^i^ luUdc nelM^ of ('hri«i.' A F-tii (1< MitwuMUtfj 
 M immmi at tins i^iarrh. aa«i apwarda •*/ tXi {¥n^ ktm 
 fcmti rtoflMifi m mii t4 fbuMfn mhI TkmMmiu- Mmiitfui. A Half 
 iiiwiiiMgy fUmmtf m alst* m mfmmu*m^ aad it Ami iM»tt«4 m tvm- 
 
 TV TtMfWIMMliMMi » pffMpMllg itt tlMfl 
 
 ^m MMV WHHHBfr ■^^' 
 
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS. 
 
 been called to separate several from their fellowship, and have had 
 but few additions in the past year; yet they enjoy a good degree of 
 union and brotherly love. They have licensed one of their brethren 
 to preach tlic Gospel, as they also had two before. They remark 
 that intemiwrance has received a fatal wound in that region. There •• 
 are no licensed taverns or grog-shops in any part of the County. 
 
 Difjhj Neck. — This Church the Lord has been pleased to visit 
 with mercy-drops. Twenty-six have been added liy baptism the 
 l)ast year. The temperance cause flourishes here. 
 
 Cheftfcr. — One hundred have been added by baptism and twelve 
 restored to this Church. A remarkable and glorious display of 
 (Jod's power. On one occasion forty-four persons received the hand', 
 of fellowship. None but those wlio have witnessed the like can 
 conceive the lioly melting and glowing of soul so sweetly felt on this 
 occasion. Here were to be seen the husband whose locks were sil- 
 vering for the grave, with sons and daughters, now joining the wife 
 and mother wh'" had been praying for that hap])y day for many 
 years; and the husband now receiving the wife and daughter. Two- 
 in this Churcii are licensed to })reach the Gospel. 
 
 Anfi(/o7u'.sh. — The Ijord has been pleased to favour this little 
 Church with His smile, under the ministration of Elder John 
 Whidden. 
 
 fiisxiboo. — The Lord has remembered this branch of Zion and lias 
 now given them a pastor, Elder Charles Randall, whose labours 
 have been blessed. Thirty by baptism and thirteen by letter have 
 been added to their number. 
 
 /.'«/'•//(;», -Their former and mncti e«teeined pastor. Elder R. 
 McU'arn, has discontinued his jMii'torul relation with thii< Church. 
 Elder John iJoyle hm Jiiu:a:ctk'd him, wbu«e iabuurti thu Churcb 
 appreciates hiffhlr. 
 
 i^^rmd Cor It tra Hi ".-—Of !«!• their God, who in rieh in mercy, hu 
 miitiifeitUil iiii love in tht- wilvjition of iiDmortal ^mln. Heventjr 
 have \mu »'UUtl by i>tiptiftn. Th« -^nhji. t- of thii work biive In^n 
 ftnim the child of eleven to the man uf it'v«nty-two ymum. 
 
 U efrptml. —TUrni (UmI wIi.. haf |»r«»r»iii«ff U» oftm aiUmm* ifc 1^ 
 dtwft a«4 tmntmm in the nitdni >t( ika V9khy, km wfffS-* r tlk« 
 *-mmtAt^mk «i thu Cbitt^ \m^ KiniiexfHif ««4ii' trkii. A Mmm4 
 >^iv^ of Mitf^uti haf telMe }fkmx, mnl Umy hmtm torn iiliM hf 
 ^•f^Mi mAm ^ mmvikrj of ■», I. g. m\ 1b«i^ mmm m 
 ^m0k mm airiii wp tm ^ fmm «■• tinind vitii «|MntiMl tfnrti^