UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES GENERAL HISTORY OF TE BAPTIST DENOMINATION IN A M E R I C A, AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, BY DAVID BENEDICT, A. IYI. ASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN PAVTTVCKET, R. I An<1 he said nnto thpm, Co ye into all the wofld, rind pnvicli the ^oo saved; but he that hclieveth not, shall he damned Mark xvi. 15, 16. And the CUM., . tw>rc ia water, wht doth hinder me to he baptized ? Jfthoo belieyc-.t ith alt um.. . j; e thai Jesus Ch,-,s !^stft=a; r d B b v e^& ^ COMF. VP OUT OF THE WATER, feCC TV.'O VOLUMES. VOL. II. BOSTON: BT MANNING & LORING, HO. 2 ? CORNHII.t., TOR THE AUTHOR. 18)3.. GENERAL HISTORY, &d CHAP. I. A HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN DELAWARE. DELAWARE became an independent State in 1 776 ; it contains three little counties, Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex ; in the first there was a Baptist society as early as 1703 ; they settled near Iron Hill ; from them, their sentiments took a spread northward, as far as Loudon Tract, in Pennsylvania ; northeast, to Wilmington ; east, to Bethel ; west, to Elk river, in Maryland ; southward, to Duck creek in this State ; and to the Pedee river in South-Carolina. This society was from Wales, and about the year 1733, eight or ten families more, from the same country, made a settlement at Duck creek, in Kent county, from whence their sentiments spread to Cowmarsh, and Mis- pillion, and to Georgetown in Maryland. About the year 1788, Elijah Baker and Philip Hughes, who had been labouring on the eastern shore of the Chesapeak Bay, in Maryland and Virginia, came to the county of Sussex, and made many proselytes, and planted two or three churches. Delaware, at present, contains seven or eight church- es, and one small association, which bears the name o the State, A 1 Welsh Tract Church. The histories of three of the churches, viz. Welsh Tract, Duck Creek or Brynsion, and Wilmington, \\ili be related. The Welsh Tract church is thus distinguished fronra large tract of land of the same name, surrounding the place of worship in Pencader, county of New-Castle. The house is a neat brick building, 4O feet by 3O ; it \vaserected in 174-6', and is situated 42 miles, in a south- western direction from Philadelphia. To come to the history of this church, \ve must cross the Atlantic and land in Wales, where it had its begin- ning in the following manner. " In the spring of the year 1701, several Baptists, in the counties of Pembroke and Caermarthen, resolved to go to America ; and as one of the company, Thomas Griffith, was a minister, they were advised to be constituted a church ; they took the advice ; the instrument of their confederation was in being in 1770, but is now lost or mislaid ; the names of the confederates follow : Thomas Griffith, Griffith Nich- olas, Evan Edmond, John Edward, Elisha Thomas, Enoch r rgan, Richard David, James David, Elizabeth Grif- hc^, Lewis Edmond, Mary John, Mary Thomas, Eliza- beth Griffith, Tennet David, Margaret Mathias, Tennet Morris ; these sixteen persons, which may be styled a church emigrant^ met at Milfordhaven in the month of June, 1701, embarked on board the good ship William and Mary ; and on the 8th of September following, landed at Philadelphia. The brethren there treated them courteously, and advised them to settle about Penne- pek ; thither they went, and there continued about a year and a half; during which time their church increased from 1 6 to 37. But finding it inconvenient to tarry about Pennepek", they, in 1 703, took up land in New- Castle county, from Messrs. Evans, Davis, and Willis, (who had purchased said Welsh Tract from William Penn, containing upwards of 30,000 acres) and thither removed the same year, and built a little meeting-house on the spot where the present stands/' This removal left some of their members near Penne- pek, and took some of the Pennepek members to Welsh Tract, yet neither would commune with their neigh- bours, on account of a difference about laying-on-of-bands ; Dispirte respecting Lay ing-on-of -bands. 5 for the church of Pennepek had grown indifferent about the rite ; but that at Welsh Tract deemed it a pre-req ; '.i- site to the communion of saints. To remedy this in- convenience, the churches appointed deputies, to the number of twenty-four from both, to compromise mat- ters as \\ ell as they could ; who met for the purpose, June 22, 17<)6. The following history, translated from the Welsh Tract church-book, will give the reader a view of this whole transaction, and the happy termina- tion of these disputes. " We could not be in fellowship, at the Lord's Table, with our brethren in Pennepek and Philadelphia, be- cause they did not hold to the laying-on-of-hands, and some other particulars* relating to a church : true, some of them believed in the ordinance, but neither preached it up, nor practised it ; and when we moved to Welsh Tract, and left twenty-two of our members at Penne- pek, and took some of their members down with us, the difficulty increased : we had many meetings in or- der to compromise matters, but to no purpose till June 22, 1706 : then the deputies, who had been appoir t ' for the purpose, met at the house of brother Ricl .^d. Miles, in Radnor, and agreed, that a member in either church might transiently commune with the other; that a member who desired to come under the laylng-on- of'hands) might have his liberty without offence ; that the votaries of the right might preach or debate upon, the subject with all freedom, consistent with brotherly love. But three years after this meeting, we had rea- son to review this transaction, because of some breth- ren, who arrived from Wales, and one, among ourselves, who questions whether the first article was warrantable. But we are satisfied that all was right, by the good ef- fects which followed ; for from that time forth, our brethren held sweet communion together at the Lord's Table ; and our minister! was invited to preach and as- sist at an ordination at Pennepek, after the death of our brother Watts. He proceeded from thence to the Jer- sey, where he enlightened many in the good ways of the * Some of those particulars are said to have been church covenajpV 2 - ruling elder*, 5;c. t Thomas Griffith, Tract Church. Lord, insomuch that in three years after, all the minis- ters, and about fifty-five private members had submitted to the ordinance." The Welsh Tract church was the principal, if not the sole means of introducing singing, imposition of hands, church covenants, &c. among the Baptists in the middle States. The Century Confession was in America, before the year 1 7 1 6, but without the articles which relate to these subjects ; that year they were inserted by Rev. Abel Morgan, who translated the confession to Welsh, about which time it was signed by one hundred twenty- t\vo members of this church. These articles were in- serted in the next English edition, and adopted with the other articles by the Philadelphia Association in 1742. The pulpit of this church was filled by great and good IIKM uf Welsh extraction, for about 7O years. The first minister was Thomas Griffith, who emigrat- ed with the church. All we can learn of him, is, that he was born in Lauvernach parish, in the county of Pem- broke, in 1 645, and after faithfully serving this church twenty-four years, died at Pennepek, July 25, 1725. Mr. Griffith was succeeded by Elisha Thomas, who was born in the county of Caermarthen, in 1674. He emigrated from Wales with the church whereof he was one of the first members, and died, November 7, 173O, and was buried in this church-yard, where a handsome tomb is erected to his memory : the top-stone is divided into several compartments, wherein open books are raised, with inscriptions and poetry both in Welsh and English. Mr. ThomaVs successor was Enoch Morgan. He was brother to Abel Morgan, author of the Welsh Concor- dance. Their father was Morgan Ryddarch, a famous Baptist minister in Wales ; but it was a common thing, in that country, for the children to take the personal name of their father instead of the sirname, only joining to it the names of their progenitors, by a string of aps* Mr. Morgan was born in 1676, at a place called Allt gach, in the parish of Lanwenrog, in the county of Car- uther's Welsh Tract Church. 7 digan. He arrived in America with the Welsh Tract church, whereof he was one of the constituents ; he took on him the care of the church at Mr. Thomas's decease, and died in 174O, and was buried in this grave-yard, where a tomb is erected to his memory. The next pastor of this church was Owen Thomas. He was born in 1676, at a place called Gwrgodllys, in Cilmanllwyd, and county of Pembroke. He came to America in 1 707 ; took the pastoral care of the church at Mr. Morgan's death, in which office he continued un- til 1748, when he resigned it, to go to Yellow Springs, where he died, November 12, 176O. Mr. Thomas left behind him the following remarkable note ; " I have been called upon three times to anoint the sick with oil for recovery ; the effect was surprising in every case, but in none more so, than in the case of our brother Rynallt Howel : he was so sore with the bruises which he received by a cask falling on him from a waggon, that he could not bear to be turned in bed : the next day he went to meeting. 5 ' The next in office here was David Davis. He was born in the parish of Whitechurch, and county of Pem- broke, in the year 1708, and came to America when a child, in 1710 ; was ordained in this church in 1734, at which time he became its pastor ; he continued in this office 35 years, viz. until 1769, when he died. He was an excellent man, and is held dear in remembrance by all who knew him. Two of his sons were preachers. Jonathan was a seventh-day Baptist, and John was some time pastor of the 2d Baptist church in Boston, Mass. Thus it appears, that hitherto the pastors of this church were all Welshmen. Those who have succeed- ed were native Americans, and the first was John Sut- ton, whose biography may be found in the history of the Emancipating Baptists, in Kentucky. He took on him the oversight of this church in 1770, and resigned it in 1777, to go to Virginia. The next to him was John Boggs, who was ordained to the pastoral office here in 1781. He was born in East-Nottingham, in 1741 ; was bred a Presbyterian, but embraced the Baptist sentiments in 1771. He died at Welsh Tract, of a paralytick stroke, in 1802, and was 8 Duck Creek or Brymlon. succeeded by Gideon Ferrell, the present pastor. Mr. Ferrell is a native of Maryland, and was born in Talbot. county, in 1763. He was bred a Quaker, but was bap- tized by Philip Hughes, in 1770. As Mr. Boggs, his predecessor, was much inclined to itinerate in the sur- rounding country, for which employment he was well qualified, Mr. Ferrell had preached for the church once. a month, and sometimes oftener, for the space of about seven years, before he was invested with the pastoral care of it. The Welsh Tract church is very handsomely endow- ed ; for after all the casualties which have befallen its temporalities, it has about thirteen hundred and thirty dollars in funds, at interest, and a lot of six acres, on which the meeting-house stands, and a plantation, the bequest of Hugh Morris, on which its pastor resides. This church is the oldest in the State, and has now ex- isted upwards of KJO years. It has been the mother of the Welsh Neck church in South-Carolina, the London Tract, the Duck Creek or Brynsion, and, in some meas^ lire, of Wilmington, Co\vmarsh, and Mispillion, and was one of the five churches which formed the Phila- delphia Association, in 1707. DUCK-CREEK OR BRYNSION. THIS church, which was formerly distinguished by the first name, but now altogether by the latter, is situated about 7O miles to the south-west of Philadelphia. The meeting-house was built of brick in 177], on a lot of one acre, the gift of John and Philemon Dickinson. The tract of land which was called Duck Creek Hun- dred, was settled in the year 1733, by a number of Welsh families, some of the Independent and some of the Baptist denominations. The Independents built a meeting-house on the lot where the Baptist house now stands, and called it Brynsion, viz. Mount-Sion. They had divine service performed in it by Presbyterian min- isters, viz. Rev. Messrs. Thomas Evans, Rces Lewis, David Jenison, &c. But in process of time this Inde- pendent society dwindled away, partly by deaths, and partly by emigrations j and the Baptists made use cf Wilmington Church. 9 their house while it stood. The Independents neglect- ed to have the lot conveyed over to them ; for which reason it reverted to the Dickinsons, and continued in their hands, till conveyed to the Baptists at the time above specified. The Baptists who settled here were about 8 or 1O. The names of the heads of them follow, viz. James Hy- att, Nathaniel Wild, David Evan, Evan Rees, David ReeSj James Howel, Evan David Hugh, Joshua Edwards, &c. This last was an exhorter among them, until he went to Pedee, in South-Carolina. These Baptists emi- grated hither, chiefly from Pencader, in Newcastle coun- ty, and were members of Welsh Tract church. In May 1 8, i 735, Rev. Hugh Davis, of the Great Valley, preach- ed to them at Brynsion meeting-house ; otherwise they held their worship at the house of James Hyatt. In September 18, 1737, Rev. David Davis, of Welsh Tract, administered ordinances here ; worship was then held at the house of Evan David Hugh ; in 1 749, Rev. Grif- fith Jones settled at Duck Creek, and continued among these people to his death, in 1757. In the spring of 1766, Rev. William Davis, from New-Britain, settled here ; but he Jied the 25th of September following. After him, Rev. Messrs. David Davis, John Sutton, John Boggs, &c. ministered to them, till their number increas- ed to thirty. Then they petitioned Welsh Tract for leave to become a distinct church. These thirty persons were constituted a church by Messrs. Boggs and Flee-- son, November 24, 1781 ; and in 1786 were received into the Association of Philadelphia. The ministers who officiated at Duck Creek, while it was a branch of Welsh Tract, have already been men- tioned. The first pastor, which it had after it became a separate church, was Eliphaz Dazey, who continued with them a short time, and then resigned, and was succeeded by James .Jones, their present pastor. WILMINGTON. THIS church is of later date than some other churches in Delaware, which are at present less distinguished, VOL. 2.' 2 10 Wilmington Church. There were a number of individuals in this town for about twenty years before the denomination began much to flourish and prevail. About the year 1769, Baptist ministers began to preach in Wilmington, in a transient way, but without any apparent success ; and the few members began to despair of seeing a church arise in the town. And the iirst time that a prospect opened to the contrary, was in 1782, when Rev. Philip Hughes came to print a volume of hymns. He preached here, and gained some attention. In the month of April following, Mr. Thomas Ainger and family settled in the town ; he was a member of the Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, but his wife a. professed Baptist ; he constantly maintained family wor- ship without any uncommon effect for a time. One Lord's-day evening, he read the 20th chapter of Reve- lation, and found a strong impulse to comment upon it, particularly on the 12th verse. This diffused serious- ness through the family, and laid a foundation for a re- ligious society, in which good was done. Two of his apprentices and some others, attribute their conversion to this society. It quickened four more, who had been converted long before ; these were baptized by Rev. John Boggs, May 25, 1784; their names were Thomas Ainger, Rachel Ainger, Noah Cross, and Mrs. Fer- ries. The same year, 1784, Rev. P. Hughes came to town to print his book on baptism, which detained him near two months ; he preached all the while, sometimes at a Presbyterian meeting-house, and sometimes at the town school-house, which collected many hearers. By him were baptized four persons who had been awaken- ed at the said society, viz. Robert Smith, John Red- man, James M'Laughlin, and Henry Walker. Messrs. Fleeson and Boggs continued to visit the place alternate- ly every week. More were baptized by them, inso- much that a sufficient number of materials for a church were soon prepared, and in October, 1785, Messrs, Fleeson and Boggs, with Abel Griffith and Eliphaz Da~ tey, met and gave them fellowship as a Gospel Church. The names of the constituents were, Thomas Ainger, James M'Laughlin, Thomas Williams, Henry Walker, Joseph Tomlinson, John Redman, Robert Smith, John Wilmington Church. 1 1 M'Kim, Curtis Gilbert, Sarah Stow, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Mattson ; to these twelve, must be added four more ; who had been baptized elsewhere, viz. John Stow, Elizabeth Way, Thomas Stow, Abigail Ainger. The church was received into the Association of Philadelphia, the year following. Thomas Ainger, who began the domestic meetings al- ready mentioned, commenced preaching in this church the next year after it was constituted, and was ordained the pastor of it in 1 788, by Dr. Samuel Jones, David Jones, and Eliphaz Dazey. This office he filled with re- putation, until his death, which happened in 1797. For a few years after Mr. Ainger's death, the church was supplied by the occasional labours of Mr. John Boggs, sen. Gideon Ferrel, John Ellis, and Joseph Flood. Mr. Flood did, indeed,, exercise the pastoral care of it, for a short time, when he was excluded for immoral conduct, and afterwards went to Norfolk, in Virginia, and was the cause of much evil and confusion. But dur- ing the ministry of Mr. Flood, notwithstanding the blemishes of his character, there was a very considerable revival, and many were added to the church. After remaining in a measure destitute for about five years, this church had the happiness to settle, for its pas- tor, Rev. Daniel Dodge, under whose ministry they have been prosperous and happy. Mr. Dodge, whose father was a native of Ipswich, in Massachusetts, was born in Annapolis Royal, Nova-Sco- tia, in 1775 ; but the most of his days have been spent in the United States. He professed religion at the age of 18, and united with the church in Woodstock, Ver- mont, then under the pastoral care of Elder Elisha Ran- som. In 1797, he went to Baltimore, and preached in various places in Maryland and Virginia, before he set- tled in Wilmington. Mr. Dodge has baptized 1 15 perons, who have united with this church since he became its pastor. The sisters of this church collected in about twelve months up- wards of three hundred dollars towards paying the ex- pense of finishing the meeting-house. 12 Baptist* in Maryland. CHAP. II. MARYLAND. THIS State was at first settled by Roman Catholics, who are still considerably numerous in it ; but as the government gave free toleration to all religious sects, in process of time it was settled by protestants of various denominations, and among them were some Baptists, the most noted of whom w r as Henry Sator, who remov- ed hither from England about the year 1 709, and set' tied in the northern parts near Chesnut Ridge. Soon after his settlement, he invited Baptist ministers to preach in his house, by which means a number were, from time to time, proselyted to his sentiments, and af- ter many years, a church was.formed in his neighbour- hood. The Baptists gained ground but slowly in Maryland, for more than half a century, after the first emigrants arrived here ; and, indeed, there is now the smallest number of the denomination in this State of any in the Union, except that of Delaware. In 1772,* except the Tunkers and Mennonists, it contained but two Baptist churches, and both of these were in the county of Balti- more, one of which were, in their doctrinal sentiments, General, and the other Particular Baptists ; the former had for its minister, though an unprofitable one, Hen- ry Loveall ; the other was under the pastoral care of the late much-respected John Davis. There were, howev- er, at this time, two little societies of Baptists near the Potomack, which were branches of churches in Virginia. In i7 ( J4,t Maryland contained 17 churches, in which were about 950 members. There has been a gradual in- crease of the denomination since, so that now, as near as can be ascertained, there are in this State, two Asso- ciations, viz. the Baltimore and Salisbury, about 23 churches, and about 1 2 or 1 40O communicants. The Methodists have had great success in this State, and in it their community is now considerably large. * M, Echvards's Materials towards a History of the Baptists in Maryland, f Asplund's Register. General Baptists. Their Constitution. 13 In 178.5, they constituted Cokesbury College, at Ab- ington, Harford county, which was so called in hon- our of Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury, bishops of the Methodist Episcopal church, which, after existing a few years, was unfortunately consumed by lire, and has never been rebuilt. The commencement of the General Baptist church at Chesnut Ridge, has already been suggested. It appears that George Eglesfield, from Pennsylvania, was the first minister that Mr. Sator obtained to preach in his house, after his settlement in Maryland. After him, Paul Palmer came into the neighbourhood, and baptized nine persons ; he was succeeded by Henry Loveall, who bap- tized forty-eight more, and in 1742 formed them into a church, which, at the time of its constitution, contain- ed 57 members. The instrument of their confederation, which is somewhat singular, and which was laid before the Governor and Court in 1742, when the society was taken under the protection of the toleration laws, is as follows : " We, the humble professors of the Gospel of Christ, baptized upon a declaration of faith and repentance, be- lieving the doctrine of general redemption, (or the free grace of God, extended to all mankind) do hereby seri- ously, heartily, and solemnly, in the presence of the Searcher of all hearts, and before the world, covenant, agree, bind, and settle ourselves into a church, to hold, abide by, and contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, owned by the best reformed churches in En- gland, Scotland, and elsewhere, especially as published and maintained in the forms and confessions of the Bap- tists in England ; differing in nothing from the articles of the church of England and Scotland, except in infant baptism, modes of church government, the doctrine of absolute reprobation, and some ceremonies. We do al- so bind ourselves hereby, to defend and live up to the protestant religion, and abhor and oppose the whore of Rome, pope, and popery, with all her anti-christian ways. We do also engage with our lives and fortunes, to defend the crown and dignity of our gracious sove- reign, King George, to him and his issue for ever, and *o obey all his laws, humbly submitting ourselves to all 14 Increase of the General Baptists. in authority under him, and giving custom to whom cus torn, honour to whom honour, tribute to whom tribute is due. We do further declare, that we are not against taking oaths, nor using arms in defence of our king and country, when legally called thereto ; and that we do approve and will obey the laws of this province. And further, we do bind ourselves to follow the patterns of our brethren in England, to maintain order, government, and discipline in our church, especially that excellent di- rectory of Rev. Francis Stanley, entitled " The Gospel's Honour, and the Church's Ornament," dedicated to the churches in the counties of Lincoln, Nottingham, and Cambridge. We also engage, that all persons upon join- ing our society, shall yield consent to and subscribe this our solemn league and covenant. Subscribed by us whose names are underwritten, this 10th day of July, 1742." Mr. Sator bore an excellent character, and may be considered not only the founder of this society, but of the Baptist interest in Maryland. His assistance in build- ing the place of worship, and his gift of land to the min- ister, are mentioned as peculiar marks of his liberality. This church immediately increased very fast, and be- gan to spread over the country, and soon extended over to Opeckon and Ketockton in Virginia ; insomuch that in four years the number of communicants amounted; to 181. Mr. Loveall became the pastor of the church at its be- ginning, and continued still to act in that capacity ; but by many accounts, he was a man of great blemishes of character, and his misconduct soon checked the growth of the church at Chesnut Ridge, and caused it to dis- perse and dwindle away. He was a native of Cam- bridge, England ; came to America when young ; and was baptized in New-England in 1725; probably in Newport ; for it appears by Mr. John Comer's Journal-, that he was in that town in 1729, and had then begun to preach. And being desirous of travelling into the Jerseys, he, by his request, received a letter of introduc- tion to the churches there, signed by James Clark, Dan- iel Wightrnan, and John Comer, who certified that they then " knew nothing, but that his conduct and gonver- Particular Baptists in Harford Couniy. 1 5 sation was agreeable to the Gospel of Christ." But it was not long after that he was found to be a man of bad character, having been guilty of some shameful acts of uncleanness, a sin which most easily beset him ; and that his real name was Desolate Baker.* He was or- dained at Piscataqua, New- Jersey, 1730, but never offi- ciated there in a pastoral capacity ; for the foul blemish- es of his character were soon discovered by the church^ which had been too hasty in ordaining him. After caus- ing much confusion at Piscataqua, he came to Maryland in 1742, and the same year became the minister of the church whose history we are now relating. In 1746, he went to Virginia, and raised the Mill-Creek church, from which he was shortly after excommunicated for his misconduct, and returned to Chesnut Ridge, where he resided in 1772, in the 78th year of his age, an un- happy proof, that ministerial gifts and a good life and conversation do not always go together. The church of Particular Baptists was at first called Winter Run, which appellation has since been exchanged for Harford, the name of the county in which it is situat- ed. In 1772, besides the main establishment at Winter Run, it consisted of three other branches, one near Ches- nut Ridge, which met for worship in the house belong- ing to the General Baptists, the second was at Petapsco, and the third near Winchester. These branches have ? probably, since become distinct churches, although they do not bear the names which are here given them. In this church, which was so extensive in its bounds, there were, at the date above mentioned, US communicants. It originated from the General Baptist church at Ches- nut Ridge, in the following manner : About the year 1747, some of the members of that church, being inclrn- ed to the sentiments of the Particular Baptists, invited their ministers to preach amongst them; who continued their visits until fourteen persons had embraced their- sentiments, and the*e were constituted into a church in 1754, by the assistance of Benjamin Griffiths and Peter P. Vanhorn, and was the same year received into the Philadelphia Association. It is an old and respectable * John Comer's D'wry, a letter from Nathaniel Jenkins, to the cbrrch ?.' Piscatnqua, dated Dec. 1730. 16 Churches in Baltimore, Taney Town, church, and was, for upwards of 5O years, under the pastoral care of the late venerable John Davis. Mr. Da- vis was born in Pennepeck, in Pennsylvania, Sept. 10, 1721 ; was called to the ministry and ordained at Mont- gomery in the same State, 1756, and the same year came to Maryland, and took on him the pastoral care of this church, where he continued until his death, which hap- pened in 1809, when he was in the 88th year of his age. He was own cousin to the late famous Benjamin Francis, of England. All that 1 can learn of him is, that he was a man of peculiar piety and usefulness, and no one who knew him, mentions his name without affixing some appellation expressive of his peculiar excellence. When he firft arrived in Maryland, he was very roughly treated ; for the people of the neighbourhood, the ma- gistrates and the court, publickly affronted him, and used indirect arts to drive him out of the country ; but in a short time, the men who were his bitterest enemies became his affectionate friends, and treated him with honour and respect. The Harford church has been the mother of a num- ber of others ; for the churches which bear the follow- ing names, 1st Baltimore, Taney Town, Gunpowder, and Sator's, were taken from it. About 177O, some preachers from Virginia, particu- larly Richard Major and the Fristoes, William and Daniel, began to preach in the south-west borders of the State ; their labours were attended with success : many were baptized, who united with the churches in Virgin- ia, belonging to the Ketockton Association, and in this way the foundations were laid for the oldest churches in that region. Respecting the remaining churches, in that part of Maryland, which, by way of contradistinction, is called the Western shore, I have obtained no information worth detailing, excepting of those in the city of Balti- more. The 1st church in Baltimore was constituted in 1785. with 1 1 members, all of whom, excepting Mr. Richards, were dismissed from the Harford church. The con- stituents were Rev. Lewis Richards, David Shields and wife, George Prestman and wife, Richard Lemmon, Al- First Church in Baltimore. 17 exander M'Kim, (now a member of Congress,) Thom- as Coal and wife, William Hobby, and Eleanor Thomas. These members had kept up a meeting in Baltimore, for a number of years before the church was organized, and were regularly supplied with preaching once a month, by Mr- Davis, the pastor of the church with which they stood connected, until their present pastor removed and settled in the city. Mr. Richards was born in 1152, in the parish of Llanbardarn vowr, Cardiganshire, South- Wales. He made a publick profession of religion at the age of 1 9, and joined a society of Independents, and was shortly after introduced to the attention of the famous Lady Hunt- ington, and studied a short time in the college which was under the patronage of that remarkable woman. He, however, suspended his studies there, with a view of pursuing them at the Orphan House in Georgia, and embarked for America with a number of his fellow stu- dents, the names of whom, and many particulars respect- ing them, are related in the biography of Rev. Joseph Cook. Mr. Richards was baptized by Dr. Richard Fur- man, at the High Hills of Santee, South-Carolina, in 1777, and was ordained the same year, in Charleston, by Rev. Messrs. Hart and Cook ; and after travelling about a year in different parts of South-Carolina and Georgia, removed to Northampton county, Virginia, on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeak Bay. From this place he removed to his present station in 17 84-, a few months before the church over which he presides was constituted. Some time before the constitution of this church, a number of persons had purchased a lot in the city, con- taining half an acre, on which the congregation have since erected their present place, of worship, which is a neat brick building without galleries, 60 feet by 40. They have also erected, on the same lot a very commo- dious brick dwelling-house, two stories high, for the use of their minister. The origin of the 2d church in Baltimore, is some- what singular, and is thus related by Rev. John Healey, their present pastor : VOL, 2. 3 1 8 Second Church in Baltimore. In 1794, Mr* Healey and wife, Matthew Hulse and wife, and William Lynes and wife, all members of the General Baptist church of Friar Lane, Leicester, En- gland, having resolved to go to America, covenanted, be- fore their departure, to remain together as a religious society, and to maintain the worship of God among themselves, in the distant country to which they were bound. They landed in New- York, in October, 1794, and tarried in that city through the following winter. The succeeding spring they removed to Baltimore, and immediately commenced their meetings in a ware- house, which had been occupied as a place of worship by the Episcopalians. In this, and in other places, they continued to assemble until 1797, when they had ac- quired sufficient ability to erect a decent brick building 40 feet by 27, with a vestry 1O feet wide, which is at- tached to one end of it. It stands in that part of the city called Fell's Point. About the time the meeting-house was built, there re- mained of the constituents of the church, only Mr. Hea- ley and his wife j for Lynes and his wife went off to the Methodists soon after they came to Baltimore, and Hulse and his wife had died with the yellow fever. But others had united with the little establishment, which, in the same year the meeting-house was built, began to travel in a church capacity. As Mr. Healey and his associates were General Bap- tists, they were, on that account, for a time, exposed to many suspicions and much embarrassment ; for the Baptists, in these parts, are, generally speaking, strongly Calvinistick. And between this church and the first in the city, there was no fellowship for a number of years. But the differences between them have gradually sub- sided, and a full and happy union has been formed. This church, in 1 809, had some peculiar trials with a number of its members who went off from them in a manner which they considered disorderly, and united in forming a church which was founded that year by Rev. William M'Pherson. Mr. M'Pherson was former- ly one of Mr. Haldane's connexion, in Scotland ; but he became a Baptist soon after he came to America. Some further account of the church, which lie founded in this Baltimore Association. 19 city, will be given in the history of the community, with which it is connected. BALTIMORE ASSOCIATION. THIS body was organized in 1792, and includes all the associated churches in Maryland, on the western side of the Chesapeak Bay, excepting the church of Nan- jemoy, which belongs to the Ketocton Association. It also includes three churches in Pennsylvania, which have been noticed in the history of that State, and two in the city of Washington. It was at first known by the name of the Association on the western shore of Maryland. The churches of which it was, at its constitution, com- posed, were those of Harford, Fredericktown, Seneca, Taney Town, Huntington, and Hammond's Branch. The only ministers present, or at least, who belonged to it, were John Davis, Samuel Lane, and Absalom Bain- bridge, the last of whom has since removed to Ken- tucky, and the number in all the churches was but 253. The first church in Baltimore, at that time, belonged to the Philadelphia Association, from which it did not see fit to obtain a dismission until 1795, when it united with this little establishment, which, after that time, as- sumed the name, which it at present bears. As the churches in the city of Washington belong to this Association, and being in the District of Columbia, do not properly belong to any State, we shall give their history a place here. The 1st church in this city was constituted in I S02, and arose in the following manner. When the General Government was removed from Philadelphia to this newly established metropolis', a few Baptist members, some of whom were in its employment, belonging to different churches, removed hither, about the same time. These persons had frequent conversations on the advan- tages which might result to them, from church fellow- ship ; and having made previous arrangements for the purpose, were, on the 7th of March, 1802, in the Hall of the Treasury Department, constituted into a church by the assistance of Messrs. Jeremiah More, Lewis Rich- ards, William Parkinson, and Adam Freeman, Their 20 Salisbury Association. number was only six, viz. Charles P. Polk, from Balti- more, John Burchan, from New- York, Charles Rogers^ from Maryland, Cephas Fox, from Virginia, and Joseph Barrows and wife, from Philadelphia. A few days after the church was constituted, the brethren began to solicit the aid of the citizens, towards erecting for them a place of worship : in their attempts they were greatly assisted by Rev. William Parkinson, who was then officiating as Chaplain to Congress ; and so successful were their exertions, that they soon obtain- ed sufficient means to purchase a lot in the west end of the city, 75 feet by 37, and to build a handsome house, 42 feet by 32, in which the first sermon was preached by Mr. Parkinson, on the 14th day of November, 1802. Previous to this event, the church had received the addition of five members, and continued gradually to increase for a number of succeeding years. It was sup- plied with preaching pretty frequently by the neigh- bouring ministers, both in Virginia and Maryland, but had no pastor until 1807, when Rev. Obadiah B. Brown, a native of Newark, New- Jersey, and who was then preaching in that town, by the call of the church, removed amongst them, and assumed the pastoral office, which he still continues to fill with reputation and suc- cess. Mr. Brown also generally officiates as Chaplain to one branch of the National Legislature, during its ses- sions.* The 2d church in Washington, was formed at the Navy Yard, in 181O, partly of members dismissed from the first, SALISBURY ASSOCIATION. THIS Association lies wholly on the eastern shore of the Chesapeak Bay, and by this Bay is separated from the other churches in Maryland. Baptist sentiments were first propagated in this re- gion, by the pious and laborious Elijah Baker, as related * Mr. Polk, who furnished the substance of the above articles, adds the fol- lowing note: "Mr. Benedict will, it is believed, do much service, by recom- mending to travelling Baptist ministers, or those of them who wish to remove south, to visit Maryland; for, perhaps, no part of the Union has more need of Gospel preachers than it has: I mean the country parts of it" Acomack Association. hh Tract. 4-0 Marshall's, Lane's and Harris's successful Labours. ings. Application was then made to Mr. Leadbetter, who was then pastor of the church on Lynch's-creek, Craven county, South-Carolina, and who was a brother-in-law of Mr. Marshall. He and Mr. Stearns ordained Mr. Mar- shall to the care of this new church. The work of grace continued to spread, and several preachers were raised in North-Carolina. Among others was James Read, who was afterwards very successful in Virginia. When he first began to preach he was very illiterate, not knowing how to read or write. His wife became his instructor, and he soon acquired learning sufficient to enable him to read the Scriptures. The gospel was carried by Mr. Marshall into the parts of Virginia, adjacent to the residence of this re- ligious colony, soon after their settlement. He baptized several persons in some of his first visits. Among them was Button Lane, who, shortly after his baptism, began to preach. A revival succeeded, and Mr. Marshall at one time baptized 4'2 persons. In August, 1760, a church was constituted, and Mr. Lane became their pastor. This was the first Separate Baptist church in Virginia, and in some sense the mother of all the rest. The church pros- pered much under the ministry of Mr. Lane, aided by the occasional visits of Mr. Marshall and Mr. Stearns. They endured much persecution, but God prospered them, and delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies. Soon after Mr. Lane's conversion, the power of God was effectual in the conversion of Samuel Harris, a man of great distinction in those parts. But upon being hon- oured of God, he laid aside all worldly honours, and be- came a labourer in the Lord's vineyard. In 1 759, he was ordained a ruling elder. From the commencement of his ministry, for about seven years, his labours were devoted chiefly to his own and the adjacent counties. Being oft- en with Mr. Marshall in his ministerial journies, he caught the zeal, diligence, and indeed the manners of this zeal- ous evangelist. His labours were crowned with the bless- ing of Heaven wherever he went. Stearns, though not as laborious as Marshall, was not idle. He seems to have, possessed the talent of arranging the materials when col- lected, and well understood discipline and church gov- ernment. Marshall travels south. 4 1 Marshall's impressions led him to travel farther south* Accordingly, after prosecuting his successful ministry a few years in North-Carolina, and the neighbouring parts of Virginia, he took an affectionate leave of the church over which he presided, and of his friends in that re- gion, and settled on Beaver-Creek, in South-Carolina, not far from 2OO miles to the north-west of Charles- ton. Marshall, after tarrying a few years at different places in South-Carolina, and having been the instru- ment of raising up a number of churches, and laying the foundation for many others, in 1771 removed to Georgia, and settled on the Hioka-creek, about 18 miles to the west of Augusta, where a church was soon gather- ed by his means, as some of his brethren had removed into that place before him. Mr. Marshall was accom- panied by a few of the North-Carolina Separates, on his removal from them, and was soon followed by others.) among whom were some ministers^ particularly Joseph Breed and Philip Mulky, the last of whom was, for ma- ny years, a very famous and successful preacher in South- Carolina ; and by the labours of those preachers and some others, who were soon raised up in the parts, seven churches were gathered by the year 1770, some of which were very large, and consisted of a num- ber of branches, which were shortly after formed into distinct churches* While Marshall was sojourning southward, and plant- ing churches in the various places where he pitched his frequent habitations, Harris bent his course to the north- ward, amongst his rude and insolent countrymen the Virginians ; and while his brethren were thus engaged to the north and south of him, Stearns maintained his station at Sandy-creek, where his labours were greatly blessed ; he however often travelled a*considerable dis- tance in the country around, to assist in organizing and regulating the churches which he and his associates were instrumental in raising up. Thus the Separate Baptists " were headed by three most distinguished men ; distin- guished not for human acquirements, but for purity of life, and godly simplicity, which they, amidst the ship- wrecks of many, maintained to the end ; and for a pious ardour and invincible boldness and perseverance in their VOL. 2. 6 42 Remarkable Things of the Sandy-creek Church. Master's service. Other preachers were soon raised up under their ministry, whose zealous and abundant la- bours were crowned with great success, so that the Sep- arates, in a few years became truly a great people, and their churches were scattered over a country whose whole extent from north to south, was about 50O miles ; and Sandy-creek church, the mother of them all, was not far from the centre of the two extremes. " Very remarkable things (said Morgan Edwards, in 1775) may be said of this church, worthy a place in Gil- lis's book, and inferior to no instance he gives of the modern success of the gospel in different parts of the world. It began with 16 souls, and in a short time in- creased to 606, spreading its branches to Deep-river and Abbot's-creek, which branches are gone to other prov- inces, and most of the members of this church have fol- lowed them ; insomuch, that in 17 years it is reduced from 606 to 1 4 souls. The cause of this dispersion was the abuse of power which too much prevailed in the province, and caused the inhabitants at last to rise up in arms, and fight for their privileges ; but being routed, . May 16, 1771, they despaired of seeing better times, and therefore quitted the province. It is said 150O families departed since the battle of Almance, and, to my knowl- edge, a great many more are only waiting to dispose of their plantations, in order to follow them. This is to me an argument, that their grievances were real, and their oppression great, notwithstanding all that has been said to the contrary. " The church at Little-river was no less remarkable than the one already mentioned ; for this was constitut- ed in 1760, five years after the Sandy-creek, and in three years it increased from 5 to 500, and built five meeting-houses ; but this church was also reduced by the provincial troubles and consequent dispersion of the inhabitants, mentioned above. vl " But to return. Sandy-creek church is the mother of all the Separate Baptists. From this Zion went forth the word, and great was the company of them who published it. This church, in seventeen years, has spread her branch- es westward as far as the great river Missisippi ; south- ward as far as Georgia; eastward to the sea and Chesapeak Samuel Harris's Labours in Virginia. 4*3 Bay j and northward to the waters of Potomack ; it, in seventeen years, is become mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, to 42 churches, from which sprang 125 ministers, many of which are ordained and support the sacred character, as well as any set of clergy in America ; and if some have turned out bad, where is there a set of clergy that can throw the first stone, and say, " We all are good ?" As for the outcries, epilepsies, and ecstasies attending their ministry, they are not pe- culiar to them ; the New-England Presbyterians had these long before ; and in Virginia it is well known, that the same effects attend the ministry of some clergy- men of the church of England, particularly Rev. Messrs. Derreaux Garret, and Archibald M'Roberts. The en- chantment of sounds, attended with corresponding ac- tions, have produced greater effects than these ; though I believe a preternatural and invisible hand works in the assemblies of the Separate Baptists, bearing down the hu- man mind, as was the case in primitive churches. 1 Cor. xiv. 25." But Virginia, in about ten years after their settle- ment, became, to the Separates, their principal scene of action, of suffering, and success. Their movements here, we shall now proceed to state ; being prepared, from Semple's History, to give a more extensive and circumstantial account of them, in this, than in the oth- er States. Harris seemed destined of God to labour more ex- tensively in Virginia, than in any other State. And having done much good in his own neighbourhood, in the year 1765, the time arrived for him to extend his labours. In January of this year, Allen Wyley, an inhabitant of Culpepper, and who had been baptized by David Thomas, hearing of the Separate Baptist preach- ers, travelled as far as Pittsylvania, in order to get one or more of them to come and preach in his own county. He travelled on, scarcely knowing whither he went ; but an unseen hand directed his course. He providen- tially fell in with one of Mr. Harris's meetings. When he came into the meeting-house, Mr. H. fixed his eyes upon him, being impressed previously, that he had some ex- traordinary message. He asked him whence he came, &c. Mr. W. told him his errand. Upon which, after some 44- Samuel Harris's Success in Preaching. deliberation, believing him to be sent of God, Mr. H. agreed to go. Taking three days to prepare, he set out with Wyley, having no meetings on the way, yet ex- horting and praying at every house where he went. Arriving in Culpepper, his first meeting was at Wy- ley's own house. He preached the first day without in- terruption, and made appointments for the next. But when he began his meeting, such violent opposition was made by a company, who appeared with whips, sticks, clubs, and other rustick weapons, as to hinder his la- bours ; in consequence of which, he went, that night, over to Orange county, and preached with much effect. He continued many days preaching from place to place, atrended by great crowds, and followed throughout his meetings by several persons who had been either lately converted, or seriously awakened, under the ministry of the Regular Baptists, and also by many who had been alarmed by his own labours. When Mr. Harris left them, he exhorted them to be stedfast, and advised some in whom he discovered talents, to commence the exercise of their gifts, and to hold meetings among themselves. In this ministerial journey, Mr. Harris sowed much good seed, which yielded afterwards great increase. The young converts took his advice, and be- gan to hold meetings every Sabbath, and almost every night in the week, taking a tobacco-house for their meeting-house. After proceeding in this way for some time, they applied to Mr. David Thomas, who lived somewhere north of the Rappahannock, to come and preach for them, and teach them the ways of God more perfectly ; he came, but in his preaching expressed some disapprobation of the preaching of sucli weak and illite- rate persons. This was like throwing cold water upon their flaming zeal ; they took umbrage, and resolved to send once more for Mr. Harris. Some time in the year 1766, and a short time after Mr. Thomas's preaching, three of the party, viz. Elijah Craig and two others, travelled to Mr. Harris's house, in order to procure his services in Orange and the adjacent parts, to preach and baptize the new converts. They found, to their sur- prise, that he had not been ordained to the administra- tion of the ordinances. To remedy this inconve^ James Read, of North-Carolina. 4s liience, he carried them about 60 miles into North-Car- olina to get James Read, who was ordained. There is something singular in the exercise of Mr. Read about this time. He was impressed with au opinion that he had frequent teachings from God ; and indeed, from the account given by himself, we musr either doubt his veracity, or admit that his impressions were supernatural. He declares that respecting his preaching in Virginia, for many weeks, he had no rest in his spirit. Asleep or awake, he felt his soul earn- estly impressed with strong desires to go to Virginia, to preach the gospel. In his dreams he thought that God would often shew him large congregations of Virginians assembled to hear preaching. He was sometimes heard by his family to cry out in his sleep, " O Virginia ! Vir- ginia ! Virginia 1" Mr. Graves, a member of his church, a good man, discovering his anxiety, and believ- ing his impressions to be from God, offered to accom- pany him. Just as they were preparing to set out, Mr. Harris and the three messengers mentioned above, came for him to go with them. The circumstances so much resemble Peter's call from Joppa to Caesarea, that we can hardly for a moment hesitate in placing implicit confidence in its being a contrivance of Di- vine Wisdom. Mr. Read agreed to go, without much hesitation. One of the messengers from Spottsylvania went on to appoint meetings on the way. The two preachers, after filling up some appointments in their own parts, pursued their contemplated journey, accompanied by Mr. Graves and the other two. In about two weeks they arrived in Orange, within the bounds of Blue-Run Church, as it now stands. When they came in sight, and saw a very large congregation, they were greatly affected. After a few minutes of prayer and reflection, they re- covered their courage, and entered upon their great work. They preached with much effect on that day. The next day they preached at Elijah Craig's, where ii vast crowd attended. David Thomas and John Garrard. both preachers of the Regular Order, were at this meeting. The ministers on both sides seemed desirous to unite, but the people were against it ; the larger par; 46 Revivals of Religion 'under ReaC and Harris. siding with the Separates. As they could not unite, the next day being Sabbath, both parties held meetings but a small distance from each other. Baptism was ad- ministered by both. These things widened the breach. Messrs. Read and Harris, however, continued their ministrations. Mr. Read baptized 19 the first day, and more on the days following. They went through Spott- sylyania into the upper parts of Caroline, Hanover, and Goochland, sowing the seeds of grace and peace in many places. So much were they inspirited by these meet- ing*, that they made appointments to come again the next year. In their second visit, they were accompa- nied by the Rev. Dutton Lane, who assisted them in constituting and organizing the first Separate Baptist church between the Rappahannock and James-river. This took place on the 20th of November, 1767. The church was called Upper Spottsylvania, and consisted of 25 members, including all the Separate Baptists north of James-river. This was a mother to many other churches. Read and Harris continued to visit these parts for about three years, with wonderful effect. In one of their visits, they baptized 75 at one time, and in the course of one of their journies, which generally lasted several weeks, they baptized upwards of 20O. It was not uncommon, at their great meetings, for many hun- dreds of men to encamp on the ground, in order to be present the next day. The night meetings, through the great work of God, continued very late j the ministers would scarcely have an opportunity to sleep. Some- times the floor would be covered with persons struck down under the conviction of sin. It frequently hap- pened, that when they would retire to rest at a late hour, they would be under the necessity of arising again, through the earnest cries of the penitent. There were instances of persons travelling more than one hun- dred miles to one of these meetings ; to go forty or fifty was not uncommon. On account of the great increase of members, through the labours of Messrs. Read and Harris, aided by a num- ber of young preachers, it was found necessary to con- stitute several other churches. Great Success of the Separates in Virginia. 47 Read and Harris, particularly the latter, were men of great zeal and indefatigable diligence and perseverance in their Master's cause. Their spirit was caught by- many of the young prophets in Orange and Spottsylva- nia. Lewis and Elijah Craig, John Waller, James Childs, John Burrus, and others, animated by an ardent desire for the advancement of their Master's kingdom, sallied forth in every direction, spreading the tidings of peace and salvation wherever they went. Most of them illiterate, yet illumined by the wisdom from above, they would defend and maintain the cause of truth, against the arguments of the most profound. Without visible sword or buckler, they moved on steady to their pur- pose, undismayed by the terrifick hosts of Satan, which were backed by the strong arm of civil authority. Magis- trates and mobs, priests and sheriffs, courts and prisons, all vainly combined to divert them from their object. Their labours were not limited to their own counties. In Goochland, Messrs. Harris and Read had baptized several ; among whom was Reuben Ford, who had pro- fessed vital faith about seven years before, under the ministry of the renowned Whitefield and Davis. Mr. Ford was baptized in the year 1769, by James Read. These plants were watered by the labours of the Spott- sylvania preachers, particularly J. Waller, who, early in his visits to Goochland, baptized William Webber anc' Joseph Anthony, who, with Reuben Ford, had been ex- horting, &c. previous to their being baptized. By the united labours of these several servants of God, the work of godliness progressed in Goochland and round about. These young preachers were no sooner capti- vated by the King of Zion, than they immediately be- gan to fight under his banner. Their success was equal to their diligence ; many believed, and were baptized in Goochland j insomuch that they thoughtthemselves ripe for an independent government, and were according- ly constituted as a church, towards the last of the year 1771, which received the name of the county in which it was situated, and contained about 75 members. This was the mother church of those parts, for from it have been since constituted several others, particularly Dover and Licking-hole. William Webber became pastor of 48 The Gospel published, attended with Persecutions. Dover church, which office he held until his death in 1 808, Reuben Ford administered the word and ordinances to Goochland and Licking-hole. One William Mullin, afterwards an useful preacher, had moved from Middlesex and settled in the county of Amelia. When the gospel reached his neighbourhoodj Mr. Mullin cordially embraced it. Going afterwards, in 1769, on a visit to his relations in Middlesex and Es- sex, by arguments drawn from the scripture, he COH- vinced his brother John, and his. brother-in-law James Greenwood, with several others, of the necessity of be- ing born again. Of these, some found peace in believ- ing, before they ever heard the gospel publickly preach- ed. November, 1 770, John Waller andj John Burrus came down and preached in Middlesex. They continu- ed preaching at and near the same place for three days ; great crowds came out. Waller baptized five ; but persecution began to rage. Some said they were deceivers ; others that they were good men. On the second day, a magistrate attempted to pull Waller off the stage, but the clergyman of the parish prevented it. The next day a man threw a stone at Waller while he was preaching ; but the stone missed him, and struck a friend of the man who threw it. James Greenwood and others now began to hold publick meet- ings by day and by night j much good was done by them. Many believed, and only waited an opportunity to be baptized, there being no ordained preacher near- er than Spottsylvania. In the mean time, the labourers had not been idle in that part of the vineyard south of James-river. The two Murphies, viz. William and Joseph, aided by the inde- fatigable Samuel Harris, had carried the gospel into some of the counties above Pittsylvania, where Robert Stock- ton and some other preachers were raised up. Mr. Harris, James Read, Jeremiah Walker, and others, had proclaimed the tidings of peace in Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Amelia, and almost all the counties to the west of Richmond, on the south side of James-river. In these gatherings, there were many use- ful and several eminent ministers of the gospel brought in, particularly John Williams, John King, James Shel- Sandy- creek Association formed. 49 bu'rne, Henry Lester, with some others. The gospdl was first carried to these places much in the same way as it was into Culpepper and Spottsylvania, viz. in con- sequence of a special message to the preachers from some of the inhabitants. They constituted the first church in 1769, with about forty members, which was called Nottoway. Jeremiah Walker soon moved and took the pastoral care of it *. he had been preaching some time be* fore this, in North-Carolina, his native State ; but' notf/ moving to Virginia, he for several years acted a conspic- uous part in the concerns of the Virginia Baptists. In the year 1758, three years after Stearns and his company settled at Sandy-creek, a few churches hav- ing been constituted, and these having a number of branches which were fast maturing for churches, Stearns conceived that an Association composed of dele- gates from them all, would have a tendency to forward the great object of their exertions. For this purpose he visited each church and congregation, and explaining to them his contemplated plan, induced them all to send delegates to his meeting-house in January, 1758, when an Association was formed, which was called Sandy-cresk^ and which continues to the present time ; but it has ex- perienced many vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity ; and at one time, on account of exercising too much power over the churches, it became much embarrassed in. its movements, and very near to extinction. For twelve years, all the Separate Baptists in Virginia and the two Carolinas, continued in connexion with this Association, which was generally held at no great distance from the place where it originated. All who could, travelled from its remote extremities, to attend its yearly sessions, which were conducted with great harmony, and afforded sufficient edification to induce them to undertake with cheerfulness these long and la- borious journies. By the means of these meetings, the gospel was carried into many new places, where the fame of the Baptists had previously spread ; for great crowds attending from distant parts, mostly through curiosity, many became enamoured with these extraor- dinary people, and petitioned the Association to send preachers into their neighbourhoods. These petitions VOL. 2. 7 50 John Gano visits the Association* were readily granted, and the preachers as readily com- plied with the appointments. These people were so much engaged in their evangelical pursuits, that they had no time to spend in theological debates, nor were they very scrupulous about the mode of conducting their meetings. When assembled, their chief employ- ment was preaching, exhortation, singing, and convers- ing about their various exertions in the Redeemer's ser- vice, the success which had attended them, and the new and prosperous scenes which were opening before them. These things so inflamed the hearts of the ministers, that they would leave the Association with a zeal and courage, which no common obstacles could impede. " At our first Association, (says the MS. of James Read, who was present) we continued together three or four days. Great crowds of people attended, mostly through curiosity. The great power of God was among us. The preaching every day, seemed to be attended with God's blessing. We carried on our Association with sweet decorum and fellowship to the end. Then we took leave of one another, with many solemn charg- es from ooir reverend old father Shubael Stearns, to stand fast unto the end." At their next Association they were visited by Rev. John Gano, who at that time resided in North-Carolina, at a place called the Jersey settlements. Mr. Gano was received by Stearns with great affection ; but as there was at that time an unhappy shyness and jealousy be- tween the Regulars and Separates, by the others he was treated with coldness and suspicion j and they even re- fused to invite him into their Association. But Mr. Gano had too much knowledge of mankind, humility and good nature, to be offended at this treatment. He con- tinued a while as a spectator of their proceedings, and then retired with a view of returning home. Stearns was much hurt and mortified with the shyness and in- civility of his brethren, and, in the absence of Mr. Gano 3 expostulated with them on the matter, and made a proposition to invite him to preach with them. AH were forward to invite him to preach, although they could not invite him to a seat in their Assembly. With their invitation he cheerfully complied, and his preach- His acceptable Preaching. 51 ing, though not with the New-Light tones and gestures, was in demonstration of the Spirit and with power. He continued with them to the close of their session, and preached frequently, much to their astonishment, as well as edification. Their hearts were soon opened towards him, and their cold indifference and languid charity were, before he left them, enlarged into a warm attach- ment and cordial affection. And so superior did his preaching talents appear to them, that the young and illiterate preachers said they felt as if they could never attempt to preach again. This Association continued to progress with great har- mony and prosperity, without any special occurrence, until 1769, when the Ketockton Association of Regular Baptists, desirous of effecting an union with them, (which had before been unsuccessfully attempted) by compromising those little matters of difference, which had unhappily prevented their communion with each other, sent, as messengers for the purpose, the Rev. Messrs. Garret, Major, and Saunders, with a letter of which the following is an extract : " Beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ, " The bearers of this letter can acquaint you with the design of writing it. Their errand is peace, and their business is a reconciliation between us, if there is any dif- ference subsisting. If we are all Christians, all Baptists, all New-Lights, why are we divided ? Must the little ap- pellative names, Regular and Separate, break the golden band of charity, and set the sons and daughters of Zion at variance ? " Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" but how bad and how bitter it is for them to live asunder in discord ! To in- dulge ourselves in prejudice, is soon a disorder ; and to quarrel about nothing, is irregularity with a witness. O, our dear brethren, endeavour to prevent this calam- ity for the future." This excellent letter was presented to the Association, and after a lengthy debate, the proposal for an union was rejected by a small majority. Their answer to the Regulars was, " Excuse us in love 5 for we are acquainted with our own order, but .52 Impnpsr Authority cf an Association. not so well with yours ; and if there is a difference, we might ignorantly jump into that which will make us rue it, &c." At the meeting of this body, in 1770, their harmony was interrupted and their assembly assumed a new and unpleasant appearance, and the division of the Associa- ation, which convenience would have dictated, was now effected from painful necessity. It had been usual with them to do nothing in Associations, but by unanimity. If in any measure proposed, there was a single dissen- tient, they laboured first by arguments to come to unan- imous agreement ; when arguments failed, they resort- ed to frequent prayer, in which all joined. When both these failed, they sometimes appointed the next day for fasting and prayer, and to strive to bring all to be of one mind. At this session they split in their first busi- ness ; nothing could be done on the first day. They appointed the next for fasting and prayer. They met and laboured the whole day, and could do nothing, not even appoint a Moderator. The third day was appoint- ed for the same purpose, and to be observed in the same way. They met early, and continued together until three o'clock in the afternoon, without having accom- plished any thing. A proposal was then made, that the Association should be divided into three districts, that is, one in each State. To this there was an unanimous consent at once. " The cause of this division, (says Mr. Edwards) was partly convenience, but it was chiefly owing to a mistake which this Association fell into, relative to their power and jurisdiction. They had carried matters so high as to leave hardly any power in particular churches, unfellow- shipping ordinations, ministers, and churches that acted independent of them ; and pleading, " that though " complete power be in every church, yet every church " can transfer it to an Association ;" which is as much as to say, that a man may take out his eyes, ears, &c. and give them to another, to see, hear, &c. for him ; for if power be fixed by Christ in a particular church, they cannot transfer it ; nay, should th?y formally give it away, yet is it not gone away.' 1 Its Division the Consequence. 53 The good old Mr. Stearns, who was not wholly di- vested of those maxims which he had imbibed from the traditions of his fathers, is said to have been the princi- pal promoter of this improper stretch of associational power, which, however, was soon abandoned by those, who, for a time, tampered with it, to their embarrass- ment and injury. How many communicants were comprehended in this Association, at the time of its division, I have not been able to ascertain ; but they must have been consid- erably numerous. The division was made in the follow- ing manner. The churches in South-Carolina formed an Association by the name of Congaree ; those in North- Carolina were still known by the name of Sandy-creek ; while those in Virginia formed an Association which was at first called Rapid-ann, but was more commonly distin- guished by the name of the General Association of Sep- arate Baptists. We are now prepared to treat wholly of the Separates in Virginia, as the history of those in the other States will be related under their respective heads. The Association which originated in the manner above described, embraced all the Separate Baptists in Virginia, except a very few churches, which were dismissed from it in 1776, to form the Strawberry Association, for the space of twelve years, viz. until, the year 1783, when it was by mutual consent divided. From this Association, as from a fruitful mother, have originated most of the present Associations in Virginia. And although there was one temporary division by mutual consent, and an- other occasioned by the discussion of an important sub- ject, which will soon be mentioned ; yet, generally speak- ing, it continued a united, prosperous, and even power- ful body, through all the calamitous scenes of the revo- lutionary war ; and to them, the more afflictive scenes of persecution, which for a number of years were carried to a high degree in Virginia, to which the Separates, more than the Regulars, were exposed. A brief account of the proceedings of the General As- sociation during the twelve years of its existing as such, now be given. 5\; Discussion of a novel Question. It has already been observed, that the division of the Sandy-creek Association took place in the year 177O, and the next year, the one under consideration was or- ganized ; at which time it contained 14 churches, and 1335 members. These 14 churches were scattered in almost as many counties, and many of them were pretty high up in the State, both as it respected the sea-coast, and its southern boundary ; the most of them, however, were situated on the south of James-river. At the organization of this Association, they adopted a set of rules for the regulation of their body, which consisted of nine articles, and the first and most impor- tant of them, which restricted the Association within proper bounds, was as follows : " It is unanimously agreed that this Association has no power or authority to impose any thing upon the churches, but that we act as an advisory council." In 1773, the Association had increased to 34 churches, which contained 3195 members. We are now about to relate an affair which took place in this body, which will probably produce mixed emotions in the mind of the reader. The following query, viz. " Are all the offices of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers, mentioned in Ephe- sians, 4th chapter, and llth verse, now in use ?" had been introduced at a previous session of the Association, when, after spending two days in debating upon it, they agreed to defer their decision on the subject, until their next session. During the recess of the Association, as well as when it was assembled, this novel subject was discussed by many, with no little warmth and interest. It appears to have been first agitated by Jeremiah Walker, who laboured hard, both in publick and private, to defend and propagate his sentiments. He even wrote a piece upon the subject, entitled, Free Thoughts, &c. in which he ingeniously maintained that .Apostles, together with all the other oiBces enumerated in Ephesians, &C. 1 were still to be maintained in the church. Reuben Ford took an active part against Walker, and vrote a pamphlet in opposition to his scheme. Both of tht-se men were fol- lowed by large and respectable parties, and both of their pamphlets were read before the Association in 1774, Appointment of an Apostle. 55 when the query was again introduced, and the debates upon it resumed. But the majority favouring Walker's speculations, an almost unanimous vote was obtained to carry them into practical operation. Having thus re- solved, they, in the first place, proceeded to choose one from among them, to officiate in the dignified character of an Apostle. Walker had been suspected of vain and ambitious views in pleading so hard for the establish- ment of this office ; but whatever were his desires and expectations, the venerable Samuel Harris, who was now about 50 years of age, was, by the unanimous voice of the Association, elected an Apostle. He acccepted the appointment, and was immediately ordained to the Apos- tolic function. His ordination, as appears by their Min- utes, was conducted in the following manner : " The day being set apart as a fast day, we immediately pro- ceeded to ordain him, and the hands of every ordained minister were laid upon him.* Publick prayer was made by John Waller, Elijah Craig, and John Williams. John Waller gave a publick charge, and the whole Association gave him the right hand of fellowship." The work as- signed to this Apostle, was to pervade the churches, for the purpose of performing, or at least of superintending the work of ordination, and to set in order the things that were wanting ; and he was ordered to report the success of his mission, at the next Association. And for the discipline of this high officer, the following law- was enacted, viz. " If our Messenger, or Apostle, shall trangress in any manner, he shall be liable to dealing in any church where the transgression was committed j and the said church is instructed to call helps from two or three neighbouring churches ; and if by them found a transgressor, a general conference of the churches shall be called, to restore, or excommunicate him." At this time there was a temporary division of this extensive As- sociation, and James-river was the dividing line. The scene which we have been describing, was acted on that part which lay south of this river ; but the northern sec- tion, in imitation of their southern brethren, not long after, * It would seem by the above account, that those who had opposed the es- tablishment of Apostles, had retired from the Association, before the ofTciisi *: measure was adopted. 56 Dispute respecting the Atonement. in the same year, appointed for their Apostles, John Wal- ler and Elijah Craig. Thus Virginia, \vhose ecclesiastical affairs were formerly governed by Bishops, now beheld within her bounds, three Baptist Apostles ! But these Apostles made their first reports in rather discouraging terms, and no others were ever appointed. They finally concluded, that the office of Apostles, like that of Proph- ets, was peculiar to the Apostolick age, and ceased with the cessation of that inspiration and those miraculous gifts, by which these characters were peculiarly distin- guished. The reflecting reader will doubtless feel emotions of disgust and disapprobation, at these irregular sallies of zeal ; he will also, probably, be provoked at the same time to smile at the weakness of those who promoted them ; and the risibility of the affair may, in some meas- ure, abate the severity of his censures. In 1775, the two divisions of the Association, which had, for a short time, acted in separate capacities, now re-united, when it was found, that the whole number of churches amounted to 60 j 31 on the north, and 29 on the south side of James-river. At this session the Asso- ciation was most painfully agitated by the discussion of the following very serious and important question, viz. " Is salvation by Christ made possible for every individu- al of the human race?" This query was debated with much interest, and also with much ability ; for notwithstanding the proceedings of the last meeting, by which their wisdom was so much impeached, there were, at this time, a number of preachers amongst the Virginia Baptists, who were men of considerable readingand theological knowledge, and they, in this interesting debate, exerted all their polemical powers. Those, who supported the affirmative of this question, were called Arminians, while those who maintained the opposite opinion were denominated Calvinists. But tak- ing the spirit of the question, these appellations were not descriptive of the characters to whom they were applied ; for many decided Calvinists hold, that the atonement of Christ is general in its nature, though particular in its ap- plication ; and had these people been acquainted with the distinction made by Dr. Fuller and other modern divines, it might have relieved their embarrassments, and prevented Proposal of the Arminian Party, 51 their discord. But to avoid circumlocution, I shall, in re- lating the progress of this debate, make use of the term Arminian and Calvinisr, as they were then, applied, and as they are used in Semple's History. This important query occupied the first attention of the Association. One whole day was spent in debating it, and most of the preachers spake more or less upon it. The weight of talents and influence seems to have been on the Arminian side. Samuel Harris, Jeremiah Walker, John Waller, and many other distinguished preachers, stood forward, and zealously as well as ably supported the argu- ment in favour of universal provision. Talents and inge- nuity were not wanting on the other side. William Mur- phy, John Williams, and Elijah Craig stood foremost in favour of a Calvinistick solution. The preponderating weight was at last cast into the Calvinistick scale, and they, after a long and animated debate, finally obtained a small majority. This decision was on Monday afternoon, immediately before an adjournment. That evening the Arminian party holding a consultation, determined to bring on the subject again the next day, and to have a determination, whether their opinions upon this point should be a matter of bar to fellowship and communion. On Tuesday, when they met, the business became very distressing. The Arminian party having the Moderator with them, withdrew out of doors. The other side also withdrew, and chose John Williams as Moderator. Every thing was then done by message, sometimes in writing, and sometimes verbally. After some time was spent in this way, the following pro- posal was made by the Arminian party : " Dear Brethren, aiah, " from the sole of the toot to the crown of the head without any soundness, but wounds and bruises and putrifying sores." These complaints rose to hos- tilities at Ahnance-creek, May 16, 1771, where about 6000 appeared in arms and fought each other, 4000 Regulators killing three Tryonians, and 2000 Try- onians killing twelve Regulators, besides lodging in the trees an incredible num- ber of balls, which the hunters have since picked out, and therewith have kill- ed more deer and turkies, than they killed of their atagonists. In this wretch - ed P ->vince have been some Baptists since the settlement in 1695, but no socie- ty of them till about the year," &c. William Sojourner collects a Church. 97 of the State. Mr. Palmer is said to have been a native of Maryland, was baptized at Welsh tract, in Delaware, by Owen Thomas, the pastor of the church in that place j was ordained in Connecticut ; was some time in New- Jersey, and then in Maryland ; he at last removed to North-Carolina, where he gathered the church above mentioned, with which he continued, not, however, without some difficulties, until his death. He appears to have been the instrument of doing some good, but was not so happy as to leave a good character behind him. Mr. John Comer, of Newport, Rhode-Island, maintained a correspondence with him for a number of years, and frequently makes mention of him in his MS. journal, in respectful terms.* Not long after Palmer settled in North-Carolina, one Joseph Parker,! who was probably one of his disciples, began to preach in the same region ; and though Palm- er died before, yet Parker lived and continued his min- istry on the old plan, till after the formation and also the renovation of the Kehukee Association, which will soon be described. About the year i 742, one William Sojourner, who is said to have been a most excellent man and useful minis- ter, removed with many of his brethren from Burley, in Virginia, and settled on Kehukee creek, in the county of Halifax, about one hundred and twenty miles northwest of Newbern, and the same year planted the church in that place, which continues to the present day. This church has seen prosperous days, and has been a mother to many others, the number and names of which, I am not able to give. Most of the first Baptists in North-Carolina are said to have emigrated from the church of Burley, in Virgin- ia ; but by the labours of Palmer, Parker, and Sojourner, * I found one of Mr. Palmer's letters to Mr. Comer, dated 1 729, among Mr. Backus's papers, which, with Mr. Comer's journal, have helped me to a numtier of dates and articles, which I could not find elsewhere. f I find in Mr. Comer's journal, mention made of one of Mr. Palmer's let- ters, which was dated 1729 ; which stated, that the church which was gath- ered theiti two years before, at that ti-.ne consisted of thirty-two members. This letter was sighed by twelve brethren, by the names of Parr ers, Cope- lands, Brinkleys, Parke, Darker, Welch, Evans, and Jordan. Here were three Parkers, two by the name of John, and one of Joseph, who was probably the man above referred to. VOL. 2. 13 98 Churches careless in receiving Members. and some other preachers, who were raised up in the parts, so many were brought to embrace their sentiments, that they, by about the year 1752, had increased to 16 churches. These churches had an annual interview, or yearly meeting, in which they inspected and regulated the general concerns of their community. These people were all General Baptists, and those of them who emigra- ted from England, came out from that community there. And although some of their ministers were evangelical and pure, and the members regular and devout ; yet, on the whole, it appears to have been the most negligent and the least spiritual community of Baptists, which has arisen on the American continent. For so careless and indefinite were they in their requisitions, that many of their communicants were baptized and admitted into their churches ; and even some of their ministers were introduced into their sacred functions, without an expe- rimental acquaintance with the gospel, or without being required to possess it. It does not appear that they ex- tended the bounds of their communion to any but those of their own order ; but so loose and indefinite were their terms in other respects, that all, who professed a general belief in the truths of the gospel, submitted to baptism, and religiously demeaned themselves, were admitted to it. In this situation, this cluster of churches continued, until more orthodox principles were introduced, and a spirit of reformation began to prevail, w^hich finally leav- ened nearly the whole body, and transformed it into an Association of Calvinistick, or as they were then called. Regular Baptists. The faults and errors of this people were probably ex- aggerated by some of their zealous reformers ; but view- ing matters in their most favourable light, and admit i ing as many of their preachers and brethren as we can, to have been worthy of their functions and professions ; yet they, as a body, were deeply involved in error, and needed much the renovation which we are about to de-cribe. The introduction of Calvinistick sentiments amongst them, which had the happy effect of purifying the church- es, took place about the year 1751, and was caused part- ly by the preaching of Robert Williams of the Welch- neck, in South-Carolina ; partly by the conversation of a Gano, Miller and Vanhorn 'visit them. 99 layman,* commonly called the Sley-maker, whose name was William Wallis ; but chiefly by the labours of John Gano, who visited them in the summer of 1754, and of Benjamin Miller and Peter P. Vanhorn, who went amongst them some time in the year after. Mr. Gano was sent out by the Philadelphia Association, ivith gene- ral and indefinite instructions, to travel in the southern States, &c. He, on his return, represented the melan- cholly condition of this people to the Association, who appointed Messrs. Miller and Vanhorn tor the special purpose of instructing and reforming them. Mr. Gano appears to have shaken the old foundation, and begun the preparation of the materials which Messrs. Miller and Vanhorn organized into regular churches. His visit is thus described by Mr. Edwards : " On his arrival, he sent to the ministers, requesting an interview with them, which they declined, and appointed a meeting among themselves, to consult what to do. Mr. Gano, hearing of it, went to their meeting, and addressed them in words to this effect, '* I have desired a visit from you, which, as a brother and a stranger, I had a right to expect ; but as ye have refused, I give up my claim, and am come to pay you a visit." With that, he ascended into the pul- pit, and read for his text the following words, " Jesus I know, and Paul I know ; but who are ye ?" This text he managed in such a manner as to make some afraid of him, and others ashamed of their shyness. Many were convinced of errors, touching faith and conversion, and submitted to examination. One minister hearing this, (who stood well with himself) went to be examined, and intimated to his people, he should return triumphant. Mr. Gano heard him out, and then turned to his com- panion and said, " I profess, brother, this will not do : this man has yet the needful to seek." Upon which, the person examined hastened home, and upon being asked, how he came off? replied, "The Lord have mercy upon you, for this northern minister put a mene tekel upon me \" By the labours of Mr. Gano, and also of Messrs. Miller and Vanhorn, a great work was effected among this peo- * I find the term layman used by Messrs. Edwards and Sernple, and havo therefore inserted it ; but must confess, I have no fellowship with fr, when cspd in its okJ discriminating sense. 10O Kehukee Association formed. pie, which consisted not merely in the important business of reforming their creed and purifying their churches, but also in reviving the power of godliness amongst the erroneous and lukewarm professors, and in the conviction and conversion of many others. And what was left unfinished by them, was undertaken and carried on, with a very laudable zeal, by the ministers among themselves, some of whom were converted by their means, and most of whom caught, in a good degree, their spirit, and imitated their examples. Insomuch, that be- fore the year 1 765, all the ministers, (and they were now considerably numerous) except the two Parkers, Joseph and William, and a Mr. Winfield, and all the churches, excepting those under their care, which were not more than two or three, had embraced the principles of the reformation. The reformed churches having thus pre- pared the way, in the year 1765, by a previous appoint- ment, convened at Kehukee, and organized themselves into an associated body, to which they gave the name of the Kehukee Association ; which, as soon as it was form- ed, was admitted to the fellowship and correspondence of the Charleston Association, with which some of the con- stituent churches had united after their renovation. Jonathan Thomas, John Thomas, John Moore, John Bur- gess, William Burgess, Charles Daniel, William Walker, John Meglamre, James Abbington, Thomas Pope, and Henry .-ibbot, were the principal, if not all the ministers belonging to this Association at the time of its consti- tution. v/ About this time, the Separate Baptists had become very numerous, and were rapidly increasing in the up- per regions of North- Carolina, and the adjoining parts of Virginia, where they had established a flourishing Association, which was called Sand-creek. The min- isters of both these bodies, in their evangelical excur- sion^, were brought to frequent interviews with each other ; and, although they differed in some little matters, yet they united their zealous labours in the common cause of their Master, and an increasing fellowship for each other produced an increasing desire to be more closely united. The Kehukee Association made the first advances towards the union, and, in 1772, sent two of Difficulties between the Separate and Regular Baptists. 101 their elders, viz. Meglamre and Thomas, as deputies to the Separate Association, for the purpose of making overtures to effect it. The deputies were kindly receiv- ed ; they delivered their message, the object of which was briefly discussed. The Separate Association, in re- turn, deputed two of their ministers, viz, Elijah Craig and David Thompson, to wait on the Kehukee Associ- ation, respecting the union which they had proposed. The embarrassments attending the union seem to have lain mostly with the Separates, who stated the following objections against their brethren of the Regular order : 1st. That they were not sufficiently strict in receiving church members. 2d. That they were too superflu- ous in dress. And, 3d. That their principles and prac- tices were at variance ; for although they believed that faith in Christ Jesus was essential to baptism, yet they retained many members in their churches, who, although they had then experienced converting grace, yet ac- knowledged themselves to have been baptized in a state of unbelief, by the careless Arminian preachers. This last objection was declared to be the main bar to a complete union ; and it was the more effectual, as it had been a matter of considerable embarrassment to a great number of the Kehukee ministers, who had many thoughts of attempting a reformation. This occurrence furnished them with a more favourable plea to make a beginning, which was accordingly done in the year 1774-. At which time the Bertie church, under the pas- toral care of Rev. Lemuel Burkitt, held a conference on the subject, in which they publickly proclaimed, that they would commune with none, who confessed they were bap- tized before conversion ; alleging, that adult persons had no better claim to baptism, while they were in a state of impenitence and unbelief, than infants had. JVIr. Burkitt's church was followed by several others. But when the next Association met, which was in 1775, the Reformers met with severe opposition. The correctness of their proceedings was much questioned, and much dissension arose. One party was blamed for doing too much ; and the other for not doing enough. As they could not agree, both parties claimed the right of being called the Association. The Reformers, because what they had 102 The Association divides. done, was exactly congenial to the original plan upon which the Association was organized. The other party, being most numerous, insisted that a majority ought to retain the power, and consequently the name of the Association. They moreover argued, that, whatever might be their principles, it was well known at the time of the constitution of the Association, that this evil ex- isted in greater force than it did at that time ; seeing none had been baptized in known unbelief, since the constitution ; that, therefore, it was virtually agreed, that such as were then in orderly standing might retain their membership, le.->t more mischief should ensue by being too rigorous, than by submitting to small incon- veniences for the sake of peace; that the Association having been in existence for eight or nine years, all of which time they had s-ufFered the inconvenience, it was now rather .strange, that they at this late period should attempt a revolution so likely to disturb the peace and harmony of the churches. To all these arguments it was answered, that to them it was a matter of conscience, which they could not relinquish without wounding their own souls. As neither side would give way, things came to extremities. Each party organized a distinct Association. The Reformers kept possession of the meeting-house, whilst the opposite party retired, first to the woods, and on the second day procured a private house in the neighbourhood. All attempts at reconcil- iation proved ineffectual during this session. Each party transacted their own business, of which, however, very little was done. These party broils were exceedingly af- flicting to the pious on both sides. It would appear from the arguments on the old side, that many of them did not deny the principles of this reformation, so much as the necessity, seeing it would unavoidably produce much confusion, and if let alone, the evil would of it- self, in time, vanish. Those who had undertaken to ef- fect the reformation, persevered, arid finally accomplish- ed their wishes.* In August, 1777, they held their first undisputed As- sociation, at elder Bell's meeting-house, in Sussex coun* * The Regular Asscvhtion dwimik-d, arcl finally came to nothing; partly by falling in with the Separates, and partly by other causes. Portsmouth Association formed. 103 ty, Virginia. They found, on assembling, that their strength had very much increased. Ten churches had sent letters and delegates, of which it appeared that six were Regulars, or the old side, and four were Sepa- rates ; who, finding their former obstacles removing, and it being convenient, were incorporated with this As- sociation. Of these ten churches, four were in Virgin- ia, and six in North-Carolina. The whole number of members was one thousand five hundred and ninety. They agreed now upon an abstract of principles, which was afterwards printed and published. In doctrine and discipline it did not substantially differ from the confes- sion of faith generally received among the baptists. They agreed to hold two Associations annually, and ap- pointed the next atBurkitt's meeting-hou.se,the next May. The Kehukee Association continued to meet regular- ly, and to increase rapidly, until the year 179O. At their October session for that year, it was found that there were no less than sixty-one churches, having more than five thousand members. Several ineffectual at- tempts, previous to this, had been made to divide it, and the number of churches was now so large* that a division was almost indispensable. They accordingly agreed to divide by the State line, leaving forty-two churches in North-Carolina, and nineteen in Virginia. The Virginia churches met by their delegates for the first time, May 1791, at Portsmouth ; and on that ac- count their body took the name of the Virginia Ports- mouth Association. Their time of meeting has been, from the first, on the fourth Saturday of May, annually. Their business has been transacted in peace and pru- dence. The number of churches has increased, but not so rapidly as in other Associations. While elder Meglamre lived, and attended the Associations, he gen- erally acted as moderator. After his death, or when he was absent, the duties of moderator most commonly de- volved upon Rev. David Barrow, until his removal to Kentucky.* Only four years from the time that the Portsmouth Association was taken off, viz. in the year 1794, this * This account of the Kehukee Association has been taken almost verba- tim from Semple's History of the Virginia Baptists 1(M> Neuse Association formed* mother body had again become so extensive, that anoth- er division was thought expedient, and was accordingly amicably effected ; and Tar-river was fixed on as the di- viding line. All the churches above this river, and be- tween it and the State of Virginia, remained with the old establishment, while those to the south of it were dismibsed to form the Neuse Association. The Kehukee Association, by this last division, was reduced to twenty-six churches ; from this time it trav- elled on, without any special occurrence, until about 1801, when it began to enjoy a refreshing season, and for a few years following, was blessed with a share in that remarkable revival, which prevailed most power- fully and extensively through North-Carolina and many other States ; so that in the course of two years from the commencement of the revival, there were 150O per- sons baptized in the churches belonging to this Associa- tion. NEUSE ASSOCIATION. IT has already been related, that this body originated by a division of the Kehukee Association, in 1794. It contained, at the time of its organization, 23 churches, which were situated on both sides of the Neuse-river, from which circumstance it received its name ; and they extended from Tar-river nearly to the southern boundary of North-Carolina. This Association com- prized a number of the oldest churches in the country, and particularly the Tosniot church, in Edgecombe coun- ty, which was gathered by the General baptists, in the early part of their settlement in the country ; but it was reformed and constituted on the Calvinistick plan in 1758, at which time it contained three very worthy preachers, viz. John Thomas, and his two sons Jona- than and John. Jonathan is said to have been a man of considerable eminence in his day. This community was much refreshed and enlarged by that glorious revi- val which prevailed in the Kehukee Association. CAPE FEAR ASSOCIATION. THIS Association is situated towards the southeast cor- ner of the State. It took its name from the river on Raleigh. Chowan, and Flat-River Associations. 105 whose eastern branch the town of Wilmington is situa- ted. It was formed in 1805, of churches which were dismissed from the Neuse Association. RAJLEIOH ASSOCIATION. THIS body takes its name from the town which is now the seat of government, near to which the churches are situated. It was formed in 1 805 of only four churches* which were dismissed from the Neuse Association. It has been a flourishing little body, and in 181* had in- creased to ten churches and almost a thousand members. There has lately been a very happy revival within the bounds of this Association. In 1812, Elder Robert T. Daniel, one of their ministers, wrote me, that upwards of a hundred members had been added by baptism to the church which he serves, in a little more than a year. THIS Association receives its name from a river which rises in Virginia and empties into the Albemarle sound. It is situated on the northern borders of the state and near its northeast corner. It began in 1 806, when eigh* teen churches, containing upwards of eighteen hundred members, were dismissed from the Kehukee Association, for the purpose of forming it. These churches were all on the east side of the Roanoke-river. Several hun- dreds have been added to the Chowan Association since it was formed, and yet it is not now so large as it was at first. The reason is, that multitudes from this region have emigrated to the western and more southern States. FLAT-RIVER ASSOCIATION. THIS body was formed by a division of the Roanoke Association, in Virginia, in 1794. As a number of churches in that Association were situated in North- Carolina, they were all, by their request, dismissed at the time above mentioned, for the purpose of forming the one whose history we are now relating. I have not VOL. 2. 14 1O6 County-Line and Sandy-Creek Associations. been able exactly to ascertain of how many churches it was at first composed, but the number was probably ten or twelve ; nor have I learnt any thing of its proceedings, until the year 1806, when it was divided by a line run- ning north and south, and the western division of churches united in forming the CoUNTRY-LlNE ASSOCIATION. THIS body took its name from a creek on which the churches are situated, which runs in a northern direc- tion, and empties into Dan-river, near the line between the two States of Virginia and North-Carolina. These two small Associations lie on the northern side of North-Carolina, and the churches in the Country. Line are in the counties of Rockingham, Caswell, Per- son, and Orange. The churches in these Associations originated from the Separate Baptists, and some of the oldest of them were gathered by Samuel Harris, James Read, Thomas Mul- 8ns, and Dutton Lane. SANDY-CREEK ASSOCIATION. AN account of the origin and progress of the Sandy- Creek church and Association, and of the Baptist cause in this part of North-Carolina, up to the year 177O, has already been given in the general history of the Sepa- rate Baptists, under the Virginia head Shubael Stearns died at Sandy-Creek, in 1771, in the 66th year of his age. The Sandy-Creek Association, notwithstanding the embarrassments in which it had in- volved itself, by interfering too much in the concerns of the churches, still continued to hold its usual anni- versary sessions, In 1772, after its division, which is related in the gen- eral history of the Separates, it contained the nine fol- lowing churches, viz. Sandy-Creek, Little-River, Shal- low Fords, Slow-River, New- River, Southwest, Grassy- Creek, Trent, and Lockwood's Folly. To these church- es appertained ten branches, most of which were, in process of time, organized into district churches. The Nine Christian Rites. 1O7 number of ministers at this time was twenty, only seven of whom were ordained. This Association held many sentiments formerly, and it also holds some now, which are of a peculiar nature, and which do not prevail among their brethren elsewhere. Many of its members were formerly thought to lean considerably towards the Ar- minian system ; but they have now become generally, and some of them strenuously Calvinistick. They now hold that ministers ought not to be ordained until they are called to exercise the pastoral office. The practice of ordaining them as Evangelists, which by the Baptists js generally adopted, they reject. 1 hey formerly held nine Christian rites, viz. baptism, the Lord's supper, love- fcasts, laying-on-of -hands, 'washing feet, anointing the sick, right hand of fellowship, kiss of chanty, and devoting children. They also held to ruling elders, eldresses, deaconesses, and weekly communion. The nature and design of all the above enumerated rites and offices will be easily comprehended, except that of devoting children. This rite they founded on the cir- cumstance of parents bringing little children to Christ, &c. It was thus performed : As soon as circumstances would permit, after the birth of the child, the mother carried it to meeting, when the minister either took it in his arms, or laid his hands on it, thanked God for his mercy, and invoked a blessing on the child, at which time it received its name. This rite, which was by many satirically called a dry christening,* prevailed not only in the Sandy-Creek Association, but in many parts of Vir- ginia. It must not be understood, that all the churches in (his body were strenuous, or even uniform, in the ob- servance of this long list of rites, all of which, however, appear to be suggested by the Scriptures ; nor did those who maintained the whole of them, refuse communion with their brethren, who neglected a part -, and this in, difference in some has been succeeded by a general neg- lect in all, so that the greatest part of the nine Christian rites, and especially those of them which were of a pe- culiar nature, together with the offices of eldresses ancl * Virginia Chronicle, p. 4?. 208 Revival amongst the Baptists and others. deaconesses have fallen into disuse. But the ordi- nance, as they esteem it, of laying-on-of-hands, and the office of ruling elders they still maintain. This Association has also altered its mode as to the frequency of administering the Lord's Supper, and has adopted that which is generally pursued by other breth- ren elsewhere. It will be recollected, that when the great body of the Separate Baptists was divided, in the year 177O, that the Sandy- Creek Association became one of the three grand divisions ; but it has not prospered so largely, nor branched out so extensively, as the other two. The only Association which has been formed from it, and that but in part, was the Holston, in the State of Ten- nessee. But it has been the nursery of many worthy ministers and brethren, who have emigrated to the western country and more southern States ; and al- though it has, at times, been reduced almost to the low- est ebb of religious enjoyment, yet it has, at other times, been blessed with the outpourings of the Divine Spirit, and the joyful enlargement of its borders. Two very comfortable and extensive revivals had been experienced in this Association, since the death of Mr. Stearns, before the one about to be mentioned. But by deaths and re- movals it was, at the close of the eighteenth century, in every respect much reduced. The ministers had become few in number, and the churches small and languid ; iniquity greatly abounded in the land, and the love of xnany had waxen cold. But towards the close of the year 1 SOO, that astonishing work which had been pre- vailing a short time in Kentucky and other parts, made a sudden and unexpected entrance amongst them, and was attended with most of the new and unusual appear- ances, which in many places it assumed. This work was not confined to the Baptists, but prevailed, at the same time, amongst the Methodists and Presbyterians, both of which denominations were considerably nume- rous in the parts. These two last denominations, soon after the commencement of the revival, united in their communion and camp-meetings. The Baptists were strongly solicited to embark in the general communion scheme 5 but they, pursuant to their consistent (many Camp-Meetings instituted. 109 call them rigid) principles, declined a compliance. But they had camp or field-meetings amongst themselves, and many individuals of them united with the Method- ists and Presbyterians in theirs. The Baptists estab- lished camp-meetings from motives of convenience and necessity, and relinquished them as soon as they were no longer needful. Their meeting-houses are generally small, and surrounded with groves of wood, which they carefully preserve, for the advantage of the cooling shade, which they afford in the heat of summer. In these groves the stages were erected, around which the numerous congregation encamped ; and wh^en they could be accommodated in the meeting-houses, to them they repaired. A circumstance which led the people to come prepared to encamp on the ground was, that those who lived adjacent to the place of meeting, although willing to provide for the refreshment, as far as they were able, of the numerous congregations which assembled ; yet, in most cases, they would have found it impracticable j and furthermore, they wished to be at the meetings themselves, what time they must have stayed at home for the purpose. The people, therefore, would be ad- vised by their ministers and others, at the first camp- rneetings, to come to the next and all succeeding ones, prepared to accommodate and refresh themselves. In this way, camp-meetings were instituted amongst the Baptists. In nearly the same way, meetings of a similar nature were established by the united body of Methodists and Presbyterians in these parts j but like many other things produced on extraordinary occasions, they continued af- ter the call for them had ceased. Their efficacy was by many too highly estimated. They had witnessed at them, besides much confusion and disorder, many evi- dent and remarkable displays of divine power; and their ardour in promoting them, after the zeal which insti- tuted them had abated, indicated that they considered them the most probable means of effecting a revival. From these motives (I am induced to think) camp-meet- ings have been, and are still, industriously kept up by the Methodists throughout the United States. It is well known that they take much pains, by giving lengthy 1 1O Remarkable Appearances in the Revival. notice of their approach, by advertising them in news papers, &c. to collect as large an assemblage of people as possible, and then, by preconcerted and artful manoeu- vres, and by a mechanical play upon the passions, to pro- duce that animation and zeal, which, at the times above- mentioned, were spontaneous and unaffected. In the progress of the revival among the Baptists, and, especially, at their camp-meetings, there were exhibited scenes of the most solemn and affecting nature ; and in many instances there was heard at the same time, throughout the vast congregation, a mingled sound of prayer, exhortation, groans, and praise. The fantastick exercise of jerking, dancing, &c. in a religious way, pre- vailed much with the united body of Methodists and Presbyterians, towards the close of the revival ; but they were not introduced at all among the Baptists in these parts. But falling down under religious impressions was frequent among them. Many were taken with these religious epilepsies, if we may so call them, not only at the great meetings, where those scenes were exhibited, which were calculated to move the sympathetick affec- tions ; but also about their daily employments, some in the fields, some in their houses, and some when hunting their cattle in the woods. And in some 'cases, people were thus strangely affected when alone ; so that if some played the hypocrite, with others the exercise must have been involuntary and unaffected. And besides falling down, there were many other expressions of zeal, which in more moderate people would be considered enthusi- astick and wild. The above relation was given me by Rev. George Pope, the pastor of the church at Abbot's Creek, who is 3. man of sense and moderation, and who, with many of his brethren, was much tried in his mind, and stood aloof from the work at its commencement ; but it spread so rapidly and powerfully, that they soon discovered such evident marks of its being a genuine work of grace 5 notwithstanding its new and unusual appearances, that their doubts subsided, and they cordially and zealously engaged in forwarding and promoting it. Mr. Pope, in the course of the revival, baptized about 500 persons. Large numbers were also baptised by John Culpepper^ Tadkin Association. Ill William M'Gregore, and many others. But as the Minutes of the Association were not printed at this time, the total number of members cannot be now ascertained, yet it must have been very large. But a spirit of emi- gration has since much possessed the Baptists in these parts, so that the Association is now reduced to the num- ber of members, which is stated in the table. YADKIN ASSOCIATION. THE Yadkin-river rises in the Alleghany mountains, a"nd unites with the Rocky-river, in Anson county, North-Carolina, and from their junction the stream as- sumes the name of the Great Pedee. The Yadkin Association received its name from that of the river above mentioned, and lies to the westward of the Sandy-Creek, and originated in the following man- ner. In the year 1786, eleven churches, which had been previously gathered about the head of the Yadkin and its waters, began to hold yearly conferences, as a branch of the Strawberry Association in Virginia. The proceed- ings of this conference were annually submitted to the Association to which it had attached itself, for their inspection, and were borne thither by delegates appoint- ed for the purpose. But in 1 79O, the churches, com- posing this conference, were, upon their request, dismiss- ed, and formed a distinct Association. The ministers belonging to this body at its commencement, were George M'Neal, John Cleaveland, William Petty, Wil- liam Hammond, Cleaveland Caffee, Andrew Baker, and John Stone. This Association, like Sandy-Creek, trans- acted its business, or at least, held its sessions, for a num- ber of years, without a moderator. Some of their scru- pulous brethren, it seems, were opposed to order, or for- mality, as they esteemed it, in their religious proceedings, and pleaded that it was an infringement of Christian lib- erty, and too much like worldly assemblies, to have a moderator at their head, whom they must address when they spoke, and whose liberty they must request, &c. In 178, when persecution was rag- ing so fiercely against their brethren in Virginia, a num- ber were apprehended, belonging to the Kehukee Asso- ciation, and upwards of 70 persons were summoned by the Court to appear against them, by whom they were accused of heresy, blasphemy, and riots ; but in the course of the examination, the complaints appeared so ill founded, that the Court dismissed the whole matter, and appeared ashamed of the prosecution, as well they might be ; for their blasphemies turned out to be Scrip- ture expressions ; their heresies sound doctrine; and the riots with which they were charged, were raised not by them, but by their persecutors, who disturbed their as- semblies.* The North-Carolina Regulation has already been men- tioned, and we promised to give a further account of it. This civil commotion appears to have been similar to the Shays affair in Massachusetts, and the Whiskey in- surrection in Pennsylvania. Many became much disaffected with the provincial' government, which was then administered by Governor Tryon, and formed an extensive combination for the purpose of regulating and reforming it. Some of their complaints were, that they had, in a way of tax, paid between two and three thousand pounds more than would sink their paper money, and yet about sixty thou- sand pounds of it remained unsunk ; that civil officers and lawyers extorted more than the law allowed them, and yet were not punished, but suffered to prosecute the complainers, &c. And as they had remonstrated without effect, and saw no prospect of a redress of their grievances, they determined, at length, to make use of * Morgan Echvards's MS. Hist of the Baptists in North-Carolina. 116 Troubles occasioned by the Regulators. arguments of a more convincing nature. Troops were immediately raised by Governor Try on to suppress the rebellion ; and on May 16, 1771, it seems a battle was fought between 4000 Regulators and 2OOO of the Gov- ernor's troops, in which 1 2 of the former and 3 of the latter were slain. I am not able to give a particular his- tory of this rebellious faction, as it was deemed, which, it is sufficient to say, was quelled and dispersed ; nor would it correspond with the design of this work, if I could ; and I should have passed it by altogether, had it not been for what follows. Governor Tryon is said to have represented " the Regulators, as a faction of Quakers and Baptists, who aimed at overturning the Church of England." The same insinuation was also published in a news-paper. Morgan Edwards was in the country the next year after these events happened, and observes, " If the Governor said, as here suggested, he must be misinformed ; for I made it my business to inquire into the matter, and can aver, that among 4000 Regulators, there were but 7 of the denomination of Baptists ; and these were expelled the societies they belonged unto, in consequence of the resolve of the Baptist Association held at Sandy-Creek the second Saturday in Oct. 1 769. " If any of our mem* bers shall take up arms against the legal authority, or aid and abet them that do so, he shall be excommunicat- ed,'* &c. When this was known abroad, one of the four chiefs of the Regulators, with an armed company, broke into the assembly, and demanded, if there were such a resolve entered into by the Association ? The answer was evasive, for they were in bodily fear. This checked the design much ; and the author of the Im- partial Relation is obliged to own, page 1 6, " There (in Sandy-Creek) the scheme met with some opposition, on account that it was too hot and rash, and in some things not legal," &c. One of the seven Baptists, by the name of Merrill, was executed ; and he, at the point of death, did not justify his conduct, but bitterly condemned it ; and blamed two men (of very different religion) for de- ceiving him into the rebellion, His speech at the gal- lows was as follows : Speech of Mr. Merrill at the Gallows. 117 * e I stand here exposed to the world as a criminal. My life will soon be a change. God is my comforter and supporter. I am condemned to die for opposing government. All you that are present, take warning by my miserable end, when I shall be hung up as a specta- cle before you. My first seducers were Hunter and Ge- laspie. They had often solicited me, telling that a set- dement only was contended for with regard to publick officers, who, they said, had oppressed the people ; and that unless these measures were taken, there would be no remedy or redress hereafter. Thus they pressed me on, by assuring me the disputes (as they called them) then existing might be settled without shedding of blood. I considered this unhappy affair, and thought, possibly,the contentions in the country might be brought to some determination, without injury to any ; and in this mind I joined the Regulation. After I had enlisted under the banner of the Regulators, I was ever after pressed to be made a leading man among them ; and was one of the number who opposed Col. Weddel with his troops ; information prevailing that the Governor was on his march to lay waste this country and destroy its inhabitants, which I now find to be fatae, and propa- gated to screen old offenders from justice. As to my private life, I do not know of any particular charge against me. I received, by the grace of God, a change, fifteen years ago ; but have, since that time, been a backslider ; yet Providence, in which is my chief secu- rity, has been pleased to give me comfort, under these evils, in my last hour ; and although the halter is now round my neck, believe me, I would not change stations with any man on the ground. All you, who think you stand, take heed lest ye fall. I would be glad to say a few words more before I die. In a few moments, I shall leave a widow and ten children ; I entreat that no reflection may be cast on them on my account ; and if possible, shall deem it as a bounty, should you, gentle- men, petition the Governor and Council, that some part of my estate may be spared for the widow and the fa- therless : it will be an act of charity, for I have forfeit ed the whole, by the laws of God and man." The man bore an excellent character, insomuch that one of his US Mr. Merrill's Character vindicated. enemies was heard to say, " that if all went to the gal- lows with Capt. Merrill's character, hanging would be an honourable death." All pitied him, and blamed the wicked Hunter, Gelaspie, Howell, Husband, Butler, and others, who deceived and seduced him. Upwards of 70 bills were found at the time, but Merrill was the on- ly Baptist among the number. The four principals in the Regulation are well known to be of other religious denominations. I thought it necessary to say so much, lest the Gov- ernor's words should, in time, make the North-Carolina Regulation another Minister tragedy.* Six of the North Carolina Associations, viz. Chowan Country-Line, Flat-River, Kehukee, Raleigh, and Sandy- Creek, have lately formed a General Meeting of Corres- pondence, on a plan similar to that of Virginia. There have been some very extensive revivals among the Baptists in this State, since these sketches were made out ; if I can learn the particulars respecting them in sea- son, they shall be inserted in the Appendix. Our brethren in this State have also made some exer- tions in the Missionary cause, and have an establishment. CHAP. XL SOUTH-CAROLINA. THERE are, at present, four Associations wholly in this State, viz. the Charleston, the Bethel, the Saluda, and the Edgefield ; and two others, viz. the Broad-river and Savannah-river, which are partly in South-Carolina and partly in the adjoining States. The Broad-river is in the northwest corner of the State, and a few of the churches are in North-Carolina. The Savannah-river is composed of churches which are situated in the south- east parts of South-Carolina and the neighbouring parts of the State of Georgia. The history of each of these bodies will be given in their proper order. * M. F/lwaris's MS. Hist, of the Baptists in Ifcrtli- Care-Una. Rapid Increase of Separates in North -Carolina. 119 From the first settlement of the Baptists in this Prov- ince in 1683, there have always been a number of respecta- ble characters of the society, but their numbers increased very sJowly for a great number of years, insomuch that in 1751, when the Charleston Association was formed, there were but four churches, and these not very large, to compose it. Soon after this period, Baptist sentiments began more rapidly to prevail. A number of churches were, in a few years, formed from the old ones, or raised up on new ground, hi their vicinities, and united iri Asso- ciation with them. "'About the year ] 760, the Separate Baptists from North-Carolina began their evangelical ex- ertions in the upper parts of the State, where their senti- ments took a rapid spread, and a number of large church- es were soon gathered. And in 2 1 years after the forma- tion of the Charleston Association, viz. in 1772, there were, in South-Carolina, according to Morgan Edwards's account, who then visited the country, 2O churches inclu- ding the Separates, in which were 16 ordained ministers, 21 exhorters or licensed preachers, and almost 110O communicants. And these 20 churches had erected for their use upwards of 40 meeting-houses, as some of them were large and consisted of a number of branches. There were, at the same time, in this State, three churches of the Tunker and one of the General Baptists ; in all of which, however, there were but a little more than 1OO commu- nicants. But for 34< years subsequent to the last mention- ed date, the Baptists increased in this State in a much great- er proportion ; for it appears by a statement furnished by Dr. Furman, of Charleston, in 1806, that there were then in South-Carolina, of the Calvinistick Associated Bap- tists, about 130 churches, in which were about iOO min- isters, and 10,500 communicants. The history of the Baptists in South-Carolina naturally divides itself into two branches ; and in pursuing it, we shall, in the first place, relate the affairs of those who emi- grated hither from other parts, in the early settlement of the province, who settled along the sea-coast, and in the lower parts of the State, and from whom have originnted most of the churches in these regions. We shall, in the second place, take notice of those who were at first, and for a number of years, called Separates, who ssttl^d m the 120 Settlers of South-Carolina principally Baptists. middle and upper parts of the country, from whom have sprung a major part of the Baptists now in the State. Of the early settlers of South-Carolina, a considerable proportion were Baptists. They came in separate colo- nies, about the year 1683, partly from the west of En- gland, and partly from Piscataway in the District of Maine. Those from England, cams with Lord Cardross and a Mr. Blake, whose wife and her mother, Lady Axtell, were Baptist members, and settled, some about Ashley and Cooper rivers, and others about the mouth of the river Edisto. Those from the District of Maine were led hith- er by Rev. William Screven, who, with a considerable number of his brethren, fled from the persecuting rage of the New-England Pedobaptists, and settled on Cooper- river, at a place called Summerton,* at no great distance from the place where Charleston now stands. Here this company were formed into a church by Mr. Screven, who became their pastor. The names of the constituents are said to have been the Screvens, the At- wells, the Bulleins, the Elliots, the Ravens, the Bakers, the Barkers, the Blakes, the Childs, the Caters, the Whit- akers, the Bryants, the Butlers, the Chapmans, &c. It appears pretty evident, that the Baptists from Old and New England, arrived in South-Carolina about the same time; but it is suggested by Mr. Edwards, that those from Piscataway settled here, first, and had formed the church before their brethren from England arrived,! and that the small body which had been formed, received considerable additions on their arrival. Before the year 1693, most of the members had re- moved from Summerton towards the neck, on which Charleston is built, which made it necessary to remove the seat of the church to the town. They held their wor- ship on their removal at the house of one William Chap- man, in King-street, until they raised a temporary build- ing in the same street, which they occupied but a short * Summerton was probably the name of a plantation, as I am informed that there is no such place now in the region. t Mr. Edwards dates the beginning of this church in 1664. His accounts were collected from the traditions of ancient people, who must have made a mistake of about 20 years ; since it is very evident from Backus's history, that Mr. Screven did not leave Piscataway until some time after the year 1680. Dispute respecting the Meeting and Parsonage Houses. 121 time. In 1699, they erected a brick meeting-house, on the same lot with the parsonage-house, in Church-street, which was demolished in 18O8, having been some time in a ruinous condition. The building at present occupied by them, is a commodious brick edifice, .59 feet by' 42, and was erected in 174-6. Its erection was owing to a singular interference of the Provincial Legislature. A party had drawn off some years before, and formed a church upon the sentiments of the General Baptists, the history of which will be given in its proper place. The lot on which the meeting and parsonage houses had been, erected, was given by William Elliot, whose son was now a leading man among the General Baptists. In 1745, the trustees, to whom the above lot had been given being all dead, without conveying the trust to others, the church, for the purpose of securing their property, and preventing disputes which might arise, now presented a petition to the. General Assembly, signed by 17 persons, praying that trustees might be appointed by Government. The General Baptists had, at that time, a minister of learning and abilities, whose nanne was Haywood. > The minister of the Particular Baptists "(the original church) was Mr. Simmons^ generally respected as a good man, but then in his dotage, and under the influence cf his son-in-law Dr. Dale, a man of intrigue and a friend of Mr. Haywood. By the Doctor's means a misunderstanding had taken place between Mr. Simmons and his church ; in consequence of which, Mr. Simmons was suspended from the exercise of his office, and the doors of the house of worship shut against him ; but a small party forced the doors, and in- troduced him by violence into the pulpit. This was the situation of affairs when the petition was presented ; it was, therefore, soon followed by a counter petitipn from. Mr. Simmons and Mr. Gracia, a deacon, praying that the Legislature would not permit the church, whom they styled a party, to deprive Mr. Simmons of his pastoral office and living. A bill was, therefore, brought in, td revive the trust of the lot and buildings in question, by the Assembly, and trustees were appointed, some of whom were of Mr. Hay wood's congregation ; Mr. Gracia was also one. The Particular Baptists then remonstrated, and VOL. 2. l'j J22 Conin. respecting Donation. prayed that none might be appointed as trustees, bu! such as were in communion with them and governed by their rules, declaring the church under Mr. Haywood to be in no connexion with them. They produced evidence to prove, that the original church were Calvinists, and that Mr. Elliot was professedly the same at the time of the donation, and many years afterwards. The Assembly finally passed a law to confirm the donation in the hands of the trustees first nominated in the bill ; and in a clause of the law they say, " that as the General Baptists are Antipedobaptists as well as the Particular Baptists, they shall have equal right in the said property." Thus the General Baptists, taking occasion from the dispute be- tween the Particular Baptists and their minister, and ma- king him subservient to their purpose, were, by an act of the Legislature, put in possession of a property, to which, it does not appear, they ever made a previous claim. After Mr. Simmons's death, Mr. Graciaand a few others, who countenanced his opposition, confessed their fault, and were again united to the original body. This determination of the Assembly bears date May 25, 1745. Thus they went on until Oct. 9, 1758, when both parties agreed that the General Baptists should have the sole use of the meeting-house, and the Particular Baptists the sole use of the parsonage, which (said Mr. Edwards in 177'^) is the present posture of their affairs, and suits the latter well enough, as they had been oblig- ed in 1746 to build another place of worship. In 17S7, this church recovered peaceable possession of the whole property, and has held it ever since. /In 1 SOI, the City Council having an idea that one half of it had become publick property, in consequence of the General Baptists being extinct, took measures for securing it for ihe benefit of the Orphan-House. But upon hearing ;i committee of the church, who substantiated their title, by an exhibition of authentick records, the Council gave up their claim, and officially confirmed the right of the church ; which acknowledgment was entered on the publick records of the State. It has already been stated that William Scr even was the founder and first pastor of this ancient and respectable church. He was a native of England, where he was Character and Advice of Rev. Charles 0. Screven. born about the year 1 629. When he settled at Piscat- away, cannot be ascertained. An account of the suffer- ings which he and his brethren endured in that place, and which drove them to seek an asylum in the more tran- quil regions of the south, may be found in the history of the District of Maine. In Piscataway he married Bridget Cutts, by whom he had children, Samuel, Mercy, Sarah, Bridget, Elizabeth, Robert, Perrnenas, Joshua, William, Joseph, and Elisha. But little can be learnt of the history of this numerous family ; but it is known that the posterity of this venerable progenitor, although mostly under other names, has been and continues to be respectable, and considerably numerous. The late CoL Thomas Screven, an influential man in the Baptist socie- ty in Charleston, and Rev. Charles O. Screven, of Sun- bury, Georgia, are amongst the number. Mr. Screven, though riot a classical, was a good English scholar, and was eminent for piety and usefulness. After his re- moval to South-Carolina, the Baptist church in Boston, of which he had been a member, being destitute, sent for him to be their pastor. His answer, dated June, 1707, contains this passage : " Our minister, who came from England, is dead, and I can by no means be spared. It is a great loss and a great disappointment ; but the will of the Lord is done.*' Aug. 6, 1708, he wrote to them as follows : " Our society are for the most part in health, and I hope thriving in grace. We are 90 in all." He wrote " An Ornament for Church Members," which was printed after his death. One passage of which runs thus : " And now for a close of all, (my dear brethren and sisters, whom God hath made me, poor unworthy me, an instrument of gathering and settling in the faith and order of the gospel) my request is, that you, as speed- ily as possible, supply yourselves with an able and faith- ful minister. Be sure you take care that the person be orthodox in faith, and of blameless life, and does own the confession of faith put forth by our brethren in London in 1689," &c. In the latter part of his life, Mr. Screven removed to Georgetown, about 60 miles to the north of Charleston, where he died in peace in 1713, having arrived to th^. 1 24 Charleston Church revived under Whiiejield's Preaching. good old age of 84 years. He is said to have been the original proprietor of the land, on which Georgetown is built. After the death of its first pastor, the Charleston church underwent a number of changes, as to numbers and harmony. His successors in office were Messrs. Peart and Simmons. Previous, however, to the settlement of the first of them, Mr. White and others preached occa- sionally with them. Rev. William Peart came hither an ordained minister, but from what place I cannot learn, about the year 17 17, and continued the pastor of the church, until he died in 1728. He married Sarah, widow of Paul Grimball, but had no children. She after- wards married a Mr. Smith, and under that name gave a legacy to the first Baptist church in Philadelphia, of about 900 dollars. Mr. Peart's successor was Rev. Thomas Simmons, who was born in England, but came to Charleston from Pennsylvania, where he had been ordained. His father gave him an academical ed- ucation, and then bound him to the carpenter's business, which he did not like. He, therefore, came to Ameri- ca, that he might be free to follow his inclination, which was towards the ministry. He had two children, Thom- as and Hannah. The son died childless ; the daughter married Dr. Thomas Dale, and had many children, who removed to England after their father's death. Mr. Simmons published one piece, entitled, " Some Queries concerning the Operations of the Holy Spirit, an- swered." Under his ministry, the church passed through a series of trials, occasioned by the schism and encroach- ments of the General Baptists, and by disputes among themselves; and towards the close of it, was reduced to the verge of extinction, there remaining but one man and two women, who were communicants. But when Mr. Whitefield first visited Charleston, there was a great revival under his ministry, and this church shar- ing largely in its salutary influences, soon received the addition of about a hundred members, Mr. Sim- mons died January 31, 1747, and was succeeded by Rev. Oliver Hart. His settlement in Charleston was an important event to the South-Carolina churches. His unexpected arrival, while the church was destitute Further Blessings for Charleston Church. 125 of a supply, and immediately after the death of the ex- cellent Mr. Chanler, who had occasionally officiated for them since Mr. Simmons's death, was believed to have been directed by a special providence in their favour. He undertook the pastoral office with much seriousness, and soon entered on an extensive field of usefulness. His ardent piety and active philanthropy, his discrimina- ting mind, and persuasive address, raised him high in the esteem of the publick, and gave him a distinguished claim to the affections of his brethren. (For an inter- esting account of Mr. Hart, see his biography.) Mr. Hart having, for his safety, retired to New- Jersey at the beginning of the American war, this church was for many years destitute of a pastor. But in 1787, it had the felicity to settle among them Rev. Richard Furman, D. D. who yet continues their much-esteemed and affectionate pastor. Dr. Furman was born at Esopus, on the Hudson-river, in the State of New-York, about 1 748 :* his extensive and successful exertions for the benefit of his own church, of the Baptist interest in South-Carolina, and the cause of Zion generally, will furnish interesting articles for some future biographer ; but pursuant to the maxims we have adopted respecting the living, they cannot here be minutely detailed. The Charleston church has now (1813) existed ISO years, and is among the largest in South-Carolina. It is remarkable for its hospitality to visiting brethren, and its abundant charities to those who are in necessitous circumstances. ASHLEY RIVER. THIS was the second church which was, formed in South-Carolina. From about the time the Baptists first settled in this vicinity, they had stood connected with the Charleston church, as a branch of that body. But on May 24, 1736, the members here, to the number of twenty-eight, were constituted into a distinct church by * I am not certain about the time of Dr. Furman's birth ; but I suppose that he is new about sixty- five years fif age, and tlv;t v. ted. 126 Character of Rev. Mr. Chanter and Rev. Mr. Stephens. a special covenant, under the pastoral care of Rev. Isaac Chanler. The constituents were Isaac Chanlcr, pastor, William Cater, John Bullcin, Richard Bedon, jun. Benjamin Child, John Sheppard, jun. Charles Barker, Charles Filben, Francis Sheppard, Alexander Sheppard, Jacob Brad well, John Angell, Thomas Ramsay, Richard Bedon, sen. Sarah Baker, Mary Cater, Susannah Brad- well, Christiana Brown, Ann Maam, Elizabeth Chanler, Elizabeth Bullein, Joyel Griffin, Elizabeth Bedon, Eliza- beth Salter, Susannah Baker, Elizabeth Marrion, Mary Sheppard, and Ann Peacock. Mr. Chanler was born at Bristol, England, 1701 ; came to Ashley-river about 1733, and continued the n.'uch-csteemed pastor of this church, until he died, Nov. 30, 174-9, in the 49th year of his age. Mr. Chan- lcr was a man of distinguished talents, piety and use- fulness. He was the author of a treatise in small quarto, esteemed an able defence of the Calvinistick doctrines, and entitled " The Doctrines of Glorious Grace unfolded, defended, and practically improved." He also published a " Treatise on Original Sin,'* and a Sermon on the death of Rev. William Tilly. The late Isaac Chanler, M. D. was his son. Rev. John Stephens succeeded Mr. Chanler. He was born on Staten-lsland, in the State and near the city of New-York. Of his early life, I can learn no more, than that he settled first at Horse-Neck, in Connecticut, where he gathered a little church in 1747, having been ordained at Oyster Bay, on Long-Island, the same year. He came to Ashley-river in the month of May, J 75O, and shortly after was invested with the pastoral care of the church. In this office Mr. Stephens continued with high reputa- tion, for a number of years ; but by an unhappy fondness for strong drink, he was obliged to quit both the church and ministry in 1769.* From this dreadful fall he nev- er fully recovered, but professed and was believed to * In Mr. Edwards's account of this unhappy affair, 1 find the following en- vious remarks: "Has i,ot a dumb sjr.rit. a tfe/' spirit, an unclean spirit, &c. been cast out? and who knows bu*. Ju itict'c'j. spirit v. HI one day be exorcised out of this country, where it makes such dreadful havock ? The Indians them- selves lament its heing brought hither, though they are excessively fond or it. Surely if am~ creature of ( ' . rt ^ccd. ruin would be it." MS. &c. p. U. Church removed from Edisio-Island to Ewhaw. 1 27 be penitent, and was improperly admitted again to preach. He died suddenly at Black-river in 1785. The defection of Mr. Stephens was a circumstance peculiarly painful to the friends of Zion, and happened about the time Mr. Bedgegood, another celebrated minister, was disowned for a crime which will be mentioned in the history of the Welsh Neck church. From this period the Ashley-river church declined, and in the revolution- ary war became extinct. Its property, consisting of the lot on which the house of worship was built, about four- teen miles from Charleston, a valuable parsonage, church plate, several negroes, and some hundred pounds in fund, were seized by a sacrilegious individual, and con- verted to his own use. EWHAW CHURCH. The Welsh Neck church, as to its constitution, is older than the Ewhaw ; but as this originated from the Charles- ton church, we shall give its history first. The foundation of the Evvhaw^ church was laid in the year 1683, when, it is said, that some Baptists from England, in company with those who settled at Ashley - river, and founded Charleston church, arrived here with the lord Cardross. They were visited by Mr. Screven and the succeeding ministers of Charleston, until God raised up a minister among themselves, whose name was Wil- liam Tilly. The names of the original emigrants were William Fry, Thomas Grimball, Providence Grimball, Ephraim Mikili, Joseph Sealy, Joseph Perminter, Isaac Perminter, Thomas Perminter, and some others, whose names are not known. These persons settled on Edisto- Island, where was the seat and centre of the community, which stood as a branch of the Charleston church. About forty years after this settlement was made, the Baptist families here began to remove their habitations, some to Port-Royal, an island to the south of Edisto, on which the tlown of Beaufort now stands, and others to Ewhaw, otherwise called Indian-Island. But the brethren who went to Port- Royal soon followed those who had gone to Ewhaw, and by this means the seat of this body \va- removed from Edisto to the place where it now is. 128 Death and Character of Mr. Tilly. This church has built three meeting-houses. The first was erected on the island of Edisto, in 1726 ; for before this time they met in a common meeting-house, which they were turned out of in 1722, by their overbearing brethren, the Presbyterians. The meeting-house at Ew- IVJLW, which is 36 feet by 30, was built in 17-51 ; and it so happened, that as soon as it was finished, Mr. George Whitefield came along, and preached in it for the first time. Besides these, they built a house at Hilton Head, on the island, about 18 miles off, where was formerly a branch of the church. It has already been mentioned, that the first minister which this people had to live amongst them, was William Tilly. He was a native of Salisbury, in England ; was called to the ministry, and ordained by the church in Charleston. He resided on Edisto until his death, which happened April 14, 1744, in the 46th year of his age. His funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Chanler, where- in he thus speaks of the deceased : " A minister he was, able and faithful to declare unto you the whole counsel of God. Some of you were car and eye witnesses of his steadfast faith and hope on his death-bed. With what composedness of mind and solid satisfaction received he the awful summons ! How free from all slavish fear of the king of terrors ! How affectionately recommended he you to the blessing and protection of God ! and with \vhat cheerful resignation gave he up his spirit to the hands of a dear Redeemer ! He lived and died in the Lord." Mr. Tilly died two years before the Ewhaw church was constituted. This people, for upwards of 6O years after their settlement here, remained a branch of the Charleston church, and for reasons which are not known, took much pains to be considered in that relation, though solicited by the mother body to become a distinct church. But in May, 1746, they were dismissed and organized in- to a church, by the assistance of Rev. Isaac Chanler, of Ashley -river. Rev. Francis Pilot, A. M. was the first minister they had after this period. He was born at Norville, in 'Swit- zerland, March 11, 1720, of Presbyterian parents, where he received a good education. He arrived in South- Pastors of the Ewbaw Church. 129 Carolina, in 1734, and ten years after embraced the prin- ciples of the Baptists. Soon after the Ewhaw church was constituted, he was called to be its pastor, in which office he continued with much reputation, until his death, in 1774. Mr. Pelot was a very distinguished man, in his day, amongst the South-Carolina Baptists. He possessed an ample fortune, and a valuable library, and devoted much of his time to books. Mr. Edwards, in speaking of this eminent man, who was then alive, observes, " he possesses three islands, and about 3785 acres on the con- tinent, with slaves and stock in abundance. This (said he) I mention, not to flatter my friend Pelot, but in hope that his conduct may influence other such planters to preach the gospel among the poor Baptists, when God inclines their hearts to it." Mr. Pelot assisted in or- daining the late Drs. Samuel Stillman of Boston, and Hezekiah Smith of Haverhill,* and preached the sermons on the occasions. His successor was Rev. Joseph Cook. For an inter- esting account of him, and of his ministry at Ewhaw, see his biography, The next in office at Ewhaw, was Rev. now Dr. Henry Holcombe, of Philadelphia. Dr. Holcombe became the pastor of this church in 1791, and served them about eight years, residing the first part of the time at Ewhaw, and the latter at Beaufort, where a branch of the church lived. In 1799, he removed to Savannah, and officiated as the pastor of the Baptist church in that city, about eleven years, and then removed to his present situation. Rev. Joseph B. Cook, son of the late Joseph Cook, succeeded Dr. Holcombe in the pastoral care of the church, over which his venerable father formerly presid- ed. Here he continued until 1804, when the Ewhaw church was divided, and the Beaufort church was formed from it, with the pastoral care of which Mr. Cook was immediately invested. Thus the Ewhaw church was again deprived of its pastor, by his removing to a promising sta- tion. Aaron Tison, and then William B.Johnson, now pastor of the church in Savannah, each officiated at Ew- haw a while after Mr. Cook's removal. For a few years * These ministers were both oniained in S. C. one at Cliarlaston, and the ether at Pedee. VOL. 2. J7 130 Tl'elsh'Neck Church. past this church has been under the care of Rev. James Sweat. Mr. Sweat was baptized by Dr. Holcombe the same day he was ordained. His ministry at the Ewhaw has been attended with great success. A revival com- menced here not long since, in which a large number were hopefully born into the kingdom of God, and in one instance Mr. Sweat baptized seventy persons in a day. WELSH-NECK. THIS church was at first called Pedee, from the circum- stance of its being situated on the Great Pedee-river, 60 miles north of Georgetown ; but when other branch- es were settled on the same river, it became necessary to give this a more special name, and accordingly the compound name of Welsh-Neck was selected, which is de- scriptive of the people who founded the church, and of its local and peninsulated situation. This church origi- nated in the following manner : In the year 1737, the following Baptist members of the Welsh-Tract church, which was then in the province of Pennsylvania, but now in the State of Delaware, arrived here ; viz. James James, Esq. and wife, and three sons, Philip, who was their min- ister, Abel, Daniel, and their wives ; Daniel Devonald and wife, Thomas Evans and wife, one other of the same name and his wife ; John Jones and wife, three of the Harrys, Thomas, David, and John and his wife ; Samuel Wilds and wife, Samuel Evans and wife, Griffith Jones and wife, and David and Thomas Jones and their wives. These thirty members, with their children and house- holds, settled at a place called Catfish, on Pedee-river, but they soon removed about fifty miles higher up the same river, where they made a permanent settlement, and where they all, except James James, Esq. who died at Catfish, were embodied into a church, Jan, 1738. James James, Esq. was the most distinguished of this company of emigrants, for he was the head of the party, and his son Philip became the pastor of the church. Of him I can learn no more, than that he died at Catfish. His son Philip, the first pastor of the Welsh-Neck church, was born near Pennepeck, Pennsylvania, in 1 701 : he was ordained over the church in 1743, by Messrs. Charier Simmons, and died in 1753. Anecdote cf Philip James. 131 This venerable man passed through a very singular scene about three months before his death j the narra- tive is related in full by Mr. Edwards, but we shall be able to give only the substance of it here, which is as follows : He was greatly afflicted for the death of a fa- vourite child, and bewailed his loss in the language of David, Abel, my son, my son, would to God I bad died for thee, &f. In the midst of his wailings he fell to the ground as if dead, and was taken up and put on the bed, where he continued for near an hour, without any signs of life. When he revived and saw the people about him weeping, he bid them desist, adding, " had you seen what I have seen, you would not be in trouble about the dear little one." His wife and the company urged him to tell what he had seen concerning the child. He was reluctant to it, but their importunity prevailed, and he went on, " The child now enjoys more happiness in one moment than compensates for all the miseries he endured through life, and the pangs of death also." He then related how he had been transported by a celestial conductor to the paradise of God, where he was chided for his excessive grief, and saw his child in the full stat- ure of a man, in company with the angelick hosts, and uniting in their songs of praise. At length his conduct- or said to him, " 1 am one of that company, and must join them." Having said this, the entranced spirit began to sink fast, and soon found itself united with the body. This account is preserved by the family, and is signed by four respectable witnesses.* After this vision, the old man minded no worldly thing, but was full of heav- enly joy, and attentive only to spiritual concerns. His successor, who had been his colleague, was Rev. John Brown. He was born near Burlington, New- Jersey, in 1714, but was brought up at Frankfort, near Philadelphia. He came to Pedee about the time the above-mentioned company emigrated hither, where he was baptized and called to the ministry, and where he was ordained, May 7, 1 750 j but for some reasons he continued not long in the care of the church. He * Edwai-ds's MS. Hist. &c. p. 19. 132 Pastors of Welsh-Neck Church. preached in different places around, until his death, and for aught that appears, supported a character becoming his profession. The next pastor of this church was Rev. Joshua Ed- wards. He was born Feb. 1703, in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, from which place he emigrated to Welsh- Tract, in Delaware, where he continued almost 3O years, and then removed to South-Carolina, and had the care of this church about six years. He then removed to Cash- away (afterwards called Mount Pleasant) where he was invested with the pastoral office three years. His next remove was to a church on Little Pedee, over which he presided until 1768. After this, he did not engage in the pastoral office of any church, but continued to preach, and was useful till his death, which happened Aug. 22, 1784. He lived to see his posterity, 12 children, 38 grand-children, and 32 great-grand-children ; 82 in the whole. His son, Abel Edwards, who was long an es- teemed and highly useful deacon of the Welsh-Neck church, died in 1793, aged 54. Rev. Robert Williams succeeded Mr. Edwards. He was born at Northampton, North-Carolina, in 1717, and was ordained at Welsh-Neck in 1752 ; but by some means he continued but a short time in the pastoral of- fice here. He died April 8th, 1 788. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Evan Pugh, who gave him the following character : " He was kind to the poor, and remarkably so to the afflicted ; a man of excellent natu- ral parts, and a minister who preached the gospel to the edification and comfort of souls, as many have testified to me ; and to crown all, a sincere Christian," &c. Hon. David R. Williams, of South-Carolina, is grandson of- this venerable divine, and the only son of Mr. David Williams, who received a classical education, at Charles- ton, was a very useful and amiable man, and died at the age of 36, about the year 1 775. The Welsh-Neck church had, for its next pastor, Rev. Nicholas Bedgegood, who was born at Thornbury, Glou- cestershire, England. Mr. Bedgegood received his first serious impressions under the ministry of the famous George Whitefield. He came to America in 1751, and Nicholas Bedgegood disowned by the Association, 133 was, for some time, Mr. Whitefield's agent in the Or- phan House, for which employ he was very capable, as he had received a classical education, and had, in his younger days, studied the law three years, under the direction of an able master at Bristol. He was brought up an Episcopalian, but embraced the sentiments of the Baptists a few years after he came to America, and was baptized at Charleston, by Rev. Oliver Hart. The means of determining his suspense about the validity of infant baptism, was a sermon of Dr. Watts, intended to establish the point. He concluded that the Doctor had said the best that could be said on the subject ; and if so, he, saw that the best only proves, that sprinkling chil- dren is an unscriptural practice. He was ordained in 17.59 ; and after officiating for a short time as an assist- ant to Mr. Hart in Charleston, he removed and became the pastor of this church ; and it was here that the mar- riage took place for which he was disowned by the Asso- ciation. A number of our ministering brethren from England, and some of distinguished abilities, have acted a similar part with Mr. Bedgegood, although they have rjot all shared the same fate. He left a wife in England when he came to America, and after he had been pastor of the Welsh-Neck church a number of years, he married another, and alleged in justification of his conduct, that his first wife would not come after him to America, and that he had been informed of her death before his sec- ond marriage. His brethren were by no means satisfied with this statement, but requested him to attend the Association, and give them a more full and satisfactory explanation of his conduct. To this summons he did not attend, and was, therefore, disowned. In this situa- tion, Mr. Bedgegood continued until his death, which happened about 1774. He was an accomplished speaker, and a sermon preached before a Society of Planters (the only one he ever published) shows him to have been a, man of classick learning and of "good understanding. Notwithstanding his being disowned by the Associa- tion, I do not find but that he had the care of this church until his death. Mr. Bedgegood was succeeded in the pastoral office by the famous Elhanan Winthester, who afterwards be- 1 34- Charleston Association firmed. came a zealous advocate for the doctrine of universal restoration. He continued in the care of this church four or five years. Next to him was Mr. Botsford, now of Georgetown, South-Carolina. After Mr. Botsford's removal, this church had in succession David Lilly, Frame Woods, and Daniel White. Mr. White is from Scotland, but has lately left this church, and it is now destitute of a pastor. The Welsh-Neck church is the oldest in this part of the State, and has been the mother of a number of others. Cashaway, now called Mount Pleasant, Cape-Fear in North-Carolina, Lynch's Creek, Mars Bluff, and Cheraw Hill, and probably some others originated from it. Some of these churches are now extinct. The late Dr. Smith, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, spent a year with the church which was then called Cashaway. Having related the history of these old churches, of which the Charleston Association was at first composed, we shall now go back to the organization of that body, and give a history of its progress from its first formation to the present time. Mr. Wood Furman, of Charleston, South- Carolina, son of Dr. Furman, has lately published, in a very hand- some style, a 12mo. vol. entitled, "A History of the Charleston Association," from which many of the fore- going articles have been selected, and from which the following narrative is transcribed. Mr. Hart, who was now the pastor of the church in Charleston, had seen, in the Philadelphia Association, the happy consequences of union and stated intercourse umong churches maintaining the same faith and order. To accomplish similar purposes, an union of the four churches before mentioned was contemplated and agreed on. v/ Accordingly on the 21st of October, 1 751, delegates from Ashley-river and Welsh-Neck met those of Charles- ton in the said city. The messengers from Ewhaw were prevented from attending. It was agreed that an annual meeting should thenceforward be holden on Sat- urday preceding the second Sabbath of November, to consist of the ministers and messengers of the several churches ; that the two first days should be employed in publick worship, and a sermon introductory to business preached on the Monday following, at 10 o'clock. John Gam -performs a successful Miss si on. 135 The object of the union was declared to be the pro- motion of the Redeemer's kingdom, by the maintenance of love and fellowship, and by mutual consultations for the peace and welfare of the churches. The independ- ency of the churches was asserted, and the powers of the Association restricted to a council of advice. It was agreed to meet again in Charleston, November, 175^. At that time the delegates from Ewhaw attended, and the proceedings of the first meeting were ratified. The instrument of union bears the following signatures : John Stephens, Oliver Hart, Francis Pelot, John Brown, Josh- ua Edwards, ministers ; James Fowler, William Screven, Richard Bedon, Charles Barker, Benjamin Parminter, Thomas Harrison, Philip Douglas, and John Mikell, messengers. The Association thus formed, held its meetings for a number of years at the place of its organization, and hence took the name of the " Charleston Association." In 1 755, the Association, taking into consideration the destitute condition of many places in the interiour settle* ments of this and the neighbouring States, (then prov- inces) recommended to the churches to make contribu- tions for the support of a missionary to itinerate in those parts. Mr. Hart was authorized and requested, provided a sufficient sum should be raised, to procure, if possible, a suitable person for the purpose. With this view he visited Pennsylvania and New- Jersey in the following year, and prevailed with Rev. John Gano to undertake the service, who attended the annual meeting, and was cordially received. The Association requested Mr. Gano to visit the Yadkin settlement in North-Carolina first, and afterwards to bestow his labours wherever Provi- dence should appear to direct. He devoted himself to the work : it afforded ample scope for his distinguished piety, eloquence and fortitude ; and his ministrations were crowned with remarkable success. Many embraced and professed the gospel. The following year he receiv- ed from the Association a letter of thanks for his faith- fulness and industry in the mission. At the same time, the expediency of raising a fund to furnish suitable can- didates for the ministry with a competent share of learn- ing, was taken into consideration ; and it was recom- 136 Fund instituted for Education. mended to the churches generally to collect money foi the purpose. The members present engaged, in behalf of their constituents, to furnish one hundred and thirty- three pounds to begin the fund ; and Messrs. Stephens, Hart, and Pelot were chosen trustees. In 1759, Mr. Evan Pugh was proposed by Mr. Gano as a candidate for the ministry. He was examined, approved, and put on a course of studies. Having gone through them, he preached before the Association in 1 762 with acceptance, and was soon after ordained. The general contribution from the churches was not so great as was wished. But a society instituted in Charleston in 1755, which was called the " Religious Society," and flourished many years, was highly useful in aiding the Association in its benevolent design. Sev- eral young men were furnished by it with the means of pursuing studies preparatory to the ministry. Of this number were Messrs. Samuel Stillman and Edmund Botsford, both from the church in Charleston. The former was ordained there February 26, 1759, and in 1807 finished at Boston a long life, distinguished by fer- vent piety, shining talents, and eminent usefulness. The latter survives as the venerable pastor of the church at Georgetown. In 1763, Rev. Hezekiah Smith, from New- Jersey, was ordained at Pedee by the assistance of several ministers of this body, and resided there a year, supplying the Cashaway church, and visiting those adjacent. In 1767, the Association having previously called the serious attention of the churches to the subject, formally adopted the confession of faith, published by the London Assembly of 1689. This had been previously held by the churches in their individual capacities, particularly that of Charleston, from the beginning of the eighteenth century. The church at Ashley-river adopted it March 18, 1737. Messrs. Hart and Pelot were appointed to draw up a system of discipline agreeable to Scripture, to be used by the churches. This they brought forward in 1772, and Rev. Morgan Edwards and Mr. David Wil- liams were requested to assist the compilers in revising it. In 1773, it was examined by the Association, and adopt- ed. That and the confession of faith were printed under the inspection of Mr. Hart. Separate Baptists send Delegates to Association. 1 3t Several churches in North-Carolina having joined the Association in 1758, it was determined, for their accom- modation, that an annual meeting of ministers, belong- ing to this body, should be holden at Pedee in the spring ; the object of which, besides preaching, was to consider of the general concerns, and particularly of those in North- Carolina ; their proceedings, however, subject to revision by the more general delegation at Charleston. In 1760, five other churches in North-Carolina, viz. Great Ko- harah, Fishing-creek, Tosniot, and two on Tar-river, joined the confederacy, but soon withdrew. - Several churches of the Separate Baptists were form- ed in the new settlements of South-Carolina about 176O. One of them situated on Broad-river, sent a letter by their minister, Philip Mulkey, to the Association, in 1 762, stating several queries, which Mr. Hart was appointed to answer. An union with this people was thought de- sirable, and Messrs. Hart and Pugh were delegated to attend one of their general meetings in North-Carolina, and endeavour to effect it. In 1773, Rev. Daniel Mar- shall, Joseph Reese, and Samuel Newton, commissioners appointed by a general meeting of the Separates held at the Congaree, attended at Charleston for the same pur- pose. The Association testified their desire of union by proposing liberal terms, which allowed their brethren the observance of their peculiarities, reserving to them- selves the right of friendly discussion on the points of dif- ference. But the Separates would be satisfied with noth- ing short of the Regulars coming fully into their views* So the desirable object was not then accomplished. In 1772, a correspondence was begun with the Phila- delphia Association, by means of the Rev. Morgan Ed- wards, one of their ministers, who was present. In 1773, the first regular and full account of additions and other alterations in the churches was taken. Their number of churches was then reduced to 8, which con- tained 390 members. Mr. Gano attended as messenger from the Philadelphia Association in 1774. He and Messrs. Hart and Pelot, by appointment of the Charleston Association, addressed the Baptist Associations through- out America, in favour of a plan of contribution, for aug- menting the funds of Rhode-Island College. Messrs. VOL. 2. 18 138 Particular Days set apart for Prayer. Hart and Williams were nominated to receive contribu- tions for that institution, and to transmit the same to Col. Job Bennet, in Newport. In 1775, a correspond- ence was begun with the Warren and Ketockton Asso- ciations. The churches were urged to contribute for the relief of their brethren in Massachussetts, suffering from restrictions on their religious liberties ; and the money which should be raised, was directed to be sent to the care of Rev. Isaac Backus. There was no meeting in 1776, on account of the un- settled state of the country, threatened with invasion. From the first formation of the Association, particular days had been frequently set apart for humiliation and prayer, or for thank-giving and praise. In 1777, four were appointed for these purposes, both on account of the situation of publick affairs, and the state of religion. At the same time the Association expressed their hear- ty approbation of the American measures. In 1778, the time of meeting, which ten years before had been changed to February, was restored to the original season. For a number of years after the Association began, religion flourished among the churches in a remarkable manner. Much happiness and harmony prevailed, and annual additions were made. But in 1765, and some following years, a great declension was complained of. Not long after, several unhappy circumstances took place, which pained the real friends of Christianity. Two ministers, Stephens* and Bedgegood,f who had been in high repute, were disowned ; the first for drunk- enness, the last for polygamy. About 1777, a revival commenced, several new churches joined the union, and considerable additions were made by baptism. In /1 779, a standing committee was chosen to transact business of emergency during the recess of the Associa- tion ; particularly to treat with government on behalf of the churches ; to correspond with other Associations ; to detect impostors, and recommend travelling ministers of good character. Messrs. Hart, Pugh, Botsford, Fur- * Mr. Stephens professed and was believed to be penitent before his death, and was admitted again to preach. t See his biography in the history of the Welsh-Neck church. Churches scattered in consequence of the War. 1 39 man, and Cowan, were the committee nominated. By the State Constitution established in South-Carolina, during the revolution, the different denominations were put on a footing, and incorporation was allowed to in- dividual churches, on application to the Legislature. The Association advised those in its connexion to avail themselves of this privilege, which gave them the legal right of holding and recovering property. Several ac- cordingly made application, and obtained it. South-Carolina soon becoming the theatre of war, churches were scattered, and their intercourse suspended. Several ministers, who had been the active friends of the revolution, retired for safety to neighbouring or distant States. Mr. Hart, who had acted so conspicuous and im- portant a part in the concerns of this body, removed with his family to New- Jersey. In 1782, a meeting of the Association was held at Welsh-Neck. Ministers were appointed to visit destitute churches. The 7th of November was set apart as a day of thanksgiving, for the interpositions of Providence in favour of America. In 1783, the standing committee was revived, consist- ing of Messrs. Pugh, Botsford, and Furman. Three years after, the same nomination took place, with the addition of Messrs. Cook, Lewis, and Holcombe. A faithful and useful minister, Rev. Timothy Dargan, having died in this year, the Association declared their " high sense of the worth of that eminent servant of Christ, and their concern to have the memory of his amiable life and vir- tues perpetuated." In 1785, Rev. Silas Mercer and Peter Smith appeared as messengers from the Georgia Association, lately form- ed, and were cordially received. A correspondence with this Association was introduced. In 1786, Rev. Joseph Cook was desired to open a cor- respondence with the Kent and Sussex Association, in England, on behalf of this body. The Circular Address of this year contains the following exhortations : " It is our ardent desire that the members of our churches be well established in the evidence as well as the necessity and importance of Christianity ; and that the reasona- bleness and consistency of its particular doctrines be well 14O Education in the Gospel Ministry recommended. understood. We recommend, therefore, that a thirst for divine knowledge, together with a laudable desire to excel in every grace and virtue, be entertained in all your breasts. Pay particular attention to the education of your children with this view ; and where it has pleased God to call any of his young servants to the work of the ministry, let the churches be careful to introduce them in the line of study and improvement ; and make suitable exertions to furnish them with the necessary means for this end. We have for several years given intimation of our concern, that the representation of churches in Association has not been better supported, and we are sorry to observe, that this has not had the desired effect. Permit us now to entreat you by all the arguments which arise from the love of Christ, and that dear uniting af- fection, by which his saints are bound together ; by the support, honour, and advantage which the church en- joys from a due regard to the interests of her union, and the tendency it has to promote the divine honour ; that it may be attended to, not as a matter depending on convenience, but as of sacred and religious regard. Let each church extend its views beyond its own particular interests, to the happiness of churches abroad, and the general spread of the gospel ; and it will be impossible to indulge a backwardness therein." In the same letter they express their joy at the introduction of several prom- ising young men into the ministry, and at the success of the gospel in Great-Britain, and in different parts of America. The expediency of applying for incorporation was considered and agreed on. In 1787, a. covenant with this view was drawn up and signed, and a committee appointed to petition the Legislature. A meeting sufficiently numerous was, however, not ob- tained during the recess ; and at the next annual meet- ing, some members doubting the propriety of the meas- ure, it was relinquished. A few years after, the object was obtained in a different form, and to general satis- faction. In 1789, the Bethel Association, newly formed in the northwestern parts of the State, and consisting of 16 churches, was represented by the Rev. James Fowler, A Fund for that Purpose proposed. ] 41 A correspondence was commenced, and in consequence of a motion to that effect, made by Mr. Fowler, a pro- posal was made from the Charleston Association to unite the two bodies ; but on account of some inconveniences, apprehended by the Bethel, it failed of accomplishment. Letters and breviates of English Associations were re- ceived, and distributed to the churches, and recommend- ed to their perusal. The object of having a respectable and permanent fund established for the education of pious young men, candidates for the ministry, having been seriously con- templated and earnestly wished by several members of the Association, it was this year taken up, and particu- larly recommended to the churches. At the following meeting a draft of a plan for the purpose was brought forward by a committee, consisting of Messrs. Furman, S. Mercer, Mosely, and Holcombe, and adopted by the Association. By this it was proposed, That a sermon should be preached annually in each church, followed by a collection. 2d. That delegates, one from each church, should meet at the same time and place with the Association, whose business it should be to examine candidates for the assistance of the churches, and to make application of the fund. The Circular Letter, drawn up by Mr. Holcombe, urges the hearty adoption of this plan. After recounting the disadvantages the Baptist denomi- nation had sustained in various parts of the world, but especially in the interiour parts of America, from the neg- lect of learning, it proceeds " We hope, therefore, brethren, that the consideration of diffusing useful knowledge, of capacitating your ministers to acquit themselves with propriety and dignity in the important duties of their functions ; of adorning the Christian pro- fession, increasing the respectability of our order, and above all, glorifying our Royal Master, will engage you to make the necessary exertions for completing the pro- posed design, so manifestly tending to answer such truly laudable purposes. The laws of reason and religion re- quire it at your hands. We not only see, but feel the necessity of it, and beseech you, by your obligations to promote the Redeemer's honour, and your tender regards 1 4-2 Day of Fasting and Prayer appointed. for the prosperity of Zion, to make it a matter of serious and religious concern."* In this year died Rev. Joseph Cook ; and the Associ- ation paid a tribute of affection and regard to his mem- ory, as " a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and an able minister of the New Testament." In i7^1, Mr. Furman having, at the request of the Association, published his sermon preached before them in 178'J, presented them with fifty copies of the same, and received the thanks of the body. The committee for the Education Fund reported, " That they had a system of rules under consideration, though not fully matured ; that they had agreed, when the rules were completed, to apply to the Legislature for incorporation ; and that they conceived it might be proper to invest the committee with power to recover and take into their possession any glebes or other property belonging to churches in this connexion, which either are or may become extinct, when liable to revert to the public, or become private property, and apply the same to the in- terests of the union." The Association, after receiving O and considering this report, unanimously approved the plan of enlarging the powers of the committee, and of its obtaining incorporation. They further agreed that due care ought to be taken, that the business and powers of the committee be fully defined, and that they might not interfere with the rights and privileges of the churches as independent bodies, in things either spiritual or tem- poral. In 1793, the attention of the churches was called to " the threatening and warning dispensations of Provi- dence, and the declension of religion ;" and the third Wed- nesday of December was appointed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer, to implore the mercy of God on the churches and the country at large ; to pray for the peace and prosperity of the United States ; for a general refor- * Though the plan for raising and supporting a fund for the purposes men- tioned, was adopted unanimously by the delegates assembled, it met with op- position in several of the churches, so that, at subsequent meetings of the As- sociation, objections were raised against it, which, though answered and gen- f rallv given up in that body, b\ those who proposed them, appeared to be re- tained by the dissatisfied churches ; as the}- either withheld their aid altogether, or contributed very partially toward the fund. General Concert of Prayer repeatedly recommended. 143 mation among the people, and for the direction and pres- ervation of the government ; also, for a sanctified use of the afflicting dispensations of Providence, particularly that by which Philadelphia had been recently visited.* Contributions had been made for reprinting the Con- fession of Faith, Church Discipline, and Catechism ; but not being fully adequate to the object, Mr. Furman was requested to have the Discipline put to the press immediately, and to import the rest. Accordingly ICOO copies of the Catechism, and 200 of the Confession of Faith were imported, and 2000 of the Discipline printed. In J 794, to accommodate some of the southern churches, it was proposed to have two meetings in a year ; and one by way of experiment was appointed to be hoiden the ensuing May at Ewhaw. Delegates from Charleston, Ewhaw, Coosawhatchie, Pipe- Creek, and Black Swamp, attended. They concluded that the plan of holding two meetings in the year was impracticable, and recommend- ed instead of it, that the annual meeting should be held in the northern and southern parts alternately. This rec- ommendation was afterwards complied with. They al- so took into consideration the General Concert of Prayer, proposed to be hoiden on the first Tuesday of January, April, July, and October ; the object of it being to unite with a number of good men of different denominations, at home and abroad, for " the revival of religion among Christians ; the propagation and success of the gospel among the heathen, and the conversion of the Jews to Christianity." The observance of this Concert was earnestly recommended, and the recommendation re- newed from year to year. The Circular Letter of 1795 contains the following admonitions : " The situation of the church calls for deep humiliation before God, serious concern respecting the state of our souls, vigorous exer- tions in the cause of God, and diligent use of the appoint- ed means of grace. In vain do we acknowledge our imperfections, or professedly lament our leanness, if our hearts are not affected. And what blessings can we reasonably expect, while the rational and most proper means, which God has put within our power, and to * In this year this city was first visited with the yellow fever. 144 Admonitions of a Circular Letter. which his word directs, are neglected ? Permit us, dear brethren, to suggest our fears, that the duties of the closet and the discipline of the heart, are awfully neg- lected in the present day. We fear the views of even those who have made the most serious profession, are too much limited to the present life. Have we not al- most forgot to consider ourselves as strangers and pil- grims on the earth ? Is not the spirit of ambition, pride, and covetousness prevalent to a high degree ? Who are they that feel anxiously concerned for the things which are Jesus Christ's ? Who burn with zeal for the honour of Jehovah ; mourn for the abomina- tions of the land ; and feel bowels of compassion for perishing and immortal souls ? Has not the gracious and holy Spirit of God, the Comforter, been grieved by our untender walk, by our unbelief, ingratitude, for- mality, and neglect or abuse of our privileges ? Have not the solemn meetings for prayer, repeatedly recom- mended, been either shamefully neglected, or attended with a coldness and indifference unbecoming those who profess to know Jesus Christ, or to believe the awful realities of eternity ? Rouse, brethren, from your leth- argy ; reason, interest, obligation call ; judgments threat- en ; mercies invite ; all that is sacred to the heart of a rational immortal creature, requires your activity, se- riousness, and diligence, in the cause of your God and Redeemer. Render to Jehovah his unquestionable and too long detained due, and prove him herewith, if he will not pour you out a blessing, that there even shall not be room sufficient to receive it.'* In 1797, a letter was received from Mr. John M. Rob- erts, expressing gratitude for the assistance afforded him in obtaining education for the ministry ; and his " firm determination to use his best exertions to obtain every suitable qualification, and to devote himself to the great work ;" which gave much satisfaction. Rev. Gabriel Gerald, a member of the church at the High-Hills of Santee, having advanced sentiments subver- sive of the Christian Sabbath, and a difficulty existing be- tween him and the church in consequence of the same, the Association was applied to. Mr. Gerald then publish- ed a pamphlet in defence of his opinions and practice. At Mr. Gerald cemured. 1 45 the request of the Association, a letter was written in an- swer to his publication, with a view to convince him of the obligation to observe the Sabbath, and to reclaim him from what appeared a dangerous error ; but it proved ineffectual. The church put Mr. Gerald under censure, and he appealed to the Association, complaining of un- fair treatment. A letter was also received from the church, requesting assistance. Messrs. Furman, Bots- ford, and Fowler, were appointed a committee on behalf of the Association, to meet both parties. Next year the committee reported, that according to their judgment, some of the church's proceedings had been irregular ; but that they had just cause of dissatisfaction with Mr. Ge- rald, both on account of his principle and conduct ; that a liberal plan of reconciliation, proposed by the commit- tee, had been rejected by him, and that he persisted in the sentiment and conduct he had defended from the pulpit and the press. He died soon after, without having recanted his sentiments. In 1 800, the proposition of the Philadelphia Associa- tion, to establish a general conference of the Baptist As- sociations throughout the United States, was taken into consideration, and it was voted, that " if a well-digested plan should be devised for such a coalition, in which the proper objects were clearly pointed out, with suitable measures to attain them, and the danger of perversion and abuse well guarded against, and if a general concur- rence in the undertaking should be obtained of the churches in the United States, this Association are dis- posed to give it their support." In the same year, the Association recommended to churches destitute of pastors, to endeavour to support publick worship by en- gaging some of their members to read sermons, and take a lead in prayer. In 1801, they petitioned the Legislature for an amend- ment of the law, passed the preceding year, imposing restrictions on religious meetings, so far as respects per- sons of colour. The petition was renewed the next year, and attended with a degree of success. The thanks of the Association, were returned to General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Major Thomas Pinckney, and VOL. 2. J9 1 46 John Rooker 1 s Mission to the Catawba Indians. Henry William Desaussure, Esq. for their patriotick ex- ertions in its behalf. In 1802, provision was made for the employment of a missionary to travel and preach in destitute places. The object failed of accomplishment for the want of a suita- ble person to undertake it. A mission, however, to the Catawba Indians, which had for some time been contem- plated, was now commenced. Rev. John Rooker was engaged for a year to preach to them, at least once a month, and to consult the chiefs and other persons of influence, on their disposition to have a school founded among them. Mr. Rooker at the next meeting reported, that " the Indians had given him a very favourable recep- tion ; were much pleased with the attention the Associa- tion had shown by appointing a missionary to them ; had attended very seriously to his preaching, and from the first expressed an earnest desire that a school might be established among them for the instruction of their youth : also, that there appeared the beginning of a work of grace among the white people, who attended on his preaching when ministering to the Indians ; and that he was in hopes the Indians would share in the blessing." It was, in consequence, determined to continue the mis- sion, and Mr. Rooker was authorized to employ a teacher to instruct the youth in the common branches of educa- tion, and the principles of Christianity. A school was accordingly established, and has been continued. Sam- ples of writing done by the Indian youth, have been exhibited from year to year, evincing considerable pro- ficiency. Letters also have been repeatedly received from the chiefs of the nation, requesting a continuance of the mission and school. At the meeting of 1806, Robert Marsh, an Indian of the Pomunky tribe, living with the Catawbas, and a licensed preacher, was present, and preached with acceptance to a large and affected audience. Dr. Ramsay, in his history of South-Carolina, lately published, hath in a note inserted the following obser- vations on this subject : " It is truly honourable to the Baptists, that they have done so much for the instruc- tion of the Indians ; and it is lamentable that the State lias done so little. The Catawba Indians have, for a long time, been friendly, and have lived among, or rather Dr. Rams ay 1 s Plea for the Indians. 147 been surrounded by white people, and yet no one effort has been made by the State for the civilization and in- struction of this tribe, nor of any of the Indians. A century and half has not passed away, since this people were the sole possessors of the whole of. this extensive and beautiful country ; but these former lords of the soil have been driven from river to river from forest to forest rolled back nation upon nation, till they are fugitives, vagrants, and strangers in their own land. Carolinians ! cherish the few that remain, and prevent their cursing the day that white men landed in the country of their forefathers."* In 1 803, Dr. Furman, Mr. Botsford, and Mr. Roberts, were appointed a committee of correspondence, and in particular to correspond with the committee of the Phil- adelphia Association, to aid their design of publishing general religious information. This year died the Rev. Evan Pugh ; on which occa- sion the Association thought it incumbent on them to express their high sense of his " eminent abilities and worth, as a man, a scholar, a Christian, and a divine." Rev. Aaron Tison, David Owen, and Jeremiah Rhame, " three zealous and much approved preachers of the gos- pel," died in 18O5; and in 1806, Rev. Lewis Collins, " an aged and faithful minister, eminent for his piety, and useful in his day." In 1 804, the Association petitioned the Legislature for a law to abolish the practice of duelling. In 1 808, Dr. Samuel Jones, of Pennsylvania, presented the Association with 15O copies of his Century Sermon, preached before the Philadelphia Association, to be ap- plied to the uses of the Education Fund ; and a vote was passed expressing gratitude for this instance of his lib- erality. A motion was made this year to have the Association Sermon in future preached on the Saturday of the an- * "The Cataivba Indians are a small tribe, who have one town called Ca- tawba, situated on the Catawba river, north lat. 34 49', on the boundary line between North and South-Carolina, and contains about 450 inhabitants, of which about 150 are fighting men. They are the only tribe which resides in the State. 144,000 acres of laud were granted them by the proprietary government." Morse. It is said that their territory at present is about 16 miles square ; but they have been degenerating for many years, and their number and strength hav probably decreased since the above account was taken. 148 Preparation for Preaching recommended, nual meeting, and the business then entered on, with a view to expedite it, but was negatived. It \vas resolved to continue the usual mode of conducting the business, and the following reasons were assigned by the Association : " First, because devotion and the exercise of the best ministerial gifts at those general meetings are objects, in our estimation, of the first importance. Secondly, as the administration of the Lord's Supper is a part of the solemn service appointed for the Sabbath on these occa- sions, it is proper and necessary that the exercises of the Saturday should be preparatory to the sacred transaction of approaching the table, and that the mind be as little as possible diverted from the great object, which then claims its attention. Thirdly, the plan of hurrying through the business of the Association, we think is wrong ; the sub- jects which come under consideration, being generally very serious and important, and requiring time for de- liberation. In general, they have been too much hur- ried. It is, therefore, recommended to the ministers and delegates, in future, to come with an expectation that the business will not conclude before Wednesday. And as it too often happens that the ministers meet on Saturday, without any expectation to preach on that day, and if called to preach, deliver hasty, indigested discours- es ; which circumstance has a bad effect on the general state of the meeting ; it is requested that they in general endeavour to come prepared to preach, and that on sub- jects the most useful and important, suited to excite a fervid, yet rational piety. The death of Rev. Samuel Eccles, and Mr. Alexander M'Neal, was noticed with affection and respect for their memory, as " of men, of whose usefulness in the ministry the most pleasing hopes were entertained. The first had been for several years a student under the care of the general committee ; and the other had lately arrived from Scotland.'* In ISO';, Rev. Messrs. Johnson and Collins were ap- pointed a committee to act with the Missionary to the Indians, in superintending the school, and occasionally visiting the nation. It was recommended to the churches and the publick to encourage, by subscription, the undertaking of Mr. General View of the Association. 149 Woodward, of Philadelphia, to republish Dr. Gill's Expo- sition ; and each church was advised to provide a copy for the use of its minister. It was determined also, to encourage the author of this History in his undertaking, the design of which he had then announced. In 181O, this Association determined to patronize the publication of the Confession of Faith, System of Disci- cipline, and Catechism, in one volume ; and to address the other Baptist Associations in the State with a view of obtaining their concurrence. From 1773, when the first account of additions, &c. was taken, till 179O, the following changes took place nineteen new churches were added to the Association two joined other Associations and three became ex- tinct. The whole number of churches being twenty-two. In this period there were baptized 980 received by letter 284 dismissed by letter 520 excommunicated 105 dead 213. Whole number 19O4. From 1790 till 181O, twenty new churches were ad- ded seven were dismissed to the Savannah-river Asso- ciation ^-two were excluded for not maintaining their representation and two became extinct. The whole number of churches remaining, thirty-three. In this period there were baptized 2874 received by letter 6GO dismmissed 1615 excommunicated 458 restor- ed 56 dead 525. Whole number of members 29O7. This account closes with 1810. Since that time, although but one new church has been added to the Association, yet it has greatly increased, so that in 1812 it contained 3498 members. 52.5 were added that year. The foregoing history of this Association contains most of the information which we shall be able to give of the churches, which it comprises. Of the few follow- ing, however, it may be proper to give a few historical sketches. Congarec. This church, which has been the mother of a number of others, now belonging to this Association, originated from the Separate Baptists, and was gathered in the following manner. About the year 1764, Philip Mulky began to preach in this neighbourhood, and so successful were his labours, that in the course of a year 150 Churches of Congaree, of High-Hills of Santee, or two the following persons were baptized, viz. Wil- liam Tucker, Jane Curry, Martha Goodwin, Isaac Ray- ford, Joseph Reese, Thomas Norris, and Timothy Dargan, (these three afterwards became ministers) Benjamin Bry- on, Nathan Ellis, John Gill, and others, to the number of thirty-three, who, in November 1766, were constitu- ted into a church, by the help of Rev. Joseph Murphy, of North-Carolina. Concerning the progress of this church, from a short time after its formation to the present time, we have but little information. It soon became very extensive, and branched out on almost every side ; of these branches, those at the High-Hills of Santee, Wateree, Twenty -five-mile Creek, and Amelia township, have since become distinct churches, and now have a seat in the Charleston Association. The first pastor of the Congaree church was the fa- mous Joseph Reese, of whom we have given a biograph- ical account. Rev. John Newton was for a time as- sociated with him in the care of this extensive commu- nity. I can learn but little more respecting him than that he was a native of Pennsylvania, and was an excel- lent man. He preached many years in North-Carolina, in connexion with the Separates, where his labours were much blest ; he came to Congaree in 1 765, and three years after received ordination at the hands of Messrs. Oliver Hart and Evan Pugh, for which, as they were Regular Baptists, he was censured and silenced, by the Sandy Creek Association, which assuming body at that time claimed the jurisdiction of the Congaree church. After remaining in this situation for some time, he was restored to his ministry, but never fully engaged in it, after this arbitrary occurrence. <, High-Hills of Santee. This is a church of some ce- lebrity, and as it is a branch of the last mentioned, we shall briefly state its origin and progress. About the year 1769, Mr. Jeremiah Dargan preached in this place, which was then wild and irreligious. Soon after, Mr. Joseph Reese visited them, and by his preach- ing alarmed the whole neighbourhood ; and so success- ful were the labours of these faithful and zealous men, and particularly the latter, who is considered as the found- er of the church, that in a short time a great num- and of Georgetown. 151 ber were baptized, and among them was Dr. Furman and his first wife. These new converts joined the Con- garee church, as has already been suggested, and stood as a branch of that body, until the Santee church was constituted in 1772. The number of constituents was about 70. A few months after the church was organized, Mr. Furman was by them called to the ministry ; he was ordained here in 1774, by Messrs. Reese and Pugh. Soon after his ordination he became the pastor of the church, and continued in that office until 1787, when he re- moved to Charleston. After his removal, the church was without a pastor about ten years, when they had the happiness to settle among them Rev. John M. Rob- erts, who remains their worthy and useful pastor. The seat of the original church is about three miles north of Statebury, and about a hundred north-west of Charleston. It has two or three other places of worship, not many miles distant. The Santee church has been a mother establishment ; for the churches of Ebenezer, Lynch's Creek, (2d of that name) Upper Fork of Lynch's Creek, Swift Creek, Bethel, Camden, and Calvary, all originated from it. Being in a central situation, it has frequently been the place of the Association's meeting. Georgetown. It may be seen in the biography of Rev. William Screven, that he made Georgetown his place of residence for a number of years in the latter part of his life ; but it does not appear that there were ever many Baptists in the place, until ministers of this order began to be invited heje by Mr. William Cuttiro. Mr. Cuttiro was a native of the town, but was a resident in Charleston, where he was baptized by Rev. Oliver Hart, in 1767. Two years after, he returned and settled in Georgetown. From this time, by his solicitation Baptist ministers began to visit the place, Dr. Furman was the most frequent visitor, as his labours were the most acceptable. He, for many years, annually spent several weeks in visiting and administering to the breth- ren here ; for Mr. Cuttiro had now a number of his fami- ly and some others united in profession with him, and by Drs. Furman and Staughton, they were formed into a church in 1 794. For one year immediately subsequent to its constitution, this church was supplied by Dr. 152 Church of Beaufort-. Staughton, now of Philadelphia, who had then just come to America. In 1797, Rev. Edmund Botsford removed from the Welsh-Neck church, and settled in the pastoral office at Georgetown. Mr. Botsford was born at Wo- burn, in Bedfordshire, England, November, 1745; he came to America when he was about 20 years of age, and soon after was baptized by Mr. Hart, of Charleston ; and after studying with him between two and three years, he began to preach at Tuckaseeking in Georgia, in 1771. In that State he tarried about seven years, when he travelled and preached abundantly with much success ; but in the American war he was obliged to fly from the country, with the loss of most of his estate. He then settled at the Welsh-Neck, where he continued until he removed to his present situation. Mr. Botsford was a very successful labourer in the vineyard in his more active days ; and although his ministry in George- town has been highly reputable in the view of all, and much esteemed by the pious, yet it has not been so suc- cessful as he and his friends could have wished. Most of the old members have died, and few others have succeeded them, so that the church is now in a feeble state. This church has a handsome and commodious wooden meeting-house, which was well finished in 18O4-. It stands on a lot of one acre, which was given in reserve by the Rev. William Screven, when the town was first laid out ; but was not occupied until almost a hundred years after his death. This house, which is about 60 feet long, is situated on a delightful eminence, directly oppo- site the market-house, and commands a view of the whole town from the front of it, and of very extensive rice fields from its rear. Beaufort* This town is situated on the island of Port- Royal, about 70 miles S. W. from Charleston, and is remarkable for its healthy situation, and the hospitality and politeness of its inhabitants. The Baptist church here originated from the division of the ancient one at Evvhaw, and was formed in 1 804. The foundation for this church was laid by the labours of Dr. Holcombe, now of Philadelphia, who resided here a number of years, while he was pastor of the Ewhaw church, and by whom many of the constituents of the Church in Columbia. church were baptized. While Rev. Joseph B. Cook was pastor at Ewhaw, he also devoted a part of his labours to this branch of that body ; and soon after the church was formed, he became its pastor. In this office he contin- ued until .1809, when he resigned his charge, and is now settled at Camden, where a church has lately been form- ed, About the time of Mr. Cook's resignation, Rev. James Graham, from Scotland, came to the place, and had the care of the church a short time ; but his con- nexion with this people was not altogether happy for himself nor them, and was therefore soon dissolved. Rev. William S. Brantly, their present pastor, succeed- ed Mr. Graham. Mr. Brantly is a native of North-Car- olina, where he was born in 1786. He received consid- erable assistance towards his education, from the Charles- ton Education Fund, and graduated at Columbia College in 18Oy. The Beaufort church has a valuable and commodious house of worship, built of a composition of oyster-shells, and mortar made of the same marine materials.* Columbia. Although the church in this town is of a recent date, yet considering its situation and the cir- cumstances of its origin, it demands a brief description. In 1 8O4, Jonathan Maxcy, D.D. a Baptist minister, for- merly President of Rhode-Island College, settled in this town in the Presidency of the South-Carolina College, which had been established here a little while before. The doctor commenced a course of preaching in connex- ion with his presidential duties, which, however, on ac- count of debility, he was obliged to relinquish in about six months. It does not appear that there was much preach- ing here by the Baptists from this period until 1808, when Mr. Brantly, now of Beaufort in this State, then * There are in Beaufort, and along the sea-coast in that region, many state- ly edifices built of this composition. Oysters of an interiour quality grow here in an abundance, of which there are no examples in the northern States. 1'hey appear to t>e short-lived, and the shells are wafted in vast bodies along the shore, so th;-.t whatever quantities are desired may be procured with ease. A sufficient portion of them are reduced to lime, and much mortar is necessary in this work, with which the shells are intermixed, and with this composition the wall is made, which, when it is thoroughly dry, is as impregnable as rock, arid I know not but of equal durability. The nicest structures of this kind are plastered without and within, and m;:ke an elegant appearance, while stables and coarser buildings, are left in a rough, unplastered state, and present to the view of a stranger, a ragged and curious sight. VOL. 2. 20 154 Account of Baptists formerly called Separates. a student under President Maxcy, by the request of the inhabitants of Columbia, preached to them about a year, during the latter part of his residence in College. Next to him was Mr. Johnson, now of Savannah, who began preaching here in the beginning of the year ! 809. Mr. Johnson removed hither from the church at Ewhaw, of which he was pastor. He found in the place upwards of twenty Baptist professors, belonging to different church- es. He began preaching in the College Chapel, and his ministry was crowned with success. Under him the church at Columbia arose ; it was founded in the latter part of the year 1809, of about 36 members,and has now increased to upwards of K)0, and has erected a commo- dious brick meeting-house 4O feet square. Since Mr. Johnson's removal to Savannah, this church is left desti- tute of a pastor. The Baptists, whose history we have thus far related, were denominated Particular or Regular, when these terms were in use among our southern brethren. They are the most ancient, and have always been the most ac- tive and influential in all matters of publick concern ; although they have for a number of years, been inferiour in number to those who originated from the Separates. The beginning of this people in South-Carolina has been briefly related in the history of the Separate Baptists of North-Carolina, Virginia, &c. ; and for the purpose of pre- serving the thread of our history, we have in the preced- ing narrative given an account of one of these church- es, viz. the Congaree, with its numerous branches. What remains is to give as good an account as we can collect of the Associations and numerous churches, which have originated from that zealous people, improp- erly called Separates, who were devout and successful almost to a proverb, wherever they began their early and evangelical exertions. Mr. Furman's history does not describe this people, as it is confined to the Charleston Association. Mr. Ed- wards has left some sketches of their history ; and the author of this work travelled much among them, and took much pains in his historical inquiries respecting them ; yet he will be able to say but little of them, com- pared with what has been said of their brethren in the Fairforest Church. 155 lower parts of the State ; partly for the want of histori- cal facts of any kind, and partly for the want of such, as would make a diffusive narrative sufficiently interesting to the reader. / ^xAbout the year 1760, a number of the Separate min- isters of the Sandy Creek connexion in North-Carolina, began to travel and settle in this State, some a little be- ; fore and others a little after the above-mentioned pe- riod. Among the ministers, Daniel Marshall and Philip Mulky appear to have been the most distinguished. These evangelical adventurers were accompanied by many of their brethren in their removals. Marshall settled at Beaver Creek, where he soon gathered a church. Here he tarried not long before he removed to Stephen's Creek, where he gathered another, and then crossed over the Savannah River and settled in Georgia, where the remainder of his useful life was spent in the service of his Master. Mr. Mulky exercised his ministry in different places, in the upper regions of this State, where he was for many years a very reputable and successful minister ; but the latter part of his life was most sadly beclouded. The Fairforest church, now belonging to the Bethel Associa- tion, was founded by him, and as it is the oldest of the Separate Baptists in the State, and became the mother of many others, we shall relate its early history at large. In the year 1759, Philip Mulky and wife, Stephen How- ard and wife, Obadiah Howard and wife, Joseph Breed and wife, Benjamin Gist and wife, Charles Thompson, Thomas Thompson, and Rachel Collins, all members of Deep River church in North-Carolina, arrived in this State, and settled first at Broad River, where they em- bodied into a church, and chose Mr. Mulky for their pas- tor. After tarrying here about two years, and increas- ing to 1O4, the above-named thirteen persons, (leaving the rest behind) removed to Fairforest, where they were again formed into a church in 1762, which, in about ten years, increased to 167 members. Some of their habi- tations were a hundred miles from each other ; and be* sides the main establishment, there were four branches, which, in process of time, were organized into distinct churches. 156 Bethel Association. Mr. Mulky's conversion, as related by Mr. Edwards, was truly remarkable. His success in the ministry, says this historian, was so great, that he became exalted above measure in his own esteem, and in that of his con- verts ; but at length, to the grief of the friends of Zion, he began to stumble, and soon fell into many heinous sins, and remained, when an old man, an outcast from the church, and a disgrace to that precious cause, of which he had been such an eminent champion. In 1771, the following churches, viz. Fairforest, Stephen's Creek, Congaree, Bush River, Little River of Broad River, Little River of Saluda, and Mine Creek, formed an Association, to which they gave the name of Congaree. This body, by the means of Morgan Edwards, soon opened a correspondence with the Philadelphia As- sociation ; other churches united with it soon after it was formed, and it travelled well for a time. But the old New-England Pedobaptist policy, which Shubael Stearns introduced into the Sandy Creek Association, was soon put in practice here. The Association began to tamper with the discipline of the churches, and infringed on their independency ; it of course became embarrassed in its proceedings, as all Associations will, when they attempt to see and act for the churches, and in a few years was entirely broken up. But the churches do not appear to have been impeded in their progress by the dissolution of the Association ; they continued to increase and send forth their branches in different directions ; and in 1789, many of those which had belonged to the Congaree Association, and others which had been raised up since it was dissolved, united in forming an establishment to which they gave the name of the BETHEL ASSOCIATION. THIS body, at its constitution, consisted of sixteen churches. They immediately delegated James Fowler, one of their principal ministers, to the Charleston Asso- ciation, who was cordially received ; and who, pursuant to his instructions, so far adjusted the little matters of difference, which had heretofore prevented their union // experiences great Revivals. ]57 with the Separates, that a correspondence was opened, which has been maintained to the present time. From this period the name of Separate began to be disused, and was soon entirely laid aside ; so that the Baptists in South-Carolina, from whatever source they originated, have for many years past been united in their external order and doctrinal sentiments. The Bethel Association has been a very flourishing body, and has had within its bounds a number of very extensive revivals. It also shared largely in that extraor- dinary work which prevailed in the southern and west- ern, and some other States, from 1 80O and onward. In 1803, there were received by baptism in all the churches of which it was composed, 1411 persons, which made its total number, at that time, notwithstanding the Broad River and Saluda River Associations had been set off from it before, 3518. The Edgefield Association has been formed from it since, and many of its members have removed to the western country, so that it is not so large as it was at the close of the great revival ; but still it is a large and respectable body. From the foregoing sketches it appears, that the Bethel Association has been an increasing and nurturing community, beyond any of the kind in the State. It does not appear that any of its ministers have been dis- tinguished for literary acquirements ; but it has generally contained a number of men of very respectable talents, who have been remarkably zealous and successful in the most noble and benevolent employment on earth, even winning souls to Christ. David Lilly was an eminent minister in this Associa- tion nearly if not quite from its establishment, until the Edgefield Association was taken from it, when he united with that body, and died within its bounds, about 1 8O9. There were sufficient' materials for an interesting me- moir of his life, which his friends proposed to publish, and from which I intended to select a biographical sketch of his character ; but this tribute of respect, which was due to the memory of an eminent and worthy minister of the gospel, has never been paid. 158 Broad River Association. James Fowler was long a very useful and distinguished minister among the churches in this region. What lit- tle I have learnt of his history is as follows : Some time before the Bethel Association was formed, he, with two other men who were brothers, by the name of Rogers, were together pursuing the same occupation, in a situa- tion remote from any of the Baptist denomination. They were brought up Presbyterians, and emigrated hither from some one of the northern States. Their minds were awakened to religious concerns ; and, regardless of the traditions of their fathers, they took the Bible for their creed, and from it they, according to the best of their understanding, formed a religious system of their own. They at length heard of a Baptist preacher, who lived about 20 or 30 miles from them, and to him they dele- gated one of their number, to see how far his religious tenets and theirs would agree. When the messenger returned, he informed them, that the minister's princi- ples and theirs were exactly alike, and that he had a large church of the same mind. Having thus found a people with whom they were agreed, and with whom they could associate for the communion of saints, they immediately repaired to them, were baptized, and ad- mitted into their community. Returning home, they soon set up little meetings where they lived, in which Fowler was generally put forward. In this way he be- gan his labours, and soon became an eminent minister of the gospel of Christ, and finished his course with joy in February, 1 802, being about 6O years of age. He was generally the Moderator of the Bethel Association, and \vas, for many years, one of the principal ministers in that body. BROAD RIVER ASSOCIATION. IN the year 1800, the bounds of the Bethel Associa- tion having become very extensive, the fourteen follow- ing churches, situated in the north-west corner of this State, and in the adjoining parts of North-Carolina, viz. Tiger River, Boiling Spring, Green Creek, Goucher Creek, Sandy Run, Buffaloe, Green River, Cedar Spring, French Broad, Mountain Creek, Bill's Creek, State Line. A Revival which continued three Tears. Buck Creek, and Long Creek, in answer to their re- quest, were dismissed, with permission to form an As- sociation by themselves. They were organized shortly after, when the above-mentioned name was given to it, with reference to the river on both sides of which the churches are situated. The Broad River rises in the mountains, and unites with the Saluda in forming the Congaree, which is the main branch of the Great Santee. This Association experienced very great enlargements soon after it was formed. In the spring of 1 802, the powerful work which prevailed at that time throughout this country, began to be experienced by the churches in this body, and continued more or less for three succes- sive years, in which the Broad River Association receiv- ed an addition by baptism of 1296 members, which in- creased the whole number to upwards of 2000. But by different means it has been greatly diminished since that period, notwithstanding large additions have at different times been made to the churches. Great numbers have removed beyond the mountains, to the western States and territories ; and in the course of five years, viz. from. 18O3 to 1808, there were excommunicated from the churches in this Association 285 persons ; which circum- stance proves that they received much chaff with the prec- ious grain, as is too often the case in such great ingather- ings ; it also proves that they have used a commendable degree of diligence in winnowing it out, when it was discovered. A number of preachers were raised up in the time of the great revival, most of whom continue to be successful labourers in this part of the Lord's vineyard. Most of the churches in this Association are in the neighbourhood of the Blue Ridge, and none of them are far distant from the mountainous parts of the back coun- try. Those of Sandy Run , Green River, Mountain Creek, Bill's Creek, Silver Creek, north of Catawbi River, Prov- idence, Concord, and Smyrna, are in the counties of Rutherford, Burk, and Lincoln, in North-Carolina, Those in South-Carolina are in the districts of Green- ville, Spartanborough, Union, and York. 160 Saluda and Edgefeld Associations.. SALUDA ASSOCIATION. THIS also originated from the Bethel Association. In 18O2, the nine following churches, viz. Big Creek, Fork Shoal, Brushy Creek, Cross Road, Sciona, Keowee, Woolyray, Middle Fork of Saluda, and Shoal church, were dismissed from that body. The churches of Eben- ezer, Shackley Ferry, Bethuel, Cathie's Creek, Neal's Creek, Salem, Hopewell, and Wilson's Creek, which had never belonged to any Association, united with those above-named in forming the Association, whose history we are now relating, which was organized in 18O3. This body is in the south-west corner of the State, and like the Broad River extends to the mountains. Rev. Elnathan Davis, a native of Maryland, of whom we have given some account in the biography of Shubael Stearns, was one of the principal ministers in this Asso- ciation, and continues, in his old age, to be esteemed a father in the churches, having been a successful preacher of the gospel about fifty years. Rev. Moses Holland is also an old and respectable preacher, and was one of the constituents of the com- munity. The churches which compose this Association are mostly in the districts of Greenville, Abbyville, and Pendleton, on both sides of the Saluda River, from which it received its name. EDGEFIELD ASSOCIATION. THIS is another flourishing establishment, from that fruitful mother of churches, the Bethel Association. It was formed in 1 SOS, when it was called Beulah ; but the next year its name was exchanged for that of the dis- trict in which most of the churches are situated, which joins the Savannah River, and is opposite Augusta in Georgia. Of this body we are able to give only a short but pleasing account ; for soon after it was formed, a happy revival commenced, which became very powerful and extensive j and in the course of about eighteen months, about fourteen hundred persons were baptized. In the course of this revival, Samuel Marsh, one of their Interesting Anecdote. 161 principal ministers, baptized in two churches about five hundred of this number. A pleasant anecdote is related of one of the converjs in this revival, which it may not be improper here to* insert. A Mr. F , who had been famous for hi- larity and worldly amusement, was taken under concern of mind. His associates were very unwilling to give him up, and tried various methods to divert his atten- tion from what they esteemed a needless anxiety, and draw him again into his former vain and sinful pursuits ; but all their efforts proved ineffectual. At length they contrived a shooting-match ; and as Mr. F valued himself on his skill with the rifle, they laid a considerable wager against him, and doubted not but their plan would succeed. Two gentlemen, one of whom has since been, a member of Congress, waited on him with much gravi- ty, and explained to him the object of their visit. He saw at once through their design ; he hesitated at first, but on the whole manifested a willingness to exert his skill, provided they would let him use his own rifle, and load it himself. This request they declared was alto- gether reasonable, and seemed much pleased that they had obtained his consent. Mr. F then stepped up to his book-case and took down his Bible ; " This (said he) is my rifle.*' And, turning to Acts xiii. 10, he handed his Bible to one of the men, and said, " There is my load/* The astonished gentleman read as follows : full of all subtiltv and mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness ! wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? He immediately hung his head, and settled down, as if shot indeed. Conviction from that time fastened on his mind ; his brother, also, and both of their wives were convicted, and in a short time were hopefully converted, and united with the tempted but faithful man in a religious profession. This was called F 's buck-load* History of the General Baptists in South-Carolina, from their Commencement until thev became extinct. There was never but one society of this people in this State. Some sketches of their history have been given in the account of the Charleston church. They origi- VOL. 2. 21 162 Beginning of the General Baptists in S. Carolina. nated about 1733, when several members of the Charles- ton church withdrew from that ancient body, and em- braced the sentiments of the General Baptists. William Elliot, jun. was the leader of this separation. He ap- pears to have been a man of wealth and influence. Soon after these people had withdrawn, they sent to England for a minister, and obtained a Mr. Robert Ingraham. In 1736, they were organized into a church ; the constit- uents were Rev. Robert Ingraham, William Elliot, Wil- liam Elliot, jun. Thomas Elliot, Joseph Elliot, Bernard Elliot, Frances Elliot, Elizabeth Elliot, Henry Toomer, Miry Toomer, Mary Toomer, jun. Richard Butler, Josh- ua Toomer, George Tinnons, John Clifford, Thomas Tow, Thomas Davis, Dorothy Jones, Ann Bonneau, Am- orintha Farr, and Ann Chidely. The seat of this church was at Stono, about 16 miles south-west from Charleston, where they had a meeting- house and some temporalities. They also claimed, for a while, a part of the estate belonging to the church from which they separated, as has been before related. This church flourished considerably for a time, and had some able ministers for its pastors. But after existing about 50 years, it became entirely extinct ; and the tem- poralities, which it possessed to a considerable amount, which were bestowed upon it mostly by the Elliots, after suffering many diminutions, were converted to private use. Rev. Robert Ingraham, their first minister, was a na- tive of Lincolnshire, England,' but came hither directly from Farnham, near London. He was pastor of the church but a short time, for he died in 1738. Rev. Henry Haywood was his successor. He arrived hither from Farnham in 1739, and soon after was in- vested with the pastoral care of the church, in which he continued until his death, which happened in 1755. His character is that of a scholar, but an oddity in person and conduct. Mr. Whiston speaks handsomely of him ; but Dr. Gill very indifferently. He translated into English Dr. Whitby's Treatise on Original Sin ; and prepared for the press a pretty large volume, in defence of the Apostol- ical Constitutions. He published a defence of Dr. Whitby against Dr. Gill ; also a catechism, which he dedicated Anecdote of Henry Haywood* 163 to three ladies, but saw himself neglected by the chief one of them, when on her death-bed ; for she then sent for Rev. Oliver Hart, to assist her in that serious situa- tion. Mr. Hart waited on her, and moved that her own minister might be sent for ; she replied, " Mr. Hay wood is a good companion for the living, but he is not fit to die by, for he thinks but little of Jesus Christ.'* Rev. Daniel Wheeler was the next in office here. He was a native of Calne, in Wiltshire, England ; arrived in Charleston in 1757, and after serving the church about ten years, died in 1767, in the 61st year of his age. All that is said of him is, that he was esteemed a pious and honest man. The fourth and last pastor of this church, was Rev. Caleb Evans, A. M. He was born in 1743, in the parish of Lanafonfowr, in the county of Brecknock, Wales ; received his education at Aberdeen, in Scotland ; arrived in Charleston in 1768, and died in 1772. About the time of Mr. Evans's death, this church consisted of but eight members ; part of them resided at Stono, and the others in Charleston : it continued in a declining way for a few years after, and then became extinct. From the preceding history it appears, that for more than a hundred years the Baptists have held a respecta- ble standing in South-Carolina, and that they have in- creased with great rapidity within about twenty or thir- ty years past. This great increase has been mostly in the middle and upper regions of the State, which were formerly immoral and irreligious to a proverb. The prevalence of religion has had a very pleasing effect in moralizing, and, indeed, in humanizing the manners of the people. Most of the famous race-grounds are now deserted, and the barbarous sports, which were once very common, are now but little known. The author having previously heard so many reports to the disadvan- tage of the people, in what are called the back countries in this and the adjoining States, entered those parts with some unpleasant apprehensions. He expected to find many saints to befriend him, but he was fearful of meet- ing with some heedless sinners who might molest him. But he has the pleasure of declaring, that he was most agreeably disappointed in the general manners of the 164 Great Revival from 1800 to 1803. people, and was treated by all classes with much civility and hospitality. There are, it must be confessed, the remains of that class of people, who gave this country such a bad name, who occasionally commit acts of vio- lence and outrage, but they are generally among them- selves, and not on strangers or sober people. This reformation in manners, so much to the credit and happiness of the people in this country, must not be ascribed wholly to the exertions of the Baptists ; for the Presbyterians and Methodie ts are entitled to a respectful share ; and to the powerful and salutary grace of God belongs all the praise. The great revival in this country, soon after the com- mencement of the present century, has often been refer- red to in the preceding narrative. We should be pleas- ed to give a more particular account of it than we have hitherto done, or than we, for the want of materials, are able to do. The most we can say is, that between the years J SOO and 1 803, there were most surprising move- ments of a religious nature on the minds of the people in South-Carolina ; and notwithstanding the manifest enthusiasm of many, the great Shepherd of the sheep gathered into his fold a large and precious number of Adam's ruined family. Of these, between three and four thousand joined the churches belonging to the Beth- el and Bread River Associations. Large numbers were, at the same time, added to the Methodist and Presbyte- rian churches. Camp meetings, during these refreshing seasons, were often held in the middle and upper regions of the State, which were promoted mostly by the Methodists and Presbyterians. Many of the Baptists, however, attend- ed them, and united with their brethren of other denom- inations, ?>o far as they could consistently with their prin- ciples. They also held meetings of a similar nature among themselves, so long as the necessity for them con- tinued ; and when that ceased, they returned to their usual places of worship. The two following letters will give the reader a view of the manner in which the meetings above-mentioned conducted. Camp-Meetings in South-Carolina. \\. The following is an Extract of a Letter, written by Rev. Da- vid Lilly, dated Aug. '21, 1802, to the Editor cf the Geor- gia Analytical Repository, and from the '3d Number of that Work it is now transcribed. " Rev. and dear Sir, " I take my pen in hand to transmit to you good tidings. A great work of God is going on in the upper parts of this State. Multitudes are made to cry out, " What shall we do to be saved ?" A few days ago, I re- turned from our Association. We have had a truly re- freshing season. A vast concourse of people assembled on Saturday, and considerable appearances of solemnity soon took place ; but no uncommon effect till Sunday late in the evening. Then the Lord was pleased to mani- fest his power to many hearts. Numbers were power- fully exercised through the whole night, and some were thrown to the ground. " On Monday the work increased. The hearts of many were made to melt ; and several men, noted for their impiety, were stricken and lay among the prostrate. I must acknowledge it was a memorable time with my soul ; the like I had not felt for many years before. In general, the people were much engaged through the greater part of Monday night. Before sun-rise, on Tues- day morning, the sacred flame began to burn afresh ; several, who had been before unaffected, came to the earth. The Association rose about 3 o'clock in the af- ternoon ; and such a degree of brotherly affection as appeared among the ministers and messengers of the churches, I scarcely ever saw. It was enough to melt the heart of the greatest infidel living. So very in- tent were the people to hear, that they petitioned for preaching, after business was finished ; and some of the ministers continued with them, in constant exercise, till midnight. During this time, the work appeared to in- crease. About twenty persons came to the ground, sev- eral of whom were lusty strong men ; and many more were made to pray heartily to God. Among the nu; very deeply affected, were several officers of considerable n\nk. and others cf equal respectability. Be assur- It3 6 Happy Influence of the Revival. ed, my brother, the Lord is doing great things for his people in this country. " The hearts of sinners melt before the word of truth, like wax before the sun. Infidelity is almost ashamed to show its head. Several deists have been constrained, under a sense of their lost condition, to cry out aloud for mercy. A few, even of those who attributed the effects produced among us to infernal agency, have been reached, and overcome by an influence, which they now acknowl- edge to be divine. " The work under the preaching of the Presbyterian ministers, is going on rapidly indeed, and has already ex- tended northwardly into Virginia and through the upper country southwardly to Georgia. The clergy of all de- nominations, join hand and heart, in the common cause of Christianity. In some of the churches of our Association here, the great revival is but just beginning ; in others it rapidly increases. " Among the most successful of our ministers in this work, are the brethren Slackleford, Palmer, Holland, Clayton, and Greer. Besides their churches flourishing to a degree that exceeds all former experience, there are several others where the work is almost as great ; and very few without some promising appearances. Ministers preach day and night ; and when they make no appoint- ments, are surrounded by distressed souls. These are daily obtaining the most satisfactory sense of peace with God, and pardon through the blood of Christ. After be- lieving, they openly profess their faith, and crowd into our churches. " A few weeks past, Mr. Slackleford baptized thirty- six at one time. Two of those were little girls ; one was twelve, and the other but ten years old, yet they both gave satisfactory evidence of a gracious change. With these I must mention two lads, but little past those ages, and sev- eral young ladies of nearly the first respectability in the back country, who were not ashamed to follow Christ through the liquid grave. On this occasion, it was sup- posed, that there were no less than two thousand persons present ; a third of whom, at least, were in tears at the same moment of time. Crowds came up to the ministers to be prayed for, and many fell helpless on the ground. This Dr. Fur man's Letter respecting a Camp-Meeting. J67 took place at Woodruff's meeting-house, in the district of Spartanburgh. The number baptized in our Associa- tion, since last year, is seven hundred and three. " God has greatly magnified, and is marvellously mag- nifying his word. In some way and degree or other, al- most every one seems to feel and acknowledge its power. My poor soul, some time ago much dejected and bowed down, is now rejoicing in God my Saviour. At this in- stant my eyes overflow with tears of gratitude and joy, while the flame of divine love burns in my heart. Yours, &c. D. L." A Letter from Dr. Furman of Charleston, to Dr. Rippon of London. Charleston, 1 1 th Aug. \ 802. " Rev. and dear Sir, " Having promised you some imformation respecting the extraordinary meeting at the Waxhaws, to which I purposed going at the time I wrote in May, and having accordingly attended it, I now sit down to perform my promise. " It was appointed by the Presbyterian clergy in that part of the country, but clergymen of other denomina- tions were invited to it ; and it was proposed to be con- ducted on the same principles and plan with those held in Kentucky. The place of meeting is about 17O miles from Charleston, in the midst of a large settlement of Presbyterians, but not far distant from some congrega- tions of Baptists and Methodists. This Presbyterian congregation is one of the first which were formed in the upper parts of this State ; has for its pastor a Mr. Brown, who is a respectable character ; and is furnished with a commodious place of worship. But as the place of worship would not be in any wise equal to the num- bers expected, a place was chosen in the forest for an encampment. The numbers which assembled from va- rious parts of the country, formed a very large congrega- tion, the amount of which has been variously estimated ; to me there appeared to be 3000, or perhaps 4000 per- sons ; but some supposed there were 7000 or 80OO. My information respecting the number of ministers who at- tended, was probably not correct j but from what I ob- 163 Dr. Funnan's Letter. served, and collected from others, there were 11 Presby- terians, 4 Baptists, and 3 Methodists. The encampment was laid out in an oblong form, extending from the top of a hill down the south side of it, toward a stream of water, which ran at the bottom in an eastern direction, including a vacant space of about 300 yards in length and 1.-3O in breadth. Lines of tents were erected on ev- ery side of this space ; and between them, and behind, were the waggons and riding carriages placed ; the space itself being reserved for the assembling of the congrega- tion, or congregations rather, to attend publick worship. Two stands were fixed on for this purpose : at the one, a stage was erected under some lofty trees, which afford- ed an ample shade ; at the other, which was not so well provided with shade, a waggon was placed for the rostrum. tc The publick service began on Friday afternoon, the 21st of May, with a sermon by the Rev. Dr. M'Corkel, of the Presbyterian church ; after which, the congrega- tion was dismissed : but at the same time the hearers were informed, that they would be visited at their tents, and exhorted by the ministers, during the course of the evening. To this information an exhortation was added, that they would improve the time in religious conversation, earnest prayer, and singing the praises of God. This mode of improving the time, both by the ministers and a large proportion of the hearers, was strict- ly adhered to : not only were exhortations given, but many sermons also were preached along the lines in the evening ; and the exercises continued, by the ministers in general, till midnight ; and by the Methodist minis- ters, among their adherents, nearly or quite all the night. " On Saturday morning, the ministers assembled, after an early breakfast, and appointed a committee to arrange the services for that day and the two following. The committee consisted wholly of Presbyterian ministers. They soon performed the work of their appointment, and assigned the several ministers present their respec- tive parts of the service. By this arrangement, two pub- lick services were appointed at each stand for that day ; three for the Sabbath, together with the administration of the communion, at a place a little distant from the en- Dr. Furmaris Letter. 169 campment j and two at each stand again for Monday. The intervals, and evenings in particular, to be improved in the same manner as on the former day. Neces- sary business calling me away on Sunday evening, I did not see the conclusion of the meeting. This, however, I can say, it was conducted with much solemnity, while 1 was at it ; and the engagedness of the people appeared to be great. Many seemed to be seriously concerned for the salvation of their souls ; and the preaching and ex- hortations of the ministers in general were well calcu- lated to inspire right sentiments, and make right impres- sions. In the intervals of publick worship, the voice of praise was heard among the tents in every direction, and frequently that of prayer by private Christians. The communion service was performed with much apparent devotion, while 1 attended, which was at the serving of the first table, The Presbyterians and Methodists sat down together ; but the Baptists, on the principle which has generally governed them on this subject, ab- stained. Several persons suffered at this meeting those bodily affections, which have been before experienced at Kentucky, North-Carolina, and at other places, where the extraordinary revivals in religion within this year or two have taken place. Some of them fell instantane- ously, as though struck with lightning, and continued in- sensible for a length of time ; others were more mildly affected, and soon recovered their bodily strength, with a proper command of their mental powers. Deep con- viction for sin, and apprehension of the wrath of God, was professed by the chief of them at first ; and several of them afterwards appeared to have a joyful sense of par- doning mercy through a Redeemer. Others continued under a sense of condemnation, after those extraordinary bodily affections ceased ; and some from the first, ap- peared to be more affected with the greatness and good- ness of God, and with the love of Christ, than with ap- prehensions of divine wrath. In a few cases there were indications, as I conceived, of enthusiasm, and even af* fectation ; but in others a strong evidence of supernat- ural power and gracious influence. Several received the impression in their tents ; others in a still more retired situation, quite withdrawn from company ; some, who VOL. 2. 22 170 Dr. Fitrman's Letter. had been to that moment in opposition to what was thus going on, under the character or the work of God ; and others, who had been till then careless. The num- ber of persons thus affected, while I was present, was not great in proportion to the multitude attending. I have, indeed, been informed several more were affected the evening after I came away, and the next day ; but in all, they could not be equal to the proportional num- bers which were thus affected at some other meetings, especially in Kentucky. Several, indeed a very conside'r- able number, had gone 70 or 80 miles from the lower parts of this State to attend this meeting ; of these, a pret- ty large proportion carne under the above described im- pressions; and since their return to their house?, an extra- ordinary revival has taken place in the congregations to which they belong. It has spread also across the upper parts of this State, in a western direction. There are some favourable appearances in several of the Baptist churches ; but my accounts of them are not particular enough to be transmitted. Taking it for granted that you have seen the publication entitled "Surprizing Ac- counts," by Woodward, of Philadelphia, containing the accounts of revivals in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North- Carolina, I therefore say nothing of them ; but only, that the work in North- Carolina increases greatly ; op- position however is made by many ; -and I am informed that the congregation, of which I have been writing so much, (that at the Waxhaws) is likely to be divided on account of it ; and that Mr. Brown has been shut out of the place of worship since the meeting was held there, by some, I suppose a majority, of his elders and adherents. A particular reason of the offence taken by them, as I have understood, was the practice of commun- ing with the Methodists. Having mentioned this de- nomination frequently, I think it proper to say, that it is that cla-s of Methodists who are followers of Mr. Wes- ley, which is intended ; few of the followers of Mr. White- field are to be found in the United States, not at least as congregations. These general meetings have a great tendency to excite the attention, and engage it to relig- ion. Were there no other argument in their favour, this alone would carry great weight with a reflecting mind ; Episcopacy established in S. C. till after the War. 171 but there are many more which may be urged. At the same time, it must be conceded that there are some incidental evils which attend them, and give pain to one who feels a just regard for religion. Men of an enthu- siastick disposition have a favourable opportunity at them of diffusing their spirit, and they do not fail to improve the opportunity for this purpose ; and the too free intercourse between the sexes in such an encamp- ment is unfavourable. However, 1 hope the direct good obtained from these meetings will much more than coun- terbalance the incidental evil. " I am, reverend and dear Sir, your friend and servant in the gospel, RICHARD FURMAN." Most of the first settlers of South-Carolina were mem- bers of the Church of England ; Episcopacy of course became the established religion of the Province, and re- mained so until after the American war, when, by the State Constitution, all denominations were placed on a level as it respects the favours of government. During the Provincial government, dissenting ministers were not permitted to celebrate the rites of matrimony ; large glebe lands were appropriated for the benefit of the cler- gy, which the society still hold, and the money to build their churches was drawn from the publick treasury. These were some of the exclusive privileges which the civil government conferred on the Episcopal establish- ment. But it does not appear that the Baptists or any dissenters have ever been much molested in this gov- ernment, either by corporal punishments or those per- plexing, provoking, and rapacious, things, called in New- England ministerial taxes. Though the Baptists, as a denomination, have never ouffered much persecution in a legal form, yet some in- dividuals, and especially a number of their ministers, have suffered from the improper interference of unwor- thy magistrates and unauthorized and bigotted persons. Morgan Edwards gives the following account of the arbitrary proceedings of a magistrate near the Cheraws on Pedee River, by the name of Alexander Gordon, who is said to have been a Presbyterian : " One Joseph Gates held a meeting in his neighbourhood. His worship pre- 172 The Separate Baptists settle in Georgia. sently fetched the aggressor coram ncbis, and got three others to assist him to form a spiritual court. The preacher was then asked, " Who gave you authority to preach ?" He replied, " The same that gave the apostle Paul authority." Upon which, his worship angrily said, " He blasphemeth ! W T hat say you, gentlemen ?" The gentlemen were of his mind, and the Baptist preacher was severely whipt. The thing gave great offence in the neighbourhood, insomuch that his worship found it req- uisite to propagate evil reports concerning the preacher's moral character, in order to justify the action ; for per- secutors always represent the persecuted as devils rather than men.'* But these days of rancour and opposition are past. The Baptists are now a large, respectable, and indeed powerful body, and are more in danger of being affected to their disadvantage by prosperity than adversity. The communicants and adherents in South-Carolina are esti- mated by Dr. Furman at upwards of 7O,(XX) souls, which is more than one-sixth of the population of the whole Stare. The Education Fund belonging to the Charleston As- sociation, with Mr. Roberts's Academy, and the funds which have been collected for defraying the expenses of the mission to the Catawba Indians, will be noticed un- der the respective heads of Literary and Missionary affairs. CHAP. XII. GEORGIA. THE first settlements in Georgia were made in 1733. Mr. Edwards informs us, that among the first settlers were some Baptists, particularly William Calvert of Lin- coln^hire, William Slack of Ireland, Thomas Walker -of Ncniunipfon, and one Polhill.* Calvert and Polhill were preachers, though not ordained. But the Baptist * F ::ii'- v as the grandfather of the present Thomas Polhill, ct Ne^ingtoo, who writes me, that it is doubtful iu his mind whether he was a Bpptist. The Kioka Church founded. 173 interest was very small in this State, for about forty years after its settlement. There were but four churches in the whole province when Mr. Edwards visited it, about 3772; these were not large, and most of them were newly formed. But a little before this period the zeal- ous Separates began to emigrate hither : great success attended their labours; many churches were soon raised up ; and from their introduction to the present time, the Baptist cause has had a gradual, and in many instances a rapid prevalence throughout most parts of the State ; so that Georgia now contains more of our denomination than any of the southern States, Virginia excepted. Although the Baptists in Georgia made their first ap- pearance in the low countries, yet they never had much success there, until within about twenty "years past ; but they have been numerous in the upper country for about forty years, which makes it proper that we should relate their history first. The Church on Kioka Creek is the oldest in Georgia ; it belongs to the Georgia Association, and was gathered by that famous Baptist minister, Daniel Marshall. This church was organized in 1772; it is situated about 18 miles above Augusta, in the county of Columbia, in the neighbourhood of the two Kioka Creeks, which empty into the Savannah river within one mile of each other. Mr. Daniel Marshall's name has been often mentioned in the preceding part of our history, and in his biog- raphy the reader may find his character more fully delin- eated. After sojourning in many places in Virginia and the Carolinas, he, in 1771, removed from the neighbour- ing part of South-Carolina, and settled on the largest of the Kioka Creeks, where he resided to the close of his useful life. It will be remembered by the reader, that Mr. Marshall was a Separate Baptist, and one of the prin- cipal founders of that extensive community. A number of his brethren had removed to Georgia before him ; some he found in the neighbourhood where he settled, and others were scattered in different parts of the coun- try ; and this dispersion of the brethren laid the founda- tion for a number of churches, which were raised up not long after, 174 Ministers and Churches raised up. The Kioka church has been an important establishment, having been the nursery of a number of useful ministers, and the mother of many churches. Samuel Newton, Abraham Marshall, Alexander Scott, Silas Mercer, Love- less Savage, Thomas Mercer, Samuel Cartlidge, John and James Saunders, John Stanford, and John Boy d, are among the ministerial sons, which she hath sent forth into the Lord's vineyard. The founder of this church was remarkable for encouraging his brethren in the ex- ercise of the gifts with which they were endowed. It was a common saying with him, " I would that all the Lord's servants were prophets." During the troubles occasioned by the American war, many of the Baptists among others fled from the country ; but Mr. Marshall maintained his post, and with very few exceptions held his meetings regularly through the whole of the war. On the return of peace, the refugees returned to their deserted homes and almost ruined possessions ; and with them a flood of emigrants, many of whom were Baptists, poured into the country from many of the more north- ern States, and the Kioka church soon began to increase, and has generally been in a flourishing condition from that to the present time. This church has experienced a number of very precious revivals. In 1787, about one hundred were baptized by their present pastor, Rev. Abraham Marshall, the worthy son and successor of Dan- iel. The next remarkable ingathering here was about 18O2, in the time of the great revival, which prevailed most powerfully at that time in many parts of Georgia. The religious attention at Kioka was very great ; two or three camp-meetings were, from necessity, held in the neighbourhood, in which some of the most affecting scenes of joy and sorrow, of depression and transport were ex- hibited. In this revival, Mr. Marshall baptized about iOO more. This church had two temporary buildings for publick worship, which had gone to decay before their present meeting-house was erected, which is a commodious brick building, 60 feet by 4-O. The aged Daniel Marshall died in 1784, and his son Abraham succeeded him in the pastoral office, in which he still continues. Mr. Marshall was born at Windsor, Georgia Association. 175 near the city of Hartford, in Connecticut, in 1750. He was only three years old, when his father, excited, as he supposed, by the influence of the Holy Spirit, literally left all, and went to preach to the Mohawk Indians. Here young Abraham, as he with much pleasantry in- forms his friends, received the rudiments of his education ; for the first things he remembers, were smoking wig- wams, and their tawny, untutored inhabitants. He re- mained with his pious parent in all his excursions, and was, when he settled in Georgia, about '21 years of age. He had began to preach a short time before. He has now- been in the ministry more than forty years, is extensively known and much respected ; and more than this, the maxims we have adopted will not permit us to say. Some account of his vi it to New- England in 1786, may be found in the biography of his kinsman Eliakim Mar- shall. We have thus briefly related the history of the church, which the venerable Daniel Marshall, in his old age, founded in this State ; and as we have obtained but a few scattering hints concerning the other churches, which were founded shortly after, we shall pass on to take some notice of the Associations, which have originated from these early establishments, and intersperse with their history whatever we may think proper to mention concerning the ministers or churches which they have or may now comprehend. These Associations are the Georgia, Hephzibah, Sarepta, and Oakmulgee, most of them are large and all of them respectable communi- ties. GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. THIS being the oldest, demands our first attention. It was organized in ] 784, thirteen years after Daniel Marshall settled at Kioka. As the Minutes of its first, meetings were not printed, nor its records preserved, it; cannot be ascertained of what number of churches it was at first composed. In 1786, two years after its for- mation, it contained the ten following, viz. Kioka, Fishing Creek, Upton's Creek, Philip's Mill, Whatley's Mill, Long Creek, Long Creek of Ogechee, Providence nn Rocky Comfort Creek, Powel's Creek, and Van's 176 David Timky receives four Ordinations. Creek. The number of members was, at that time, only 518, and the principal ministers were Saunders Walker, Jephtha Vining, Dozier Thornton, Peter Smith, Abraham Marshall, Mark Cook, Silas Mercer, Thomas Mercer, and John Harvey. Jeremiah Walker, David Tinsley, and Matthew Talbot removed into the country soon after the date above mentioned. Most of the abovenamed preachers were eminent among the Bap- tists and extensively useful in their day, and with very few exceptions removed hither, as did most of their Baptist brethren from North- Carolina and Virginia. For an account of the famous Silas Mercer, see his biog- raphy. Thomas Mercer, his half brother, has gone to the Missisippi Territory, and belongs to the small As- sociation which has there been formed. The mutable and spotted character of Jeremiah Walker is given in his biography, as is that of the meek and exemplary Saunders Walker, his natural brother. Peter Smith has removed to the State of Ohio, and belongs to the Mia- mi Association. David Tinsley died in Georgia, and is well spoken of. He was one of the early Separate preachers in Virginia, where he was a number of times imprisoned, and once in company with Jeremiah Walker. Mr. Tinsley received four ordinations. The first was to the office of a deacon, the second to that of a ruling el- der, his third ordination was to the oflice of preaching the gospel, and in the fourth place he was ordained an evangelist by Col. Samuel Harris, while he officiated in the dignified character of the Apostle of Virginia. The Georgia Association has abounded with ministers, who were either nurtured within its bounds, or received among them from other parts ; but as so many have been dismissed to other Associations, its present number is not great ; but among them are yet retained Abraham Marshall and Jesse Mercer. Something has been said of Mr. Marshall already. Jesse Mercer is a son of the late worthy Silas Mercer. He was born in Halifax county, North-Carolina, 1769. It was soon after his birth, that his father, as may be seen in his biography, got the church parson to dip two of his children in a barrel of water which he had prepared for the purpose. When he became a believer, he was baptized again ; so that Jesse Mercer's useful Labours- Mercer is truly an Anabaptist. He was ordained when he was about 2O years of age, and has now been in the ministry more than twenty years. He travelled consid- erably in his younger days, but for a number of years past, has been stationed in the care of four large church- es, viz. Whatley's Mill, Philip's Mill, Powelton, and Sar- dis, formerly called Hutton's Fork ; all of which were gathered by his father, and supplied by him during his life. There are other preachers belonging to these churches, but Mr. Mercer is considered their pastor, and preaches and administers the Lord's Supper to them in rotation once in four weeks ; and whenever a month has five Lord's days in it, he leaves his circle, to visit some of the neighbouring churches. All the above-mentioned churches are large and wealthy, and by their united ef- forts afford their circulating pastor only a moderate sup- port. But either of them might well enough support him alone ; and whether they continue this practice, so disadvantageous to themselves and so laborious to their pastor, because they are mutually unwilling to part with him or with a little more of their carnal things, is not our province to say. Mr. Mercer certainly merits their esteem ; but they would find no difficulty in procuring ac- ceptable pastors, if they would set about it properly. We observed something on the circumstance of one minister supplying a number of churches, in the close of our his- tory of the Virginia Baptists, and there proposed to speak more definitely of the matter in the chapter of general observations. But to return : The Association of which we are speaking, increased very fast for a number of years from the date last mentioned, so that, in 1790, it contained 34 churches and 2877 members. In 1796, a number of churches were dismissed to form the Hephzibah Association. Only two years after, seven churches more were dismissed from this increas- ing establishment, which united under the name of the Sarepta Association. And in 1810, another detachment was taken off to form an Association by the name of Oakmulgee. But after all these dismissions, this flourish- ing body contains upwards of thirty churches, and mere than two thousand communicant?. YOL. 2, 23 178 Hcpbxiba& and Sarepta Associations. HEPHZIBAH ASSOCIATION. IN 1794, eighteen churches were dismissed from the Georgia Association, and by them the Hephzibah was soon after formed. But little more can be said respect- ing it, than that it has moved on in harmony and order, and lias experienced some refreshing seasons. Benjamin Davis, Thomas Mercer, John Stanford, William Frank- lin, John Harvey, Joseph Baker, George Granbury, "William Cone, and David M'Cullers were its principal ministers at the time of constitution. Some of them have since died, some have removed to other parts, and others have succeeded them. This body contains but few preachers in proportion to the number of churches, and all we can say of them is, that they are a plain, la- borious, and pious set of men, who labour six days in the week for the support of their families, and the seventh for the good of souls. The churches which compose this Association are situated mostly in the counties of Washington, Burk, Warren, Laurens, Wilkinson, Jefferson, Bullash, Liberty, Tatnall, Effingfour, and Twiggs. They are on both sides of the Ogechee and Oconee rivers, and some of them are between the rivers Oconee and Oakmulgee, and ex- tend down the country within 50 or 60 miles of the sea- coast. SAREPTA ASSOCIATION. IN 1798, seven churches were dismissed from the Georgia Association, and in due form were organized under the name of the Sarepta Association. The names of these churches were Shoal Creek, Van's Creek, Dove's Creek, Hollow Spring, Cabbin Creek, Nail's Creek, Millstone, and Trail Creek. All of them then were in the upper settlements in the State. Dazier Thornton, John Cleaveland, William Davis, Thomas Johnson, and Thom- as Gilbert were the ministers of the above-mentioned churches. The Sarepta Association has enjoyed great prosperity and enlargement, and received large additions in the time of the great revival about 1 802. Oakmulgee Association. 173 The churches of this Association are situated along t^e south side of the Savannah river, and extend from the mourh of Broad river of Georgia, which empties into the Savannah about fifty miles above Augusta, to the highest settlements in the State in that direction, They also extend out into the country as far as the river Oconee. They are scattered over many counties, but most of them are in those of Elbert, Oglethorpe, Jackson, and Franklin. Two of them are over the Savannah in South-Carolina. OAKMULGEE ASSOCIATION. A FEW years since, a large tract of land, high up in Georgia, was purchased of the Indians, and their claim to it forever extinguished. This tract is called by the Georgians the New Purchase. Being a healthy and fer- tile country, it was settled with great rapidity, and the seat of government has been removed from Louisville on the Ogechee to Milledgeville, which has here been erected. Many Baptist churches were in a short time gathered in the New Purchase. They united with the Georgia Association ; but many of them were very remote from the centre of that body, which led them to think of forming an Association among themselves. According- ly, in Oct. 1810, about twenty churches petitioned the mother body for a dismission, which was granted. A number of newly constituted churches, which had not associated, united with them ; and in November of the same year, they organized a body to which they gave the name of the Oakmulgee Association. The next year, six more newly established churches were added to this confederacy; so that now (1811) it contains thirty-four churches and 1885 communicants. The churches of this Association are situated between the Oconee and Oakmulgee rivers, and are scattered over an extent of country of from thirty to thirty-five miles wide, and from sixty to seventy miles in length, and are mostly in the counties of Randolph, Morgan, Putnam^ Baldwin, and Jones, 180 Some of the Orphan-bouse People become Baptists. It is now about forty years since Daniel Marshall set- tled in Georgia ; and in this time it appears that the Bap- tists, which proceeded directly or indirectly from the Separate connexion, have increased to about a hundred and forty churches, and not far from eleven thousand members. We shall now proceed to treat of our brethren in the low country, and also to give some account of the Savan- nah-river Association. Unfortunately for this part of our history, Mr. Ed- wards's sixth volume of Manuscript Materials, which re- lated wholly to the Baptists in Georgia, has all been destroyed, except one leaf and part of another. This volume must have been small, as it was written about forty years ago, when the Baptists had never flourished much in the province. From the defaced and perishing remains of this volume, I find the following sketches. " About the year 1759, eight families of the Seventh-day Baptists settled near Tuckaseeking." More will be said respecting them in the history of that people. " In the year 1757, Nicholas Bedgegood, of the Or- phanhouse, embraced the sentiments of the Baptists, and was soon after baptized by Oliver Hart, of Charles- ton. In 1763, he baptized Mr. Benjamin Stirk and wife, Thomas Dixon, and one Dupree ; these, with a few oth- er Baptists, had the Lord's Supper administered to them, at the Orphan-house, by Mr. Bedgegood. But Mr. Stirk removing to Goshen, Dupree dying, and Dixon going to England, the society broke up, to the no small satisfaction of Mr. Whitefield, whose righteous soul had been so vexed with the matter, that he spake unadvisedly with his lips." From the time of this dispersion, there always have been Baptists in this region, but no church was formed until a number of years after. Accord- ing to Mr. Edwards, there were, in 1772, "about forty Baptist families, scattered over the southern parts of Georgia, and amongst them were about fifty baptized persons, most of whom were emigrants from other colo- nies, and some from the old country." In the year 1771, Rev. Edmund Botsford, now of Georgetown, South-Carolina, who was then young, be- gan to preach at Tuckaseeking, and continued to labou* Mr. Botsford preaches in Georgia. 181 with much success in different parts of Georgia, for the space of about eight years ; but the distractions of the American war obliged him to make a precipitate flight from the country, with the loss of about 300 ster- ling, which he had but a little while before received from England. "When Mr. Botsford began his ministry in Georgia, Daniel Marshall was the only ordained minister in the State ; but besides him, there were Abraham Marshall, Saunders Walker, and Solomon Thompson, who were not ordained. Between Mr. Botsford and these men, there was not, at first, a very intimate connexion. The reason was, that they were of the Separate order, and 'he was a Regular Baptist ; and besides, the scene of his labours was generally much lower down the country than theirs. But the suspicions of the Separates gradually subsided ; Mr. Botsford was by degrees admitted to their fellow- ship and affection ; and before he fled from the country, the hindrances to their union were so far removed, that they zealously and successfully co-operated in their evan- gelical exertions. During five years of Mr. Botsford's residence in Geor- gia, that is, from 1773, when he was ordained, to 1779, he baptized 148 persons, and founded two churches; the first was called New Savannah, and was organized in 1773. This church now belongs to the Hephzibah As- sociation, under the name of Botsford Old Meeting-House, Mr. Botsford preached here but a short time ; for the next year after the church was formed, a war broke out with the Creek Indians, which obliged him to leave the place. He next settled on Briar Creek, at some distance, where another church was soon founded, which also be- longs to the Hephzibah Association. A number of the- constituent members of this church had previously united with the Ewhaw church, in South-Carolina, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Francis Pelot.* * The following anecdotes of Mr. Botsford, while he laboured in George, may not he unacceptable to the reader. Once on a journey up to the Kioka, wh'ere he had appointed to preach, he called at a Mr. Savidge'g to inquire the way. This Mr. Savidge was then a. bigotted churchman, but was hope- fully acquainted with the truth. Alter he had given the stranger proper di- rections, the following conversation ensued : " 1 suppose \ on are tne paptist minister, who is to preach tc-duy at the Kioka." ' Yes, Sir ; will you go ?* M No, I am not fond of the Baptists ; they think nobody is baptised but them- 182 Anecdotes of Mr. Botsford. Before Mr. Bedgegood left the Orphan -house for South-Carolina, he baptized a number of persons besides those who have been named, and among them was the mother of Rev. Thomas Polhill, of Newington. There were about this time a few Baptist members at Goshen, Tuckaseeking, and other places ; and Benjamin Stirk ap- pears to have been the most distinguished and active character among them. He was a native of Leeds, York- shire, England. Mr. Whitefield took him under his selves." "Have yon been baptized?" "Yes, to l>e sure." "How do 5-00 know ?" " How do I know ? v hy, my parents have tnld me I was." " Then you do not know, only by infcrmutiou." On this Mr. Rotstbrd left him, but " How do yon know ?" haunted him, till he became convinced of his duty ; he was baptized by Mr. Marshall, and lx>gan to preach thn same day he was bap- tized, and still continues a useful minister amongst the Georgia Baptists. Bnts- ibrd's " How do you know ?" says Mr. Savidge, first set me to thinking about baptism. In the parts of Georgia where Mr. Botsford lalxnired, the inhabitants were a mixed multitude of emigrants from many different places ; most of them were destitute of any form of religion, and the few who paid any regard to it were zealous churchmen and Lutherans, and violently opposed to the Baptists. In the same journey in -which he fell in with Mr. Savidge, he preached at the court-house in Burk county. The assembly at first paid a decent attention ; but, towards the close of the sermon, one of them bawled out with a great oath, " The rum is come." Out he rushed, others followed, the assembly was soon left small, and by the time Mr. Botsford got out to his horse, he had the un- happiness to find many of his hearers intoxicated and figUting. An old gentle- man came up to him, tcx.k his horse by the bridle, and in his profane dialect most highly extolled both him and his discourse, swore he must drink with him, and come and preach in his neighbourhood. It was now no time to reason or reprove ; and as preaching was Mr. Botsfcrd's business, he accepted the old man's invitation, and made an appointment. His first sermon was blessed to the awakening of his wife ; one of his sons also became religious, and otliers in the settlement, to the number of fifteen, were in a short time hopeiltUy brought to the knowledge of the truth, and the old man himself became sober and attentive to religion, although he never made a publick profession of it. Not long after, Mr. Botsford preached at Stephen's Creek, a little over the Savannah river, in South-Carolina, where he was called upon to baptize Sarah decker, the wife of an ignorant, wicked Dutchman. The woman observ- ed, she did not know that her husband would consent to her being baptized. Being informed he was present, Mr. Botsford called him up to him, and ad- dressed him as follows : " Mr. Clecker, I have reason to hope that your wife is a believer in Christ, and she wishes to be baptized ; but she is unwilling to go forward, unless you give your consent. I suppose you do not object, Sir." " No, 710, Got forpit I shoult hinter mv vive, she was one goot vive." While they were preparing tor the water, the little man fell into a great rage, and cursed the preacher for " a goot for netting son of a . \ aut, to ax me pevore all de beble, if he may tip my vive." But this Mr. Botsford did not hear of till after- .vards. Returning from the water, he saw Mr. Clecker leaning against a tree, apparently in great trouble. He stepped up to him, and asked him what was he matter ? " Vaut was de matter ? why, Sir, my vive is going to hefeu and I am going to the tivel. I am a boor lost sinner : 1 cant be forgiven : I fear de ground will open and let me down to de hell, for I cursed and swore you vas one goot for netting son of a -. Lort have mercy on me." This was in July ; the miserable man found no comfort till he was brought into the liberty *f the gospel j and the September following, Mr. Bctsford baptized him. The Mother cf Mr. Polbill'. 183 patronage, and settled him in his employment at the Orphan-house, about 176O, or perhaps earlier. He was brought up a Presbyterian, and continued in the belief of pedobaptisrn until 1763, when he became what he was wont to call a Bible Christian, and was baptized as before related. He remained at the Orphan-house about four years after his baptism, where he lost his first wife, and married for his second the widow of Nathaniel and the mother of the present Thomas Polhill, who possessed a plantation in the neighbourhood of Goshen, about eigh- teen miles above Savannah on the Augusta road, to which he removed in 1767. As there was no Baptist church in that vicinity, and indeed not one at that time in Georgia, he united with the church at Ewhaw, South- Carolina, about twenty-five miles from him. Mr. Stirk began to preach soon after he settled at Goshen. He set up a meeting at his own house, and another at Tucka- seeking, upwards of twenty miles still higher up the country. He also preached occasionally at the Ewhaw j and it was on his way to that church, that he fell from his horse into the water, and received an injury under which he languished for a time, and of which he died in 177O. Mr. Stirk was a good English scholar, and possessed a small share of classical learning. He was endowed with good natural parts, and was eminent for piety and zeal. Having a desire to promote the interests of learning, he became a benefactor to Rhode-Island College. As Mr. Stirk's second wife was a woman honourable and eminent in her day among the few Baptists who were then scattered in this part of Georgia, it may be proper to give a short account of her. This lady is remarkable for having been the wife of two Baptist ministers, and the mother of a third. She was born in South-Carolina, in 1732, of pious and reputa- ble parents, of the Presbyterian persuasion. Her name at first was Hannah Barkersdale. She was four times married. Her husbands* names were Miller, Polhill, Stirk, and Scott. The first was a merchant of Charleston, with whom she lived but about a year. The second was a preacher in Mr. Whitefield's connexion, a pious and worthy man. He embarked for England in 1761 . to ob- 184 Nnuington Church. tain Episcopal ordination. But before he left Charleston harbour, a violent whirlwind divided the river so that the channel was seen, and the ship and all onboard were swallowed up by the returning waves. Mr. Stirk has been mentioned. Her fourth and last husband was Rev. Alexander Scott, for many years pastor of the church at Black Swamp, in South-Carolina. With him she lived about seven years ; and then, after lingering some time, died in peace, March 1O, 1780, in the 48th year of her age. Mr. Scott, about three years ago, removed to the Missisippi country, where he died shortly after. Rev. Thomas Polhill, the only surviving child of this venerable woman, is of opinion that she was the first person who was baptized in Georgia. While the Bap- tists were but few in the parts where she lived, her house was a home for preachers, and her active benevolence was extended to all around her. Besides the persons already mentioned, there were bap- tized in these times a Mr. Cox, and a Mr. Williams and his wife, and others whose names are not known. Having thus prepared the way, we shall next proceed to relate the history of some of the churches in this part of Georgia. Newington. This church appears to have been the oldest of white people which was formed in the region now under consideration. It took its name from that of a plantation on which the meeting-house was erected, in the neighbourhood of Goshen, in the county of Effing- ham, eighteen miles from Savannah, and was constituted in 17 ( J3. But since that time the seat of the church has been removed to the adjoining county of Scriven. This church is small now, and has never been large, and no very remarkable things can be said respecting it. It was one of the three churches which formed the Savannah- river Association. For the origin of this church, we must go back about fifty years ; for it appears there have been scattered Bap- tist members in this vicinity ever since the dispersion of Mr. Bedgegood's disciples from the Orphan-house. The first Baptist minister who preached here was Benjamin Stirk. After him were Mr. Botsford and Mr. Scott ; but no special effects attended the ministry of either of these Savannah Church. 185 men. In 1789, a black man preached in the neighbour- hood in a negro yard under some peach-trees. Curiosity led some white people to hear him, and among the rest was Major now Elder Thomas Polhill and his wife. They were both convicted by the discourse of this poor sable preacher, and in a short time were brought into the lib- erty of the gospel, and baptized by Mr. Scott. From the time of his conversion, Major Polhill became a patron of the Baptist cause, and a promoter of meetings in his neighbourhood. He invited Baptist ministers to preach in his house : God blessed their labours ; and in 1793, a sufficient number had been baptized to form a church, which, as soon as it was organized, chose Mr. John Gold- wire for their pastor, who had been ordained t\vo years before. Mr. Goldwire still continues the pastor of the church, although very aged and infirm. Mr. Poihill also became a preacher of the gospel, and is now an assistant to the aged and venerable Gnld\\5re. Savannah. This city contains three Baptist churches, one of white people, and two of Africans. The history of the African churches will be related in the account which, we propose to give of that people. The church of white people was founded by its late pastor, Dr. Holcombe, now of Philadelphia. It was constituted in J 8OO, but was begun six years before that time, in the following manner. In 1794, Messrs. Jonathan Clark, George Morse, Thomas Polhill of Newington, and David Adams, one of the deacons of the church in Charleston, propo- sed the erection of a house of worship for the Baptists in this city. But as the Baptist members were few in number, and these generally poor, there appeared but lit- tle prospect of success. About this time, Mr. Rees from Wales, the same man who led out the company of Welsh people to the mountains in Pennsylvania, visited Savan- nah, and with much zeal and address encouraged the design of building the house, which had been proposed. A plan for it was drawn up by Dr. Furman of Charleston ; aid was solicited by the above-named gentlemen and oth- ers ; and so great was their success, that in 17^5, a house fifty feet by sixty was erected. It was at first merely inclo- sed. The next year it was rented to the Presbyterians, who had lately lost their house by fire. They occupied VOL. 2. 24- 186 Dr. Holcombe removes to Philadelphia. it three years. Such was the posture of the affairs of the Baptists in Savannah, in 179b>, when Mr. Holcombe, who was the pastor of the church at E \vhaw, but lived at Beaufort, by the invitation of the pew-holders in their meeting-house, came to reside in the city. So much suc- cess attended his ministry, that in 1 8OO it was judged proper to organize a church in the place. The constitu- ent members were Henry Hoicombe and wife, George Morse and wife, Elias Roberts and wife, Rachel Hamilton, Esther M'Kenzier, Elizabeth Story, Martha Stephens, Eunice Hogg, and Mary Jones, widow of the late Lieu- tenant-Governor of the State. Not long after the church was formed, Mr. Holcombe was invented with the pas- toral care of it, and continued in that office about eleven years. Under him, the church was built up to a flour- ishing and respectable body, the meeting-house was well finished, and to it were added a bell, clock, baptistery, and other appendages of ornament and convenience. But Dr. Holcombe having resided a long time in a de- bilitating climate, found it necessary to retire to a more ealthy situation. He accordingly announced to the church his intention of removing, and wished them to look out for a successor. He retired to Mount Enon, about fifteen miles from Augusta, where he intended to spend the remainder of his days in retirement, and in preaching as he was able to the neighbouring churches. But by the affectionate importunity of the first church in Philadelphia, he consented to leave this retreat, and become its pastor. The Savannah church, after remaining destitute of a pastor about a year, obtained William B. Johnson, who is now agreeably settled among them. Mr. Johnson had been a few years pastor of the church in Columbia, South-Carolina. He was bred to the law, but was con- strained to leave that profession, and engage in the less lucrative one of preaching the gospel. Simbury. -At this place, which is some distance below Savannah, there is a very respectable church un- der the care of Mr. Charles O. Scriven, a graduate of Rhode-Island College ; but I have not obtained any par- ticulars respecting its origin. Sav&nnah-rivfr Association. 187 Of the remaining churches in this part of the State, I have not procured sufficient materials to form any in- teresting narratives ; I shall, therefore, pass on to other matters. SAVANNAH-RIVER. ASSOCIATION. THIS body was organized in Savannah in 1802. It was composed at first of only three churches, which were the two in Savannah and the one at Newington. But not long after, a number of churches belonging to the Charleston Association were dismissed from that body, and united with this. The new churches, which have been raised up in this part of Georgia and the neighbour, ing parts of South-Carolina, have become members of this Association. It has progressed with harmony and prosperity, and has increased to almost thirty churches., and upwards of five thousand members, The GENERAL COMMITTEE of the GEORGIA BAPTISTS. This Committee was formed in 1803. Its plan and operations are much like the General Committees in the other southern States. It was intended to be composed of representatives from all the Associations in the State, But this representation was never full, which is not to be much wondered at. In the first place, many are prejudic- ed against the establishment. "And again, but few minis- ters can find time, after attending their respective Associa- tions, to travel from one end to the other of their wide State to attend a Committee, which has never had and cannot consistently find much business to do. An account of the Mount Enon Academy will be given in the history of Literary Institutions. From the preceding sketches it appears, that great suc- cess has attended the exertions of the Baptists in Georgia. And no embarrassments, worth mentioning, have been thrown in their way by the civil power. The Church of England was the established religion of Georgia before the war. But dissenters of every denomination have, from first to last, enjoyed as much liberty as they could desire. I do not find that any Baptist was ever molested Baptists and Methodists numerous in Georgia. in a legal way for preaching the gospel, excepting Dan- iel Marshall, and he was soon discharged, as is related in his biography. The Episcopal church does not appear to have flourished much in Georgia at any time, and it is now very small. And indeed there are but a few con- gregations of any denominations in the State, besides the Baptists and Methodists : both of these are very nu- merous ; and we are sorry to say, that instead of striv- ing to walk together as far as they are agreed, many of them on both sides spend too much time in disputing about Calvin and Wesley, perseverance and falling from grace. The great increase of the Baptists in Georgia has been occasioned partly by the emigration of Baptist pro- fessors from other parts ; but mostly by the great and precious revivals of religion, which have at different times been experienced in almost every part of the State. In the year 1793, Mr. Abraham Marshall wrote as fol- lows to Dr. Rippon of London. " In 1 787 there was a glorious revival : thousands attended on the word. The Baptists have great influence, and are the most nume- rous of any denomination in this State. We are in- creased (that is, the Georgia Association) to upwards of three thousand three hundred, in about twenty years past." Some account of the share which Georgia had in the great revival in lt these poor inno- cent people, was to stop their religious meetings. Their enemies pretended, that under a pretence of religion, they were plotting mischief and insurrections. But by well doing they at length silenced and shamed their per- secutors, and acquired a number of very respectable and influential advocates and patrons, who not only rescued Place of Worship erected. 191 them from the power of their enemies, but declared that such treatment as they hud received would be condemned even among barbarians. The Chief Justice Osbourne then gave them liberty to continue their worship any time between sun-rising and sun-set ; and the benevolent Jonathan Bryan told the magistrates that he would give them the liberty of his own house or barn, at a place called Brampton, about three miles from Savannah, and that they ;isc us in com- pleting this building, which we look upon will be the greatest undertaking ever was in this country for the bringing of souls from darkness into the light of the gospel. And as the Lord has put in your heart to in- quire after us, we place all our confidence in you, to make our circumstance* known to the several Baptist churches in England ; and we look upon you as our father, friend, and brother. " Within the brick wall we have a shelter, in which we worship, until our building can be accomplished. " Your lerter was read to the church two or three times, and did create a great deal of love and warmness throughout the whole congregation, who shouted for joy and comfort, to think that the Lord had been so gracious as to satisfy us in this country with the very same religion with our beloved brethren in the old coun- try, according to the Scriptures ; and that such a wor- thy of London, should write, in so loving a man- ner, to such poor worms as we are. And I beg leave to say, that the whole congregation sar-g out that they would, through the assistance of God, remember you in their prayers. They all together give their Christian love to you, and all the worthy professors of Jesus Christ in your church at London ; and beg the prayers of your congregation, and the prayers of the churches in general, wherever it pleases you to make known our circumstances. I remain, with the utmost love, Rev. Sir, your unworthy fellow- labourer, servant, and brother in Christ, GEORGE LE1LE. " P. S. We have chosen twelves trustees, all of whom are members of our church, whose names are specified in the title ; the title proved and recorded in the Secretary's office of this island." The following letter, directed to Dr. Rippon, was dated Kingston, Jamaica, Nov. 26, 171)1. . " Reverend S/'r, " The perusal of your letter of the 15th July last gave me much pkasure, to find that you had interested your- self to serve the glorious cause Mr. Leile is engaged in. to Dr. Rippon. 199 He has been for a considerable time past, very zealous in the* ministry ; but his congregation being chiefly slaves, they had it not. in their power to support him j therefore, he has been obliged to do it from his own in- dustry ; this has taken a considerable part of his time, and much of his attention from his labours in the minis- try : however, I am led to believe that it has been of es- sential service to the cause of God, for his industry has set a good example to his flock, and has put it out of the power of enemies to religion to say, that he has been eating the bread of idleness, or lived upon the poor slaves. The idea that too much prevails here amongst the masters of slaves is, that if their minds are consider- ably enlightened by religion or otherwise, that it would be attended with the most dangerous consequences ; and this has been the only cause why the Methodise ministers and Mr. Leile, have not made a greater prog- ress in the ministry amongst the slaves. Alas ! how much is it to be lamented, that a full quarter of a ?nillion of poor souls should so long remain in a state of nature ; and that masters should be so blind to their own interest, as not to know the difference between obedience, enforc- ed by the lash of the whip, and that which flows from religious principles. Although 1 much admire the gener- al doctrine preached in the Methodist church, yet 1 by no means approve of their discipline set up by Mr. Wesley, that reverend man of God. 1 very early saw into the impropriety of admitting slaves into their societies, with- out permission of their owners, and told them the conse- quences that would attend it ; but they rejected my ad- vice ; and it has not only prevented the increase of their church, but has raised them many enemies. Mr. Leile has very wisely acted a different part. He has, I believe, admitted no slaves into his society but those who had ob- tained permission from their owners, by which he has made many friends ; and I think the Almighty is now opening a way for another church in the capital, where the Methodists could not gain any ground. A short time will determine it, of which I shall advise you. I really have not time to enter so fully on this subject as I wish, being very much engaged in my own temporal affairs, and at present having no clerk. The love I bear 200 Mr. Bailey* 's Character of George Lei/e. to the cause of God, and the desire I have of being any ways instrumental to the establishing of it in this land of darkness, has led me to write this ; but before I con- elude, I have some very interesting particulars to lay before you. Mr. Leile has, by the aid of his congrega- tion, and the assistance of some few people, raised the walls of a church ready to receive the roof but has not the means to .lay it on and finish it ; nor do I see any prospect of its going further, without he receives the aid of some religious institution from home. One hundred and fifty pounds, I think, would complete it ; and if this sum could be raised, it would greatly serve the cause of God, and might be the means of bringing many hundred souls, who are now in a state of darkness, to the knowl- edge of our great Redeemer. If this could be raised, the sooner the better. Our family contributed towards the purchase of the Methodist chapel ; nor shall our mite be wanting to forward this work, if it meets with any encour- agement from home. I am a stranger to you, but you may know my character from Daniel Shea, Esq. and John Parker, Esq. merchants in your city ; or from Mr. Samuel Yockney, tea-dealer, in Bedford Row. " Perhaps you may expect me to say something of Mr. Leile's character. He is a very industrious man, decent and humble in his manners ; and, I think, a good man. This is my opinion of him. I love all Christians of every denomination ; and remain, with respect and sincere regard, Rev. Sir, your friend and Servant, "STEPHEN COOKE." In 1 793, Mr. George Gibbs Bailey, of Bristol, En- gland, then at Kingston, wrote as follows respecting our worthy brother George : " I have inquired of those, who, I thought, could give me an account of Mr. Leile's conduct, and I can say, with pleasure, what Pilate said, " 1 can find no fault in this ?nan." The Baptist church thrives abundantly among the negroes, more than any denomination in Jamacia ; but I am sorry to say, the Methodist church is declining greatly." The following Letter to Dr. Rippon was dated Kings- ton, Jamaica, May 18, 1792. George Let/is Letter to Dr. Rippon. 201 c Rev. and dear Sir, "In answer to yours, I wrote the 1 8th December last ; and as I have not received a line from you since, 1 send this, not knowing but the other was miscarried. Mr. Green has called upon me, and very kindly offered his service to deliver a letter for me into your hands ; he also advised me to send you a copy of our church covenant-, which I have done ; being a collection of some of the principal texts of Scripture which we observe, both in America and this country, for the direction of our practice. It is read once a month here on sacra- ment meetings, that our members may examine if they live according to all those laws which they professed, covenanted, and agreed to : by this means our church is kept in scriptural subjection. As I observed in my last, the chiefest part of our society are poor illiterate slaves, some living on sugar estates, some on mountains, pens, and other settlements, that have no learning, no, not so much as to know a letter in the book ; but the reading this covenant once a month, when all are met together from the different parts of the island, keeps them in mind of the commandments of God. And by shewing the same to the gentlemen of the Legislature, the justices, and magistrates, when I applied for a sanc- tion, it gave them general satisfaction ; and whenever a negro servant is to be admitted, their owners, after the perusal of it, are better satisfied. We are this day rais- ing the roof on the walls of our meetirg-house ; the height of the wall from the foundation is seventeen feet. I have a right to praise God, and glorify him for the manifold blessings i have received, and do still receive from him. I have full liberty from Spanish-Town, the capital of this country, to preach the gospel throughout the island. The Lord is blessing the work every where, and believers are added daily to the church. My tongue is not able to express the goodness of the Lord, As our meeting-house is out of the town, (about a mile and a half) I have a steeple on it, to have a bell to give notice to our people, and more particularly to the own- ers of slaves that are in our society, that they may know the hour on which we meet, and be satisfied that their VOL. 2. '26 2O2 George Leile's Letter to Dr. Rippon. servants return in due time ; for which reason, I shall be greatly obliged to you to send me out, as soon as possible, a bell, that can be heard about two miles dis- tance, with the price. I have one at present, but it is rather small. The slaves may then be permitted to come and return in due time ; for at present we meet very irregular, in respect to hours. I remain with the utmost regard, love, and esteem, Rev, Sir, yours, &c. "GEORGE LLILE." The next January, Mr. Leile wrote again to Dr. Rip- pon as follows : " Our meeting-house is now covered in, and the low- er floor was completed the 24th of last month. We suppose we are indebted for lumber, lime, bricks, &c. between 4 and 50O pounds. I am not able to express the thanks 1 owe for your kind attention to me, and the cause of God. The school-master, together with the members of our church, return their sincere thanks for the books you have been pleased to send them : being so well adapted to the society, they have given great sat- isfaction. " I hope shortly to send yon a full account of the number of people in our societies, in different parts of this island. I have baptized near 500. " I have purchased a piece of land in Spanish-Town, the capital of this island, for a burying-ground, with a house upon it, which serves for a meeting-house. James Jones, Ksq. one of the magistrates of this town, and Secretary of the island, told me, that the Hon. William Mitchell, Esq. the Gustos, had empowered him to grant me license to preach the gospel, and they have given me liberty, to make mention of their names in any congrega- tion where we are interrupted. Mr. Jones has given per- mission for all his negroes to be taught the word of God. The gospel is taking great effect in this town. My brethren and sisters, in general, most affectionately give their Christian love to you, and all the dear lovers of Jesus Christ in your church at London, and beg that they and all the other churches will remember the poor Ethiopian Baptists of Jamaica in their prayers. I remain, dear Sir and brother, your unworthy fellow-labourer in Christ, GEORGE Thomas N. Swigle's Letters to Dr. Rippon. 203 The April following, one of Mr. Leile's associates thus wrote to the assiduous Doctor, who took much pains to learn the affairs of his sable brethren : " Rev. and dear Sir. " I am one of the poor, unworthy, helpless creatures, born in this island, whom our glorious Master, Jesus Christ, was graciously pleased to call from a state of darkness to the marvellous light of the gospel j and since our Lord hath bestowed his mercy on my soul, our beloved minister, by the consent of the church, appoint- ed me deacon, school-master, and his principal helper. " We have great reason in this island to praise and glorify the Lord, for his goodness and loving-kindness, in sending his blessed gospel amongst us, by our well- beloved minister, brother Leile. We were living in slavery to sin and Satan, and the Lord hath redeemed our souls to a state of happiness, to praise his glorious and ever-blessed name ; and we hope to enjoy everlasting peace by the promise of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. The blessed gospel is spreading wonderfully in this island : believers are daily coming into the church ; and we hope in a little time to see Jamaica become a Christian country. " I remain, respectfully, Rev. and dear Sir, your poor brother in Christ, " THOMAS NICHOLAS SWIGLE." I find no account of the progress of this church, nor of the affairs of our African brethren in this island, for about nine years from the last-mentioned date, until the following letter was written, by which it appears that they were in a prosperous state. " Kingston, Jamaica, May 1, 1802. " Rev. and dear Sir, " Since our blessed Lord has been pleased to permit me to have the rule of a church of believers, I have bap- tized one hundred and eleven ; and I have a sanction from the Rev. Dr. Thomas Rees, rector of this town and parish, who is one the ministers appointed by his Majesty to hold an ecclesiastial jurisdiction over 204 Thomas N. Sin'igle's Letter the clergy in this island, confirmed by a lavv- passed by the legislative body of this island, made and provided for that purpose. " Our church consists of people of colour,* and black people ; some of free condition, but the greater part of them are slaves and natives from the different countries in Africa. Our number, both in town and country, is about five hundred brethren, and our rule is to baptize once in three months ; to receive the Lord's supper the first Lord's day in every month, after evening service is over ; and we have meetings on Tuesday and Thurs- day evenings throughout the year. The whole body of our church is divided into several classes which meet every Monday evening, to be examined by their class- leaders, respecting their daily walk and conversation ; and I am truly happy to acquaint you, that since the gospel has been preached in Kingston, there never was so great a prospect for the spread of the same as there is now. Numbers and numbers of young people are flock- ing daily to join both our society and the Methodists, who have about four hundred. Religion so spreads in Kingston, that those who will not leave the Church of England to join the Dissenters have formed themselves into evening societies. It is delightful to hear the peo- ple, at the different places, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs ; and to see a great number of them, who lived in the sinful state of fornication, (which is the com- mon way of living in Jamaica) now married, having put away that deadly ^n. " Our place of worship is so very much crowded, that numbers are obliged to stand out of doors. We are going to build a l.irger chapel as soon as possible. Our people being poor, and so many of them slaves, we are not able to go on so quick as we could wish, without we should meet with such friends as love our Lord and Master, Je^us Christ, to enable us in going on with so glorious an undertaking. "1 preach, baptize, marry, attend funerals, and go through every work of the ministry without fee or re- * In most p'irts of the United States, the term fieofile of colour is intended to be a more respectful name tor black people ; but it is probable the ^vriter here intends creates. 1o Dr. Rippvn. 205 ward ; and I can boldly say, for these sixteen years since I b-j^an to teach and instruct the poor Ethiopians in this island the word of God, (though many and many times travelling night and day over rivers and mountains, to inculcate the ever-blessed gospel) that 1 never was compli- mented \\irh so much as a pair of shoes to my feet, or a hat to my head, or money, or apparel, or any thing eLc, as a recompense for my labour and my trouble, from any of my brethren, or any other person. My intention is to follow the example set before me by the holy Apostle St. Paul, to labour with my hands for the things 1 stand in need of, to support myself and family, and to let the church of Christ be free from incumbrances. " We have five trustees to our c'rapel and burying- ground, eight deacons, and six exhorters. " 1 had the pleasure of seeing Mr. V. of his Majesty's ship Cumberland, in this town, who has been at my house and at our chapel, and has seen all my church- books, and the manner in which I have conducted our society. He has lately sailed for England with Admiral Montague, and when he sees you, he will be able to tell you of our proceedings better than I can write. " All my beloved brethren beg their Christian love to you and all your dear brethren in the bes't bonds ; and they also beg yourself and them will be pleased to re- member the poor Ethiopian Baptists in their prayers, and be pleased also to accept the same from, Rev. and dear Sir, your poor unworthy brother in the Lord Jesus Christ, THOMAS NICHOLAS SWIG^E. " P. 5. Brothers Baker, Gilbert, and others of the Africans, are going on wonderfully in the Lord's service, in the interiour part of the country." The circumstance of Mr. Swigle's being in the care of the church at Kingston, led me to think that George Leile was dead. But I now conclude that he was then labouring in the interiour of the country. I have lately learnt from Mr. Johnson of Savannah, and he received his information from the coloured brethren there, that letters were received in Savannah, about 1810, from Mr. Leile, stating that he had met with great success in 206 African Baptists in one of the Bahama Islands. his ministry ; that he had constituted a respectable church in the interiour of the country, as a branch of the mother church ; that the meeting-house in Kings- ton, with the steeple and bell, cost four thousand pounds. A short Account of the African Baptists in Providence, one of the Bahama Islands. In )79l, George Leile wrote to Dr. Rippon as fol- lows : " Brother Amos is at Providence. He writes me that the gospel has taken good effect, and is spreading greatly. He has about three hundred mem- bers." This Amos was a negro preacher, and proba- bly went from Georgia with George Leile. It appears by Asplund's Register, that this church was gathered in ] 788. I have also learnt from Mr. Johnson, that letters were received from Amos by the black brethren in Sa- vannah, in the autumn of 1812, stating that his church had increased to eight hundred and fifty. I know of no other Baptist churches in the West-In- dies. The Methodists and Moravians have made nume- rous converts, and formed large establishments. In 1809, according to Lee's History of the Methodists, there were of that society, in all the West-India islands, upwards of twelve thousand. The African Baptist churches in Philadelphia, New- York, and Boston, have been noticed under the heads of those respective cities. We shall now close this chapter with some general observations on the condition of the converted negroes, and the slaves generally in the southern States. We shall not enter into the merits of slavery, nor dwell much upon the arguments which are brought for and against it. We design to go no farther into the investi- gation of this unhappy policy, than to exhibit something of the circumstances of our African brethren, who are involved in it. Slaves are the most numerous in Virginia, the two Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. There are some in a number of the other States ; but in these six, the great body of them is found, and Virginia alone contains about three hundred thousand, almost one-third Observations on Slavery. 207 of its whole population. And I know not but the pra- portion is as great in the five other States. In all the States under consideration there are multitudes of black people and Creoles,- who are not slaves. Some are the descendants of manumitted ancestors ; many who were born slaves have been liberated by benevolent and con- scientious owners, and others have purchased their own freedom. Multitudes of the inhabitants of these States have noth- ing to do with slavery ; some from principle, and others for the want of means to obtain them. The Quakers, who are numerous in some of the south- ern States, to their praise be it spoken, would never hold slaves. The Methodists in some places set out on this princi- ple : their ministers preached against slavery ; many set them at liberty ; but I believe at present their scruples are mostly laid aside. The Baptists are by no means uniform in their opin- ions of slavery. Many let it alone altogether ; some re- monstrate against it in gentle terms ; others oppose it vehemently ; while far the greater part of them hold slaves, and justify themselves the best way they can. In the six States we have named, there are now about ninety thousand Baptist communicants ; and I conclude as many as forty thousand of this great number are ne- groes. Many of them it is true are free, but the greatest part of them are slaves. Thousands of them are owned by Baptist masters, and others by other people. The owners of slaves have generally been loaded with re- proachful invectives for their practice. They have been ail, without discrimination, charged with a want of both principle and feeling, with tyranny, cruelty, and oppres- sion. But " to discriminate is just." Many must be blamed, but others ought rather to be pitied. Many of the best of masters have slaves, who are idle, thievish, stupid, and suspicious, and every way calculated to vex their feelings and mar all their enjoyments : and what- ever may be said of the condition of their slaves, all must allow that the masters' is more wretched than theirs. Many I have seen are heartily sick of having slaves about them, and think that the people at the 208 " Reasons for holding Slaves. northward, who are free from the incumbrance of this troublesome property, are far more h Witnesses." RICHARD M'NEMAR, DAVID PURVIANCE,) Three, at least, of these witnesses afterwards joined the Shakers, who hav- ing heard of the dancing, and so on, among the Kentucky people, sent three of their apostles into the countiy from New-Lebanon, in ISew-York. Thev found matters just as they would have them, and a great number fell in with their principles. Mai-shall continued his New-Light career, became the head of a large party who were called Marshallites. Many of them have lately been immersed, but I do not learn as they have any connexion with the Bnp^- tists. And indeed they can be no great acquisition to the Baptist cause, unless they arc much reformed both in principle and practice. 2,54 Extraordinary Exercises of hand ; great preparations were made for them, and all went expecting to hear much crying out, see much fall- ing down, &c. In these meetings there assembled, in the opinion of spectators, from four to ten or twelve thousand, and at one of them eight hundred fell down under religious impressions, and five hundred communi- cated. The falling down exercise needs no description, as it is presumed every reader will understand what is meant by it. There was also in these meetings, what was called the rolling exercise, which consisted in a person's being cast down in a violent manner, turned over swiftly like a log, &c. These rolling disciples often met with mud in their way, and got up from their devotions in a sorrow- ful plight. Dancing was a very common practice ; many pleaded they could not help it, and others justified them- selves from David's dancing before the ark, and other passages of scripture. The most singular exercise of all was the jerks. " Nothing in nature could better repre- sent this strange and unaccountable operation, than for one to goad another, alternately on every side, with a piece of red-hot iron. The exercise commonly began in the head, which would fly backward and forward, and from side to side, with a quick jolt, which the person would naturally labour to suppress, but in vain ; and the more any one laboured to stay himself, and be sober, the more he staggered, and the more rapidly his twitches increased. He must necessarily go as he was stimulated, whether with a violent dash on the ground, and bounce from place to place like a foot-ball ; or hop round, with head, limbs, and trunk, twitching and jolting in every direction, as if they must inevitably fly asunder. And how such could escape without injury, was no small wonder to spectators. By this strange operation, the human frame was commonly so transformed and disfig- ured, as to lose every trace of its natural appearance. Sometimes the head would be twitched right and left, to a half round, with such velocity that not a feature could be discovered, but the face appear as much behind as before ; and in the quick progressive jerk, it would seem as if the person was transmuted into some other species of creature. Head dresses were of but little account among the female jerkers. Even handkerchiefs Rolling, Jerking, and Barking. 255 bound tight round the head, would be flirted off almost with the first twitch, and the hair put into the utmost confusion," &c.* There was something altogether unaccountable in this jerking exercise. At first it was experienced only by those under religious concern ; but in the end it be- came a nervous affection, which was sympathetically communicated from one to another. A Presbyterian minister heard that a congregation of his brethren, which he highly esteemed, had got to jerking. He went to persuade them out of the frantick exercise, but in con- versing with them he got the jerks himself. On his re- turn home, his people assembled to hear the result of his visit. While he was describing how people appeared with the jerks, he was suddenly taken with them, and the whole assembly soon caught the distemper. Wicked men were often taken with these strange exercises, and many would curse the jerks, while they were under their singular operation. Some were taken at the tavern with a glass of liquor in their hands, which they would suddenly toss over their heads, or to a distant part of the room. Others were taken with them at the card-table, and at other places o'f dissipation, and would, by a violent and unaffected jerk, throw a handful of cards all over the room. These accounts were taken from people of unquestion- able veracity, and no doubt can be entertained of their correctness. These jerking exercises were rather a curse than a blessing. None were benefited by them. They left sinners without reformation, and Christians without advantage. Some had periodical fits of them seven or eight years after they were first taken j and I know not as they have got over jerking yet. There was among these enthusiastick people one more exercise of a most degrading nature, called the barks, which frequently accompanied the jerks. Many persons of considerable distinction, in spite of all the efforts of nature, as it was said, were " forced to personate that animal, whose name, appropriated to a human creature, is counted the most vulgar stigma. These people would take the position of a canine beast, move about on all- * Kentucky Revival, p. 61, 62. 256 Jerking prevented by a Preacher* fours, growl, snap the teeth, and bark in so personating a manner, as to set the eyes and ears of the spectator at variance." Some might be forced to these degrading exercises, but it is certain that many turned dogs in a voluntary manner. A minister in the lower parts of Ken- tucky informed me, that it was common to hear people barking like a flock of spaniels on their way to meeting. There they would start up suddenly in a fit of barking, rush out, roam around, and in a short time come bark- ing and foaming back. But enough has been said of these frantick scenes. The above accounts are not fabu- lous tales, but they are real arid melancholy facts. In the upper counties in Kentucky, where the revival was the greatest among the Baptists, they were not at all af- fected with these delirious exercises. In the Green River country and in East-Tennessee, they prevailed considera- bly amongst them. With the Methodists they prevail- ed generally. The Presbyterians were divided respect- ing them ; some opposed, while others encouraged them. Some of these exercises seemed really forced upon the subjects of them by some invisible power, whether good or bad the reader must judge for himself j but dancing, barking, rolling, shouting, and so on, were undoubtedly, for the most part, works of choice and imitation, which were hypocritically played off by a set of deluded, mis- taken people. Where these fantastick exercises were op- posed, they were the least prevalent. Those ministers who encouraged them, had enough of them to attend to. In West-Tennessee the Baptists were not troubled with these works of delusion, but they prevailed here among the Presbyterians and Methodists ; and some, who came from other parts, attempted to introduce them in the Baptist meetings. A Baptist minister by the name of Mr. Connico, was once preaching where one of the jerkers began his motions. The preacher made a pause, and with a loud and solemn tone, said, " In the name of the Lord, I command all unclean spirits to leave this place." The jerker immediately became still, and the report was spread abroad, that Mr. Connico cast out devils. On the whole, it appears there was in Kentucky in 17'jy, and for two or three succeeding years, a precious work of grace. Towards the close of it, a set of men No Slaves in Ohio. V5! arose, who attempted to carry the work farther than the Lord had done ; and among them were exhibited those astonishing scenes of fanaticism we have described. Some of the promoters of these scenes became convinced oi their delusion, and returned to a sober course of piety ; but many went off into errors of different kinds, and not a few of them became Shaking Quakers. Richard M'Nemar, formerly a Presbyterian minister of great celebrity, was one of the principal promoters of these ex- traordinary exercises ; he was also one of the first who embraced the principles of the Shakers. After he had joined the dancing fraternity, he reproached his breth- ren for stopping short of perfection. These exercises, he said, led on to Shakerism ; and most people, who had seen them, were of his mind. CHAP. XVI. OHIO AND THE WESTERN TERRITORIES. OHIO has been pronounced the most delightful of any of the Western States. Its fame has travelled far, and adventurers from New-England, from Georgia, the Caro- linas, and all the other States, and indeed from many parts of Europe, have populated its fertile plains with an astonishing and almost incredible rapidity. In 1790, the number of white inhabitants, French and English, was estimated at 3,500, but by the census of 181 0, they had increased to 230,760. The holding of slaves has never been permitted ip Ohio, and many of the Eman- cipators from the neighbouring States, where they abound, have had this circumstance particularly in view, in fixing on this State as a place of settlement. The Legislature has guarded against the introduction of slaves, and even the residence of black people in this retreat of freedom, by a strong and rigorous prohibition. And many of the leading members of the Baptist churches here, have taken a determined stand against every arti- cle of that policy, which subjects to degrading and per- petual servitude so many of the unhappy sons of Africa. This favourite maxim the Ohio brethren have often, VOL. 2. 33 258 Miami Association. pushed to an enthusiastic extreme,* and in many instances have doubtless been too uncharitable towards their breth- ren who have been surrounded by staves from their in- fancy, who have been nurtured by the sweat of their wretched brows, and who have inherited them from their fathers, as a principal part of their fortune. Though some of the first settlers in this State were Baptists, yet they have not, as in Kentucky, been the prevailing sect. The Methodists have been and proba- bly are at present, the most numerous of any one de- nomination in Ohio. The late Governor Tiffin was a Methodist preacher, before his elevation to that dignified office. But the Baptist cause has prevailed considerably, and is now increasing with great rapidity throughout the State ; churches are formed in almost every part of it, and many individuals and little bodies are settled where churches have not yet been established. In 18O9, there were in this State about sixty churches, in which were about twenty-five hundred members. Since then, the number has probably greatly increased. MIAMI ASSOCIATION. THIS Association was formed in 17^7 of only four churches, in which there were not probably more than a hundred members. It is situated beween the Miami Rivers, in the south-west corner of the State. The church formerly called Columbia, now Duck Creek,, is not only the oldest in this Association but in the State. It was raised up in the following manner. In the au- tumn of 1789, a number of families went down the Ohio River, and commenced a settlement at the mouth of the Little Miami River on Col. Symmes's Purchase, where the town of Columbia now stands. This was about six miles from Fort Washington, now Cincinnati. In this company were Mr. Isaac Ferris from Connecticut, the * The Miami Association will not correspond with any of the neighbouring Associations in Kentucky, on account of slavery, nor with the Red-Stone As- sociation in Pennsylvania, because a few of the churches cf this body are in Virginia, and hold slaves. And a church not long since withdrew from the Mia- mi Association, because she corresponded with the Philadelphia Association , and this Association corresponded with that rt Charleston, South-Carolina, whert. the abomination was discovered. This far-fetched argument was in their esti- mation sufficient to justify their withclrawment Columbia Chunk* 2J9 late Judge Goforth from New-Yoik, Gen. John Gano from the same city, and Messrs. Benjamin and Elijah. Stites originally from New- Jersey. Some others were in the company, whose names I have not learnt. This settlement was made in perilous times. The Indians made every exertion to cut them oft and prevent their settlement : they tried by many stratagems to decoy them ashore on their passage down the river ; and after they had settled, they were continually lurking to destroy them. They were obliged, for a number of years, to live mostly in forts and block-houses ; but notwithstand- ing all their precautions, a number of the first settlers fell victims to the rage of their savage neighbours. A number of the company above mentioned were Baptist professors, but having no preacher among them, they set up a meeting among themselves,\vhich they conducted by turns. In 179O, Stephen Gano, of Providence, Rhode- Island, took a journey into the western country to visit his father and family relations ; he also visited this set* tlement, baptized three persons, and formed the little company into a church, which was the first, of any de- nomination, raised north of the Ohio River, in that ex- tensive country, then called the North- Western Territo- ry. This church soon received considerable accessions from emigrants to the Miami country, and as the fears of the Indians subsided, they extended their settlements farther out, and the Columbia church became the moth- er of most of the first churches, which arose in this re- gion. Its seat is now removed from Columbia to a place called Duck Creek. Daniel Clark and John Smith were the first: ministers who settled in this quarter. Mr. Clark is now the aged and respected f istor of the church at Turtle Creek, in the neighbourhood of Lebanon. Mr. Smith became pastor of the church at Columbia, and for a number of years was well esteemed and apparently use- ful. But riches and honours spoiled him for a preacher, and he relinquished the employment. He has also aban- doned his religious profession, and remains a melancho- ly example either of successful hypocrisy or of woful apostacy. He was suspected of being concerned in the ill-fated expedition of Col. Aaron Burr, although noth- ing was proved against him, At that time he was a 2 GO Scloto Association. Senator in Congress, \vhere he was impeached and ac- quitted. He had become very remiss in the duties of his station before he arose to the senatorial rank j but this, with the Burr affair, seems to have completed his downfal. He had acquired a large estate, but Provi- dence frowned upon him, and he lost it by various means ; and he has now become a poor, apostate, wretched man, and lives somewhere among the Span- iards in West-Florida. The church is now supplied by Mr. William Jones, a native of Wales, but who remov- ed hither from the back part of the State of New- York. Of the other churches in this connexion, 1 have not gained sufficient information, to say much respecting them. They were formed in a gradual way, mostly of Baptist members, who emigrated from other parts. Nothing very remarkable has occurred in the progress of the Miami Association ; its circumstances have gene- rally been prosperous, and in the time of the great re- vival, it experienced considerable enlargement. The church at Columbia received the addition of ninety members in one year. This Association has correspond- ed with the Philadelphia since J 80O. Attempts have al- so been made to open a correspondence with some of the Associations in Kentucky, a number of which are sufficiently near; but the prevailing prejudices on the part of the Ohio brethren have hitherto prevented that profitable intercourse, which is usually maintained by neighbouring Associations. A division of this Association took place by agreement in 1809, and a new Association was formed from it by the name of White Water, the history of which will be given in the account of the Indiana Territory. SCIOTO ASSOCIATION. THIS Association is in a central part of the State, and was formed in 1805. It contained at the time of its constitution only four churches, but it has since consid- erably increased. It is situated on both sides of the beautiful Scioto River, from which the Association takes its name, and a number of the churches are in the neigh- bourhood of Chilicothe. The church at Ames was con- stituted in 1800 5 it is composed of people mostly from German Church in Ohio. 261 New-England, and was the first church which was gath- ered within the bounds of the Association. The Ger- man or High Dutch church at Pleasant Run, in the coun- ty of Fairfield, and near the town of New-Lancaster, is the most distinguished on some accounts of any one in this Association, and is remarkable for having emigrated from Virginia, to its present situation, in a church capac- ity. In J801, six families, among whom were fifteen church members, removed from Virginia, and in the wilderness of Ohio began the settlement, which is now pleasant and flourishing. A number of others have since followed ; some English people have also united with them ; so that their church in 1809 contained upwards of seventy members. The German brethren, who took * * the lead in forming this church, came principally from Rockingham county, and the church, which they trans- ported to Ohio, was constituted in Virginia about 1190. It came out from what was called the White-House church in the county of Shenandoah. The members of this church, in Kentucky, would be called rigid Eman- cipators ; they were constituted on their present princi- ples in Virginia, and carried their opposition to slavery so far as to resolve, that they would hold no slaves them- selves, nor have any communion or visible fellowship with their brethren who did. On account of these prin- ciples, they were subjected to many inconveniences in their native State, which led them to seek an asylum in the wilderness, where they might enjoy unembarrassed and unreproached the free exercise of principles which they held most dear. They settled on a very fertile tract of land, and are an industrious and happy commu- nity. The church is supplied by three preachers, whose names are Lewis Sites, Samuel Comer, and Martin Cof- man, who preach both in German and English. When the congregation is mostly made up of German people, they preach in the German language, and in the English when it is otherwise ; and besides supplying their own church, these respectable preachers travel and labour much in the surrounding settlements, and with the young and destitute churches. This account of the German church was made out when I visited it in 18( 9. What alterations have taken place in it since, I have not heard. 262 ' Baptists in the Territorial Government. BEAVER ASSOCIATION. IN 180B, the churches of Providence, Hopewell, Che- nango, New-Lisbon, Warren, and Little Beaver, most of which were of recent origin, were dismissed from the Red-Stone Association, and were shortly afterwards formed into the one we now have in view, which receiv- ed its name from a creek, which empties into the Ohio River from the north, about thirty miles below Pittsburg. The churches in this Association are partly in Ohio and partly in Pennsylvania. Some of them were raised up by David Phillips, Henry Frazer, and some other minis- ters belonging to the Redstone Association; but the most extensive and successful labourer in this part of the vineyard, is Mr. Thomas G. Jones, a native of Wales, who settled here a few years since. Mr. Jones has been employed as a Missionary a part of the time by the Philadelphia Missionary Board ; and by a divine blessing on his labours, many have been turned to the Lord, and a number of flourishing churches established. This account of the Beaver Association I received from Mr. David Phillips, near Pittsburg, in 1 809. I have written a number of letters for further information, but none has been communicated. Besides the churches in these Associations, there are many others in this State, which, on account of their scattered and remote situations, do not belong to any associate connexion. AN ACCOUNT OF THE BAPTISTS IN THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENTS. BESIDES the three States of Ohio, Kentucky, and Ten- nessee, there were, before the State of Orleans was form- ed, beyond the Alleghany mountains, six territorial gov- ernments. Three of these, viz. the Indiana, the Illinois, and Michigan, together with the State of Ohio, are sub- divisions of that extensive tract of country, formerly called the North-Western Territory. The Missisippi Territory, which was formerly inclu- ded in the State of Georgia, lies between that State and the river from which it received its name. The Loui- siana and Orleans Territories, the last of which has lately White Waicr> and Wabflsh Associations. 26 S been admitted the eighteenth State in the Union, com- prehend that extensive tract known by the name of the Louisiana Country, which was lately purchased by the United States, of France, about which politicians, many of whom knew not whether it was on the Western or Eastern Continent, have had so much talk and disputation. All these territories are rapidly settling by emigrants from almost every part of the United States ; in most of them Baptist churches have been established, and throughout all of them Baptist families are more or less scattered ; but I have found it difficult to gain sufficient information of these remote and wide-spread regions, to be able to give much account of our brethren in them : the following statements, however, 1 believe may be de- pended upon as correct. The Indiana Territory lies west of the State of Ohio, from which it is separated by a line running north and south, Tt is bounded south by the Ohio River, north by the Michigan Lake and Territory. In this Territory there are three Associations, and a considerable number of churches which are not associ- ated. WHITE WATER ASSOCIATION. THIS Association was formed by a division of the Miami, in J 809. It commenced with nine churches, and has now increased to eleven. It is a small body, but is well supplied with preachers, who are well spoken of as men of ability and usefulness. A few of the churches jn this connexion are in the State of Ohio, but most of them are in the Indiana Territory. WABASH ASSOCIATION. THIS was also formed in 18O9, of five churches, in all which there were but a little more than eighty members ; but in about two years many new churches were added to it, and its number of members amounted to over eight hundred. But many of them have probably been scattered by the troubles of the present Indian War. At the beginning of this Association it contained only two ministers, whose names were Alexander Deven and Isaac M'Coy. Its churches are on the W abash River, and spme of them near the town of Vincennes. 264 Silver Creek> and Missisippi Associations. SILVER CREEK ASSOCIATION. THIS Association was formed in 1811, of nine small churches, which formerly belonged to the Long Run Association in Kentucky. It is situated near the falls of the Ohio. The Illinois Territory was formed but a few years since, by a division of the Indiana, and lies between that and the Missisippi River. About 1807 or 1808, an Association, the name of which I have not learnt, was formed of churches, which were situated on the Missisip- pi, some in this Territory, and a few over in the Louisi- ana country. In 1809, it had increased to ten churches, eight or ten ministers, and about two hundred members. On what part of the Missisippi River these churches were situated, I have not been informed ; but they must have been somewhere between the mouths of the Ohio and Missouri. This Association travelled in union but a short time. Disputes about slavery were introduced in it, and effected its division in 18O9. Three churches maintained the holding of slaves, and the rest opposed it. Disputes rose so high, that they could no longer travel in fellowship ; they, however, agreed to part in peace, and accordingly the Association was dissolved. What has been the progress of the Baptist cause in this region since that period, I have not learned. There are many Baptists scattered throughout the Louisiana country, but I conclude there are not many churches. In Kentucky, I saw a Baptist family, which was about moving a considerable distance up the Missouri, where, they were informed, were many of their brethren, and it is probable a church or churches have been established there before this time. But these people must all be in an uncomfortable situation, on account of the barbarous depredations of the Indians. MISSISIPPI ASSOCIATION. THIS Association, I conclude, was formed about 18O7. It now contains about twelve churches, many of which -are situated at no great distance from the Natchez, and some of the members of one of the churches reside in that town. Extent of the Baptist Communion. 1'he B.iptists by whom these churches were planted, emigrated mostly from Georgia and South-Carolina. There are a very few Baptists in the city of New-Or- leans. Mr. Edmund J. Reis, from Nova-Scotia, lately spent about six months in preaching there. Most of the inhabitants of this city speak the French language, in which Mr. Reis was brought up, as he was born in Paris, and lived there until he was fifteen years of age. His preaching here was well attended ; and since he left the city, we are informed that a religious stir of considerable extent has taken place. Thus we have endeavoured to describe the progress and circumstances of the Baptists throughout the great American Continent. We see that their progress has been great, and that they have extended their commu- nion over a vast extent of country from Nova-Scotia to New-Orleans. A number of miscellaneous articles re- main yet to be given ; but before we proceed to them, we shall insert a number of biographical sketches, which will be arranged in alphabetical order. VOL. 2. 34 266 Biography of John Asplund. CHAP. XVII. Biographical Accounts of a Number of Characters, whose His~ tory could not be with convenience inserted elsewhere. JOHN ASPLUND. This singular man is, on account of his extensive travels, very generally known throughout the United States. According to information received from Mr. John Leland, he was born in the interiour of Sweden. He was bred to the mercantile business, went to England about the beginning of the American war, where he acted some time as clerk in a store. He was either pressed or entered voluntarily into the British naval service, which he deserted on the American coast, and made his way into North-Carolina. There, about 17S2j he embraced religion, and was baptized by David Walsh. Soon after, he joined the South-Hampton church in Virgin- ia, then under the care of David Barrow. About 1785, he went back to his native country, visited England, Den- mark, Finland, Lapland, Germany, and returned to Vir- ginia. Not long after his return, he began to make prep- arations for his Register of the Baptist churches in Ameri- ca, which he published in a small quarto pamphlet in 1791. This work cost him about seven thousand miles travel, chiefly on foot, which mode of travelling he seems to have preferred. After this, Mr. Asplund travelled ten thou- sand miles more, and published a second Register in 1791-. By this time he had become personally acquainted with seven hundred ministers of the Baptist denomination. Mr. Asplund was a preacher of no great gifts, but was gene- rally respected for a number of years. But at length he got entangled with land speculation, for which he was al- together unqualified. Some other things of an unfavour- able nature exposed him to the censures of his brethren. -The latter part of his life was spent on the eastern shore of Maryland, and there he was drowned from a canoe, in Fishing Creek, in 1807. He left a wife and one child. The Baptist churches in America have reason to respect the memory of this diligent inquirer into their number, origin, character, &c. His Register has been of peculiar service in the preparation of this work. Biography of Isaac Backus. 267 ISAAC BACKUS, A.M. It is much to be lamented, that he who took such unwearied pains to record the lives of others, has found no one among all his friends to write his own. Mr. Backus was one of the most useful minis- ters, that has ever appeared among the American Baptists. For about fifty years he was a laborious servant of their churches, and a considerable part of about thirty of the last of them, was devoted to historical pursuits. This excellent man still lives in the memory of thousands of his brethren ; but scarcely any biographical sketches of his life are preserved, except what are found in his own writings. The author of this work never saw him but once, of course he knows but little about him, except from report. He has solicited those, who were well acquainted with this renowned father for many years, to draw a charac- teristick portrait, which should set in a proper light his dis- tinguished merit. But as no one has been found to pay this tribute of respect, all that can be now done is to col- lect a few incidents of his life from his publick writings and his voluminous journals and diaries. Mr. Backus was born at Norwich, Connecticut, Jan. 9, 1724. His parents were pious and respectable members of the Pedobaptist church in that toxvn, by whom he was brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. His mother was a descendant of the family of Wirislows, who came over to Plymouth in 1620 ; his father sprung from one of the first Planters in Norwich. In the New-Light Stir, in Whitefield's time, some of Mr. Backus's connexions united with the Separates, for which they were harassed and persecuted by the ruling party. His mother, when a widow, and some more of his relatives, were cast into prison for adopting religious principles contrary to law. It was in the midst of the New-Light Stir, that the subject of this memoir was brought to the knowledge of the truth, in the 18th year of his age. He united with a Pedobaptist church in his native town, and began in the ministry in 1746. About two years after, he was ordained pastor of a church in Middleborough of the same persuasion. In this town, he spent sixty years of his useful life. In 1749, he was married to Susanna Mason of Rehoboth, with whom Le Hved in the greatest harmony about fifty-one years. 268 Biography of Isaac 'Backus. She, according to his own words, " was the greatest earthly blessing which God ever gave him." As yet Mr, Backus was a Pedobaptist of the Separate order, and the church, of which he was pastor, was of the same character. They experienced blessings from the Lord, but persecutions from men. The publicans of the par- ish soon began to distress them for the support of their worship. Mr. Backus, among the rest, was taxed, seized, and imprisoned a short time, and then releas- ed without paying the tax, or coming to any com- promise. Disputes respecting baptism were agitated in this church about this time, which were continued a number of years, and some of the members were con- strained from time to time to go into the water. In 1751, Mr. B. was himself baptized, with six of his members, by Elder Pierce, of Warwick, Rhode-Island. From this period until 17.56, this church practised open communion, but in that year those who had become Bap- tists came out and formed a church upon the gospel plan, and Mr. Backus became its pastor. This was the nineteenth Baptist church in the three States of Massa- chusetts, New-Hampshire, and Vermont. From this date to the death of this venerable man was a period of about fifty years. Nothing remarkable appears to have occurred in the discharge of his pastoral duties ; but the part which he took in the general welfare of the Baptist churches, furnishes a number of" incidents which ought to be recorded. Mr. Backus early imbibed a settled aversion to civil co- ercion in religious concerns ; he was taught its iniquity both by expprience and observation ; and few men have exerted themselves more than he in the support of the equal rights of Christians. In 1772, he was chosen an agent for the Baptist churches in Massachusetts, in the room of Mr. Davis, formerly pastor of the second church in Boston, then lately deceased. This agency was mere- ly in civil affairs, and was executed by him, who was entrusted it, with much ability, and to some effect. Our brethren in this government were then so continually harassed for the support of the established clergy, that they found it necessary to have some one upon the watch, to advise on sudden emergencies, and to afford Biography of Isaac Backus. '260 assistance to those who were in trouble. Their great object was to obtain the establishment of equal religious liberty in the land, which the predominant party were determined to prevent. About a year before Mr. Backus accepted the agency of the churches, he was requested to write their history, which he accordingly set. about, and published his first volume in 1777- When the disputes came on, which terminated in the Revolutionary War and the Independence of the United States, the Baptists united with the rest of the American people in resisting the arbitrary claims of Great- Britain ; but it seemed to them unreasonable that they should be called upon to contend for civil liberty, if after it was gained, they should still be exposed to oppression in re- Jigious concerns. When, therefore, the first Continen- tal Congress met in Philadelphia, the Warren Associa- tion, viewing // as the highest civil resort, agreed to send Mr. Backus as their agent to that convention, " there to follow the best advice he could obtain, to procure some influence from thence in their favour." When he arrived in Philadelphia, the Association there appoint- ed a large committee, of whom Dr. Samuel Jones was one, to assist their New-England brethren. " But our endeavours," says Dr. Jones, " availed us nothing. One of them told us, that if we meant to effect a change in their measures respecting religion, we might as well at- tempt to change the course of the sun in the heavens."* Mr. Backus, failing of success at Philadelphia, on his return met the Baptist committee at Boston, by whose advice a memorial of their grievances was drawn up, and laid before the next Congress at Cambridge, near Boston, to which the following answer was returned : " In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, Dec. 9, 1 774. " On reading the memorial of the Rev. Isaac Backus, agent to the Baptist churches in this government : " Retched, That the establishment of civil and relig- ious liberty, to each denomination in the province, is * Century Sermon, &c. p. 14. Whether this strong expression was rorule seriously by a Massachusetts member, or ironically by one from some other State, 1 am not sure. But it is certain from Mr. liackus's account, th Massachusetts Delegates were peculiarly insensible to the complaints ot' the .oppressed Baptists. 270 Biography of Isaac Backus. the sincere wish of this Congress ; but being by no means vested with powers of civil government, whereby they can redress the grievances of any person whatever ; they therefore recommend to the Baptist churches, that when a General Assembly shall be convened in this colony, they lay the real grievances of said churches before the same, when and where their petition will most certainly meet with all that attention due to the memorial of a denomination of Christians, so well dis- posed to the publick weal of their country. " By order of the Congress, " JOHN HANCOCK, Preside**. " A true extract from the Minutes , " JOHN LINCOLN, Secretary" Such an Assembly as is here mentioned, convened at Watertown, July 1775, to which our brethren presented another memorial, in which they said, " Our real griev- ances are, that we, as well as our fathers, have from time to time been taxed on religious accounts where we were not represented ; and when we have sued for our rights, our causes have been tried by interested judges. That the Representatives in former Assemblies, as well as the present, were elected by virtue only of civil and worldly qualifications, is a truth so evident, that we presume it need not be proved to this Assembly ; and for a civil Legislature to impose religious taxes, is, we conceive, a power which their constituents never had to give, and is, therefore, going entirely out of their jurisdiction. Under the legal dispensation, where God himself pre- scribed the exact proportion of what the people were to give, yet none but persons of the worst characters ever attempted to take it by force. How daring then must it be for any to do it for Christ's ministers, who says, My kingdom is not of this world ! V\ T e beseech this honorable Assembly to take these matters into their wise and seri- ous consideration before Him, who has said, With what wens ure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. Is not all America now appealing to Heaven, against the injustice of being taxed where we are not represented, and against being judged by men, who are interested in getting Biography of Isaac Backus. 271 away our money ? And will Heaven approve of your doing the same thing to your fellow servants ! No, surely. We have no desire of representing this government as the worst of any who have imposed religious taxes ; we fully believe the contrary. Yet, as we are persuaded that an entire freedom from being taxed by civil rulers to religious worship, is not a mere favour, from any man or men in the world, but a right and property grant- ed us by God, who commands us to stand fast in //, we have not only the same reason to refuse an acknowledg- ment of such a taxing power here, as America has the abovesaid power, but also, according to our present light, we should wrong our consciences in allowing that pow- er to men, which we believe belongs only to God." This memorial was read in the Assembly, and after laying a week on the table, was read again, debated upon, and referred to a committee, who reported favourably. A bill was finally brought in, in favour of the petitions, read once, and a time set for its second reading ; but their other business crowded in, and nothing more was done about it. In this manner have the Baptists always been shuffled out of their rights. After this, they made a number of attempts to get some security for their free- dom from religious oppression, but none was ever for- mally given them. They had many fair promises, which were never fulfilled ; and when the State Constitution was formed, the Bill of Rights was made to look one way, but priests and constables have gone another. The first article of the Bill of Rights ^declares " All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and urialienable rights," &c. The second declares, " No subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his per- son, liberty or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own con- science," &c. But notwithstanding all these declarations, many have been molested and restrained in their persons, liberties, and estates, on religious accounts. These things we have thought proper to insert in Mr. Backus's biography. He was undoubtedly the draughts- man of some of the memorials of his brethren, and he was certainly the able and undaunted expositor of them 272 Biography of Isaac Backus. all. His \vhole soul was engaged in the prosecution of his agency ; insomuch that he became the champion of non-conformity in England, and was, on that account, much vilified and abused by the established party. When he waited on the Congress at Philadelphia, he was accused of going there on purpose to attempt to break the union of the colonies. The news-papers abounded with pieces against him, some of which he an- swered, and others he treated as beneath his notice. In one, he was threatened with a halter and the gallows ; but he had been too long inured to the war, to be ter- rified by such impotent threats. In 1789, Mr. Backus took a journey into Virginia and North- Carolina, in which he was gone about six months, preached a hundred and twenty-six sermons, and travel- led by land and water going and coming over three'" thousand miles. This journey was undertaken in conse- quence of a request from the southern brethren, for some one of the ministers of the Warren Association to come and assist them, in the great field of labour which was then opened before them. These sketches give us some view of Mr. Backus's la- bours abroad ; the following list of his writings will in- form the reader how he employed his time at home. This list was made out by himself, and was found among his papers. His first publication was a Discourse oa the Internal Call to preach the Gospel, in 1754. ~2A. A Sermon on Galatians, iv. 31. So then, brethren, we are not chil- dren of tht bond-woman, but of the free. 1756. 3d. A Sermon en Acts x'ni. 27. 1763. 4th. A Letter to Mr. Lord 1764. 5th. A Sermon on Prayer. 1766. 6th. A Discourse on Faith. 1767. 7th. An Answer to Mr. Fish. 1768. 8th. A Sermon on his Mother's Death. 1769. 9th. A second edition of his Sermon on Galatians iv. 31, with an Answer to Mr. Frothingham. 1770. 10th. A Plea for Liberty of Conscience. 1770. llth. Sovereign Grace vindicated. 1771. 12th. A Letter concerning Taxes to support Religious Worship. 1771, 13th. A Sermon at the ordination of Mr. Hunt. 1772. 14th. A Reply to Mr. Holly. 1772. 15th. A Reply to Mr. Fish. 1773. 16th. An Appeal to the Publick in Defence of Religious Libert}-. 1773. 17th. A Letter on the Decrees. 1773. 18th. A History of the Baptists, 1 vol. 1777. 19th. Government and Liberty described. 1778. 20th. A Piece upon Baptism. 1779. 2 1st. True Policy requires Equal Religious Liberty. 1779. Biography of Isaac Backus. 273 82d. An Appeal to the People of Massachusetts against Arbitrary Power. 1780. 23d. Truth is great and will prevail. 1781. 24th. The Doctrine of Universal Salvation examined and refuted. 1782. 25th. A Door opened for Christian Liberty. 1783. '26th. A History of the Baptists, vol. II. 1784. 27th. Godli;iess exdudes Sluveiy, in Answer to John Cleavelond. 17S5. 28th. The Testimony cl" the 'I v.o Witnesses. 1786. 29th. An Address to' New-England. 1787. 30th. An Answer to Kemmele on the Atonement 1787. 31st. A Piece (fh Discipline. 1787. 32d. An Answer to Wesley on Election and Perseverance. 1789. 33d. On the Support of Gospel Ministers. 17yu. 34th. An Essay on the K'.y.piioin of God. 1792. 35th. A History of the Baptists, VoL 111, 17%. 36th. A second edition ot his Sermon on the Death of his Mother ; to which was added a Slvort Account of his Wife, who died in 1800. Published 1P03. Most of the pieces in the foregoing list were small j but a number of them, besides his History, were consid- erably large. In 180O, our historian published in a small octavo vol- ume, An Abridgment of his History of the Baptists ; and in 180.5, the year before his death, he published a discourse under the title of A Great Faith described. After this he wrote a Sermon on the Kingdom of Christ, which has^ not yet been published. Besides these publi- cations, Mr. Backus wrote a number of Circular Letters, and inserted a large number of pieces in different publick prints. These news-paper communications, were not up- on the common political topicks, but were designed to expose ecclesiastical oppressions', and to defend his noble maxims of religious freedom. This distinguished man 6nished his earthly course with great composure, November 2O, 1806, in the 83d year of his age, arid 60th of his ministry. He had been laid by from his publick labours a few months previous to his death, by a paralytitk stroke, which deprived him of his speech and the use of his limbs. But his reason was continued to the last ; and in his expiring moments, he manifested an entire resignation to the will of Heaven. He left behind him a number of children, all of whom are respectable members of society. He never received much from his people ; but by the blessing of Providence, he had accumulated an estate of considerable value. It is presumed that but a few Baptists of the present day are sufficiently sensible how much they are indebted to the labours of this departed champion of their cause. VOL. 2. 3.5 274 Biography of Elijah Baker. " As a preacher, he was evangelical and plain. His discourses, though not ornamented with the rhetorick of language, were richly stored with Scripture truth." His historical works contain a vast fund of materials of the utmost importance towards a history of our denom- ination, which must have sunk into oblivion, had it not been for his unwearied care. [The following description, &c. wn> furnished by Rev. Dr. IVildwin.] Mr. Backus's personal appearance was very grave and venerable. He was not far from six feet in stature, and in the latter part of life considerably corpulent. He was naturally modest and diffident j which probably led him into a habit, which he continued to the day of his death, of shutting his eyes, when conversing or preaching on 5m- portant subjects. His voice was clear and distinct, but rather sharp than pleasant. In both praying and preach- ing, he often appeared to be favoured with such a degree, of divine unction, as to render it manifest to all that God was with him. Few men have more uniformly liv- ed and acted up to their profession than Mr. Backus, It may be truly said of him, that he was a burning and shining light ; and, though dead, he left behind him the good name which is better than precious ointment. [This biography is taken almost verbatim from Semple r s History of the Vir- ginia Baptists, as are most of those which follow of the Virginia brethren.] ELIJAH BAKER was born in 1742, in the county of Lunenburg, of honest and reputable, but not opulent parents. When grown to the years of maturity, he was much addicted to frolicks and sports of all sorts. Going to hear Mr. Jeremiah Walker preach, he be- came thoroughly convinced of the necessity of vital religion. His volatile disposition, nevertheless, kept him from seeking for it. However resolved when under preaching, all his resolutions would fail at the sound of a riddle, or the cordial invitation of his pleas- ant, but carnal companions. He at last came to a de- termination to give his old companions one more frol- ick, and then forsake them forever. This resolution he kept, and was no mare to be found among the sons Biography of Elijah Baker. 375 of carnal pleasure. lie listened now, not to the musick of the violin, but to sublimer musick, the faithful preach- ing of the gospel. Thus, giving up the world, after ma- ny previous ineffectual efforts, his convictions soon be- came exceedingly sharp and pungent. Sometimes he was so convulsed as not to be able to stand. Heaven ultimately smiled 9 and Mr. Baker was constrained by the love of God, now shed abroad in his heart, to make a profession of grace, and was baptized, anno 1769, by Mr. Samuel Harris. Illiterate as he was, he immediate- ly commenced publick speaking. When he first made a profession, he was remarked for being often cast down with doubts respecting the reality of his conversion. This, however, did not hinder him from making great exertions, first as an exhorter and singer, and then as a preacher. Having exhorted about twelve months, his first labours were laid out chiefly in the county of his na- tivity, and the adjacent ones, where he was happily in- strumental in planting and watering several churches. After about three years, he gave up all worldly cares, and devoted his whole time to preaching and other ministerial duties. About 1773, he began to stretch his lines, and to travel more extensively. Coming down into the lower end of Henrico, he, in conjunction with one or two others, planted Boar Swamp church. Then, as his way would be opened, he extended his labours grad- ually downwards, and was the chief instrument in plant- ing all the churches in the counties of James City, Charles City, York, &c. Then crossing over York river into Glou- cester, preached in the lower end of that county with con- siderable success. There he formed acquaintance with Mr. Thomas Elliot, then a resident of Gloucester, but who had not long before moved from the eastern shore. Mr. Elliot, discovering a beauty in religion, felt his heart's desire that his brethren in the flesh might be saved. Accordingly in the spring of 1776, they set sail, and arriv- ed on the eastern shore of Virginia, on Easter Sunday, and went immediately to church, where an established clergy- man was that day to preach and administer the sacrament. After waiting for some time, and finding the minister did not come, Mr. Baker told the people that he. would preach for them, if they would go down to the road. 276 Biography of Elijah Baker. The novelty of the scene excited their attention, and the people went. Mr. B. had no other pulpit than the end of a large tree ; which having mounted, he began one of the most successful ministerial labours that has fallen to the lot of any man in Virginia. Many wondered ; some mocked ; and a few were seriously wrought upon. He continued his ministrations from house to house, for several days ; and when he left tl\em he appointed to return again at Whitsuntide. At his second visit, he was accompanied by his brother Leonard, who was at that time only an exhorter. When they arrived, they were informed that the minister of the parish had ap. pointed to preach against the Baptists, and to prove them to be in an error. Mr. Baker and his company went to hear him ; but his arguments proved ineffectual, and the people followed Baker. His brother continued with him about a week. They had meetings both day and night. The effects were not remarkable at first, but at every meeting there were good appearances. This encouraged Mr. Baker so much, that he resolved to re- main there for some time : his brother left him labour- ing in the -vineyard. His labours were greatly blessed. He became at once almost a resident ; for, indeed, filled as he was with increasing solicitude for the prosperity of the gospel, he could not be found elsewhere than at the places where he had evidences that God called him. After he married, he settled in Northampton county. In doing so much good, it fell to Mr. Baker's portion, as it generally happens, to give offence to the enemy of souls and his subordinate agents. They put him into Accomack prison, and kept him there many days. The most atrocious attempt upon this harmless man, was that of seizing him by a lawless power and carrying him on board of a vessel in the adjacent waters, where they left him, having contracted with the Captain to make him work his passage over the seas, and then leave him in ome of the countries in Europe ; alleging that he was a disturber of the peace. This took place on Saturday night. He was immediately put to work, and kept at it until late at night. The next day being the Lord's day, he asked and obtained leave of the Captain to sing and pray among the crew. The Captain attended, and was Biography of Elijah Baker. 277 convinced that he was a good man. Without delay, he set him on shore. In the mean time, his friends had dis- patched a messenger to the Governor, to obtain author- ity to prevent his being carried forcibly away. This they obtained ; b.ut Mr. B. was discharged before his return.* He met with various kinds of persecution, which only served to confirm his faith, and inflame his zeal in his Redeemer's cause. Mr. B. was a man of low parentage, small learning, and confined abilities. But with one talent he did more than many do with five. He is said to have planted ten churches on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake bay. At the last Salisbury Association, which he attended when nearly worn out with disease, at the close of the meeting, lie addressed the audience in a most melting and power- ful manner ; then returning to Doctor Lemon's, soon died. He had declined in health a considerable time before his death ; and having a wish to see his brother Leonard, of Halifax, Virginia, to whom he was fondly attached, he wrote him a letter dated September 21, 1798, of which the following is an extract : " And now, brother, are you struggling through the trials of this life, leaning upon your Beloved ? la- bouring, and waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus, who shall change our vile bodies and fashion them ac- cording to his glorious body ? Or have you got into a lukewarm state, which I fear has been too prevailing amongst some " Dear brother, some of my complaints are such, that I do not expect to continue long in this world. Howev- er, I leave that to my dear Redeemer, who has the pow- er of life and death in his own hands. But in all proba- bility 1 shall never be able to come out as far as your house again : dear brother, I should be very glad to see you, if you could make it convenient to come over once more, while I live. I will pay all your expenses. And if our dear mother is yet alive, 1 can send out some relief * This story respef.tin;* Mr. Baker, I find differently related. Sorr.e . considerably of tin- i>!e, ar,d j>nJ>ab/y the most rf the narrative, as some have given it, partake ccmiderabiv of tl-e mar- vellous ; but the above rc'utiei: is the m<%>t Dimple, ar.tl w correct.. 278 Biography of Robert Carter, Esq. to her. As to religion, thanks be to God, there is some stir amongst us. I have baptized eight lately." It seems his brother could not go immediately; but started in a few weeks, and arrived just time enough to see him die : which took place, November (Jth, 1798. As he died at Doctor Lemon's, it will be most suitable to quote the Doctor's own words respecting him. " In Mr. Baker, I found the Israelite indeed; the humble Chris- tian ; the preacher of the gospel in the simplicity of it ; and the triumphant saint in his last moments. In his preaching he was generally plain and experimental, al- ways very express on the doctrine of regeneration ; never entering upon the doctrines by which he conceiv- ed he should give offence to one or another. In his last illness, I attended his bed-side day and night, for three weeks, and had many most agreeable conversations with him, on the glorious things of the kingdom of Christ. He retained his senses to the last minute, and s-eemed rather translated, than to suffer pain in his dissolution. Death was to him as familiar in his conversation, as if he talked of an absent friend from whom he expected a visit." He was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Cope- land, a lady of respectable connexions, by whom he had one son, now living. She died, and he then married a widow lady on the eastern shore, who had no child by him. ROBERT CARTER, Esq. once a member of the Vir- ginia Executive Council, and on that account, common- ly called Counsellor Carter, was baptized by Mr. Luns- ford, shortly after he began to preach in these parts. He was one of the richest men in the State of Virginia, having, as some say, seven or eight hundred negroes, besides immense bodies of land, &c. After being bap- tized some years, he became conscientious about the lawfulness of hereditary slavery. In a letter to Mr. Rip- pon of London, he says, " the toleration of slavery indi- cates very great depravity of mind.'* In conformity to this sentiment, he gradually emancipated the whole that Biography of James Chiles. 279 lie possessed.* This was a noble and disinterested sacri- fice. For fourteen or fifteen years he continued an or- derly Baptist. But being a man naturally of an unsta- ble disposition, and falling in with certain Arminian wri- tings, he fully embraced their doctrines. Had he stop- ped here, he might still have continued in the Baptist society, though not so happily as before. But, alas [ there are so many wrong roads in religious pursuits, that when a man once gets wrong, it is impossible to foresee where he will stop. From the Arminian errors, Mr. Carter fell into the chimerical whims of Swedenborg, When he first heard of the books of that singular au- thor, he made very light of them ; but upon reading them, having a mind naturally fond of specious novelty, he fully embraced the whole of that absurd system, and was, of course, excluded from the Baptists. He was now as zealous for the New- Jerusalem church, as he had been formerly for the Baptists. He moved to Baltimore, in order to find a preacher and a society of his own senti- ments, and expended large sums of money to have Swe- denborg's writings republished. He continued orderly in his moral conduct, and died a few years since, after having lived to a considerable age. JAMES CHILES appears to have been a Virginian. Be- fore he embraced religion, having a sturdy set of limbn and a resolute spirit, he often employed them in bruis- ing his countrymen's faces. Gambling was also with him a favourite employment. But God, who is rich ir* mercy, plucked him as a brand from the burning. He gave evidence to his friends that his heart was changed., * " It is said that Mr. Robert Cuvter of Nominy, Virginia, lias emancipated 442 slaves. This b> a sacrifice on the altar of humanity of perhaps an hundred thousand dollars. It this be true, vote him a triumph, crown him with laurels.,. ul let the million listen while he sings ' I would not have a slave to till my ground, ' To carry me, to fan me while I sleep, ' And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth { That sinews bought and sold have ever earn'd. ' No : dear as freedom is, and in inv heart'* "Just estimation priz'd above all price, ' I had much, rather be MYSELF the slave, ' And wear the bonds, than faster, the* on HIM." Rip/ion's Register.. 280 Biography of Joseph Cook. but from his oddities he was never converted. He was ai member of the first Separate Baptist church north of James River. He was always wrapped up in visions, and pretended to be taught of God how any matter was to eventuate. It happened, however, with him, as with the Trojan prophetess, that if he had the gift of prophecy, his cotemporaries had not the gift of faith. But notwithstand- ing all his imperfections, his success as a preacher was great. He was the first instrument of planting the gospel upon Blue Run. He also broke the way into Albeinarle., where many were converted by his means. In various oth- er places, God set seals to his ministry. After a few years, he moved to South-Carolina, where he planted a large church. He retained his notions about visions to his last. Report says, that after meeting with misfortunes, and be- ing reduced in his property and health, he went to the house of a woman, and told her that his God said, he must die there that day. She said, " I hope not, Mr. Chiles." " Yes," said he, " rny God says so : but, how- ever, I will return a while, and consult my God again !" He retired for the consultation, and returning said, " Yes, madam, my God says, I must die to-day." The woman again expressed doubts. She said, " You look too well, Mr. Chiles, to die so soon." He said, " I will try my God once more." After retiring for some time in prayer, he came back and said, " It is fixed ; the decree is irrevoca- ble ; to-day I must die in your house." Having so said, he stretched himself upon the bed, and yielded up the ghost. JOSEPH COOK. Mr. Cook was born of pious par- ents in the city of Bath, Somersetshire, England, and called by divine grace in the early part of life, under the minis- try of the late celebrated and much-esteemed Rev. George Whitefield, at the chapel of the late Countess Dowager of Huntingdon, at Bath. Mr. Whitefield was exceedingly kind to him, and often took him out with him in his carnage, to converse with him about divine things. As he very soon gave clear evidence, not only of a sound conver- sion, but also that he had ministerial gifts, Lady Hunt- ingdon, who had a great regard for him, which continued Biography of Joseph Cook. 281 to her dying day, sent him, in the 19th year of his age, to her college at Trevecka, in Brecknockshire, South Wales. Here he applied himself closely to his studies, and made considerable improvement. He was much esteemed by his tutors and fellow-students, being of a good, obliging temper ; but what most endeared him was his lively, spiritual turn of mind, and his readiness to help and comfort any who were in trouble of soul. His very first excursions in the villages, to exercise his gifts, the Lord owned, so that he preached with accept- ance and success. In September 1771, Lady Huntingdon received a sen- sible anonymous letter, requesting her to send a minis- ter to Margate, in the Isle of Thanet, describing it as a licentious place, particularly at the watering season. She made known the contents of it to one of her senior stu- dents, Mr. William Aldridge, and gave him the liberty of choosing any student he pleased in the college to ac- company and assist him in this important work. He fixed upon Mr. Cook, who cordially approved of the design. Preparations, therefore, were made for the journey, and after taking an affectionate leave of all at college, attended with many hearty prayers for their safety and prosperity, they proceeded to the place of action. Being utterly unknown to any person at Mar- gate, they began to preach out of doors. Many attend- ed, and not in vain. Several were savingly wrought upon, and turned from the error of their ways, while old professors were stirred up, who seemed to have been settled upon their lees ; and now these itinerants preached not only at Margate, but at many other places in the Isle of Thanet. About this time, many persons in Dover, not satis* fied with Mr. Wesley's ministers and doctrine, having left his meeting, and assembled in a private room for exhortation and prayer, sent a very pressing invitation to Messrs. Aldridge and Cook, which they accepted. The former preached at Dover for the first time, in the market-place, on a Sabbath-day, but met with great op- position. A Presbyterian meeting-house, which had been shut up for a considerable time, was therefore procured by the persons who had given them the invi- VOL. 2. 3$ 282 Biography of Joseph Cock. tation, in which Mr. Aldridge and his colleague ever afterwards preached, while they continued at Dover. It now agreed on by all parties, that Messrs. Aldridge k should supply Margate and Dover constantly, and change every week ; accordingly, Mr. Cook came to Dover, and preached on the next Tuesday evening. His first text was Heb. ii. 3, " How shall ive escape^ if we '~ct so great salvation." Many attended, and were much struck at the sight of such a youth, who delivered his discourse extempore, which was a new thing to most of them. This bermon was, he believes, peculiarly- blessed to Mr. Atwood, now one of the Baptist minis- ters, at F .ilk-tone, in Kent, so that he was obliged, to say, " Here is a man that has told me all things that ever I did : surely he is a servant of Christ." Mr. Cook continued to supply Dover, in his turn, for some time, and was remarkably useful in winning souls to Christ. > o Mr. Cook and Mr. Aldridge occasionally preached also at Deal ; and at Falkstone their word was signally blessed to many, several of whom afterwards joined the Baptist interest, and one of them became a Deacon in Mr. At- wood's church. Two years after, the students were called in from all parts of the country to the college in Wales, to form a mission for North- America, as very pleasing and en- couraging letters had been received by Lady Huntingdon, desiring her to send faithful and zealous ministers thither. She therefore willingly entered into the plan, laying the v. hole of it before the students, with her earnest request that they would take the same into mature consideration, and especially make it matter of prayer ; and that then, those who saw their way clear to go, would declare it. At length, Mr. Cook, with others, freely offered them- selves for this service, came up to London, and related their views of this work before many thousands in the Tabernacle, Moorfields, and elsewhere ; an account of which was printed. After taking a very affecting fare- well, they embarked for America, with the Rev. Mr. Percy, who afterwards returned, and had a meeting- house, at Woolwich, in Kent. However, the ship was detained in the Downs by a contrary wind. Mr. Cook, being so near, wished to see his friends at Dover ones Biography of Joseph Cook. 283 more. He went therefore unexpectedly; and preached a lecture, which was remarkably owned. Several of his fellow-students also went the next Sabbath to Dover to preach. A fair and brisk gale sprung up in the night ; the ship sailed, and they were all left behind. Tvo of them remained in England, Mr. Henry Mead, a minister now belonging to the establishment, in London, and Mr. William White, since deceased. Mr. Cook, with the rest, were yet determined on the voyage, and prose- cuted the plan. On their arrival in America, as they had all preached in England, and considered themselves authorized to do so on their general plan, they travelled about the country, and preached with much acceptance among serious Christians of different denominations, but particularly among the Baptists, whom they found in a lively state of religion at that time. Though these stu- dents, were commonly considered as belonging to the Episcopal church, then the established religion of the Southern colonies, and seemed fond to keep up this idea among the populace, yet they generally appeared pleased with the company and conversation of the Baptists ; and the most of them gave it to be understood, that they had received convictions respecting the justice and pro- priety of the Baptists' distinguishing sentiments, which, by one or two of the students, was represented to have arisen from the introduction of a young man of Baptist principles into the Countess's Seminary at Wales, whose arguments had made so great an impression on the minds of the students, that her Ladyship thought proper to discard him. Mr. Cook, however, kept himself considerably reserved, and more at a distance from the Baptist churches than the rest. Messrs. Hill and Cosson, after fully professing Baptist sentiments, in their conver- sation among the Baptists, joined the Presbyterians. Mr. Roberts, who had professed the same in a letter to one of the Baptist ministers, united himself with a re- spectable congregation of Independents in Georgia ; and, on some misunderstanding arising, left off preaching, took a commission in the army, rose to the rank of Lieuten- ant-Colonel, and died. Mr. Lewis Richards for a while suppressed his convictions, and engaged in a parish, as candidate for the rector&hip, but some time after united 284 Biography of Joseph Cook. himself to the Baptist church at the High Hills of San- tee, was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Furman, and is now pastor of the Baptist church in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Cook had obtained the office of a parish, but on his marriage with a young lady, Miss Elizabeth Bulline, of Baptist parents, then dead, at the village of Dorches- ter, about eighteen miles from Charleston, he deter- mined to settle there, and preach to a mixed people : in respect of religious profession, a great part of them were, and are Episcopalians ; a number, the posterity of a Baptist church, which has become extinct, that once flourished under the ministry of the Rev. Isaac Chanler, a pious and eminent divine ; and the remains of an Inde- pendent congregation, removed to Georgia, the same mentioned above, to which Mr. Roberts had united. With the latter, Mr. Cook formed his closest connexion, preaching ordinarily in the place of worship belonging to them. The dispute between Britain and the Colonies was now become very serious ; the sword was drawn j blood had begun to deluge the field of battle, and a gen- eral concern for religious as well as civil liberty, possess- ed the breasts of the Americans. A temporary form of government, agreed on by South-Carolina, while a recon- ciliation to Britain on equitable principles was hoped for, had continued the partial establishment, and legal sup- port of the Church of England. This convinced the Dis- senters of the necessity of uniting and making vigorous exertions for obtaining the equal enjoyment of all the privileges proper to a free people. For they now saw, that the Episcopalians, who generally possessed the most conspicuous stations, with their usual appendages of wealth and influence, while they declaimed against the unconstitutional claims of Britain, and were very fond of receiving the assistance of their dissenting brethren in the national struggle, were determined to secure to themselves every exclusive and partial advantage in their power. An invitation was now given to ministers and ch'^he: c f ^inous denominations, but principally to the Baptists, amon^ . '.< ni the business originated, to meet at the High Hills of b^ntee, at the seat of the Baptist church there, which is nearly the centre of the State, tq consult their general interests. To this meetings Biography of Joseph Cook. 285 which was held early in 1776, came Mr. Cook, with two other of the young gentlemen mentioned above, and continued there to the next Sabbath, after the business was concluded, which being the season for the adminis- tration of the Lord's supper in that church, divine wor- ship was publickly attended on the two preceding days. On Saturday, Mr. Cook had an invitation to preach ; and a little before service began, he took aside Mr. Hart, the minister of the Baptist church in Charleston, who had staid to assist at the solemnity, and Mr. Furman, the pas- tor of the church at Santee, who was then very young in the ministry, and has since succeeded Mr. Hart in Charleston, requesting their advice on a matter under which his mind laboured. They were informed by him, that he had, for a considerable time, felt strong convic- tions respecting the propriety of believers* baptism, and its necessity in order to a universal obedience of Christ, in a becoming manner. That he had endeavoured to silence his conscience, and avoid the means of convic- tion, during a great part of the time ; but that of late he had felt such guilt and shame in reflecting on his past conduct, as compelled him to a serious consideration of the subject, with a full determination of heart to do whatever appeared to be the will of God ; and that the result of this investigation was the most satisfactory ev- idence in favour of what he had so long thought his duty. This, with the forcible application to his mind, of Ananias's address to Paul, " And now, why tarriest thou ? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord," made him anxious to comply with his duty without delay, especially as a fa- vourable opportunity then offered. " I have only to add, gentlemen," concluded he, " that I should be glad of your advice, whether to embrace the ordinance imme- diately, or defer it to be administered among the people where 1 live ; and if I submit to it immediately, seeing my sentiments and intention have been hitherto un- known to the publick, whether it would be proper to make Ananias's address to St. Paul, just now mentioned, and from which 1 have felt so much conviction, the subject of the discourse I am about to deliver, and just n the light I now behold it, as it applies to myself? This, 286 Biography of Joseph Cook. I confess, is the dictate of my own mind, and I would not wish to act unadvisedly." The ministers were both of opinion, that it would be best not to delay the administration, and that it was proper he should follow the dictate of his mind respect- ing the subject, and method of preaching proposed. He preached accordingly to the surprise and conviction of many, and was the next day baptized by the pastor of that church, the Rev. Mr. Furman, after satisfying the church respecting his acquaintance with experimental religion ; and on farther consideration, having enjoyed hi- visits before, and being fully satisfied with his min- isterial qualifications, they began to contemplate his ordination. He was accordingly ordained a few days after by Mr. Hart and Mr. Furman. A vacancy having taken pl?.ce in the church of Euhaw, by the death of an excellent divine, the Rev. Francis Pelot, Mr. Cook soon received a call to take the pastoral care of it, which he accepted, and preached there without interruption for some time ; but the invasion of the Srate taking place, and his exposed situation, near the sea-coast, having already subjected him to losses and distress, he removed to an interior part of the country, where he continued to the conclusion of the war, but suffered anew in the ravages of the State by the troops under Lord Cornwal- lis and other commanders ; so that when he returned to the Euhaw, on the commencement of the peace, he was reduced to a state of poverty. Previous to his leaving Euhaw, he had lost his first wife, and married a second ; some circumstances attending this marriage, gave dis- pleasure to a number of his friends, and himself acknowl- edged he was chargeable with imprudence in the trans- action, for which he was sorry. Hitherto nothing very considerable had appeared in Mr. Cook's ministry in America, towards promoting the kingdom of Christ ; but on his return to his church, having passed through some humbling scenes, and enter- ing more fully into the gospel spirit, he laboured wilh much success. The church had been greatly reduced before he took charge of it, and at his return was almost become extinct ; yet- it pleased God, by his ministry to add a pleasing number to it in a few years. The account Biography of Joseph Cook. 287 of additions, by baptism, presented to the Association, for the five last years of his life, was 78 ; many of these are persons of real worth and respectability. In the September of 179O, he wrote a letter to Mr. Rippon, of London, in which he gave a pleasing account of the believing Negro church at Savannah, and then ad- ded, " My sphere of action is great, having two congre- gations to regard, at a considerable distance from each other, exclusive of this where I reside ; as, also, friendly visits to pay to sister churches, and societies of other de- nominations, who are destitute of ministers, frequently riding under a scorching sun, with a fever, twenty miles in a morning, and then preach afterwards. Our breth- ren in England, have scarcely an idea of what hardships we struggle with, who travel to propagate the gospel. I have been in a very poor state of health for two months, but it has not prevented an attention to the duties of my station. O, what a blessing is health ! We cannot be too thankful for it." This good man had now almost finished his course. The circumstances of his dissolution may be collected from a letter, written by one of his dear friends, of which the following is an extract : To the Rev. Mr. Rippon, London. Euhaw, South-Carolina, Oct. 4, 17CO. Rev. Sir, I could have wished a more agreeable event than the present hud been the occasion of my address to yen ; but, when I consider I am fnitilliiig tiie pr.;iu- ise made to the Rev. Mr. Cook, of this place, now with Gi,d,it scums toarK.rd a kind of melancholy pleasure. About ten weeks before his decease, lie 10- turned in the middle of a sultry day, from preaching to a congregation, about twenty nnics from hence, complaining of feverish symptoms, With a dry coi.i;!;, a tightness of the breast, and great lassitude ; notwithstanding which, he re- laxed not his labours. Jn this state lie continued, till two weeks befc.; K h:s exit, when he delivered his last sernon irom Epb. i. 6. To (he /mtise of the glory of Ids grace, ioh read to him the .JJ-kh in. run In your Selection, entitled, The Christian rerr.L has led him. Some time after, he assured me, he died in the firm beik-i' o; tiis doctrines he. had, preached, and requested I would write to k: . iVIi-nds ia England. He sent for Mr. Beater, aji amiable man, and DUU.COU 01 his cuu . : 288 Biography of Joseph Cook. since dead, and consulted with him about the interests of the church, particu larly about obtaining a successor to the pastoral office ; and as the following Sabbath was the sacramental season, when he was assured the ordinance would be administered by his brethren in the ministry, who were to be present on the occasion, he said, " Next Sabbath, when you are feasting below, I shall be at the banquet above." He fixed on the place of his interment, and re- quested tint the Rev. Mr. (now Dr.) Furman, of Charleston, shnuld be de- sired to preach his funeral sermon trom 2dTim. i. 12. For I know whom I have believed, and I urn Jierxuaded that he is able to kecft that which I have committed unto him against that day. From this time he inclined to be silent, and seemed engaged in secret prayer. On Friday was rather easier ; and uu Saturday morning, he joined in prayer with the Rev. Mr. (now Dr.) Holcombe, of Philadelphia, who came to assist at an ordination. About noon he grew worse. Dr. Mosse, one of the members of his church, who attended him iu the last stages of his illness, writes thus, in a letter to a friend, concerning the last day of Mr. Cook's life : " Mr. Cook appeared to me to have a heart fully re- signed to the will of God ; some time before his death, he told me, that his whole hope of eternal salvation was built on the sure foundation-stone, Jesus Christ ; but I do not feel, said he, that great comfort and joy I have often ex- perienced, and which I felt twelve or fourteen days ago, as noted in my diary." Visible tokens of dissolution inducing a friend to ask if he should pray with him, he gave assent, and, at the conclusion, audibly said, AM EN ; after which, he spoke no more intelligibly, but continued struggling with the last enemy till half past three, Lord's day morning, Sept. 26, 1790 ; when he was released from all his labours, leaving a disconsolate widow under great affliction ; an only child, a son by his first wife, about 15 years of age, in whom all his earthly hopes seemed to centre, as he possesses a love of religion, with a thirst for learning,* and a church, almost every member of which looked to him as a common father in Christ. His remains were interred the same evening, im- mediately after the administration of the sacrament, when a very tender and animated exhortation, to an audience dissolved in tears, was delivered at the grave by Dr. Holcombe, who succeeded him in the charge of the church. The funeral sermon, by Dr. Furman, was not delivered for a considerable time after, owing partly to the distance of 80 miles, and partly to several unavoid- able hindrances. Mrs. Cook survived her husband but a few weeks, being ta- ken off by a short and severe illness. Mr. Cook was of a middle stature, and slender make, but had acquired a degree of corpulency a few years before his death. His mental powers were good, and had received improvement by an acquaintance with the liberal arts and sciences, though his education had not been completed. His conversation was free and engaging. As a preacher he was zealous, orthodox, and experimental. He spoke with animation and much fervour ; though his talent lay so much in the persuasive, that at the end of his sermon he. frequently left the audience in tears. He was taken from his labours at a time when his character had arisen to considerable eminence, and a spacious field of usefulness was opening all around him, and at a time when he- was greatly endeared to his people. He was a little iu advance of 40 years at the time ot his death. This account of Mr. Cook is found in ffifi/ion's Register, from which it has been cofried, with little variation. Some ejc/iressio?is which regard affairs in America have, been altered, to make the narrative conform to the present time. What changes have taken filace in the persons and events described in England, lam not able to state, only that Mr. Percy, who went back to En- gland, is I conclude the name person who is now an Ejiiscofial minister in Charleston, South- Carolina. * This son, Joseph B Cook, was afterwards educated at Pi evidence College, R. L and is now a respectable minister in South-Carolina. Biography of Lemuel Ccvel. 289 LEMUEL COVEL was, it is believed, a native of the State of New-York j he was sent out into the ministry by the church in Providence, Saratoga county, thirty or forty miles above Albany. He commenced his ministe- rial labours under great disadvantages, being both poor and illiterate ; and most of his life was spent under the pressure of poverty and worldly embarrassments. But notwithstanding he was obliged to labour almost con- stantly for his support, such were the astonishing pow- ers of his mind, that he became one of the most distin- guished preachers in the Baptist connexion. His talents were far above mediocrity, his voice was clear and ma- jestick, and his address was manly and engaging. The doctrine of salvation by the cross, was the grand theme on which he dwelt with peculiar pleasure ; and his preach- ing was of the most solid, perspicuous, and interesting kind. He lived the religion he professed, and exempli- fied by his conduct the rules he laid down for others. As an itinerant preacher, his zeal and success were equal- led by few ; and perhaps exceeded by none among the American preachers. Missionary concerns lay near his heart ; and in every thing pertaining to them, he seems to have been a kindred spirit to the famous Pearce of Birmingham. He travelled much among the churches in New- York and New-England, and had often explored new and destitute regions. A little while before his death, the church in Cheshire, with which John Leland is connected, had settled him as their pastor, had assum- ed the debts in which misfortunes had involved him, and his prospects for comfort and usefulness were never greater. As he was much inclined to travel, the church had settled him under the expectation, that he would be with them but a part of the time, and the Missionary Society of Boston most gladly afforded him their patron- age what, time he wished to itinerate. Dark and mys- terious indeed was that providence, which cut off, in the meridian of life, and in the midst of usefulness, this wor- thy man. His constitution, naturally slender, had been much impaired by frequent attacks of disease, and by his too extensive labours of various kinds ; and while travelling as a missionary in Upper Canada, in October, VOL. 2. 37 29O Biography of Lemuel Covel. 1806, he, after a short illness, finished his earthly course. Elders Elkanah Holmes and David Irish were, at that time, engaged in the same field of missionary labours ; the last of whom thus describes the mournful event of Mr. Covel's death. " At this meeting, (that is, at Charlotteville) I heard that my dear brother Covel was dangerously ill. E therefore concluded to leave them, and go and see him, and then return again. The attention appeared so great in many places, that I could not believe it to be my duty to leave them yet. Accordingly, on Wednesday I set out, accompanied by two brethren. We were at this time GO miles from the place where brother Covel was sick. We rode until we came within about 20 miles, when we heard he was dead and buried ! Oh, how my poor heart felt ! I was left among strangers almost 30O- miles from home, and one of the most dear and intimate friends I ever had, taken away in such an unexpected time ! But the Judge of all the earth has and will do* ripht. Brother Covel had done his work, and went off in the triumphs of faith. We came to the place the next Tiring, and found Elder Holmes preaching his funeral sermon, and a solemn time it was. After sermon we attended to settling brother CbvePs business, and the next day set cut to return to Townsend, where we ar- rived the day following, and found the church met together ; and when we informed them of the death of brother Covel, the whole assembly appeared to be most deeply affected. It appears that this church was mostly the rVuit of his labours in his former visits. When he \viis \v'vh them last year, he assisted in their constitution. I think I may truly say, that there has never been any preacher in these parts more highly and more universal- ly esteemed than he was ^ and a greater and more uni- versal lamentation I never heard in any place for any. man, than in Upper Canada for him. But alas ! he is gone. May God grant, that like Samson, he may slay more at his death than he has done in all his life. Some of the church in Xownsend, in their lamentation, would break their silence and cry out, " O, my father in the gospel !" " O that blessed minister of Christ, who was used as God's instrument to open my eyes shall I never 'Biography of Elijah Craig. 291 see him again in this world !" We then joined and sang the third hymn of the second berk of Dr. Watts, and concluded the opportunity in prayer to Almighty God, that he would sanctify this dispensation to the good of many precious souls." Mr. Covel left a widow and five children to mourn his loss. ELIJAH CRAIG was one of the first converts to the Baptist preaching in Virginia. When Mr. Samuel Harris came and preached an experience of grace in Pittsylvania, he found his heart could testify to the truth of it, having some time previously experienced a change, which he had not viewed as conversion, but only the encouragement of Heaven to go on to seek. He was now so strengthen- ed, that, in conjunction with certain young converts in his neighbourhood, who were of the Regular Baptists, he undertook to exhort, &c. and to hold little meetings in the neighbourhood. His tobacco-house was their chapel. Being most of them labouring men, they used to labour all day, and hold meetings almost every night, at each other's houses, and on Sundays at the above-mentioned tobacco-house. By these little prayer and exhortation meetings, great numbers were awakened and several converted. Mr. Craig was one of the constituents of the Upper Spottsylvania church ; he was also one of those who were afterwards dismissed from it, to form the church on Blue Run, over which he was soon afterwards ordained pastor. He was certainly a great blessing to Blue Run church ; for under his care they flourished. He was accounted a preacher of considerable talents for that day ; which, united to his zeal, honoured him with the attention of his persecutors. They sent the sheriff and posse after him, when at his plough. He was taken and carried before three magistrates of Culpepper. They, without hearing arguments, pro or con, ordered him to jail. At court, he, with others, was arraigned. One of the lawyers told the Court, they had better discharge them ; for that op- pressing them, would rather advance than retard them. 292 Biography of Elijah Craig. He said, they were like a bed of camomile ; the more they were trod, the more they would spread. The Court thought otherwise, and were determined to imprison them. Sonie of the Court were of opinion, that they ought to be confined in a close dungeon ; but the major- ity wt-re for giving them the bounds. After staying there one month, preaching to all who came, he gave bond for good behaviour, and came out. He was also con- fine, i '>ange jail, at another time. He was a preacher of usef nines.? for many years after he commenced ; but finally falling too much into land speculations, his min- istry was p;reatly hindered. In 1786, he moved to Ken- tucky, where, continuing his land speculations, that bewil- dering pursuit, which has ruined the reputation and use* fulness of so many in Kentucky and elsewhere, he became obnoxious to the church, and was excommunicated 1791. How long he stayed out, is not known. He was, how- ever, restored ; and continued in the church until the year 1 8O8, when he died. He was naturally of a censorious temper ; and always seemed better pleased to find out the faults than the vir- tues of mankind. This, however, so long as he was warm in religion, was checked by a superior principle ; but after he declined in his religious exercises, and became a land speculator, he could seldom be pleased. As good a proof as any that can be named, of this peevish temper, may be gathered from two pamphlets, his only writings that have ever been published. In the one, he under- takes to prove that stationed preachers or pastors of churches, are precluded, by the Scriptures, from receiv- jng any compensation for their services. In this pam- phlet, he takes so many opportunities to condemn preach- ers for being money-seekers, that it would seem the main design of the publication was, to indulge a fault-finding temper. The maintaining of such a sentiment was cen- surable, because it is contrary to Scripture and reason ; and it was certainly ridiculous to advance it in Kentucky, where preachers are so much and so generally neglected by the churches. A person, acquainted with the negli- gent spirit and parsimonious maxims of the Kentucky Baptists, in viewing the title-page of this pamphlet, would be led to think that the author intended ironically to re Biography of Samuel Ecclcs. 203 prove the churches, rather than to censure the avarice of their ministers. His other pamphlet was a personal phi- lippic against Jacob Creath, on account of some private dispute between Creath and a Mr. Lewis ; the former the pastor, and the latter one of the principal members of the Town-Fork church, in the neighbourhood of Lexington. Without saying any thing about the merits of the case, or the provocation given by Mr. Creath, candour compels us to say, that no provocation can justify the style of this pamphlet. It is written with a pen dipt in poison. The Baptists are a free people ; and every one in these mat- ters, says and does that which seemeth right in his o\vn eyes : but it is to be hoped, that the present, nor any other generation, will ever witness another publication, written in the style or temper of the above pamphlet ; and that, too, by one Baptist preacher against another. SAMUEL ECCLES was a native of Roscommon, in Ire- land, and began professional life in the capacity of a mer- chant, in his own country ; but proving unfortunate in trade, soon after his engaging in it, he went to France, and as a friend to liberty, took an active part in the rev- olutionary war, in which that country was then engaged. But the enormities practised there, under the name of liberty, both by the government and army, induced him, in a little time, to resign his commission, and come to America. He landed in South-Carolina ; and here it pleased God, shortly after his arrival, to impress his mind with the importance and excellence of religion ; and, from being a man of the world and a soldier, he became eminent for piety and devotion. Having made a seri- ous profession of religion, his attention was turned to the ministry ; and that he might be qualified to perform the duties of this important station to advantage, he availed himself of the opportunity afforded by the establishment of the Baptist Education Fund, belonging to the Charles- ton Association, and engaged in the course of classical and theological studies, which he pursued about four years, with close application, under the Rev. Mr. Roberts, near Stateburg. He had been for some time pastor of 294 Biography of Morgan Edwards. a church in the upper part of this State ; and though liv- ing at a distance, preached at stated times in Orange- burg, where he was solicited to settle ; but having, about two months before his death, married a daughter of the late Rev. Timothy Durgan, of Jeffer's Creek, he had just changed his residence to that place, and was entered on an apparently extensive field of usefulness, when it pleas- ed God, who is infinitely wise and sovereign in his coun- sels and dispensations, by a short but sharp illness, to remove him to the world of spirits, August 12, 1808. Mr. Eccles' age is not mentioned, but he was, probably, about 4O years eld. His natural and acquired abilities were respectable ; his character fair ; his disposition amiable, and his use- fulness conspicuous. As a preacher he was zealous and active, and manifested an extensive acquaintance with the heart and conscience, which he addressed with creat o seriousness. In his preaching, he insisted much on the great peculiarities of the gospel, considered as a dispen- sation of free, sovereign, and glorious grace, extended through a Redeemer to guilty, dying men, and strongly enforced the necessity of experimental, practical godli- ness. One who knew him well and felt as a friend, in giving, information of his death, writes, " He bore his last affliction with placid resignation and unrepining pa- tience." MORGAN EDWARDS, A.M. The following biograph- ical sketch of this truly eminent man, and distinguished promoter of the Baptist cause in America, was drawn by Dr. William Rogers of Philadelphia, in a sermon preach- ed at his funeral, and by him communicated to Dr. Rip- pon, of London, who published it in the 12th No. of his Annual Register, from which it is now extracted. The sermon, which for some cause was not printed, was preached in the 1st Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Feb. 22, .1 7i5, on 2 Cor. vi. 8. By honour and dishonour ; by evil report and good report ; as deceivers and jet true. The Doctor, after a general and pertinent illu -ration of his text, thus proceeds : " My highly esteemed friend Biography of Morgan Edwards. -8-95 and father, the Rev. Mr. Morgan Edwards, requested, as you have already been informed, that these words should be preached from, as soon as convenient after his decease. I presume he found them descriptive of what he -net with in the course of his ministry. " Honour^ Mr. Edwards certainly had, both in Europe and America. The College and Academy of Philadel- phia, at a very early period, honoured him as a man of learning, and a popular preacher, with a diploma, consti- tuting him Master of Arts ; this was followed by a degree ad cundcin in the year 1769, from the College of Rhode- Isu'iid, L.itfg the first commencement in that institution. In this seminary he held a fellowship ^ and filled it with reputation, till he voluntarily resigned it in 1789; age auJ distance having rendered him incapable of attend- ing the meetings of the Corporation any longer. " He alo met with dishonour ; but he complained not much i/ this, as it was occasioned by his strong attach- ment to the Royal Family of Great Britain, in the be- ginning of the American war, which fixed on him the- name of a Tory : this I should have omitted mentioning,, had not the deceased expressly enjoined it upon me. For any person to have been so marked out in those days, was enough to bring on political opposition and destruction of property; all of which took place with respect to Mr. Edwards, though he never harboured the thought of doing the least injury to the United States, by abetting the cause of our enemies. " A good report our departed brother also had. The numerous letters brought with him across the Atlanticky from the Rev. Dr. John Gill and ethers, reported hand- some things of him ; and so did, in return, the let- ters that went from America to the then parent country* " Evil reports also fell to his share ; but most of these- were false reports, and therefore he gave credit for them as a species of persecution. And even the title of de- ceiver did not escape him. Often has he been told that he was an Arminian, though he professed to be a Calvin, ist ; that he was a Universalist in disguise, &c. Yet he was true to his principles. These may be seen in our confession of faith, agreeing with that republished by the Baptist churches assembled at London, in the year 296 Biography of Morgan Edwards. 1689. He seldom meddled with the five polemical points ; but when he did, he always avoided abusive language. The charge of Universalism brought against him was not altogether groundless ; for though he was not a Universalist himself, he professed a great regard for many who were, and he would sometimes take their part against violent opposers, in order to inculcate mod- eration. " Mr. Edwards was born in Trevethin parish, Mon- rr.outhshire, in the principality of Wales, on May 9th, 17^2, old style j and had his grammar learning in the same parish, at a village called Trosnat j afterwards he was placed in the Baptist seminary at Bristol, in Old- England, at the time the president's chair was filled by the Rev. Mr. Foskett. He entered on the ministry in the sixteenth year of his age. After he had finished his academical studies, he went to Boston in Lincoln- shire, where he continued seven years, preaching the gospel to a small congregation in that town. From Boston, he removed to Cork, in Ireland, where he was ordained, June 1, 1757, and resided nine years. From. Cork he returned to Great-Britain, and preached about twelve months at Rye, in Sussex. While at Rye, the Rev. Dr. Gill,* and other London ministers, in pursu- ance of letters which they received from this church, (Philadelphia) urged him to pay you a visit. He com- plied, took his passage for America, arrived here May 23, 176 1, and shortly afterwards became your pastor. He had the oversight of this church for many years ; voluntarily resigned his office, when he found the cause, which was so near and dear to his heart, sinking under his hands ; but continued preaching to the people, till they obtained another minister, the person who ntnv ad- dresses you, in the procuring of whom he was not inactive. " After this, Mr. Edwards purchased a plantation in Newark, New-Castle county, State of Delaware, and * It is s'lid, that the church in Philadelphia, sent to Ur. Gill of London, to assist them in obtaining a pastor ; but that they required so many accomplish- ments to be united in him, that the Dr. wrote them back, that he did not know as he could find a man in England who would answer their description ; in- forming them, at the same time, that Mr. Morgan Edwards, who was then preaching in five, in the county of Sussex, came the nearest of any one whr- could be obtained. Biography of Morgan Edwards. 297 moved thither with his family in the year 1772 ; he con- tinued preaching the word of life and salvation in a num- ber of vacant churches, till the commencement of the American war. lie then desisted, and remained silent, till after the termination of our revolutionary troubles, and a consequent reconciliation with this church. He then occasionally read lectures in divinity in this city, and other parts of Pennsylvania; also in New- Jersey, Delaware, and New-England ; but for very particular and affecting reasons* could never be prevailed upon to resume the sacred character of a minister. " Our worthy friend departed this life, at Pencader, New-Castle county, Delaware State, on Wednesday the 28th of January, 1795, in the 73d year of his age ; and was buried, agreeable to his own desire, in the aisle of this meeting-house, with his first wife and their children ; her maiden name was Mary Nunn, originally of Cork, in Ireland, by whom he had several children, all of whom are dead, excepting two sons, William and Joshua ; the first, if alive, is a military officer in the British service ; the other is now present with us, paying this last publick tribute of filial affection to the memory of a fond and pi- ous parent. Mr. Edwards's second wife was a Mrs. Singleton, of the State of Delaware, who is also dead, by whom he had no issue. " Several of Mr. Edwards's pieces have appeared in print, viz. 1. A Farewell Discourse, delivered at the Bap- tist meeting-house in Rye, Feb. 8, 1 76 1 , on Acts xx. 25, 26. And now, behold, I know that ye #//, among whom I have gone * The delicate circumstances in which Dr. Rogers was placed, at the time he delivered this discourse, was probably the reason why he was not more ex- plicit on the subject here referred to. It is said that Mr. Edwards, in the midst of his troubles, was guilty, in a few instances at least, of using intemperately an antidote, too often resorted to in the time of trouble. And as he had always maintained the sentiment, that it was improper for a minister of the gospel, after what may be called a ca/iital fall, ever again to resume his ministerial office, he, for the remainder of his days, carried his belief into practical oper- ation. It is painful to have occasion to relate an affair, so much against the reputation of a man so good and great as Mr. Edwards, his slips ami mistakes notwithstanding : but it is hoped the Baptists generally will profit by the un- pleasant story ; and that those ministers, (and some it must be acknowledged there are) who are so unhappy as to be left to similar fails, would imitate his example, instead of crowding themselves forward, with their bespattered gar- ments, to the grief of their brethren, and to the injury of the cause which they endeavour to promote. A preacher, whose reputation is sullied, either by wom- en or wine, (his greatest foes) is like a broken looking-glass,which may be mencl- td, it is true, so as to do its former service; but it will always be a broken thinjf, VOL, 2, 3* Biography of Morgan Edwards. preaching the kingdom of 'God r , shall sec my face no more: fore, I take ycu to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. This passed through two editions, 8vo. 2d. A Sermon preached in the College of Philadelphia, at the ordination of the Rev. Samuel Jones, (now D.D.) with a narrative of the manner in which the ordination was conducted, 8vo. 3d. The Customs of Primitive Churches, or a set of Propositions relative to the Name, Materials, Constitution, Powers, Officers, Ordinances, &c. of a Church ; to which are added,' their proofs from Scripture, and historical narratives of the manner in which most of them have been reduced to practice, 4to. This book was intended for the Philadelphia!! Associa- tion, in hopes they would have improved on the plan, so that their joint productions might have introduced a full and unexceptionable treatise of church discipline. 4th. A New-Year's Gift ; a Sermon preached in this house, Jan. 1, 177O, from these words, This year thou shah die ; which passed through four editions. \Vhat gave rise* * " It has often been said, that when great men err, they err egregiouslv. So did Mr. Edwards in the instance to which his biographer here refers. Led by a mere foolish impulse, and not by Scripture, the gixxl man persuaded him- self, that he should die on a certain day, and accordingly fireachcd his own funeral sermon ; but the event did not answer to the prediction : "tic could not die for his life." Wisdom was learnt from tolly, and many said, we fume the Scripture to walk by; a more sure ivord than voices, new revelations and im- pulses, to 'which ive do well to take heed, as to a light that fikineth in a dark filace. This was a teaching lesson. - The late excellent Mr. George White- held was, in his earlier days, under a similar delusion. His wife \v-is with child ; he conjectured she would bring forth a son ; she did they culled his name John; in all this there was no harm ; but Mr. Whitefield believed that the child was not onlv to be continued to him, but to be a preacher of the ev- erlasting srospel. "Satan was permitted," says he, "to give me some wrong impressions. whereby, as I now hnd, 1 mi&ai filled several texts of Scripture. About a week, after the birth of the child, his father baptised him in the Tab- ernacle. Thousands went away big with hopes, that the child would hereaf- ter be. employed in the work of the ministry, and Mr. Whitenekl as much sa as any of them ; but little John died when he was about four months old, with- out being great in the sight of the Lord, as his father had promised himself. Tui.s mistake was over-ruled in mercv, and the great and good man himself thus concludes the narrative of this afiair, (letter 547th, vol. 2d of his works :) " I hope what happened before his birth, and since at his death, has taught me such lessons, as, if duly improved, may render his mistaken parent more sober minded, more experienced in Satan's devices, and consequently more useful, in his future labours, to the church of God." How proper, that minis- ters and Christians should learn from these instances, to avoid all enthusiastick. impulses, and be concerned to put God's meaning on God's word !" 'a Register. I find that some of Mr. Edwards's friends are unwilling to admit that he in- tended the discourse above mentioned for his funeral sermon. But I have been assured by one of his most confidential friends, that the story is literally true ; and that he did actually request one of the senior ministers in the Philadelphia Bhgfmphy of Morgan Edwards. 299 to this discourse will probably be recollected for many years to come. 5th. Materials towards a History of the Baptists in Pennsylvania, both British and German, dis- tinguished into First-day, Keithian, Seventh-day, Tunker, and Rogerene Baptists, 12mo. 1792. The motto of both volumes is, Lo ! a people that dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. 7th. A Treatise on the Millennium, sth. A Treatise on the New Heaven andNcw Earth : this was re-printed in London. 9th. Res Sacra, a Translation from the Latin. The subject of this piece is an enumeration of all the acts of publick worship, which the New-Testament styles offerings and sacrifices ; among which, giving money for religious uses is one ; and there- fore, according to Mr. Edvvards's opinion, is to be done in the places of publick worship, and with equal devotion. " Besides what he gave to his intimate friends as to- kens of personal regard, he has left behind him 42 vol- umes of sermons, 1 1 2 sermons to a volume, all written in a large print hand ; also about a dozen volumes in quar- to, on special subjects, in some of which he was respon- dent, and therefore they may not contain his own real sentiments. These, with many other things, unite to shew that he was no idler. " He used to recommend it to ministers to write their sermons at large, but not to read them in the pulpit ; if he did, he advised the preacher to write a large, fail- hand, and make himself so much master of his subject, that a glance might take in a whole page. Being a good classick,and a man of refinement, he was vexed with such discourses from the pulpit as deserved no attention, and much more to hear barbarisms ; because, as he used to say, " They were arguments either of vanity or indo- lence, or both ; for an American, with an English gram- mar in his hand, a learned friend at his elbow, and close application for six months, might make himself master of his mother tongue." " The Baptist churches are much indebted to Mr. Edwards. They will long remember the time and tal- Association, to preach a sermon at his interment Although Mr. Edwards lived twenty-five years after this event, yet he did actually die, at the time, in a figurative sense. And it is reported of him, that he said to a friend, some time after this unpleasant affair happened, that he was mistaken in his impul- ses ; for he thought it was the man, and not the minister, that should die. 300 Biography of Morgan Edwards. ents he devoted to their best interests both in Europe and America. Very far was he irom a selfish person. When the arrears of his salary, as pastor of this church, amounted to upwards of ^37^, and he was put in possession of a house, by the church, till the princi- pal and interest should be paid, he resigned the house, and relinquished a great part of the debt, lest the church should be distressed. " The College of Rhode-Island is also greatly behold- en to him for his vigorous exertions at home and abroad, in raiding money for that institution, and for his particu- lar activity in procuring its charter. This he deemed the greatest service he ever did for the honour of the Baptist name. As one of its first sons, 1 cheerfully make this publick testimony of his laudable and well-timed zeal. " In the first volume of his Materials, he proposed a plan for uniting all the Baptists on the continent in one body politick, by having the Association of Philadelphia (the centre) incorporated by charter, and by taking one delegate out of each Association into the corporation ; but finding this impracticable at that time, he visited the churches from New-Hampshire to Georgia, gathering materials towards the history of the whole. Permit me to add, that this plan of union, as yet, has not SUC T ceeded. " Mr. Edwards was the moving cause of having the minutes of the Philadelphia Association printed, which he could not bring to bear for some years ; and there- fore, at his own expense, he printed tables, exhibiting the original and annual state of the associating churches. " There was nothing , uncommon in Mr. Edwards's person ; but he possessed an original genius. By his travels in England, Ireland and America, commixing with all sorts of people, and by close application to read- ing, he had attained a remarkable ease of behaviour in company, and was furnished with something pleasant or informing to say on all occasions. His Greek Testa- ment was his favourite companion, of which he was a complete master ; his Hebrew Bible next, but he was not so well versed in the Hebrew as in the Greek lan- guage ; however, he knew so much of both as author: - Biography of Benjamin Foster. 3O1 sed him to say, as he often did, that the Greek and Hebrew are the two eyes of a minister, and the trans- lations are but commentaries ; because they vary in sense as commentators do. He preferred the ancient British version above any other version that he had read ; observing: that the idioms of the Welsh fitted ' O those of the Hebrew and Greek, like hand and glove. " Our aged and respectable friend is gone the way of all the earth ; but he lived to a good old age, and with the utmost composure closed his eyes on all the things of time. Though lie is gone, this is not gone \vith him ; it remains with us, that the Baptist interest was ever uppermost with him, and that he laboured inore to promote it, than to promote his own ; and this he did, be- cause he believed it to be the interest of Christ above any in Christendom. His becoming a Baptist was the effect of previous examination and conviction, having been brought up in the Episcopal church, for which church he retained a particular regard during his whole life." BENJAMIN FOSTER, n. D. late pastor of the first Bap- tist church in the city of New- York, descended from respectable parents of the Congregational church, and was born at Danvers, in the county of Essex, Massachu- setts, June 12, 1750. Agreeably to the custom of his native State, he receiv- ed the early part of his education at the town school ; and as he evinced, from his tender years, a remarkably devout and pious disposition, his parents devoted his whole time to academical pursuits in that seminary, in order to fit him for the University, where they intended to fix him, as soon as his age would admit of his remov- al from under their immediate care. At the age of eighteen, he was placed at Yale College, in Connecticut, at that time under the direction of the learned and pious President Dagget, where he soon distinguished himself, no less by his religious and exemplary life, than by his assiduity and success in classical literature. About this time, several tracts relative to the proper subjects of baptism, and also to the scriptural mode of 302 Biography of Benjamin Foster. administering that divine ordinance having made their appearance, the matter was considerably agitated in col- lege, and fixed on as a proper subject for discussion. Mr. Foster was appointed to defend infant sprinkling. To prepare himself for the dispute, he used the utmost exertion : he endeavoured to view the question in every light in which he could possibly place it : he carefully searched the Holy Scriptures, and examined the history of the church from the times of the Apostles. The re- sult however was very different from what had been ex- pected ; for when the day appointed for discussion arriv- ed, he was so far from being prepared to defend infant sprinkling, that, to the great astonishment of the officers of the college, he avowed himself a decided convert to the doctrine, that only those who profess faith in Christ are the subjects, and that immersion only is the mode of Christian baptism ; and of which he continued, ever af- ter, a steady, zealous and powerful advocate. His mind was impressed with serious concern at an early period, but he had nearly arrived at manhood be- fore he obtained a satisfactory evidence of his having passed from death unto life. While a youth, his tempta- tions to blaspheme, were often so strong, that, as he re- lated to some pious friends, he has laid fast hold of his lips, to prevent himself from sinning against his Creator. He graduated about the year 177'^, soon after which he was baptized, and joined the church in Boston, of which Samuel Stillman, D. D. was pastor, under wiu.-e fostering care he applied himself to the study of divinity, and took upon himself the charge of the Baptist church in Leicester, Massachusetts, over which he \vas the same year regularly ordained as pastor. During his residence in that place, he published a tract, entitled, " The Wash- ing of Regeneration, or the Divine Rite of Immersion," in answer to a treatise on the subject of baptism, written by the Rev. Mr. Fish. And soon after he published his " Primitive Baptism defended, in a letter to the Rev. Mr. John Cleaveland ;" in both of which he discovered con- siderable erudition, great depth of argument, and much Christian charity. After having continued at Leicester for several years, his connexion with that church was dissolved, and he preached a short time in his native Biography of Benjamin Foster. 30* (own of Danvers ; but as neither Danvers nor Leicester afforded him the use of such books as were necessary for a person of his studious turn, he accepted of an invitation to take upon him the pastoral care of a church in New- port, Rhode-Island, where he soon had the satisfaction to find, that his sphere of usefulness was considerably enlarged, and his means of study greatly improved. On an invitation from the first Baptist church in New- York, lie paid them a visit in 1788, and after having preached there for a short time, received an unanimous call to settle amongst them as their pastor. Upon his return to Newport, he consulted with his church, who, though highly pleased with the eminent services of their learned and faithful teacher, were unwilling to throw any obstacle in the way, which might impede his removal to a place, where his ministerial labours might still be more extensively useful. He therefore accepted the call to New-York ; and having taken upon him the pastoral charge of that church in the autumn of the same year, continued in that station till the time of his death. In September 1 792, the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by the college of Rhode-Island, in consequence of a learned publication of his, entitled, " A Disserta- tion on the seventy weeks of Daniel ; the particular and exact fulfilment of which prophecy is considered and proved." From the time Dr. Foster set out as a gospel minister, he was uniformly assiduous in the discharge of all the duties of his office ; nor did his zeal in the service of his- Master abate, as he advanced in life ; for during his last twelve or fourteen years, it was his constant practice to preach from four to six sermons every week. But the yellow fever, which committed so great havock in New- York, during the autumn of 179, put a period to the usefulness of this worthy man. This dreadful malady had begun to prevail, and several of his friends had sunk under its malignity. In their last illness, Dr. Foster was frequent in his visits, when he prayed with them and ad- ministered the soothing consolations of religion. As he was one of those whom no appearance of danger couid intimidate from persevering in what he considered to be the path of duty,he was not unwilling to visit those scenes- 304 Biography of Daniel Fristoe. of affliction, from which, at that time, many of the best of men shrunk back with terror. He was, however, seized with the disorder, and after an illness of a very few days, expired, August 26, 1798, to the great and al- most irreparable loss of his church, aged 49 years. Dr. Foster, as a scholar, particularly in the Greek, Hebrew and Chaldean languages, has left few superiors. As a divine., he was strictly Calvinistick, and full on the doctrine of salvation by free grace. As a preacher, he was indefatigable. In private life, he was innocent as a child and harmless as a dove, fulfilling all the duties of life with the greatest punctuality. The following inscrip- tion on a handsome marble over his grave, in the Bap- tist buryirig-ground in New-York, written by an em- inent Presbyterian clergyman of that city, is an en- comium justly due to his memory : " As a scholar and divine he excelled ; as a preacher he was eminent ; as a Christian he shone conspicuously ; in his piety he was fervent ; the church was comforted by his life, and i now laments his death." Dr. Foster was twice married, and in both instances was blest with a pious and excellent companion. His first wife, who was Elizabeth Green, daughter of Rev. Thomas Green of Leicester, died August 19, 1793 ; and his second was Martha, daughter of Mr. James Bingham of New- York, whom he survived but a very short time. She died July 27, 1798. DANIEL FRISTOE was born at Chappawomsick, Staf- ford county, Virginia, December 7, 1739. He was bred an Episcopalian, but embraced the Baptist sentiments soon after they began to prevail in Virginia, and was baptized by his spiritual father, David Thomas. When young, he received a liberal English education, and though fond of fashionable amusements, was not addict- ed to the grosser vices of the times. His conversion was brought about on this wise. When about 23 years of age, his curiosity led him to go :i considerable distance to hear a Baptist preacher, whose name is not known. While at the meeting, his horse Biography of Daniel Fristoe. 20J strayed away, which obliged him to tarry all night at the place. In the course of the evening, many came in, who had lately been converted, and who. by entering freely into religious conversation, brought strange things to his ears, and awakened his attention to eternal things. He returned home with much seriousness and solicitude, and after labouring a while under great distress of mind, was brought into the liberty of the gospel. He now began exhorting, but was soon called by his brethren to the ministry. His course was short but rapid, and the success which attended his labours, appears to have been unusually great. About the year 177-J-, he wry? sent as a messenger from the Ketockton to the Phiia- o delphia Association. Here he caught the small-pox, and after a short tour of preaching in New- Jersey, return- ed to Philadelphia, and began his journey homeward, but was laid by at Marcus-Hook, a small town, a few miles below the city, where he died in the 3,5th year of his age. His remains were carried back to Philadelphia, and buried in the Baptist ground. The following extract from Mr. Fristoe's journal, which has been preserved by Mr. Edwards, contains the most interesting account of his ministry, which I have been able to obtain ; for his biography has been almost altogether neglected. " Saturday, June 15, 1771. This day I began to act as an ordained minister, and never before saw such mani- fest appearances of God's working and the devil's raging at one time and in one place. My first business was to examine candidates for baptism, who related what God did for their souls in such a manner as to affect many present : then the opposers grew very troublesome, par- ticularly one James Nayler, who, after raging and railing for a while, fell down and began to tumble and beat the ground with both ends, like a fi->h when it drops off the hook on dry land, cursing and blaspheming God all the while ; at last a Biography of John Gano, whom were judged worthy. As we stood by the water, the people were weening and crying in a most extraor- dinary manner ; and others cursing and swearing, and acting like men posseted. In the midst of this, a tree tumbled down, being overloaded with people, who, Zic- cheus-llkc, had climbed up to see baptism administered ; the coming down of that tree occasioned the adjacent trees to fall also, being loaded in the same manner ; but none was hurt. When the ordinance was administered, I I had laid hands on the parties baptized, we sang those charming words of Dr. Watts, " Come^ we who lo-ve Lor:/," <::c. The multitude sang and wept and smil- ed in tears, holding up their hands and countenances to- wards heaven, in such a manner as I had not seen before. In going home, I turned to look at the people, who re- mained by the water side, and saw some screaming on the ground, some wringing their hands, some in extacies of joy, some praying, others cursing and swearing, and exceedingly outrageous. We hircc seen strange things to- day." JOHN GANO was one of the most eminent ministers in his day ; in point of talents he was exceeded by few, and as an itinerant he was inferior to none, who ever travelled the United States, unless it were the renowned Whitefield. He was born at Hopewell, in New- Jersey, July 22, 1727, was converted soon after he arrived at manhood, and was ordained in the place of his nativity, in l?.-3 4-. His progenitors, on his father's side, were from France, on his mother's from England. His great- grand-father, Francis Gano, fled from Guernsey, in the time of a bloody persecution ; one of his neighbours had been martyred in the day, and in the evening he was .1 on as the victim for the next day ; information of winch he received in the dead of night, in this perilous ..ition he made all haste to escape the sanguinary storm ;!i hung over his head : he chartered a vessel, remov- ed hi^ family on board, and in the morning was out of sight of the harbour. On his arrival in America, he settled in New-Rochelle, a few miles above the city of New-York, where he lived to the age of a hundred and Biography of John Cant. 307 three. Of the number or names of the family of this re- ligious refugee, \ve know no more, than that lie had one son named Stephen, who married Ann Walton, by '\vhom he had many children, some of whom died young ; those who lived to marry, were Daniel, Francis, James, John, Lewis, Isaac, and three daughters, Sarah, Catha- rine, and Susannah ; the last of whom lived to the age of eighty-seven. Daniel married Sarah B:itton of Staten- Island, near the. city of New- York, by whom he had Daniel, Jane, Stephen, Susannah, John, Nathaniel, David, and Sarah. The two first were born on Staten-Island, the others at liopewell, in New-Jersey. Some of these died young ; but a number of them founded families, and their posterity is scattered in many parts of Amer- ica ; most of them, however, are in the middle and west- ern States. The subject of this memoir had the happi- ness of being born of parents eminent for piety, by whom he was early taught the necessity of religion, and a cor- rect view of the gospel system. His maternal grand- mother was about seventy-six years a pious member of a Baptist church ; she lived to the age of ninety-six. His mother was of the same persuasion, but his father was a Presbyterian. But every thing attending his making a religious profession among the Baptists, was conducted with prudence on his part, and with tenderness on that of his friends. He was at first much inclined to join the Pres- byterians, but having some scruples on the subject of in- fant baptism, he determined to give it a thorough inves- tigation. He not only read books, but had frequent con- versation with Presbyterian friends ; but the more he studied the Pedobaptist arguments, the less he was inclin- ed to believe them. The famous Mr. Tennant,* and some other Presbyterian ministers, were among the circle of his Pedobaptist friends. With Mr. Tennant he conversed of- ten and freely ; at the close of a lengthy discussion of the subject of baptism, that candid divine addressed him in the following manner : "Dear young inan, if the devil cannot destroy your soul, he will endeavour to destroy your comfort and usefulness ; and therefore do not be always doubting in this matter. If you cannot think as * It is not known by the writer whether William or Gilbert is the minister inlcnded, but '.t is probably il was the latter. 305 Biography of John Can. I do, think for yourself." After a suspense of some time, he became fully established in those principles, which he through life maintained with so much ability and moderation. Having resolved to be buried in bap- ti^n on a profession of his faith, he made his father ac- quainted with his design, who treated him with much indulgence and tenderness. He stated that what he did for him in his infancy, he then thought was right, and the discharge of an incumbent duty, but if he felt con- scientious in his present undertaking, he had his full and free consent. He moreover proposed that -when he should offer himself to the Baptist church, he would go with him and give his consent there, and answer any inquiries they might wish to make respecting his life, &c. and also that he would go and see him baptized. All these promises his catholick father fulfilled. Soon after Mr. Gano was joined to the Hopewell church, his mind was led to the ministry, but with many anxieties and fears. He was so much absorbed in his thoughts of the great work, that he was often lost to every other object. One morning after he began plough- ing in his field, this passage, Warn the people^ or their blood will I require at your hands, came with such weight upon his mind, that he drove on until 1 1 o'clock, utterly in- sensible of his employment. When he came to himself he found he was wet through with the rain, his horses were excessively fatigued, and the labour he had perform- ed was astonishingly great. After becoming satisfied that preaching would be his employment, he applied himself with much assiduity to studies preparatory for it, which he continued, with some interruptions however, for two or three years. Before he had been approbated to preach, he took a journey in- to Virginia, with Mcs.-.rs. Miller and Thomas, two emi- nent ^linist^rs of that day, who had been appointed by the Philadelphia Association to go and assist in settling some difficulties in two infant churches there, which had applied to them for help. Some account of this journey has been given in the first part of the history of the Bap- tists in Virginia. Before Mr. Gano had returned home, a report had reached Hopeweil, that he had got to preach- ing in Virginia ; and some of his brethren were tried Biography of John Gam. 309 with him, for engaging in the ministry without the ap- probation of the church. A meeting was called on his arrival, and he was arraigned as being guilty of disorder. He wished them to exhibit their proofs. They inform- ed him that they had none, only what travellers from Virginia had reported, but desired that he would give them a relation of the matter. He replied that it was the first time he had known the accused called on to give evidence against himself, but he was willing, notwith- standing, to give them an impartial relation of his con- duct, which he did. The church then asked him what he thought of his proceedings, and whether he did not think he had been disorderly. He replied again, that he considered this question more extraordinary than the other. He had not only given evidence in his own case which would operate against him, but he was now called upon to adjudge himself guilty. This is a specimen of that ingenuity and presence of mind, which shone so conspicuously through all the transactions of this saga- cious character. He at length informed the church that he did not mean to act disorderly, nor contrary to their wishes ; that his conscience acquitted him for what he had done ; that he had no disposition to xepent his hav- ing sounded the gospel to perishing souls in Virginia, whose importunities to hear it he could not resist ; that the case was extraordinary, and would not probably happen again ; if it should, he should probably do again as lie had already done. The church now appointed him a time to preach, which he did to their acceptance ; and after a thorough examination of his gifts and call, he was regularly set apart for the ministry. Soon after this, he went to reside at Morristown ; and calls for preaching pressed upon him so much, that his studies, in which he had considerably advanced, were in a great measure relinquished. At the next meeting of the Philadelphia Association, that body was again petitioned to appoint some one to travel to the south. . Messengers had also come on from Virginia, for the purpose of procuring a preacher to la- bour and administer ordinances among them. As no ordained minister could conveniently go, Mr. Gano was urged to accept ordination, and undertake the journey. 310 Biography of John Gam. He pleaded against it his youth and inexperience ; but the messengers from Virginia, and his brethren at home, united their importunities, and he engaged in the mission. He .was ordained in May 1754, and set out in a short time after. In this journey he went as far as Charleston, South-Carolina, and travelled extensively throughout the southern Stales. Some extracts from his journal will give the reader some view of the turn of the man, and of the manner in which he prosecuted his mission. His journal, which was printed in his life, has but few dates, but it will be understood that the following scenes trans- pired in the summer and autumn of 1754. In the back parts of Virginia, this zealous missionary, while conversing with some people where he lodged, in an affectionate manner,respecting their religious concerns, overheard one of the company say to another, " This man talks like one of the Jones's !" On inquiring who the Jones's were, he was informed that they were dis- tracted people, who did nothing but pray and talk about Jesus Christ ; and that they lived between twenty and thirty miles distant on his route. " I determined," said he, " to make it my next day's ride, and see my own like- ness" When he arrived at the house, he found there a plain obscure family, which had formerly lived in a very careless manner, but a number of them had lately been changed by grace, and were much engaged in de- votional exercises. As he entered the house, he saw the father of the family lying before the fire, groaning with rheumatick pains. He inquired how he did ? " O," said he, Ic I am in great distress." " I am glad of it," replied the stranger. The old gentleman, astonished at this singular reply, raised himself up, and inquired what he meant ? " Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth," answered Mr. Gano. From this they proceeded to religious con- versation, and he soon found this pious family, whom the world accounted mad, had been taught the words of truth and soberness. They asked him many questions, and were much pleased to find one, who was acquainted with the things they had experienced. From this place he proceeded on towards North-Car- olina, having a young man with him, who chose to bear Biography of John Gano. 311 him company on his way. " We arrived at a house just at dusk, the master of which gave us liberty to tarry. After we had conveyed our things into the house, he asked me if I was a trader ; which I answered in the af- firmative. He asked me if 1 found it to answer ; to which I answered, " Not so well as I could wish.*' He replied, " Probably the goods did not suit." I told him, " No one had complained of that." He said I held them too high. 1 answered, " Any one might have them be- low their own price." He said he would trade on these terms ; which, I said, I would cheerfully comply with. I then asked him, " If gold tried in the fire, yea, that which was better than the fine gold, wine and milk, durable riches and righteousness, without money and without price, would not suit him ?" " O," said he, " I believe you are a minister." I told him I was, and had a right to proclaim free grace wherever I went. This bid the foundation for the evening's conversation ; and I must acknowledge his kindness, though he was not very desir- ous of trading^ after he discovered who I was." Our itinerant continued southward until he arrived at Charleston ; and there, and in its vicinity, he preached to good acceptance. His account of his first sermon for Mr. Hart, in Charleston, is as follows : " When I arose to speak, the sight of so brilliant an audience, among whom were twelve ministers, and one of whom was Mr. Whitefield, for a moment, brought the fear of man up- on me ; but blessed be the Lord, I was soon relieved from this embarrassment ; the thought passed my mind, I had none to fear and obey, but the Lord." On his return from Charleston to the northward, he visited an island where he was informed there never had been but two sermons preached. The people soon col- lected together, and he preached to them from these words, Behold, the third time / am ready to come to you> and I -will not be burdensome to you. When he arrived at Tar River, in North-Carolina, he found a report had gone forth, that some of the princi- pal men in the county had agreed, that if he came with- in their reach, they would apprehend him as a spy ; for by his name he was judged to be a Frenchman, and this was in the time of the French war. Some of these people S12 fifography of John GUHJ. lived on the road he was to travel the next day. His friends urged him to take a different route ; but he re- plied that God had so far conducted him on his way in safety, and he should tru; ; t him for the future. When he got near the place where the principal men who had threatened him lived, he was advised to go through it as secretly as possible ; but that by no means accorded with his views : he replied, he should stop and refresh him- self in the place. He stopped at one of the most pubiick houses, and asked the landlord if he thought the people would come out to hear a sermon on a week day. He informed him he thought they would ; but observed, that on the next Monday, there was to be a general mus- ter for that county. He therefore concluded to defer the meeting till that time, and requested the landlord to in- form the Colonel of the regiment, (who, he had learnt, was one of those who had threatened him) of his name, &c. and desire of him the favour of preaching a short sermon before military duty. The landlord promised to comply with his request. " On Monday I had twenty miles to ride to the muster, and by 10 o'clock there was a numerous crowd of men and women ; they had erected a stage in the woods for me, and I preached from Paul's Christian armour. They all paid the most profound attention, except or.e man who behaved amiss. I spoke and told him, I was ashamed to see a soldier so awkward in duty, and wondered his officer could bear with him. The Colonel, as I afterwards understood, brought him to order. After service, I de- sired a person to inform the commander that I wanted to speak with him. He immediately came, and I told him, that although I professed loyalty to King George, and did not wish to infringe upon the laudable design of the day, yet, I thought, the King of kings ought to be served iirst ; and I presumed what I had said did not tend to make them worse soldiers, but berter Christians. lie complaisantly thanked me, and said, if I could wait, he would make the exercise as short as possible, and give an opportunity for another sermon, for which he should be much obliged to me. I told him I had an appoint- ment some miles off to preach the next day. Thus end- ed my chastisement, and the fears of my friends." Biography of John Gam. 3 1 3 " From hence I returned by the way of Ketockton, on Blue-Ridge, where the inhabitants are scattered. On my road, I observed a thunder-storm arising, and rode speedily for the first house. When I arrived, the man came running into the house, and seeing me, appeared much alarmed ; there beeing at that time great demands for men and horses for Braddock's army. He said to ifle, "Sir, are you a press-master?" I told him I was. " But," said he, " you do riot take married men ?" I told him surely I did ; and that the Master I wished him to serve, was good, his character unimpeachable, the wages great, and that it would be for the benefit of his wife and children, if he enlisted. He made many excuses, but I endeavoured to answer them, and begged him to turn out a volunteer in the service of Christ. This calmed his fears, and I left him, and proceeded on my way to Ketockton, where I spent some time, and baptized Mr. Hail." From Ketockton, Mr. Gano proceeded immediately homeward. Soon after his arrival, he was married to Sarah, daughter of John Stites, Esq, mayor of Elizabeth- Town, in New- Jersey, by whom he had many children, most of whom are yet living. Two sons and two daugh- ters are in Kentucky, one son is in Ohio, one daughter is at Hillsdale, New- York, and his second son Stephen is pastor of the church in Providence, Rhode-Island. Mrs. Gano was sister to Mrs. Manning, the wife of the Presi- dent, who is yet living at Providence. It was not long after Mr. Gano had returned from this journey, before he was again induced, by repeated solicitations, to set out on another, to the southward, in which he was gone about eight months, and was happy to find, in many places, the fruits of his labours in his former visits. Soon after he returned from this excur- sion, he was invited by an infant church in North-Caro- lina, which he had raised up in a place called the Jersey Settlement, to remove and become its pastor. Messen- gers came to Morristown, a distance of about eight hundred miles, for the purpose of soliciting that church to give him up. They at first refused, but afterwards concluded to leave the matter to his own choice. He vol.. 2. 4O 3 14" Biography of Juhn Gano. therefore concluded to go ; but at the same time inform- ed the Morristown church, it was not for want of at- tachment to them. The church in North-Carolina, he considered, was \\hoily destitute, and there was besides, a wide field for gospel labour. At the Jersey Settlement he continued about two years ; the church became large, and his labours were abundantly useful throughout a wide an-d destitute region. But a war breaking out v. It!i the Cherokee Indians, he was obliged to leave the country, and returned to New-Jersey. About this time the foundation for the first church in New- York was hid by Mr. Miller of Scotch Plains ; the church in Phila- delphia had also been lately deprived of its pastor, by the death of Mr. Jenkiiv Jones. Mr. Gano preached for some time alternately at both cities, but about the time the church in New- York was organized, he went to live among them, was chosen its pastor, and continued in that office about tw o years, excepting the time he was obliged to be absent on account of the war. Some account of his ministry here, and of the progress of the church while under his care, may be found in its history under the head of New-York. During most of the revolutionary war, Mr. Gano was a chaplain in the army ; and by his counsels and prayers, encouraged the American hosts in their strug- gles for freedom from the dominion of a foreign, oppres- sive yoke. On the return of peace, he returned to his pastoral station, and began to collect the church which had been scattered to many different places. Out of upwards of two hundred members, of which it consisted at the time of its dispersion, he collected at first but thirty-seven ; but his congregation soon became larLie, others of the o O *J * scattered flock came in, a revival commenced, which prevailed extensively, and at one communion season, near forty young persons were added to their number. In this prosperous manner this successful minister recom- menced his labours in New- York, and every thing ap- peared promising even to the time he projected his re- moval to Kentucky. This removal was as unexpected to the church, as it was surprising to his friends. His reasons for it are thus stated by himself: " One William Biography of Job n C S1.5 Wood, a Baptist minister, camo from Kentucky, and gave a very exalted character of the state of it. Ke made several encouraging proposals to me to go there, faid there was a prospect of usefulness in the ministry, the necessity of an old experienced minister to take caiv of a young church there, and {Littering temporal pn poets for the support of my family. For these reasons I concluded to remove. Besides, I was considerably in debt, and saw no way of being released, but by selling my house and lot. This I concluded would clear me, and enable me r.o purchase waggons and horses to carry me to Kentucky, i called a church- meet ing, and inform- ed them of my intention. They treated it as a chimera, and thought they could stop me by raising my sub.ry. They, with all possible coolness, left me to determine for myself. I immediately determined to go, and desir- ed them to look out for a supply. This aroused them, and they very affectionately urged me to tarry. 1 told them, if they had desired me to stay before 1 had put it out of my own power, I should then have given h up."* Having resolved on removing, he sold his estate, com- menced his journey, and on June J 7, 1 787, landed at Limestone, and immediately repaired to Washington, where he tarried a while ; he then went to Lexington, and finally settled near Frankfort, where he died in J804, in the 78th year of his age. The labours of this aged min- ister were owned of God for good in Kentucky ; but there is reason to believe, that neiiher his usefulness worldly comforts were so great as he expected. : changes were frequent, and some of them peculiarly trying. The encouraging proposals made by Mr. Wood, appear not to have been released. Kis wife was first made a cripple by a fall from a horse, and soon after moved from him by death. By most of the Kentucky brethren he was honoured and esteemed, and by all of them his death \vas much lamented. In 1795, he made a visit to North-Carolina, where he married, for his sec- ond wife, the widow of Capt. Thomas Bryant, and daugh- ter of Col. Jonathan Hunt, formerly of Nc\v- Jersey, one * This \vi-!i thL- ;uvci:diii c-:-:t.v;".cU, is made from C of 1JO ;:f*. 316 Biography of John Gano. of his old neighbours and unchanging friends. In her he found an amiable help-meet for his declining years. She had been baptized by his son Stephen, three years before, that is, in 1790, when they visited North-Carolina together. She still survives him, and resides at his late dwelling, near Frankfort, Kentucky. While he was waiting for this new companion to arrange her affairs for a removal, he/visited Charleston, South-Carolina, and also as far northward as his son Stephen's, in Providence. Mr. Gano, though now somewhat impaired by age, was still actively engaged in his Master's service ; but in 1798, he had the misfortune to fall from a horse, and fractured his shoulder-blade, which deprived him of the use of one of his arms for some time. As he was recover- ing from this affliction, he was very suddenly seized in his bed, with a paralytick shock, which rendered him almost speechless for nearly a year. From this shock he never fully recovered ; but his speech was restored, and he had the use of his limbs so far, that he was able to be carri- ed out to meetings, and preached frequently, especially in the time of the great revival, in an astonishing man- ner. While the Arian affair, mentioned in the history of the Elkhorn Association, was agitating the minds of many of the Kentucky brethren, this able advocate for gospel truth was carried to Lexington, asted into the pulpit, where he preached a masterly discourse in defence of the proper Deity of the Saviour, which was thought to have had a considerable influence-in checking the prev- alence of that erroneous system, which many were pre- viously inclined to embrace. We shall now take a review of the history of this dis- tinguished man, and exhibit some of those peculiar traits in his character, which qualified him for such abundant usefulness, and rendered him so famous amongst the American Baptists. Mr. Gano was peculiarly qualified for an itinerant preacher. Ke possessed, to a singular degree, the wisdom of the serpent, with the harmlessness of the dove. He had a sagacity and quickness of percep- tion, which but few men possess ; he had also a happy facility in improving every passing occurrence to some useful purpose. He could abash and confound the op- poser, without exciting his resentment j and administer Biography of John Gano. 317 reproof and instruction where others would be embar- rassed or silent. His memory was retentive ; his judg- ment was good ; his wit was sprightly, and always aC command ; his zeal was ardent, but well regulated ; his courage undaunted ; his knowledge of men was ex- tensive : and to all these accomplishments were added a heart glowing with love to God and men, and a charac- ter fair and unimpeachable. It is said that Hervey's servant declared his master could make a sermon out of a pair of tongs ; and prob- ably not much inferior to his, were the inventive powers of Mr. Gano. He did not, however, descend to the ab- surd custom adopted by some, of choosing adverbs and prepositions for his texts ; but he had a happy talent of selecting passages of Scripture descriptive of peculiar cir- cumstances and passing events. We have a specimen of this in his preaching on the island in South-Carolina. His friends relate many instances of the same kind, a few only of which we shall notice. In one of his journies at the southward, he travelled in company with a young preacher, who has since become an eminent character in that region. They took different routes in the day, but were to meet in the evening, and Mr. Gano was to preach. The meeting was at a private house, and he did not arrive at the place until late. The young man with reluctance began the meeting, and was in prayer when he came in. He entered the assembly without being dis- covered, and took his place among the hearers ; and just as it was time to commence the sermon, he arose and said with emphasis, I am come ! Then with a common tone, / am come, that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly r , John x. 1C, and immediately proceed- ed on in his discourse. In going down the Ohio river, on his removal to Ken- tucky, he arid his companions met with much trouble on their passage j one of his boats was overset, and some valuable things were lost. Soon after they landed in Kentucky, he preached from these words, So they all got safe to land. While in the army, he was informed by the General on Saturday that they should march the next Monday, but was requested not to mention the matter until after sermon the next day. This circumstance suggested te Biography if John Gems. his- mind these words, Being ready to depart on the rm from which he preached, and as soon as he had done, the orders were given. The funeral of Gen. M'DougaL a famous character in New-York, was appointed on a Lord's-day at so early an hour, that there was but little time for the afternoon service. The people generally, out of respect to their illustrious citizen, were preparing to attend his funeral. Some congregations did not meet, but Mr. Gano's did ; and he addressed them hastily from these words, Breth- ren^ the time u j/. ;;-/. Having respect to the General's death, lie from this short passage, preached a short but well-adapted discourse, and dismissed the assembly soon enough to join the procession. He had an art peculiar to himself of accommodating such passages to particular events. His inventive powers were adequate to forming profitable discourses from almost any passage of Scripture at the shortest notice, and through the whole of his ministry, he frequently indulged this inimitable faculty. The first sermon he preached after his son Stephen visited him in Kentucky, was from these words, / am glad of the coming of Ste- pha?ias^ &c. Mr. Gano was personally known almost throughout the United States ; and a multitude of anecdotes are told respecting him, a few only of which we shall be able to record. In one of his jou rules at the southward, he called at a house and asked for some corn for his horse, which the landlord ordered his little son to carry. He then in- quired if he was not a minister, and being answered in the affirmative, replied, " I have a child 1 want to get baptized ; I have been waiting a long time for a prie;>t to come along, and shall now wish to have it done." Mr. Gano gave him to understand that any service he could afford him, should be cheerfully granted. The boy stood staring at the priest, and neglected his errand. Mr. Gano mentioned about his horse again. " You son of a b h," said the father, " why don't you feed that horse, as I told you." The boy then did as he was bid, and his father began again to talk about his child. " What," said Mr. Gano, *' do you mean to call it ? That boy, Biography of John Gant. $ I <> I perceive, is named, Son of a b h" After this singular rebuke, nothing more was said about the christening of the child. After preaching once in Virginia, in a place notoriously wicked, two young fellows, supposing he had levelled his censures against them, came up and dared him to light. " That is not the way," said he, " that I defend my sentiments ; but if you choose it, I will fight you, eith- er both at once, or one after the other ; but as I have to preach again very soon, I shall wish to put it off till after the meeting ;" to which they agreed. As soon as the meeting was closed, he called the presumptuous youths forward, and told them he was now ready to light them. The eyes of all were fastened upon them ; yet notwith- standing, they had the hardihood to present themselves for the combat. " If," said he, " I must fight you, I shall choose to do it in some more retired place, and not be- fore all these people." With that he walked off, and bid the young men follow him. He then commenced tiic attack in the following manner : " Young gentle- men, you ought to be ashamed of your conduct. What reason have you to suppose that I had a particular refer- ence to you ? I am an entire stranger here, and know not the names nor characters of any. You have proved by your conduct, that you are guilty of the vices I have cen- sured ; and if you feel so much disturbed at my reproofs, how will you stand before the bar of God ?" "I beg your pardon," said one ; " I beg your pardon,'* said the other ; " I am sorry." " If you arc beat, gentlemen, we will go back ;" and thus ended the battle. While in the army, Mr. Gano had frequent opportu- nities of administering reproof in his skilful and forcible manner. One morning, as he was going to pray with the regiment, he passed by a group of officers, one of whom, (who had his back towards him) was uttering his. profane expressions in a most rapid manner. The ofli- cers, one after another, gave him the usual salutation, " Good morning, Doctor,"* said the swearing Lieuten- ant. " Good morning, Sir," replied the chaplain ; " you pray early this morning." " 1 beg your pardon, Sir." " 0, 1 cannot pardon you ; carry your case to your God." * The ofiicsTs generally c^'iplim vnto>1 Mr. Gano wi'.h th>- 320 Biography of John Gano. One day he was standing near some soldiers who \verc disputing whose turn it was to cut some wood for the fire. One profanely said he would be d d if he would cut it. But he was soon after convinced that the task belonged to him, and took up the axe to perform it. Before he commenced, Mr. Gano stepped up to him, and said, " Give me the axe." " O no," replied the soldier, " the chaplain shan't cut wood." " Yes," said he, " I must." " But why ?" said the soldier. " The reason is, I just heard you say that you would be d d if you would cut it ; and I had rather take the labour off your hands, than that you should be made miserable forever." While this singular man resided in New- York, he was introduced to a young lady, as the only daughter of Es- quire W . " Ah," replied he, " and I can tell a good match for her, and he is an only Son." The young lady understood his meaning : she was, not long after, united to this Son, and has, for about forty years, been an ornament to his cause, In one of his journies, he was informed that there had been a revival of religion in a certain place, which lay on his route. He arrived there in the night, and called at a house, of which he had no previous knowledge. A wo- man came to the door, whom he addressed as follows : " I have understood, madam, that my Father has some children in this place ; I wish to inquire where they live, that I may find lodgings to-night." " I hope," replied the woman, " I am one of your Father's children ; come in, dear Sir, and lodge here." The following summary view of the character of our venerable Sire, was drawn in consequence of a particular request, by Dr. Richard Furman, of Charleston, South- Carolina, who was personally acquainted with him in different stages of his life. " The late Rev. John Gano will be long remembered with affection and respect in the United States of Ameri- ca. Here was his character formed ; and here, as on a conspicuous theatre, were the actions of his amiable, pious and useful life exhibited. 44 He was, in person, below the middle stature; and when young, of a slender form ; but of a firm, vigorous constitution, well fitted for performing active services Biography of John Gano. 321 with ease, and for suffering labours and privations with constancy. In the more advanced stages of life his body tended to corpulency ; but not to such a degree as to burden or^render him inactive. His presence was manly, open, and engaging. His voice strong and commanding, yet agreeable, and capable of all those inflections, which are suited to express either the strong or tender emo- tions of an intelligent, feeling mind. In mental endow- ments and acquired abilities he appeared highly respecta- ble : with clear conception and penetrating discernment, he formed, readily, a correct judgment of men and things. His acquaintance with the learned languages and science, did not commence till he arrived at man- hood, and was obtained chiefly by private instruction, but under the direction of a clerical gentleman, well qualified for the office. To the refinements of learning he did not aspire ; his chief object was such a competent acquaintance with its principles, as would enable him to apply them with advantage to purposes of general use- fulness in religion, and to the most important interests of society ; and to this he attained. " His mind was formed for social intercourse, and for friendship. Such was his unaffected humility, candour, and good will to men, that few, if any, have enjoyed more satisfaction in the company of his friends, or have, in return, afforded them, by their conversation, a higher- degree of pleasure and moral improvement. " His passions were strong, and his sensibility could be easily excited ; but so chastened and regulated were they by the meekness of wisdom, that he preserved great com- posure of spirit, and command of his words and actions, even in times of trial and provocation, when many, who yet might justly rank with the wise and good, would be thrown into a state of perturbation, and hurried into extravagance. " As a minister of Christ, he shone like a star of the first magnitude in the American churches, and moved in a widely extended field of action. For this office God had endowed him with a large portion of grace, and with excellent gifts. " He believed, and therefore spake" Having discerned the excellence of gospel truths, and the importance of eternal realities, he felt their power VOL. 2. 41 Biography of John Gant. on his own soul, and accordingly he inculcated and urged them on the minds of his hearers with persuasive elo- quence and force. He was not deficient in doctrinal dis- cussion, or what rhetoricians style the demonstrative character of a discourse ; but he excelled in the pathet- ic, in pungent, forcible addresses to the heart and con- science. The careless and irreverent were suddenly ar- rested, and stood awed before him ; and the insensible were made to feel, while he asserted and maintained the honour of his God, explained the meaning of the divine law, shewing its purity and justice ; exposed the sinner's guilt ; proved him to be miserable, ruined, and inexcus- able, and called him to unfeigned, immediate repentance. But he was not less a son of consolation to the mourn- ing sinner, who lamented his offences committed against God, who felt the plague of a corrupt heart, and longed for salvation ; nor did he fail to speak a word of direc- tion, support and comfort, in due season, to the tried, tempted believer. He knew how to publish the glad tidings of salvation in the Redeemer's name, for the con- solation of all who believed in him, or had discovered their need of his mediation and grace ; and to him this was a delightful employment. Success attended his min- istrations, and many owned him for their father in the gospel. ^ The doctrines he embraced were those which are contained in the Baptist Confession of Faith, and are commonly styled Calvinistick. But he was of a liberal mind, and esteemed pious men of every denomination. While he maintained with consistent firmness, the doc- trines which he believed to be the truths of God, he was modest in the judgment which he formed of his own opinion, and careful to avoid giving offence, or grieving any good man, who differed from him in sentiment. Hence, he was cordially esteemed and honoured by the wise and good of all denominations.* * An honourable testimony was borne to his ministerial abilities and service, by a respectable clergyman of the Episcopal church, who had made extensive observations on publics, characters. After going to hear him, perhaps at dif- ferent times, while he was employed in the regular course of service in his own church, in the city of New-York, this clergyman noted in his journal, "that he thought Mr. Gano possessed the best pulpit talents of any man he had ever heard." This anecdote was received from the Rev. Dr. Bowen, of -York, whose father was the clergyman referred to. Dr. Wurman's Letter. Biography cf Oliver Hart. .'523 " His attachment to his country as a citizen, was unshak- en, in the times which tried men's souls ; and as a chap- lain in the army, for a term of years, while excluded from his church and home, he rendered it essential ser- vice. Preserving his moral dignity with the purity which becomes a gospel minister, he commanded respect from the officers ; and by his condescension and kindness, won the affections of the soldiers, inspiring them by his exam- ple, with his own courage and firmness, while toiling with them through military scenes of hardship and danger. " He lived to a good old age ; served his generation ac- cording to the will of God ; saw his posterity multiplying around him ; his country independent, free and happy $ the church of Christ, for which he felt and laboured, advancing ; and thus he closed his eyes in peace ; his heart expanding with the sublime hope of immortality and heavenly bliss. " Like John, the harbinger of our Redeemer, fi he was a burning and a shining light, and many rejoiced in his light." Resembling the sun, he arose in the church with morning brightness, advanced regularly to his sta- tion of meridian splendour, and then gently declined with mild effulgence, till he disappeared, without a cloud to intercept his rays, or obscure his glory." f The following biographical sketches cf that excellent man -\vlio is the subject of them, have been selected from two funeral sermons, -which were preach- ed soon after his decease ; the one by Dr. Richard Furman, his successor in the pastoral care of the Ekptist church, in Charleston (S. C.) and the other by Dr. William Rogers, of Philadelphia, Some assistance in the compilation has been derived from the History of the Charleston Association by Mr. Wood Furman.] OLIVER HART, A. M. was born of reputable parents, in Warminster township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1723. His attention to religion, and conversion to God, were at an early period of his life ; for he made a publick profession of religion at Southampton, Penn- sylvania, and was -received a member of the church in that place in 1741, in the 18th year of his age ; having been previously baptized by the Rev. Mr. Jenkin Jones. At that time, the power of religion was greatly display- ed in various parts of this continent, under the minis- 324 Biography of Oliver Hart. try of those eminent servants of Christ, Rev. George Whiteiiekl, of the Episcopal church, the Tennants, EcU wa.'ls, and their associates of the Presbyterian and Con- gregational churches ; and of the Rev. Abel Morgan, and others of the Baptist church. Several of these, Mr. Hart, at this time, used to hear ; and has since professed to have received much benefit from their preaching, particularly from Mr. Whitefield's. Five years after making his publick profession of religion, on the 2Oth of December, 1746, he was licen- sed to preach, by the church with which he first united ; and on the 18th of October, 1749, was ordained to the great work of the gospel ministry. The call for ministers in the southern States being- great at that time, and the church at Charleston (S. C.) being destitute, he was induced, immediately after his ordination, to set out for that city, where he arrived early in December, on the very day the famous Mr. Chanler, pastor of the church at Ashley River, then the only ordained minister of the Baptist denomination in that part of the country, and who had preached part of his time for the church in Charleston, as a supply, was buried. The Charleston church, in her destitute situa- tion, had made applications, both to Europe and the northern States, for a suitable minister ; and one who had been described as such was actually expected : but the unexpected coming of Mr. Hart was considered as directed by a special providence ; and so great was the satisfaction of the church, on hearing him, that he was immediately invited to take the pastoral charge of them ; with which he was accordingly invested on the 1 6th of February following. For thirty years from this period, he executed the office of pastor of that church, as a faithful, evangelick minister of Christ, passing through a variety of scenes both of joy and depression ; but exhibiting, at all times, an uprightness and dignity, both of temper and conduct, becoming his religious and sacred character. His life was exemplary, and his usefulness conspicuous. But on the approach of the British fleet and army, to which Charleston was surrendered in 1780, being justly appre- hensive of the consequences which resulted from the Biography of Oliver Hart. 325 siege, and desiring to preserve his political liberty, with which lie found his religious intimately connected, he re- tired to the northern States. There the attention of the Baptist church at Hopewell, in the State of New-Jer- sey, was soon attracted towards him, and in consequence of a pressing invitation from them, he became their pas- tor on the 16th of December the same year, and served them in that capacity, the last fifteen years of his valua^ ble life. For some years towards the latter part of his life, the infirmities of age, and several severe attacks of different diseases, had greatly reduced his bodily strength, and disqualified him for the constant performance of publick duties ; and on the 31st of December, 1795, in the 73d year of his age, he surrendered his soul into the hands of his God and Redeemer. " To those of you, my dear hearers, (says Dr. Furman in his funeral sermon) who enjoyed the honour and happi- ness of an acquaintance with the venerable deceased, an account of his character is unnecesary ; it shone conspic- uously in your view. But to the younger part of my audience, and to those friends who have come lately among us, it may afford useful information. "In his person he was somewhat tall, well propor- tioned, and of a graceful appearance ; of an active, vigorous constitution, before it had been impaired by close application to his studies, and by his abundant la- bours ; his countenance was open and manly ; his voice clear, harmonious and commanding ; the powers of his mind were strong and capacious, and enriched by a fund of useful knowledge ; his taste was elegant and refined. Though he had not enjoyed the advantages of a collegi- ate education, nor indeed much assistance from any per- sonal instruction, such was his application, that by pri- vate study he obtained a considerable acquaintance with classical learning, and explored the fields of science ; so that in the year 1709, the college of Rhode-Island, in honour to his literary merit, conferred on him the degree of master in the liberal arts. " But as a Christian and Divine, his character was most conspicuous ; no person who heard his pious, experi- mental discourses, or his affectionate, fervent addresse-s 326 Biography of Oliver Hart. to God in prayer ; who beheld the zeal and constancy he manifested in the publick exercises of religion, or the disinterestedness, humility, benevolence, charity, devo- tion, and equanimity of temper he discovered on all oc- casions in the private walks of life, could for a moment doubt of his being not only truly, but eminently religious. He possessed in a large measure the moral and social vir- tues, and had a mind formed for friendship. In all his relative connexions, as husband, father, brother, master, he acted with the greatest propriety, and was endeared to those who were connected with him in the tender ties. "From a part of his diary now in my possession, it appears that he took more than ordinary pains to walk humbly and faithfully with God ; to live under impres- sions of the love of Christ ; to walk in the light of the divine presence ; and to improve all his time and oppor- tunities to the noblest purposes of religion and virtue. " In his religious principles, he was a fixed Calvinist, and a consistent, liberal Baptist. The doctrines of free, efficacious grace, were precious to him ; Christ Jesus, and him crucified, in the perfection of his righteousness, the merit of his death, the prevalence of his intercession, and efficacy of his grace, was the foundation of his hope, the source of Ms joy, and the delightful theme of his preaching. " His sermons were peculiarly serious, containing a happy assemblage of doctrinal and practical truths, set in an engaging light, and enforced with convincing ar- guments. For the discussion of doctrinal truths, he was more especially eminent, to which also he was prepared, by an intimate acquaintance with the sacred Scriptures, and an extensive reading of the most valuable, both of ancient and modern authors. His eloquence, at least in the middle stages of life, was not of the most popular- kind, but perspicuous, manly, and flowing ; such as af- forded pleasure to persons of true taste, and edification to the serious hearer. " With these various qualifications for usefulness, he possessed an ardent desire to be as useful as possible ; which cannot be better represented than in his own words, as recorded in the diary before referred to, and which comprehends a part of his life, when the power Biography of Oliver Hart. 32? of divine grace was eminently displayed in this church. The article here selected was written just before that work of grace began, and exemplifies in him the pious Christian, as well as the faithful Divine. " Monday, Aug. 5, 1754. I do this morning feel my- self oppressed under a sense of my barrenness. Alas I what do I for God ? I am, indeed, employed in his vine- yard ; but I fear to little purpose. I feel the want of the life and power of religion in my own heart : this causes such a languor in all my duties to God this makes me so poor an improver of time. Alas ! I am frequently on my bed, to my shame, when I ought to be on my knees. Sometimes the sun appears in the horizon, and begins his daily course, before I have paid my tribute of praise to God ; and, perhaps, while I am indulging myself in inactive slumbers. Oh, wretched stupidity ! Oh, that, for time to come, I may become more active for God ! I would this morning resolve, before thee, O God, and in thy name and strength, to devote myself more unre- servedly to thy service than I have hitherto done : I would resolve to be a better improver of my time, than I have hertofore been ; to rise earlier in the morning ; to be sooner with thee in secret devotion ; and oh, that I may be more devout therein ! I would be more en- gaged in my studies, Grant, O Lord, that I may im- prove more by them ! And when I go abroad, enable me better to improve my visits, that I may always leave a savour of divine things behind me. When I go to thy house to speak for thee, may I always go full fraught with things divine, and be enabled faithfully and feeling- ly to dispense the word of life. I would begin and end every day with thee. Teach me to study thy glory in all I do. And wilt thou be with me also in the night watches. Teach me to meditate of thee on my bed. May my sleep be sanctified to me, that I may thereby be fitted to thy service, nor ever desire more than an- swers to this important end. Thus teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom." " These virtuous resolutions and pious breathings of soul, were seconiled by becoming exertions, both of a pub- lick and private nature, in his own congregation ; and by correspondent labours in churches abroad ; nor were 328 li'ugraphy of Oliver Hart. they without success. Many owned him as their father in the gospel ; among these are two distinguished and useful ministers, who survive him, and shine as diffusive lights in the church.* These were not only awakened under his preaching, but introduced also by him into a course of study, for the ministry. " The formation of a society in this city, to assist pious young men in obtaining education for the publick services of the church, and which has been of use to several, originated with him ; and he was a prime mover in that plan for the association of churches, by which so many of our churches are very happily united at the present day. To him also, in conjunction with his beloved and amiable friends, now I trust with God, Rev. Francis Pe- lot, and Mr. David Williams, is that valuable work of pubiick utility, the System of Church Discipline, to be as- cribed. His printed sermons have contributed to the general interest of religion, and his extensive regular correspondence, has been the means of conveying ration- al pleasure and religious improvement to many. " To all which may be added, his usefulness as a citi- zen of America. Prompt in his judgment, ardent in his love of liberty, and rationally jealous for the rights of his country ; he took an early and decided part in those measures, which led our patriots to successful opposition against the encroachments of arbitrary power ; and brought us to possess all the blessings of our happy inde- pendence. Yet he did not mix politicks with the gospel, nor desert the duties of his station to pursue them ; but attending to each in its proper place, he gave weight to his political sentiments, by the propriety and uprightness of his conduct ; and the influence of it was felt by many. " But this amiable and excellent man has now finish- ed his course, and is gone to render an account of his stewardship to his Lord and Master, to whom he knew he was accountable for his various gifts and graces, and whom to serve and honour was his delightful employ. On such an occasion we are ready to exclaim with Eii- sha, when he beheld the ascending prophet, " My father ! * Rev. Ur. Stillman, ot' Boston, whose praise is in all the churches; and Kev. Mr. Botsiurd, among; ourselves. To these may be addevl a third, Mr. Iv.v;u. who succeeds Mr. Ilart, as pastor of the chui-ch at Hope -.veil, April 8th, 179tj. Biography of Oliver Hart. 329 sny father ! the chariot of Israel and the horsemen there- of !" Our beloved friend is removed from the world j and all those among whom he once went preaching the gospel of Christy shall, in the flesh, see his face no more. May Heaven support his pious, weeping widow, so greatly bereaved ; and may indulgent Provi- dence and grace provide for the youth who is left as the son of his old age !" The following account of Mr. Hart's last illness and death is found in a note in Dr. Rogers's funeral sermon. "For many months previous to his death, he repeat- edly said, that he viewed himself as a dying man. A few days after he was taken with his last illness, and while he was able to walk about the room, he called for his Will, gave it to a friend, and desired him to get his re- mains conveyed to Southampton, the family burying- place. It was with such difficulty at this time that he drew his breath, and the agony he was in, was so great, that he said, he should not think it strange if he should go into convulsions. The struggle for breath broke a vessel, and he spat a quantity of blood ; yet not a mur- mur or undue complaint ! He would frequently lift up his hands and say, " Poor mortal man !" A friend once replied, " This mortal shall put on immortality" he an- swered, " Yes ! yes !" He would often say, " I want, I want !" Being asked what he wanted ? " I want the will of the Lord to be done !" The Rev. Mr. Van Hornc called to see him ; he asked him if he felt comfortable ; he replied, " God is an all-sufficient Saviour !" " A person, who at one time was sitting by, and ob- serving his great bodily distress, said, " How happy for Mr. Hart, that he has but one work to do !" Dying was meant. He immediately replied, " Christ is the end of the lav/ for righteousness to every one that believeth !'* DJC. '20. He called for all around him, to help him. praise thz Lord for what he had done for his soul. Being told he would soon join the company of saints and angels, he replied, " Enough, enough 1" Dec. 30. His cough and spitting of blood increased, and every breath was accompanied with a groan. When, he dred, he just put his head a little back, closed his eyes is if he were going into a sleep, and expired !" VOL. 2. 42 33O' Biography of Samuel Harris. Mr. Hart was twice married ; his first wife was Miss Sarah Brecs, by whom he had eight children, all of whom were dead, except two, in 1790, and the^e members of the church in Charleston (S. C.) His second wife was Mrs. Anne Grimball, relict of Mr. Charles Grimball of South-Carolina, by whom he had two n>ns ; the first died young; the other, who e name is William Rogers,* is living in South-Carolina. Several sermons and other compositions of Mr. Mart's have appeared in print, viz. Dancing Exploded ; A Fu- neral Discourse, occasioned by the death of the Rev. William Termant ; The Christian Temple ; A Circular Letter on Christ's Mediatorial Character ; America's Remembrancer ; and A Gospel Church pourtrayed. Be- sides these, he has left in manuscript many valuable dis- courses on publick and common occabions, exclusive of other writings. For a time during his ministry in Charleston, Mr. Hart suffered a ('i-tressing trial, in consequence of an at- tempt to supplant him in the pastoral ollice, and place in his room Mr. Bedgegood, who was then his assistant, and possessed popular talents, though not free from blemishes of character. His conscientious opposition was by some attributed to envy ; and on the failure of the plan, several of the wealthier members withdrew. Mr. Hart was zealous and active in the cause of American independence. In 177-3 he was appointed by the Council of Safety, which then exercised the Ex- ecutive authority in South-Carolina, to travel in con- junction with Hon. William H. Drayton and Rev. Wil- liam Tennant, into the Interior of the State, and concil- iate the inhabitants to the measures of Congress, by re- moving '.heir prejudices, and giving them a just view of thtir political interests. It was believed that the influ- ence of Ivlr. Hart, exerted on this occasion, was the means of preventing bloodshed, when the tories first embodied. SAMUEL HARRIS. By reverting to the biography of Mr. Marshall, the reader via find that in one of his evan- gelical journies, he had the singular happiness to baptize * Named after Dr. Rogers, of Philadelphia. Biography of Samuel Harris. 331 Mr. Sr.muel, commonly called Colonel Harris. Mr. Harris was born in Hanover county, Virginia, Jan. 1'2, 1724. Few men could boast of more respectable parentage. His education, though not the most liberal, was very considerable for the customs of that day. When young, he moved to the county of Pittsylvania ; and as he ad- vanced in age, became a favourite with the people as well as with the rulers. He was appointed Church Warden, Sheriff, a Justice of the Peace, Burgess for the .county, Colonel of the Militia, Captain of Mayo Fort and Com- missary for the fort and army. All these things, how- ever, he counted but dross, that he might win Christ Jesus, and become a minister of his word among the Baptists ; a sect at that time everywhere spoken against. His conversion was effected in the following way : lie first became serious and melancholy without knowing why. By reading and conversation he discovered that he was a helpless sinner, and that a sense of his guilt was the true cause of his gloom of mind. Pressed with this conviction, he ventured to attend Baptist preaching. On one of his routes to visit the forts in his ofiicial charac- ter, he called at a small house, where, he understood, there was to be Baptist preaching. The preachers were Joseph and William Murphy, at that time commonly calle'd Murphy's boys. Being equipped in his military dress, he was not willing to appear in a conspicuous place. God, nevertheless, found him out by his Spirit. His convictions now sunk so deep, that he was no longer able to conceal them. He left his sword and other parts of his equipments, some in one place and some in another. The arrows of the Almighty stuck fast in him, nor could he shake them off until some time after. At a meeting, when the congregation rose from prayer, Col. Harris was observed slid on his knees, with his head and hands hanging over the bench. Some of the people went to his relief, and found him senseless. When he came to himself, he smiled ; and in an ecstasy of joy, exclaimed, Glory ! glory 1 glory ! &c. Soon after this he was bap- tized by Rev. Daniel Marshall, as mentioned above. This probably took place sometime in the year 17.58. He did not confer with flesh and blood, but immediately began his ininisierial labours j which afterwards proved 332 Biography of Samuel Harris. so effectual as to acquire him the name of the Virginia Apostle. In 1 759 he was ordained a ruling elder. His labours were chiefly confined, for the first six or seven years, to the adjacent counties of Virginia and North-Carolina \ never having pa=t to the north of James River until the year J765. During the first years of his ministry, he often travelled with Mr. Marshall ; and must have caught much of his spirit, for there is obviously a con- siderable resemblance in their manners. January, 1765, Allen Wyley travelled out to Pittsylvania, to seek for a preacher. He had been previously baptized by some regular Baptist minister in Fauquier ; but not being able to procure preachers to attend in his own neighbourhood, and hearing of New-lights, (as they were called in North- Carolina) he set out by himself, scarcely knowing whither he was going. God directed his way, and brought him into the neighbourhood of Mr. Harris, on a meeting day. He went to the meeting, and was immediately noticed by Mr. Harris, and asked whence he came ? He replied that he was seeking a gospel minister ; and God having directed his course to him, that he was the man, and that he wished him to go with him to Culpcpper. Mr. Har- ris agreed to go, like Peter, nothing doubting but it was a call from God. This visit was abundantly blessed for the enlargement of the Redeemer's cause. Soon after he had returned, three messengers came from Spottsyl- vania to obtain Mr. Harris's services. He departed in- to Ncrth-Carolina to seek James Read, who was ordain- ed to the ministry. Their labours were so highly fa- voured, that from that time Mr. Harris became almost a constant traveller. Not confining himself to narrow limits, but led on from place to place, wherever he could see an opening to do good, there he would hoist the flag of peace. There was scarcely any place in Virginia, in which he did not sow the gospel seed. It was not until J769, that this eminently useful man was ordained to the administration of ordinances. Why he was not or- dained at an earlier period, is not certainly known j some say, that he did not wish it ; others, that his opin- ions respecting the support of ministers were objected Biography of Samuel Harris. 333 to by the leading elders. After his ordination, he bap- tized as well as preached. In every point of view, Mr. Harris might be consider- ed as one of the most excellent of men. Being in easy circumstances when he became religious, he devoted not only himself but almost all his property to religious ob- jects. He had begun a large new dwelling-house, suita- ble to his former dignity, which, as soon as it was en- closed, he appropriated to the use of publick worship, con- tinuing to live in the old one. After maintaining his family in a very frugal manner, he distributed his surplus income to charitable purposes. During the war, when it was extremely difficult to pro- cure salt, he kept two waggons running to Petersburg, to bring up salt for his neighbours. His manners were of the most winning sort, having a singular talent at touching the feelings. He scarcely ever went into a house, without exhorting and praying for those he met there. As a doctrinal preacher, his talents were rather below mediocrity, unless at those times when he was highly favoured from above ; then he would sometimes display considerable ingenuity. His excellency lay chiefly in ad- dressing the heart, and perhaps even Whitefieid did not surpass him in this. When animated himself, he seldom failed to animate his auditory. Some have described him, when exhorting at great meetings, as pouring forth streams of celestial lightning from his eyes, which, whithersoever he turned his face, would strike down hundreds at once. Hence he is often called Boanergef. So much was Mr. Harris governed by his feelings, that if he began to preach and did not feel some liberty of utterance, he would tell his audience he could not preach without the Lord, and then sit down. Not long before the commencement of the great revival in Virginia, Mr. H. had a paralytick shock, from which he never entirely recovered. Yet this did not deter him from his diligent usefulness. If he could not go as far, he was still not idle within that sphere allowed him by his infirmities*. At all Associations and general committees, where he was delegated, he was almost invariably made moderator. 334 Biography of Sjwuel ILirris. This cilice, like every thing else, he discharged with some degree of singularity, yet to general satisfaction. For some short time previous to his death, his senses were considerably palsied ; so that we are deprived of such pious remarks, as would probably have fallen from this extraordinary servant of God in his last hours. He was somewhat over seventy years of age when he died. The remarkable anecdotes told of Mr. H. are so nume- rous, that they would fill a volume of themselves, if they were collected. A part of them only we shall record. Mr. H. like Mr. Marshall, possessed a soul incapable of being dismayed by any difficulties. To obtain his own consent to undertake a laudable entcrprize, it was suffi- cient for him to know that it was possible. His faith was sufficient to throvv mountains into the sea, if they stood in the way. He seems also never to have been appalled by the fear or shame of man, but could confront the stoutest sons of pride, and boldly urge the humble doc- trines of the cross. Like the brave soldier, if beaten back at the first onset, he was still ready for a further assault ; so that he often conquered opposers, that to others appeared completely hopeless. With this spirit he commenced his caiecr. Early after he eir.b; \iced religion, his mind was impress- ed with a desire to preach to the officers and soldiers of the fort. An opportunity offered in Fort Mayo, and Mr. Harris began his harangue, urging most vehemently the necessity of the new birth. In the course of his harangue, an officer interrupted him, saying, " Colonel, you have sucke*.! much eloquence from the rum-cask to-day ; pray give us a little, that we may declaim as well, when it comes to our turn." Harris replied, " I am r.:;t drunk j" and resumed his discourse. He had not gone far, before he was accosted by another, in a serious manner, who, looking in his face, said, " Sam, you say you are not drunk ; pray are you not mad then ? What the d 1 ails you r" CoL Harris replied in the words of Paul, " I am not mad, mo ; ;t noble gentleman." He continued speak- ing publickiy and privately, until one of the gentlemen received such impressions as were never afterwards bha* ken ofi , but he afterwards became a pious Christian. . Biography of Samuel Harris. 335 Soon after this, Mr. Harris found a sad alteration as to his religious enjoyment. He prayed God to restore the light of his countenance, and renew communion with him ; but his petition was deferred. He then went in- to the woods, and sought for the happiness he had lost ; thinking that, pcradventure, God would answer his prayer there, though not in the fort, where so much wickedness abounded ; but no answer came. Then he began to inquire into the cause why God dealt so with him. The first that offered was his lucrative offices ; i!') m which he determined to lay them down immedi- ately, and settle his accounts with the publick. Having now removed the Acban out of the camp, as he thought, he renewed his suit for a restoration of the joy which he had lost ; but still " the vision tarried, and the prophe- cy brought not forth." He began to examine himself a second time. Then he suspected his money was the cause, and that he had made gold his trust. Accordingly he took all his money and threw it away into the busi- es, where it remains to this day, for aught any one knows to the contrary. After this, he prayed again, and found that man's impatience will not shorten the time which infinite wisdom hath measured out for delays or benef- icence. However, in due time the \vished-for good came. " i am aware (says Mr. Morgan Edwards, from whose MS. history this anecdote is selected) that this story will render the wisdom of the Colonel suspected. Be it so. It nevertheless establishes the truth of his pi- ety, and shows that lie preferred communion with God before riches and honours.'' Rough was the treatment which Mr. Harris met with amongst his rude countrymen. In one of his journics in the county of Culpepper, a Capt. Ball and his gang came to a place where lie was preaching, and said, Ci You shall not preach here." A hy-^tander, whose name was Jere- miah Minor, replied, " But he shall." From this sharp contention of words, they proceeded to a sharper contest of blows and scuffles. Friends on both sides inter themselves; some to makepeace, and others tobick their foremen. The supp- >rters of Mr. Harris were prob- ably most of them worldly people, v ho acted from no other principle, than to defend a minister thus insulted $36 Biography of Samuc-l Harris. and abused. But if they were Christians, they were cer- tainly too impatient and resentful, and manifested too much of the spirit Peter had when he drew his sword on the high-priest's servant. Col. Harris's friends took him into a house, and set Lewis Craig to guard the door, while he was preaching ; but presently Ball's gang came up> drove the sentinel from his stand, and battered open the door ; but they were driven back by the people within. This involved them in another contest, and is the day ended in confusion. On another occasion he was arrested and carried into 'Court, as a disturber of the peace. In Court, a Capt. Williams vehemently accused him as a vagabond, a her- etic, and a mover of sedition every where. Mr. Harris made his defence. But the Court ordered that he should not preach in the county again for the space of twelve months, or be committed to prison. The Colonel told them that he lived two hundred miles from thence, and that it was not likely he should disturb them again in the course of one year. Upon this he was dismissed. From Culpepper he went to Fauquier, and preached at Carter's Run. From thence he crossed the Blue Ridge, and preached at Shenandoah. On his return from thence, he turned in at Capt. Thomas Clanathan's, in the county of Culpepper, where there was a meeting. While certain young ministers were preaching, the word of God began to burn in Col. Harris's heart. When they finished, he arose and addressed the congregation, " I partly promised the devil, a few days past, at the court-house, that I would not preach in this county again for the term of a year : but the devil is a perfidious wretch, and covenants with him are not to be kept, and therefore I will preach." He preached a lively, animat- ing sermon. The Court never meddled with him more. In Orange county, one Benjamin Healy p-illed Mr. Harris down from the place where he was preaching, and hauled him about, sometimes by the hand, sometimes by the leg, and sometimes by the hair of the head ; but the persecuted preacher had friends here also, who es- poused his part, and rescued him from the rage of his enemies. This, as in a former case, brought on a con- tention between his advocates and opposers j during Biography of Samuel Harris. 337 which, a Capt. Jameson sent Mr. Harris to a house where was a loft with a step-ladder to ascend it ; into that loft he hurried him, took away the step-ladder, and left the good man secure from his enemies. Near Haw-river, a rude fellow came up to Mr. Harris, and knocked him dowu while he was preaching. He went to preach to the prisoners once, in the town of Hillsborough, where he was locked up in the gaol, and kept for some time. Notwithstanding these things, Col. Harris did not suf- fer as many persecutions as some other Baptist preach- ers. Tempered in some degree peculiar to himself, per- haps his bold, noble, yet humble manner, dismayed the ferocious spirits of the opposers of religion. A criminal, who had been just pardoned at the gallows, once met him on the road, and showed him his reprieve. " Well,'* said he, " and have you shown it to Jesus ?" " No, Mr. Harris, I want you to do that for me.'* The old man immediately descended from his horse, in the ro id, and making the man also alight, they both kneeled, down ; Mr. H. put one hand on the man's head, and with the other held open the pardon, and thus, in behalf of the criminal, returned thanks for his reprieve, and prayed for him to obtain God's pardon also. The following very interesting narrative was published by Mr. Semple, in his History of the Virginia Baptists ; it has also been published by Mr. John Leland, in his Budget of Scraps, under the title of " Prayer better than. Law-suits" As there is some little variation, not as to matters of fact, but in the mode of expression, in these two relaters, I have selected from them both this singu- lar and instructive story. When Mr. Harris began to preach, his soul was so absorbed in the work, that it f was difficult for him to attend to the duties of this life. Finding at length the absolute need of providing more ; grain for his family than his plantation had produced, he went to a man who owed him a sum of money, and told him, lie would be very glad if he would discharge the debt he owed him. The man replied, " 1 have no money by me, and therefore cannot oblige you." Har- ris said, " I want the money to purchase wheat for my family ; and as you have raised a good crop of wheat, I VOL. 2. 43 338 Biography of Samuel Harris. \vill take that article of you, instead of money, at a cur- rent price." The man answered, " I have other uses for my wheat, and cannot let you have it." " Flow then," said Harris, " do you intend to pay me ?" " I never intend to pay you, until you sue me," replied the debtor, "and therefore you may begin your suit as soon as you please." IMr. Harris left him, meditating : Ci Good God," said he to himself, "-what shall I do ? Must I leave preaching to attend to a vexatious law-suit ! Perhaps a thousand souls will perish in the mean time for the want of hearing of Jesus ! No, I will not. Wei!, what will you do for yourself ? Why, this I will do ; I will sue him at the Court of Heaven." Having resolved what to do, he turned aside into a wood, and fell upon liis knees, and thus began his suit : " O blessed Jesus i thou eternal God ! Thou knowest that I need the money which the man owes me, to supply the wants of my family ; but he will not pay me without a law-suit. Dear Jesus, shall I quit thy cause, and leave the souls of men to perish ? Or wilt thou, in- mercy, open some other way of relief?" In this address, the Colonel had such nearness to God, that (to use his own words) Jesus said unto him, " Harris, I will enter bonds-man for the man you keep on preaching, and omit the law-suit I will take care of you, and see that you have your pay." Mr. Harris felt well satisfied with his security, but thought it would be unjust to hold the man a debtor, when Jesus had assumed payment. He, therefore, wrote a receipt in full of all accounts which he had against the man, and dating it in the woods, where Jesus entered bail, he signed it with his own name. Going, the next day, by the man's house to attend a meeting, he gave the receipt to a servant, and bid him deliver it to his master. On returning from the meeting, the man hail- ed him at Ins gate and said, " Mr. Harris what did you mean by the receipt you sent me this morning r" Mr. Harris replied, " I meant just as I wrote." " But you know, Sir," answered the debtor, " 1 have never paid you." "True," said Mr. Harris, " and I know, also, that you said you never would, except I sued you. But, Sir, I sued you at the Court of Heaven, and Jesus enter- ed bail for you, and has agreed to pay me ; I have, there- Biography of Duit 'dn Lane. 539 fore, given you a discharge !" " But I insist upon it," said the man, " matters shall not be left so." " I am well satisfied," answered Harris, " Jesus will not fail me ; I leave you to settle the account with him another day. Farewell." This operated so effectually on the man's conscience, that in a few days he loaded his waggon, and sent wheat enough to discharge the debt. A complete history of the life of this venerable man, would furnish still a lengthy catalogue of anecdotes of the most interesting kind. But we sliall close his biog- raphy, by relating one, which, though of a diiterenj nature, is not less curious than any of the former. The General Association of Separat-e Baptists in Vir- ginia, in the year 17 74, in the ardour of their zeal for reformation, and the revival of primitive order, resolv- ed that the ofKce of Apostles, together with all the other oflices mentioned in Ephesians, 4th chapter and llth verse, were still to be maintained in the church. Pur- suant to this resolution, the Association proceeded, in the first place, to choose by ballot one from amongst them, to ofliciate in the dignified character of an Apos- tle. Mr. Harris was elected, and consented to be ordain- ed to his Apostolick function, by the laying on of the hands of every ordained minister in the Association.* So that he was for a time, in fact, as he was generally called by way of eminence, the Apostle of Virginia. PUTTON LANE was born November 7, 1732, near Baltimore, in Maryland. At what time he became a res- ident of Virginia, is not known ; but he was baptized by Shubael Stearns, in 1758. He was ordained to the ministry, and, .probably, to the care of Dan River church, October 22, 1764, having commenced publick speaking immediately after he was baptized. Mr. Lane was not a man of much learning ; but having a strong consti- tution, a commanding voice, and fervent spirit, he did great things in his Master's service. Unenlightened as the Virginians were, at that time, it was not to be expected that he would be allowed to go .* See a fall account of this singular experiment, in the History of the Vir- jir.ia B;iptisls. 34O Biography of Button Lane. in peace. His own father was among the first to set his face against the Baptists generally, and against his son Dutton in particular. He once pursued him with an instrument of death to kill him. It fell out, however, that instead of killing his son, he was himself slain by the sword of the Spirit, from which he soon after reviv- ed with a hope of eternal life, and was baptized by that very son, whom he would have slain. Mr. Lane was once preaching at a place called Meher- rin, in Lunenburgh county, where a Mr. Joseph Wil- liams, a magistrate, charged him before the whole con- gregation, not to come there to preach again. Mr. Lane mildly replied, that as there were many other places where he could preach without interruption, he did not know that he should come there again shortly. After wishing peace to the rest of the company, he gravely ad- dressed Mr. Williams, and said, " Little, Sir, as you now think it, my impressions tell me, that you will be- come a Baptist, a warm cspouser of that cause, which you now persecute." This prediction came to pass ; for in about twelve years, Williams embraced religion, was baptized, and became a zealous member, and useful deacon in the church that was afterwards formed at that place. Once he was preaching against drunkenness, and ex- posing the vilcness and danger of the practice, when one John Giles stood up, saying angrily, " I know who you mean," and with a blasphemous oath, declared, " I'll de- molish you." But this self-condemned sot was prevent- ed from doing any harm. One William Cocker had conceived such malignity against the Baptists, that he was accustomed to say, that he would rather go to hell than heaven, if going to heaven required him to be a Baptist. But falling in ac- cidentally where Mr. Lane preached, he was struck down with deep conviction ; from which, being delivered by converting grace, he became a pious Baptist. Mr. Lane continued preaching till his death ; but the latter part of his life was somewhat obscured by his adopting and maintaining certain strange opinions. By diving into subjects not revealed, and rather neglecting those which were obvioiis and plain, he was much less Biography of Lewis Lunsford. 341 thought of. He lived and died a pious man, however, in the estimation of those who knew him well. LEWIS LUNSFORD. We now come to the man, (says Mr. Semple, in his biography) who, in point of talents as a preacher, was never excelled in Virginia ; and by many it is doubted whether he ever had a superior any where else. Mr. Lunsford was born in Stafford county, Virginia, of indigent parents. He received a very slender educa- tion indeed ; nor had the means to enlarge it. The God of nature furnished him with powers to surmount all obstacles. To obviate the \vant of education, he used, after working all day, to read till late at night, by fire- light. At an early stage of his life, while attending the ministry of William Fristoe, he was happily arrested by divine mercy. Mr. Fristoe baptized him when a boy, and he immediately, both in private and in publick, began to stand up as an advocate for the gospel. His talents, at this tender age, commanded attention, and procured for him the flattering appellation of The Wonderful Boy, After moving in a more confined circle for some few years, he began to enlarge his borders. About 1774, Divine Providence directed his attention to the lower counties in the Northern Neck. Wherever he placed his foot as a preacher, there attended a blessing. Believ- ers were added to the church, through his instrumental- ity, in most of the neighbourhoods of these lower coun- ties. His preaching made a great noise, not only for its ingenuity, but for its novelty. Here, a,s in most other places where the Baptists preached, the people cried out that some new doctrine was started ; that the church wa? in danger. Mr. Lunsford was accounted worthy to share a part of this opposition. A clergyman appointed a set day to preach against the Anabaptists. Crowds attended to hear him. He told stories about John of Leyden, and Cromwell's round-heads ; but he could not by s llr h tales stop the gospel current, now swelling to a torrent. When Mr. Lunsford preached again in the came parts, they attacked him by more weighty argu- 342 Biography of Lewis Lunsford. rnents. A constable was sent with a warrant to arrest him. The constable, with more politeness than was usu- al then on such occasions, waited until Mr. Lunsford had preached. His fascinating powers palsied the constable's hand. He would not, he said, serve a warrant on so good a man. Another man took it, and went, trem- blingly, and served it. Mr. Lunsford attended the sum- mons, and appeared before a magistrate. He was held in recognizance to appear at Court. -The Court deter- mined that he had been guilty of a breach of good beha- viour ; and that he must give security, or go to prison. He was advised to give security, under the expectation of obtaining license to preach. He tried, but could not. He often regretted that he had taken this step ; and was sorry he had not gone to prison. This took place in Richmond county. After the repeal of the law for establishing one sect to the exclusion of the rest, a banditti attended Mr. Lunsford's meeting, with sticks and staves, to attack him. Just as he was about to begin to preach, they ap- proached him for the attack. His irreligious friends, contrary to his wish, drew stakes out of a fence to defend him. This produced great uproar and some skirmish- es. Mr. Lunsford petired to a neighbouring house, and shut himself up. His persecutors, however, pursued him, but were not hardy enough to break in upon him. One of them desired to have the privilege of conversing with him, with a view of convincing him. He was let in, and did converse ; but when he came out, he wore a new face. His party asked him the result. " You had better converse with him yourselves," said he. It was not until January, 1 778, that Mr. Lunsford be- came a settled preacher, and took care of Moratico church, which was constituted at that time. He held it as an opinion, that imposition of hands by a presbytery was not necesssry to ordination ; but that the call of a church was sufficient. It was in this way he took the care of Moratico church. He never would submit to be ordained by the imposition of hands ; although the refusal produced no small discontent among the Baptists in Virginia. la 1779, he married his first wife ; and became a resi- dent of Northumberland. From the time he settled i Biography of Lewis Lunsford. 34 S the Northern Neck, and indeed from the time he began to preach there, he gradually increased in favour with the people. It is hardly probable that any man ever was more beloved by a people when living, or more lament- ed when dead. He had two remarkable revivals of re- ligion in the bounds of his church. The one, about the time of the constitution of his church, and the other commenced in the year 17S8, and had scarcely subsided at his death in 1793. During these revivals, he was un- commonly lively and engaged. He preached almost incessantly ; and by his acquaintances, after the last revival, it was thought he made a rapid advance in the improvement of his talents, both in wisdom and warmth ; especially the latter, from which he never receded dur- ing his residence on earth. Certain it is, that during several of the last years of his lite, he was more caressed, and his preaching more valued, than any other man's that ever resided in \ 7 irginia. Lunsford was a sure preacher, and seldom failed to rise pretty high. In his best strains, he was more like an angel than a man. His. countenance, lighted up by an inward flame, seemed to shed beams of light wherever he turned. His voice, always harmonious, now seemed to be tuned by descend- ing seraphs. His style and his manner was so subiime and so energetick, that he seemed indeed like an ambassa- dor of the skies, sent down to command all men every where to repent. He was truly a messenger of peace r and by him the tidings of peace were communicated to multitudes. So highly was he estimated among his c . people, that there were but few preachers that visit them, to whom they would willingly listen, even for once, in preference to their beloved pastor. In argument,, Mr. Lunsford was somewhat satyrical ; and by this mear< sometimes gave offence to those who did not know hi 1 .-- well. It was, however, perfectly clear, that he did net design to sport with the feelings of any. For it is net likely that any man of his popularity ever had fewer permanent enemies. He was very fond of reading, ai retained what he read so correctly, that few men could make more extensive quotations than Mr. Lunsford. For his own advantage, he had procured and read son;e distinguished treatises on mediciue. And so capacious 34 -i Biography of Lewis Lumford. were his faculties, that with his small opportunities ill this professional study, he actually became so skilful in the administration of physick, that he was often called on 10 attend patients at a considerable distance. To all such applicants, he not only rendered his services gratis, but often furnished them with medicine. He had the care of a large and opulent church, of whom some were very liberal in their contributions ; but by a great part of them he was too much neglected. For the want of their support and of his own attention to secular affairs, (through his ministry) he was in but narrow circumstan- ces. Yet, he lived well, and rendered to every man his just dues. But now, painful as the task is, we must add, that this great, this good, this almost inimitable man, died, when only about forty years of age. lie lived in a sickly climate, and had frequent bilious attacks. These were sometimes very severe. For two or three years before his death, he laboured under repeated indisposi- tions, even when travelling about. His manly soul would never permit him to shrink from the work, so long as he had strength to lift up his voice. Sometimes, after going to bed as being too ill to preach, prompted by his seraphick spirit, he would rise again, after some other person had preached, and deal out the bread of life to the hungry sons and daughters of Zion. He was a shepherd indeed. The Dover Association, for the year 1793, was holden at Glebe-Landing meeting- house in Middlesex county, not more than fifteen or eighteen miles from his house. Although just rising from a bilious attack, he would not stay from a place where his heart delighted to be, and where he had the best ground to believe he could do good. He went, and appeared so much better, that he made extensive appoint- ments to preach in the lower parts of Virginia. He was chosen to preach on Sunday, and he did preach indeed. On Tuesday he came up to King and Oueen county, and preached at Bruington meeting-house, from these words : Therefore, let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. It was an awakening discourse, wor- thy of this masterly workman. On that day he took cold and grew worse. He, however, preached his last *ermon the next day evening ; obserting when he began, Biography of Lewis Lumford. 345 " k may be improper for me to attempt to preach at this time ; but as long as I have any strength remaining, I wish to preach the gospel of Christ ; and I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. He then preached his last sermon, frotn, " Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" He continued to grow worse, until, having arrived at Mr. Gregory's, in Essex, he took his bed, from whence he was carried to his grave. In his sickness he was re- markably silent, having very little to say, which he could avoid. He was fond of joining in prayer, and sometimes exerted his now relaxed mind, in making re- marks worthy of such a man. He expressed some anx- iety at the thought of leaving his helpless family ; but appeared quite resigned for the will of Heaven to take place. On the 26th of October, 1793, he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, aged about forty years. Rev. Henry Toler preached two funeral sermons for him. One at the place of his death, another at Mr. Lunsford's meeting- house, in Lancaster county, called Kilmarnock. These two sermons were printed in a pamphlet ; and annexed to them, were two handsome elegies, written by ladies of his church. Another was written by Rev. A. Broad- dus, which was much admired. It seemed to be a mys- tery to many, why God should have called home so great, so useful a man, in the bloom of life. Those who thought proper to offer reasons or conjectures for ex- plaining the ways of Providence, seemed generally to agree that Mr. Lunsford's popularity as a preacher had risen too high. The people wherever he was, or where he was expected, seemed to have lost all relish for any other man's preaching : that, God, knowing the capaci- ty of most of his servants, was unwilling that the lesser lights should be so much swallowed up by the greater. Perhaps the better way is to form no conjecture about it ; but rest persuaded, that the ways of God are always wise, however unaccountable to man. He was twice married. He had by his first wife one surviving child. By his second wife, he left three chil- dren. YOJU 2. 44 346 Biography of James Manning. JAMES MANNING, D. D. was, in his day, one of the brightest ornaments of the Baptist denomination in America. His biography has never been recorded to any considerable extent, and indeed his stationary em- ployment furnished not many incidents for a diffusive narrative. For what few things have been written respecting the character of this illustrious man, we are indebted mostly to the pen of Judge Howel, of Provi- dence, and the following sketches, drawn by this eminent statesman, are found in Rippon's Register. "Mr. Manning was born in New- Jersey, and educated at Nassau- Hall. Soon after he left college, he was called to the work of the ministry, by the Baptist church at the Scotch Plains, near Elizabeth-Town. " After making tours to each extreme of the United States, (then colonies,) and preaching to different desti- tute churches in sundry places, he removed with his family to Warren in Rhode-Island, preached to the church there, and opened a Latin school. In the year 1 765, he obtain- ed a charter of incorporation for Rhode-Island College, of which he was chosen president. And when the Col- lege was removed to Providence, in 177O, he of course removed with it ; and besides the duties of his presi- dency, he preached statedly to the Baptist church in this town until a few years before his death. " In his youth, he was remarkable for his dexterity in athletick exercis- es, for the symmetry of his body, and gracefulness of his person. His countenance was stately and majestick, full of dignity, goodness, and gravity ; and the temper of his mind was a counterpart of it. He was formed for enterprize, his address was pleasing, his manners enchant- ing, his voice harmonious, and his eloquence irresistible. " Having deeply imbibed the spirit of truth himself, as a preacher of the gospel, he was faithful in declaring the whole counsel of God. He studied plainness of speech, and to be useful more than to be celebrated. The good order, learning, and respectability of the Bap- tist churches in the eastern States, are much owing to his assiduous attention to their welfare. The credit of his name, and his personal influence among them, perhaps have never been exceeded by any other character. Biography of James Manning. 347 " Of the College he must be considered as the founder. He presided with the singular advantage of a superior personal appearance, added to all his shining talents for governing and instructing youth. From the first begin- ning of his Latin school at Warren, through many discouragements, he, by constant care and labour, raised this scat of learning to notice, to credit, and to respecta- bility in the United States. Perhaps the history of no other College will disclose a more rapid progress, or greater maturity, than this, during the twenty-five years of jhis presidency. Although he seemed to be consign- ed to a sedentary life, yet he was capable of more active scenes. He paid much attention to the government of his country, and was honoured by Rhode-Island with a seat in the old Congress. In State affairs, he discovered an uncommon sagacity, and might have made a figure as a politician. " In classical learning he was fully competent to the business of his station. He devoted less time than some others to the more abstruse sciences ; but nature seemed to have furnished him so completely, that little remained for art to accomplish. The resources of his genius were great. In conversation he was at all times pleasant and entertaining. He had as many friends as acquaintance, and took no less pains to serve his friends than acquire them." The following additional observations on Dr. Man- ning's character, arc found in the sermon Dr. Maxcy, his successor in the presidential oflice, delivered in the Baptist meeting-house the Lord's day after his interment. " The loss of this worthy man will be felt by the com- munity at large. He moved in an extensive sphere. He was equally known in the religious, the political, and literary world. As his connexions were extensive and important, his loss must be proportionably great. As a man, he was kind, humane, and benevolent. As he was sociable, as he was communicative, he seemed rather de- signed for the theatre of action than for the shades ot retirement. Nature had given him distinguished abili- ties. His life was a scene of anxious labour for the bene- fit of others. His piety and fervent zeal in preaching the gospel of Christ, evinced his love to his God and 34-8 Biography of James Manning. to his fellow-men. His eloquence was forcible and spon- taneous. To every one who heard him, under the pe- culiar circumstances in which he appeared in this place, it was evident that the resources of his mind were ex- ceedingly great. The amiableness of his disposition was recommended by a dignified and majestick appearance. His address was manly, familiar, and engaging. His manners were easy without negligence, and polite with- out affectation. In the College over which he presided, his government was mild and peaceful, conducted by that persuasive authority, which secures obedience while it conciliates esteem. As he lived much beloved, he died much lamented. Well may we say that " a great man is falkn." The following inscription, drawn also by Judge Howel, has been transcribed from the monument which covers the dust of this departed worthy : In Memory of The Rev. JAMES MANNING, D.D. PRESIDENT OF RHODE-ISLAND COLLEGE. He was born in New-Jersey, A. D. 1738. Became a Member of a Baptist Church, A. D. 1758. Graduated at Nassau-Hall, A. D. 1762. Was ordained a Minister of the Gospel, A. D. 1763. Obtained a Charter for the College, A.D. 1765. Was elected President of it the same Year. And was a Member of Congress, A. D. 1786. His Person was graceful, and his Countenance remarkably expressive of sensibility, cheerfulness, and dignity. The variety and excellence of his Natural Abilities, improved by education, and enriched by science, raised him to a rank of eminence among literary characters. His manners were engaging, and his voice harmonious. His eloquence, natural and powerful. His social virtues, classick learning, eminent patriotism, shining talents for instructing and governing youth, and zeal in the cause of Christianity, are recorded on the tables of many hearts. He died of an apoplexy, July 29, A.D. 1791. Altat. 53, The Trustees and Fellows of tke College, have erected thi^ MONUMENT. Biography of Richard Major. 349 Dr. Manning married in his youth Margaret Stitrs, the daughter of John Stitcs, Esq. of Elizabeth-Town, New-Jersey, and sister of the wife of Mr. John Gano. He had no children. His venerable widow is still living in Providence, though far advanced in years, and la- bouring under many infirmities. RICHARD MAJOR was born near Pennsbury, in Penn- sylvania, in the year 1722. He was bred a Presbyterian, but embraced the sentiments of the Baptists in 1764, and had the ordinance administered to him by Rev. Isaac Stelle. He removed to Virginia in 116G, and two years after was ordained as the pastor of the church called Little River, in Louden county, which was con- stituted at the same time. He was not a man of much learning, but his vigorous mind rose above all obstructions. Being well taught in the school of Christ, and devoting himself to the study of the Scripture, he became a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. He was remarked by all who knew him, for his indefatigable labours in the ministry, and he succeeded beyond many of much greater talents. He is said to have planted, from first to last, six or eight churches. For several years after he commenced preach- ing he met with great opposition, mostly from individuals. In Fauquier county, the officer, with a warrant from Capt. Scott, attempted to take him, but providentially failed. At Bullrun there \vere warrants against him ; and a mob, with cltbs, rose to assist the execution of them ; but here again they failed of their design, chiefly by means of the Davises, usually called the giants ; those stout brothers had been prevailed on to oppose him ; but after they had heard him preach, they became well affected towards him, and threatened to chastise any that should disturb him. In Fauquier the mob were very outrageous, but did no mischief, though his friends feared they would have pulled him to pieces. A certain man, whose wife had been baptized by Mr. Major, determined to kill him on sight, and w r ent to meeting for that purpose. He sat down in hearing. 35O Biography of Daniel Marshall. intending to catch at some obnoxious expression, which might fall from the preacher, and under that pretence to attack him. But God produced a different result ; for the man, instead of executing his design, became so convicted that he could not keep on his feet ; and was afterwards baptized by tiie man he intended to murder. Another actually attacked him with a club in a violent manner. Mr. Major being remarkable for great presence of mind, turned to him, and in a solemn manner said, " Satan, I command thee to come out. of the man.'* His club immediately began to fall, and the lion became as quiet as the lamb. These are a few of the many oc- currences of this kind, that took place in the long life of this valuable man. The way that Mr. Major's gifts were noticed was, in his reading printed sermons at private meetings. The people were so affected, that they procured the sermons for their own reading, but were soon convinced that he had read what was not in the book. So much was he esteemed in the latter part of his life, that he had serious apprehensions, that he must be too much at ease for a gospel minister ; or in other words, it seemed as if the expression, Wo be unto you when all men speak well of you, applied to his case. In the midst of these thoughts, he accidentally heard a man lay to his charge one of the most abominable crimes. At first he felt irritated ; but recollecting his previous reflections, lie was soon reconciled. Towards the close of his long and useful life, he was much afHicted with the gravel, of which disease he died when he was about eighty years old. Semple, Edwards. DANIEL MARSHALL. The following account of this eminent servant of God, was drawn by his worthy son, Rev. Abraham Marshall, who succeeded his father in the pastoral station at Kioka. It was first published in the Georgia Analytical Repository, and afterwards in the History of the Virginia Baptists. It is now transcribed and presented to the reader in its original epistolary form. " In giving a biographical sketch of my honoured t.-.ther, \ve rnuat look back to the distance of almost a Biography of Daniel Marshall. 351 century. His birth was in the year of our Lord 1 706, in Windsor, a town in Connecticut. He was religiously educated by respectable and pious parents, and being hopefully converted at about twenty years of age, joined the then standing order of Presbyterians, in his native place. The natural ardour of his mind soon kindled into the fire of holy zeal, and raised him so high in the es- teem of his brethren, that they called him to the office of a deacon. In the exemplary discharge of his duty, in this capacity, he continued near twenty years. Dur- ing this time, in easy circumstances, he married and lost a wife, by whom he had a son named after himself, Dan- iel, who is still a useful member of society. At the age of thirty-eight years, our worthy parent was one of the thousands in New-England, who heard that son of thun- der, the Rev. George Whiteiield, and caught his seraph- ick fire. Firmly believing in the near approach of the latter-day-glory, when the Jews with the fulness of the Gentiles, shall hail their Redeemer, and bow to his gen- tle sceptre, a number of worthy characters ran to and fro through the eastern States, warmly exhorting to the prompt adoption of every measure tending to hasten that blissful period. Others sold, gave away, or left their pos- sessions, as the powerful impulse of the moment deter- mined, and without scrip or purse, rushed up to the head of the Susquehanna, to convert the heathens, and settled in a town c.alled Onnaquaggy, among the Mohawk Indians. One, and not the least sanguine of these pious missionaries, was my venerable father. Great must have been his faith, great his zeal, when, without the least prospect of a tem- poral reward, with a much-beloved wife, and three chil- dren, he exchanged his commodious buildings, for a mis- erable hut; his fruitful fields and loaded orchards, for bar- ren deserts ; the luxuries of a well-furnished table, for coarse and scanty fare ; and numerous civil friends, for rude savages ! He had the happiness, however, to teach and exhort, for eighteen months, in this place, with consid- erable success. A number of the Indians were, in some degree, impressed with eternal concerns, and several became cordially obedient to the gospel. But just a the seeds of heavenly truth, sown with tears in this un- promising soil, began to appear in their first fruits, the 352 Biography cf Daniel Marshall* breaking out of war among the savage tribes occasioned his reluctant removal to Conegocheague, in Pennsylvania. After a short residence in this settlement, he removed to a place near Winchester, in Virginia. " Here he became acquainted with a Baptist church, belonging to the Philadelphia Association ; and as the re- suit ofa close, impartial examination of their faith and order, he and my dear mother were baptized by immer- sion, in the forty-eighth year of his life. He was now called, as a licensed preacher, to the unrestrained exer- cise of his gifts ; and though they were by no means above mjediocrity, he was instrumental in awakening at- tention, in many of his hearers, to the interests of their souls. " Under the influence of an anxious desire to be ex- tensively useful, he proceeded from Virginia to Hugh- warry, in North-Carolina, where his faithful and inces- sant labours proved the happy means of arousing and converting numbers. Being so evidently and eminently useful as an itinerant preacher, he continued his peregri- nation to Abbot's Creek, in the same State, where he was the instrument of planting a church, of which he was ordained pastor, in the fifty-second year of his age, by his brothers in law, the Rev. Messrs. Henry Leadbetter, and Shubaei Stearns. Soon after receiving this honour, my reverend father, in one of his evangelical journies into Virginia, had the singular happiness to baptize Col. Sam- uel Harris, with whom he immediately afterwards made several tours, and preached, and planted the gospel in several places, as far as James-river. It was but a few years after his ordination, betore, induced by appearances of increasing usefulness, he took an affectionate leave of his beloved charcre, and settled on Beaver Creek, in. South-Carolina. " In this place, likewise, a large church was raised under his ministry, and, till brought to a good degree of maturity in divine things, was an object of his tender and unremitted care and solicitude. At the direction of Divine Providence, as he conceived, and as subsequent events have proved, his next removal was to Horse Creek, about fifteen miles north of Augusta. " The fruits of his labours in this place remain in a Biography of Daniel Marsbail. 353 respectable church, some of whose sons, raised up under his care, have successfully diffused the light of divine truth through various benighted regions. From Horse Creek my aged father made his first visits to this State. On the second or third of these, while in prayer, he was seized, in the presence of his audience, for preaching in the parish of St. Paul^ and made to give security for his appearance in Augusta, the Monday following, to answer to this charge. Accordingly he stood a trial, and, after his meekness and patience were sufficiently exercised, was ordered to come no more as a preacher into Georgia. In the words of an Apostle, similarly circumstanced, he replied, " Whether it be right to obey God or man, judge ye." Consistently with this just and spirited reply, he pur- sued his successful course, and on the first of January, 1771, came with his family, and took up his final earth- ly residence at the Kioka. The following Spring the church here was formed, and is famous for having furnished materials for several other churches. For this purpose many common members have been dismiss- ed, and several ministers have been ordained. Among these are the Rev. Messrs. Sanders Walker, Samuel New- ton, Loveless Savage, Alexander Scott, and the writer of this article. Through God's blessing on the ministry of her indefatigable founder and pastor, this church continued to lengthen her cords and strengthen her stakes, breaking forth on the right hand and on the left, till our beloved country was unhappily involved in the horrors of war. No scenes, however, from the com- mencement to the termination of hostilities, were so gloomy and alarming as to deter my father from dis- charging the duties of his station. Neither reproaches nor threatenings could excite in him the least appearance of timidity, or any thing inconsistent with Christian and ministerial heroism. " As a friend to the American cause, he was once made a prisoner and put under a strong guard ; but obtaining leave of the officers, he commenced and supported so heavy a charge of exhortation and prayer, that, like Dan- iel of old, while his enemies stood amazed and con- founded, he was safely and honourably delivered from this den of lions. VOL, 2. 4.5 Biography of Daniel Marshall "Even the infirmities of old age, and the evident ap- proach of the king of terrors, were not sufficient to shake his faith or hope, nor, in the least perceivable degree, to abate his zeal. " A few months previous to his decease, rising in his pulpit, which he had frequently besprinkled with his tears, and from which he had often descended to weep over a careless auditory, he said, " I address you, my dear hearers., with a diffidence which arises from a failure of memory, and a general weakness of body and mind, common to my years ; but I recollect, he that holds out to the end shall be saved, and am resolved to finish my course in the cause of God." Accordingly he attended publick worship regularly, even through his lingering mortal illness, till the last Sabbath but one before his dissolution. In his family he invaria- bly performed his usual round of holy duties, till the morning immediately preceding his happy change. Fully apprized of this as at hand, and perfectly in his senses, he expressed distinctly and emphatically, his steady and increasing confidence of future bliss. " The following, taken by me, in the presence of a few deeply-affected friends and relations, are his last words : " Dear brethren and sisters, I am just gone. This night 1 shall probably expire ; but I have nothing to fear. I havf fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith ; and henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of right- eousness* God has shewn me that he is my God, that I am- bis son, and that an eternal weight of glory is mine !" " The venerable partner of his cares, (and I may add, faithful assistant in all his labours) sitting bedewed with tears, by his side, he proceeded, " Go on, my dear wife, t serve the Lord, Hold out to the end. Eternal glory is before us /" "After a silence of some minutes, he called me and said, " My breath is almost gone. I have been praying that I may go home to-night. I had great happiness in our worship this morning, particularly in singing, which will make a part of my exercise in a blessed eternity." " Now gently closing his eyes, he cheerfully gave up his soul to God, with whom, I doubt not, he walks, " high in salvation, and the climes of bliss.'* This sol- emn event took place at the dawn of the 2d day of Biography of Eliakim Marsha!!. 355 November, 1784, in the 78th year of his age. A suita- ble discourse to his memory was delivered by the late Rev. Charles Bussey." The name of Mr. Marshall's first wife does not appear from the papers respecting him. His second was Martha Stearns, sister of the famous Shubael Stearns. By his first wife he had Daniel, by his second, Abraham, John, Zaccheus, Levi, Moses, Solomon, and Joseph ; and daugh- ters Eunice and Mary. These children are all yet living in Georgia, at no great distance from the place in which their venerable father finished his earthly course. They all possess a competency of worldly things, and a num- ber of them are members of the Kioka and other churches. Mr. Marshall, after all his sacrifices for the cause of Christ, was always blessed by a bountiful Providence with a sufficiency of the meat that perisheth, and left behind him an estate of considerable value. His son Abraham inhabits the mansion, from which he was re- moved to the house not made with hands. ELIAKIM MARSHALL was a nephew of Daniel, and a native of Connecticut ; but the time or place of his birth I have not learnt. He was converted under the ministry of Mr. Whitefield in the New-light Stir, and remained a Pedobaptist minister about thirty years. He became a Baptist in 1786, and died at Windsor, near Hartford, 1 75) 1 . He was through life esteemed a preacher of piety and talents. He was also often a member of the Con- necticut Legislature. As he became a Baptist but about five years before his death, he was not much known among- the denomination ; but on account of some cir- cumstances which attended his conviction of Baptist sen- timents, his biography appears worthy of being recorded. While Abraham Marshall, of Georgia, was on his way to visit New-England in 1736, at Philadelphia he fell in with Mr. Winchester, of whom he inquired respecting his relatives in Connecticut. He informed him what he knew ; and among other things observed, that Eliakim Marshall, of Windsor, was a man of a sound judgment, a retentive memory, and a tender conscience. " Well," 356 Biography of Eliakim Marshall. replied Abraham, "if this be his character, I shall expect to baptize him before I return ; for if he has a sound judgment, he will understand my arguments in favour of believers' baptism, and against that of infants ; if he has a strong memory he will retain them ; and if he has a tender conscience, they will have an influence on his mind. With a firm persuasion, that he should lead his relative into the water, he prosecuted his journey to Connecticut. We have seen, in the history of theKioka church, that this Abraham Marshall was only three years old when his father went from Connecticut, among the Mohawk Indians. He was of course unknown to any of his relatives here ; but he was received among them cordially, and treated with respect, and he made Elia- kim's house his home. He kept in mind what Mr. Winchester had told him of this cousin ; but he resolved that he would not be forward to introduce the subject of baptism, nor press him too hard at first. Eliakim fre- quently expressed a desire to hear what his new relation, as he called him, had to say in defence of the opinions in which they differed ; but Abraham waved the matter for a time. At length, from slight skirmishes, they, by mutual consent, entered with all their strength into the baptismal controversy, in which Eliakim had been a man of war from his youth, and now manifested a strong assurance of victory. He began with Abraham's Co-venanf, and mustered all the arguments usually brought in de- fence of Pedobaptism. Abraham, on the other hand, opposed his whole system, as destitute of Scripture proof, and adduced his reasons for his different belief. At the first onset, this old Pedobaptist divine, as he afterwards acknowledged to a friend, had but two arguments left for the support of his system ; and continuing to lose ground, while striving with himself to regain it, in the next attack he was completely defeated, and in a short time after confessed his conscience could not be easy till he was baptized. But a trouble arose on account of his wife, who was much opposed to this change in his sen- timents. He mentioned this circumstance to Abraham, and requested his advice. He replied that his youth did not qualify him to prescribe duty to a man of his years ; ^ but," said he, " 1 will mention two passages of Scrip- Biography of Silas Mercer. 3.57 ture, which my father frequently made use of in difficult cases, which are these. / conferred not with fash and blood. What thy hand findetb to do, do it with thy might. The ten- der conscience of this aged convert urged him on to duty; and, according to Abraham's expectation, he was baptized by him the day before he left the place. A large con- course of people, supposed to be two or three thousand, collected to witness the administration of the solemn rite. The venerable candidate addressed them in a most melting manner : " I was awakened," said he, " under the preaching of Whitefield, about forty years ago, at which time my mind was solemnly impressed with this sentiment, God is wisdom ; he, therefore, knows all my thoughts, and all I do. I was in the next place impress- ed with this sentence, God is holiness, and must, therefore, hate all in me, which his wisdom sees is wrong. I was in the third place impressed with this solemn thought, God is power ; this struck me like thunder, and brought me to the ground." So saying, he burst into tears, and in a moment the tears were flowing from a thousand eyes. " After labouring a few days," continued he, " under these weighty impressions, the soothing decla- ration, God is love, relieved my distress, removed my fears, and filled me with unspeakable joy." He expa- tiated largely on the interesting event of his conversion, and the most solemn attention pervaded the great as- sembly. SII.AS MERCER was born near Currituck Bay, North- Carolina, February, 1 745. His mother died while he was an infant ; his father was a zealous member of the Church of England, and carefully instructed him in the catechism, rites, and traditions of that communion. From enrly years, young Silas was religiously inclined; but it was not till after he arrived at manhood, that he was brought to the knowledge of salvation through a divine Redeemer. He was for a long time embarrassed and bewildered with that legal system, which he had been taught in his mother Church, and so deeply rooted were the prejudices of his education, that it took him long to learn that salvation is not of works. But he at length gained clear and consistent views of the gospel plan, and was, through hi* 358 Biography of Silas Mercer. long ministry, a distinguished and powerful defender of the doctrine of free, unmerited grace. Until after his conversion, Mr. Mercer was most violently opposed to Dissenters in general, and to the Baptists in particular. He would on no account hear one preach, and endeavoured to dissuade all others from attending their meetings. He most firmly believed what his father and parson had taught him, that they were all a set of deceivers, that their heresies were dangerous if not damnable, and that to hear one preach would be a crime of peculiar enormity. He knew, however, but little about them, only that they had separated from the Church, and ought therefore to be opposed and avoided. For these reasons he continued a violent opposer to them, and zealously to defend the Church ; but his ingenuous mind could not long be restrained by the shackles of tradition, without examining things for himself; he therefore began a course of inquiries, which gradually undermined his traditionary creed, and led on to the Baptist ground. He first resolved to follow strictly the Rubrick of the Church, both in doctrine and discipline ; and finding it enjoined immersion, unless the weakness of the child required a milder mode, he had two of his children dipped. The first a son, in a barrel of water at the priest's house ; and the other a daughter, in a tub, whicft had been prepared for the purpose at the Church. The son was named Jesse, who is now a worthy minister in Georgia ; he was baptized again, on a profession of his faith, and is of course an ^wj-Baptist. Mr. Mercer was also struck with the neglect of discipline in the Church ; he saw with pain that persons grossly immoral in many respects were admitted to their communion, and became convinced that things ought not so to be. Hervey's T he- ron and Aspasio started him from the Arminian system, and set him on a train of reflections, which issued in a thorough conviction of the doctrine of the gospel. He laboured for a time to reform the church; but finding the building was too far gone to be repaired, he receded from it with reluctant steps, and became a Baptist when he was about thirty years of age, and continued from that time to the end of his life an ornament to their cause, and a skilful defender of their distinguishing tenets. Biography of Silas Mercer. 359 Few men, perhaps, have had more severe conflicts in renouncing the prejudices of education, than Mr. Mercer. His kind but bigotted father threw in his way obstacles, which he could not at first surmount ; the church priest, and the whole Episcopal fraternity around him, used the most assiduous endeavours to prevent him from going amongst the heretical Baptists. The first minister of the denomination he ever heard preach, was a Mr. Thomas, at that time a successful preacher in North-Carolina. It was with much reluctance, and with many fearful appre- hensions of the dangerous consequences, that he was in- duced to attend the meeting. But in spite of all his prejudices, the preacher drew his attention, and led him to think he was not such a dangerous deceiver as he had always before supposed. This was on Monday. The next'Lord's-day, the priest being absent, and his father being clerk, performed as usual the duties of his office. As yet none of the family knew that Silas had been to the Baptist meeting. After the service of the day was over, a person asked him, in the hearing of his father, how he liked the Baptist preacher ? He was much con- fused, and knew not what to answer ; but his conscience obliged him to express some degree of approbation. At which the old gentleman burst into tears, and exclaimed, " Silas, you are ruined \" and out he went, hastily home. Silas, alarmed, took hastily after him, to soothe his grief, and appease hh> resentment. The offended father and offending son were so deeply affected with the trifling a flair, that they forgot their wives, and left them to go home alone. The charm was now broken; and from this period Mr. M, began to entertain more favourable views of the people he had hitherto so much censured and des- pised. Not long after this, he removed to Georgia, and settled in what is now Wilks county, where, about 177-3, he was baptized by Mr. Alexander Scott, united with the church at Kioka, by which he was almost immediately approbated to preach. At the commencement of the American war, he fled for shelter to Halifax county, in his native State, where he continued about six years, all of which time he was incessantly engaged in preaching as an itinerant in different places around ; and it is found, by his journal, that, take the whole six years together, he preached oftener than once a day j that is s more than 360 Biography of Silas Merctr. two thousand sermons in the time. At the close of the war, he returned to his former residence in Georgia, where he continued to the end of his days. In this State, he laboured abundantly with good effect, and was the means of planting a number of churches in different parts of the country. He was justly esteemed one of the most exemplary and useful ministers in the southern States. His learning was not great, but having a desire that his young brethren might obtain greater advantages than he had enjoyed, he had set up a school at his house, procured an able teacher, and was in a promising way to promote the interests of learning in the churches around him ; but in the midst of his benevolent plans and dis- tinguished usefulness, he was, after a short illness, remov- ed from the scene of his employments, in 17^6, in the 52d year of his age. The following portrait of Mr. Mercer's character, is found in Mr. Semple's History of the Virginia Baptists, page 82. " Mr. Mercer, both in countenance and man- ners, had considerably the appearance of sternness ; and to feel quite free in his company, it was necessary to be well acquainted with him. He seldom talked on any other subject except religion ; and when in company with young preachers, or those who might question his doc- trine or his opinions, his remarks chiefly turned on po- lemical points. He was indefatigable in striving to maintain his opinions ; and for this purpose would hear any and all objections that could be raised, and would then labour assiduously to remove them. His argu- ments, however, neither in private nor publick, were ever dressed with oratorical ornaments. He spoke and acted like one who felt himself surrounded by the impregna- ble bulwarks of truth, and therefore did not wish to parley."* He was more distinguished as a preacher than writer ; but he devoted considerable time to study, and the fol- lowing pieces were the productions of his leisure hours : 1 st. Tyranny Exposed, and True Liberty Discovered, in a 12mo. pamphlet of 68 pages, the design of which was to show the rise, reign, and downfall of Antichrist. * Mr. Mercer ;K here described as lie appeared in Virginia, in 179), in cnm- Sany with Jeremiah Wulkc-r, in the time of a great controversy cctrinal points. Biography of Joshua Morse,, 361 2d. The Supposition of the Divine Right of Infants to Baptism, from their formerly having a Right to Cir- cumcision, Confuted, being a Letter to a Friend. This piece was not printed. 3d. The History of Baptism, carried to some extent, but left unfinished. 4th. Two Letters on Election, left unpublished. JOSHUA MORSE was, in his day, a very eminent preach- er among the Baptists in New-England. He waj born in South-Kingston, Rhode-Island, April 10, 1726. His grandfather came from the west of England to Rhode- Island, in the early part of the settlement of the colony, and served as a chaplain in the first war in which this country was engaged against the French, The son, from whom the subject of this memoir descended, whose name does not appear, was not a professor of religion, but was by education a Baptist, as his father was of that persua- sion. Young Joshua, at the age of sixteen, in the time of the New-light Stir, was awakened to religious con- cern. When the zealous New-lights began to make a noise in the neighbourhood, he, with others, was ready to reproach and despise them ; but the very first meet- ing he attended, his mind was arrested. When he first entered it, he saw them so zealously affected, that he hesitated not to say that they were all deluded ; but lie came away under fearful apprehensions of being made miserable forever. Soon after he was brought to rejoice in the truth, he became a zealous exhorter, and at the age of eighteen commenced his ministerial labours, which he continued with much reputation and success for up- wards of fifty years. The early, and indeed the greatest part of his ministry, was spent in Connecticut. He first began preaching in Stonington, where he was much op- posed, abused and persecuted, by a set of bigotted gen- try, who declared that his preaching was not according to law. At that time, every man who opened his doors for a dissenter to preach, was liable to be fined fve pounds, the preacher was subjected to a fine of ten shillings, and VOL. 2. 46 362 Biography of Josfaa Morse. every hearer to Jive. The very first time Mr. Morse preached in Stonington, he was apprehended, carried be- fore a magistrate, sentenced to pay the ten shillings, or be whipped ten lashes, at the publick whipping-post. The fine he could not pay, and of course the lashes he was preparing to receive. He was taken to the post by the order of the magistrate, but the constable, instead of inflicting the lashes, plead the cause of the innocent suf- ferer, remonstrated against the wickedness of the law, the cruelty of the court, and utterly refused performing the barbarous duty which had been assigned him. After spending some time in this awkward position, the con- stable tendered the magistrate from his own pocket the fine which had been exacted. The magistrate, probably ashamed of his conduct, offered it to Mr. Morse, and bid him receive it, and go peaceably away. But as he would pay no money, so he would receive none, and his perse- cutors finding him rather unmanageable, went off and left him to take his own course. For a number of years after this, he was often opposed, sometimes by law^ but more frequently by mobs. His preaching was attended with much success, and that encouraged him and enraged his opposers. In one of his meetings, one of the rever- end gentlemen of the town came in just as he was begin- ning his sermon, put his hand on his mouth, and then bid a brother, whom he had brought with him, to strike him. At another time a man came in while he was preaching, and struck him with such violence on his temple, that it brought him to the floor ; when he arose, he looked on his persecutor, and with emotions of pity, said, " If you die a natural death, the Lord hath not spoken by me." This man, not long after, went to sea, fell from the vessel, and was drowned. At another meeting he was knocked down while in prayer j he was then seized by the hair, dragged out of the house down high steps to the ground, and so deeply bruised in his head and face, that he carried some of the scars to his grave. These are a few of the sufferings of this eminent man of God in the early part of his ministry. He was also frequently threatened by mobs, who did not carry their persecuting designs info execution. After preach- ing once in Stonington, he was informed that a gang was Biography of Joshua Morse. 363 out of doors, who, like Paul's persecutors, had sworn that they would kill him when he came out. His wife, who, it appears, was with him, and his friends entreated him not to go out ; but having another appointment some distance off, he resolved to fulfil it, and said to his friends, " What mean ye to weep and break my heart ?" &c. As soon as he was out of the door, he lifted up his hands and began to pray for his persecutors ; they, confounded by this new mode of warfare, immediately dropped their clubs ; some begged his pardon, and the rest fled away. But in the midst of all these persecutions, his labours were attended with great success ; many were awakened by his means, and some churches in Rhode-Island and Connecticut arose under his ministry. About 1 75O, he was ordained to the care of a church in the north parish of New-London, now called Montville. Two or three years after he moved to Fishkill in the State of New- York, were he remained about two years, when, by the earnest entreaties of the church which he had left, he came back to live among them. Here he preached principally until 1779, when he removed to Sandisfield, Massachusetts, where a church arose under his labours, which he con- tinued to serve as pastor, until within about a month of his death, which happened July, 179.5, in the 7Oth year of his age, and 53d of his ministry. He had been some time labouring under a disease, which he expected would end in his dissolution. About four weeks before he died, he called his church together, and gave them his last advice and benediction. He had composed a hymn to be sung at his funeral, and he now made choice of a passage to be preached from on the solemn occasion, which was, This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world t9 save sin- ners, of whom I am chief. The sermon was preached by Elder Rufus Babcock, of Colcbrook. Mr. Morse was early acquainted with Mr. Whitefield, and caught much of the zeal of that famous itinerant. His preaching was solemn and instructive, and the rules, which he laid down for others, he practised himself. He was singularly grave and devout, insomuch that it is said by those who were long acquainted with him, that he was never known to laugh. He often entered so 364? Biography of Joseph Reese. feelingly into his discourses, as to weep almost from be- ginning to end. He was well instructed in the doctrine of the cross ; and his knowledge of the Scriptures was exceeded by few. His memory was retentive, his voice peculiarly commanding and impressive, and his preach- ing, if not eloquent, was pathetick and persuasive. He was honoured in every relation he sustained, and his usefulness as a minister of the word was exceeded by few in his day. He was above the middle stature, of a robust constitution, and well fitted for the labours and hardships which itinerant preachers of his time were obliged to endure. Being honoured of his God as the instrument of turning many to righteousness, and al- ways bearing about with him the marks of the Lord Jesus, he was much beloved throughout an extensive circle when living, and his name is still mentioned with peculiar marks of respect, by many of the ancient saints, who enjoyed his acquaintance. Mr. Morse married, when about 24 years of age, Su- sannah, the eldest daughter of Mr. Joseph Babcock, of Westerly, Rhode-Island, by whom he had many children. Seven of them are yet living, and his youngest son Asahel is pastor of the church in Suffield, Connecticut. From his narrative of the life of his venerable father, the sub- stance of this sketch has been extracted. His widow sur- vived him about fifteen years, and died lately in the 80th year of her age. JOSEPH REESE was born at Duck-Creek, in Kent coun- ty, then in the Province of Pennsylvania, but now in the State of Delaware. He was removed to South-Carolina in 1745, when but 9 years of age, and during his youth- ful days was very gay and fond of pleasure. His conver- sion, therefore, which took place in J760, under the ministry of Rev. Philip Mulky, was remarkable, and drew much attention. Mr. Reese was baptized soon after his conversion by Mr. Mulky, and commenced preaching soon after his baptism. His ordination, however, for some reason, was deferred until 3763, when it was per- formed by Messrs. Oliver Hart and Evan Pugh. He was at the same, time installed pastor of the church at the Biography sf Joseph Reese. 365 Congaree, with which he stood in that relation, except a few years during the revolutionary war, till his death, which took place March 5, 1795, when he was aged 63 years. The Church at the High Hills of Santee was gathered under his ministry, in 1770 ; at which time and place a great attention to religion was excited by his preaching among a numerous people, who had been till then very careless, and unacquainted with vital religion. He was very infirm about ten years before his death ; and during the last two of them, one of the most afflict- ed of men. But during the whole, he exhibited a sub- lime example of faith, patience, and resignation to the will of God ; of concern for the divine glory, for the in- terests of the church at large, of that with which he was connected in particular, and for the salvation of individ- uals with whom he was connected or conversant. When publick worship was supported at the place of worship nearest to him, about three miles distant, he was several times carried there on his bed, lying down during the ser- vice ; and if he found himself able, which he sometimes did, would sit up at the conclusion of worship, and address a few words to the congregation in the style of conversa- tion and advice, by which they were generally melted into tears. His last attendance at the church was about twelve months before his death ; at ,which time, in great pain and weakness, he administered the Lord's Supper. God was pleased, in the midst of all his affliction, to afford him the consolations of his grace, and he died in much assur- ance of his interest in the Redeemer, whom he loved. Mr. Reese was a man of good understanding and warm affections. His piety, it is believed, was never called in question. He had but little education, though he made improvements after he began to preach ; but he had a large fund of evangelical and experimental knowledge. His natural eloquence, and command of the passions of his hearers, were extraordinary. He was both a Boa- nerges, and a son of consolation. .. His voice and his coun- tenance are said to have affected his hearers like an en- chantment. In the early part of his ministry he met with much opposition, but with surprising success. One William Reese was exceedingly mad against him, as he was preaching at the High Hills of Santee, swear- 366 Biography of Shubael Stearns. ing and threatening what he would do to him ; but be- fore the service of the day was over, this same opposer was observed to tremble, and look about him as if he was meditating to run away, but did not do so ; presently he swooned ; when he came to himself and appearing in a shivering condition, a companion of his said, " Will, you are cold, will you go to the fire ?" He replied, " 1 am going to the fire ! the fire of hell ! O Lord, save me !" His distress was great for a considerable time, during which he made a pubiick acknowledgment of his wicked conduct and persecuting intentions. At another time, when he was preaching at Congaree, one Robert Liass made towards him with a hickory club, saying, " that he would wear it out on the bawling dog's back." But he was hindered from his purpose, and per- suaded to be quiet. Soon after he was observed to be af- fected, but said nothing. It was not long, however, be- fore he sent for Mr. Reese in the night, and said, " I am damned ! I am going to hell !" Mr. Reese said, " Per- haps not, perhaps not." Liass replied hastily, " Is there a peradventure ? thank God for that ! Had I certainty of it I would endure a thousand deaths ! I would rot piece by piece, and be a thousand years rotting, if it would se- cure me from going to hell !" Whether these men, who were so remarkably convict- ed, were ever converted, we are not informed. Mr. Reese was a warm friend to his country in the revolutionary war, and represented the district in which he lived, in the State Legislature, when the first consti- tution was formed for South- Carolina. SHUBAEL STEARNS. The outlines of Mr. Stearns's bi- ography have been given in the history of the Separate Baptists ; and as much has already been said of this emi- nent man of God, it will be unnecessary to say much more respecting him. Mr. Stearns was a man of small stature, but of good natural parts, and sound judgment. Of learning he had but a little share, yet was pretty well acquainted with books. His voice was musical and strong, which Biography of Shubael Stearns. 367 he managed in such a manner, as one while, to make soft impressions on the heart, and fetch tears from the eyes in a mechanical way ; and anon, to shake the very nerves, and throw the animal system into tumults and perturba- tions. All the Separate Baptists copied after him in tones of voice and actions of body ; and some few exceed- ed him. His character was indisputably good, both as a man, a Christian, and a preacher. In his eyes was some- thing very penetrating, which seemed to have a meaning in every glance. Many stories have been told respecting the enchantments of his eyes and voice, but the two fol- lowing examples we give, with the more confidence, be- cause the subjects of them, viz. Tidence Lane and Elna- than Davis, were men of sense and reputation, and af- terwards became distinguished ministers of the Baptist society. " When the fame of Mr. Stearns's preaching (said Mr. Lane) had reached the Yadkin,* where I lived, I felt a cu- riosity to go and hear him. Upon my arrival, 1 saw a venerable old man sitting under a peach-tree with a book in his hand, and the people gathering about him. He fixed his eyes upon me immediately, which made me feel in such a manner as I never had felt before. I turn- ed to quit the place, but could not proceed far. I walk- ed about, sometimes catching his eyes as I walked. My uneasiness increased and became intolerable. I went up to him, thinking that a salutation and shaking hands would relieve me ; but it happened otherwise. I began to think that he had an evil eye, and ought to be shunned ; but shunning him I could no more effect, than a bird can shun the rattle-snake, when it fixes its eyes upon it. When he began to preach, my perturbations increas- ed, so that nature could no longer support them, and I sunk to the ground.'* Mr. Lane afterwards became a very useful Baptist min- ister, and was one of the first of the denomination, who removed to Tennessee, where he administered, until hi> death, with reputation and success. " Elnathan Davis had heard that one John Steward was to be baptized such a day, by Mr. Stearns. Now this Steward being a very large man, and Stearns of small stature, he concluded there would be some diversion if 368 Biography of Sbubael Stearns. not drowning ; therefore he gathered about eight or ten of his companions in wickedness, and went to the spot. Mr. Stearns came, and began to preach. Elnathan went to hear him, while his companions stood at a distance. He was no sooner among the crowd, than he perceived some of the people tremble, as if in a fit of the ague ; he felt and examined them, in order to find if it were not a dissimulation ; meanwhile one man leaned on his shoulder, weeping bitterly ; Elnathan, perceiving he had wet his new white coat, pushed him off, and ran to his companions, who were sitting on a log at a distance. When he came, one said, " Well, Elnathan, what do you think now of these people ?" affixing to them a profane and reproachful epithet. He replied, " There is a trembling arid crying spirit among them ; but wheth- er it be the Spirit of God or the devil, I don't know ; if it be the devil, the devil go with them, for I will never more venture myself acnong them." He stood a while in that resolution ; but the enchantment of Stearns's voice drew him to the crowd once more. He had not been long there before the trembling seized him also ; he attempted to withdraw ; but his strength failing, and his understanding being confounded, he, with many oth- ers, sunk to the ground. When he came to himself, he found nothing in him but dread and anxiety, bordering on horror. He continued in this situation some days, and then found relief by faith in Christ. Immediately he began to preach conversion work, raw as he was, and scanty as his knowledge must have been." Mr. Davis was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, 1735; was bred a Seventh-day Baptist ; went to Slow River, in North-Carolina, in 17.57; was baptized by Shubael Stearns at Sandy-Creek, and ordained by Samuel Harris, in 1764- ; continued in North-Carolina until 1798, when he removed to South-Carolina, and settled in the bounds of the Saluda Association. Mr. Stearns died November 20, 1771, at Sandy-Creek, and was buried near his meeting-house. Edwards, Biography of Samuel Slillman. 369 {The following account of that eminent servant of God, Dr.Stillman,is prefix- ed to a volume of his sermons, published after his death. The substance of it was written by his son in law, Rev. Mr. Gray, ofRoxbury, adjoining Bos- ton, aud a part by Dr. Baldwin. The description of his doctrinal sentimaiVs was drawn by one of his church.] SAMUEL STILLMAN, t>.D. was born in the city of Phil- adelphia, of parents respectable for their virtues, and of the religious persuasion of Particular Baptists. At the age of eleven years he was removed with them to Charles- ton, South-Carolina, and there received the rudiments of his education, at an academy under a Mr. Rind, His im- provements there were such as presaged his future worth j and he gave early indications of a minxi seriously impress- ed with a sense of religious truth. In one of his manu- scripts we find some account of very early religious impressions being made upon his mind. These, howev- er, he observes, were generally of short continuance, until more effectually awakened by a sermon delivered by the late excellent Mr.Hart, when, to borrow his own lan- guage, he says, " My mind was again solemnly impressed with a sense of my awful condition as a sinner. This conviction grew stronger and stronger. My condition alarmed me. 1 saw myself without Christ and without hope. I found that I deserved the wrath to come, and that God would be just to send me to hell. I was now frequently on my knees, pleading for mercy. As a beg- gar i went, having nothing but guilt, and no plea but mercy." How long he continued in this distressed con- dition is not particularly stated, but it appears from sev- eral passages of Scripture, he obtained a degree of hope and comfort, though not entirely satisfied. Not long after, he heard Mr. Hart discourse from Matt. i. 2 1 . " And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus ; for he shall save his people from their sins." From this sermon he received consolation, and adds, " Christ then became precious to me, yea, all in all. Then T could say of wisdom, " Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." That I still think was the day of my espousal. Glory be to God, for the riches of his grace to me. Why me, Lord ? &c." He was soon after baptized, and received into the church under the pastor:! care of Mr. Hark vol.. 2. 47 37O Biography of Samuel Siilimav. After finishing his classical education, he spent one year in the study of divinity with that gentleman. Being called by the church, he preached his first sermon on the 17th of February, 1758; and on the 26th of February, 1759, was ordained in the city of Charleston, South-Car- olina, to the work of an evangelist. Immediately afterwards, however, he settled at James Island, a most pleasant situation opposite the city. Soon after he visited the place of his nativity, and on the twen- ty-third of May, the same year, married Hannah, the daughter of Evin Morgan, Esq merchant of that place, by whom he afterwards had fourteen children. He also took his degree at the university there, and returned to his society on James Island. But he had not continued above eighteen months with his affectionate and united people, before a violent attack of a pulmonary complaint, forced his removal to another climate. He accordingly fixed himself with his family at Bordentown, New- Jersey, where he supplied two different congregations for the space of two years. His ill health somewhat improved, but by no means restored, determined him at length to visit New-England, 'hoping that the exercise, together with the change of air, might yet further mend his im- paired constitution. On his arrival here, 1763, at the request of the Second Baptist Church, he removed his family to Boston, and after preaching one year as an assistant to the late Rev. Mr. Bound, accepted an invitation to settle with the First Baptist Church, and was installed over it January 9, 1 765. By nature he was endowed with a sprightly genius, a. good capacity, and an uncommon vivacity and quickness of apprehension. His feelings were peculiarly strong and lively, which imparted energy to whatever he did, and under the influence and control of religious princi- ples, served to increase and diffuse his eminent piety. To this constitutional ardour both of sentiment an i ac- tion, which led him to enter with his whole scul into every subject which engaged his attention, he united a remarkable delicacy of feeling and sense of propriety, and such sprightliness and affability in conversation, such ease and politeness of manners, and at the same time such a glow of pious zeal and affection, as enabled him to min- Biography of Samuel Stillman. 371 gle with all ranks and classes of people, and to discharge all his duties as a Christian minister and a citizen, with dignity, acceptance, and usefulness. The lively interest he appeared to take, in whatever affected the happiness or increased the pleasures of his friends, the gentleness of his reproofs and the gratification he seemed to feel in commending others, united to his social qualities, endear- ed him to all who knew him. The popularity of a preacher commonly declines with his years. Dr. Stillman, however, was a singular excep- tion to this general remark. He retained it for upwards of forty-two years ; and his congregation, which, upon his first connexion with it, was the smallest in the town, at the age of seventy, the period of his death, he left amongst the most numerous. As a minister of Christ, his praise was in all the churches ; and wherever his name has been heard, an un- common degree of sanctity has been connected with it. His principles were highly Calvinistick, and all his sermons bore strong marks of his warm attachment to that system. The natural strength and ardour of his feelings, indeed, imparted zeal to whatever opinion he espoused, and ac- tivity to whatever duty he performed. Yet with all his quickness of perception, and acuteness of feeling, his temper was under admirable control, and he was always the thorough master both of his w-ords and actions. Thus embracing what have been denominated the distinguish- ing doctrines of the gospel, he explained and enforced them with clearness, and with an apostolick zeal and intrepidity. On the leading principles of the gospel, he always preached and conversed as a Christian minister, who took a deep and hearty interest in their diffusion and es- tablishment. But he did not depend for success on his zeal and fidelity. He knew that what he was, and what he was enabled to do in the cause of God, were \vholiy by his gracious influence. Whilst he realized his own entire dependence, and that of others, he was animated in duty, believing that the Lord meeteth all who rejoice and work righteousness, those who remember him in his ways. 372 Biography of Samuel Stillman. A subject on which he often spoke with grateful ado- ration was, the true and proper Godhead of the Lord Je- sus Christ. His views of sin as an infinite evil necessarily impressed upon his mind this truth. He considered the Saviour as an infinitely worthy object of divine worship, and in consequence of this dignity of character qualified to make atonement for sin. On this foundation rested his hope of salvation ; and if this were not a reality, he despaired of entering into glory, and believed the salva- tion of every sinner an impossible event. But having no doubt on this cardinal point, he was enabled to preach the gospel with clearness. On the subject of the trinity and unity of God, he lit- erally believed the declaration of John, " There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one ;" but as to an explanation of the manner or mode of subsistence of the divine nature, he would say he had nothing to do ; for revelation did not explain it. He only declared it as a truth to be believed on the divine testimony. The total moral depravity of man was a principle on which he much insisted on all proper occasions. He had no idea that there was any latent spark of holi- ness in the heart of a natural man, which, as some sup- pose, can be kindled by the exertions of the sinner, and kept alive by the same means. This opinion he repro- bated with all his heart, viewing it as a denial of that grace which is revealed in the gospel, and as having a natu- ral tendency to take the crown of glory from the head of IMMANQEL. In contradiction of this error, he would of- ten remark on this text as a motto congenial to -the feel- ings of a believer, " Upon himself (Jesus) shall his crown flourish." So far was he removed from this mistake, that he believed the real Christian, though renewed by the Holy Spirit, was constantly dependent on God's im- mediate agency for the origin and continuance of every gracious exercise. Although he believed the entire sin- fulness of the natural heart, he did not erroneously con- nect with it a license to sin, nor suppose that men are re- leased from moral duties because they are indisposed to them. From the fact that man is endowed with reason, will and affections, he argued his moral obligation to be- Biography of Samuel Stillman. 373 lieve what God has revealed, and obey what he has commanded. As his views of man's depravity were clear and dis- tinct, he of consequence saw the necessity of regenera- tion by the free and sovereign agency of the Holy Ghost. That operation of God by which this change is effected, he did not consider as a mere circumstantial alteration or new modification of the sinful affections, but that a new disposition was given to the soul, well described by Paul as a new creation. In this change he supposed the person was brought to have entirely new views of moral subjects. Respecting the atonement of Christ, his sentiments were honorary to truth. He considered it as an illustra- tion of the divine perfections not discoverable by any other medium ; exhibiting to all intelligent beings the odious nature of sin, God's love to holiness, and his un- speakable mercy to the guilty. He viewed the merits of Christ in his obedience and death, as having an infi- nite value, and as possessing a sufficiency for the salva- tion of every individual of the human race, had it been the will of God to make its application to the conscience so extensive ; but from divine revelation he learned that its design was particular, respecting, in its application to the heart, the elect only. He did not, however, connect with this the erroneous idea of some, that all men were not under obligation to repent of their sins and believe the gospel ; but whilst he believed the condemnation of sinners was by the moral law, he supposed that this con- demnation would be greatly aggravated by a rejection of the gospel, and that they would be treated as those who despised God's grace. His ideas of the faith which accompanies salvation were, that it was a belief of the gospel ; a hearty reception of that plan of grace which is revealed in Christ Jesus, ac- companied with holy love and every gracious exercise. He rejected the error, that the essence of faith consists in a person's believing that Christ died for him in par- ticular ; no such proposition being contained in the word of God, and no one being warranted to believe this till he has good evidence of his regeneration. From his ideas of faith he naturally inferred that good works would 374 Biography of Samuel Stillman. uniformily follow. These he zealously enforced ?.s an evidence of faith, but not as designed to originate if. Practical godliness was a subject on which he often preached, and which he urged on believers from the noblest gospel motives. The purpose of God in his eternal election of a certain number of the human race to salvation, was a principle dear to Dr. Stillman, as a truth clearly revealed. Be- lieving the carnal mind, or natural heart, to be enmity against God, he very justly concluded, that if any sin- ners were saved, their salvation must be effected by an influence extraneous from themselves. To imagine with some, that God had left it with depraved men to meet him in any conditions which they were to perform, he would represent as dishonorary to the Divine Majesty, who will not give his glory to another. Neither could he believe that any of God's designs originated in time ; but that all his purposes were, like himself, eternal. This was his ground of encouragement to preach, knowing that God had determined by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe, and that he had promised to make a willing people in the day of his power. From his clear apprehension of eternal personal elec- tion, he was firmly established in the final perseverance to eternal glory of all those who are regenerated by the Spirit of God ; and that the grace given is an incorrupti- ble seed. The opinion that religious establishments are contrary to the New-Testament, was defended by him. His ideas on this subject are plainly expressed in his sermon before the General Court of Massachusetts, in 1779. The in- terference of rulers, as such, in matters of conscience, he ever considered as an infringement of natural right. In this sermon he shewed that his own ideas on this subject were similar to those of the immortal Locke. He was a cordial friend to religious liberty ; and all his conduct in life towards Christians from whom he differed, mani- fested that he was heartily willing that every conscien- tious citizen should worship in the manner which agreed with the dictates of his conscience, after a candid exam- ination of the word of God. Biogr.aphy cf Samuel Stiilman. 375 He preached much to the feelings, and to the heart ; and numbers on whose minds naked reason and simple truth could produce no serious effects, his powerful elo- quence was a happy means both of touching and reclaim- ing. Nor was he only a preacher of righteousness. Few men ever exemplified more than he did, the virtues he recommended to others. Whilst he exhibited to his flock the various trials and comforts of Christians, whilst he guided them in the way to eternal life, he led them also by his own example. His sermons were always studied, and it was his judi- cious practice principally to write them. Yet from his manner of delivery, (a manner peculiar to himself) he always appeared as easy as if speaking extempore. In- deed it was his constant method to add at the moment such thoughts as occurred to his mind whilst speaking. These thoughts were as naturally connected with the subject as though they had been a studied part of it ; and as they were usually delivered with much pathos, they had the happiest effect upon the audience. As a publick speaker, as a pulpit orator, he was second perbaps to none. Nature had furnished him with a pleasant and most commanding voice, the very tones of which were admirably adapted to awaken the feelings of an audience, and he always managed it with great suc- cess. 115s manner, though grave and serious, \vas pecu- liarly graceful, popular, and engaging. His remarkable animation gave additional interest to every subject he handled. Those who heard him might with propriety have said of him what was s,aid of another eminent preacher " This man is in earnest ; he believes what he says, and says what he believes. Verily this is a man of God. Ten such men, and Sodom would have stood." His eloquence was of the powerful and impressive, rather than of the insinuating and persuasive kind, and so strikingly interesting, that he never preached to an inattentive audience. And even those who dissented from him in some minor theological opinions, were stiil pleased with hearing him, for they knew his sincerity, they knew him to be a good man. Few persons are alike eminent in all the different du- ties of the ministerial office ; but it would perhaps be 376 Biography of Samuel Stillman, difficult to say in which of these Dr. Stillman most ex- celled. In prayer he always seemed to his audience as if en- gaged with a present Deity, His addresses to Heaven were generally short, but very comprehensive ; they were solemn a,nd edifying, and usually very feeling and impressive ; and thus coming from the heart, they sel- dom failed to reach the hearts of others. In the chamber of sickness and affliction he was always a welcome visitor. So well could he adapt his conversa- tion, as to comfort or to caution, to soothe or to awaken, just as the case seemed to require. And if he adminis- tered reproof, it was done in so delicate and mild a man- ner, that it oftener conciliated esteem, than created of- fence. In his prayers with the sick and afflicted, howev- er intricate the occasion, he was always both appropriate and highly devotional. So eminent was his character for piety, and so universally was he beloved, that he was of- ten called to the sick and afflicted of other denominations. And his sympathetick feelings, and his fervent supplica- tions seldom failed to pour the balm of consolation into the wounded bosom. The sick would almost forget their pains, and the mourner cease to sigh. How many wound- ed hearts he has bound up, and from how many weeping eyes he has wiped the tears away how many thought- less sinners he was the means of awakening, and how many saints he has edilied and built up unto eternal life how many wavering minds he has settled, and to how- many repenting sinners his words have administered peace, can be fully known only at the great day ! It havingpleased the Author of Wisdom to visit Dr. Still, man with peculiar trials, and having largely experienced the supporting influence of religion under them, he was eminently qualified to administer consolation to others. Few persons could describe with such accuracy, or enter with such facility into the feelings and exercises of the tempted, tried believer. Like a skilful surgeon, he knew when the wound was sufficiently probed, and when to apply the healing balm of promise. In the course of a few years he was called to bury sev- en of his children, all adults, and some of them with ris- ing families, having previously buried five children in in- Biography of Samuel Stillman. 377 francy. But notwithstanding his domestick trials were so great, his Christian patience and submission were equal to them all. Such was his perfect confidence in the wis- dom of God's government, that with all his extreme sen- sibilities, his mind lost nothing of its lively confidence, or of its cheerful hope. Dr. Stillman was possessed of great benevolence of heart, and was a sincere lover of persons of every Christian denomination, whom he esteemed pious and good. Though from education and from principle a Baptist himself, he never believed that the peculiarities of any sect ought to form a separating line, or hinder the union of good men, for the advancement of the common cause of the Redeemer. With many such he long lived in habits of undissembled friendship, and by them his death will not very soon cease to be regretted. With a view more especially to assist young men in attaining a suitable education for the ministry, he suc- cessfully employed his talents and zeal in aiding the inter- ests of Brown University, Rhode-Island, which owes much to his exertions. It might be mentioned as a proof of the high estima- tion in which his talents were held as a preacher, that there is scarcely any publick occasion on which he has not at one time or another officiated. The university of Cambridge conferred on him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, in 1761. The college in Rhode-Island, of which he was both a Trustee and a Fellow, in 1788 gave him a diploma of Doctor in Divinity. Ke was elected a member of the Federal Convention for the town of Boston the same year, and distinguished himself there by a most eloquent speech in its defence. In 17S9 he was appointed to deliver the anniversary oration on inde- pendence to the town of Boston, which he accomplished in a manner both handsome and acceptable. The social feelings of the Doctor were strong, and his powers of conversation such as always pleased. In his manners there was an unaffected elegance and ease, which rendered him uncommonly agreeable to every circle. The affability and kindness with which he treated per- sons of every description, were not less the effect of a natural delicacy than of a general knowledge of mankind. VOL. 2. 4?J 378 Biography of Samuel Still man. Henre to the great he never could appear servile, nor imperious to those in humbler stations. To both he was the gentleman, and in private company as much esteem- ed as he was popular in his publick performances. His benevolent heart was feelingly alive to distress of every kind, and in contributing to its alleviation in every shape he was actively useful. We find his name amongst the first members of the Humane Society of this Common- wealt'u. Of the Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society he was a useful officer, and of the Boston Dispensary a member from its beginning, and President at his death. The Boston Female Asylum is likewise much indebted to his exertions. He was also an almoner of the private charity of many individuals, who confided in his knowl- edge and judgment of suitable objects. Such \vas the faithfulness with which he discharged the various duties incumbent on him as a minister of the gospel ; such was his zeal for the glory of God and the good of souls, that it may be truly said of him, he was the happy man. Holy, spiritual religion was not with him a transient, visionary thing, but the element in which he breathed. Bis soul was often so enlarged in declaring the glorious gospel, and in expatiating on the riches of God's grace as manifested in his word, that he not only seemed himself to enjoy a prelibation of heaven, but to have been enabled by divine influence to communicate this blessedness to others ; so that his friends have often said, after having heard his private conversation or pub- lick preaching, Truly cur fellowship was with the Father, with his Son Christ Jesus, and with one another through the Spirit's influence. To his church and people he was strongly attached, and particularly attentive.* Nor did he ever suffer any * For a long time previous to his death, lie w.is particularly anxious that a coflrague pastor should be settled \vith him. Knowing that time with him was shfvt, lie Lir.jLu:;}' wished to see his church and congregation happily united in a. person, whose sentiments and character he should entirely approve, and to whose c-ire he could cheerfully confide his charge, when lie should be called to put on the earthly house <.*.i his tu'iernacle. To effect tins object, in his view so important, his labours were incessant ; and Providence seemed to smile on hir> endeavours. The Rev. JOSKPH CLAY, from Gerr^ia, having visited the tovm of Boston, appeared, botry to the pastor and the flock, to be the very object of their united wishes. Proposals having been accordingly made to him for set- tlement, which he accepted, necessary arrangements were making for it. The Doctor was delighting himself with the prospect ; but it pleasee entirely conformed to his image, aud be ever with the Lord. Think, dear friend, what a glorious sight this will be, which can never wax old or dim. The inhabitants of the New-Jerusalem shall no more say they are sick. There will be no more pain ; sorrow and sighing sliall entirely flee away. " The dear Lord grant you, and every branch of your family, this portion. " I remain your sincere friend, GAR DNER THURSTON." VOL, 2. 49 385 Biography of Gardner Thurstw. To a young Minister under some trials. " 1 rejoice in the grace of G >1 h-jstowed on you, and the success granted you, I pray Gcxl to give you t> i the serpent, and the Irirnilessijeis of the dove. A good cauae, a go ly and uniform conduct, vUl put to silence the ignorance c' , . ii. 1 c;t;wt: yive you belter advice than Paul gave to Timothy. Head ;:g*iii and again liis second epistle, second chap- tor. I sympathize with you :n v our trub ; ; urvd God -vvil] be \vith you in six and in seven troubles. I ki/Av that your mind must be tfitll-rently exer- cised; and S:i. be wanting on his part to take every auvant . hurt your usefti'. .". there arc sorue .: ; ike with him, and watch- for your halt'ini;. ** I believe liuit God. who walks in the midst of the tcven golden candlesticks^ wilt support and deleft you. lie upon your guard tuw.t oft occasion f ran ilu>.se wh'< seek occasion, to sp.^tk disrespectfully '.:' you. Endeavour alwa- s to tx- . a gospel temper. If they curse, dr> ycj bless : for Uu: servant of the Lord must not strive, but in meekness instruct those v, ho oppose themselves. Von must iiot tliink your ;'fi\ictio.is strange ; they are vvhc-.t \'our Master and inanr tf his servants met with before. You are onl\ vour measure of that whicli was belirad of thc'affiictiou of Christ in \ . for the body's s:-.ke r vhich is the cb.uvch. O I)le'-Sv. i cl privilege, to partake \vi-_li Christ inhis afflic- tions ! Be :iot c!i 1 .-: uraged, for tl:e power of the crien:y is iimiced like the gre.it deep ; hitherto it may come, and no further. Fcr the wrath of man shall praise him, ar/.l the remaiader shall he restrain. "Concenung polemick performances, I will just o';.scrve, that I have for- merly read many, and after all, I find the Bible to be the best book to discover what truth is, and to establish us in the truth. In this b>ok we find a glorious display of God's justice in the righteous condemn 1 tiKni of the wicked ; and a glorious display of divine grace in the salvation cf his people. Even from tile- foundation to the top-stone, it is all grace, grace, free grace." In 178*, a little after the death of his wife, he thus addressed one of his correspondents : " I embrace the present opportunity to inform you, that I enjoy a better state of health, than I have tor some years past I have abundant reason to bless God, who has been the guide of my youth, and thvcugh life ; for that support. afforded me in the late trying dispensation which 1 have passed through. He has, indeed, been a present help in time of trouble. How unsuitable would it be for us, to have all our evils and trying cluu.gos in vic-w at once ! Therefore- let us admire the W'.-rds ci" .lesus, Sufficient to tiie day is the evil thereof. " (), m:iy I ever lean on my helper, God. I am indeed passing through the furnace of "affliction, and drinking the bitter cup of UK- same; but it is the cup iwhich my heavenly Father ghes me, a::d it is nr.xed with mercy. It is all light ; for I am sure that Infinite Goodness order.-- all things for the best for them who love him. O why should such an unprofitable sei vant as I am be spared ? What arc the designs of Providence ? Surely the Lord has something further for me to do in his house:, else I should have been ciu. do.vn. I am firm in the opinion, that God will not take away his ministers b< iVr.-c their work is done. It" there be one more sinner to be converted by :h-ir mhvs'n .-, one more saint to be or a Christian wish to stay one moment longer out of heaven than he can be useful ?" Mr. Thurston was not able to preach for about three years before his death ; yet he was able to attend meet- ing for the most part of that time, and to visit his flock, to speak comfortably unto God's people. He ap- Biography of .Gardner Thur-sion. 38? peared to be all the time on the wing for heaven ; in fine, \ve can say with propriety, that his conversation was in heaven. A number of ministers and Christi:v> f tends \isited him, in the cour.se of about eighteen months be* fore his death, and it was their uniform opinion, that they never saw any one so unconditionally given up to live on the promises of God, as he was ; and who would talk so familiarly and constantly about death being with Jesus knowing the saints in heaven and the unuttera- ble felicity which would overwhelm the whole ransomed family of God, in the resurrection morning. Mr. Thurston was remarkably fond of meditating and conversing upon the triumphs of the Christian over death and the grave ; and the perfection of our nature, and the extcnsiveness of our knowledge, when we come to dwell with Christ in heaven. " O," said he, " when I come into the glorious presence of my Lord, I shall sea and know those servants and children of my heavenly Father, with whom I took sweet counsel while on earth. Yes, I shall know them as quick and with as much cer- tainty as Peter knew Moses and Elias, when they descend- ed from heaven to mount Tabor to converse with Christ. I am not afraid to die ; for my Lord Jesus is with me> and I shall fear no evil. I know whom I have believ- ed, and am sure that he will keep that, xvhich I have com- mitted unto him. What is that ? It is my all, for I have been enabled to give myself into his hands ; therefore I am not troubled about his property, for he knows how to keep it." One morning, just after he had recovered from a faint- ing fit, he said to a friend, with a smile upon his counte- nance, " I did not think of seeing your face again in th flesh, one hour past ; for I expected to have been with Jesus in heaven before this moment. Yet I do not wish you to think, that my Lord will tarry too long. Hie understanding is infinite : he is unchangeable. I have lived to a good old age, and have seen the salvation of the Lord. I long to see my Saviour in glory. He will come quickly. For me to die is gain, The death of the right- eous is called only a sleep. Them who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him ; and the dead in Christ shall rise Erst. We slull then be like him, for we shalj see him as 388 Biography f Jeremiah Walker. he is. He will change our vile bodies, and make them like unto his most glorious body. Then shall I be satis- fied," &c. A little after this, he was more unwell, and his speech failed him so much, that he was never afterwards able to speak intelligibly. But a serene and smiling countenance and expressive gestures, showed that he retained his rea- son, and that he was calm and joyful in the approach of death ; and after remaining in this situation a few days, he fell asleep in Jesus, on the 2;id of May, 18O2, in the eighth-first year of his age. A suitable discourse was delivered at his interment by Mr. Gano, of Providence. These sketches have been extracted from a Memoir written by Mr. Joshua Bradley, who succeeded this ven- erable father in the pastoral office. JEREMIAH WALKER was born in Bute county, North- Carolina, about the year 1747. He possessed rare and singular talents. When but a small boy, although de- scended from rather obscure parentage, and having very little education, he was remarkably fond of reading and improving his mind. He was also noticed as a boy of very moral and virtuous habits. When quite young he embraced vital religion, and being baptized, soon began to preach. The few Baptist preachers that were then in the ministry were very illiterate, Mr. Walker of course had very little opportunity of improving his small stock of literature, from their conversation ; but the invincible en- ergies of his genius towered above every obstruction. He quickly shone forth with so much splendour as to make it questionable, whether the obscurity of his education, as well as the unlearnedness of his society, did not, by leaving his mind unshackled from scholastick dogmas and from critical strictures, rather advance than impede his real greatness. After preaching in his nativ^ neigh- bourhood, and in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, for some few years, he was induced by the new church called Not- toway, formed in Amelia county, Virginia, (now Notto- way) to move down and take the pastoral charge of tnem. This took place, anno 1769. Here he became very con- Biography of Jeremiah Walker. 389 spicuous, and disseminated his evangelical principles far and near. He was almost incessantly employed in preach- ing the gospel. In a few years, aided by others, particu- larly certain young preachers of his own raising, be planted between twenty and thirty churches south of James-river. In these were also a considerable number of gift ed characters, who afterwards became distinguished preachers. All of whom were either brought to the knowledge of the truth through his ministry, or were nurtured under his fostering hand, after they were brought. All who knew him about this time, coincide in ascribing to him every thing that is desirable in a min- ister of the gospel. In talents, as a preacher, he was equalled by few of any denomination. His voice was melodious, his looks were affectionate, his manner was impressive and winning, his reasoning was clear and con- clusive, his figures were elegant, well chosen, and strictly applicable ; all of which advantages were heightened by the most unaffected simplicity. In private conversation, he was uncommonly entertaining and instructing to all, but especially to young preachers. Affable with ail sorts of people, he was beloved and admired as far as he was known. Besides this, he was considered by all his ac- quaintances exemplarily pious, and, no doubt, was so at that time. No spot nor wrinkle was found in his char- acter. So distinguished a man among the despised Baptists, could not long escape the notice of their opponents. When persecution began to arise, the enemies of the cross soon cast their eyes on Jeremiah Walker. Him they viewed as the champion. " If we can but silence him," said they, " the whole host beside will hide them- selves in dens and caverns." Accordingly he was arrest, ed in Chesterfield county, by virtue of a warrant from a magistrate, and, after examination, was committed to jail. His patience, humility, and uniform prudence and piety, while in prison, acquired for him the esteem of all; whose prejudices would allow them to think favourably of a Baptist. He kept a journal or diary, when confined, in which are some of the most pious and sensible reflections. When Mr. Walker came out of jail, he stood, if possi- ble, in higher estimation than he had done before. 390 Biography of Jeremiah Walker. Wherever he went to preach, he was attended by a large concourse ; and from his preaching the most beneficial consequences were constantly produced. Here, alas ! we could willingly drop the pencil, and leave the picture with these bright colourings : but our wishes cannot be indulged ; candour compels us to forego the desire. Like the inspired historians, we must not only exhibit the goodness and greatness of God's people, but their foibles and their follies too. They told of Da- vid's rise ; they told of his downfall likewise. No- max- im is more surely established by experience and observa- tion, than this High delights are fraught with great dangers. God hath set adversity over against prosperity. And whenever a man in any character arises to distin- guished eminence, he may look for some downfall, unless he watch his steps with a commensurate vigilance. Mr. Walker had arrived to a degree of distinction far above his associates. In whatever direction he might travel, he was hailed by many as a father in the gospel. Caressed by his friends ; admired by all, even by his enemies j invited to the society of the great ; very influ- ential, and indeed all-powerful in Associations and other places among the Baptists ; still young and inexperien- ced ; it will not appear strange to an experienced mind, that this man, thus standing on a pinnacle, should tilt Over. "Oh, popular applause, what heart of mart Is proof against thy sweet seducing charms 1 The wisest aud the l>tst feel argent need Of all their caution, in thy gentlest gales* But, swell'cl into a gust, who then, alas! Yv'ith all his canvass set, and, inexpert, And therefore heedless, can withstand thy pow'r ?" In every good there will be some evil. The plain, fa- miliar, affectionate manners of the Baptists in those days, under suitable restrictions, were surely favourable to vi- tal piety. This habit, however, among the unsuspicious ftnd incautious, exposed them to snares, into which too many fall. It would have been happy for Mr. Walker, if he had observed somewhat more of etiquette, especial- ly among females. Their fondness for his company, un- der the pretence of religious affection, was often nothing more than carnal love in disguise. He was ultimately entrapped. .In the year 177*, he attempted a criminal Biography of Jeremiah Walker, 391 intrigue with a young woman, for which he was exclu- ded ; but soon again restored, on account of his appar- ently deep contrition. His deportment after this was so correct for some years, that he had almost regained his former standing. But, lamentable to relate, about the year 1784- or 1785, he fell into a similar transgression, in which things were carried much farther than the first. He was immediately excluded from fellowship. He sunk down into the utmost contempt. His name sounded with infamy far and near. The friends of religion were abash- ed beyond expression ; while their enemies triumphed, as if the Baptists had sunk never to rise again. In no great while after this wretched event, he moved to Georgia j from whence, in the year 1788, he visited Virginia ; pro- fessed to be again restored to divine favour, and petition- ed the church from which he had, been excluded, to re- instate him into membership. After some impediment* were removed, he was received as a member, and also permitted to resume his ministry. The sequel of his life is almost a continual struggle against the prejudices of both church and world. The sword never departed from his home. After his restoration, his morals were correct ; for in truth, except the above sin, no other seems to have been capable of producing a momentary temptation to his mind. He became an Arminian after his downfall, and there- by excited among the Georgia Baptists no small degree of contention. Finally, however, they split. Mr. Walker^ with a small party, formed a distinct society, called Gen- eral Baptists. In 179J, he travelled into Virginia, and attended the Association, holden by the Middle District, at Cedar Creek, in Lunenburg county. From thence he went to the General Committee,* in Goochland j and then went through various parts of the State, leaving his pamphlets and his verbal arguments in favour of Anninianism r whithersoever he went. In this journey of Mr. Walker^ those who associated with him, found him still the same pleasant, sensible, instructing, genteel character, that he fcad formerly been. * Sec an Account of that General Committee, ia Virginia. 392 Biography of Saunders WalLr. Alas, alas ! that so splendid a garment should ba so spotted ! In his list illness, he endured, with remarkable forti- tude and Christian re^gnation, the most excruciating and acute sufferings. He died September '2Oth, 1792. Rev. Abraham Marshall preached his funeral sermon from !Zechariah, 1 1 th chap, and 2d verse. " How/,Jir>tree ; for the cedar is fallen " Mr. Walker married Miss Jane Graves, in North-Caro- lina, when very young. They lived together in great harmony for many years. After he went to Georgia, she died, and he married a widow lady, with whom he lived also in the strictest harmony ; for, his slips not- withstanding, he was exceedingly affectionate and kind in his family. Mr. Walker had a principal hand in drafting for the Baptists their petitions and remonstrances to the Virgin- ia Assembly ; he also took an active and successful part in supporting them in the House, where he gained the applause of the candid members, as a man of sense and address. He published a number of pamphlets, mostly on con- troversial subjects ; the most distinguished of which was the one entitled, " The fourfold foundation of Calvinis???, examined and shaken.*' ScmpJe. SAUNDERS WALKER was for many years one of the most useful ministers in the upper regions of Georgia. He was born March 17, 174O, in Prince William county, Virginia, and was a brother of Jeremiah Walker, whose history has just been related ; and although his abilities were not equal to his brother's, yet he, different from him, maintained through life a character fair and unim- peachable. He was a singular instance of the transform- ing influence of the grace of God. Before his conver- sion, he was of a turbulent, unmanageable temper, and much addicted to the vices naturally attendant on such a disposition. But the Divine Spirit not only changed his heart, but his nature too ; so that he was ever after distinguished for the meekness and gravity of his deport* Biography of John Waller. 3D3 ment : the nieek Saunders Walker , was a proverbial expres- sion among all who knew him. He began to preach in South-Carolina in 1 767, in the 27th year of his age, and for thirty-eight years continued a faithful and successful minister of the cross of Christ. About four years after he began his ministerial course, he moved to Bute county, North-Carolina, to a place notorious for wickedness and ignorance of religion. But it pleased his Master to be with him here, and in a short time a considerable church arose under his ministry. In 1782, he removed to Geor- gia, where he spent the remainder of his days. Here he became a companion in gospel labours with Daniel Mar- shall, and they were for a time the only ordained min- isters in the upper part of the State. The country was now new and in an uncultivated state, both in a natural and a religious point of view. At this time also disputes ran high between Whigs and Tories, from which many evils resulted. Mr. Walker not only became the laborious preacher of the gospel, but the successful mediator be- tween contending parties, was the means of preventing many evils amongst them, and of procuring much good for those who were in trouble and want. After spending a life of distinguished usefulness, he finished his course with joy, in 1805, in the 65th year of his age. [This account of Mr. Walker was furnished by Mr. Jesse Mercer, of Georgia.] JOHN WALLER, born Dec. 23d, 1741, in Spottsylvania, county, was a descendant of the honourable Wallers in England. At a very early period, he manifested a great talent for satyrical wit. This determined his uncle, who had the direction of his education, to bring him up for the law. He was put to a grammar-school, and made encouraging advancement in the dead languages. His uncle's death, and his father's narrow resources, added to his own unbridled inclinations to vice, prevented him from finishing even his classical education. He now be- gan indeed to study, not the laws of the land, but those of the gaming-table. Letting himself loose to every spe- cies of wickedness and profanity, he quickly acquired for VOL. 2. 50 394- Biography of John Waller. himself the infamous appellation of Swearing Jack Waller, by which he was distinguished from others of the same name. So far did he indulge his mischievous temper, that he once had three warrants served on him at the same time, on account of one uproar. It was frequently remarked by the common people, " that there could be no deviltry among the people, unless Swearing Jack was at the head of it." He was sometimes called the devil's adjutant to muster his troops. To these may be added his fury against the Baptists. He was one of the grand jury who presented Louis Craig for preaching. This happily terminated in his good. Mr. Craig watched the dismission of the grand jury, and found means to secure their attention, while he addressed them in the following harangue : " I thank you, gentlemen of the grand jury, for the honour you have done me. While I was wicked and injurious, you took no notice of me ; but since I have altered my course of life, and endeavoured to reform my neighbours, you concern yourselves much about me. I forgive my persecuting enemies, and shall take joyfully the spoiling of my goods." When Mr. Waller heard him speak in that manner, and observed the meekness of his spirit, he was convinced that Craig was possessed of something that he had never seen in the man before. He thought within himself, that he should be happy if he could be of the same religion with Mr. Craig. From this time he began to attend their meetings, and was found of the Holy Spirit. The commandment came, and he died. He s~aw and felt himself a sinner. He now, for the first time, except in blaspheming, began to call upon the name of the Lord. His convictions were deep and pungent. He ate no pleasant bread and drank no pleasant water, for seven or eight months, during which time he was al- most in despair. He relates his exercises in the following words : " I had long felt the greatest abhorrence of myself, and began almost to despair of the mercy of God. However, I determined in my own soul, never to rest from seeking, until it pleased God to show mercy, or cut me off. Un- der these impressions I was, at a certain place, sitting under preaching. On a sudden, a man exclaimed that he had found grace, and began to praise God. No mortal can Biography ef John Waller, 395 describe the horror with which I was seized at that in- stant. I began to conclude my damnation was certain. Leaving the meeting, I hastened to a neighbouring wood, and dropped on my knees before God, to beg for mercy. In an instant I felt my heart melt, and a sweet applica- tion of the Redeemer's love to my poor soul. The calm was great, but short." From this time he felt some increase of strength ; yet at some times he felt the enemy break in upon him like a flood, and he would be almost ready to give up his hope. But the application of these words, gave him great com- fort : " Who is among you that feareth the Lord j that walketh in darkness and hath no light j let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Isaiah 1. 10. And again, "By this we know that we have passed from death unto life,because we love the brethren." By the time Messrs. Harris and Read came on their second tour into this region, Mr. Waller felt sufficiently confident to become a candidate for baptism ; and going up into Orange county, was there baptized by Mr. Read, some time in the year 1767. Baptism was to him, as it has been to thousands, a sanctified ordinance. His soul received a great accession of strength and comfort. Christ was revealed in him. Having contracted debts by dissipation, he sold property to pay them. He con- ferred not with flesh and blood ; but began to preach, that men ought every where to repent. It was not long before his labours became effectual, at least, one way. That arch enemy of souls, whom he had served so faith- fully before, now began to roar in hideous peals against him, and succeeded in raising up a powerful opposition. At length it was thought proper to constitute a church in Mr. Waller's neighbourhood ; who making choice of him as pastor, he was ordained to the work of the min- istry, June 20th, 1770. He now began to lengthen his cords. Bending his course downwards, he baptized William Webber, who afterwards became a distinguished preacher among the Virginia Baptists, being the first he did baptize. October, 1770, accompanied by J. Burriis, he travelled down as far as Middlesex, where his minis- try was attended with great success, and where he also met with violent opposition. From this time a train of 39(5 Biography of John Waller. prosperous events followed his evangelical exertions. Wherever he went, he was attended by a divine power, turning many to righteousness. His name sounded far and wide. By the ungodly, he was considered as a bold inexorable fanatick, that would do much mischief unless restrained. The Baptists and their adherents looked up- on him as set for the defence of their cause, and with much confidence rallied round him as their leader. His persecutions and imprisonments, in Caroline, in Middle- sex, in Essex, and other counties, have been already related. In this bright and burning way, Waller continued un- til 1775 or 1776, when he formed an acquaintance with one Williams, a preacher of some talents, apparent piety, and in Mr. Wesley's connexion, consequently an Armin- ian ; this man, by his conversation and books, so wrought upon Mr. Waller's mind, as to bring him over to believe the Armiman system. Knowing this to be contrary to the opinions of his brethren, he resolved to make a bold effort to prea.cn and argue his principles at the next Asso- cb tion, and thereby convince his brethren ; or, failing in this, to submit to be cut off from them. Accordingly, he took his text, 1 Cor. xiii. 11.'* When I was a child, 1 spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought at a child ; but 'when I became a man, I put away childish things." In his exordium he stated, that when young and inexperi- enced in religion, he had fallen in with the Calvinistick plan ; but that, becoming more expert in doctrine, or, in ihe language of his text, when he became a man, he put away these childish notions. He then went lengthily into the argument. For want of truth, or for want of talents, he made lew if any converts to his opinions, and of course had to confront the whole host of preachers and inen.bers now assembled. Mr. Waller, foreseeing his fate, took the shorter course. Instead of awaiting a fair trial, lie proclaimed himself an independent Baptist preacher. This step was T---V?. ;o;y resorted to by Waller, under an eyp ^cation that his popularity was so great, that he s;i _.J be ?.' '; 1.0 bring over many of the churches tohispa-iiy. E; it as it may, he immediately commenced his operations en un extensive plan. On his return from the Association, he used his utmost endeavour to form Biography of John Waller. 897 a strong party. He preached from house to house ; spread his wings over a large field of ministerial labour ; ordained lay elders in every neighbourhood, to prevent inroads ; and also several helps in the ministry. He also established what he called camp-meetings, in which they continued together several days, under certain written regulations, which were in substance, as follow : 1st. No female, on any account whatever, shall be permitted to appear in the camp, until an hour after sun-rise in the morning, nor stay there later than an hour before sun-set at night. 2d. The persons in the camp shall depend for sustenance, during the camp-meeting, on the friendly hospitality of the neighbourhood. 3d. Any person in camp, waking at any period of the night, may pray or sing, without disturbing the slumbers of others. The novelty of these meetings, excited the attention of the people in such a manner, that great multitudes crowded after him. By these means his party gained strength daily. Few men possessed greater talents for heading a party of this description, than Mr, Waller. The only thing in which he was deficient, was, that he could not be happy while separated from his brethren. He used to say that in the midst of apparent prosperity and the caresses of his friends, he still yearned after the people of God, from whom he had with-drawn. Some years after his restoration, he said to a young preacher who was dissatisfied, and talked of dissenting, " If you could have a distant view of my sufferings and leanness of soul, while a dissenter from my brethren, you would never again indulge such a thought/* He was again fully reinstated in connexion with his brethren, in 1787 ; when a full union between Separates, Regulars, and Independents^ was accomplish- ed.* A very great revival commenced under Mr. Waller's ministry, in 1787. This continued for several years ; and spread through all his places of preaching. In this revival he was greatly engaged ; and baptized from first to last many hundreds, and his church in a short time increased to about 15OO members. Early in this revival, Mr. A. Waller, son of his brother Benjamin, was brought * A partial restoration had taken place some years before this, so Unit Tvit. Waller ami his party met i Association with the Separate B'-'-p~ 393 Biography of John Waller. in ; and in some few years began to preach. Mr. Waller immediately recognized him as his successor, and declared that he believed his work in that part of the earth was finished. Accordingly, November 8th, 1 793, after taking the most affectionate farewell of the churches, he moved his family to Abbeville district, in the State of South- Carolina. This removal was said to have arisen, partly from economical considerations, and partly from a strong desire on his own, and on the part of his wife, to live near a beloved daughter, who had some time previously married Rev. Abraham Marshall, of Georgia. Perhaps there might be other causes. His labours in his new resi- dence were also blessed, but not to a great extent. He remained however faithful in the cause, until his death, which took place, July 4th, 1 802. His death was, as might be hoped and expected, truly glorious. His eldest son describes it in the following words : " His conflict with death, as it respected bodily afflic- tion, was truly hard ; but his soul appeared to be hap- py indeed ! Never did I witness such resignation and Christian fortitude before ! He was reduced to a perfect skeleton, and, in several places, the skin was rubbed off his bones. His pains appeared to be excruciating, but no murmur was heard from his lips. On the contrary, he would often say, " I have a good Master, who does not give me one stroke too hard, or one too many." " The last sermon he preached, was on the death of a young man. The text from which he preached was, Zechariah ii. 4. " Run, speak to this young man." He addressed himself chiefly to youth, in feeble but anima- ting strains, observing, that he counted upon its being the last sermon he should ever preach ; and fervently prayed, that, Sampson like, he might slay more at his death, than he had done in his life. He continued speak- ing, until his strength failed him ; and with reeling steps he advanced to a bed, where we thought he would have expired. From thence he was removed home in a carriage for the last time. He said, as to his soul, he was under no concern ; as he had given it to Jesus long since ; and he was under no doubt but what his Master would provide a mansion for it. Just before his departure, he Biography of John Waller. 399 summoned all his family around him, black and white, and told them, he was anxious to be gone and to be present with Christ ; and then warned them to walk in the fear of God. cordially shook hands with all, and soon after, with a pleasant countenance, breathed his last, and fell asleep in Jesus. I looked on the corpse with these words fresh in my mind, " O lovely appearance of death." Thus this great man of God conquered the last enemy, and -ascended to that rest, that remameth for the people of God. He died in the sixty-second year of his age ; hav- ing been a minister of God's word for about thirty-five years ; having, in that time, lain in four different jails, for the space of one hundred and thirteen days, in all, besides bufferings, stripes, reproaches, &c. Nor was his labour in vain in the Lord. While in Virginia, he bap- tized more than two thousand persons ; assisted in the ordination of twenty-seven ministers ; and helped to constitute eighteen churches. For many years, he had the ministerial care of five churches, to whom he preach- ed statedly. As a preacher, his talents in the pulpit were not a- bove mediocrity ; but he was certainly a man of very strong mind. His talents for art and intrigue were equalled by few. This he exercised sometimes, as it was thought, beyond the innocence of the dove. He was, perhaps, too emulous to carry his favourite points,, especially in Associations ; yet it must be owned, that such influence as he acquired in this way, he always en- deavoured to turn to the glory of God. He had married to Miss E. Curtis, previous to his becoming religious. By her he had a number of chil- dren, some of whom the old man had the happiuess to see profess the same faith with himself. Semple* WILLIAM WEBBER, was born August 1.5, 1747, of parents in the middle line of life. His education was* but slender, having been sent to school only three years. At 16 years of age he was put an apprentice to a house- joiner. After the expiration of his apprenticeship, hs 400 Biography of William Webber. continued to work at his trade, until God called him to be a workman for him. In October, 1769, was the first time he heard the Baptists preach, when he was awaken- ed to know his danger ; and his spirit took no rest from that time, until about six months after, when he obtain- ed a hope of salvation ; and was baptized, June 177O, by Elder John Waller, then just ordained. He had, as was usual about that time, commenced an exhorter, pre- vious to his being baptized. Few men in Virginia suffered more persecutions than Mr. Webber. He was first seized in Chesterfield county, December 7, 177O, and imprisoned in that county jail until March 7, 1771, just three months. In August, the same year, he was taken off the stage, where he was preaching, in Middlesex county, and put into prison, where he was confined forty-five days, having the bounds a part of the time. In both these prisons, he and his fel- low-sufferers used to preach through the grates regularly twice a week, to such as would come to hear. Besides these imprisonments, he was often very roughly treated, by the sons of Belial, at different places ; all of which this man of God bore with Christian patience and meekness. Although he was in narrow circumstances, he used when young, to devote much of his time to preaching ; and being much respected and beloved, he was an instrument of doing much good. As he grew older, and his family larger, he found it necessary to limit his labours chiefly to his own and the adjacent neighbourhoods. He was still very successful in turning many to righteousness, and in confirming the souls of the disciples. Mr. Webber was a man of talents, though not in the pulpit ; for there he was hardly up to mediocrity. He was a man of sound and correct judgment, well acquainted with mankind, well versed in the Scriptures, well instructed in the prin- ciples of the gospel, and ingenious in defending them against error. As a companion, he was remarkably agreeable ; for he was pleasant and cheerful, yet without levity. His conversation was chiefly upon the subject of religion, to which he had a turn for directing the atten- tion of his company, without permitting it to be irksome. In his church, he was greatly beloved by his members, and all who knew him. He was remarkably plain, both Biography of Peter Werden* 401 in his dress and manners. His chief excellency, how- ever, was in Associations and publick bodies. He was made moderator of the General Association, as early as the year 1778 ; and although there were many older ministers than himself, for several years after, yet he sel- dom attended an Association or General Committee, but he was placed in the chair. His address, either in the chair or out of it, was far from being accomplished. But still he was preferred before men of far more refined pow- ers, on account of his soft, yet manly, affectionate, and unaffected method. It is likely, that less affectation was never in any man than in William Webber. You always saw him in his true colours. About the year 1799, he had a long and distressing sickness, which had well nigh brought him to his grave. He did, however, recover ; but his constitution was so shaken, that he was never as healthy afterwards. He recovered so far as to go out some small distance from home ; but relapsing, he linger- ed for some months ; and on the 29th day of February, 1 80S, he yielded to the king of terrors, but who had lost his terror as to him. In his last illness, he enjoyed great religious consolation, and said to Elder Watkins of Powhatan, a little time before his death, " Brother Wat- kins, I never had so glorious a manifestation of the love of God in all my life, as I have had since my sickness. O, the love of God !" Semple. PETER WERDEN was born June 6th, 1 728, and ordain- ed to the work of the ministry, at Warwick, Rhode- Island, May, 1751, in the 24th year of his age. When he first began to preach, he was too much of a New-Light, and too strongly attached to the doctrine of salvation by sovereign grace> to be generally received among the old Baptist churches in Rhode-Island, which had been formed partly upon the Arminian plan, until the follow- ing event opened the door for him : A criminal, by the name of Carter, was executed at Tower-Hill, and the scene of his execution collected abun- dance of people from all parts of the State.* 1 While the criminal stood under the gallows, young Werden felt such a concern for his soul, that he urged his way through VOL. 2. 51 402 Biography of Peter Werden. the crowd ; and being assisted by the sheriff, he gained access to him, and addressed him as follows : " Sir, is your soul prepared for that awful eternity, into which you will launch in a few minutes ?" The criminal repli- ed, " I don't know that it is, but I wish you would pray for me." In this prayer, Mr. Werden was so wonder- fully assisted in spreading the poor man's cause before the throne of God, that the whole assembly were awfully solemnized, and most of them wet their cheeks with their tears. This opened a great door for his ministrations, both on the maine and on the island. He preached at Warwick, Coventry, and many other places, with good success, about 19 years, and then moved, in 1770, into the town of Cheshire, in Berkshire county, Massachu- setts, where he lived and administered almost 38 years. In his first religious exercises, he was led to dig deep into his own heart, where he found such opposition and rebellion, that when he obtained pardon, he attributed it to sovereign grace alone ; which sentiment, so inter- woven in his soul, he ever proclaimed aloud to a dying world. Nothing appeared to be more disgustful to his mind, than to hear works and grace mixed together, as the foundation of a sinner's hope. To hold forth the Lamb of God as a piece of a Saviour ; or to consider the self-exertions of a natural man, to be the way into Christ, the true and only ivay, were extremely displeasing to that soul of his, which delighted so much in proclaiming eter- nal love, redeeming blood, and matchless grace. Sound judgment, correct principles, humble demeanor, with solemn sociability, marked all his publick improve- ments, and mingled with all his conversation in smaller circles, or with individuals. In him young preachers found a father and a friend ; distressed churches, a healer of breaches ; and tempted souls, a sympathizing guide. From his first settling in Cheshire, until he was 70 years old, he wa.s a father to the Baptist churches in Berkshire county and its environs, and in some sense an apostle to them all. His many, painful labours for the salvation of sinners, the peace of the churches, and the purity of the ministers, will never be fully appreciated, until the time when he shall stand before his Judge, and hear the words of his mouth, " Well done, good and faithful servant." Biography of Peter Werden. 403 From the sternness of his eyes and blush of his face, a stranger would have been led to conclude, that he was sovereign and self-willed in his natural habit of mind ; but on acquaintance, the physiognomist would have been agreeably disappointed. He had so much self-govern- ment, that he has been heard to say, that (except when he had the small-pox,) he never found it hard to keep from speaking at any time, if his reason told him it \vas best to forbear ; and no man possessed liner feelings, or treated the characters of others with more delicacy than he did. He had an exalted idea of the inalienable rights of conscience ; justly appreciated the civil rights of man, and was assiduous to keep his brethren from the chains of ecclesiastical power. His preaching was both sentimental and devotional ; and his life so far corresponded with the precepts which he taught, that none of his hearers could justly reply, " Physician, heal thyself." He had the happiness of having a number of revivals in the town and congregation where he resided and preached, and a number of ministers were raised up in the church of which he was pastor. For about ten years before his death his bodily and mental powers had been on the decline, and he was often heard to rejoice, that others increased though he decreas- ed ; but his superannuation was not so great, as to pre- vent the whole of his usefulness ; and his hoary head was a crown of glory unto him. A number of times he was heard to pray that he might not outlive his usefulness, which was remarkably answer- ed in his case, for the Lord's-day before he died he preach- ed to the people of his charge. The disease which closed his mortal life, denied his friends the pleasure of catching the balm of life from his lips, in his last moments. He had finished his work be- fore, and nothing remained for him to do, but to die. Let the inhabitants of Cheshire,' (said Mr. John Leland, his biographer, and who exhibited the above at the close of the sermon which he preached at his funeral) reflect a moment on the dealings of God towards them. With- in about three years, three ministers, belonging to the town, have departed this life. The pious Mason took the lead ; the pleasing Covell followed after j and novr 404 Biography of John Williams. (1808) the arduous Werdcn, who has been in the minis- try a longer term than any Baptist preacher left behind, in New-England, has finished his course, in the 8Oth year of his age ; while Leland remains alone, to raise this monument over their tomb. JOHN WILLIAMS was born in the county of Hanover, Virginia, 1747. He was of a very respectable family, and received a tolerable education. In the month of June, 1769, when acting as a sheriff of Lunenburgh, he was awakened to know and to feel his sin and his dan- ger. He became a convert, and shortly after lifted up his voice to exhort his fellow-men to flee from the wrath to come. He was not baptized until the first Sabbath in February, 1770. He continued to exhort, until some time in the following summer, when he ventured to take a text, and from that time commenced preacher. December, 1772, he was ordained to the ministry, and took the care of Meherrin church. His gifts, at first, were far from being auspicious. Many pronounced that he would never be a preacher ; so delusory are the first efforts of the mind. He not only succeeded in becoming a preacher, but in becoming a first-rate preacher, at least in the estimation of most of his acquaintances. He was exceeding fond of reading and writing, and indeed was generally studious ; by which means he great- ly improved his mind. "When he first commenced preacher he was zealous, active, and laborious in the ministry ; travelling and propagating the gospel in different parts. He may well be numbered among the fathers of Israel. His talent, however, was not employed so much in breaking down the bars of prejudice in new and unenlightened places, as in directing and regulating young converts when gath- ered by others. Pleasing, affable, and refined in his man- ners, his hand was employed to smooth off some of those protuberances left by rougher workmen. In Associations he was expert with his pen, as well as wise to offer coun- sel. He acted as clerk to the General Association ; and when they divided the Association into districts, a unani- mous vote of thanks was offered Mr. W. for his faith- Biography of John Williams. 40 .5 ful and skilful services in that capacity. Ho also dis- charged the duties of clerk to the Roanoke Association until a little time previous to his death. He introduced several excellent regulations both into the General and Roanoke Associations, for the government of churches, &c. Few men understood church discipline better, or were more successful in building up large respectable churches, wherever he attended. For many years he acted as pastor to four churches, whom he attended monthly. He was in high estimation both as a man and a minister. Even the enemies of the Baptists would often except Mr. W. from their reproaches. In his temper towards those of other religious persuasions, he was remarkably liberal. Indeed, by some of his acquaintances it is said he was friendly to open communion ; but that he was restrained from putting it in practice, by his tenderness for his brethren, most of whom differed with him on this head. This liberality of spirit did not prevent him from maintaining his own principles with great firmness, when- ever an occasion offered. It was such an occasion as this, which drew forth his reply to Mr. Patilloe's* sermon on infant baptism. He committed his arguments to writing, with an intention of printing them in the form of a pamphlet ; but as nothing came out on the other side, and as so much had been already published on that subject, it was not put to the press. In his preface, he makes the following remark : " I hope I have sufficiently demonstrated to my coun- trymen, for a series of years, that I am not overbearing on others, or bigotted to my own principles which are not essential to salvation ; but have uniformly endeavoured to promote a catholick spirit, with peace and concord, in the Israel of God. But, nevertheless, I am set for the defence of the gospel ; and as such, circumstances often occur, that involuntarily lead me forth to contend for the faith and order of Christ's church." He was generally upon the best terms with the Presby- terians, who were pretty numerous in his neighbourhood. His talents, if not equal to any, were certainly very little inferior to those of the first grade. His appearance' in the pulpit was noble and majestick, yet humble and affectionate. In the beginning of his \ eettebrated Prfcsbylcilan preacher. 406 Biography of John Williams. discourses, he was doctrinal and somewhat methodical ; often very deep, even to the astonishment of his hearers. Towards the close, and indeed sometimes throughout his sermon, he was exceedingly animating. His exhorta- tions were often incomparable. At an early period he became very corpulent. At an Association, in the year 1793, he accidentally fell, by the turning of a step, as he was passing out of a door, and became for a year or two a cripple ; being under the necessity of going on crutches. Notwithstanding this, he would frequently go in a carriage to meeting, and preach, sitting in a chair in the pulpit. During several of the last years of his life, he was afflicted with a very painful disease. Under his severe suffering, he was not only patient, but when he could have any mitigation of his pain, he was also cheerful. About ten days before his dead), he was attacked by a pleurisy ; from which no medicine could give him relief. His work was finished, and his Master had called for him. On the 30th day of, April, 1795, he fell asleep. Nothing very remarkable transpired at his death. He was pensive and silent. He told his wife, that to live or die was to him indifferent : he had committed this to God, who, he knew, would do right. He said he felt some anxie- ty for his numerous family ; but that these, also, he was willing to trust in the hands of a gracious Providence. January, 1 768. he was married to Miss Frances Hughes, of Powhatan county, by whom he had 14 children ; of whom 1 1 were living at the time of his death ; and of these, four professed religion, and were baptized. Ssmple* [it/* There have been many other eminent characters in the Bafitist con- nexion, who ought to have a place among the worthies oj their host ; but, for wanf of some one to record their history, their names are either sunk, or are fast sink ng into forgetfulness. Our brethren, in many instances, have been strangely neglectful of their departed friends. 1 'hey have conducted as though they supposed every body knew their worth, end that it was therefore un- necessary to write any thing respecting them. The Author of this work has for a number of years had it in view, at some future period, should his life be continued, to prepare one altogether biograph- ical ; which will contain not only the lives, but the likenesses of many Baptist characters of distinction, both European and American. Those who mail feel interested in prtserving the hi&tonj and rtficniNances of tlieir departtd. friends, are desired to ketp, this suggestion in mind.} Churches holding to Weekly Communion. 407 CHAP. XVIII. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF A NUMBER OF BAPTIST COMMU- NITIES, WHO DIFFER FROM THE MAIN BODY OF THE DENOM- INATION, AND WHO ARE ALSO DISTINGUISHED BY SOM* PECULIARITIES OF THEIR OWN. Churches which hold to Weekly Communion. THE practice of administering the Lord's Supper every first day of the week, has never prevailed much among the American Baptists. The old church, at Sandy-Creek, North Carolina, was for some years on that plan, but it has now given it up. A few years since, a number of ministers came over from Scotland to America, in the character of missionaries of the Independent persua- sion, and some of them were patronized by the liberal Robert Haldane, Esq. of Edinburgh. These missionaries, after travelling a short time, in different parts of the United States, were led to embrace the Baptist sentiments, and from Pedobaptist became Baptist ministers. Mr. Walter Balfour was baptized by Mr. Collier of Charlestown, near Boston ; Mr. Archibald Maclay by Mr. Williams of New-York ; Mr. James Graham, now of Beaufort, South-Carolina, by the same admin- istrator in New- York ; Mr. James M'Pherson, now of Baltimcre, was baptized by Mr. Joseph B. Cook, then of Beaufort, South-Carolina. These baptisms all took place about 1 809. Some other Pedobaptist ministers came over to the Baptists about the same time, and they were, peihaps, too much elated at these accessions to their cause. But it was soon found, that most of the Scotch ministers were, notwithstanding their becoming of the Baptist persuasion, far from uniting in their connexion, The Independents in Scotland generally, if not uniformly, practise weekly communion; and of this point, and some others, these new converts to believers' baptism were peculiarly tenacious. Mr. Balfour gathered a small church in Boston and Charlestown, to which he still ministers ; but his success in building up a separate interest, has not been so great as his talents and address seemed at first to promise. An account of Mr. MacLiy's successful and commendable proceedings in New- York has already been related. The church which he found- ed, still practises weekly communion ; but it is, notwithstanding, in fel- lowship with those which commune but monthly. Mr. M'Pherson gathered a church in Baltimore, mostly out of the second in that city, which went heartily into his notions of communion and other particu- lars respecting the order of the house, c. He is a man of respecta? ble talents, and seemed to promise usefulness as a minister of the word, notwithstanding his dividing measures ; but to the grief of his friends, he has lately been disowned by his infant church, for intemper- ance. Mr. Graham preached a while in Savannah, Georgia ; then in Beaufort, South-Carolina ; and for a short time had the care of the church in that place ; but not being able to bring it to his views, he formed a small one upon his own plan. How large it is, or what are its circumstances, I have not learnt. The labours of these ministers, together with some writings, which they brought from Scotland, seemed at first to threaten innovation? 498 Churches holding to Weekly Communion. among the American churches of considerable extent ; but these ap- pearances have, in a great measure, subsided, and very few have gone so far into the new order of ths house, as to separate from their respective connexions. Some few churches, however, have been founded by the converts to weekly communion, plurality of Elders, &.c. One of this kind was formed in 1809, by the name of the Second Baptist Church in Charlestown. Its principal teacher is Mr. Oliver H olden, a native of New-England, formerly a member of the first church in that town. This church at first consisted of nine members, but has since increased to twenty-five.* Three have been added by baptism, and thirteen from other churches. The constituents were dis- missed, by their request, from the first church. The ostensible reason for asking a dismission, (as stated by themselves,) was, that discipline was not maintained so strictly as they desired, or as the church acknowl- edged it ought to be. And t; despairing of seeing the church brought to resemble the Scripture pattern, and desirous of reforming them- selves," they, at their request, were dimissed for that purpose. Their leading views in this measure, and their distinguishing sentiments, are thus stated by one r.f their number: " In respect to the difference between their sentiments and those of the churches from whose connexion they are separated, they profess to have aimed only to revive the Baptist principles recorded in the Scriptures and in the history of purer ages, and not to innovate in any degree. " They disapprove all connexion with the world, in the support of the gospel, and with other churches in choosing and ordaining Eiders. They deny that present ministers are successors of the Apostles, in the sense frequently conveyed on baptismal and other occasions ; and that their office, as teachers and rulers in the church, should be known by any distinction in dress or titles. They consider it their duty to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ every first day of the week ; and that the evening of that day (after having attended to the Lord's Supper) is a suitable season for mutual exhortation and prayer. And they profess to believe, that by duly regarding primi- tive practices, and apostolical injunctions, they shall be enabled to walk in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and to enjoy the essential blessing of a spiritual and efficient ministry. " In doctrine they profess to be the same as when first taught by the Holy Ghost to call Jesus Lord, wishing for no change, excepting great- er discoveries of its simplicity, efficiency and glory. " They use no platform of church- government bat the Scriptures, believing that a greater acquaintance with them will strengthen their faith, love, and veneration for the adored object of their uniform tes- timony. " They have been supposed by some to have imbibed Sandemanian notions of faith, divine influence, religious experience, &c. ; but it is not true. They separated from the first church, for the reasons above mentiont J ; but they have neither imbibed new sentiments, nor formed new connexions. They profess their desire to " stand in the ways, and One has been excluded, for denying the self-ext&ter.ce and eternity cf Churches holding to Weekly Communion. 409 ml: for tie old paths," and their hope that God will enable them to " walk therein." The reader will doubtless wish to hear the other side, and will proba- bly suspect that the real cause of the separation has not been disclosed.* This church, although of the same order with Mr. Balfour's, has yet no visible fellowship with it. In Hartford, Connecticut, a small church has been formed upon the plan of weekly communion, by Mr. Henry Grew, formerly pastor of the Baptist church in that city. Mr. Grew is a native of England; was, for a number of years, a citizen of Providence, Rhode-Island, and was called to the office of a deacon by the old church in that town, at the age of 24. Not Jong after he was, by the same church, called to the ministry, and was, a year or two after, settled in the pastoral care of the church in Hartford. His ministry here was, for a while, prosper- ous and happy, and his separation from the church was an event pecu- liarly painful and trying; for in addition to the maxims of the Scotch brethren, lie imbibed some others, which were not only new, but in the estimation of his brethren unscriptural, and unbecoming a man cf his talents and discretion. Mr. Grf-w is, by all who know him, respected for his gifts, and be- loved for his piety ; but by withdrawing from his former connexion, and devoting himself exclusively to his little flock, he has circumscri- bed his sphere of usefulness to very narrow bounds. In the close of the autumn of 1 8 1 o, a church, en the plan of week- ly communion, was formed in New-York, under the ministry of Messrs. Errett and Ovington. " It is composed," as they say, " of persons from various nations under heaven." " They reject all hu- man creeds, rules, covenants, &c. thinking the Scriptures perfect enough for direction in every thing." " They dislike all pompous ed- ifices as places of worship ; all pulpits or placts designed for t>e exhi- bition of the clergy* and think themselves fully accommodated with a place of worship similar to those of the first churches. Accordingly they meet at present in a rented apartment, No. 70, Hudson-street, New York, where those, who desire to see what cannot be seen else- where, viz. a church of Christ assembled together, may resort for the satisfaction of their minds, their queries, or curiosities. Their times of meeting are the first day of the week, thrice, and Thursday in the evening. And they have appointed i'uesday evening, for preaching the gospel to the world. "f The doctrinal sentiments of these Weekly Communion Baptists are, probably, somewhat different. Some of them evidently agree with the churches from which they have separated. Others have been char- ged with favouring the Sandemanian system. This charge, however, they generally deny. In their maxims of discipline, and the order of their house, they seem to pay no regard to uniformity, and I know not as any two churches of them see alike, or maintain a visible fellowship with each other. Some of the brethren maintain their peculiar opin- ions in a becoming manner, while others urge their punctilios with such a canting scrupulosity, as to defeat, in most cases, their own prose- lyting intentions. * See the jicconnt of the Charlestown Church, Vol. 1. | Essay on tlue Constitutiou of Apnstolick Churches, p. 152. VOL. 2. 2 41 Arminiail or Tree-Will Baptists. The Baptist churches generally throughout the United States cele- brate the Lord's Sapper once a month ; in some few cases but once in two or three months. They do not deny the lawfulness of weekly communion, but they contend that it is not necessary for the gospel travel of a church. They plead that the frequency of attending to this solemn rile is left as a matter of discretion, since our Saviour has only said, As oft cs y; d'j if, Jo It in rem:mlrance of me. And although it is cerr an that the disciples met on the first day of the week to break bread, yet th it it is not certain that they met every first day for thir purpose. They would freely commune with baptized believ- ers, v.'ho nold to weekly communion, in case they agreed with them, in doctrine, &c. But none of the brethren under consideration, except Mr. M'Clay and his church, seem disposed to commune with them. Armlnian or Free-Will Baptists, FROM nearly thr beginning of the Baptists in America, there have been some, who have opposed a number of the principal articles in the C.iivinistick creed. For a long time, most of these brethren resided in Rhode-Island and its vicinity, wh^re their history has been related. For some years there were many of those, improperly called Separate Baptists, in Virginia, and the more southern States, who were called Araiinian?, because they maintained, that by the sufferings of Christ, salvation was made possible for every individual of Adam's ruined posterity. The issue of the contest on this point may be found under the head of Virginia. And besides, there have always been some churches and many individuals, who have objected to some of the strong points of Calvinism, or adopted them with some peculiar mod- ifications ; but no very considerable party of this character arose, un- til a lit J? more than thirty years ago, when one was founded by El- der Benjamin Randal, of New-Durham, New- Hampshire. This Elder Randal, as his biographer observes, was led, about 1780, "to object against the whole doctrine of John Cahin,vr'\th respect to eternal, par- ticular, personal, unconditional election and reprobation ; and propa- gated the following maxims, viz. ist. That all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God. zd. That Jetus Christ has died for all men, and, by the grace of God, hath tasted death for every man. jd. That the grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men. 4th. That Christ's ministers are commanded to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ; and that he that helieveth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned."* This zealous minister was assiduous in propagating his opinions, and endeavouring to persuade others to renounce, what he used to call, the hydra monster Calvinism. A number soon fell in with his views, bioke off from the Calvinistick churches in New- Hampshire and the District of Maine, and from a small beginning they have arisen to a large community, which i> scattered in diiferent parts of Maine, New- Hampshire, Vermont, New- York, the Canadas, and in some other places. The first minister who united with Elder Randal, was Pelatiah Tingley, A. M. then of Sanford, Maine. He is a native of Attlebo- * Religious Ma uziiie, p. ?. Arminian or Free Will- Baptists. 411 rough, Massachusetts, a .small distance from Providence, Rhode- Isl- and, was a graduate of the College in that town. After him, Samuel Weeks and other ministers were convinced of what they esteemed the dangerous errors of Calvinism, and united in Elder Randal's opposi- tion. This party was as strenuous for believers' baptism as before ; they were, like all new sects, very sanguine in their new discoveries, and from H distinguished article in their doctrinal system, they were denominated Free-will Baptists. This appellation is received by some of the community, and objected to by others. Of late years they seem to prefer denominating themselves simply Christians, and their church- es, Churches of Christ. But as all, who make a religious profession, account themselves Christians, and as all religious bodies profess to be churches of Christ, these terms are too indefinite for an historical narrative. I have therefore taken the liberty of applying to these people the name by which they are generally distinguished. Mr. Randal, their founder, is said to have been very successful in his ministry, not only in propagating his peculiar opinions, but in per- suading sinners to repent ; he was also, at times, much opposed in his publick ministrations ; but this increased his zeal, and under him and his associates, a number of churches shortly arose. The one at New- Durham, the place of his residence, was formed in 1781 ; this church soon became large, and spread her branches round in different direc- tions ; and other churches at Little-Falls, Woolwich, Georgetown, Edgcomb, Little-River, New-Gloucester, and Parsonsfield, arose not long after the mother body was founded. These Free-will church- es soon found it expedient to form what they called General Meetings, which they held at different places once a quarter. The first of the kind was held at Phillipsburg, Maine, in 1783, and consisted of dele- gates " from all the branches of the little brotherhood." They next proceeded to form a Yearly Meeting, which was composed of dele- gates from each quarterly one ; and at the close of the Yearly Meet- ing is held the Elders' Conference, in which all the Elders meet to consult on the general interests of their community. In 1810, there were among these people six Associations or Quarterly Meetings, viz. Goreham, Edgcomb, and Farmington, in Maine ; New-Durham, in New-Hampshire, and Strafford and Hardwick, in Vermont. In the three Meetings in Maine, there were, at that time, between forty and fifty churches, about as many preachers, and upwards of two thousand members ; and it is probable that the thiee other Quaiterly Meetings were as large if not larger than these. Mr. John Bu/zell, of Parsonsfield, Maine, a preacher in this connex- ion, began in 181 1, to publish a periodical work, entitled, A Religious Magazine) 3V. which was to contain a history of this community. From the first number of that work some of these sketches have been selected. Other numbers were to have bc'en forwarded, but for some reason they have not come to hand : these brief hints, must, therefore, suffice for the history of this extensive community. Mr. Elias Smith, formerly a preacher of good repute in the Warren Association, has, within a few years past, formed a party of consider- able extent in different States, which are sometimes called Smit/jitfs, but more generally Chr'aluins, which last name their founder seems peculiarly solicitous of m.-intaining. Mr. . c: mith is a man of popular Seventh-Day Baptists. talents, but unusually changeable in his religious creed. He has propa- gated, at different times, Ca/vinism, Universalism, Arminian'nm, Arianism, Soeimemitm, and other isms too numerous to mention. He has also ad- vanced the doctrine or the annihilation of the wicked after death. He professes to explode all creeds and confessions, and denominates him- self and followers, with a peculiar emphasis, Chr'ufians. He has pub- lished a multitude of books to defend his opinions, or rather to oppose those of all others. Many have become his disciples, of whom some believe more and some less of his changeable opinions. The large church in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, consisting of about six hundred members, has been dropped from the Groton Conference, on account of their adhering to this singular man. A number of other chnrches of different Associations have been shaken and diminished, by the too successful exertions of him and his associates. Many, doubtless, have fallen into his train, who, with better leaders or less leading, would have acted a more becoming part. Among the Free-will Baptists, Mr. Smith was, in many places, very cordially received ; for he is as stren- uous as ever for believers' baptism, although he is constantly belabour- ing the Baptists, both from the pulpit and press. But the Free-will brethren, finding him expert at brow-beating Calvinism, were ambitious cf placing him among the champions of their cause. He was the means of introducing some innovations amongst them, both as it re- spects doctrine and discipline ; but whether they still listen to his instruc- tions, I have not learnt. Mr. Smith has been a few years in Philadel- phia, where he founded a small church, which has lately published a pamphlet, containing a number of very severe strictures upon t his con- duct j and he is now about settling again in New-Lngland. Seventh-Day Baptists. As the brethren of this sentiment are not numereus, we shall, under this head, give a brief sketch of their history both in Europe and Amer- ica. The Sabbatarians differ from the Baptists generally in no other article but that of the Sabbath. And upon that subject, as near as I can understand from their writings and conversation, they hold that the ten commandments are all still binding on Christians, and of course, that the Seventh day of the week instead of the First, ought ro be ob- served as the Christian Sabbath ; that there is no account in the New- Testament, that there ever has been, by divine appointment, a change of the Sabbath ; and that it is inconsistent for Christians to profess to obey the ten commandments, and still make an exception of the fourth, which contains the solemn requisition, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, &c. They plead that it was designed by the Former of the Universe, that the Seventh day should be observed as the Sabbath, or day of rest, from the creation to the end cf the world. They also contend, that whatever respect the early Christians paid to the First day of die week, on account of the resurrection of the Saviour, yet that they then, and in after ages, observed the ancient Sabbath, and that this practice of observing two days, was continued to the time of Constantine, when, by an imperial law, the First day was established in preference to the Seventh ; and that from that period the observa- tion of the Seventh day fell generally into disuse. They suppose, Seventh-Day Baptists. 4-13 however, that there have been Christians in every age, who have kept holy the Seventh day, but they do not pretend that they can prove this point by historical evidence. The followirtg passage seems much to their purpr.se, and is the only one of the kind which I have met with in history : " It was Constantino the Great, who first made a law for the observa- tion of Sunday ; and who, according to Eusebius, appointed it should be regularly celebrated throughout the Roman Empire. Before him, and even in his time, they observed the Jewish Sabbath as well as Sunday, both to satisfy the law of Moses and to imitate the Apostles, who used to meet together on the First day. Indeed, some are of opinion, that the Lord's day, mentioned in the Apocalypse, is our Sunday, which they will have to have been so early instituted by the Apostles. Be this as it will, it is certain a regard was had to this day, even in the earliest a^es of the church, as appears from the first Apol- ogy of Justin Martyr, where he describes the exercise of the day not much unlike to ours. " By Constantine's law, made in 321, it was decreed, that for the futuie, the Sunday should be kept a day of rest in all cities and towns ; but he allowed the country people to follow their work. In 538, the Council of Orleans prohibited this country labour ; but in regard there were still abundance of Jews in the Gauls, and that the people gave in to a good many superstitious usages in the celebration of the new Sabbath, like those of the Jews among that of the old, the Council declares, that to hold it unlawful to travel with horses, cattle, and carri- ages, to prepare foods, or to do any thing necessary to the cleanliness and decency of houses or persons, savours more of Judaism than Christianity."* Mcsheim makes mention of some Christians in the second century, who assembled on the Seventh day for worship, but he also intimates that the greater part met on the First day. We find that the Walden- ses were sometimes called Insabathos, that is, regardless of Sabbaths. Mr. Milnerf supposes this name was given to them, because they observed not the Romish festivals, and rested from their ordinary occu- pations only on Sundays. A Sabbatarian would suppose that it was because they met for worship on the Seventh day, and did regard not the First day Sabbath. Robinson gives an account of some of the Waldenses of the Alps, who were called Salbati, Sabbatali, Insaibatatiy but more frequently In- xabbatati. " One says they were so named from the Hebrexv word Sabbath, because they kept the Saturday for the Lord's day. Another says they were so called because they rejected all the festivals, or Sab- baths, in the low Latin sense of the word, which the Catholicks reli- giously observed.":}: Mosheim informs us they were so called from their weaung wooden shoes, which, in the French language, are termed Sabats, which had imprinted on them the sign of the cross, to distin- guish them from other Christians, &c. " But is it likely," says Rob- iuson, " that people who could not deiceud from their mountains intw * Chambers' Dictionary n Arts rmd. Sciences, Article Sunday. f Church Hlatciy, Yc !. Hi. p. 423. p. '~&\ > Vol. in. p. ll~. 414 Seventh-Day Baptists in England. neighbouring States without hazarding their lives through the furious zeal of inquisitors, should tempt danger by affixing a visible mark on their sh^es ? Besides, the shoe of the peasants in tnis country was called Abarca." It is the opinion of this writer, that the meaning of Insab- batati was, inhabitants of hills, mountaineers, &c.* But after all, there appears to be a peculiar obscurity attending the history of these people, and every one must form his opinion for himself respecting them. It is evident that they were numerous, and were terribly harassed by the Romish inquisitors. The following oath was required of those, who were suspected of their heresy. <; I, Sancho, swear by Almighty God, and by these holy gospels of God, which I hold in my hand, before you lord Garcia Archbishop, and before others your assistants, that I am not, nor ever have been, an Inzabbatate Waldense, or poor person of Lyons, or an heretick of any sect of heresy condemned by the church ; nor do I believe, nor have 1 ever believed, their errors, nor will I be- lieve them in any future time of my life. Moreover, I profess. and protest, that I do believe, and that I will always hereafter believe, the Catholick faith, which the Apostolical church of Rome publickly holds, teaches, and preaches, and you, my lord Archbishop, and other pre- lates of the Cathclick church publickly hold, preach, and teach/'f Mosheim gives an account of another sect in the twelfth century, in Lombardy, who were called Peungln'ians, or the circumcised ; that they circumcised cheir followers, and celebrated the Jewish Sabbath.J The account of their practising circumcision is undoubtedly a slander- ous story forged by their enemies, and probably arose in this way. Because they observed the Seventh day, they were called, by way of derision r Jews, a5 the Sabbatarian* are frequently at this day; and if they were Jews, it followed of course, that they eithsr did or ought to circumcise their followers. This was probably the reasoning of their enemies ; but that they actually practised the bloody rite, is altogether improbable, kobinson supposes that these Pasaginians were a branch of the Waldenses, and were so called from their living near the pas~ sages of the mountains These are a few of the historical facts, which lie scattered on the pages of ecclesiastical history, respecting the people, who have obser- ved the ancient Sabbath. We have seen in the history of Transylva- nia, that Francis Davidis, first chaplain to the court of Sigismund, the prince of that kingdom, and afterwards superintendant of all the Transylvanian churches, was of this opinion. We shall now proceed to some brief sketches of the history of the Sabbatarians in England and America. Seventh-Day baptists in England. AT what time the Seventh-day Baptists began to form churches in this kingdom does not appear ; but probably it was at an early period ; and although their churches have never been numerous, yet there have been among them, almost fortwo hundred years past, some very emi- nent men. The famous family of the Stennetts, for three generations * Researches, p. 304. - Ibid. p. 323. 4 Vol. iii. p. 123. ^ Researches, p. 305. Seventh-Day Baptists in England. 415 at least, xvcre of this belief, as were a number of other distinguished members of the Baptist community. Of a few of these characters we shall now give some brief account. Edward Stenuett is the first of the family of which we have any information. The time or place of his birth does not appear, but it is probable he was born in the early part of the sixteenth century. In the time of the civil wars he took the side of Parliament, and thereby exposed himself to the neglect of his near relations. When he dis- sented from the established church and united with the Baptists, lie, like all others of those times, fell under the oppressions of the ru- ling party ; and being deprived of the means of subsistence, he applied himself to the study of physiok, and became a medical character of some distinction. One very singular escape from the malicious designs of his enemies is thus related by Crosby : " He dwelt in tire castle of Wallingford, a place where no. warrant could make forcible en- trance, but that of a lord chief justice ; and the house was so situ- ated, that assemblies could meet, and every p-irt of religious wor- ship be exercised in it, without any danger of a legal conviction, unless informers were admitted, which care was taken to prevent ; so that for a long time he kept a constant and undisturbed meet- ing in his hall. A gentleman who was in the commission of the ptace, and his very near neighbour, being highly incensed at the con- tinuance of an assembly of this kind so near him ; after having made several fruitless attempts to get his emissaries admitted into the house in order to a conviction, in the rage of a disappointment resolved, to- gether with a neighbouring clergyman, upon doing it by a subor- nation of witnesses. They accordingly hired some persons fit for their purpose, to swear they had been at those assemblies, and heard prayer and preaching there, though they had never been in the home- on those occasions. The clergyman's conduct in this affair was the more censured, because he had professed u great friendship for Stennett, and was under considerable obligations to him ; having often had his assistance in the way of his profession as a physician, for hi:; family, without any reward. Mr. Steunett finding an indictment wa: laid against him on the conventicle act, founded upon the oaths of several witnesses, and being well assured that nothing but perjury could support it, was resolved to traverse it, and accordingly did so. The assizes were held at Nevvbury, and when the time drew near, there was great triumph in the success these gentlemen proposed to themselves, when on a sudden the scene was changed ; news came to the justice, that his son, whom he had lately placed at Oxford, was gone oiF with a player ; the concern whereof, and the riding in search of him, pre- vented his attendance in the court. The clergyman, a few days be- fore the assizes, boasted much of the service which would be doce ta the church and the neighbourhood by this prosecution, and of his own determination to be at Newbury to help carry it on ; but to the sur- prise of many, his design was frustrated by sudden death. One < i the witnesses, who lived at Cromish, was a!&o prevented, by being sei/.- ed with violent and sad disease, of which he died. Another ot then: fell down and broke his leg, and was so hindered. In short, of seven or eight persons engaged in this wicked design, there was but one left WAS capable of appearing ; he was a gardener, who had been 416 Seventh-Dixy Baptists in England. frequently employed by Mr. Stennett at day labour, but never lodged in his house, nor was admitted to the religious assemblies held there. They thought to make him, as he was a servant to the family, a very material evidence ; and kept him in liquor for several days to that pur- pose. But coming to his reason just as the assizes drew on, he went about the town, exclaiming against himself for his ingratitude and per- jury, as well as against those who had employed him ; and absolutely refused to go. So that when Mr. Stennett came to Newbury, neither prosecutor nor witness appearing against him, he was discharged of course." Joseph Stennett, one of the sons of this worthy man, was born 1663, and was early brought to the knowledge of the truth ; he went to London in 1685, and about five years after became pastor of the Seventh day church at Pinner's Hall, which had been deprived of its pastor by the death of Mr. Francis Bampfield. Mr. Stennet was a minister very eminent in his d.iy ; his learning and abilities were great, and he rendered essential services to the Baptist cause in London and its vicinity. He preached much among the churches of the First day order, and took an active and successful part in all their concerns. His son Joseph, D. D. retained his opinion respecting the Sabbath, but be- came pastor of a church of a different belief. The fourth in descent from the ancient Edward Stennett, was the late Samuel Stennett, D. D. and the fifth is the present Joseph Stennett, of Oxfordshire. Whether this distinguished succession have all observed the Seventh day, I am noc informed. Francis Bampfield was one of the most eminent ministers of fiis time ; he was educated at Oxford University, and was a number of years a minister of good repute in the established church. He, dif- ferent from the father of the Stennetts, in the time of the civil wars, was against the Parliament, opposed the Protector's usurpation, and suffered on that account. At what time he became a Baptist is not known ; but on the restoration of Charles, all his former loyalty was disregarded, and he was, through the remainder of his life, treated with unrelenting severities, and constantly followed with persecution and distress. In one prison he was confined eight years. After that he was released, went to London, gathered a church, which kept the Seventh day; but he finally died in Newgate, in 1683. He publish- ed a number of tracts, among which was one on the observation of the Seventh day Sabbath.* John James, the minister of a church of Sabbatarian Baptists in London, was put to death in a most barbarous manner, in 1661. To take away his life was not sufficient to satisfy the rage of his blood- thirsty enemies ; but after being hung at Tyburn, he was drawn and quartered ; his quarters were carried back to Newgate on the sledge, which carried him to the gallows ; they were afterwards placed on the gates of the city, and his head was set on a pole opposite his mcet- Jng-house. This innocent man was exposed to these terrible sufferings on the charge of speaking treasonable words against his Majesty's royal person at a private meeting, &c. Some of the treasonable words were, that the king was " a bloody tyrant, a blood-sucker, a blood-thirstf * Crosby, Vol. L p. 363 367". Seventh-Day Baptists in England. 417 man, and his nobles the same ; apd that they had shed the blood of the saints," &c. I'o these charges he pleaded not guilty, neither in foim nor matter ; but had he acknowledged these charges against the infamous Charles II. and his bloody associates, they would have been the words of truth and soberness. But there appears to have been a malicious combination against this harmless man, and he was convicted upon evidence, which the court, with all its prejudices, at first thought not worth regarding. It was proved afterwards, by four respectable persons, that one Bernard Os- burn confessed that he had sworn against Mr. James, he knew not \vii it. His wife, by the advice of her friends, presented a petition to the king, stating her husband's innocency, and the character of the witness. When his inexorable majesty saw the paper endorsed The binble request of Elizabeth 'James, he replied, holding up his finger, " Oh ! Mr. James he is a sweet gentleman !" And when the afflicted woman followed him to get tome further answer, the door was shut against her. The next morning, as the king entered the park, the dis- t:e>sed wife again entreated his majesty to answer her request, and par- don her husband ; but deaf to her cries, he again replied, " He Is a rogue, and shall be hanged !" Thus the poor woman was obliged to retire, without even being heard by her pitiless sovereign. Mr. James went to the gallows with Christian fortitude, and finished his course in a joyful manner. " If," says Crosby, " there was any undue com- bination against this poor man ; if it was for some reason of State rath- er than for any real guilt ou his part ; if his judgment and conscience, rather than any just crime, were the cause of his sufferings, his blood must be innocent blood."* Robert Shalder, mentioned in the history of the English Baptists, vol. i. p. 210, who was taken out of his grave by his rude persecutors, ap- pears to have been a Seventh-day Baptist, as was John Maulden, a pious and worthy minister, who was persecuted much for non-conform- itv, in the latter part of the reign of Charles II. Mr. Maulden pub- lished three small pieces, one of which was on this question, " Wheth- er the Seventh or First day of the week be the Sabbath of the Lord ?"f These are a few of the Sabbatarians why bore a share among the sufferings of the English Baptists. An account of the number of churches of this sentiment, and also a brief vindication of their opinions, are contained in die following letter from Dr. Edward Stennett, whose name has already been men- tioned. It is dated Bell- Lane, London, February 2, 1668, and di- rected to the Sabbath-keepers in Rhode-Island. " Dearly Beloved, " I rejoice in the Lord on your behalf, in that he hath been gra- ciously pleased to make known to you his holy Sabbath, in such a day as this, when truth falleth in the streets, and equity cannot enter. And with us, we can scarcely find a man that is really willing to know whether the Sabbath be a truth or not ; and those who have tbe * Crosby, vol. ii. p. 165. Ivimey, p. 320 327. f Crosby, vol. iii. p. 139, 140. VOL. 2. 53 418 Seventh-Day Baptists in America. greatest parts, have the least anxiety to meddle with it. We have passed through great opposition for this truth's sake, especially horn our brethren, which made the affliction heavier : I dare not s;*y how heavy, lest it should seem incredible. But the opposers of truth seem much withered, and at present the opposition seems to be dying away ; for truth is strong. This spiritual fiery law will burn up all those things that men do set before it ; for was there ever any ceremonial law given us ? This law was given from the mouth of God, in the care of so many thousands ; wrote on tables of stone with his own finger ; promised to be wrote on the tables of their hearts ; and con- firmed by a miracle for the space of forty years, in the wilderness. The manna not keeping good any day but the Sabbath, God gave them the bread of two days, because he gave them the Sabbath. But whatever was gathered on the other days, and kept until the next, stank, and was full of worms. And no ceremonial law had the pen- alty of death annexed to it, to be inflicted by the magistrate ; but the wilful profaner of the Sabbath was to be put to death by the magis- trate, as the wilful murderer ; which clearly proves it to be a moral law ; as may be seen Exod. i6th chap, and elsewhere : " If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead." Luke xvi. 31. " Here is in England about nine or ten churches that keep the Sab- bath ; besides many scattered disciples, who have been eminently pre- served in this tottering day, when many eminent churches have been shattered to pieces."* About this time, a number of letters were sent to America by Pe- ter Chamberlain, senior Doctor of both Universities, and Physician in ordinary to his Majesty's person, who was a Sabbatarian. f By Mr. Stennett's letter it appears that the number of Seventh-day churches was greater at this early period, than it has been since. At present, as near as I can learn, there are but three churches in England, which observe the Seventh day. Two of them are in London, and the third in the country, at a place called Natton. Two of them, viz. one in London and the one in Natton, are, in their doctrinal senti- ments, Particular Baptists, and the other in London is of the General persuasion. Seventh-Day Baptists in America, RHODE-ISLAND was the early resort of Baptists, who kept holy the Seventh day ; and it now contains not far from a thousand communi- cants of this belief. They are also found in a number of the other States. The first Sabbatarian church in America was formed in Newport in 1671, and originated in the following manner : In the year 1665, Stephen Mumford came over from England, and brought with him the opimcm that the whole of the Ten Commandments, as they were delivered from Mount Sinai, are moral and immutable, and that it was an anti- Christian power that changed the SabUath from the Seventh to * History of the Sabbatarians, cc. by Henry Clarke, pastor of a clvjrch of that order, in Brookfield county. New- York, p. 10, 11. f Backus, Clarke. Seventh-Day Baptists in America. 419 the First day of the week.* Mr. Mumford appears to have joined Mr. Clarke's church, and Messrs. Hiscox, Hubbard, and others of that com- munity soon fell in with his opinion of observing the Seventh day. These brethren travelled in communion with that church until 1671, when some of their number fell back to the observation of the First day as the Sabbath. This the Sabbatarians called apostasy, and could no longer travel with the church, except they were expelled. The church counted their change a reformation, and could not therefore bring them under censure. f This was truly an inconvenient posture of affairs, and the Sabbatarians seemed to have no alternative but to withdraw. Their number was seven ; their names were William Hiscox, Samuel Hubbard, Stephen Mumford, Roger Baster, and three sisters. These persons formed themselves into a church, and William Hiscox became their pastor. He died in 1704, aged 66, and was succeeded by Wil- liam Gibson, who died in 1717, aged 79. He came from London, where he had been ordained before his arrival in Newport ;J is said to Jiave been a scholar, and left behind him a good character as a preach- er and Christian. Next to him was Joseph Crandal, who had also been his colleague. This is the same Crandal, who was apprehended with Messrs. Clark and Holmes at Lynn, in 165 i. He died in 1737. Af- ter him was John Maxon, who died in 1778. Successor to him was the late venerable Elder William Bliss, who died in 1808, aged Si. The church is now under the care of his son Arnold Bliss and Henry Burdick. Besides these pastors, this church has sent forth a considera- ble number of preachers, who have laboured as assistants at home, and also in different places abroad. From some of the early members of this church have proceeded a number of the principal characters, in Rhode-Island, and among its communicants were the two governors, Richard and Samuel Ward.$ The Hopkinton church is the largest in the Sabbatarian connexion, and indeed in almost any other, and contains about nine hundred mem- bers. It was formed at Westerly in 1708, of members from Newport, who had removed and settled in this region. Westerly, at that time, comprehended all the southwest corner of the State. It was after- wards divided into Hopkinton, Charlesvown, &c. This large church has three meeting-houses, at two of which the communion is adminis- tered. It has had a succession of wcrthy pastors, most of whom were remarkable for longevity. It has also sent forth many successful preachers. Its members have filled various different civil offices in the State, and Deacon Babcock is now (1813) one of its senators. Though this church has its seat in Hopkinton, yet its members ate scattered in a number of the adjoining towns. They are an amiable, pious people, pretty much inclined to the Arminian system. Laying, on-of-hands they generally practise, but do not make it a bar to com- munion. They have lately had a precious revival among them, in which between one and two hundred were added to their number. Their pastors, till lately, were Abram Coon and Matthew Stillman. Elder Coon died a short time since, and who succeeds him I have not learnt. * Chrke's History of the Sabbatarians, p. 8. t Backus, vo'. i. \>. 411. M. E Iwards's MS. Hw'ccvy of Rhode-Island, p. 10f> r. Eilwartls's MS. Hist, tf Rhode-Island, p. 109. $ Backus, vol. iii. I. 234. 420 Seventh-Day Baptists in America. The Rhode-Island Sabbatarians, like the school of the prophets, finding thviir place too small for them, have emigrated to other parts, but mostly to the State of New- York ; and by them foundations have been laid for a number of churches of their order, which are in a flour- ishing condition, and some of them are large. Their names, pastors and numbers will be given in the general table. In New-Jersey are two churches of the Seventh-day Baptists, which are ancient and respectable. The oldest was formed at Piscataway, about thirty miles from the city of New- York, in 1705, and arose in the following manner : " About i 701, one Edmund Dunham, a mem- ber of the old First-day church in that town, admonished one Bonham, who was doing some servile work on Sunday. Bonham put him on proving that the first day of the week was holy by divine appointment. This set Dunham on examining the point ; the consequence was, re- jecting the first day, and receiving the fourth commandment as moral and therefore unchangeable."* In a short time, seventeen of the old body sided with Dunham; and in 1 705, they were formed into a church, chose Dunham for their pastor, and sent him to Westerly to be ordain- ed, by the Sabbatarian church in that place. From this church originated the one at Cohansey, in 1737, which has since become much larger than the mother body. It is situated about forty miles south-west from Philadelphia. Both of these church- es have had, for the most part, worthy pastors ; they were founded and still continue on the Calvinistick plan of doctrine. A tnird church of Sabbatarian Baptists was formed in this State at a place called Squan, in Monmouth county, upwards of sixty miles e-ist by north ot Philadelphia, in 1745, of brethren from Stonington, Connecticut, and Westerly, Rhode- Island. After remaining here up- wards ot forty years, they bartered their estates for new lands some- where towards the Ohio river. This church was Calvinistick, and by it was probably formed the one in the Red-stone country of the same faith, of which Mr. Clarke, their historian, seems to have obtained no discinct account. In Pennsylvania we find seme at different times, who have united wi'.h believers' baptism the observation of the Seventh day. The Tui.ker church at Ephrata is of this belief, as will be shown in the his- tory of "ha 1 people. In the time so many Keithian Quakers (of whom an account will soon be given) became Baptists, many of them tell in with the observation of the S-.-venth day, principally by the influence of one Abel Noble, who was at that time the only Sabbatarian Baptist in Pennsylvania. He arrived here, from what place I do not find, in 1684; he baptized the first Keithian Quaker in 1697, and by him many others v;ere gained over to the Sabbatarian faith. About 1700, fear chuiches of Sabbatarian Baptists were formed at Newtown, twen- ty -four iriiles from Philadelphia ; at Pennepek, nine miles ditto ; at Nottingham, fifty miles ditto ; and at French-Creek, thirty-two miles from that city. At this last place they built a meeting-house in 1762, 30 feet by 22, on a lot of one acre, the gift of David Rogers ; at the other places they mei in private houses. Respecting the progress of the< communities, I do not find much information. In 1770, there * Edwards's Materials cov, arris the History of the Baptists in New-Jersey, p. 3fe Clarke's History of the Sabbatarians, 'p. 31. Seventh-Day Baptists in America. 124? were, In all four of them, but thirty-one communicants, and but one preacher, whose name was Enoch David.* In Virginia are three churches of the Seventh-day Baptists ; two of them belong to the Sabbatarian Conference ; the third, because it ad- mits to membership some brethren who keep the First day, has not been received into that body. In 1754. a church of this order of Baptists was begun on Broad River, in the parish of St. Mark, South-Carolina, about 180 miles from Charleston. The leading members in it were 'J homas Owen and Victor Nelly, from French-Creek, Pennsylvania, and John Gregory and his two sons, Richard and John, from Pucataway, New-Jersey. They were Calvinistick in sentiment, and in 1770, had inci eased to eighteen families, whereof twenty-four persons were baptized. They had for their preacher one Israel Zeymore, while he behaved well ; but he afterwards became the master of a vessel, and next went into the army. " He was," says M. Edwards, " a man of wit and learn- ing, but unstable as water." Besides this Sabbatarian church, there were, at the same time, some oftheTunker Baptists at Beaver-Creek, CloudVCreek, and Edisto, who observed the Seventh day. In 1759, eight families of the Seventh-day Baptists passed over from South-Carolina, and settled near Tuckaseeking, in Georgia. They had for their leader Richard Gregory, the son of John Gregory, ai Br'>ad River. Another of their preachers was named Clayton, who was fined a mark for saying, " that no man could be a Christian who kept a concubine, were the keeper a king, and the concubine a countess ;'* this was construed a reflection on the late king and the countess of Yarmouth. After residing here about five years, this company retired to t-disto, and left but few proselytes behind them.f Thus we see that the Seventh-day Baptists have been found in aknost every part of the United States. There are at present eleven church- es of them united in an Association by the name of the Sabbataiian General Conference, which holds its anniversaries in different places, as best suits the convenience of the churches. It is said there are, be- sides the churches already named, one or two in the western States, of which no distinct accounts have been obtained. The number of communicants in the Sabbatarian connexion is a lit- tle less than two thousand. But it is supposed by Mr. Clarke, their historian, that the Seventh-day Sabbath is observed by a population of not less than fifteen thousand. In baptism, church discipline, &c. the Sabbatarians differ in noth- ing from their First-day brethren ; in doctrine, some of them are Cal- vinists, but perhaps a greater part are inclined to the Arminian sys- tem ; which, however, they wish to define for themselves. Of their distinguishing sentiment respecting the Seventh day, they are peculiarly tenacious ; and as they consider all, who do not regard this day, violators of the Sabbath or the Lord, they cannot, in their opinion, consistently receive them into their churches, nor sit down with them at ihe communion-table. Yet they aie willing to unite with them in preaching, and in all other acts of devotion and brotherly love. * Edwards's Materials towards a History of the Baptists in Pennsylvania p 60, 63. t Edwards's MS. Materials fur South-Carolina and Georgia. 422 Roger ens Baptists. As to the strictness of observing the Sabbath, their writers seem tc differ a little in their rules. Some contend that they ought to keep It according to the spirit of the fourth commandment. Others plead that the rigorous ceremonies enjoined in the Old Testament, aie, with the rest of the ceremonial laws, cone away under the new dispensation ; so that they may lawfully ride their horses to meeting, and do other things on die Sabbath, which the Jews were forbidden to do on their peril. Roger ene Baptists. THIS sect took its rise at New-London, in Connecticut, abcut the year 1674; for in that year one John Rogers and James his brother, and an Indian by the name of Japheth, were bapti/ed by a Mr. Cran- dal, then a colleague pastor of the Seventh-day Baptist church in Newport (R. I.) The next year, by the request of these persons, Wil- liam Hiscox, the senior pastor of the same church, and two of his brethren, viz. Samuel Hubbard and his son Clarke, made them a visit ; when another brother, by the name of Jonathan, was baptized, and these four persons were received as members of the Sabbatarian church, in Newport, in their usual form, by prayer and the laying-on-of-hands. Soon after this, John Rogers's father-in-law (tor what reason I do not find) took from him his wife and children, with whom he was never afterwards united.* Thus John Rogers not only lost his wife and children in the outset of his career, but upon her complaints against him, he was carried before the Deputy-Governor of Connecticut, by whom he was sentenced to Hartford gaol, where he remained a considerable time. In September, 1676, the three Rogerses and Japheth, the Indian, went in a boat and brought Messrs. Hiscox and Hubbard to New- London again, when the father and mother of one of the sisters of the Rogerses were all baptized by Mr. Hiscox, and were also added to the church with which they had united. These frequent visits and ad- ministrations of the Baptists, awakened the jealousies and resentment of the people of the town, and the power of the magistrate was soon exerted in rigorous measures, against this new and obnoxious sect. These few persons, having adopted the Seixntb Jay of the week for their Sabbath, continued to pursue their worldly business on the First, a prac- tice very common with people of this belief; for which they soon began to be harassed, imprisoned and beaten. But opposition seemed only to inflame their zeal, and hurried them on to an extravagant and al- most unexampled extreme. Hitherto these persons, who afterwards broke over all bounds of order and decency, were not known as a dis- tinct set, but had a regular standing in the Seventh-day Baptist church at Newport. John Rogers, who afterwards became the fantastick leader of this deluded community, on the following occasion, began the wild and heedless career, by \vhich he exposed himself so much to the cen- sure of his friends and the persecuting violence of his enemies. In the year 1677, Messrs. Hiscox and his companion Hubbard visited New. London a third time, and proposed to baptize the wife of Joseph Ro- gers, another brother of the Rogers family. Their meeting was held * It is related by Morgan Edwards that she was afterwards married to a Uwycr, L>y ths oame oi" Frutt. Rogerene Baptists* two miles from the town, where it was proposed that baptism should he administered ; but John WAS for no retirement ; lie mast needs have the company go up to the town, and have the administration in sight and hearing of their enemies. John was finally listened to, and led on the procession. This provoking measure turned out as might have been expected in those days of intolerance and persecution ; for while Mr. Hiscox was preaching, he was seized by the constable and imme- diately carried before the magistrate, where he was detained a short time, and then released. They now repaired to another place, and be- gan to prepare for the administration ; when, to the astonishment of the company, John stepped forward and prayed, and then led the woman down into the wa.ter, and baptized her. From this time this singular man took it upon him to baptize, and also to administer in other things in a ministerial capacity. His relatives, excepting his brother Jona- than, imbibed his spirit and followed his dictates. The church at Newport attempted to reform and regulate them ; but their exertions proved ineffectual, and their connexion was soon dissolved. Thus far the history of the Rogerenes has been compiled from Back- us. The following is related in the words of Morgan .Edwards, who took his account from Backus, and from John Rogers's own writings. After mentioning the baptism of the Rogers fanaily, he says, "The most forward of the brothers was John ; for he took upon him to form the family, and others that he baptized, into a church, arid to make a creed, and to settle rules of discipline. The first act of discipline was the excommuaication of his brother Jonathan, for using medicine, and refusing to do things which would bring on him the lash of the civil magistrate. And thus John Rogers was not only the founder of the sect, and the person from whom they were called Rogerenes, but the hero of the cause, in suffering, and writing, and defying ; I say defying, for he had not been long at the head of the cause, before he printed and published the following proclamation : " I, John Rogers, a servant or' Jesus Christ, doth here make an opeji declaration of war against the great red dragon ; and against the beast to which he gives power ; and against th* false church which rides upon the beast ; and against the false prophets, who are established by the dragon and the beast ; and against the image of the beast : and, also, a proclamation of deri.-ion against the sword of the devil's spirit, which is prisons, stocks, whips, fines, and revilings, all which is to defend the doctrines of devils." His theory, relative to baptism and the Lord's supper, is scriptural ; for the Rogerenes baptize by immersing professed penitents and believers ; the Lord's supper they administer in the evening, with its ancient ap- pendages. Some other articles of Rogers's creed are as follow : " ist, All days are alike since the death of Christ. 2d, No medicines are to- be used, nor doctors nor surgeons-employed.* 3d, No grace at meals. * This irrational sentiment they carried, with all the rest of their reveries, to an ethusi:istu-.k extreme, by refusing to have miciwives for women in ti avail, holding that they were to be delivered and hrak-d by the power of faith. Old Mr. Rogers, (Mr. Hubbard informs us) had the wheel of a loaded cart run over his leg, by which it was very much bruised : and thit he had, when he saw him, re nuined six weeks in a must deplorable condition, but still strenuously refused the use of any means. Although the descendants of the Rogerenes have generally relinquished th*. culiarities of their ancestors, yet sonic of them are stiii tinctured wit'a 424 Rogerene Baptists. 4th, All prayers to be mental, and not vocal, except when the spirit of prayer compels to the use of the voice. 5th, Aii unscriptural p-.-ris of religious worship are idols. 6th, All good Christians should exert themselves against idols," &c. Among these idols they placed the first day of the week, infant baptism, &c. The First-day Saboath they called the New- England idol. The methods they took to demolish this idol were, they would be at work near meeting-houses, and in the v\ ays to meeting-houses ; and take work into meeting-houses, the v\omen knitting, and the men whittling and making splits for baskets, and every now and then contradicting the preachers ; this was seeking persecu- tion, and they had plenty of it ; insomuch that the New-tnglanders left some of them neither liberty, nor property, nor whole skins. John Rogers was an author. He published a commentary on the Revelation : he that hath patience to read it. let him read it. He also published a Midnight Cry, a Narrative of Sufferings , &c. These last are of some use ; for out of them I have extracted some sketches of his history ; and others from Backus."* Such was the beginning of the sect of the Rogerenes. Had they en- joyed a free toleration in their wild speculation^, and been exposed to no more legal coercion than a judicious magistracy would have inflicted, their zeal might have soon abated, and their sect become extinct. But their intolerant neighbours and rulers could exercise no degree of pa- tience or forbearance towards them. But they were scrupulous to mark every provocation (and the Rogerenes were certainly guilty of many ;) and being clothed with power, they pursued with unrelenting severity, by frequently haling before magistrates, imprisoning, and unmercifully whipping a people whose mistaken zeal ought certainly to have excited some degree of compassion as well as resentment. But the Rogerenes gloried in tribulation : they often published ac- counts of their persecutions and sufferings, and most fully demonstra- ted to their enemies, " that persecution is the surest way to increase its objects." John Rogers, the founder of this extraordinary sect, (than whom Diogenes was not more churlish and contrary to all men) after prosecu- ting his ministry for more than forty years, died at his own house in New-London, in 1721, in the 73d year of his age. The occasion of his death was as follows : The small-pox raged terribly in Boston, (Mass.) and spread an alarm in all the country around. Rogers was confident that he could mingle with the diseased, and that the strength of his faith would preserve him safe from the mortal contagion. Ac- cordingly he was presumptuous enough to travel 100 miles to Boston, to bring his faith to the test, where he caught the infection, came home, died with it, and spread it in his family. Thus ended this singular man. This event, so confounding in its nature, had no apparent effect on the jninds of his followers, unless it were to increase their zeal. Shortly notions about the use of medicine ; and one of them lately, (in R. I.) when vio- lently attacked with a fever, strenunuslv refused any medical assistance. He consented that a physician, who was a member of the church with him, should visit him as a brother, but not as a doctor. And it was not until his case was thought to be hflples* and hopeless, that he consented to employ a physician ; which he finally did, and rec-j\ ered. * Edwards's History of the Baptists in New-Jersey. Rogcrene Baptists. 425 ifter, Joseph Bolles published a second edition of Rogeri's book', en- titled, " A Midnight Cry from the temple of God lo the ten virgins Numbering and sleeping ; awake, awake, arise ! and gird your loins, and trim your lamps, for behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye there- fore out to meet him !" Bolles also wrote a preface to the "Midnight 6Vy," in which he says of Rogers, " For his religion he lost his wife and children, and suffered continual persecution, being nearly one third of his life-time, after his conversion, in prisons !" This piece seemed to inspire with fresh ardour this wild community. A son of John Rogers succeeded his father in his deluded ministry, who, with many others of his brethren, set out with redoubled zeal to pull down the dagon of the land, the idol Sabbath. In the year 1725, a company of the Rogerenes were taken up on the Sabbath, in Norwich, while on their way from their place of resi- dence to Lebanon, where they were treated with much abuse and se- verity, and many of them whipped in a most merciless manner. This occasioned Governor Joseph Jenks (of R.I.) to write a spirited piece against their persecutors, in which he not only blames the unnecessary severity which they inflicted on the Rogerenes, but he also reprobates their provoking and disorderly conduct. This friendly interposition of the Governor involved him in a dispute with one Joseph Backus, Esq. the magistrate before whom the Rogerenes were arraigned, which was probably the means of abating, in some measure, the legal persecutions which continually fell to the lot of this deluded and per- secuted people. The Connecticut rulers, after inflicting on the Roger- enes, for almost a century, their fruitless severities, learnt, at length, what they ought to have learnt at first, that the wisest way to deal with them, when they came to disturb them, and proclaim against the idol Sabbath, was to remove them away, until their worship was end- ed, and then release them without fine or correction. This method they finally adopted, which had a much better effect than their former punishments. One family of these Rogerenes were Colvers or Culvers,* consisting of the father, John Colver and his wife, (who were part of the compa- ny which was treated so roughly at Norwich, c. ) and five sons and five daughters, who, with their families, made up the number of 21 souls. This large family, in the year 1734, removed from New-Lon- don, and settled in New Jersey. The place they pitched upon for resi- dence was on the east side of Schooly Mountain, in Morris county. They continued here about three years, and then went in a body to Barnagot, in the county of Monmouth : they continued there about eleven years, and then returned to Morris county, and settled on the west side of the mountain from which they had removed. In the year 1790, the R.^erenes (in N. J. ) were reduced to two old persons, who^e names were Thomas Colver and S.irah Mann ; but the posterity of John Colver are yet numerous in Morris county, and have, most of them, become reputable members of other religious so- cieties. *' I do not find (says Mr. Edwards) that the Rogerenes have suffer- * Mr. E:l wards spells it Culver, but I find in Governor Jenki's MS. it ie spelt Culver. VOL. 2. 54* 426 Indian Churcles. ed by fines and corporal punishment in New-Jersey, more than once j and that was for disturbing a Presbyterian congregation at Basking- ridge : in other places, they have been taken out of meeting-houses, with much pleasantry, and shut up in stables, pen-folds, (and once in a hog-pen) till worship was over. Paul speaks of seme people, who pleased not Gud, and were contrary to all men ; it were uncharitable to ap- ply this to the Rogerenes ; but facts, for the course of 1 16 years, look too much like being contrary to all men ; and as for the spirit that ac- tuated them, it was as different from the meek and humble spirit of Je-us, as any two things could be. It is surprising how principles, or education, or custom, or something, will make people differ from oth- ers so greatly, that it is hard to think they are of the same common nature, or are the work of the same Maker. Had the Rogerenes lived in the time of the Cynicks, they would have been ranked with them." Mr. Backus says of John Rogers, that " he intermixed a number of precious truths with many things of a contrary nature." The Kogereaes, in their language and some other peculiarities, re- sembled the Quakers ; hence they were often called Quaker Baptists. They have, some time ago, become extinct as a society. But their posterity, under the names of Rogers, Bolles, Sec. are still numerous ; aud many of them are not only respectable, but some of them are dis- tinguished members of many of the Baptist churches in different parts of New- England and some of the other States. Since the above was written, I have learnt that there is yet a small company of the Rogerenes in Groton, near New- London. Indian Churches. OF these there have been a few of the Baptist denomination, but me it 'fthem, at present, are either extinct or in a declining state. The oldest churches of the red brethren were formed on the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, which are included in the State of Massachusetts. A short time previous to 1680, some of Mr. May- hew s converts on Martha's Vineyard embraced die principles of the Baptists, and joined to the churches in Newport. And with the In- d';m converts to believers' baptism came an Englishman by the name of P^ter Folger, who was a school- master among them. In 1694, two Indian churches had been formed, one on the Vineyard, and the other at Nantucket. Their pastor was Stephen Tackamason, who died in 1 708, and is said to have borne an excellent character, both as a preach- er and Christian. The church at the Vineyard appears to have been formed at Gayhead ; in process of time it branched out to Chappaqui- on the east end of the island. It is difficult to trace the progress of the .e three churches, which have become reduced to one at Gay- Lead. ,md that in a feeble, declining state. Their preachers, at different times., have been Isaac Decamy, Jonas Horswet, Ephraim Abraham, Samuel Kakenehew, Peter Gilbert, Silas Paul, and Thomas Jeffer ; the last of whom is now pastor at Gayhead, and is esteemed a sober, worthy man. /ill these were ordained Indian preachers, who have left good characters behind them ; and besides these there have been, at different times, many unordained preachers and exhorters, whose names are not koown. Indian Churches. 427 Peter Folger, though not a preacher, was a successful promoter of piety, learning, and believers' baptism, among the red men of the islands, and a daughter of his was the mother of the famous Dr. Benjamin Franklin.* At Charlestown in the Narraganset country, in the south part of Rhode-Island, near Point Judith, an Indian church was formed proba- bly about 1750. It arose out of a Pedobaptist church of the Separate order, which was gathered there in the New-Light stir, under the ministry of a Mr. Park. Its first pastor was James Simons, and after him was the famous Samuel Niles, who \vas, in his day, one of the most eminent Indian preachers in America. Other preachers have succeeded him, but at present they are in a destitute and broken con- dition. In a visit, which I paid them a short time since, I found a number of venerable red sisters, who were much engaged in the things of the kingdom ; three of them were about seventy years of age. The men were ail absent on a fishing voyage. These Indians are the de- scendants of die Nyantick tribe, whose chief, Ninegret, refused to join in king Philip's war.f They were once a powerful tribe, but are now reduced to a handful. The State has secured to them a tract of land in Charlestown, which, however, they do not know how to manage to advantage. Morgan Edwards supposes that the forefathers of this congregation were converted by the labours of Roger Williams, which is not im- probable, as it is known that he laboured among them with much as- siduity and some success.:}: Among the Mohegan Indians, near New-London, according to Asplund, two churches were formed about 1770: they were upon the open communion plan, and consisted of Baptists and Pedobaptists. Connected with these, if I am rightly informed, was the famous Sam- son Occom, who afterwards went to New-Stockbridge, in New- York. At a place called Brotherton, now in Oneida county, New- York, an Indian church was formed of baptized believers in 1 798. It arose in the following manner. Not far from 1770, the Oneidas, one of the Six Nations, granted to their destitute brethren of other tribes a large tract of land for their settlement. To it Indians repaired from Stock- bridge, Long-Island, from the Mohegans, the Narragansetts, and a number of other tribes. The tract was six miles square, and was call- ed New-Stockbridge. Rev. M. Sargeant, a Pedobaptist missionary, has long been employed among them. Brotherton is an Indian vil- lage adjoining New-Stockbridge, in which David Fowler, a pious In- dian ol the Baptist persuasion, settled in 1776. Five others of his brethren settled with him, and by them a meeting was maintained without any church estate, until 1798; then their number had in- creased to twelve, which were organized into a church by their neigh- bouring white brethren. Mr. Fowler became its deacon, and was its principal leader till his death, which happened about 1807. Since that time they have been in a broken condition, and have, in a meas- ure, lost their visibility as a church. Deacon Fowler was from Long- * Backus, vol. i. p. 437, 439, and ii. p. 166. 'j Backus, vol. i. p. 437, 439, and ii. j>. 145. '- MS. Hist, of Rhode-Island, p. 47. 428 Keithian Baptists. Island, and sustained an excellent character through life. On the same ground is a Baptist church on the open communion plan, which is considerably large, and is under the care of a preacher by the name of Wawby or Wabby. No great success has hitherto attended the means used to convert the American Indians. Their want of a written language has, in most cases, proved an insurmountable barrier to those benevolent white men, who have ardently desired their salvation. Our aged brother Elkanah Holmes laboured for some years amongst the Tuscaroras and others of the Six Nations. Most of their chiefs and many of the rest showed a favourable disposition towards the gospel, but very few conversions were effected among them. Keithian Baptists. SOON after the settlement of Pennsylvania, a difference arose among the Quakers, touching the sufficiency of what every man has within himself for the purpose of his own salvation. Some denied that sufficiency, and consequently magnified the external Word, Christ, &c. above Barclay's measure. These were headed by the famous George Keith, and there- fore called Kcitbiant. The difference rose to a division in the year 169 r, when separate meetings were set up in divers parts of the country, and a. general one at Burlington in opposition to that of Philadelphia. This, year they published a Confcs sion of Faith, containing twelve articles, much in Barclay's strain, and signed by George Keith, Thomas Budd, John, Hart, Richard Hilliard, Thomas Honten, and Henry Furnis, in the be- half of the rest. They also published the reasons of the separation, &c. signed by the same persons and others, to the number of 48. About the same time, and afterward, were published several other pieces. The design of those publications was, 1st. To inform the world of the principles of the Separate Quakers. 2d. To fix the blame of the separation on the opposite party. 3d. To complain of the unfair treatment, slanders, fines, imprison- ments, and other species of persecution, which they endured from their brethren. Whether these complaints be just or not, is neither my business nor inclination to determine. If just, the Quakers have also shown, " That every sect would persecute, had they but power." 1 know but one ex- ception to this satyrical remark, and that is the Baptists ; they have had civil power in their hands in Rhode-Island government, for an hundred and thirty-six, (now one hundred and seventy-eight) years, and yet have never abused it in tiiis manner, their enemies themselves being judges. And it is remarkable that John Holmes, Esq. the only Baptist mag- istrate in Philadelphia, at the time referred to, refused to act with the Quaker magistrates against the Keithians, alleging, " That it was a religious dispute, and therefore not fit for a civil court." Nay, he open- ly blamed the court, held at Philadelphia, Dec. 6 12, 1692, for refu- ting to admit the exceptions, which the prisoners made to their jury, However, the Keithian Quakers soon declined ; their head deserted them and went over to the Episcopalians. Some followed him thither j -,ome returned to the Penn Quakers ; and some went to other societies. Nevertheless, many persisted in the separation, particularly at Upper Keltbian Baptists. 429 Providence ; at Philadelphia ; at Southampton ; and at Lower Dublin. Theses by resigning themselves to the guidance of Scripture, began to find water in the commi.-.sion ; bread and wine in the command ; com- munity of goods, love feast, kiss of charity, right hand of fellowship, anointing the sick for recovery, and washing the disciples' feet ; and therefore were determined to practise accordingly. The society of Keithians, most forward in these matters, was that kept at the house of Thomas Powell, in Upper Providence ; which for- wardness, it is said, was owing to one Abel Noble who visited them, and was a Seventh-day Baptist minister when he arrived in this country. The time they began to put their designs in practice, was Jan. 28, 1697, when the said Abel Noble baptized a publick Friend, whose name was Thomas Martin, in Kedley-Creek. Afterwards Mr. Martin baptized other Quakers, to the number of 1 6. To them joined one William Beckingham, who broke off from the church at Cohan sey. These 17 persons did, October 12, 1697, incorporate; and proceeded to choose a minister by lot. Three were put in nomination, William Beckingham, Thomas Bndd, and Thomas Martin. The lot fell on the last, who, the same day, administered the Lord's supper to them, for the first time. Shortly after, 15 more of the Quakers were bap- tized, some of whom lived in other parts of the country. But in 1700 a difference arose among them, touching the Sabbath, which broke up the society. Such as adhered to the observation of the Sev- enth day, kept together at Newtown, where some of their posterity are to this day. The rest lay scattered in the neighbourhood, till Mr. Abel Morgan gathered together 15 of them, and formed them into a society, now called the church of Brandyiuine, belonging to the Phila- delphia Association. Another society of Keithian Quakers, who kept together, was that pf Philadelphia, where they built a meeting-house in 1(192. Of these, two publick persons were baptized in 1697, by Rev. Thomas Kilhngworth, of Cohansey. Their names were William Davis and Thomas Rutter. The fust joined Pennepek ; the other kept preach- ing in Philadelphia, where he baptized one Henry Bernard Hoster, Thomas Peart, and seven others, whose names are not on record. These 9 persons united in communion, June 12, 1698, having Thomas Rutter to their minister. They increased, and continued together for 9 years. But some removing to the country, and the unbaptized Keithians falling off, the society in a manner broke up in 1707; for then the few that remained, invited the regular Baptists to join them, and v.-eie incorporated with them. A third society of Keithian Quakers was at Southampton, in Bulk's county ; and a fourth at Lower Dublin. But many of these societies, soon also found water in the commission, and were baptized ; and having become Baptists, they were soon divided again, on the disputed point respecting the Sabbath. Those who adhered to the observance of the First-day Sabbath, in both societies, united with die church at Pennepek. Thus have we seen that the Keithian Quakers ended in a kind of transformation into Keithian Baptists : they were also called Qua- ker Baptists, because they still i ruined the language, dress, and man- 430 Tanker Bap fists. ners of the Quakers. We have seen also, that the Keithian or Quaker Baptists ended in another kind of transformation into Seventh-day Baptists, though some went among the First-day Baptists and other societies. However, these were the beginning of the Sabbatarians in Pennsylvania. A confession of faith was published by the Keithian Baptists in 1697 : ll consists chiefly of the articles in the Apostles' creed. The additions are articles which relate to baptism by immer- sion, the Lord's supper; distinguishing days and months by numer- ical names, plainness of language and dress, not swearing, not fight- ing, &c. Morgan Edwards* Tunkcr Baptists. " THFY are called Tuners* in derision ; which is as much as to say, Soft, from tunker, to fut a morsel into sauce ; but as the term signifies Dippers, they may rest content with the nick-name, since it is the fate of Baptists, in all countries, to bear some cross or other. They are also called Tumblers, from the manner in which they perform baptism, which is by putting the party's head forward under water, while kneel- in;?;, so as to resemble the motion of tlie.body in the action of tumbling. The Germans sound the letters t and b iike d and p; hence, the words Tankers and Tumblers have been corruptly written Dunken and Dum- pkrs. "The first appearing of these people in America, was in the fall of the year 1719. when about 20 families landed in Philadelphia, and dispersed themselves, some to Germantown, some to Skippeck, some to Cley, pome to Connestogo, and elsewhere. This dispersion incapac- itated them to meet for publick worship ; and, therefore, they soon be- gan to grow lukewarm in religion. But in the year 1722, Messrs. Ba- ker, Gomery, Gantz, and the Trautrs, visited their scattered brethren, which was attended with a great revival, insomuch that societies were formed wherever a number of families were v/ithin reach one of anoth- er. But this lasted not above three years. They settled on their lees again, till about thirty families more of their persecuted brethren ar- rived in the fail of the year 1729, which both quickened them again, and increased their number every where. These two companies had been members of one and the same church which originated at Schwardzenau in the year 1708. The first constituents were Alexan- der Mack and wife, John Kipin and wife, George Grevy, Andreas Bhoney, Lucas Fetter, and Joanna Nethigeim. These had been bred Presbyterians, except Kipin, who was a Lutheran ; and, being neigh- bours, they consorted together to read the Bible, and edify one anoth- er in the way they had been brought up ; for as yet they did not know there were any Baptists in the world. However, believers' baptism and a congregational church soon gained upon them, insomuch that they were determined to obey the gospel in these matters. They de- sired Alexander Mack to baptize them ; but he, deeming himself in reality unbaptized, refused. Upon which they cast lots to find who should be administrator. On whom the lot fell hath been carefully concealed. However, baptized they were in the river Eder by Schwardzcnau, and then formed themselves into H church ; choosing * The word Tuckers, in German, and the word Baptists, in Greek, and the -word Dippers, in English, are exucliy of the same si^ailicati'jn. lidrjards. Tunker Baptists. 431 Alexander Mack to be their minister. They increased fast, and began to spread their branches to Merienborn and Epstein, having JohnNaabS, and Christian Levy to their ministers in those places. But persecution quickly drove them thence, some to Holland and some to Creyfelt. Soon after, the mother church voluntarily removed from Schward- zenau to Serustervin in Friezland, and from thence migrated to- wards America, in 1719. And in 1729, those of Creyfelt and Holland followed their brethren. " Thus we see that all the Tunker churches in America sprang from the church at Schwardzenau in Germany; that that church began in 1708, with only seven souls, and that in a place where no Baptist had been in the memory of man, nor any now are. In 62 years that little one became a thousand, and that small one a great nation. " It is very hard to give a true account of the principles of these Tunkers, as they have not published any system or creed, except what two individuals have put forth, which have not been publickly avowed. However, I may assert the following things concerning them from my own knowledge. They are General Baptists, in the sense which that phrase bears in Great- Britain ; but not Arians nor Socinians, as most of their brethren in Holland are. General redemption they cer- tainly hold ; and, withal, general salvation ; which tenets, though wrong, are consistent. They use great plainness of language and dress, like the Quakers ; and like them they will neither swear nor fight. They will not go to law, nor take interest for the money they lend. They commonly wear their beards ; and keep the First-day Sabbath, except one congregation. They have the Lord's supper, with its ancient attendants of love-feasts, washing feet, kiss of charity, and right hand of fellowship. They anoint the sick with oil for re- covery ; and use the trine immersion of laying-on-of-hands and prayer, even while the person baptized is in the water ; which may easily be done, as the party kneels doxvn to be baptized, and continues in that posture till both prayer and imposition of hands be performed. But though their baptism be well contrived for trine immersion, yet it loses its resemblance of a burial. Their church government is purely re- publican, and their discipline the same with those of the English Bap- tists, except that in Maryland they have a supeiintendant, whose name is Daniel Leatherman : to him is referred the decision of variances among the ministers and people ; and as the Tunkers call all their or- dained ministers Bishops, it follows that Leatherman holds the rank of Archbishop. Every brother is allowed to stand up in the congregation to speak, in a way of exhortation and expounding ; and when by these means they find a man eminent for knowledge and aptness to teach, they choose him to be a minister, and ordain him with imposition of hands, attended with fasting and prayer, and giving the right hand of fellowship. They also have deacons ; and ancient women for deacon- esses ; and exhorters, who are licensed to use their gifts statedly. They pay not their ministers, unless it be in the way of presents, though they admit their right to pay ; neither do the ministers assert the right, esteeming it more blessed to give than to receive. 1 'heir ac- quaintance with the Bible is admirable. In a word, they are meek and pious Christians, and have justly acquired the ch^rac'- r of the Harmless Tunkers. 432 Tunker Baptists. " Of these there are in Pennsylvania 15 churches ; to which appe;- tain 8 ordained ministers, and 13 exhorters or probationers, and 4 meeting-houses. The reason of their having no more places of worship is, that they choose rather to meet from house to house, in imitation of the primitive Christians. Their number of families is about 4 1 o, which, allowing five to a family, contain about 2095 souls, whereof 763 are baptized and in communion." These Tunker churches were situated at different distances, in a western direction from Philadelphia, and but few of them were over a hundred miles from that city. Mr. Edwards has given a particular history of each of them, the most remarkable of which, and the only one whose history we shall here relate, is that at Ephrata. " This church is distinguished by the above name, which is the name of the village where it exists, in Cocolico township, and Lancas- ter county, 60 miles to the westward of Philadelphia. The same vil- lage is frequently called Tunhers town. It consists of between 30 and 40 buildings, and stands on a parcel of land containing 155 acres. The land is formed into a triangle by the crossings of the Paxton and Lancaster roads, and Cocolico river. The places of worship in the village are three. One, called Sharon, adjoins the sisters' apartment by way of chapel. The other, called Bethany, is a chapel belonging to the apartments of the brethren, where they resort to worship, morn- ing and evening, and sometimes in the night, as the sisters ako do in the other chapel. The third is a common church, called Zion, built on the summit of a little hiil, about 200 yards distant from the other. Here the single brethren and single sisters, the married "people and their children, meet once a week for publick worship. The brethren have adopted the dress of the white friars, with some alteration, and the sisters that of the nuns ; and both, like them, have taken the vow of celibacy. But some break through the vow : then they quit their cells, and go to the neighbourhood among the married people. All the fraternity wear their beards. Tneir livelihood they get by culti- vating the land, by a printing-office, by a grist-mill, a paper-mill, an oil-mill, &c. and the sisters by spinning, weaving, sewing, &c. They slept at first on board couches with blocks for pillows, but now sleep on beds, and have otherwise abated much of the severity of their order. They keep the seventh day of the week for Sabbath, to which their founder had been proselyted by the remains of the Keithian Bap- lists, particularly Rev. Thomas Rutter, who, in this affair, was the dis- ciple of Abel Noble. "From the uncouth dress, the recluse and asceticklife of these people, sour aspects and rough manners might be expected; but on the contra- ry, a smiling innocence and meekness grace their countenances, and a softness of tone and accent adorn their conversation, and make their deportment gentle and obliging. Their singing is charming, partly owing to the pleasantness of their voices, the variety of parts they carry on together, and the devout manner of performance. The families belonging to the society are about 40, whereof about 135 persons, in- cluding the single brethren and sisters, are baptized and in communion. This was their state in 1770. They had their existence as a society, on Nov !2, 1724, when Conrad Beissel, Joseph Shaffer, John Moyer and wife, Henrick Hehn and wile, and Veronica Frederick, were bap- Tunksr Baptists. 433 tized in Pequea liver by Rev. Peter Baker. The same day, these seren incorporated into a church, and chose Conrad Beissel to be their min- ister. After this, they continued some time at Mill-Creek ; and then, removing about three miles northward, pitched on the land of Rudolph Neagley, in Earl township. Here they continued about seven years, and hither resorted many to see them, some of which joined their society. Here they began their economy, the men living by them- selves on the fore-mentioned lands, and the women also by themselves on the adjoining lands of John Moyly. Here Conrad Beissel appoint- ed two elders and a matron to preside over his church in the wilder- ness, binding them by a solemn promise, and at the same time giving to each a Testament, to govern according to the rules of that book* Then he withdrew, and made as though they should see him no more. This was done in 1733. He travelled northward till he came to th spot where Ephrata or Tunkerstown now stands, and with his hoc planted Indian corn and roots for his subsistence. But he had not been long in the place, before the society found him out, and repaired to his little cot ; the brethren settling with him on the west banks of Cocolico, and the sisters on the east, all in sight of one another, with the river running between them. The next year they set about building their village, beginning with a place of worship. The village is in- closed with a large ditch, and fortified with posts, and rails, and quicksets." The author of the foregoing account has also given biographical sketches of the ministers by which these churches were supplied. The most distinguished of which, were Alexander Mack, Conrad Beissel, and Peter Miller. "ALEXANDER MACK, was born in the year 1680 at Schrisheim, ifl Germany. He was educated a Calvinist, but embraced the Baptist principles, in 1708, arrived in this country, with many of his congre- gation, in 1729, and became a minister of Beggarstown, in the town- ship of Germantown, near Philadelphia, the same year, where he con- tinued till he died^in 1735- Mr. Mack was a man of real piety. He had a handsoffe patrimony at Schrisheim, with a profitable mill and vineyards thereon ; but he spent all in raising and maintaining his church at Schwardzenau, whereof he was father, and father of all the Tunkers. "C0NRAD BEISSEL, founder of the society at Ephrata. This was his real name ; but when he became a Baptist, he assumed the name of Freidsam Gottrechf;, and gave new names to all the brethren and sisters. He was born in 1690, at Eberback, in Germany. Bred a Presbyterian. Arrived in Boston, in 1720. Thence he and his two companions, Stunts and Steifrel, travelled '.vest ward to Pennsylvania, and lived as hermits about Mill-Creek, and the Swede-Spring in Lancaster county. He embraced the principles of the Baptists in 1724. Died July 6, 1768, and was buried at Ephrata. As for his character, I give it in the words of one who knew him well. " He was very strict in his morals, and practised self-denial VOL. 2. 55 434 Tunktr Baptists. and mortification to an uncommon degree. Enthusiastick and whim- sical, he certainly was; but an appaient devoutness and sincerity rail through all his oddities. He was not an adept in any of the liberal arts and sciences, except musick, in which he excelled. He composed and s-et to musick, in three, four, six, and eight parts, a folio volume of hymns, and another of anthems. He published a dissertation on the fall of man, in the mysterious strain ; also a volume of letters. He Heft behind, several books in manuscript, curiously written and embellished." PET**. MILLE*. He was born in 1709', in the bailiwick of Kaifer- lautern, in Germany ; had his education in the University at Heiide- bera: ; came to this country in 1730, and settled with the Dutch Presby- terians in Philadelphia: there he was ordained by Rev. Messrs. Ten- nant Boyd, and Andrews, the same year. He embraced the principles of the Baptists in 1735. and in 1744 received another ordination from kev. Conrad Beissel, to be prior of the society at Ephrata. Dr. Doug- las, in his history of the provinces, saith, that he is a good scholar, and writes fine latin."* The main body of Tunker Baptists in America are, at present, as they ever have been, in Pennsylvania. But besides those in that State, there were, in the year 1770, according to Mr. Edwards, (who took unwearied pains to learn their history, and ascertain their numbers) in Maryland, 4 churches of these people, in which were 9 ministers, and 382 members. The number of families, out of which the 4 churches were collected was 169. In Virginia were 2 churches which contained together 56 members. The number of ministers was 3, and the families 100. In North- Carolina were 3 churches, 4 ministers, 88 families, and 100 members. In South-Carolina, there were at the same time 3 churches, but one minister, whose name was David Martin. He was a native of Penn- sylvania, and is said to have been a man of some distinction, and t have borne an excellent character. The families were 63, and the number of members 108. There was, also, a church of the Tunkers at Amwell, in New-Jer- sey, which was formed in the year 1733 ; it is now in a comfortable condition. From the whole, it appears by Mr. Edwards, that there were of the Tunkers, in America, about 40 years ago, 28 churches, in which (ex- cepting the one in New-Jersey) were 14^5 communicants ; and that to these churches, appertained upwards 'of 20 ordained ministers or bisbnp-,, and nearly the same number of exhorters. And the number of 1'unker families was 669, which, allowing five to a family, Mr. Edwards's uniform and probably correct mode of computation, makes the whole population of the Tunkers 3345- By a statement of Mr Edwards for 1790, it appears, that of the Tanker Baptists there was at that time one church in New Jersey, 1 5 in Pennsylvania, 7 in Maryland, and in the more southern States, * Edwards's History of the Baptists in Pennsylvania, p. 6490. Tunker Baptists. 435 10 ; making in all 33 ;* so that they had received the addition of five hurdies in 20 years. But what has been their progress since the last- mentioned date, or what is their present situation as to numbers, &c. I have not been able to learn. I am informed by Dr. Rogers of Phila- delphia, and others, that * it is, at present, a fixed principle with them, to make no communication ; and that they feel hurt when interroga- ted respecting their society." Indeed, they have always been shy of the English, and suspicious of encroachment and exposure ; and under these circumstances, it is surprising how Mr. Edwards, without an ac- quaintance with the German language, could gain uch correct and extensive information respecting them, as he has recorded in his his- torical works. Many of the churches mentioned by him have become extinct, and ethers have suffered great diminutions, and it is generally believed that their society is declining ; but still they are considerably numerous in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and small detachments of them are to be found in most of the southern and western States. While they have declined in some places, and become extinct in others, they have emi- grated to remoter regions, and formed new establishments, some of which are very large. One of these is in the Allegany Mountains, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in a place called Brothers' Valley, near the town of Berlin, about 200 miles westward of Philadelphia. There is, also, another large society in the Red-stone county, beyond the mountains, on Jacob's-Creek, in the counties of Fayette and West- moreland. It is believed, that some other societies have been formed in Pennsylvania, since Mr. Edwards's account was taken ; but I have been able to learn nothing respecting them. These people have also become adventurers to the western State? of Ohio and Kentucky ; and some of them, I have been informed, have settled not far from Detroit, in the Michigan Territory. The following anecdote of a preacher from that country, by the name of John Messemer, was related to me by the Rev. David Jones, of the Great Valley, Pennsylvania, to whom it was related by Mr. Messemer himself. " While visiting my brethren in these parts," (said the Tunker in his broken English) " I thought I would go to de city of Philadelphia, and hear some of de preachers dere. I first went to hear de Univer- salists ; and I found dey preach no hell dere, but dey seem have no re- ligion too. I neit go to hear de Methodists, and dey preach all hell, but dey seem have good deal religion too. I next go to hear de Bap- tists, and dey preach some bell and some teaven, and this I thought was de rightest way." It is difficult to say what are the definite doctrinal sentiments of the Tunkers ; it is said, however, that they hold the doctrine of uni- versal salvation, and hence they are often called Universalists ; but this sentiment they are not forward to advance, nor strenuous to de- fend ; and it is probable they maintain it with some peculiar qualifi- cations. The Tunkers still maintain their former simplicity, and most of those distinguished religious maxims and peculiar domestick habits, * Edwards's History of the Baptists in New-Jersev, p. liT 436 Mennoniics. which Mr. Edwards ascribes to them. But by the best information I can gain, they have much depreciated as to vital religion, and appear too generally contented with keeping up their external forms, while but little of the power of godliness is to be found amongst them. But as they have not conformed to the unscriptural traditions of men, but have, in the midst of their lukewarmness and declension, preserved es- sentially the primitive mode of administering the ordinance of Bap- tism, we shall give them a place among the American Baptists. Menncnites. "THESE have their denomination from the personal name of Men- no Simon, a native of Witmars, and a man of parts and learning, who carried the reformation one step farther than either Luther or Calvin ; and who, no doubt, would have been ranked with the chief reform- ers, had there not been some cross-grained fatality attending the lau- dable deeds of Baptists, to prevent their having, in this world, the praise they deserve. He was born in the year 1505. Got into or- ders in 1528. Continued a famous preacher and disputer to 1531, when he began to suspect the validity of many things in the church cf Rome, and among the rest, that of infant baptism. He discovered his suspicions first to the doctors of his own fraternity ; but they, resolving all to the authority of the church, relieved him not. Then he visited Luther and many besides, who had, at the time, avowed the word of God to be the only rule of faith and practice in relig- ious concernments. What satisfaction they gave him, touching oth- er matters, I do not find ; but their grounding infant baptism on consequences and expedience, rather than on any express precept or precedent, increased his suspicion. He then betook himself to the close study of the New-Testament and ecclesiastical history ; and find- ing no traces of it in the first and second century, nor yet in the word of God ; and strong indications of believer? baptism in both, he renounced the former, and embraced the principles of the Baptists, notwithstanding the disgrace which the profession had been brought under by the appearance of some Baptists in the insurrection of those times, which were common throughout most parts of Germany.* These insurrections were not of the religious kind, but struggles of the people for civil liberty against the tyranny and oppression of the princes. In some of these, not a Protestant of any denomination was found. In none of them were the Protestant Baptists either the agi- tators or the most r.umerous ; no, not in that of Munster. The con- trivers of this, and the first that appeared in it, are well knoVm to be of other denominations ; and though three Baptists, one by his wealth, and the other two by their superior 'skill and courage, became princi- pals in fighting the tyrant and defending the town, yet, had they not the quilt of the plotters rev of the first insurgents ; nor were the Bapti.-ts, under their command, many, in comparison of the other citi- zens and boors which made the whole body of the madmtn of Mimster, us they are called. Nevertheless, the blame of the whole, is fixed on ihe Baptists, contrary to all fair dealing and the historical evidence of * fa\ cmi.es fere german;s partes Uac contagio pervask. Slcidans Hist, b. 4./>. U$. Mennonites. 437 facts, and follows them to this day even in foreign countries. Menno continued preaching and planting churches in the vaikms parts of the low countries, for a course of about thirty years, and died in peace, January 31, 1561, after having been hunted like a partridge on the mountain by both Protestants and Papists. The faith and order of this eminent reformer may in some measure be gathered from the fragments of his works which are now extant. A General Baptist, as that character is understood in Great-Britain, he certainly wat; btil I have not seen sufficient evidence of his being what is now called an Arian or Socinian. I rather think that the term Arminian or Remonstrant, would better suit his religious sentiments. But the Mennonites in Pennsylvania, and in other parts of the world, have somewhat deviated from Menno, in matters both of faith and practice ; particularly in that of baptism. He, in his Declaration concerning Christian baptism in water, printed in 1539, page 24, expressly saith, " After we have searched ever so diligently, we shall find no other baptism besides dipping in water, which is acceptable to God, and main- tained in his word." After which he adds, page 39, " Let who will oppose, this is the only mode of baptism that Christ Jesus instituted, and the Apostles taught and practised." Accordingly Menno was dipped, and did dip others. His successors did the same, except when they made proselytes in prisons, or were hindered from going to rivers ; and this they excused from a consideration of necessity ; just as Cyp- rian, in his 69th epistle, excuses the usage of sprinkling or pouring in- stead of dipping, because the subjects were confined to their beJs, which made it be called Clinical Baptism. But, as in Africa so in Eu- rope, what was done at first, out of a supposed necessity, became af- terwards to be practised out of choice. What excused the Mennon- ites in Europe, excuse them not in Pennsylvania. In the former they made converts in prisons, whom they could not lead to the water, and therefore fetched water to them. In the former they were hindered from going to rivers, and therefore did as well as they could in the inner chambers ; but in Pennsylvania, every one may do what is right in his own sight, without either fear or shame. It is earnestly prayed, therefore, that the Mennonites of America will return to follow Menno in an affair wherein he was so eminent a follower of Christ, and his Apostles ; especially as so many of the common people have desired a restoration of immersion, and have gone off to the Tunkers for the want of it. Touching the subjects of baptism, the Mennonites still retain their integrity, by administering the ordinance to none but those who profess faith and repentance, and make vows of subjection to the Gospel of Christ ; which keeps up the distinction between world and church ; for where baptizing infants prevails, there can be no world, all are church ; but they do not prefer dipping. Their common meth- od is this : The person to be baptized kneels ; the minister holds his hands over him, into which the deacon pours water, and through which it runs on the crown of the kneeling person's head ; after which follow imposition of hands, and prayer. The parents sometimes insist on their children's being baptized before they will consent to their marriage ; which I wish they would not, lest any be forced to a thing, which should be a matter of personal choice, following convic- tions and calls of conscience ; for then only is baptism what it should be, the answer of a good sonscience towards Cod. i Peter, iii. $i. 438 Mennonitcs. " Th principles and practices of the Mennbnites in Pennsylvania may be seen in their Confession of Faith, published at Philadelphia, in 1727. This confession, as far as it goes, is orthodox ; and is no other than a translation of that framed and published at Dordrecht, in 1632, by deputies from all the Mennonires in Einope. But as the book is scarce, I may be allowed to mention some particulars. "The Mennonites do not, like the Tunkers, hold the doctrine of general salvation ; yet, like them, they will neither swear nor fight, nor bear any civil office, nor go to law, nor take interest for the money they lend, (though many break through this last.) Some of them yet wear their beards; nor are the ancient rites of washing feet. &c. wholly out of use among them. They, like the Tunkers, use great plainness of speech and dress. This last is so capital a point with them, that some have been expelled from their societies, for having buckles to their shoes, and pocket-holes to their coats. Their chuich government* like that of all Baptists, is wholly democratical or republican. Their ministers they choose by balloting ; and when two or more are thus nominated, they leave it to the decision of lots, which shall be the man. They do not pay them ; nor do their ministers assert their right to a livelihood from the Gospel. They are put into their office, by the lay- ing on of the hands of the presbytery, attended with fasting and prayer. They call their ordained ministers bishops, which term, though as scrip- tural as pastor, elder, &c. other dissenters avoid, ab if they were conscious that the proper office of bishop is not among them. The brothers are al- lowed to speak in the church by way of exhortation or expounding, but are not permitted to preach publickly, till they obtain license from the church. These they call preachers, helps, exhorters. Their aim in America, is to have a pious ministry rather than a learned one ; but in Europe they covet both, and have a college among them for the pur- pose.* The epithets which these people give themselves in their writ- ings are, Harmless Christians^ Revengelesi Christians, Weaponless Christians, &c. and as such are they considered by the rulers ot the province, and by those of ether States. Remarkable, on this subject are the words of the Dutch ambassador (Van Benning) to Monsieur de Turenne : The Mennonites are good people, and the most commodious to a State of any in the world ; partly because they do not aspire to places of dignity ; partly because they edify the community by the simplicity of their manners, and application to arts and industry ; and partly because we fear no rebellion from a sect, who make it an article of their faith never to bear arms." Their industry and frugality they carried with them to Pennsylvania, and thereby are become very wealthy. Some Mennonite families were in the province as early as the year 1692, who came hither from New. York government, which at first belonged to the Dutch, and was called New-Netherlands, ex- tending from the river Delaware to the river oi Connecticut. They set- tled in the neighbourhood, now called Germantown and Frankfort, &c. Other families soon followed ; and after them many came directly from Europe, insomuch that May 23, 1708, there was a church settled at Germantown, consisting of 52 member!-, which exists to this day, and is not only the first in the province, but, in some sort, the mother ef all * At Amsterdam. Tunker Baptists. 439 the res.t. In about 16 years after, this church had branched out to Skippek, Conestogo, Great-Swamp, and Monatony, and become five churches ; to which appertained 16 ministers, viz. Rev. Messrs. Jacob Goottschalk, Henry Kolb, Martin Kolb, Cleas Johnsen, Michael Zei- gler, John Gorgas, John Conerads, Cleas Rittinghausen, Hans Burg- hahzer, Christian Heer, Benedict HircHy, Martin Beer, Johnnes Bo\v- man, Velter Clemer, Daniel Langanecker, and Jacob Beghtly. The present ( 1 770) state of the Mennonites in this province is as follows : ist, Their churches, which contain many branches, are 13. ad, The meeting-houses belonging to them are 42. 3d, Their ordained ministers or bishops are 15. 4th, Their probationary or licensed preachers are 53. 5th, The families are about Rio, which, allowing 5 to a family, contain 4050 souls ; whereof 1448 persons are baptized and members of their churches. This account, I believe, is pretty ex- act, except the county of Lancaster hath introduced any error into it ; for in that county I have not met with as much readiness to give me the information I sought, as in the other counties ; owing, I believe to a suspicion, that a knowledge of their state would some way or other be to their prejudice. " In the year 1 743, the Mennonites began a settlement in Frederick county, Maryland, 56 miles N. W. from Annapolis, and 122 S.W. from Philadelphia; and in 1770, according to Mr. Edwards's account, their society had increased to about 400 families, in which, allowing 5 to a family, were 2000 souls, whereof 861 were baptized. In this large community were five ordained ministers or bishops. The Men- nonites, also founded a society in Augusta county, Virginia, in the year 175 2, which, at the time above-mentioned, had increased to about 100 families, whereof 52 were baptized."* From the foregoing accounts it appears, that there were ef the Men- nonites in America, in the year 1770, 15 churches; about 20 ordained ministers or bishops, as they call them ; between 50 and 60 probation- ary or licensed preachers ; 2361 communicants ; 1310 families ; and, allowing 5 to a family, 6550 souls. Their number has probably de- creased since that period, although they are at present considerably numerous. But as they have chaneed the administration of baptism, from immersion to affusion, and thereby not only departed from the only scriptural mode of administering this ordinance, but also from the example of the noble founder of this sect, we shall wholly leave them cut in our enumeration of the American Baptists. * Erfjwards's History of the Baptists in Pennsylvania, p. 90 r93. 44O Missionary Societies. CHAP. XIX. Missionary Societies. THE most considerable institution of this kind among the Baptists in America was formed at Boston in 1802. It must be considered as an appendage of the Warren Association, as its principal promoters were members of that body. Since the Boston Association has been formed, it has been patronized by both of these communities. About the time this society arose, there were many Macedonian cries from different parts of the country, and a number of zealous preachers stood ready to go forth to labour among the destitute, provided they could have some assistance to bear them on the way. In this posture of af- fairs, proposition was made by Dr. Baldwin and others for establishing a society upon a missionary plan. Many were fearful of engaging in the undertaking ; but an attempt was made, which has been crowned with abundant success. The first year they received but about 150 dollars, but their receipts have increased yearly, so that they have now in eleven years received about 12,000 dollars ; most of which has been expended in sending missionaries in the District cf Maine, in No- va-Scotia, in the Canadas, and in the back settlements of New.Hamp- shire, Vermont, New- York, and some other States. The ministers who have been employed by this society, are Elders Isaac Case, Joseph Cornell, Peter P. Roots, Lemuel Covel, John Tripp, David Irish, Jesse Hartwell, Phinehas Pilsbury, Henry Hale, Barna- bas Perkins, Samuel Rowly, Clark Kendrick, Samuel Ambrose, Ste- phen Parsons, Hezekiah Pettet, Samuel Churchill, Samuel Nelson, Simeon Coombs, John Chadburn, Henry Kendall, and others. Of these missionaries, Messrs. Case and Roots have been almost constant- ly in the employ of this society for six or eight years past. The first has laboured mostly in the District of Maine, New-Brunswick, and Nova- Scotia ; the other in the back settlements of New- York and in Upper Cannada. This society, in 1811, had twenty missionaries in its employ ; they laboured upon an average almost four months each, and the sum total of their services was over six years ; their salaries amounted to 1600 dollars, that is, 260 dollars a year, or five dollars a week, for each missionary. This society received at one time 600 dollars from the late Richard Devens, Esq. a Congregationalist of Charlestown. Besides this, very- considerable assistance was received at other times from that liberal gentleman. A number of Female Mite Societies have been distin- guished auxiliaries of this evangelical institution. The first society of this kind was formed in Boston in 1809. This has contributed 500 dollars ; the Boston Cent Society about 400 ; and a society of little children in the same town 85 dollars. The Providence Mite Society has forwarded to this missionary board about 550 dollars ; the one in Salem over 400 ; and another in Haverhill 394. Similar Societies have been formed in Newton, Attleborough, Rehoboth or Seckonk, Warien, Newport, and other places, by which sums of considerable amount have been contributed. These Societies are formed of religious women, and of those who are favourably disposed towards the propa- gation of the gospel abroad j their rule is to give a cent a week, thar Missionary Societies. 441 is, fifty-two cents a year : those who are disposed, give more. They make their collections quarterly, and by their laudable exertions, by this new and unprecedented economy of raising money in a way which no one can feel, these societies have, together, within a very few years past, contributed for missionary purposes between two and three thou- sand dollars. The Baptists in New- York began to exert themselves in the mission' ary cause, iu connexion with the Presbyterians in that city, about the beginning of the present century. By their united efforts, sums of considerable amount were raised, and missica.irics were sent out in different directions. Mr. Holmes, of the Baptist order, was stationed among the Six Nations, where he laboured a number of years to some elFtct. But our brethren not finding matters to go on according to their minds, in 1806 withdrew, formed a society by themselves, and very good success has attended their exertion*. Since they began their operations, die sum total of their receipts amounts to about 5500 doilars. They expect, in the spring of 1814, to receive a thou- sand dollars, lately bequeathed the society. The missionaries they have employed are Messrs. Charles Lahatt, Elkanah Holmes, Luke Davis, William Pierce, Daniel Steers, Samuel West, James Harris, Enoch Fen is, and Edmund J. Reis. Since the late unhappy divisions in New- York, the First church in that city has operated in missionary affairs in a distinct, individual ca- pacity, and has collected between four and five hundred dollars. The Philadelphia Association set en foot a missionary plan about 1800. Their receipts for some years at first were not large, but there has been a promising increase of their means ; so that they have been enabled to send the Gospel to many destitute places in the back parts of Pennsylvania and in the north-east parts of Ohio. They have em- ployed as missionaries Messrs. Thomas G. Jones, Thomas Smiley, Henry George, William West, and others. The New Jersey Association, at the time that it came cut of the Philadelphia, established a Missionary Society within its bounds ; and in the year 1812, its receipts from different sources amounted to about 200 doilars. What it has received this present year I have not learnt, but it is hoped not a less sum. The Virginia Baptists, with all their ample means, do not yet seem to have interested themselves in missionary concerns. In North -Carolina a few years since an institution was formed by the name of the Philanthropic^ Baptist Missionary Society ; but it does not appear that any thing considerable has yet been effected by it. By the Charleston Association a Missionary Society was begun in 1803. It had for its principal object the sending of the gospel to the Catawba Indians, who inhabit their State, of whom, and also of the s uccess of the mission to them, some account is given in Vol. II. p. ,46, 147. In i S o, this society had collected by annual contributions 896 : 60 of which ^850 : 78 had been expended in paying the salaries of their missionary and school-master, purchasing books, &c.* It has probably received about 200 a year since, which would now (1813) make the sun: total of its receipts, about 2500. It appears * Furman's Hist, of the Charleston Asscdaii< n ; p. 52, VOL, 2. ,56 Missionary Societies. by the Minutes of the Association for 181 2, that in that year 8122 : 5* were received from the Wadmalaw and Edisto Female Mite Society, by the hands of Mrs. Eliza A. Adams, and Mrs. Hepzibah Townsend. When we go back from the seaport towns, we find a considerable number of missionary establishments. The Shaftsbury Association, early in fhe beginning of this century, began to make exertions to send the Gos-pel to the destitute. Elders Blood, Warren, Covel, and others of their most distinguished preachers, before that period, had made m.my evangelical excursions into remote regions on thtir own expense. In j So i, it appears by their Minutes, that Mr. Covel made "a propo- sition for raising a funJ, by contribution, for sending missionaries to preaeh the Gospel in destitute parts of the frontier settlements, and as fir as they should have opportunity, among the natives of the wil- derness." The next year some small sums were sent in ; the year after, their contributions amounted to almost 80 dollars ; and from that period they have made annual collections from churches, mite societies, and individuals, from 90 to 1 80 dollars. The sum total of their contri- butions, from 1802 to the present time, must amount to upwards of 1500 dollars. In the bounds of the Otsego, Madison, and Franklin Associa- tions, has been formed an institution for missionary purposes, by'the name of the Hamilton Missionary Society. It was begun in 1807, and had, in i8n,sent out missionaries into different parts, to the amount of almost seventy weeks. Auxiliary to this is a society of religious and benevolent ladies, in the town of Hamilton, who, by ta- king hold of the distaff, have furnished clothing for their missionary brethren. In February 1812, they presented the missionary board with twenty yards of fine woollen cloth of their own manufacture. In the town of Carenovia a similar society has been formed, who have, with their own hands, manufactured thirty yards of fine linen, and about as much of woollen, for the clothing and the comfort of their brethren, who expose themselves to the summer's heat and winter's colj, to bear the glad tidings of peace to those who are perishing for lack of knowledge. When these accounts were received, similar so- cieties were forming in Fabius, Onondaga, Pompey, German, Ho- mer, &c. On the west of this region an institution was formed some years ago, cabled the Lake Missionary Society ; but of its origin and move- ments I have obtained no accounts. There is also a missionary es- tablishment in the District of Maine, called the Maine Missionary So- ciety, which was formed in 1804. By the year r8io, they had col- lected, in various ways, between five and six hundred dollars, which they had appropriated to the design of their institution. In addition to these societies, the several Associations of Sturbridge, Leyden, Woodstock, Vermont, Saratoga, Cayuga, and Black- River, in New-England and New- York, have some years past made annual collections' of from about forty to considerably over a hundred dollars. About eighty dollars a year are generally collected. These monies they generally appropriate to their own ministers, who are disposed to itin- erate, in places remote and destitute. All these institutions are call- ed missionary, though most of them more properly deserve the name '<' itinerant, Their effects have been peculiarly useful and promising, Literary Institutions, bV. 4-4S Many, who had previously a zeal for itinerating, have been enabled to do it without injury to their families or embarrassment to them- selves. Many new and destitute places in this wide-spread country have been blessed with the dispensation of the precious word of life ; many of the saints, who have removed far from their brethren, have been refreshed ; many tinners have, by the labours of the missiona- ries, been hopefully born into the kingdom of God, and by their means a considerable number of churches have been planted. As near as J can ascertain there has been collected by all the dif- ferent Baptist Missionary Institutions since about i 803, that is, in the ten last years, not far from thirty thousand dollars. In this sum I do not include what the New- York brethren contributed while they were in connexion with the Presbyterians, nor the monies, which have beeu sent to India formerly, or have lately been raised towards supporting Messrs. Judson and Rice in that region. More that one third of this sum, we have seen, has been raised by the Massachusetts Baptist So- ciety, and very few of our brethren comparatively have been concerned in raising the remainder. What might we expect if they would unite their efforts in this evangelical undertaking ? Literary Institutions, and Education Funds. BROWN UNIVERSITY is the most important literary establishment among the Baptists in America. It was projected, according to Mor- gan Edwards, in 1762, by the Philadelphia Association. The year after, Mr. James Manning, who afterwards became its president, land- ed at Newport on his way to Halifax, Nova-Scotia, " and made a motion to several gentlemen of the Baptist denomination, (of whom Col. Gardner, the Deputy-Governor was one,) relative to a seminary of polite literature, subject to the government of the Baptists. The motion was properly attended to, which brought together about fifteen gentlemen of the same denomination at the Deputy's house, who re- quested Mr. Manning to draw a sketch of the design against the day following." The plan was formed according to desire, and the next day Governor Lyndon and Col. Job Bennet were appointed to draw a charter ; but they pleading unskilfulness in the business, solicited the aid of Kev. Ezra, afterwards Dr. Styles, president of Yale College, New- Haven. Before the business was matured, Mr. Manning was obliged to go on board the vessel for Halifax. " The object for fixing on Rhode-Island for a Baptist College was, that that Legislature was chief- ly in the hands of their denomination, and was therefore the liktliest place to have one established by Jaw." But so unsuspicious were the Baptists, that they came very near being defeated in their design. The charter was so artfully drawn by Dr. Styles, that the Presbyteri- ans would have had the power of controlling the institution, had it re- ceived the sanction of the Legislature in its original form. " When Governor Lyndon inquired of the Doctor, why he had perverted the design of the charter ? he answered, I gave you timely warning to take care of yourselves, for that :ulty his brethren wt-rc in, carac o;i to their assistance. Literary Institutions, &c. 445 might be produced. Then I related (as above) that it was lost, and the manner how it was lost ; but the party, instead of believing this, very rudely suggested, that I had secreted the charter, and, in the face (.f the court, charged me with a breach of trust, which brought on very disagreeable altercations and bickerings, till at last I was necessi- tated ro syy, " that if there had been any foul doings, it WHS among them of tiv. ir own denomination at Providence." Their clamour* con- tinued, and we gave way to them that session, for peace sake. Mean- while, Dr. Bowen, who is a man of strict honour and integrity, used all means to recover the former charter, posting an advertisement in the most publick places of the town, and making diligent inquiry, but to no purpose. At the next Assembly, which met in February, 1764, the new charter was again brought on the carpet, and tie same clamour against it, and unjust reproaches against me, were re- peated. It was said that die new charter was not like the old ; and was constructed to deprive the Presbyterians of the benefit of the in- stitution. To which it was replied, " That it was agreeable to the design of the first undertakers ; and if calculated to deprive the Pres- byterians of the power they wanted, it was no more than what they themselves had attempted to do to the Baptists." After much and warm debate, the question was put, and carried in favour of the new charter, by a great majority."* The charter is too lengthy to be transcribed, but the following is a summary of its contents. The institution was named the "Trustees and Fellows of the Coilege or University, in the English Colony of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations." The corporation consists of two separate branches, with distinct, separate, and respective powers. The number of Trustees is thirty- six, of whom twenty-two are Baptists, five of Friends or Quakers, five Episcopalians, and four Congregation- alists, frequently called Presbyterians. The same proportion of dif- ferent denominations to continue in perpetuum. The number of Fellows, (including the President, who is a Fellow, ex officio] is twelve, of whom eight are Baptists, the others may be chosen indiscriminately from any denomination. The concurrence of both branches by a majority of each is necessary for the validity of an act, except the adjudging and conferring degrees, which exclusively belongs to the Fellowship as a learned faculty. The President must be a Baptist ; Professors and other officers of instruction are not limited to any particular denomina- tion. The annual commencement is on the first Wednesday of Sept. when there is a general meeting of the Corporation. For a few years after the charter was granted, the institution moved on but slowly towards maturity. Mr. Manning was chosen President, and in i 766, began with a small class at Warren, where it was at first proposed the college should be located. The year after, Mr. Morgan Edwards, of Philadelphia, set sail for England, to collect money to- wards paying the salary of the President and his assistant, for as yet they had no funds. Mr. Edwards met with very good success, "con- sidering," as he says, " how angry the mother country then was with the colonies for opposing the stamp-act." Afterwards, the late Dr. He?,ekiah Smith and others collected sums f considerable amount for the purpose of endowing the institution. * Edwar&'s MS. History of Rhode-Island, p. 523 3:~ 446 Literary Institutions, &c. In 1769 proposals were made for building a college edifice ; but serious difficulties arose respecting the place where it should he erected. The four towns of Warren, Providence, Newport and East-Greenwich, in tour different counties, were named as eligible situations. In this posrure of affairs, it was proposed bj the Corporation, that the county, which should raise the most money, should have the college. Provi- dence bid the highest, and of course obtained it. Here an edifice was begun in May, 1770, which was roofed in the autumn of that year. It was bmii. under the superintendence of "the adventurous and resolute Browns," of Providence, viz. Nicholas, Joseph, John, and Moses, who were then united in trade under the firm of Nicholas Brown & Co. They each subscribed two hundred pounds, L. M.* but in the end, the building cost tnem much more. The college edifice is of brick, four stories high, exclusive of the cel- lar, which is partly above ground, 150 feet long, and 46 wide, with a projection of ten feet on each side. It has an entry lengthwise, with rooms on each side. There are 52 rooms for the accommodation of students, and four larger ones for publick uses. This elegant building, which was erected wholly by the generous donations of individuals, mostly of the town of Providence, is situated on a hill to the east of the town, has a pure salubrious air, and com- mands a delightful prospect of the town of Providence, the Narragan- set Bay and the islands, and of an extensive country around, variegated with hills, dales, plaini, wood-lands, &c-f The college lot contains about five acres, originally the property of Chad Brown. J one of Roger Williams's associates and his successor in the care of the church of which they were both constituent members. Near the college are the President's house, a commodious brick building for a Grammar School and the Medical Lectures, and out-buildings for the accommo- dation of the President and steward. The Library belonging to this University amounts now to near three thousand volumes, many of which were collected by Morgan Edwards in England, and many others have been presented by the Baptists in that kingdom, and by benefactors of different denominations, both there and in different parts of the United States. A valuable Law Library, supposed to be worth about eight hundred dollars, is the gift of Nicholas Brown, Esq. who has presented besides a great number of books of different kinds. We ought furthermore to add that this distinguished benefactor, a few years ago, agreed to give five hundred dollars towards increasing the Library, if the corporation would appro- priate as much more. This liberal proposition was accepted ; a part of this thousand dollars has been expended, but a considerable sum yet remains to be laid out. * S 666 67. f In full view of thr top of the College, is the Seekhonk plain, in Rehoboth, where Roger Williams first pitched his t^nt among the Indians, when banished, from Massachusetts, and from which he was warned by thetnen of Plymouth, to remove across the Narraganset Bay, Sec. $. This circumstance was first suggested to me by Friend Moses Brown ; I have since found it noticed by Morgan Edwards, so that 1 think there can be no noubt, but that Brown University stands on land originally owned by the ancient Chad Brown, although it received tfes ificme from one ef his posterity of the sixth generation". Literary Institutions, SflV. 447 Fifteen or twenty volumes of Grammars and Translations of the Scriptures in the Oriental languages, have lately been received from the Baptist Missionaries in India. The Philosophical Apparatus, though not so large as those of older Universities, is yet respectable for its extent. It consists of an Orrery, a Theodolite, a reflecting Telescope, solar and double Microscopes, convex and concave Mirrors, Lemes, Globes, aa Air Pump, the gift of the late Nicholas Brown, Esq. Machinery for Hydro- latick.;, Electri- city, and Mechanicks, together with such other articles as are necessary to a respectable course of experiments on modern philosophy. A numbf r of these articles were purchased with a donation of five hun- dred dollars from the late Samuel hlam, E q. The officers of this University are as follow : Hon. JABKZ BOWEN,LL. D. Chancellor. SOLOMON DROWX, M. D. Professor Rev. ASA M h ss KR, S.T.D. LL.D. Prts. Matcriu JMtdica and Butany. Hon. DAV.HOW KLL, LL.D. Prof. Luiu. JOHN BAILEY, A.M. Tutor and Rev. CALVIN PAUK, A AI. J J rc.fi.^or Librarian. Moral PhUosofihij and MetujhhyiAcka, IOSEPRUS WHF.ATOM, A.B. Tutor. WILLIAM IN GALLS, M.D. Pr^/i&^r G..ORGE FISHER. A. B. Preceptor sJnatomy and Surg* /;/. c/ the Grammar School. William C. Bowen, M.D. former Professor of Chemistry, has lately resigned.. It is expected a new Professor will soon be appointed. The Medical Establishment was begun in 1810, and bids fair to be an important acquisition to the Institution, A Professorship of the Theory and Practice of Physick has been established, but a Professor has not yet been appointed. A Botanical Garden is in contempla- tion. The number of students is over a hundred and twenty j in the sum- mer of 1813, they were a hundred and thirty-five, of all denomina- tions ; and the same religious freedom reigns in the College as in the State. The students do not repair here to study divinity, but to ac- quire a knowledge of the arts and sciences, that they may be qualified to engage in whatever profession their views and feelings shall dictate. The funds of the University, according to a report of the Treasurer in 18 ri, were over fifteen thousand dollars; and as the establishment has, for some time past, supported itself, they are yearly accumulating. The foundation for these funds was laid by the collections of Mor- gan Edwards, Dr. Hezekiah Smith, and others. Two thousand dol- lars of it were granted by Congress in consideration of the damages the edifice sustained during the Revolutionary War. This grant was obtained by means of John Brown, Esq. wno was at the time a Rep- resentative from the State.* Exclusive of these endowments is a foundation for a Professorship f Oratory and Belles Lettres, which was laid in 1804, by Nicholas Brown, Esq. in consequence of which the University received its same.f This was at first five thousand dollars; in 1811 it had ia- * For six years during the war, this Seat of the Muses became the Camp of Mars ; that is.from December 1776 to June 1782, the college edifice was used, by the French and American troops, for a hospital and barracks ; so that the course of education was interrupted during that period. No degrees wtre cun- lerred from 1776 to 1786. t The institution had no specifick name previous to this period ; it had been cul- Ictl Rhode-Hand College, the College at Provjder.ce, See. The privilege of 448 Literary Institutions , sV. creased to dver seven thousand. A Professor is to be appointed when the interest of this fund shall be sufficient to afford him a competent salary. This institution has had three Presidents. Dr. Manning, its foun- der, held this office about twenty-five years. His character lias been given in the biographical department. Successor to him was Jonathan Maxcy, D. D. now President of the College at Columbia, South-Carolina. He was born at Attlebo- rough, Massachusetts, a few miles from Providence, 1768, was chosen President of this institution soon after Dr. Manning's death, and held the office about eleven years, when he was chosen President of Union College, Skenectady, (New- York) where he officiated a few years before his removal to his present situation. Asa Mt-sser, D. D. LL. D. was elevated to the presidential chair in 1802. He was born in Methuen, near Haverhill, Massachusetts, 1769, and was brought up under the ministry of the late Dr. Htze- kiah Smith. He has now been in the University in different stations, twenty-six years, that is, from the age of eighteen. In speaking of the other literary institutions, which it. may be prop- er to notice, we shall pursue the order) of the States, beginning with The District of Maine. In the winter of 1812, the Baptists in this District obtained of the Massachusetts Legislature a grant of a township of publick unsettled land, for the purpose of erecting a College. The township contains over 20,000 acres, which it is expected will sell for as m;>ny thousand dollars. This was a new thing under the sun, and is believed to have been the first publick grant, that was ever made by any court or legis- lature to our denomination. The Baptists, as citizens of the Com- monwealth, had a righteous claim for their part of its publick proper- ly; but their petition was much opposed, and it is doubted whether it would have been granted, had it not been for the assiduous exertions of Rev. Daniel Merrill, of Sedgwick, who was, at that time, a member of the House of Representatives. Sums of considerable amount had been subscribed towards this in- tended College, before the grant was obtained ; but I do not learn that much has yet been done towards setting it in operation. Mr. Williams 9 s Academy. In 1776, Mr. William Williams, pastor of the church in Wrentham, Massachusetts, one of the first graduates of Brown University, open- ed an Academy for teaching the Languages, Arts and Sciences, &c. Mr. Williams has had over a hundred scholars under his tuition, most of whom have finished their education at the University at Provi- giving it a name was reserved for some generous benefactor. The sum had never before been specified ; but at the date above mentioned, the Corpora- tion fixed it ;it rive thousand dollars, which was immediately presented by Mr. Brown, who conferred on the institution his own name. Literary Institutions, &c. 449 dence. Among these students were President Maxcy, and the Hon. David R. Williams, of South-Carolina. About twenty out of the whole number, have become Baptist ministers, most of whom are yet living. A tew have enicred the ministry in the Congregational connex- ion, and most of the remainder studied physick or engaged in the law. Mr. Eaton's Academy^ at Hopewcll, New-Jersey. " Mr. Laton was the first man among the American Baptists, who opened a school for the education of youth for the ministry." This school was began in r 756, and closed in 1767. Towards the support of it the churches in the Philadelphia Association raised a fund of about four hundred pounds, which was afterwards mostly annihila- ted by the ravages of continental money. Among the ministers who received the rudiments of their education at this Academy, were President Manning, Dr. Samuel Jones, Dr. Hezekiah Smith, Dr. Isaac Ski.ll man, and Messrs. David Thomas, John Davis, William William, Robert Keith, Charles Thompson, David Jones, John Sut- ton, Dai'Id Sutton, James Talbot, John Blackwell, Joseph Powell, William Worth, and Levi Bonnell. A considerable number of his students engaged in the professions of T in-sick of the committee referred to the association for its concurrence. Mr. Matthew M'Cullers was recommended by Mr. Holcombe as a candi- date for the patronage of the Committee, examined and approved. The Chairman was requested to contract for and superintend hi education. A part of the money collected was appropriated to assist in the edu- cation of the late Rev. Joseph Cook's son, who it was agreed should afterwards be examined whether he came under the ' description of persons to be benefited by this institution.' Mr. Cuttino of George- town was requested to act as Treasurer till the next meeting. "In 1792 the rules were re-considered, and after some further amendments, ratified and signed. A petition to the Legislature for incorporation was also signed, and committed to the Chairman to be forwarded. It was accordingly presented and incorporation obtained. A SUMMARY OF THE RULES. " This Committee shall be known and distinguished by the name of the General Committee for the Charleston Baptist Education Fund." " Once a year, a Charity Sermon shall be preached in each church ; at which time and place, collections shall be made from the congrega- tion, and the money so collected, together with any donations or be- quests received for the purpose, shall be applied towards forming and supporting a fund, to assist pious young men, designed for the work of the ministry, and destitute of other assistance, in obtaining educa- tion ; together with such other religious and publick uses, as may be approved by the churches, should the fund finally prove sufficient." " A committee consisting of a delegate from each church, chosen for the purpose, shall convene at the same time and place with the Association. They may be members of that body, but invested with distinct powers as members of the committee. They shall receive the collections, determine on the manner of applying the fund, according to the foregoing Rule, and examine candidates for the churches' boun- ty. The management of the fund is exclusively invested in those churches which contribute to it. The committee thus formed is to Continue one year, or to continue till a new election. A President, Secretary, and two Assistants, shall be annually chosen, and form a select committee to transact, when the General Committee is not in session, such business as the General Committee shall judge necessary." " The President shall contract for the education ef such persons as are taken on the churches' bounty, and the expenses consequent there- on shall be paid by the Treasurer, on the President's written order." " The Treasurer shall give bond to the President, in double the value of all monies or specialties in- his hands." " No person shall be admitted on the bounty, but such as come well recommended, and appear, on examination, to be truly pious, of evan- gelical principles, of good natural abilities, and desirous of devoting themsslves to the work of the ministry. Each person so admitted, shall be under the Committee, while pursuing a course of studies, ani be liable to refund the money, expended on his education, within four years after the completion of it, if he does not, within that time, enter on the ministry to the satibfaction of the Committee. When there are more candidates than can be received on the bounty, preference will be given to those who are members of churches in this Association r 452 Education Funds. > secondly, to those who are most promising. If any person, while ob- taining education under the patronage and direction of this body, shall embrace principles subversive of the great truths of the gospel, or abandon himself to an irreligious course ot life, he shall, on proper evi- dence of the fact, and after suitable endeavours to reclaim him, if inef- fectual, be dismissed." " It shall be the duty of the Committee to use its best endeavours to obtain and apply for the general benefit of the churches, all property of the churches in this union, u'hen the said churches are become ex- tinct, and the property liable to revert to the public k or become pri- vate property. And in making such appropriations, they shall consult the Association. The Committee shall have no power to interfere in any concern of a church, either spiritual or temporal, where power is not expressly delegated to them by the churches." " Signed Nov. 7,1792, by Richard Furman, Henry Holcombe, Edmund Botsford, Alexander Scott, Bradley Khame, Benjamin Mcse. ly, Stephen Nixon, Isham Gardiner, James Sweat. " Bitter the adoption of these rules, the following officers were cho- sen Reverend Richard Furman, President ; Rev. Henry Holcombe, Secretary ; Cci. Thomas Screven, Treasurer ; Messrs. Thomas Kiv- ers, sen. and John Gourlay, Assistants. " Agreeably to a resolve of the last year, Mr. Joseph B. Cook was examined. He was regularly received on the establishment ; and in the year following Mr. John M. Roberts. In 1794 they were ient to Rhode-Island College, (now Brown University) where the latter graduated in 1796, the former in 1797. Rev. Jesse Mercer, of Geor- gia, was assisted, in 1792, with jT 10, and afterwards supplied with books. " In 1800, Mr. Sydenham Morton and Mr. William Jones were ad- mitted, and placed at the Academy of Rev. Mr. Roberts, near State- burg. The same year a legacy of 100 was left the fund by Mrs. Prances Legare, a member of the independent or Congregational church in Charleston. " In 1 802 it was resolved to fix the period of students' continuing at their studies, at the time of their admission. "In 1803 Rev. Samuel Eccles was admitted, and Rev. Davis Col- lins, who had been some time studying under the patronage of the committee, retired. In this year a valuable library, consisting of works of theology and general science, was purchased lor the use of students, and deposited with the Rev. Mr. Roberts for that purpose. Mr. Ezra Courtney, reccommended by the Ebenezer church, was ex- amined and approved ; 100 dollars was voted for his use this year. " In 1804 died Col. Screven, who, from the first choice of officers, had acted as Treasurer. The Committee testified respect for his memory, approbation of his conduct, and sorrow for the loss of " so excellent a man, who did honour to his Christian profession, by a life of eminent piety and extensive usefulness." "In ioj, Mr. William T. Brautley, who had been studying at Mr. Park's Academy, at JeiFer's Creek, was recommended by Mr. Woods and Gen. Thomas ; on which it was agreed, that the expenses of his education and board for the current year should be paid. Mr. BraaUey was scon after examined in Charleston, by the Special Com- Education Funds. 453 niittee ; approved, and placed under the care of Mr. Roberts. In the course ot the year following he was admitted into the South-Caro- lina College, where he graduated in 1808. " Mr. Richard Todd, of Lune's-Creek church, was examined and approved in i ^:o6. The thanks of the Committee were presented to Rev. Mr. Roberts for his gratuitous instruction of the students, placed under his care by the Committee. " In 1808, Mr. James M'Kellar was examined as a candidate for the churches' bounty, and unanimously approved. 14 In 1809, Messrs. Jesse Pope and John Ellis were admitted ; and Mr. Belcher in 1810. STATE OF THE FUND. Dols. CtF. " Contributions from the churches from 1791 to 1810 6831 : 63 Donation from the Religions Society - 161 : 61 Donation from individuals - - - 21 : co Legacy by Mrs. Frances Legare - - - - 428:57 7450:81 Interest 10/9:21 " Expended in the purchase of a library, and in the edu- cation, board, &c. of students " Amount of the Fund in money, bonds, and notes, Nov. 1810 " Besides the above amount are two tracts of land on Little Pedee, the gift of Jeremiah Brown, containing together near 2000 acres, and valued at upwards of LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE GEXKRAL COMMITTEE, FROM ITS FOR- MATION. " President, Richard Furman. " Treasurers, Thomas Screven, William Inglesby, Henry Jones. " Secretaries) Henry Holcombe, John Waldo, John M. Roberts. " s!*sis(ants, Thomas Rivers, John Gourlay, John Hart, Henry In- glesby, William Ingle^by, David Adams."* By the Minutes of this Association for 1811, it appears there were received for this fund for that year, 436 dollars. In 1812, the collec- tions amounted to 292 dollars. The receipts for this year I have not learnt, as the Minutes have not yet come to hand. The Philadelphia Association, as we have seen, began to raise a fund for the assistance of promising young men, rgan Edwards, about forty years ago, observed that the Bap. lists were more agreed as to the credendl than the agenJl of their order ; that is, they were more united in their doctrinal sentiments, than hi modes of practice. At present there is some diversity on both of these points. Bur when we consider that they are spread over an ex- tent of country more than two thousand miles in length, and from five hundred to more than a thousand in width ; that they have rapidly increased from a small community to a numerous host j that among them are persons from almost every nation in Europe, and from nearly every religious persuasion in Christendom ; that they are not hound to subscribe to any Articles or Confessions ; that every church is a distinct, independent body, governed by its own laws and amenable to no foreign tribunal ; that they admit of no dictating sy- nods, nor controlling assemblies ; I say, when all theie things are con- sidered, instead of being surprized at any diversity in smaller matters, it is rather a subject of wonder that there is such an agreement in their doctrinal views, and such a correspondence in their maxims and modes of procedure. It must be understood, that the observations we are here making, regard the Associated Baptists, and those, who are in communioa with them. The minor sects of baptized believers, have been describ- ed under their respective heads. Throughout America and in England and its dependencies, the Baptists form but one body. A brother from the farthest churches on the American continent, or from the rejnotest part of the British dominions, need only produce a certificate of his regular standing, to be admitted to the communion and fellowship of any church where his lot may be cast. And by messengers from one Association to anoth- er, by the interchange of minutes, by epistolary communications, &c. there is a correspondence constantly maintained throughout tnis wide connexion. There is, generally speaking, a great similarity of manners among all the churches on the American continent ; and the same, I con- clude, may be said of them elsewhere; yet there are some differences arising from local habits, and from that cameleon disposition of taking the colour of the nearest object. In many parts of the New-England States, there is a dull, unammating manner, among both ministers and private Christians, which they seem to have borrowed tronj their Pc-dobaptists neighbours. In most p^uls of the Southern and \ VeMem States, you find among them much of the fervour, the ado, and arr.en, of the Methodists. Among the country churches in all the States a cordial and unaffected hospitality prevails ; every house is a welcome home for ministers and brethren, who may call. The churches in towns and cities for the most part exercise hospitality to a good de- gree, and some at the southward pay a marked attention to visiting bmhien, especially ministers. A few ckies and principal towns, in 456 General Observations, different sections of this wide-spread empire, are visited by so many brethren and even ministers on business of a secular nature, who, as it is right they should, provide lodgings for themselves, that it some- times happens that those, who are on religious or preaching viit| only are left to provide for themselves. Take this denominations at large, I believe the following will be found a pretty correct statement of their views of doctrine. They hold that man in his natural condition is entirely depraved and sinful ; that unless he is born again changed by grace or made alive unto God he cannot be fitted for the communion of saints on earth, nor the enjoyment of God in Heaven ; that where God hath begun a. good work, he will carry it on to the end ; that there is an election of grace an effectual calling, &c. and that the happiness of the righ- teous and the misery of the wicked will both be eternal. The doctrines* of Arius and Socinus, with their concomitant train f errors, have found scarce any advocates among them ; if any em- brace these, they are by a general consent disowned and excluded from fellowship. The doctrine of the Atonement has been differently understood. The old churches pretty uniformerly held that it \vzsparticufar ; that is, that Christ died for the elect only, and that in his stupendous suffer- ings, no respect was had to, nor any provision made for, any others of Adam's ruined race. This was called the strict Calvinistick or Gillke plan. Yet there have been some all along, who found this meat too strong for their appetite and digestion. These brethren, notwithstand- ing they disclaimed all merit in the creature, and held that salvation was by grace alone, were generally denominated Arminians, as it was thought there could be no medium between the systems of John of Geneva, and James of Amsterdam. The latitudinarian principles of such brethren, had, however, gained ground considerably previous tr> the importation of Dr. Fuller's piece, entitled, The Gospel worthy of all acceptation, which represents the Atonement as general in its nature but particular in its application. This new explanation was by many- considered as affording peculiar relief to the embarrassments of the Gillite plan ; multitudes every where became the disciples of our fa- mous English divine ; so that now it is probable the greater part of the American churches have fallen in with his views. There are some, however, who find considerable difficulties attending both Gill's and Fuller's definitions of this mysterious subject, and who, without either sceptical indefference, or a strenuous attachment to systems of hu- man arrangement, content themselves with believing merely, that God jo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that who- soever lelieveth on him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. * It -will be observed by the retentive render. Ui:it t'nv.nghout this vr^rk, the author has never used the word doctrines as applied to such s,e:itirsietits as our denomination generally acknowledge to be true. 1 know our !x-st writers use the expressions Doctrines ofths Got/iclDoctrinrt of Gra r c, csV. I do iv.t s\ General Observations, &V. 457 The ministers of this connexion are, for the most pirt, a act of plain laborious preachers, wh > strive more to address themselves to tiie consciences of their hearers, than to amuse them with the fl nvers of rlietorick and the embellishments of style. But a small portion ctf them have any considerable share of human learning, bnt they aie capable of speaking to the understanding an-d comfort of their breth- ren : no set of preachers, except the Methodists, are more incessant in their labours ; none preach with greater effect ; and, with not many exceptions, they have and do now support a character becoming their sacred profession : and if some have turned out bad, let the de- nomination that is without sin, cast the first stone. When it is con- sidered how little they have received for their services, and how strait- e;ied their circumstances have been, it is a matter of surprise that they have continued so incessant in their labours. Some may ascribe their zeal to party and proselyting motives ; but those who know them best, will trace it to a higher and more respectable origin. As a body, the temporal circumstances of our brethren, notwithstand- ing their scanty allowances, have been bettered more than a hundred per cent, within twenty or thirty years past. I am inclined to think, considerably over five hundred churches have arisen on ground which was in a wilderness state at the close of the last war. Most of the preachers who emigrated early to these settlements, have, by taking up new lands at a cheap rate, and by clearing them by their own exertions, and by the assistance of their brethren, obtained estates which afford them a comfortable subsistence ; and some, by this means have acquir- ed a considerable degree of opulence. Many of those in older settle- ments, have, from necessity, found out expedients, by which they have obtained a competent supply of the meat that perisheth ; some have ac- quired good estates by inheritance, but not one in a thousand has laid up riches to any considerable amount from his salary for preaching. Of the great numbers of Baptist ministers in America, twenty or thir- ty are probably worth twenty thousand dollars, or upwards ; a very few are reputed to be worth from three to five times that sum. From fifty to seventy-five, may be worth ten thousand ; four or five hun- dred, five thousand ; probably about two hundred* are absolutely poor, and the rest hare estates of every variety of value under the sum last mentioned. The acquisition of the knowledge necessary to make this statement was not a constituent part of the original plan of this work ; but having the curiosity to learn the circumstances of my brethren, I made inquiries, not of them, but of their neighbours, and am confident I have not overrated their temporal abilities. A great portion of these ministers are in the middle and advanced stages of life ; those who are young in the ministry, and such as may hereafter engage in it, have a three-fold prospect before them : ist, they must engage in a systematic k course of secular concerns for a livelihood, which cannot but obstruct their ministerial usefulness ; or, adly, they must be contented to sit down under the pressure of penury and want ; or, 3dly, the churches must come forward upon a more, liberal plan, and show by their conduct that they believe what their Bibles teach them on this important subject, viz. that the labourer is * In this number we do not include those who are not yet settled. Counting tliem, there are probablv more who have no estate ct any kind. VOL, 2. 5* General Observations, &c. worthy of his hire, and that, they, who preach the gospel, shall live of the same. These sentiments, our churches uniformly profess to believe, and yet too generally conduct as though they had but little influence on their minds. Their parsimonious habits with regard to the support of the gospel, were acquired at an early period of their existence, and mostly by means of their ministers, who declaimed much against hirelings, salary- men, c. and many had to feel through life the ill effects of their instructions. In New-England, the business of parish taxes for the support of the established clergy, was pushed forward with rigour, and ministers and brethren united to cry down the offensive and unrighteous economy, but took no pains to establish a better one in its room. The tobacco salaries of the Episcopal clergy in Virginia became obnoxious to all dissenters, and to none more than the Baptists ; but in arguing against them, they, like the New-Englanders, forgot, or at least made no pro- vision for a gospel method of supporting their own rninUters. Neg- lectful habits in both cases ensued, which have had an extensive and unfriendly influence. Kentucky is nothing more than a part of Vir- ginia moved over the mountains ; and to the other western, and all the more southern States, Virginian brethren emigrated, and carried their calculations with them. There is a line of old churches through New-Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, which never had any ecclesiastical establishments nor religious publicans to contend with, and which have, from their begin- ning, been better endowed, and made better provision for their min- isters than any Baptist churches in America. In the peculiar circumitances we have mentioned, and under the unfriendly biasses they produced, most of the early churches in this country be^an their career ; and from the unseasonable indiscrim- inatin^ discourses 6f their ministers, they became deeply instructed in a lesson, which covetous nature is apt enough to learn, the emb.irrass- ing effects of which are feh to this day. A deacon once s *d to his minister, The Lord lap thee humble, and we'll keep tkee ponr. A minister once said to his people, whom he was obliged to leave, Ton love the gospel but you love your money letter. Ikit whatever inconveniences ministers feel from the parsimony of their brethren, they generally de- cline saying much on the subject. And indeed it is an unwelcome Usk for a minister to teach a lesson, which he ii much interested to enforce, but his people to oppose and neglect. If a church cannot see and will not supply the needs of their pastor, let him give thtm a hint of it by a letter of resignation, and not be always begging for more lalary. The brethren in Virginia perhaps exceed those m any other State in withholding their carnal things from those who labour among them. One of their ministers, who is very thoroughly acquainted with their affairs, writes thus: "The support of preachers in Virginia is ex- tremely precarious. By most it is viewed as a matter of alms, and of course afforded only to the needy. I doubt whether there is one, who averages 300 dollars per annum, and perhaps not ten, who get 150 regularly. Some of the most popular and laborious preachers in ihe State, often pass more than twelve months, without receiving a cent for their publick services. No man dare preach about it. He General Observations, &c. is at once defamed as a money-hunter, &c." Similar observations may be made respecting the churches in many other parts of the United States. The same writer informs us, that "the preachers in Virginia, notwithstanding their scanty allowance, are generally upon a mediocrity in point of property ; if any thing, rather below." 'IVn, he supposes., may be worth ten thousand dollars each, independent of their slaves ; seventy or eighty, five thousand ; and not more than twen- ty in the State may be called paupers. One minuter in Chesterfield eounty is reputed worth a hundred thousand dollars. As a further illustration of the views of many of our brethren, res- pecting their duty towards their ministers, we will quote the two fol- lowing ingenious pieces, which were written about the same time, by men who lived about a thousand miles apart, and who appear to have been wholly unacquainted with each other. The first was published by Mr. John Leland, in his Budget of Scraps, in 1810. The other is part of a Circular Letter, which was published in the Minutes of the Georgia Association, for 1808. The letter, as appears by the Minutes, was written by Rev. Thomas Rhodes. "MANY MEN OF MANY MINDS.. ** How various are the opinions of men respecting the mode of sup- porting gospel ministers ! " A thinks that preachers of the gospel should be qualified, inducted, and supported in a mode to be prescribed by the statute laws. " B is of opinion that a preacher is not entitled to any compensation for his services, unless he is poor and shiftless, and cannot live without the alms of the people. " C says, that it takes him as long to go to meeting and hear the preacher, as it does for the preacher to go and preach, and their obli- gations are therefore reciprocal. " D believes that a rich preacher is as much entitled to a reward for his labour as if he was poor, " E believes a preacher should give the wliole of his time to reading, meditating, preaching, praying, and visiting ; and therefore he ought to be libenilly supported ; not in the light of alms, but in that of a gospel debt. " F joins with E, with this proviso, that the liberal support be aver- . aged on all the members of the church, according to property and privilege. " G also agrees with E, provided the liberal support be raised by a free, publick contribution, without any knowledge or examination v/hat each individual does. " H chooses to tax himself, and constable hie own money to his preacher, without consulting any other. "/ loves the preachers, and pays them with blessings ; but the sound of money drives all good feelings from his heart. " When J hears a man preach, that he does not believe is sent of God, he feels under no obligation to give him any thing ; and when he hears a preacher that gives him evidence that he is in the service of the Lord and devoted to the work, he forms the conclusion that the Lord pays the preacher well for his work as he goes along. " K likes preachers very well, but preaching rather better ; he feels, General Observations, &c. therefore, best pleased when the preacher fails corning, and a gap opens for himself; for he had rather work his passage, and take his turn at the helm, than pay a pilot. * : L argues, like a man, that the preacher ought to receive some- thing handsome fcr his services; and laments that himself is in debt, and cannot communicate any thing without defrauding his creditors : at the same time, he takes special care to keep always in debt for cheap farms, wild land, or some other article of an increasing nature. " M is a man of a thousand. He argues that the mode of support* ing ministers is left blank in the New-Testamenr ; because no one mode would be economical in all places : but that the deed itself is enjoin- ed on all, who aie taught by an ordinance of Heaven. If, therefore, a contribution is recommended, M will be foremost to the box. When a subscription is judged most advisable, his name will be first on the list. If averaging is considered most equitable, he will add a little to his bill, lest others should fail. And if no mode at all is agreed upon, still^/, as an individual, will contribute by himself ; for he reasons, that if others are remiss, it is neither precedent nor excuse for him. He does not give to be seen of men, but because his heart is in it : and these gospel delis (as he calls them) he pays with as much devotion, as he spreads his hands in prayer to God. The creed of his faith, which seems to be written on his heart, is, "That although all the money in the world cannot purchase pardon of sin, or the smiles of a reconciled God ; yet religion always has cost money or worth, from Abel's lamb to the present day. And that the man who will not part with a little money, for the sake of him who parted with his blood for sinners, is a wicked disciple." " N approves of the faith and profession of M in every particular, bat reduces nothing of it to practice. * 0, like his make, believes nothing, does nothing, and is as near nothing as any thing can be.'* from the Georgia Minutes. "THE CHURCH IN CONFERENCE ASSEMBLED. " The deacon arose and said, " It is time, brethren, to make up something for the support of our minister." (Offering & subicrifthn) Whereupon, " A said he thought it to be a matter of mere clarity^ and (as charity begins at horre) he was bound to provide for his cwn ; at any rate, he thought the minister to be as well off as he, and many of his breth- ren were ; and therefore considered himself under no obligation. " B replied, that it could not be a matter of charity at ail, since the laws of nature and of G^d erjoir.ed it ; and their own call of the brother made it a matter of ffzoraAobligation. " C alleged that he had iubscribed liberally to a useful institution, and must be excused in that case. " D said, he had assisted freely in building the meeting-house, and must have time to recover it. " E rejoined, he had been building houses or mills, and had no money left for any purpose. " F said he had a son lately married., and it had called fcr all he raise. General Observations, &c. 4GI ! G stated, that he had made several contracts, and feared he should not be able to meet them, &c. " H arose and said, he was very much astonished at the pleas urg- ed ; as if liberalities to other institutions, aiding -to build meeting-houses, erecting costly houses, maLing sumptuous marriages, or contracts to amai,s wealth, could exonerate from a positive duty. " / remarked, he had made a short crop, and had nothing to spare. To which agreed J, K, L, and M. " N said, he was poor, and though willing t was unable to do any tiling. With whom 0, P, and Q agreed. " R stated, that start crops and poverty might excuse from doing much, but could be no just plea for doing nothing ; since it is required according to what he has, and not according to wh.it he has not. " S said, he never subscribed to any paper. To whom said 7*, " Yes, brother, I am for none of this obligation ; if I get any thing to spare, I will give it, and be done with it." " V, W, X and, T, alleged, that they thought it rather dangerous to give liberally, lest they should make their minister proud, and so hin- der his usefulness, c. "Z, rising soberly, said, he had attended to what had been said on the subject, and was grieved in spirit to hear so many objections to the discharge of a reasonable and just duty : he feared that a spirit of pride and covstotisnest had disposed them to serve themselves of the good things of God, without returning him one thankful offering : he won- dered how Christians could expect the continuance of the blessings of life, who are more abusive of, and unthankful for them, than heathens who never use any of a new crop, till they have offered the first fruits to the great Giver of all good. To the brethren, who are so afraid of spoiling the minister by liberalities, he said, " are not your sons and daughters as lovely, and their souls as precious in your sight as your minister ? If so, why do you not govern them by the same rule ; and when the sons request superfine* to wear, high prized, gaily horses, andjifty or sixty dollar saddles to ride, and the daughters lute- string dresses with trails from three to Jive feet in length, fine bonnets and feathers, and other costly equipage of dress ; why do you not say, " no, my lovely children, these will make you proud and ruin you." No, your families can be and appear in all the fashionable elegance of dress, and your boards loaded with ail the luxuries of life, without adverting to the evil consequences of such conduct. " I would, (said he) that; brethren would be consistent." " Dear brethren, the spirit and result of the above are often seen in the face of your subscription-papers. There we see annexed to some names ten dollars; to others, five; others, one; and others, nothing; some giving and others withholding more than is meet ; by which it much cftener happens that the preacher is like the colt tied where two ways met, than likely to be exalted by the abundance of your liberality. And, indeed, if any of you think the standing and usefulness of your minister depend on his poverty, we would advise you to be liberal to him, that he may be proven and stand in his true light ; and especially we recommend this measure, as thereby you will have done your duty, and relieved a poor minister of God on the one hand, or have detected H hypocrite, freed the church of a pest, and the world of an impostor, 4-62 General Observations, on the other. The faithful servant of Christ, instead of being haugh- ty, would be humbled by the abounding of your liberality. How re- lieved and comforted would the poor minister be, if his brethren were to say to him, as a late, meek old minister said to a young one on his commencing' his ministry" Go on, brother, in the cause of your Master % end be not anxious about the family, for they shall never suffer as long as 1 liv?." But We speak not with respect to want, or that we des>ire a gift $ but that you may have fruit, which may abound to y^ur account, to praise and honour at the coming of Christ, the chief Shepherd. Phi- i'tpp. iv. ii 17." The churches in the cities and principal towns have generally de- vised means to afford their pastors a competent support : many of those in the country have reformed much of their former negligence, and a more liberal spirit is, in many places, prevailing. A review of the progress of the gospel will convince us that churches are seldom on the gospel line with regard to the support of their ministers ; and it is highly probable that upon a large scale the cause of Christ has been more injured by ministers' receiving too much than too little. A preacher, who has a princely salary, it tempted to adopt a style proportionate, and in consequence becomes inaccessible and un- profitable to the poor of his flock, who are generally the most numer- ous and better part of it. There is a place somewhere between the palace and the alms-house, Xvhere the ministers of the gospel ought to reside ; but it is a notorious fact, that the real servants of Christ, in all ages and count: ies, as John Leland somewhere observes, have been like the camels of Arabia, who, while they carry spices and jewels, feed on shrubs and thistles. As to our connexion in America, we will not cast all the blame of this affair on the churches, since the ministers ought to bear no incon- siderable share ef it. Many, we have shown, by their imprudent dis- courses, excited prejudices, which were hard to counteract; and some at this present time, who have a competency of worldly things, either by heirship or by the favourable turns of fortune, refuse to receive a reward for their ministerial services ; and, to gain popularity, speak oft- en on the subject, and rather discountenance the practice, not consider- ing that but few of their brethren are in their circumstances. 'Many, who engage in the ministry, go directly into secular employments, before they try the experiment, whether they will be supported without them. They soon get so embarrassed in worldly pursuits, that they cannot devote much time to study nor visiting their flocks ; so that if their people give them but little lor preaching, they give as much as it is worth. And it may happen that those, who have competent salaries granted them, instead of being assiduous in the duties of their ministry, spend most of their time in indolence, or else in plans and pursuits to lay up money. We do not pretend that many of our min- isters come under this last class, as but few of them are in the circum- stances it describes. The Baptists have constantly been accused of despising literature, and of teaching maxims unfriendly to its prevalence. This is an accu. nation in many respects groundless, in others it needs some qualifica- tion. The acquisition of the common rudiments of learning, they fcave certainly always encouraged ; bnt they have se ofttn seen Gretk, General Observations, &c. 463 anJ Latin, and Hebrew, placed over the head of the Saviour, that it is not strange if they have carried their prejudices against learned ministers to an undue extreme. But a relish for literature is prevail- ing, and its usefulness to ministers is more generally acknowledged than formerly, though none of our churches nor any of our minisu-i s, whether learned or unlearned, have adopted the mnst absurd of all absurd propositions, that a man of gifts and grace, who has a dispen- sation of the gospel committed to him, cannot be qualified for the work, until he has gone the round of academical studies obtained a smattering of Greek and Latin of Euclid and Algebra Navigation and Surveying been constituted Master of Arts and studied divinity six months or a year. Should the period ever arrive in which Baptist churches shall confine the ministry to college-men only, then transmi- gration will be rapid, and other churches will be formed from them, as they have been built up from all others, who have adopted this practice. That learning is nseful for a preacher, none, \vh know its beneSt or have f^lt its need, will deny ; but the true church of Chribt never has, and in my opinion never will, hold that gospel ministers may not guide their fellow-men in the path of salration without it. The Baptists in all countries and ages hare allowed and encoura- ged all their brethren, who have gilts, whether set apart for the min- istry or not, to exercise them in their assemblies ; and, when they are alive in religion, have many conferences and social meetings for the purpose. Meetings for social worship will generally be found a c^ocd thermometer, by which the temperature of churches may be correct- ly ascertained : those which have no meetings except on Lord's dayr, and where none but the minister takes any part in devotional exercises, may be considered in a cold latitude. Some of our churches approbate brethren to preach, whose gifts lie mostly in exhortation, and many have wished for some regulation of this matter. In churches where graces abound, and whose mem- bers stand at their proper posts, there will be a great variety of gifts, which ought to be encouraged as Mpt^ both to the pastor and flock:. These gifts ought to be examined by the church, and each brother advised to exercise himself in the duty, which he appears best quiii- fied to perform. But none should be sent out in the ministerial char- acter, nor be invested with the pastoral office, but such as are able both to unr>ld and defend the doctrine of the cross. A brother may- be u-eful at home, who is posrly qualified to travel and preach abroad. Our churches generally license (as it is called) those who have gifts promising for the ministry ; and after standing as lincentiatesa ye.ir or two, they are ordained as administrators. This custom they I; probably slid into without much consideration. Some are of opinion: that a man, who is fellowsbippcd as a preacher of the gospel, should at the same time be qualified to administer its ordinances. If it be .- z trial is necessary to determine whether he have gifts or not, they ie- ply, Let this trial be sufficiently made before he receives his license or approbation, and let him be kept at home and under the eye of thi church during te tinis. This measure would contiue ordination t tlie church. 46-fc General Observations, sV. Most, who become preachers among the Baptists, do it with reluc- tance anxl with many fears of their insufficiency ; and indeed I think no man should undertake to preach, if he can, with a good conscience, let it alone ; or, to speak without paradox, those whom God designs for his service will find a necessity laid upon them ; all their views, plans and calculations will centre in the service of the sanctuary, and all the anticipated scenes of future life will be placed in the gospel vineyard. When churches are in gospel order, those who are excited by the Divine Spirit to the sacred work of dispensing the word of life, will have no occasion to press their brethren for approbation : they will discover their gifts, will foster them, and lead them forward to their proper employment. There are, now and then, cases of brethren taking it into their heads they mutt preach, when no body else thinks they can ; and some churches, instead of dealing plainly with them, and deciding according to their judgments, set them to work to keep them quiet. But these instances, we are glad to say, are not common. Associations among the Baptists have arisen, in some cases, from necessity, in others from convenience, but in most from imitation. Their utility cannot be disputed ; their powers are generally defined to be just none at all, and yet many fear that they may in time Ubiirp too high a place. Many benefits have followed their operation, yet some difficulties have also attended their progress, as the preceding narratives will show. When they are held and managed as assem- blies for edification and councils of advice, no harm can possibly result to the churches from them ; their independency, in the strictest sense of the word, may be maintained in an associate connexion. There is, however, in the human mind, an anxious desire for a. court of appeal ; and some Associations, by listening to the complaints of individuals, by interfering and deciding in the controversies of churches, have embar- rassed their progress, and taken stands which they could not maintain, consistent with their advisory principles. Churches in the same As- sociation often fall into disputes, by which their fellowship is interrupt- ed ; and it is certainly preposterous and inconsistent for them to re- main in an associated fellowship, when they are at variance at home. In such cases, ail agree something should be done ; but this something has never been clearly and satisfactorily defined. Some, because of these things, object to Associations altogether, as difficult in their man- agement, dangerous in their consequences, and likely to do more hurt than good. It is oftener mflch easier to find fault with others than amend ourselves : those very persons, who object to Associations, form, notwithstanding, ecclesiastical combinations much of the same nature. As naturally as animals of the same species flock together, so will Christians of the same sentiments gather into churches, and churches of the same faith and order form into combinations or As- sociations of some kind or other. Most heads have horns, which may be misused ; all have places where they may be planted, and the bu.-iness of those who fear their effects, is to bind them fast, or keep them from growing. A duly organized church of Christ is the highest ecclesias- tical tribunal on earth, from whose decisions there is no appeal. If Associations cannot be maintained without infringing upon this prin- ciple, they had better be given up : but those, who have been the long- est concerned in them, and who are best qualified to give a judgment in the case, believe they can. General Observations, EsV. 465 The word Society is used in different senses by different portions of the American Baptists. It is frequently applied in all places to the denomination at large. In Kentucky and some other pares, when they speak of members in society, they mean church members only. In some places, particularly in New-York, by society meetings aie gen- erally understood meetings tor social worship ; but throughout New- England, and in many places in a number of other States, the U'rm Society is applied to a body of men, who profess an attachment to Baptist principles, and who are associated in a distinct capacity to co-operate with the churches. The laws of New-England make it necessary for every distcnter to take shelter somewhere ; the Baptists, ;it an early period, set apart outward sanctuaries, like the court of the Gentiles, hard by the porches of their temples, in which those, who were inclined to their sentiments, might find protection. And now a multitude of churches in New-England, and many elsewhere, have attached to their interests large fraternities of adherents called society- men. They have no voice in the churches, nor any concern in their discipline or spiritual affairs ; in outward concerns they take a part, and often do the most. These societies are regulated by rules of their own, and no very rigorous requirements are made of candidates for admission. The brethren of churches generally are members of them, some others are hopefully men of piety, who have not professed relig- ion, and of the rest many are worthy characters, who arc sincerely attached to the Baptist cause, and do much for its support ; but some are like rough or rolling stones in a building j they have no convic- tion of Baptist sentiments, care nothing for them or their cause, laugh at their zeal, and after having christened themselves with their name, ridicule all their distinguishing sentiments and practices ; in some in- stances, they have been chased into this Baptist oat-house by the parish assessors, in others they have come from political motives, many from whim and caprice, but nobody can tell why many of the rest have taken a stand on the Baptist side. These observations must be under- stood as applying to this social system at large. These societies are not always set in motion by church members, but are often formed before any churches arise, and cases are not uofrequent for them to exist many years without any church near them. Many of these so- cieties r.ri now found in Connecticut ; they must take some name, and as the Baptists are the most popular dissenting sect, they choose theirs, but they are often about as clear of Baptist principles as the Saybrook Platform. They are mere bodies politick, and are founded from motives not purely religious. In most cases, Church and Socie- ty are like the two branches of a legislature, only one legislates on spir- ituals and the other on temporals ; the concurrence of both branches, however, is generally sought for in the settlement of ministers, and all important undertakings, which regard the community at large. Be- tween these two branches a good degree of harmony generally subsists, but in some instances the church is thwarted, embarrassed, and over- ruled in its measures by the mors numerous and wealthy society-men, especially in the settlement of ministers. All the Pedobaptist estab- lishments in New-England exist under the firm of Church and Society, and many of the Baptists and Methodists, and almost all other dissent- ers have adopted the economy. These societies have enabled many VOL. 2. .59 466 General Observations, fcf a member ot our Society* a right to start to market, or travel when on the road, on the Sabbath day ? Ans . No. Minutes of the Edgefield Association for \ 809. * Church members only, are here intended. VOL, 2. 6O APPENDIX. [No. I.] A MEMORIAL AND REMONSTRANCE, [Drawn by JAM^S MADISON, now President of the U. S.J st the General Assessment, presented to the General Assembly o at the Session for the year of our Lordy one thousand seven hundred and eighty-Jive. To THE HONORABLE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMON- WEALTH OF VIRGINIA. WE the subscribers, citizens of the said Commonwealth, having taken into serious consideration a bill, printed by order of the last ses- sion of General -\ssembly, entitled, " A- bill establishing a provisioa for teachers of the Christian Religion ;" and conceiving, that the same, if finally aimed with the sanction of a law, will be a dangerous abuse of power ; are bound, as faithful members of a free State, to remon- strate against it, and to declare the reasons by which we are determin* ed. We remonstrate against the said bill, Because we hold it for a fundamental and unalienable truth, " that religion, or the duty which we owe to the Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence."* The religion, then, of every man, must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man ; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is, in its na- ture, an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds, cannot follow the dictates of other men. It is unalienable, also, be- cause what is here a right towards man, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Cieator such homage, and such only, as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is prece- dent both in order and time, and in degree of obligation, to the claims of civil society. Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And if a member of civil society, who enters into any subordinate association, must always do it with a reservation of his du- ty to the general authority; much more must every man, who becomes a member of any particular civil society, do it with a saving of his al- legiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain, therefore, that in matters of religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of civil society ; and that religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question, which may divide society, can be ultimately determined, but by the will of a majority ; but it is also true, that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority. Because if religion be exempt from the authority of the society at large, still less can it be subject to that of the legislative body. The latter are but the creatures and vicegerents of the former. Their ju- risdiction is both derivative and limited. It is limited with regard to Declaration of Rights, article 16. Appendix* 47 the co-ordinate departments ; more necessarily, it is limited with re- gard to the constituents. The preservation of a free government re- quires, not merely that the metes and bounds which separate each de- partment of power, be invariably maintained ; but more especially, that neither of them be suffered to overleap the great barrier which defends the rights of the people. 1 he tuiers, who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are tyrants. The people who submit to it, are governed by laws made neither by themselves, nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves. Because it is proper to take alarm at die first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of citi- zens, and one of the noblest characteristicks of the late revolution. The freemen of America did not wait until usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in prece- dents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoid- ed the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much, soon to forget it. Who does not see that the same authori- ty, which can establish Christianity in exclusion of all other religions, may establish, with the same ease, any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects ; that the same authority, which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property, for the support f any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other es- tablishment, in all cases whatsoever ? Because the bill violates that equality which ought to be the basis of every law ; and which is more indispensable, in proportion as the va- lidity or expediency of any law is more liable to be impeached. " If all men are, by nature, equally free and independent,"* all men are t must vievr the bill as a beacon on our coast, warning him to ek some other haven, where liberty and philanthropy in their due extent may offer a more certain repose for his troubles. Because it will have a like tendency to banish our citizens. The al- lurements presented by other situations, are every day thinning their number. To superadd a fresh motive to emigration, by revoking liberty which they now enjoy, would be the same species of folly, which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing kingdoms. Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony, which the forbearance of our laws to intermeddle with religion has producc-d among its several sects. Torrents of blood have been spilt in the old world, by vain attempts of the secular arm to extinguish religious dis- cord, by proscribing all differences in religious opinion. . ,:> at length revealed the true remedy. Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to asi the disease. The American theatre has exhibited proots, that eq ...1 and complete liberty, if it does not wholly eradicue ic, sufficiently ue- stroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity of the State. If, with the salutary effects of this system under our o\vn eyes, we be- gin to contract the bounds cf religious freedom, we know uo r that will too severely reproach our folly. At least, Jet warning ht- ta- ken at the first fruits of the threatened innovation. 1'he very appear- ance of the bill has transformed that " Christian forbearance, love, and charity,"* which of late mutually prevailed, into animosities ami jeah ousies, which may not soon be appeased. What mischiefs may not ;>e dreaded, should this enemy to the pubiick quiet be armed with the force of law ? Because the policy of the bill is adverse to tlic d Mis ion of the light of Christianity. The in at wish of those, who fu-ht to enjoy this pre- cious gift, ought to be, that it may be impart r \.iiole race of mankind. Compare the number of those, who ;r.we as yet received it, with the number still remaining under tin- dominion of false relig- ions, and how small is the former ? Docs the policy of the hill tvi.d to lessen the disproportion ? Iv; ; it at once cisf-inrages those wlio aie strargers to the lii>ht of truth, from cominy; iiit ; .> '.he lotions of it; and countenance:, r ,y example, ihe nations who conliiiue in darkness, in shutting out those who mignt convey it tr them. Instead of level- ling, as far as pov.ibl:, every obiiacu- to tfic victorious progress of truth, the bill, with an ignoble and unciuiiUan timidity, would rircitm- tcribe it, with a wall <*,\ defence against the encroachments of trror. Because an attempt to enforce by legal sanctions, acts, obnr.xims t io great a portion of citizens, tends to enei vate the laws in ^c * IXdiu-utioa of Rights, ait. 1<5. 478 Appendix. and to slacken the bands of society. If it be difficult t execute ay law, which is not generally deemed necessary nor salutaiy, what must be tii*; case when it is deemed invalid and dangeious ? And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the gov- ernment on its general authority ? Because a measure of such singular magnitude and delicacy, ought not to be imposed without the clearest evidence that it is called for by a majority of citizens ; and no satisfactory method is yet proposed, by which the voice of the majority in this case may be determined, or its influence secured. ' I'he people of the respective counties are, indeed, requested to signify their opinion, respecting the adoption of the bill, to the next session of Assembly." But the representation must be made equal, before the voice, either of the representatives or of the counties, will be that of the people. Our hope is, that neither of the former will, after due consideration, espouse the dangerous principle ot the bill. Should the event disappoint us, it will still leave Us in full confidence, that a fair appeal to the latter will reverse the sentence against our liberties. Because, finally, " the equal right of every citizen to the free exer- ciie of his tehgion according to the dictates of his conscience," is held by tne same tenure with all our orher rights. Jf we recur to its origin, it is> eqaalsy the gift ot nature ; it we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us ; it we consult the " Declaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia, as the basis and foundation of government," it is enumerated witn equal solemnity, or raiher wi f h studied empdasis. Eitrei then we must say, that the will of the Legislature is the only measure ot their autnonty ; and that in the plenitude of this authority, they may sweep away all cur funda- mental rights; or, that they are bound to leave this particular right untouched and sacred : either we must say, that they may control the freedom of the press ; may abolish the trial by jury ; may swallow up the executive and judiciary powers of the State ; nay, that they may annihilate our very right of suffrage, and erect themselves into an independent and hereditary assembly ; or we must say that they have no authority to enact into a law, the bill under consideration. We the subscribers say, that the General Assembly ot this Common- wealth have no such authority ; and that no effort may be omitted on our part, against so dangerous an usurpation, we oppose to it this Remonstrance, earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Su- preme Lawgiver ot ihe Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is ad- dressed, may, on the one hand, turn their councils from every act, which would affront his holy preiogative, or violate the trust committed to them ; and, on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his blessing, may redound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the property, and the happiness of this Commonwealth.* * The particular objects of the bill so often mentioned in this Remonstrance, and also some observations on this distinguished instrument, may be seen in V ' B. p. 83, 84. Appendix. 479 [No. II.] THI prayers and wishes of the Virginia people, about the time the foregoing remonstrance WAS drawn, were presented to the Legisla- ture in many different forms. And among the reit, the following lines, written by Rev. David Thomas, accompanied the petition sent by the Baptists, and wai addressed as follows : To the Honorable General Assembly, now sitting at Williams Lurgh t the humble Petition of a Country Poet, Now liberty is all the plan, The chief pursuit of every man Whose heart is right, and fills the mouth Of patriots all, from north to south. May a poor b^rd, from bushes sprung, Who yet has but to rusticks sung, Address your honojable House, And not your angry passions rouse ? Hark ! for a while, your business stop ; One word into your ears I'll drop : No longer spend your needless pains, To mend and polish o'er our chains } But break them off before you rise, Nor disappoint our watchful eyes. What says great Washington and Lee ? " Our country is, and must be free." What says great Henry, Pendleton, And Liberty's minutest son ? r Tis all one voice they all agree " God made us, and we must be, free." Freedom we crave, with ev'ry breath, An equal freedom, or a death. The heav'nly blessing freely give, Or make an net we shall not live. Tax all things ; water, air, and light, If need there be ; yea, tax the night ; But let our brave heroick minds Move freely as celestial winds. Make vice and folly feel your rod, But leave our consciences to God : Leave each man free to choose his form Of piety, nor at him storm. And he who minds the civil law, And keeps it whole, without a flaw, Let him, just as he pleat es, pray, And seek for heav'n in his own way ; And if he miss, we all must own, Ne man is wrong'd but he alone. 480 Appendix. [No. III.] The Addrest of the Committee of the United Bapl'nt ChurcJ.es in Virginia, assembled in the city of Richm'jnd, August 8, 1789, to the President of the Ua'i'ed Sta^i of Ameriia. SIR, AMONG the many shouts of congratulation that you receive from cit'es, societies, States, and the whole world, we wish to take an active part in the universal chorus, in expressing our great satisfaction in your appointment to the first office in the nation. When America, on a former occasion, was reduced to the necessity of appealing to arms, to defend her natural and civil rights, a Washington was found full adequate to the exigencies of the dangerous attempt ; who, by the philanthropy of his heart, and prudence of his head, led forth her un- tutored troops into the field of battle ; and, by the skilfulness of his hands, baffled the projects of the insulting foe, and pointed out the road to independence, even at a time when the energy of the cabinet was not sufficient to bring into action the natural aid of the confedera- tion, from its respective sources. The grand object being obtained, the independence of the States acknowledged, free from ambition, devoid of sanguine thirst of blood, our hero returned with those he commanded, and laid down the sword at the feet of those who gave it him. *' Such an example to the world ib new." Like other nations, we experience that it requires as great valour and wisdom to make an advantage of the conquest, as to gain one. The want of efficacy in the confederation, the redundancy of laws, and their partial administration in the States, called aloud for a new arrangement of our systems. The wisdom of the States, for that pur- pose, was collected in a grand convention, over which you, Sir, had the honour to preside. A national government in all its parts was recommended, as the only preservative of the union, which plan of government is now in actual operation. When the constitution first made its appearance in Virginia, we, as a society, had unusual strugglings of mind, fearing that the liberty of conscience (dearer to us than property and life) was not sufficiently secured. Perhaps our jealousies were heightened, on account of the usage we received in Virginia, under the regal government, when mobs, bonds, fine* and prisons were our frequent repast. Convinced, on the one hand, that without an effective National Government, the States would fall into disunion and all the consequent evils ; and, on the other hand, feaiing we should be accessary to some religious oppression, should any one society in the Union preponder- ate over all the rest. But amidst all the inquietudes of mind, our con- solation arose from this consideration the plan must be good, for it bears the signature of a tried, trusty friend ; and if religious liberty is rather insecure in the Constitution, " the Administration will cer- tainly prevent all oppression, for a Washington will preside." Accord- ing to our wishes, the unanimous voice of the Union has called you Sir, from your beloved retreat, to launch forth again into the faith- less seas of human affairs, to guide the helm of the States. May that Divine Munificence, which covered your head in battle, make you a Appendix. 481 yet greater blessing to your admiring country, in time of peace. Should the horrid evils that have been so pestiferous in Asia and Eu- rope, faction, ambition, war, perfidy, fraud, and persecution for con- science sake, ever approach the borders of our happy nation ; may the name and administration of our beloved President, like the radiant source of day, scatter all those dark clouds from the American hem- isphere. And while we speak freely the language of our own hearts, we are satisfied that we express the sentiments of our brethren, whom we rep- resent. The very name ot Waihington is musick in our ears ; and al- though the great evil in the States, ib the want of mutual confidence between rulers and people, yet, we all have the utmost confidence in the President of the States ; and it is our fervent prayer to Almighty God, that the federal government, and the governments of the respec- tive States, without rivalship, may so co-operate together, as to make the numerous people, over whom you preside, the happiest nation on earth ; and you, Sir, the happiest man, in seeing the people, who, by the smiles of Providence, you saved from vassalage by your martial valour, and made wise by your maxims, sitting securely under their vines and fig-trees, enjoying the perfection of human felicity. May God long preserve your lite and health for a blessing to the world in general, and the United Stales in particular; and wnen, like the sun, you have finished your course of great and unparalleled services, and you go the way of all the earth, may the Divine Being who will reward every man according to his works, grant unto you a glorious admis- sion into his everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ. This, Sir, is the prayer of your happy admirers. By order of the Committee, S \MUEL HARRIS, Chairman, REUBEN FORD, Clerk. [No. IV.] To the General Committee, representing tie United Baptist Churches in Virginia. GENTLEM I REQUEST that you will accept my best acknowledgments for your congratulation on my appointment to the first office in the nation. The kind manner in which you mention my past conduct, equally claims the expression of my gratitude. After we had, by the smiles of Divine Providence on our exertions, obtained the object foi which we contended, I retired, at the conclu- sion of the war, with an idea that my country could have no farther occasion for my services, and with the intention of never entering again into publick life. But when the exigencies of my country seemed to require me once more to engage in publick afFiirs, an honest conviction of duty superseded my former resolution, and became my apology for deviating from the huppy plan which I had adopted. If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the consti- tution framed in the Convention where I had the honour to preside, might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical socie- ty, certainly I would never have placed my signature to it ; and if I VOL. 2. 61 4S& Appendix. could now conceive that the general government might ever be so ad- ministered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded, that no one would be more zealous than myself, to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution. For y.>u doubtless remember, I have often expressed my sentiments, that every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being ac- countable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshipping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience. While I recollect with satisfaction that the religious society of which you are members, have been, throughout America, uniformly and al- most unanimously the firm friends to civil liberty, and the persevering promoters of our glorious revolution ; I cannot hesitate to believe, that they will be the faithful supporters of a free, yet efficient general gov- ernment. Under this pleasing expectation, I rejoice to assure them, that they may rely upon my best wishes and endeavours to advance their prosperity. In the mean time, be assured, gentlemen, that I entertain a proper sense of your fervent supplications to God for my temporal and eter- nal happiness. I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON. [No. V.] MR. LELAND's SPEECH, Delivered in tbs House of Representatives of Massachusetts^ on the subject of Religious Freedom, 1 8 1 1 . MR. SPEAKER, THE right of private judgment, like sight and hearing, is inalienable in nature Should an individual attempt to surrender it to society, it nevertheless would remain with him still, in all its vigour. Whatever individuals, from the source of private judgment, might be led to say- on the subject now before the House, provided the House was in the capacity of a convention, assembled for the purpose of framing a con- stitution, I cannot determine ; but at the present time, the House is on legislative ground, under the solemnity of an oath, to legislate ac- cording to the meaning of the Constitution, in their best judgments. The part of the Constitution, Sir, which the subject before the House has particular bearings upon, is contained in the 2d and 3d articles of the Declaration of Rights, tt is well known, Mr. Speaker, that the inhabitants of this Commonwealth were, when the Constitution was framed, as well as at the present time, divided in sentiment about re- ligion and the mode of its support. From the face of the Constitution, as well as from a knowledge of those times, there exists no doubt, that a decided majority believed that religious duties ought to be inter- woven in the civil compact that Protestant Christianity was the best religion in die world and that all the inhabitants ought to be forced, by law, to support it with their money, as a necessary institute, for the good of the body politick, unless they did it voluntarily. While a respectable minority, equally firm in the belief of the divinity of Christianity, and still more protestant in their views ; conceiving of it to he a measure as presumptuous in a legislature as in a Pope, to lord it over consciences, or interfere either in the mode or support of Chris- tianity. This minority, Mr. Speaker did then, and do, still believe that religion is a matter between individuals and their God a rijjht inali- enable an article not within the cognizance of civil government, nor any wayi> under its control. In this discordance of religious senti- ments, the 2d and jd articles of the Declaration of Rights, are evident- ly a com promibe of parties, in which mutual concessions are made for a general union. The language of the Convention, in the Constitution appears to be as follows : ' Let those towns, parishes, precincts, and other religious societies, possessed of corporate powers, support their religion by force of law ; but if there be any one residing within the limits of those corporate bodies, who attends other worship, and yet has no scruples of conscience in being legally taxed, his money when paid, if he requests it, shall be paid over, by the collector, to the minis- ter of his choice. And whereas there are many religious societies, who have scruples of conscience about availing themselves of corpo- rate powers ; if such societies voluntarily, in their own mode, make suitable provision for the maintenance of their ministers, all such societies of Protestant Christians, properly demeaning themselves as peaceable citizens, shall not be forced by law to support the teachers or worship of any other society. But as we cannot well know how ihese principles will operate on experiment, we lay down one funda- mental maxim as a pole-star, for the legislature : No subordination of ne religious sect to another shall ever be established by law.' Taking this, Sir, to be a good translation of those two articles, which seem to be somewhat obscure, the question is, whether the laws, made since the adoption of the Constitution, or more particularly whether the inter- pretation of that part of the Constitution and laws, have not affected a subordination of one religious sect to another ? The Congregational- ists, Sir, have no scruples about supporting their worship, in its various parts, by law ; but some other societies have : some indeed have availed themselvts of corporate powers, for no other purpose but to defend themselves from being taxed to support a worship in which they had no faith. In such instances they have been subordinate in time and expense, to extricate themselves from the clutches of the Congregation- alists. Others are so well convinced ot the all-bufficiency of Protest- ant Christianity, and the completeness of its code to govern in all things, that they will not they cannot in good conscience, submit to a power, which they believe, in their best judgments, was never given to government to be exercised. These are peaceable subjects of State ready to arm in defence of their country freely contribute to support Protestant Christianity ; but cannot pay a legal tax for religious services. This Sir, is one of the essentials which constitutes them a distinct sect : and what have these endured since the adoption of the Constitution ? Have they not been reduced to subordination ? How many law-suiti "how much cost and how much property has been taken from them to support other societies ? Mr. Speaker, is not this subordination ? According to a late decision of the Bench, in the county of Cum- berland, which, it is presumed, is to be a precedent for future decisions, '3,ese noa-incorporated societies are nobody can do nothing, and afre 484 Appendix. never to be known, except in shearing time, when their money is vant- ed to support the teachers that they never hear. And all this must be done for the good of the State. One hundred and seventeen years ago, wearing long hair as considered the crying sin of the land : a con- vention was called, March 1 8, 1 694, in Boston, to prevent it : after a long expostulation, the convention close thus, ' if any man will now presume to wear long hair, let him know that God and man witness against him.' Our pious ancestors were for bobbing the hair, fur the good of the Colony ; but now Sir, not the hair, but the purses must be bobbed for the good of the State. If these bobbing decisions continue to be the order of the day, it is past calculation to say, whose heads will be first bobbed off, for the gotd of the State. The petitioners pray for the right of going to heaven in that way which they believe is the most direct ; and shall this be denied them ? Must they be obliged to pay legal toll for walking the king's high- way, which he has made free for all ? Is not this a greater subordination than to sail under British licences? or to pay 3 pence on every pound of tea? In Rhode-Island, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, of the old Colo- nies, and in Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, the new States, there has never been any legal establishment of religion, nor any assessment to support Protestant Christianity, for the good of the States ; and yet, Sir, these States have srood and flourished as well as Massachusetts. Since the revolution, all the old States, except two or three in New-England, have established religious liberty upon its true bottom ; and yet they are not sunk with earthquakes, or destroyed with fire and brimstone. Should this Commonwealth, Mr. Speaker, proceed so far as to distrib- ute all settlements and meeting-houses which they procured by pub- lick taxes, among ail the inhabitants, without regard to denomination ; it is probable that the outcry of sacrilege, profanity and infidelity would be echoed around ; and yet, Sir, all this has been done, in a State which has given birth and education to a Henry, a Washington, a Jefferson, 'and a Madison ; each of which contributed their aid, to ef- fect the grand event, for which event the Presbyterians and others prayed and gained. It is there believed, Sir, that God hates robbery for burnt- offerings ; and ought not Massachusetts to pay a decent respect to the voice of fifteen of her sister States ? We should imagine that laudable pride would prevent any one religious society from forcing another to pay her labourers ; and that the same principle would not admit a publick teacher to take money collected by distraint, from those who did not hear him ; but in this particular, we find that reli- gion is made a covert to do that which common honesty blushes at. Sir, it is not our wish to disrobe towns, parishes, precincts or any religious society of their corporate powers : nc let them go to heaven in such turnpike-roads, and pay legal toll at every ministerial gate, which they choose ; and what can they wish for more ? Accord- ing to our L '.-icnts, we cannot pay legal taxes for religious ser- vices ; descending even to the grade of a chaplain for the legislature. It is disrouing Chmti, :vty of her virgin beauty turning the churches of Christ into creatures of State and metamorphosing gospel ambas- sadors to state pensioners. If my information be correct, the town of Boiton has enjoyed the liberty which we plead for, more than one hun- dred years j yet the inhabitants increase and are virtuous. Fifteen Appendix- 485 States now in the union, have all that we ask for ; and is relic ion de- molished in those States ? Mr. Speaker, let gentlemen turn their eyes to the religious Magazines, published in this State, by those who plead for law-regulated religion ; and they will find, that while the editors, in one page, plead lor the old firm of Moses and Aaron ruler and priest ; where the language is, ' You comb my head, and I'll scratch your elbows you make laws to support me, and I'll persuade the people to obey you;' In the next page, they will narrate the wonder- ful works of God in those States wherein there are no religious laws ; and indeed wherein the inhabitants know that religious establishments and assessments serve only to make one part of the community fools, and the other hypocrites to support fraud, superstition and violence in the earth. Let Christianity stand upon its own basis, it is the greatest blessing that ever was among men ; but incorporate it into the civil code, and it becomes the mother of cruelties. It is questioned, Mr. Speaker, by good judges, whether it is possible for the legislature to execute the power vested in them, in the jd ar- ticle of the Declaration of Rights, without defeating the provision in the same article, 'that no subordination of any one sect or denomina- tion to another, shall ever be established by law.' I know not, Sir, what can be done ; but one thing is certain, it never has been done since the adoption of the Constitution. Supposing, Sir, it cannot be done, to which part of it ought the legislature to adhere ? to that which supports partiality and injustice, or to that which secures right and equality ? Can any gentleman be at a loss ? Tyranny, Mr. Speaker, always speaks the same language. The tyrant of Amon would be friendly to Israel, if he might put out their right eyes. The tyrant on the Nile would let his subjects go free, pro- vided they would leave their flocks arid herds behind. Mr. Chairman, if Christianity it false, it cannot be the duty of gov- ernment to support imposture ; but if it be true, the following extracts are true, ' The natural man receiveth not the things of God, neither tan he know them the world by wisdom knew not God none of the princes of this world know the genius of Christ's kingdom.' If, Sir, Christianity is true, these sayings are true ; and if these sayings are true, natural men, a? such, with all the proficiency of science, cannrt understand the religion of Christ ; and if they cannot understand the subject, they must be very unfit to legislate about it. If, to escape this dilemma, we adopt the papal maxim, that government is foundtd in grace, and therefore none but gracious men have right to rule ; and that these gracious rulers have both right and knowledge to legislate about religion, we shall find, what other nations have found ; that these divine rulers will be the most cruel tyrant?. Under this notion, Mr. Chairman, the crusades were formed in the Xlth centuiy, which lasted about two hundred years, and destroyed neaily two millions of lives. In view of all this, and ten thousand times as much, is it to be wondered at, that the present petitioners should be fearful of attaching corporate powers to religious societies ? These petitioners, Sir, pay the civil list, and arm to defend their country as readily as ethers, and only ask for the liberty of forming their societies and paying their preachers in the or.ly way that the Christians did for the tirit three Appendix. centuries after Christ. Any gentleman upon this floor is invited t produce an inktance, that Christian societies were ever formed Chris- tian sabbaths ever enjoined Christian salaries ever levied, or Christian worship ever enforced by law, before the reign of Constantine ; yet Christianity did stand and flourish, not only without the aid of law and the schools, but in opposition to both. We therefore hope, Mr. Speaker, that the prayer of Thirty Thousand, on this occasion, will be heard, and that they will obtain the exemption for which they pray. The 2d section of the Bill before the house, I object to. It recog- nizes principles which are inadmissible invests all non-corporate soci- eties with corporate powers puts the mischievous dagger into their hands, which has done so much mischief in the world, and presents nj balm for the wounds of those who cry for help.* The petitioners uo not ask to be known in law as corporate bodies^ but to be so covered that religious corporate bodies shall not knovr and fleece them : but this section puts the knife into their hands against their will ; a knife, Sir, whkrh is more pestiferous than Pandora's box. The interference of legislatures and magistrates in the faith, worship, or support of religious worship, is the first step in the caie which leads in regular progression to Inquisition : the principle is the same, the only difference is iu the degree of usurpation. The Bill has its beauties, and its deformities. One prominent defect of the bill is a croaked back ; it makes a low stoop to his high migh- tiness Town-Clerk, to pra\ for the indulgence of worshipping God ; which is, and ought to be guaranteed a natural and inalienable right, not a favour to be a.vked by the citizen or bestowed by the ruler. It has also a disagreeable quinting; it squints to a purse of money with as much intenseness as ever a drunkard did at the bottle, or as ever did at the apple. Yes, Mr. Speaker, if there was no money to be got, we should never bear of these incorporations. How strange it is, Sir, that men, who make such noise about Cnristianity, should be afraid to trust the pn/mise of God, unless they can have legal bondsmen, b und by incorporation. Government should be 50 fixed, that Pagans, Turks, Jews and Chris- tians should be equally protected in their rights. The government of Massachusetts is, however, differently formed ; under the existing Con- stitution, it is not possible for the General Ccurt to place religion up- on its proper footing : it can be done, houever, much better than it is done, either by the late decision of the Bench, or by the adoption of the present Bill, in its present shape; and the best which the constitu- tion will admit of, is all that we ask for at present. I shall therefore take the liberty, at a proper time, to offer an amendment to the BilJL I shall no longer trespass on the patience of the house. tNo. VI ] Additional Remarks on the Character of Roger Williams. TOWARDS the close of the history of Rhode- Island, we proposed to give, in the Appendix, a letter written by this distinguished man. It * The objectionable part of this Bifl was sftwwards struck- cart: Appendix* 457 h preceded by seme very judicious remarks by Governor Hopkins, which are worthy of being recorded. " All Christians," says the Governor, " from the beginning of the Reformation to these times, when they were disturbed and oppressed by the governing powers they lived under, on account of their relig- ious principles or practices, had claimed this natural right, a liberty of tonscience in the worship of God* And many of them had, with much learning -and great strength of reason, shewn, that it was a right they were naurally and justly entitled to; and of which the civil magis- trate could not deprive them, without departing from his proper duty and office. But all of them, when they came to be possessed of power, had denied that indulgence to those, who differed from them in reli- gious sentiments, that they had pleaded so powerfully for, when they suffered themselves j and this had constantly and universally been the ca:>e throughout Christendom for many hundred years. And Roger Williams justly claims the honour of having been the first legislator in the world, in i'.s latter ages, that fully and effectually provided for and established a free, full, and abbolute liberty ot conscience. This beneficent principle he made the foundation, and, as it were, the chief corner-stone of his infant colony ; this was made the test of admission to all new-comers : this was the chief cause that united the inhabit- ants of Rhode-Island and those of Providence, and made them one people arid one colony. It was often objected to Mr. Williams, that such great liberty in religious matters tended to licentiousness and every kind of disorder. To such objections I will give the answer he himself ma.le, in his own words ; for thereby his real sentiments may be best discovered." " To the town of Providence. "LOVING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS} " IT pleaseth God yet to continue this great liberty of our town- meetintrs, for which we ought to be humbly thankful, and to improve these liberties to die praise of the Giver, and to the peace and welfare of the town and colony, without our own private ends. I thought it my duty to present you this my impartial testimony, and answer to a paper sent you the other day from my brother, " That it is blood'guilti- nest, and against the rule of the Gospel, to execute judgment upon transgres- sors, against the publick or private weal." That ever I should speak or write a tittle, that tends to such an infinite liberty of conscience, is a mistake, and which 1 have ever disclaimed and abhorred. To prevent such mistakes, I at present shall only propose this case : There goes many a ship to sea, with many a hundred souls in one ship, whose weal and wo is common, and is a true picture of a commonwealth, or an human combination, or society. It hath fallen out sometimes, that both Papists and Protestants, Jews and Turks, may be embarked into one ship. Upon which s>upposal, I do affirm, that all the liberty of conscience that ever I pleaded for, turns upon these two binges, that none of the Papists, Protestants, Jews, or Turks, be forced to cpme to the ship's prayers or worship ; nor, secondly, compelled from their own particular prayers or worship, if they practise any. I further add, that I never denied, that notwithstanding this liberty, tke commander of this ship ought to command the ship's course ; yea, 488 Appendix. and also to command that justice, peace and sobriety be kept and practised, both among the seamen and all the passengers. If any sea- man refuse to perform their service, or passengers to pay their freight ; if any refuse to help in person or purse, towards the common charges, or defence ; if any refuse to obey the common laws and orders of the ship, concerning their common peace and preservation ; if any shall mutiny and rise up against their commanders and officers ; if any shall preach or write, that there ought to he no commanders nor offi- cers, because all are equal in Christ, therefore no masters nor officers, so laws nor orders, no corrections nor punishment I say, I never de- nioi but in such cases, whatever is pretended, the commander or com- manders may judge, resist, compel and punish such transgressors, ac- cording to their deserts and merits. This, if seriously and honestly minded, may, if it so please the Father of Lights, let in some light to such as willingly shat not their eyes. I remain, ttudious of our com- mon peace and liberty, ROGER WILLIAMS." " This religious liberty was not only asserted in words, but uni- formly adhered to and practised," c. It would be no strange event for a new State now to establish reli- gious freedom, because many have set the example ; but Roger Wil- liams and the Rhode Island Fathers claim the honour of maintaining this principle, while all other States and kingdoms in the world ridicul- ed and opposed it. In the account of Mr. Williams's settlement in Rhode-Island, we made some observations on the uncommon influence he acquired over the irritated and ever jealous Indian tribes. We shall here give a con- nected view of the services which this influence enabled him to per- form. His breaking up of their grand confederacy in 1637, has al- ready been mentioned. Yet notwithstanding this interposition on the behalf of all his English neighbours, when he was about to embark for England in 1643 to obtain a charter for his colony, he was not permitted to pass through the coasts from which he had been banished, but was obliged to repair to the Dutch at New- York to take shipping. *' Yea, it must needs be so," says Mr. Backus, " because the blessings of a peace-maker were to come upon him, among the Dutch as well as the English." At this time the Dutch at Aurana, (now Albany) and its vicinity, at Manhattan, (now New- York) and in many other places, both on the main land and Long-Island, were engaged in a bloody conflict with different Indian tribes. At Stamford, (now ia Connecticut) the enraged savages killed many, and among the rest Mrs. Ann Hutchimon, who had been banished from Massachusetts, for what was called Antinomianism. " On Long-Island they assaulted the house of the lady Moody, who not Ion? betore moved from Lynn in the same government, on account of Ana-baptism : but she was de- fended by forty men, th.it gathered to her house, which they assaulted divers times. But the Long-island Indians, by the mediation of Mr. Williams, (who was then there to take ship for England) were paci- fied, and peace re-established between the Dutch and them."* In 1671, when king Philip was making preparations for his v/ar, Governor Prince of Plymouth, and two of his assistants, met three * Backus, vcL i. p. 1478. Appendix* 489 gentlemen from the Massachusetts colony at Taunton, to examine into the matter. Philip, Indian like, was suspicious of the manoeuvres of white men ; he kept in his camp at a distance, and sent for the com- missioners to come to him. All solicitations were ineffectual, until Mr. Williams, then over 70, and Mr. Brown, supposed to be of Swan- sea, offered to remain as hostages in his camp ; by which means he was prevailed with to meet the commissioners, to deliver up about 70 guns, and to promise future fidelity j which suspended the war four years."* In 1676, while this bloody war was going on, tradition says, that when the Indians appeared on the hill north of Providence, near the place where Col. Smith's house now stands, Mr. Williams took his itaff, and went over to meet them, hoping to pacify their rage, as he had often done before ; but when some of the old men saw him, they came out to meet himtold him that those who had long known him would not hurt him, but that the young warriors could not be restrain- ed ; upon which he returned to the garrison. " As the best and most useful men," says Governor Hopkins, " have ever, in all free States, been the subjects of popular clamour and censure, so we find that Mr. Williams did not escape the rude attacks of the licentious tongue of freedom," &c. By some he was accused of a big- oted attachment to his peculiar opinions ; by others he was compared to a weathercock for instability. From the accusations of enemies, a true character cannot be obtained of him^ nor of any other man. His friends uniformly maintain, that he lived and died a pattern of pi- ety and benevolence. It is certain, however, from his own writings, that he was one of the few Baptists, whose minds have been bewildered about the doctrine of succession ; and it was pi'obably on that account he ceased travelling in the Baptist communion not long after he found- ed the church at Providence. But there is no evidence that he re- nounced the peculiar tenets of the Baptists ; and it is certain he did not embrace those of any other sect. He had a long and sharp dispute with the Quakers, for which some of them feel not very well disposed towards him at this day. But it ought to be observed, at the same time, that Governor Hopkins, of that persuasion, has done ample jus- tice to his character. Although Mr. Williams was almost constantly engaged in the affairs of the colony, at home and abroad, yet we are assured that he preached frequently at Providence, and used to go once a month to Mr. Smith's in the Narraganset country, where many of those Narra- ganset Indians attended his ministry, who could not be prevailed on to hear the missionaries from other colonies, f " Roger Williams," says Morgan Edwards, " for his singular ex- cellencies and worthy deeds, deserves a statue, and will certainly have one, except there be some cross-grained fatality attending the noblest characters among Baptists, to prevent their having the praise they de- serve. I could fancy," says this ingenious writer, " that I see his statue erected in the college yard at Providence. His clothing a gar- ment of camel's hair, tied about his loins with a leathern girdle. His * Backus, vol. i. p. 418. f Governour Hopkins. Callender. VOL. 2. 2 490 Appendix. feet are shod with sandals ; and about his neck a little puritanical ban d. In his right hand is the gospel, as an emblem of the religious liberty he established, and the peace that followed. In his left, is a roll con- taining the charter of the colony, with as much of it unfolded as shows this paragraph : " To exhibit a lively experiment, that a most flour- ishing civil State may stand and best be maintained, and that aaiong our English subjects, with a full liberty in religious concernments ; and that true piety, rightly grounded on gosptl principles, will give the best and greatest security to sovereignty, and will lay, in the hearts of men, the strongest obligations to true loyalty." On the pedestal are these words : FATHER OF THIS COLONY, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN 1636, AND WHOSE SPECIAL DISTINCTION IS THAT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ; AND, UNDER GOD, THE SAVIOUR OF IT, AND OF THE NEIGHBOURING COLONIES, FROM BEING EXTIRPATED BY THE CONFEDERATE INDIANS, IN 1637, WAS THAT REVEREND BAPTIST ROGER WILLIAMSr It may be proper here to give a brief account of another of the fathers of the Rhode-Island colony, of whom nothing yet has been said. This was William Blaxton, or Blackstone. He was a minister in the Church of England, but came early to America. It appears by Johnson's history, that he was here in 1628 ; but not agreeing with Mr. Endicot and others in church affairs, he betook himself to agri- culture. He planted himself on the neck of land where Boston new stands, which, from him was called Blaxton's point, when the Massa- chusetts company first arrived with their charter ; and at a court in Boston, 1633, they made him a grant cf fifty acres of land near his house. But with the maxims of this company he soon fell cut. " I came from England," said he, " because I did not like the Lord Bish- ops ; but I cannot join with you, because I would not be under the Lord Brethren." On this account, he removed and settled about three miles north of Pawtucket, on an estate which is now owned by Col. Simon Whipple. His residence was on what is now called Study Hiil, where his library and buildings were burnt in king Philip's war. This was on the bank of Pawtucket river, which above takes the name of Biackstone from this early settler. He appears to have been intimate with Mr. Williams, preached frequently at Providence and places ad- jacent, and left behind him the character of a godly, pious man. His family is now extinct. He planted an orchard just east of Study Hill, which, we are told, was the first that bore fruit in the Rhode-Island colony. Some of the trees of this orchard were alive and thrifty 140 years after they were planted, but now all of them have gone to decay.* * Backus, vol. 1. p. 58. Appendix. 491 [No. VII.] A Letter from the Baptists in Philadelphia to the Episco- palians. {The contents of this letter will suggest to the reader the circumstances, under wliicli il was written. But it may be proper to observe, that the Episcopa- lians had possessed themselves of a meeting-house and lot belonging to the Baptists in the township of Oxford, Pennsylvania. They afterwards attempt- ed to do the- same in Philadelphia: this letter was written, however, prior to that event, and at a time when a Mr. Clayton, an Episcopal minister in Phila- delphia, to whom it was addressed, was labouring to possess himseli "of the Baptist congregation in that city.] " SIR, " WHEREAS we received a letter, invitatory from you to return to your Church of England, dated September 26, 1698, wherein you de- sire us to send you, in humility and without prejudice, the objections, why we may not be united in one communion ; and withal, that you doubt not, but by the blessing and assistance of God, you will be able to shew them to be stumbling-blocks, made by our wills, and not by our reason ; and some of us, in behalf of the rest, having, on the reception thereof, given you a visit, and had discourse with you concerning seme of the ceremonies of your church, about which you gave no satisfac- tion, we knew not that you expected any other answer from us. But in your late letter to John Watts, you signify, that you have received no answer to your former letter ; we, therefore, taking this into con- sideration, do signify, in answer to your foresaid invitation and pro- posal, that to rend from a rightly constituted church of Christ, is that which our souls abhor ; and that, love, peace, and unity with all Chris- tians, and concord and agreement in the true faith and worship of God, are that which we greatly desire; and we should be glad if yourself or others would inform us wherein we err from the truth and ways of Christ ; nor are we at all averse to a reconciliation with the Church of England, provided it can be proved by the holy Scrip- tures, that her constitution, orders, officers, worship and service are of divine appointment, and not of human invention. And since you yourself are the person that hath given us the invitation, and hath prom- ised to show us that our objections are stumbling-blocks, made by our wlils^ and nit by our reason ; and we understanding that our Lord Jesus Christ is the only head, king, lord and law-giver of his church, whom all are bound to hear and obey, under the severe penalty of an utter extirpation from among the people of God ; and that his laws and will are only to be found in and known by the sacred Scriptures, which are the only supreme, sufficient, and standing rule of all fairh and worship ; and not understanding the constitution of your church, with all the orders, officers, worship and service, at this day in use and maintained therein, to be agreeable thereto and warranted thereby, hath been the cause of our separation from her, and is the objection we have to make, or the stumbling-block which lie's in our way to such an union and communion as you desire ; we, therefore, hope expect, according to your promise, that you will endeavour IL* 4-92 Appendix. removal, by showing us from holy Scripture, these two things as absolutely necessary in order thereunto: ist. That the formation of your church, with all the orders, officers, rites, and ceremonies, now in use and practised therein, are of divine institution ; particularly, that the church of Christ under the New-Testament, may consist or be made up of a mixed multitude, and their seed, even all that are mem- bers of a nation, who are willing to go under the denomination of Christians, whether they are godly or ungodly, holy or profane ; that lords archbishops, and diocesan lords bishops, such as are now in Eng- land, are of divine institution and appointment ; that the government of the church of Christ, under the Gospel, is to be prelatical, according as it is practised this day in your church ; and that your ecclesiastical courts are of divine appointment ; that particular churches or congre- gations, with their ministers or elders, who have power and authority to receive persons into membership, have not likewise authority, by Math- thew xviii. 15 1 8, and Corinthians v. to execute church censures and excommunication upon miscreants, swearers, liars, drunkards, adulter- ers, thieves, atheists, &c. ; but that it is of divine appointment, that they must be presented to their ordinaries, and.only proceeded against in your ecclesiastical courts ; that the several offices of deans, subdeans, chap- ters, archdeacons, prebendaries, chancellors, commissaries, officials, reg- isters, canons, pettycanons, vicars, chorals, apparitors, organists, vergers, singing-men and boys, septins, epistlers, gospel'ers, and such like offi- ces and officers of your church and ecclesiastical courts, are of divine institution, or have any Scripture warrant to justify them, and to bear them harmless in the last day ; that imp-caching ministers may cele- brate the sacraments by Scripture warrant ; that their different ap- parel in time of divine service, such as hoods, tippets, surplices, &c. are of divine institution, or have any Scripture warrant under the New- Testament ; that the manner of the publics service and liturgy of the Church of England, with the visitation of the sick, burial of the dead, churching of women, matrimony, &c. as now in use, are of divine appointment ; that the people ought, by the rule of God's word, aud.ibly with the ministers, to say the confession, Lord's prayer, and creed ; and make such answers to the publick prayers, as are appoint- ed in the book of common prayer ; that it is God's holy will and pleasure, that saint days and holy days should be kept and observed by Christians, according to the uie of the Church of England ; that instruments of musick are to be used in God's worship, under the New-Testament ; that infant baptism is a duty ; that pouring or sprinkling water is the right manner of baptizing ; that your manner of administering the sacraments, and signing with the sign of the cross in baptism are of divine appointment ; that god-fathers and god-moth- ers are of divine appointment. These are some of the things we de- sire you to prove and make plain to us by the holy Scripture. Bat if the case be such that some or all of them cannot be thereby proved ; then the 2d thing necessary to our reconciliation with your church ii, That you will give us clear and infallible proof from God's holy word, such as will bear us harmless in the last day, that our Lord Jesus Christ hath given power and authority to any man, men, convocation, or synod, to make, constitute, and set up any other laws, orders, offi- qers, rites and ceremonies, in his church, besides those which he hatJa Appendix. 495 appointed in his holy word ; or to alter or change those, which he harh therein appointed, according as may, from time to time, to them seem convenient ; and that we are bound in conscience towards God, by the authority of his word, to yield obedience thereunto ; or wheth- er it will not rather be a sore reflection upon the sufficiency of the holy Scriptures, and a high defamation of the kingly and prophetical offices of Jesus Christ, to suppose such a thing. Thus have we in hu- mility, and without prejudice, sent you our objections; and if you can, according to your letter, show them to be stumbling-blocks made by our wills, and not by our reaton, we shall be very thankful, and you shall not find us obstinate, but ready to accept your invitation. But un- til you do so, and prove the constitution, orders, officers, rites and ceremonies of your church to be of God, it is but reason that you should suspend all charge of schism against us, and desist from blam- ing us for our peaceable separation ; which is all, at present, from your loving friends, who desire information, and unity among saints, and the church's peace ; that God, in all things may be glorified through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. " Subscribed by us, members of the general meeting, in behalf of the rest, March n, 1699. "John Watts, Joseph Wood, George Eaglesfield, Samuel Jones, George Eaton, Thomas Bibb." The times, to which the above letter refers, were remarkable for the spirit of proselyting, excited chiefly by means of the Rev. George Keith, who, it is said, was admitted to orders, upon condition that he would return to Pennsylvania, and endeavour to bring his party over to the Church of England. He and his brethren met with success at first ; but a copy of the above letter being made publick, they were somewhat embarrassed, and their progress retarded.* [No. VIII.] Civil State of Dissenters in England, 1793. " Every dissenter in England is excluded from all civil and ecclesi- astical employment of honour and profit in the kingdom. No dissent- er can be admitted to command in the army or navy, were even his country invaded, nor to collect any part of the publick revenue, nor to act as a magistrate, nor to graduate in either of the universities, nor even to take a degree of Doctor of Musick or Physick, which employ- ments do not seem to have any refeience to the State. Nor will die affirmation of a Quaker be taken in any of our courts, in any criminal prosecution whatever ; so that, if a man of this denomination were to see another murder his father or his wife, he could not prosecute the criminal without denying his religion. No Quaker can practise in any of the courts of law, not even as an attorney. This civil incapa- city makes Dissenters be looked upon by the vulgar most unjustly, as rebels and enemies to government, and to a family which they placed pn the throne ; and in all seasons of alarm and tumult they have ex- * Edwarcls's History of the Baptists in Pennsylvania, p. 99 104. 494 Appendix. perienced, and do experience great evils in this way. Every Dissenter who acknowledges the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity, is tolerated in the exerci :e of religious worship ; but lie who denies the Trinity, is, on conviction, liable to confiscation of goods and imprisonment. Dissenters pay all taxes and tythes, and are obliged to serve offices in the church, which are attended only with labour and expense, as church-warden, &c. subject to heavy penalties if they do not serve, or find, at their own expense, a proper substitute!!" Rifflon's Rtgister, Vol. \. p. 524. Tiiis statement will give the reader a view of the condition of Dis- senters in England, and will sufficiently explain to him the reason why such multitudes are continually emigrating to America. This kingdom abounds with good men of different persuasions ; it has long been the nursery of genius and piety ; every Christian land has reason to respect it, on account of its noble efforts in the cause of truth ; but the maxims of its Cabinet, and its Ecclesiastical Constitu- tion, no lover of liberty and equality can approve. To the above statement we will subjoin the following account of the Church of England taken from Simpson's Plea for the Sacred Writ- ings. " There are about i8,oco clergymen in England and Wales of the established religion, and nearly 10.000 parishes. The rectories are 5,0^8 ; the vicarages 3,687 ; the livings of other descriptions 2,970 j in all, 11,755. " Twenty or thirty of those livings may be -"4444 : 44 and upwards a year : four or five hundred of them ,2222 : 22 two thousand of them 888 : 9O--hve thousand of them 8444 : 45. The average value of liv- ings is about 622 : 22. " The whole income of the church and two Universities, is six mill- ion, six hundred and sixty~fix thousand, six hundred and sixty- six dollars and sixty-seven cents. * " There are twenty-six bishops, whose annual income is 408, 888 : 90; each bishop has therefore on an average ^15,726 : 50, supposing he had no other preferment. " There are 28 cathedrals, 26 deans, 60 arch-deacons, and 554 pre- bends, canons, &c. Besides these, there are in all about 300 in orders belonging to the different cathedrals, and about 900 lay officers, such as singing-men, organists, &c. who are all paid from the cathedral emoluments ; so that there are about 1 800 persons attached to ihe sev- eral cathedrals, and divide among them 62 2,2 2 z : 22." One man may possess several preferments at the same time, and may receive the enormous sum of ^8,888 : QO, per annum ! "LAW, bishop of Carlisle, possessed, at the lime of his decease, ten nr more pre- ferments. He was a bishop, head of a college, prebend, rector, libra- rian, &c. &c. &c." This picture is sufficient to convince Americans of the impropriety f)f a union of Church and State. Were it necessary, such a melan- choly picture might be drawn from the statements of that worthy man and Christian, DAVID SIMPSON, (who disdained to be considered an hireling of the corrupt Church of England, and of course withdrew) as would strike the mind with horror ! Any one who wishes to be fur- ther acquainted with the history of them, may find it in a volume Appendix. 495 written by David Simpson, A. M. entitled, " A plea for Religion and the Sacred Writings, addressed to the disciples of Thomas Paine, and to wavering Christians of every denomination." [No. IX.] Summary Vieiu of the Different D?nomina!ioni of Christians in the United S'ates. THE number of the Baptists will be exhibited in the following Table. It is probable: the Methodists count as many members in their so- ciety, if not more, than any one denomination in America. Accord- ing to their Minutes, the sum total of their members this year amounts to 214,307 ; 42,809 of whom are people of colour. The preachers in full connexion are 678, those on trial are 178 ; making the sum total of preachers 856. The increase of their society this year is 18,950.* The members in Canada are not reckoned in this statement. Their number in both Provinces last year was a little short of 3000 ; but it is said great additions were made to them this year. In this statement are included all, who belong to the Methodibt Classes ; what proportion of these come up to their communion, one of their ministers informs me, cannot be ascertained with any degree of correctness. A gen- tleman, who was a number of years a preacher in their connexion, sup- poses, that, take the denomination at large, not more, if so many as half of those in Society, are communicants. The total number of the Methodist Society in 1809, in Britain and Ireland, the West-Indies, British Dominions in America, and the Uni- ted States, was 334,628^ The Congregationlists are the most numerous denomination in New- England. Their congregations, in 1801, were over a thousand.:]; In 1796, according to Dr. Morse, their churches in Connecticut only, were zoo, their pastors 170, and their communicants 20,000.$ In Massa- chusetts, their number of preachers now is over 400, the number of churches nearly 500. || The number of this denomination in other States I am not able to state, but it must be small compared with New-England. The number of Presbyterian congregations in America was, in 1788, computed to be68: there were 226 ministers.-'* They have probably increased considerably since.+f The Independents are small compared with either of the formention- ed sects. * Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal church Sec. for IS i3. f Lee's History of the Methodists, p. 359. Hannah Adams's View of Religions, p. 449. Geography, vol. 1. p. 453. I Massachusetts Register for 1813. ** View of Religions, p. 451. If The Congreanitionalists and Presbyterians are so often blended together, es- pecially in New-England, that those who have not studied their ru~.es f disci- pline, know not in what the difference between them consists. Tlie Presbyte- 406 Appendix. The Friends have, in the United States, 505 meetings for worship, their monthly meetings are 179 ; their yearly meetings 43.* The number of Episcopal congregations I have not learnt. The whole population of the Roman Catholicks in the United States, in 1 80 1, was supposed to be 50,000. The number of the smaller sects cannot be ascertained. rians have the following gradation of ecclesiastical tribunals, viz. Church Ses- sions, Presbyteries, Synods, and the General Assembly. A church Session con- sists of the minister, or minister and elders, with whom is vested the govern- ment of each church. A Presbytery consists of all the ministers and one ruling elder from each church or congregation within a certain district. A Synod is a convention of several Presbyteries. The General Assembly consists of dele- gates from all the Presbyteries. There is a regular course of appeals from the Church Session up to this Assembly, which is the highest judicatory of the Presbyterian Church. Hannah Adams's Vieiv of Religions, /2.4.50, 451. The Congregationalisms differ no great from the Presbyterians except in church government, which they vest, net in the hands of the minister or elders, Presbyteries, Synods, or Assemblies; but each church is supposed to have pow- er of itself to regulate all its affairs : it is, however, thought, that they, tcgeth- er with the Independents, are verging towards the Presbyterian standard. * This account was furnished by Moses Brown, of Providence. GENERAL TABLE OF ASSOCIATIONS AND CHURCHES. N. B, The rmmes of ordaine: 1 . ministers are in Roman characters, unnrdaiiltil in Italick. The names of all the ministers as far as they can be ascertained, are put down, whether tliey were delegates to the Assuciatioii or ru,t. The dates immediately after the names of tiie Associations show when they \vc-e organized. Nova-Scotia and New-Brunswick Association. 1797 Held in Owilow, June 24, 181 1. Sermen by Edward Manning. ' Ch.urc.htt, Cemll- Ministers. S3tm~ tUttfl. muni* tHHtt. Sissiboo 60 Lower Granville fames Manning 6 Upper Granville Thomas Ansley 66 Corn wall is 1776 Edw. Manning, T. S. Harding, E. J. Reise 2 3 Hortou Newport l8oO 88 Ons low 1807 Nathan Cleaveland S8 D ; gby Neck 1809 Peter Craudall 56 Aniherst 1809 J 7 Salisbury, N.B. l8oO Joseph Crandall 83 Sack vi lie, N. B. i8co 59 Waierbury, N.B. 1800 Elijah Eastcrbrook 5 Prince William, N. S. idco L. Hammond 43 Wakrfield. N. B. 43 Clements 1810 %F 84 Halifax J T95 John Burton 31 Niciau and Wilmot 18,0 Thomas H. Chipman i.8 Chester 1788 Joseph D;mock 43 Springfield .56 Churches 19 Ministers 13 Total T. S. Harding, Moderator. lego Echvard Manning, Clerk. District of Maine. LINCOLN ASSOCIATION. 1804. Held at Sedgwirk, Srpf. 16, 1812. Sermon by Phineas Piilsbury. Bowdoinbam 1784 Job Macomber, Daniel Pearson 55 Thomaston i78a.E : isha Snow, Samuel Bjker ttj 250 1st Vnssalborough 17881 leve Martin J ,55 ist Whitefield .789 Josep!) Bayly- 96 Bristol and MisconguJ ) Island J 1792 Samuel A. Flagg 28 Sr. George 1789 Benjamin Eames I5 2 Nobleborough Hope '793 1795 Phineai Piilsbury James Steward 78 55 Harlem 17 Woolwich 1800 Samuel Stinson 25 Friendship 1800 41 Warren 1800 Andrew Fuller, Rohert C. Starr 94 M'.iunt Ephraim 1801 " 2 5 Fairfax 1801 Stephen D-xter, Job Lewis 60 liicsborcugh 1791 Lenriei R;ch, Thomas Eame 79 VOL. 2. 63 49S Table of Associations and Churches, Churches. ' '"- tutet. Ministers. Viiulbaven 1801 John Wagff 1st Palermo 1805 Sedgwick 1805 D.Merrill, A.M. Hen. Hale, Amarifk D:dge Uniiy 1800 Iswc Hall Columbia and Addison 1806 Blu, Hill 1806 John Roundy, Amos Allen Nonhport 1807 Manivillc ,807 Job Cnshman Carmel l8 7 Pdal Ruggles, JaAit Patten Surrey lit Je.fferson 1807 1808 Bfnjamm Lord William Allen sd Jefferson 1808 Matinictu 1808 Deer Isle 1808 Stetson 1807 1st Camden 1808 lohn Siill ad Camden 1808 l-Vankfort 1808 Samud AlUn Union 1801 sH Vassalborough 1808 2 ; P.i'eimo loc<' Orla d 1809 Be -fast i8oQ Ebenezer Pin't/iajg rfhmpden 1809 ftuckstcwn 1?OQ Sd. White-field i8cc Dbcmont 18.0 3ideon C(^ok, John Chadbourrrc ist Steubcn 1804, Nathaniel Robinson BJ Sreuben '806 TrSDton 1810 Su l,v.m 1810 Daniel M'Master New-Charleston L<- C.isrinc Beaverhiil IB 18 id Monivillc i8ic William Dcv's Churches $1 Ministers 3,5 T-ital Daniel Mr-rrill, Modemter. Samuel Bdker, Clerk. TOWDOINIIAM ASSOCIATION-. 1787. Held at Readfi.ld, Sejit. 2,5^ 1811. Sermon by Thomas Franc ics. it BowdcJn 1788 Joseph D; - nslow ist Sidney 17^1 Asa Vv'i'.bcr ist Litchfield 1798 Henry Kendall Lewistofi 1792 Benjamin Cclr, Jarrrs Garcelort Readfield 1792 Robait Low, Isaac C*se Fayctte Oliver Billings, Daniel Mason Wayne Lisbon Clinton Mc-phibosheih Cane "New-Vineyard '794 Wales James Pierce Mount-Vernon Peter Moore, Johi Presrot Leeds Thomas Francies New-Sharon 1802 Samuel vS wet;, Ambrose Arnold Canaan i~95 John \\'sef>k Macamier Biunswick 1789 Benjamin Titcomb Portland 1801 Caleb Blood sd Buckfield 1802 Sumner 1804 Thomai Macomber Be:hel 179,5 Ebenezer Bray Jefferson 1790 Norway Minot 1807 George Ricker Freepoi t 1807 ibenezer Pinkham Pcjepscot 1808 Joseph Robert* Duimark 1804 Tiistram Jrdan No. 5 1809 Lemuel Jackson, Anwiah Re Baltimore J 1805 Beman Boynto* Grafton, Vt. 1803 John Spalding Cavendish 1803 foaaihan Going, jr. A.M. Goshen, N.H. fohn Colby Simon, N.H. .803 Wicdbain 1807 Thomas Baker Townshend Windsor, West Parish 1807 Samuel Latnson Andover 1803 [oel Manning Londonderry, N. H. 1811 jerihom Lane Acworth, N.H. 1809 Senjamin Stone Westminster and ) 0,0 Rockinghain \ W.nhall lOiV 1812 Unity, N. H. IZ.TZ Minor Piaiafield, N.H. 1792 onathan Cram, Benjamin Kimball Churches 25 Ministers 2 1 Total Aaron I/eland, Moderator. Jeremiah Higbee, Clerk. SHAFTSBURY ASSOCIATION. 1780. leld at West-Stockb ridge, June 3, 1812. Sermon by Isaiali Mattison. Adams, Mass. George Witherell Albany, N.Y. 1811 saac Webb Berlin, N.Y. 178.5 ustus Hull, Alderman Bafccr Cambridge, N.Y. 1-78 Obed Warren ist Canaan, N.Y. 779 sd Canaan, N.Y. 793 ist Cheshire, Mass. 769 artemus Braman ttl Cheshiie, Mass. 77 Chatham, N.Y. ob Champion Charlotteville, U.C. Cliftonpark, N.Y. \bijah Peck Clinton, U. Canada Kgrerrtont, Mass. 789 )aniel Sherwood East HiUsdale, N.Y. 792 \bel Brown West Hillsdale. N.Y. 787 Lansinburg, N.Y. Honsick, N.Y. 785 Nassau, N.Y. ilphrairn Harris Pittstmvn, N.Y. 784 Jnarles Lahatt V.ttsficld, N-Y. 1773 ohn Francis, jun. jjt Powna), Vt. 1773 )avid Hulbeit 501 02 Table of Astociationt tnd Churchtt. Ckurckei* Cinni- Ministers. ulut. Schodack, N.Y. Stephen O'msted ist Stephentown, N.Y. 178^ Julius Breman jst Shaftsbuiy, Vt. 1768 [taiah Mattisoa ^h Shaftsbuiy, Vt. 1788 Savoy, Mass. Philip Pearce Stanford, Vt. Paul Hirnes Troy, N.Y. "795 Francis Waylanl Townscnd. U C. f-i'r -U *J Sandisfield, Mass, 1779 Jesse Haitwell Oxford, U.C. \V. Stockbridjie, Mass. 1790 Churches 32 Ministers *i Total Obed Warre, M.derafrr. William Groom, ji. Clerk. VKRMOKT ASSOCIATION. 178^. Oct. 6, 7, 18 13. Salem, N.Y. Hubbaston, Vl. 1790 1787 Manuel M. Plunk Nathan Dana Brandon, Vt. 1788 Abiel Fiiher Whiting, Vt. Pittsierd, Vt. J 7^3 William Herinto* Foultncy. Vt. '7^5 Clark Kendrick Moiikton, Vt. 1793 John Stearnt Rupert, Vt. Peter W. Reynolds New-Haven, Vt. Middleton. Vt. Bridport, Vt. 1782 Sylvanus Haynes !itha Starkweather Cornwall, Vt. Henry Gieea Bristol, Vt. Charlotte, Vt. Gianvillc. N.Y. 1783 Samuel Rowley- Dorset, Vt. Orwell, Vt. 1787 Isaac Sawyer Hineibur^h, Vt. Samuel Churchill Middlebury, Vt, 1809 Nathaniel Kendrick, Horace Grhwold Benson, Vt. J crony H. Dwyre Ji?, Vt. 1782 Leland Howard Panton, Vt. Abe! Woot! Shoitliam, Vt. '794 Ephrarm Sawyer Churches eg Ministers 19 Total Samuel Rowley, Cierk. The Minutes of this Association were forward- ed in manuscript. Where it was held, who preached the sermon, and who was modera- tor, are not stated. FAIRFIELD Assoc IATION. Formerly called RichmoEd, formed 1795. Held at Faitfie'd, Aug. 26, 1812. Sermon by I. Oicutt. TticrmCBct '74 Geotgia 1 79S R. Mean Wettford Berkshire Moses Wares Cambridge 1793 S. Holmes Swantoo I. Orcutt >..vx and Jericho Ephraim Butler Fail fax '793 Eu'iifield Issac Sawyer 7..:.CX'e;ough ' Table of Associations and Churches. ,703 MiUon Morjjtown Churches it Crafisbury Lancaster, N.H. Littleton Concord, N.H. Coventry Iiasburgh De.-by Barnston Lufienbiirgh Bethlehem St. Juhnsbnry, V't. Danville, Vt. Churches 1 1 VVilliamstown Iiarrc Chelsea and Tunbridge Randolph Btaintree fopsbarn Royalton Warren Hanover. N- H. Rime, N. H. Cbiuchss 1 1 1809 1807 Isoo 1808 iXei l8ll i8n 1788 Ministtrs. Minisiers 6 Total Isaic Sawyer, Moderator. Ephraim Butler, Clerk. DANT i LI.E Assoc i ATios'. 18,0. Held at Derby, Vt. June 17, iSis. Sermon by Samuel Chiwc!ii!! Churchill 1784 1790 R. Smith Ministers 2 Total Samuel Churchill, Moderator. Daniel Mason, Clerk. BARRE ASSOCIATION. 1807. Held at Braintrec, Vt. O t. 10, 1810. Ser- mon by Ephraim Btatler. Samuel Hovey E'ijah Huntingtoti Efias Isaac Ministers 4 Total , Moderator. Elijah Huntingtur, Clerk. 743 Haveihill 7^3 Harvard 776 Mewton 780 Wbburn 781 Tcmpletofl 782 Rowley 785 Wcton 1789 Danvers 1793 Charlestow* 1801 RcTcily 180 it Massachusetts. BOSTON ASSOCIATION. 1811. Held at Weare, N.H. Sept. 1.5,1813. Ser- mon by Ebcnezer Nelson. Thomas Baldwin, o.n. Dmiel Cketmtai, A,B William Batchelder Abi&ha Samson Joseph GraPion Thomas Waterman, A.M. Josiah Convers Charles Train, A.M. Jeremiali Chaplin, A.M. William Collier, A.M. 504 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Ctnui. i Itttd. Ministers. Salem 1804 Lucius Bol!, A. M. E. Williams, A. M. ? Henty A. Ciaike \ Reading Ebcnezcr NeJion, George Evans Maiden W, are, N.H. l/Sj Ezra Wii'marth New-Boston, N H. Isctiah S;oiie Nottingham West, N.H. ISO.} African Church in ) Boston ) 80 5 Thomas Paul Ipswich Newbury and New ) buryport J 1805 John Peak gd Btwion >807 Daniel Sharp, . Lincoln, Johnson Cliast Gloucester Marblehead Ferdinand Ellis. A.M. Cbelmsford John Peckers, Jokn Parkhu r st Londonderry, N.H. Dunstable GofFstown, N.H. Abraham Gates Churches 27 Ministers 54 Total Thomas Baldwin, Moderator. Elisha Williams, Clerk. STTJRBRIDGE ASSOCIATION. 1801. Held at Hardwick, Sept. 30, 1812. Sermon by Joseph Smallide. Button 1765 Samuel Waters, Isaac Dwinnel Lkcester 1738 Pe'er Rogers Chailton 1st Woodstock, Con, 1 "fj 1766 James Boomer 2d Woodstock, Con. 1 79 2 Amos Wells Somb-Brimneld Belchertown 1736 '7',5 Eiijah Codd-ng David Pease Stur bridge !749 Zenas L. Leonard, A.M. ad Ashto d, Con. '774 3J Ash ford, Con. 1776 Shutesbury \Vilbraham 1780 1768 Joseph Smallidge Alvin Bennett Hardwick 1708 Lbenezer Burt Thompson, Con. P"mfrct Con. 'Z5o Parson Crosby James Grow Enfield and Long- ) Meadow, Con. ) 1792 George Atwell, Ezekiel Terry Killing'.y, Con. Tot land, Con. 1776 Calvin Cooper William Hubbarrl 1st St,;ifurd, Con. td Stafford, Con. 1786 Jonathan Paik, Samuel Cutler Samuel Bloss, A M. Churches 20 Ministers 20 Total Samuel Waters, Moderator. Zenas L. Leonard, Clerk. LEYDEN ASSOCIATION. 1793. Held at Gui'ford, Vt. Oct. 9, 1811. Sermon by Thomas Pur in ton. l-eyr?en 1780 Asa Hebard Levrrttt and Montague 17*5 Elijah Montague lit Guilford, Vt. 1780 Jeremy Packer, Matthew Bennet 2d Co!:aine Richmon.i 1770 Solomon Wake field Soirtf rset, Vt. Bummcfiton, Vt. '73 Jonathan Huntley Table of Associations and Churches. SOS Churcha. Ceniti- Minister*. <*"* tuted. muni. Putney, Vt. 1786 Jonathan Wilson c*l*tt. 7 6 Halifax, Vt. 1784 156 Marl borough and > New Fane, Vt. J Mansfield Bruce, Benjamin Co!* 96 3d Guilford, Vt. 791 Benjamin Bucklin 40 isi Coiraine 1780 137 Churlemont 1790 John Rathburn, Nathaniel Rice 9 Royaloton and ? Winchendon \ Wendell I78j Samuel King 69 Guilford United ? Church, Vt. S 1782 Lewis Allen 74 Dana David Bates 50 Rayalston & Warwick Levi Hodge 119 Brookline Isaac Welman HQ Fitzwilliam, N.H. 1790 Nathaniel Bowles -/ 4 Swanzpy & Win- ) cbeter, N.H. J 1792 82 Heath Stephen Barker *1 Ncw-Salem J772 Paul Davis f 91 Wilmington, Vt. Eli Ball 43 Hinsdaie and Chester- ? field, N.H. S Joseph Elliot AV 72 Whiiingham, Vt. 64 Wardsborough, Vt. 1792 Stephen Choate -i Churches 27 Ministers 23 Total 2119 E'ijah Montegue, Moderator. ~ Paul Davis, Clerk. WESTFIELD ASSOCIATION. Held at West-Springfield, Sept. i, 1813. Sermon by Elder Bradley. Chesterfield 1780 Asa Todd 177 1st West-Springfield 79 Jesse Whitman & ad West-Springfield Thomas Rand, A.M. 6 Hinsdale Abraham Jackson 144 Bucket Amos Kingsley 37 Westfield I78 4 128 Chester John Granr, Silas Kingsley 41 Churches 7 Ministers 7 Total 65* Jesse Whitman, Moderator. John Grant, Clerk. 1st Boston, Mass. \Vanen i^t MivJJleboro', Miss. ad MidHleboro', Mais. 3d Midiiiclxno', Mass. Wreoiham, Mass. Attlebor .u'^h, Mass. Ba/n^tah! -, Mass. M. .jheld, Mass. Harw.ch, Mass. VOL. 2. 1665 16 i 7 i 1769 1769 1771 1776 '7571 Rhode-is/and. WARREN ASSOCIATION. 1767. Held at Kingston, Mass. Sept. 7, 8, 1813. Sermon by Stephen Gano. James M. Winchell, A.B. Lutlier Baker, Barton Samuel Abbot Simeon Coombs Samael N-lson William Williams, A.M. Samuel Hascatl Tames Read Barnabas Bates William Gammell James Baxnaby, A.M. 64 229 112 120 1,6 6 4 109 *35 74 19* 306 Table of Associations And Churches. Churthes. Canal. Ministers. Oar-- Ivttd. muni. cantt. ist Providence 1639 Stephen Gano, A. M. John Pitman, A. M. supplies at Seekonk, Asa Mcsser, D. D. 1. 1.. D. President of Btnvn Univer-iry, Nicholas Branch^ Herbert Marshall, Stu- dent in the University. 43 Bridgewater, Mass. 178.5 Shubael Lovcl, supply 104 Randolph. M^ss. 1780 Joel Brings, A.M. 43 Carver, Mass. 17Q 1 f~* _ ' 1 66 Marihficld, Mass. 1788 Thomas Cotant 64 sd Sutton, Mass. 1782 William Batchelder 2d Tiverton 1781 O-.-l IJ_ t _1_ T3rt^J ar. 96 Marsh pee, Mass. 4* Newport 1756 John B. Gibson 250 Scekonk, (formrrly > Rehoboth. Mass ) 1794 Caleb Mason 53 Grafton, Mass. Amasa Smith, Luther Goddaid 77 Taunton, Mass. 176l 100 Sotm-rsct, Mats. 1803 37 4tb Middleboro', Mass. Ebenrzer Briggs 4* sd Providence l8o 5 7 J_ /**^_ __H t . 1 s**nr\\ ed to New- York, Elijah F. Willey, Stu- dent in the University, supply 119 Pawtacket .805 David Benedict, A. M. Jonathan Smith > George H. Hough 8 Kingston, Mass. 1805 Samuel Glover, A. M. Q6 Hanover Mass. l8o6 John Butler 80 Warwick & Coventry I8o 5 David Curtis, A. M. 186 Holden, Mass. 1807 Thomas Ma r shall 112 3J Tiverton 808 Jason Livermore 4 6 Plymouth, Mass. 1809 29 Northbridge, Mass. Piwtuxet I78o l8o6 Otis Coot> f r Bela Jacobs 1? Br.stol l8l 1 56 Pembroke, Mass. l8l2 Joseph Torrey, jun. 5* Worcester, Mass. l8l2 William Bentiey 61 New-Bedford, Mass. l8l3 '9 Churches 38 Ministers 42 Total 3988 Stephen Gano, Moderator. David Benedict, Clerk. Geo. H. Hough, Assist. Cl^. YEARLY MEETING In the Ancient Order of the Six Principles oj the Doctrine of Christ. Hfb. vi. i, 2. Held at Warwick, Sept. 10, 1813. ^fr.hnston 1 " 1 Elisha Sprague 47 Rehoboth, Mass. Stituare ga Preserved Pearce Richard Knight 196 Cumberland Coventry E'St-Greenwich 173* 1752 1743 Thomas Manchester Thomas Manchester 12 '4 North-Kingston \Varwick 1710 John Gardner Samuel Littlefield 57 Richmond 1774 Joseph James 137 Bufillville 1790 Noah Millard 33 Foster 1766 John Williams, John Wescott 40 Rehoboth, Mass. ? North church $ 1789 20 Gloucester 1778 15 Swanzea, Mass. 1693 Philip Slade Oisego, N. Y. Table of Associations and Churches* Churcha. Amsterdam, N Y. Beuryter, N. Y. Churches 17 Cmni. tulid. Minister i. Ministers 12 Total Thomas Manchester, Moderator. Richard Knight, Clerk. 507 49 -r 1361 Connecticut. STONINGTON ASSOCIATION. 1772. Held at Groton, Oct. 20, 1812. Sermon by- Joseph Cornel. lit North-Stonington '743 Pfleg Randal 181 sd Nor'h-Stonington 1765 S mon Brown, Jeded. Randal, Asher Miner 279 Groton John Garo Wij,h man 232 Say brook 1760 Eliphalet Lester, William Witter 92 Exater. R. I. 17,50 Gershom Palmer 253 Wst-Greenwich, R I. 1780 1 16 is' Colche*ter i"43 William Palmer 75 Richmond, R, I. 177. Plaineas Palmer ad Colchester 1784 72 Hampton 1776 82 Montville 1786 Reuben Palmer 1.57 Chatham & Haddam 1778 Solomon Wheat 1 11 Watcrfoid Zadf ck Darrow, Francis Darrow 156 East-Haddam '700 >irneon Dickenson 44 phiafield 1790 Nathaniel Cole Soutb-Kirgston, R.I. 1-778 Enoch Steadman 53 Stomngton-borough i"75 Elihu Cheesbrough 69 Nrw-London 1767 Samuel West 82 Lebanon 1805 Nchemiah Dodge 80 Mantfitld 1809 Jonathan Goodwin 75 2<: Say brook 1788 Oliver Wilson, John Waterhouse 66 3d Colchester 1810 2 4 Churches 22 Ministers 22 Total 2299 Samuel We&t, Moderator. Nehemiah Dodge, Clerk. GRO TON UNION CONFERENCE. 1785. Held at Groton, Juno 24, 1812. Sermon by William Northup. Lyme 1752 Asa Wilcox 424 Groton 1765 Silas Burrows, Roswell Burrows, Jos. Utley 260 North-Kingston, R. I. 1782 William Northup 265 East-Greenwich.. R. I. Stephen Allen 136 1st Reboboth, Mass. 1753 '55 jst Westerly 170 ad Westerly 1770 Jesse Babcock 262 3d Westerly 1700 97 Preston & Canterbury 1786 Amos Reed 4* ad Rehoboth 1762 Samuel Northup, deceased 73 Norwich 1800 John Sterry 110 zd Lyme 1812 Matthew Bolles 25 Churches 12 Ministers 8 Total 182^ William Northup, Moderator. Roswell Burrows, Clerk. 50S Table of Associations and Churches. CAurcAes. Cmiti- lu.ed. Ministers. DANBURY ASSOCIATION. 1790. Held at Wallingford, Oct. 7, 1812. Sermon by Ruius Babcock. Suffie'd 1775 Asahel Morse Meriden Samuel Miller Sotitbington and ) Farmington J '739 Lirchficld 1789 Stra field 1751 Roxbury 1700 Isaac Fuller Wairen 1786 Wolcott and Bristol 1780 Daniel Wildmah CHebrook 17Q'< 3.ufus Babcock ad Sandisfietd, Mass. I 7 tf 2-i Dover, N. Y. 1704 East Hartford '78;? Eliada Blakesley Canton I^QQ Tared Mills Newtown j^ - '794 ohn Sherman Haitford 179^ Elisha Cuihman 1st Middletown Winchester 795 George Phippen, A. M. Sharon and Cornwall 1793 Hezckiah West Amenia Town, N. Y. / .7U 1787 Calvin Phillio Milton Berlin Enoch Green North-east Town, N.Y. 75 : Isaac AllertoH Wther Stamford, Con. ) Hfenry Hoit 67 ist Fishkill 1780 fonathan SturHivant 36 ist Danbury, Con. 1/85 Nathaniel Bulkly 40 Ed Danbury, Con. 1790 38 North-Salrin fob Foss 56 Patterson & Southeast Enoch Ferris 45 Churches to Ministers 7 Total 761 Enoch Ferris, Moderator. Job Foss, Clerk. 510 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Cmstl- titled. Mrniittrs. RENSSELAERVILLE ASSOCIATION. 1796. Held at Coeymans, Oct. 14, 1812. Sermon by Orlando Mack. RensselaervJIle & Bern 1706 Ephrarm Crocker ist Rensselaerville 1787 [ames Mackay, John Winans sd Rensselaerville 1702 fosiah Baker 1st Coeyraans 1 7 88 William Stewart, Ebenezer Wyekei Broome 1705 Levi Streeter Bern 1798 fjchemrali H. Riplcy Duancshurgh and j> Florida 5 1800 R.euben Mudge Durham 1800 rlermon Hervey Windham ftczekiah Pcttit Charlcstown 1793 Elijah Herrick Worcester, N. Y. Rensselaerville and > Coeymans J 1810 Adam Clark Caiio Joseph Arnold Catskill Jefferson James Mead Blenheim Orlando Mack Churches 16 Ministers 16 Total Elijah Herrick, Moderator. John M. Peck, Clerk. SARATOGA ASSOCIATION. 1805. Held at Kingsbury , June 30, 1813. Sermon by Samuel Rodgers. Broadalbin Ba'lstown-Spa Elias Lee Bottskill 1782 Edward Barber ist Fort Ann ad Fort Ann Florida Sylvapas Hawley ist Gal way 1789 ad Galway 79o Samuel Rodgers ist Greenfield !79 2d Greenfield John Lewis 3d Greenfield Hartford 1788 Amasa Browa Hartford & Kingsbury Calvin H. Swain Had ley Kingsbury 1789 Ebcnerer HerringtQH Luzernc Milton 1793 Moreau Northampton and ? Edinburgh > Aaron Simmons Providence 1790 Jonathan Finch Pawlet, Vt. 1790 Isaac Bcals l st Saratoga 179 Azariah Hanks &d Saratoga 1793 E. P. Langworthy Churches 23 Ministers !g Total Isaac Beals, Moderator. Eli Smith, Clerk. LAKE GEORGE ASSOCIATION'. 1809. Held at Bolton, Sept, 5. 1812. Sermon by James Whitehead, Caldwell & Thurman Darnel M'Bride Table of Associations and Churches. Sll Churches. C>ii/i. Ministers. tultd. Chester Jehiel Fox ist Scaroon ti Scaroon James Whitekead Johnsburgh Kiuyontown Churches 6 Ministers g Total ESSEX ASSOCIATION. 1802. Held at North-west Bay, Oct. ai, 18 19. Ser- mon by Danial Hascall. E'izabwbfown 1796 Daniel Hascall N -irth-west Bay 1807 Parker Reynolds Jay 79 Peru 1794 Plmsburgh 1796 Essex 1807 Churches 6 Ministers 2 Total Isaac Sawyer, Moderator. Parker Reynolds, Clerk. ST. LAWRENCE ASSOCIATION. 1812. Held at Stockholm, Jan. 10, 1812. Sermon by Jonathan Paine. Madrid 1808 Hopkinton 1808 Goui'erncur 18.1 Jonathan Paine Stockholm 1811 Churches 4 Minister t Total Elisha Starkweather, Moderator. Daniel Hascall, Clerk. BLACK RIVER Assoc IATION. 1808. Held at Ellisbfcrgh, Oct. 2, iBn. Sermon by Elisha Morgan. Denmark 1808 Peleg Card 1st Rutland Solomon Johnson Champion 1805 Brownville 1805 AJams 1805 Amos Lampsoa Hi-nd' nan 1806 E nery Osgood 2d Rutland 1808 Martin E Cooke \Vatertown 1809 Amos Gill, Elisha Morgin Ellisburgh 1807 Churches 9 Ministers 6 Total Emery Osgood, Moderator. Martin E. Cooke, Clerk. OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 179.5. Held at Brookfield, Sept. 4, 1811. Sermon by Abel Palmer. tst Burlington '794 ed Burlington 3d Burlington 1794 '794 Squire Abbot Stephen. Taylor Edmiston N. Burlington 1797 tsr Butternuts J 793 nd Butternuts Bengal 1808 Nehemiah Lamb BrookfieM '799 Simeon Brown 512 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Coiu/i. Ministers. 1st Exeter 'n 94 Abel Palmer 2d Exeter 1805 F'oyd 1808 Deerfield 1801 German Flatts ,801 1st Hsrkimer t8o2 zA Herkimer |>; o5 Litchfi-ld 1797 New Berlin '794 Simeon Camp 2d Norwich 1799 Jit Newport '793 Ebenezer Vining Otsego >79t sd Newport iSoo Lnurens '795 Springfield North Paris 1789 '797 Calvin Hulbert Schuylcr 1797 Salisbury 1801 Caleb Todd Steuben 1802 Sangcrfield 1798 Stratford 1809 Whirestown 1796 Caleb Douglas Warren '799 Western 1800 Richfield '797 Churches 34 Ministers 10. Total Ebenez.-r Vining, Moderator. Nehemiah Lamb, Clerk. FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION. 1811. Held at New-Lisbon, June 17, 1812. Sermon by Warner Lake. Hartwtck 795 John Bostwick New- Lisbon Roxbury William Warren Franklin '793 Daniel Robertson Oxford 1 "97| Middlcficld 18051 Benjamin Sawen Harpersfield Warner Lake D Ihi Maryland 4th Butternuts Colchester 1807 Samuel Wakefield Richard Wolsey Milford 1807 Edmund Richmond Meredith Masonville Orange Spencer Chenango and Windsor Coventry Lev! Holcomb Churches 16 Ministers lo Total Warner Lake, Moderator. James M'Collum, Clerk. MADISON ASSOCIATION. 1808. Held at Homer, Sept. 8, 1813. Sermon by Daniel Hascall. Brookfield Nathaniel Marsh Carcnovia 1801 John Peck, James Wheeler, JacobCrapuy Columbus 8 6 Cmcjunayas ifil Timothy Shepherd Table of Association* ami Churches. CkurchiS. Cmiti- Ministers. tUUli. De Ruytcr '"99 Hudson Bfnedict Eaton 1806 Joseph Coley, Benjamin Pierte 1'abius 1803 lohii Upfoid, Peter P. Roots, A.M. German 1806 John Lwton Homer l8o2 Ailird Bfimct Hamilton 1796 Dariel il.israll Lysle Asahei Holcomb Lenox l8ll Madison '797 John R. Seaver Manlius Ger.s!iom Breed, Allen Breed ist NJson 1806 fid Nelson 1810 Norwich 1797 Jona. Ferris, Elisha Ransom, Philander KtUey Pompey and Manlius 1798, Nathan Baker Porupey 1806 Pompy and Fabius 1812 Trederirk Freeman Peterborough 1810 tloswell BcckvviUi Pharsalia 1810 Preston 1812 Sherburne 1802 Rcubtn Tinniy Smithfield iJJci Xathanicl L. More Solon 1808 Nathan Peck 1st Truxton 1807 2d Truxton Rufus Ficfmaa Virc'il Q to^...,! . * V I'gll VV'estmftreland 1804 South Pans Hczckiah Eastman Churches 31 Miuistcrs go Total John Peck, Moderator. Lbcnezer Wakelcy, Clerk. CAYUGA Assoc IATION. 1801. Held at Palmyra, Sept. 30, 1812. Sermon by Minor Thomas. Aureliuj '79.5 David Irish Alfred 1809 Avon 1800 William Furman Bristol 1805 Solomon Goodaie Bcnton 1805 Brutus 1799 Israel Craw 2d Benton i81o Boyle 1809 Daniel Brown fid Boyle Canandaigua 1802 Thomas Tuttle Caledonia 1810 Caio 1810 Daniel Palmer Dry den 1805 Faimington i"'Q7 Anson Sha ist Gornam 1806 2d Gorbam 1809 Nehemiah Lamb ad Genoa 1804 Junius 1807 Samuel Messenger Lima 1800 Thomas Goiton Locke 1806 Benjamin Whipple Lyons l8c8 D:i:iiel Irons Menta 180,5 John Jf.tterifs Marcellus 1806 Elias Harmati Middlesex 1801 JohuGoff 1st Ovid 1804 2d Ovid 1803 Minor Thomas Onondaga 1804 VOL. 2. JTable of Associations and Churches. Churches. Cn/M- Ministers. Ow-asco 1796 Elkanah Cumstcck Palmyra iSco Jeremiah Irons P n fie id 1804 Joseph Case Phclps 1799 Jchiel Wisner, William Roe Reading 1807 Sempronius Scipio, united 1807 Robert Nile* David Rathbun 1st Scipio 1795 Asa Tuincr \Vayne 1804 Ephraim Sanford tst WilHamsoa i8c.i ed Williamson 1808 Mendon Churches 49 Ministers z^> Total Mmor Thomas, Moderator. Solomon Goodale, Cfervt. HOLLAND PURCHASE CONFERENCE. 1811. Held at Shelden, Oct. i 1, 1812. :st Attica 1808 She 1 den 1 80^' Hamburg 1811 WiUtnk 18.0 Pomfirt 1808 Joy Handy a-1 Warsaw 1810 Chaut^uque 808 an Elizabeth 18.0 ividmg Ctt:k 1761 Wcst-d/ck 179 a T. Bror>ks Tuckahoe i~7' Wiliiam Wcrlty N fm^ham 18 :z 1766 John Cooprr Churches at [ Ministers ifc Total , Pennsylvania. PHILADELPHIA Assoc IATION. 1707. Held at Pai'ade'pm'a, Oct. 5. 1813. Ser- mon by Joseph Mat hias. Lower Dublin 1^89 Samuel Jonrs, D.D. Alexander Dennison David Batetnan, John Becker Midd'crown 1688 Benjamin B?nnet Great Val ey '7' l Dav,d Jones, A..\J. Bi mdywine 75 Charles Moore Montgomery 1U Philadelphia 7V9 Silas Hough 1698 H*nry Holcombe. D.D. Wm . Roger,D. D. Daniel Iamc* R'njamin Ctlct South impton 1746 Themas B. Montanye Nt-w Britain '7541 Vincent 1771 j H Utown 178* 'Thomas Msthias M;ucus Hook 1789 R .xbury 1789 Thomas Fleeson Ni'-mokm J. Wootvmon Dover 2J Philadelphia 1803 Wm. White, A.M. J.Heu'son, R.Proudfoot, haiah Strattnn, Geo, PaUerun, J. Clark B'ocklcy Daniel J. Swinney Squ,m Frankford 1807 David Jones Merion Horatio G Jones, A.M. 3d Philadelphia tsi African church 1^00 1809 John P. Peckwcith, J(,/,n Coxf John Kinjj Hephzibah Lower Providence Sansom Street, Phila- ) tclphia $ 1811 William Stouahtoo, D.D. Thomas Billings, James Patteison, James Tvmlins Churches z j Ministers ,32 Total Si'as Hough, b'pderalor. H. G Jones, Uak.. CHEMCXG ASSOCIATION. 1796. Held at Ehnya, Oct. 7, 1812. Sermon t> Thomas Sanley. Chemung, X. Y.* 1-91 Roswell Goff Tawauia 1799 i * It wis supposed this town vas in Pennsylvania, cr else the AssocaUDH VE! have been put under the bead of New-Yerk. Table of Associations and Cburclxs. Churches. Ccmrl. Ministers. luted. Owego, N.Y. 1796 J5,uh, N. Y. 179^ Amos Eglestone, Themas Strceter Klmyra, N.Y. 1807 Owego Cieek, N. Y. 1807 Jasper Taylor White Deer l8o8 I'homas Siniiey Burlington 1809 E!isha Rich Spencer, N.Y. iKio Pliinchas Spau'ding Alba iS'o Simeon Powers Hector, N T . Y. -,8io James Reynolds Smiihfield 1810 Chuichcs 12 M:n!Ster<: 9 Total R os well Goff, Moderator. Thomas Smiley, C/trk. A.BINGTON ASSOCIATION. 1807. Held at Palmyra, August 28, 1811. Palmyra "\\'i:!i.'m Partly Mount Pleasant 1?0" El'jah Peck ' Abington John Miller, Samuel Sturcavant Churches 3 Ministers 4 Total RED STONE ASSOCIATION'. 1776. Held at Indian Creek, Sept- i, 1809. Ser. mon by Maihius Luce. Uniontown 1770 White'y Creek Benjamin Stone Geo-ge's Creek Tn-.key Foot i "90 1775 Nathaniel Skinner Forks of Chea f , Va. 1777 Peter's Crtek >773 David Phillips L. Redstone Indian Creek 1783 John Patterson, William Slcm HeadofWhiteTy Amos Mix Monor.gahela Mouth ) of Maple C'-eck \ '79i Henry Spears Forks oi Yon^h 1789 Big Redstone James Frey Connellsville James E>(ep Ten Mile 1773 Mathias Luce Horse-shoe bottom Charles B. Smi'h MonongahHa Glades Sandy Creek 1785 Plumb Run Merrit's Town William BrownHeid Kind's Creek 1792 George's Hil's Daniel Lovet Dunkard Creek Big Beaver Beulah Cross Creek, Vn. 1797 1802 D. Kimpton,* T. Davis, W. WilljarKS, J-Jones John Pricharrl Head of Short Cretk Enoch Martin Pigeon Creek 1775 , fchort Creek, Va. 1802 Enoch Martin Bate*' Fork of Ten-mile- French deck Glnde Run 1'crks of Will's ? Cr?ek, Ohio $ Flat Run, Ohio Churches 33 M'nlstefs ?o* Totil * Remixed to lite Slatt rJCtic- Table of Associations and Churcbex. Delaware. 517 Churches. Con it!, tutd. Ministers- Can- DELAWARE ASSOCIATION'. ""''" Held at Welsh-Tract, June 6, 1812. Sermon l;f Daniel Dodge. Welsh Tnct 1701 Gideon P'errel '93 Cow Marsh l~8l 3 l Brynzion 1784 J am s Jones 3.5 Wilmington l^S^ Daniel D'xJgq 12,5 London Tract 1780 Jethro Johnson 67 Misi;illJon 1783 Churches 6 Ministers \ Total "48* Gideon FerreJl, Mcdcrajjr. . Joseph Miles, Clerk, Maryland* BALTIMORE ASSOCIATION. 1792. Held at Sater's meeting-house, July 31, 1812 Sermon by John Welch. Harford '754 !"1 1st Baltimore 1785 Lewis Richairis '47 Fredericktown '773 John Welch 87 Taney Town 1792 16 Tu.skarora Valley, Pa. 1792 49 Old Seneca '773 1 1 Huntingdon, Pa. 3 Hammond's Branch 793 William Wilson 38 Sideling Hill, Pa. 1789 Thomas Runyan 33 Pleasant Valley 1802 Gabriel Naurs? 1st Washington city Conolloway, Pa. i8o2|Obadinh B. Brown 1754 John Cook 56 Gunpowder iSo6 : Benjnmin Green 68 Snters 1806 George Grice 33 Upper Seneca 1805 21 fid Baltimore '797 John Healey 69 Petapsco Edward Choat 2 9 ed Washington city 1810 B 7 Churches 18 Ministers 1 1 Total 57 John Healey, Moderator. John Welch, Clerk. SALISBURY Assoc IATION. 1782. Held at Broad Creek, Oct. 27, 1811. Ser- mon by Daniel Hancock. Salutary 1780 Robert Lcitimon 66 Nassiongo 63 New tow 11 13 Matiponi 25 Indian Town '73 69 Head of the Sound it Little Creek 4* Broad Creejk 1780 Calclwr!! Winso* 46 Bethel Isaac Fuller 3 Fowling Creek 1781 3' Fishing Creek 1791 Stephens WooJfbrd I! Jones's Mi's Stephens Wool ford 2f> Barren Creek Caldwell Winsor 3.t Straits Hundred 7 Churches 14 Ministers 4 Total 469 Stephens Woolford, Moderator, John M.ignifr, jr. Clerk, 518 Table *xd Cburcb& Virginia. Churches. Canal- Ministers. wed. KETOCKTOK ASSOCIATION. 1766. Held at Thamb Run, Famuicr County, Kctockton 17.56 Mill Creek 17,58 Rroad Run 1 7^2 Cha-pawrnisic 766 William Fiistoa Water L.. k .787 S. O. Hendtou B cm Town 17/2 Thumb Run 1-72 Back Lick 17/6 Henry Toler Buck Mars!i 1771 Htdgman'* River 1790 Oecoquan 774 North-River Nfw-Valley 1 "39 John Munroc, Peter Sherry *75 Happy Crak '7"3 Benjamin Davson Frying Pan 1 ~9 Jeremiah Moore Crooked Rua 1786 Goose Creek ,767 Little River '768 Robert Latham. Long Bianch 1785 Hattwood 774 North Fork 1782 William Gilmore Zoar 799 Bbenezer 1804 Alexandria 1803 Leesburg iX3 Patterson Creek 1808 John Arnold Btthel 1808 South River 1770 Nanjamoy 179: Timber Ri^ge "Upper Goose Creek 1809 Jonathan Hutehinsp Big Cacapeon S.JVm j ohn Sowers Rock Hill Grove Bethlehem ChsrcKes 36 Ministers it Total John Munrne, Moderator. Thomas Buck, Clerk. No late Minutes of the remaining Associa- tions in this Stare fcavc been received. The following statements are taken from Scruple's History, which represents the churches as they stood in 1809. The usual information respecting the time of Session, thf preachers of the Association sermons, Moderators and ClerkSj ir.ust neces- sarily be dispensed with. DOVKR ASSOCIATION. 1783. JiVover 1773 G- fothland ij"' i R. Ford Hopeful 1807 R. Ford ChkLt hominy 1776 B Bowles H olivary 1791 B. Reynolds Gity of Richmond 1780 J . Courtney Table of Associations and Churches. 519 CkUTtlut. Cm:*, luted. Mm tilers. 'Boar Swamp Fout Mile T. Lindsev Chaties City B.ack Creek 1776 W. Cloplon 1777 J.Turner Jjmcs City '773 VVilliarr.iburg 1791 Giafton 777 T Gayle H.imptoa 79' R. Hurst Reeds 1773 J.Self Tuckaho '774 J. Sorrei Salem 18021 U. Collflge '77.5 1. College 17Q2 J Mill I' per King and Queen 774 T. N'el Bruniiigton 1790 R B. Scmple Exol '775 I Lewis Lower King and Queen 1772 W. Todd Pocorone 1^07 J. Heaiey Upper Eisex 1772 Pucataway '774 T. Greenwood Glebe Landing 1771? j . Ltwis Hermitage Zor 178; 1808 Gloucester or Pettswonh 17^ A';ingdon iHoi R. Sr*cy Mathews '775 W. Fnchet Hanover 17 8 9 J. D^vis N<>mt-ny 178^) H. Toler Faroham l"'yO Wicomocs 1804 S. Straughn Moiatico l/ 7 8 vS. Straughn Churches 37 Ministers 34 Total GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 1791. Waller's 17% A. Waller Mine's Road 1791 H. Pend.eton. Craig's 1707 E. AbH Paney Branch '7Q H Goodloe III w!en Bennett's 1795 J. Jonkins Whitethorn J79' W. HopgooS Lower Bannister 7<).3 J. Jenkins Stink'Hg River 1800 G. Dickerson Shockoe 1803 D. Now leu J) ub!e Creek 1803 Zton's Hill 1807 J. Vv'arner Stewart's Creek W. Blair Churches 30 Ministers 17. Total PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION 1790 Pungo i "n>2 J. Lawrence Black Water J 7 8^ W. Sorey London Bridge 1784 R. Rittcr Norfolk 1804 Portsmouth 1789 Upucr Bridge Shoulder's Hill 178', '78,5 D. Casey T. Bunting \Ves:ern Branch '779 T. Punting Soath Quay !78.5 T. Bowers Black Creek 1786 W. Browns Mehernn 1788 W. Browne Tuckei's Swamp 1807 H. Jones Sea Cock "787 W. Browne .Racoon Swamp 1772 W. Browne High HilU of Nottoway 1787 W. Chambless SappoQy Mill Swamp '773 77-l W. Browne Otter Dams J 79' B. Bcoihc Kowanty J775, Davenport's / Churches co / Ministers 10 Total Table of Associations and Churches* Churches. Cmtl- IMed. Ministers. ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATIOV. 1701. Albemarle 1767 / j 1 Watti Totier Prithis Creek Hephzibah Whitesid^s Buftaloe Ebenezer i i * 177.5 '784 1783 1773 M. Dawson M. Dawson VI. DJWSOH B Burgher I Young W. Duncan Lile's FnrL- 1798 W. Basket A UI IV 774 G. Anderson Churches 9 Ministers 7 Total Bethel Thompson's Gap Crooked Run 1803 1787 1772 CULPEPPER. ASSOCIATION. 1791. W. Mason W. Fristoe Mount Ponev F. T. *// * 1774 W. Mason Gourd Vine Fiery Run 1791 1771 W. Mason Battle Run 1773 Rappadan Robinson River Blue Run Carter's Run f f W '773 1790 1769 1768 W. Mason R. Jones Goose Creek Mill Creek Smith's Creek Lost River Lunie's Creek '799 1772 '774 1784 1 7 77 J. Koones J. Koones A. Moffet J. Koones Lynvil's Creek * / / T. Koones Churches 18 Ministers 5 Total APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 1804. Lower Falling Ebenezer New Chapel 1792 f. Weaiherford Ed. Johns Ed. Johns Staumon River Culb Creek 1804 177' R. Dobbs B. Todd Ash Camp 1803 Eocks Appomattox Sailor Cret k Mountain Creek Buckingham Providence 1772 '773 1781 1788 1771 '774 ?. Matthews J. Sounders A.Wa.kin A. Miller R. Chastain Wreck Island 1784 \V. Flowers Union Slate River 1786 1805 J. L. Abraham I. Garret Sandy Creek J. Scurry Churches 16 Ministers 13 The number of five churches is not put down. According to Sample, the sum total of the As- sociation m 1809, wa MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 1804. Sandy Creek .78 W. Rirhaids AHc'n'i Creek 1791 ^. Dibhs Blue Stcne 'V. Richards Maloanc's or Geneto '773 W. Creath VOL. 2. 66 522 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Coma- Ministers. lu.ed. Wilson's 1799 W. Creath Meherrin 1771 J. Shelburne Reedy Creek '775 J. Shelburne Cedar Creek 1775 Tussekiah '777 W. Ellis Flat Rock 1805 J. She iburne Cat Banks 1789 P. Wynn Harper's 1 773 P. Wynn Tamcs's W. Creaih keedy Creek 1776 W. Dossey Fountain's Creek 1787 VV. Gainer Zion 1806 W. Creath Churches 16 Ministers 8 Total ACCOMACK ASSOC IATION. l8o8. Pungotcague 179 G. Lavfidd Matompkin 1/85 G. Lay field Chingoteaque 1786 T. Waters Massongo 779 T. Waters, J. Benston Lower Northampton .778 T. Elliott Hungo's '783 j. Elliott Mashapongo 1807 A. Fisher Churches 7 Ministers 5 Total MAYO ASSOCIATION. 1798. No Minutes of this Association have been obtained, either by Mr. Sempleor the author, nor any definite account of its number. From the best information, it is a body of moderate size. We shall estimate its churches at 12, its ministers at 8, and its sum total of mem- bers at STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATION. 1766. Goose Creek VV. Leftwich Little Otter '797 J. Moorman Otter J. Anihony N. F. of Otter G. Ruckcr Staunton River J. Black Beaver Dam 1801 J. Burnet Suck Spring 805 Timber Ridge Difficult 180.5 I. Fuqu?.y A. Week Buffaloe Hock Spring 804 Mill Creek 80 .j Gill's Creek W. Turner Chapel I. Pedigo Bethel 804 J. Ashwo Black Water 804 \V. Turner Pig River 773 J. Pedigo Snow Creek f. Pedigo Snow Creek & Pig River J. Ashwonk Smith's River f. Pedigo Jack's Creek 80 ] S. Hubbard Leatherwood 772 J. King Beaver Creek I.King Burton's Creek 806 J. Anthony Churches 24 Ministers 14 The sum total of this Association, according to Mr. Serfiple, was, in 1809, Table of Associations and Churcfas. 52$ Churches. Coniti- Ministers. tilted. NEW RIVER ASSOCIATION. 1793- Bethel 1774 T. Polack Salem 1784 \V. Howard Greasy Creek N. F. ol Roanoke '-89 1801 R. Jones I. Rentfro West Fork 180 3 J. Jones Pine Creek 1803 P. Howard Sinking Creek 1796 J. Stanley Catawba 1780 Meadow Creek 785 W. Howard Churches 9 Ministers 7 Total GREEN BRIER ASSOCIATION. 1807. Green Biier J78l J. Alderson Big Levels 1796 J. Osbournc Taze's Valley l8o3 J. Lee Mud River 1807 J. Lee Kenhnwa 1796 Cole River 1807 J. Lee Peter's Creek 803 E. Hughes Indian Creek I7Q2 J. Ellison Blue Stone 1804 Churches 9 Ministers 5 The sum total of this Association, according to Mr. Semple, was, in 1809, UN ION ASSOCIATION. 1804. Simpson's Creek 1775 J. H. Goss Buchanan 1786 f, Carney Good Hope l8o6 J. Waldo Olive Branch 1803 P. Wells West Fork J. Hickman Salem l8ol J. H. Goss Union i8oa P. Wells Val lev- 1806 P. Wells, S. Harris Little Bethel J 795 P.Weils Piitchel's Creek 1786 J. Hickman Pawpaw 1805 T. Martin Sandy Creek 1798 J. Smith Gethsemane 1803 Churches 13 Ministers 7 Total By these Minutes, it appears that the number of pastors in the churches they represent is but about 160; but Mr. Semple supposes there arc as many ministers in this State as churches, which would make the sum total 283. A very extensive revival was experienced in some of the Virginia Associations in 18 1 1, and onward. Elder William Brame, in Nov. 1812, wrote to Dr. Baldwin as follows : "Twenty-five hundred have been added to ihe Dover Association, upwards of looo to the Goshen, abcut 400 to the Albemarle, about 600 to the Roanoke, and a considerable number to the Appomattox."* Other ac- counts make mention of large additions to the churches in the lower parts of this State. We may, I think, safely calculate that 5000 * M. B. A/. Mag, vol. iii. p. 276. Table of Associations and Churches, Churches. Cmill- tuted. Ministers. members have been added to the Virginia churches since 1809, which would make their sum total stand thus : Associations i6,Churchcs 283, Ministeiss83, Members 35,164. There are besides, in this State, a number of churches belonging to the Mountain, Hols- ton, and Redstone Associations, which will be reckoned under their respective heads. North- Carolina. K.EHUK.E E ASSOCIATION. 1771. Held at Mearn's Chapel, October 5, i8tN Sermon by Richard Dabbs. Conoho 794 Benjamin Joyner Conetoe 1803 Cross Roads 1786 Jonathan Cherry, William Hyman Conoconary Concord James Ambrose FallsTarRivcr 757 Fishing Creek 755 Philemon Bennett Flat Swamp 776 Luke Ward Great Swamp 795 James Ewcll Kehukee 755 Lawiencc, M. H. Joshua Lawrence, Ecn.net Barrow Maiteinuskeet 783 John Bowen Morattock 79 Amariah Biggs Maple Spring 793 William Lancaster, Henry Hunt Mcarns' Chapel Moore's M. H. Old Conoho Pungo Poplar Spring 793 Quankey 1799 Macallister Vinsor Rocky Swamp '774 Jesse Read Ready Creek 755 Moses Bennett Sandy Creek '774 Scuppernong 1785 Skewarkey 1787 Joseph Biggs Smithvrick's Creek 1803 Abraham Tic: Sappony Jordan Sherrod Sou in Mattemuskeet Green Carrowan Tiantei's Creek Williams's M. H. Bowler Mar low Churches, 30 Ministers 21 Total Philemon Bennett, Moderator. Joseph Biggs, Clerk. Moses Benntut, Assist. Clerk. NEUSE ASSOCIATION. 1794. Held at Chinquepin Chapel, Oct. 19, 1811. Sermon by William P. Biddle. Blount's Creek Hadnot's Creek 1789 Jabez Weeks Nrw Port 1778 Nortk River Core Creek 1791 Qoose Creek 1704 Newberrj John M'Cabe, William P. Bidd!= Table of Assidatiom and Churches. 525 CnurcAes. Swift Creek Toisnot Town Creek Winstwd Little Contentny Chinquapin White Oak Bear Creek Braver Dam Sandy Bottom Hancock's Red Banks Black Creek Naughunty Pleasant Plains Churches 22 Cenill. uttd. 1784 '7j?6 1780 1791 1790 1758 17*3 Beaver Dam Big Swamp Levingstori Lock wood's Folly Seven Creeks Cape Fear Beat Marsh Muddy Creek Limestone Nahungo Bull-Tail Wilmington Chapel Run ^ Southwest Everitt's M. House * Ash-Pole Saddle-Tree Cohary Seven Miles Miiigo Thunder Swamp Bear Swamp Hornet's M. House Churcljes 23 Aboskey Bertie Ballard's Bridge Bethel Bethiehem Camden Cashie Cowenjock Ministers. 1779 '792 1756 1788 759 '773 1781 757 1771 1780^ David W/itiford Thomas Dupree John Kdtrett Ncedham Whitfield Ministers 8 Total Samuel Simpson, Moderator. William P. Biddlc, Clerk. CAPS FEAR ASSOCIATION. 1805. Held at Nahungo Meeting-House, Oct. 5, 181 1. Sermon by Job Goodman. Job Goodman Benjamin Davis Job Thigpen Jacob Williams Silas Carter Fleet Cooper David Grantham Jeremiah Tue Ministers 9 Total Joseph Thames, Moderator. Samuel Buxton, Clerk. CHOWAN ASSOCIATION. 1806. Held at Wiccacon M. House, Bertie County, May 3, 1811. Sermon by R. Poindexter. Hillary Morris Richard Poindexter Aaron Spivey, William Dossey 526 Table of .Associations and Churches. Church*. Conoritsey Elizabeth Mcherrin Middle Swamp Outlaw's Chapel Powel's Point Pottecasy Ross's Meeting-House Ramoth Gilead Roanoke Island Salem Sawyer's Creek Wiccacon Yoppim Roanoke Churches 23 Neal's Creek Rocky Springs Union Cross Roads Hollcy Spring Cool Spring Pleasant Spring Bethel Union Mill Creek Middle Creek Fellowship Hay wood M. H. Cedar Fork New-Hope Mountain Liberty Hepzibah Little BufTaloe Churches 18 Tanner's M. H. Tabb's Creek Tar River Grassy Creek Lock's M,H. Prichard's M. H. Knoe M. H. Camp Creek Cedar Crrek Nense M. H. aloe Creek Churches 11 tutcj. 798 1794 1787 789 1775 179 2 '775 7 8 9 1762 Ministers. Thomas Weymouth John Wall Motes Gil lam James Wright James Ross John Nowel Ministers 9 Total Aaron Spivey, Moderator. Richard Poindcxter, Clerk. RALEIGH ASSOCIATION. 1806. Held at Union M. House, Wake County Nov. 9, 1811. Sermon by J. Laurence. Nathan Gulley J. Gulley Zadock Bell Robert T. Daniel John Pemifoy, Bartholomew Fuller L. Caudle Ezekiel Trice H. Harmon W. Wall Ministers lo Total Bartholomew Fuller, Moderator. Simon Stephensbn, Llerlt, FLAT RIVER Assoc IATI ON. 1794. Held at Enoe M. House, Orange County, Oct. 4, 1811. Sermon by T. Gardner. Thomas Gardner Thomas Vass Roland Cooke James Ferrel James Weathers Balaam Erell Ministers 6 Total Thomas Gardner, Moderator. George Brasfield, Clerk. of Associations and Chun fas. 527 Chujches. Caniti- Ministers* lutid. COUNTRYLINEASSOCIATION. l8o6. Held at Lower S. Hico M. House, May 30, 1812. Sermon by William Moore. Upper South Ilico 1792 Country Line 1783 Barzillai Graves, Richard Martin Lyrch's Creek Lick Fork 1792 John- Sanders, James Jones George Roberts, David Lawson Flat River '777 Lower South Hico 793 William Brown Deep Creek Stony Creek 1787 Unity William Moore Wolf Island 1777 B;idge M. H. Churches 11 Ministers 8 Total George Roberts, Moderator. Nathan Williams, Clerk. SANDY CREEK ASSOCIATION. 1756. Held at Abbot's Creek M. House, Brown County, Oct. 1809. Abbot's Creek 1777 George Pope Lick Creek Bear Creek 79i M'Leudon's Creek New Hope Mountain Hezekiah Harmam . Old Fork Tewe Buckner Richland Creek John Gilbert 15uff;iloe Timber Ridge 1788 Fall Creek tsaac Teague Sandy Creek 757 Rocky River Rocky River (Anson) 776 John Culpepprr Bethlehem O,ven Slaugh-er Fork of Little River Mouth cfUhary 780 Pee. Dee 785 Daniel Gould Croigs'i Creek William Br.i-.it !y Churches 18 Ministers 9 The churches in this Association make no re;urns of their numbers. Those, which are >ut down, I ascertained while among them in he Spring of 1810. Of seven churches no coircct accounts could be obtained. They will probably average 65 each, making Total George Pope, Mcderator. William Brantly, CUr.i. YA D K. I N As S O C I AT I O N' . 1 790. Fiat Rock ' William Cook, William B;ittin Deep Cicek 777 oseph Murphy Island Fo'd Richard Cunningham Providence 'obn Meglatnie Brier Creek 781 Vv'illiam Mastin Cub Creek Roaring River 779 Ouo! Spring Vadrew Car.adsy . 528 Table of Associations and Churches. Churchet. utcd. Ministers. Cttn, muni' ami. Eaton's M. H. Bear Creek 1791 Brumley Cooker Fork 1793 Benjamin Buckner, John Pots Jersey Settlement 17.58 Grassy Nob 1789 John Angell New-Hope Little River 1787 William Dodson Salem Churches 16 Ministers 12 This was the state of this Association in 1810. It does not print its Minutes, nor do the churches give any account of their num- ber. They will probably average 50 mem- ^__ bers each, making a total of boo MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION. 1799. Nine of its constituent churches were dismiss- ed trom the Yadkin. They do not print their Minutes, and for some reason have de- clined giving any account of their affairs. We shall estimate them at 12 Churches, 8 __ Ministers, and Members 600 FRENCH BROAD Assoc i AT ION. 1807, if Held at French Broad Meeting-House, Bun- combe County, Aug. 22, 1812. Sermon by Thomas Snelson. Little Ivy Locust Old Fields Moses Freeman 44 73 New-Found Thomas Snelson 89 Caney River French Broad 1791 Stephen Mo'gan Benjamin King, Sion Blyth. Jere. Taylor 23 4 l Cane Creek Humphrey Posey 40 Mud Creek Joseph Byeis 3 l Bethel Permenter Morgan 42 Flat Creek 4 Mountain Page William Kimsey 22 Churches lo Ministers to Total 455 Stephen Morgan, Moderator. James Whitakcr, Clerk. Charleston Welsh Neck Ebenezer High Hills of Santee Chcraw Hill Beauty Spot U. F. Lynch'* Creek Mount Pis.>h L F. Lynch's Creek Rockey River, N. C. Deep Creek 6% 1-82 :782 '774 ,7*4 .787 17SO South-Carolina. CHARLESTON ASSOCIATION* 1751. Held at the High HiUs of Santee, Oct. 31, 1812 Sermon by Joseph B. Cook. R crwrd Fur-nan, D. D. D.miel White Benjamin M.wrley JohnM Roberts, A. M. Davis Collins John Ellis, James M'Kcllar William Bennct Joseph B. Cook, A. M. George Whitlfy Frame Woods, Joel Gullage, 226 193 45 337 s Table of Associations and Churches. 529 Churches. :n;de Camden 1 8 1 o IV. Brazington Calvary 1810 Bradley Khame Piedmont 1810 }. Knighten Bethel Goose Creek 1810 Washington Belcher, James Benson Matthew M'Cullers Mount Olivet J. Lay ton N^w-Providence Charles Williams Churches 35 Ministers 35 Total Davis Collins, Moderator. Joseph B. Cook, Clerk. EDGEFIELD Assoc IATION. 1808. Held at Callaham's Mill M. House, Sept. >9 1812. Sermon by Willis Whatley. Horn's Creek 1787 J. Landrum, S. Marsh Antioch Stephen Williama Providence Little Stevens' Creek James Head Cambridge Robert Marsh, Daniel Williams, Alex. Travis Big Stevens' Creek WiliisWhatley Cloud's Creek 1791 Thomas Deloach Salem Henry King Siloam Good-Hope Chesley Davis Drv Creek Callaham's Mill '783 Plumb Branch Mountain Creek John's Creek James Dodgen Sard is Joseph Kin* Red Bank 1784 ~ Mill Creek Johp Bolger Buffaloe 1786 Leave Is James Woodward! Willow Swamp Cedar Creek Dean Swamp Rosemary Sister Springs Bethany Liberty Chesnut HiU Gilgal Meunt Moriah Flat Rock Francis Wa!kc- VOL, 2. 67 530 Table of Associations and Churches. Churc'its. Mount Horeb Long Cane Bethany at the Re- publican Rck Spring R< cl-O..k Grove Hollow Creek Churches 37 Fairfoiest Page-t's Cicek Pacolate Upper Duncan Creek Lrwjr ditto Bcihel Sandy River Bush River Enorte Uo.-k Creek Oatawba Sugar Creek Mil! Creek Bnhabara Red Bank Hopewfll Bushy Creek B;-t!i(chera Lit !c River Philadelphia Durbau'-i Creek Lower S^ndy River New H >pe Head Cedar Shoal Holly Spring Union St.-rn's Creek Gi!ead Tinker Creek Unity Seek we 11 Piedmont Faufidd 'Beaver Dam New' Bethel Hebron Churches 36 Canrti- tuteJ. 1765 1786 Ministers. Enoch Braziel Joseph Brown Elisha Palmore Ministers 19 Total Samuel Cartledge, McdtraLr. Robert Marsh, Clerk. BETHEL ASSOCIATION. 1789. at SuK^f Creek Church, York District, Oct. i, 1808. Sermon by Thomas Grcer. Thos. Greer, Thomas Ray, Hosea Hoicombe Henry R. Roland 1776 1760 Charles Crowe 1780 1788 1792 1791 1781 Big Cr.~ek Sh:vii Church Mount Pisgah Ebeaezer John Rookcr Samuel M'Creary David Golightly Daniel Solison Spencer Bobo Hugh More Ellas Mitchcl Joseph Bdbb Minis'^r. 13 Total nas Greer, Moderator. John M'Creary, Clerk. SALUDA ASSOCIATION. 1803. Held at Hop \.c ! , An,;. 12, 1809. Sermon by Jamei neinbree* j;ci Holland Isaiah Stephens Table of Dissociations and Churches 531 Churches. c "" a - \ Ministers. lutid. Keowce 791 Foik-Shoal Joel E. Grace M : .ddic Fork Saluda 773 Shockley Ferry 1 ry Cooper Bennett Seoona 1790 Philip May Bcthuel Woolynoy Cross-Road E'nathan D.ivis Cathies Creek Neal's Creek Sanford Vandivitr Salem James Hembree Hopewe'i Wilson's Creek James Crowther Double Springs v\'i;liani King Hq;zibah Little River Arthur Williams Poplar Spring Turkey Creek .784 Benjamin Nonhcutt Green Pond Churches 23 Ministers 12 Total Elnathan Davis, Moderator. Joel E. Giace, Clerk. BROAD RIVER ASSOCIATION. 1800. He'd Oct. 18, 1811. Scimonby Wm King. P rienclship George Brewton Green's Creek Jonathan Blackwell Boiling Spring Sandy Run, N. C. 1788 D. Dobbins, Jonathan Padj: tt Buffdloe, N. C. 777 Green River, NT. C. 1778 Joel Blackwell Cedar Spring Joroyal Barnctt Mountain Creek, N. C. 17 9 Bill's Creek, N. C. 1782 Jonathan Dahon State Line Z. Blackwell Buck Creek 779 Long Creek Silver Creek, N. C. Head of Tyr 1793 Nathaniel Jackson Head of Euoree 1787 Bethel P. Morgan New-Sale m D. Doyle N. Catawba River.N.C. Providence, N. C. Elbethel Concord," N. C. Smyrna, N. C. A. Cailton, Timothy S/ii S. Catawba River /?. Johnson Ehenezer ]. H-v-fecl Double Spring W. K-ng Goucher Creek J. Richards Churches 26 Ministers 17 Total Jotoyal Barnett, Moderator, W. Lancaster, Clerk. 532 Table of Associations and Churches. Georgia. Churches. c>'i-\ Ministers. \ C K : tuUii. 1 1 munj- <. SAVANNAH RIVER ASSOCIATION. i8ce. Held at Sunbmy, NOV. 21,1812. Sermon by \V r m. B. Johnson. Savannah l8oo William B.Johnson, Thomas F. Williams 98 Newington John Gildwire, Thomas Polhill J^* 22 Savannah, tst coloured, 1788! Andrew Marshall Ditto, ed coloured 1802 Henry Cunningham 505 Grear Ogechee, col- ? cured J 1803 George D. Sweet v *J 453 Black Swamp, S. C. 1786 Hezekiah A. Boyd j._ P: P ? Creek^S. C. Coosawhatchie, S. C. 1755 John Ycumans '52 150 Healing Springs o Columbia 78 Sprr.g Town i. Barn we 11, S. C. Darling Peepla CQ Lower Black Creek 1802 Jy 30 Upper ditto f OJ Powers' M. House Nicholas Thomas Euhaw, S. C. 1746 James Sweat 41A Mount Hope Sunbury 1806 William B. Villard, Gideon Hagood Charles O. Screven, A. M. 2 1 Great Salt Catcher,S.C. 1790 28 Treadaway 46 Cowpen Branch Beaufort, S. C. 1804 William T. Brantly, A. M. J 17 476 Little Suit Catcher, S.C. 1789 i/ ** 32 Lower ditto Union James Wilson IO3 St. Helena, S. C. 1809 John Lugg 1Q1 May River f 169 Arnon Chusches 28 Ministers 21 Total r q^7 Charles O. Screven, Moderator. Oo*"^ William T. Brandy, Otrk. It is believed that more churches are in South-Carolina than are marked for that State; but 1 am not able to distinguish them. GEORC IA Assoc lATioK'. 1784. Held at Fishing Creek, Oct. 9, 1813. Ser- mon hy Jesse Mercer. Kiokee 1772 A. Marshall, D. W~. Man/iaU, J. N. Brown 221 Fishing Creek 1 7$3 James Matthew* 1 J 3 Greenwood 1781 4Q PhiliprtMUl 1785 J. Robertscn T:/ 120 Vhailey's Mill 17^5 Jesse Mercer 193 Powciton 1786, 165 Long Creek Hebron 1786 1786 Adam Jones, Thaddeui Camp " v o3 Ebenezer 1787 David Ellington 12^ Rocky Spring ,787 66 \Vil ..ns' Creek 787 120 Clark's Station 1 788 1 William Davis 56 Sardii 1788 M. Reeves Fort Creek 1790 Q5 Mount Olives 1790 g . Springfield, (Af.) 1791 Robert M'Gec c,M Island Creek 1794 "(-<> Newford Shiloh \Vyib Jaekscm 110 Table of Associations and Churches* 533 Churches. Caniti- luted. Ministers. Richland 1796 Edmund Shackleford County Line 1797 Sharon 1799 Ncwhope 1800 Bethel 1802 Beard's M. H. 1802 Bethel (Hancock) 1803 Benjamin Thompson, David Cook Double Branches 1803 James Landers Rehoboth i8o5 White Plains 1806 Union 1807 Grove 1808 John Blackston Union (Warren) 1809 Henry Harden Red's Creek Horeb Center Churches 35 Ministers 19 Total Abraham Marshall, Moderator. Jesie Mercer, Clerk. HEPHZ IBAH Assoc IATION. 1794. Held at Nevill's Creek Meeting-House, Bul- lock County, Sept. 24, 181 1. Sermou by Charles Culpepper. Sardis (Burke Co.) Darien C. Bateman, James St:-e!v Sweet Water 1788 Winder HiJman, E. Ferryman Poplar Spring (Lau- > ren's Co.) > Rocky Creek 1787 Thomas Tipwn Bethel (Jefferson Co.) Big Sandy Creek Beaid's Cieek Bark Camp 1788 Buck Head 1786 Ohoopie NeviH's Creek 1792 John Stanford Salem Isham Peacock Lott's Creek David Hennisy Fellowship Norvell Robertson Little Brier Creek 1777 Bethany Poplar Spring (Wash- ) ington Co.) ) Bethlehem A. Armstrong, Benjamin Manning Wood's M. H. Providence 1788 Union M. H. Cool Spring Samuel Pouncey Mob ley's Pond Henry Hand Botsford'sM. H. 1773 Jordan's M. H, George Franklin, Jordan Smith. Scull's Creek Beulah Silver Run Buckeye Biuihy Creek 1791 ,789 Charles Culpepper BenjaminS. Scrcten, David Owen Mount Horeb Little Ogechee 1790 Pendleton'i Creek Churches 34 Ministers 18 Total George Franklin, Moderator. Noivell Robertson, Clerk. Table of Associations and Churches. Churckc*. fumi. Ministers. SAR EPTA Assoc i A.TIOX. 1798. Htld at Fork of Broad River, Madison Coun- ty, Oct. 24, 1812. Sermon by Dozier Thornton. Mori all 1800 Liberty 1804 Conoross 1798 John Cobb Fork Broad River Leather wood Beaver D,^,m (Ogle-? thorpe Co.) ) ,800 Isham Goss Grove Level 1802 Reuben Thornton Van's Creek 1784 Doziei Thornton, J. Chipman, J. Thornton Mar's Hill 1799 Black's Crc-ek 803 fames Rilev Skull Shoal (Madison) '^03 [Timothy Carrington Cabin Cretk 1/97 Thomas Johnson Hope we 1 1808 Academy 1804 Chandler's 1802 Bart emus Renolds Bethel (Jackson Co.) 1805 ;Met-.ty White Falling Creek (Elbert) Line M. H. 1802 Littleton Meeks Eastanallec 1810 Nacy Mecks Beaver Dam (Elbert) 1800 Double Branches 1801 John Sandidge Cedar Creek 1803 John Cason Dovt's C-ei k 785 Walnut Foik 1801 Michatl Emnct Salem 1785 Miller Bledsoe Skull Shoal (Greene) 1801 Bethany 1788 Noah Lacy Holly Spring 1796 Thomas Maxwell Big Creek 1801 Avalon 1803 Jacob Bankston Chogia 1783 .h>hn Cleaveland Nail's Creek '797 Sttphcn Poe Tiail Creek i/gh Isaiah Hails Mill Stone 1788 Lower Nail's Creek 1806 Bethlehem 1802 Beach Creek 1801 Isaac Busson Cr-jokcd Cieek 1803 Cloud's Creek 1788 Ocoaee Hunter's Creek 1812 James Rorlgers. Francis Calloway Churches 41 Ministers 26 Total Over t\velve hundred received this year by baptism. Dozier Thornton, Moderator. Lham Goss, Clerk. OCKMULGEK A sOC TAT I ON. j8tO. Held at Shoal CrreU, R^nd^ipli C.- uniy, Sept. 5, 1812. Sermon by Henry Hooton. Antioch Buck Cr ek 1701 Betluaida / J Htnry Smith County Line, Rarxjo'ph Conc^id | JOR! Willis 'M. Lowery, J. Read Table of Associations and Churches. 535 Churches. ** Ministers. Crooked Creek, Putnam Elijah Moseley Elira Henry HootOii, Edmund Talbot Falling Creek, Randolph Fishing Creek 1782 Joseph Baker, William Ellis Freeman's Creek Flat Shoals Ho'.land Spring Isaac Suttle Indian Creek 1788 Lewis C. Davis Litt'e River Divid Montgomery Mount Ncbo Wi!ie Shepherd Mount Moriah Micajah Fulgeham Mount G'U'ad Jain.s Brookv, Frederick Crowder Murder Creek JonarliHii Nichols New-Providence ffcnrv Gra%g Providence Pope's Meeting.House 1788 Green Bailey, Jacob Mercer Philippi Eden Taylor, Elhha Rogers Ramah Rooby Creek Salem John Dingier Sugar Creek Jonathan Anderson, John Walker Sandy Creek Stone Creek Theophilus Pierce Shoal Cieek Tirzah Francis Fiournoy Trail Branch Union Nipper Adams, John Barrett Walnut Creek Reuben M'Elroy, Wi.iiam Jones Churches 33 Ministers 31 Total Joseph Bnker, Moderator. William Williams, Clerk. Tennessee. HOLSTON ASSOCIATION. 1786. Held at Lick Creek, Greens County, August 1809. Sermon by Joshua Keily. Big Creek 1787 Fran.-is VVinstead Biackwater Double Spring Thoaiis M'Caia Long C-eek Glade Hollow Mockason Cherokee 17*3 John Bayl'ss Buffaloe Ridge Bent Creek 1787 17^.5 Jonathj-i .\Iu:kej', Jonathan Buck Caleb Witt M Plu'rten's Bent Sulphur Spring Big Pigeon Joshu i Kelly Meadows George Brown Gap Creek Andrew M Far land Mill Creek Flag Branch St. C^aii's Bouom Jdhr. Tones Fiick Creek Blagrove Hopper Churches 18 Ministers it Total I Jonathan \fulkey, Moderator, Philip Hale, Ci.rk. 1^13 Table of Associations and Churches. Cfiurc/us. luted. Ministers. Co*. muKl. ca:.s, WA s H i x c T o N ASSOCIATION'. Of this Association, I have learn? nothing nore, than that it was formed from the Hoi- ton, probably in i8ti. I shall compute its :hurches at 12, its ministers at 8, and us total lumber of members, at 600 TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION. 1802. Held at the Forks of Little Pigeon, Sevier County, Oct 14, 1809. Sermon by Rob- ert Ffistoe. Gap Creek William Jones 126 County Line 34 Beaver Ridge Thomas Hudeburgh 59 Rob Camp 38 Thompson's Settlement, TO (Lee's County, Va.) O Buckhorn Valley 20 Scquachce Valley % Glade Spring 49 Hindi's Creek 27 Powel's River i? Little Flat Creek so Hickory Creek William Jo/'tnson. 43 E- Fork of Pcplar Creek Big Spring West Walker f 64 Bcyd's Creek William Johnson 25 Tennessee Valley TV 1 ,-VT 10 murpnj Bethel South David Bar toil 3o War Creek 38 Tuckalecb.ee isrum Guin, Henry Haggard 59 Dumplin Creek 5> Coal Creek John Weldon jfi French Broad 1786 Duke Kimbrough S6 Richland Creek Robert Fristoe fi 5 Cumberland River, Ky. 1.53 BufFaloe Creek John Hall, John Condley, Thomas Broun iuB Big Barren .53 Stock Creek 1789 Aaron Smith. 24 Fork of French Broad ) ?nd Holston $ Thomas Hill 25 Forks of Little Pigeon 1789 Richard Wood 179 Davis's Craek V 33 Churches 30 Ministers 18 Total 153^ Richard Wood, Moderator. Francis Hamilton, Clerk. CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION'. 1803. The following Tab!e represents the state ol this AiKioation, Sept, i8ic:. This state- ment v-.s fonv.uded in MS. by a corntni'tec appointed for :!ic purpose. Who preached the ser;r.vn does not appear. Big Harpeth Garner M*Conico 26.-, Barton's C'eek Supplied by Holloway I\'orris 3S Bear Creek Supplied by Dariiel White 33 Big Creek Supplied by Eider Fonquay 60 Reathei foul's Creek John A-kerson , 77 Cartbey's Creek James M'Caleb 109 Table of Associations and Churches. Churcha. C.a-.i'i- Ministtrt* tutrd. Cedar Lick M ire Stevenson Fountain Creek Eb"nezer R-ce Grassy Spring I'homas M.trrin T T Hcrncan Vo'cn'ine Flowers Head of Piney Supplied by Thomas Marril Herrican Cr:-ek Holloway Morris Lt-per's Fork Pmey Andrew Coio:lers Richland John DillapU'ity Richland Creek "797 Supplied by Elder Kirk'and Rock Creek John Rickord Turn bull D.tniel White White's Creek <79t Joshua White Yellow Cr-rk John Turner EastFofkYellow Creek Gray's Bend Sprinkley's Creek Churches 23 M ; nisfcrs 16 Tc;<ti. Ros. Red River 1791 Supg Ford, Ej.Vaiir: P ( .O! Half Pone 17^9 J. Sh- rrs, C::.'f l r 'Vintttrs Blooming Grove Dry Cr.ek, Kentucky. 1805 1805 Jc:iah Ilo-n, J"hn V\'ail, James Yarborougfi Dudley \Vi!!i2ms West Fork Red Riv- ) er, Ky. J tRo| Jesse Brooks Muddy 'River, Ky. 1798 Lewis Moore, Leonard Page, Wm. A:nrr:!I Elk Creek 1805 : nes Hrynes Mount P. L. River, Ky. ,807 Aar.m C.t,r>,p;^n Dry F. E. Creek, Kv. Muddy F.L. River, Ky. .807 1806 Henry D?rnall, J.hnGrastv F. Woif, 7 li-n jr>r a ' afl , Wj'liiam Beadly Goshen, Ky. 180.5 A. Harris, !cs'': F^rd Spring G. W. Fork itfotf Reuben Ross, I. Totwinc Euriy Grove, Ky. i~;.; Daniel Brown Salem, Ky. 180.5 Cub Creek 1809 Dike's Cnrk, Ky. Sinking Creek, Ky. 1803 1808 John Bcnb'ooks, M. Walton, Jacob Mirris C. Wi'.liarns Big C,r.:k 1806 j Sulphur Fork 1810 John Tri&e, Thomas Plaister, Lewis Wells Sp> I).., C. R. River 18.0 Barton Coires. Jfsse Masr.n Ew F. P. River, Ky. 1^04 William Tarom Bethel 1806 \Vr.son Th( mpson, James P. Edwards Tywappety L->:u> Creek, Ky. 1810 Asher Skehon, Htnry Garrard BTrre.i Spring F'at Creek 1803 J. Bnurlanrl, Thomas Hill, Reuben Omen Bethel i8u W. Henderson N.'V Hope Centre Cyprus Provid-nce, Ky. 1812 Saline Creek iBifl Thomas Ross. N. Ross, Asa Birzs Hurricane Creek 1812 J.French VOL. 2. 68 538 Table df Associations and Churches. Churchei. Flat Uck, Ky. Whipporwill New Bethel rti. lute*. Churches 30 East F. Stone's River Smith's Fork Brush Cieek Bethel Betlvl, Branly's F. Hickuian's Creek Salt Lick Creek West Station Camp East Station Camp Dixiou's Creek Salem Hurricane Creek W. F. Stone's River Concord Overall's Creek Head Red River Round Lick Creek Arri'igton's Creek Blcdsoe's Creek Mill Creek Mouth Cancy Fork Spring Creek Testament Pay ton's Creek Churches 24 Bethel Mulberry Bethlehem Boiling Fork Hope we 1 1 Elk River Flint River Union New-Hope Garrison Folk Jones's Fork 1797 Ministers. John Mallory, Absalom Ccpt.'and Ministers 48 Total Over 900 add. i this year. Rfi-Ser Ross, Moderator. William Aingell, Clerk. CONCORD ASSOCIATION. 1810 He'd at Hopewdl, Sumner County, Sept. c6, 1812. Sermon by John Wiseman. TLw.-is Motion, David Gordau Joshua Lester M. Landrone Micajah Hoi 11$, D. Webb James Brigcncc J . Rucks, John Wiseman C. Bethel John M'Cane C. Riddle,. Btnja.mii Jackson, T. Durham, John Borrum George Tihuan, P. Mooney D. Parker James Whitsett Total Th" number added this year was 866. The ministers in this Association not delegat- ed to it this session, are, Jesse Allen, John Dorris, Miles West, Gay M'Fadden, James Saunders, Jno. Beasly, Jno. Warner, Win. Flowers, Daniel Burfoid, am) John Jones. Licensed, John Warren, Picssly Lester, and Jacob Archer; making in all 32. John Wiseman, Modnator. James Wbitsett, Clerk. ELKRIVKR ASSOCIATION. 1808. Held at Union Mceting-House, Bedford Co. Oct. 1812. Sermon by Peter Woods. D.ivid Adams William Jennings, John Davis George Foster, A. Hargin Jeremiah Bowers Reuben Kelly William Kecle Table of Associations and Churches. 539 Churches. West Fork Big Flat Creek Bethel on Flint Meridian Line Mountain Creek Barren Fork VV. F. Mortis'* Creek Limestone Stewart's Creek Bcen'g Creek Liberty M. H. M'Caiier's Creek Tucker's Creek Union, Gilts Co. New Coastitu'ions Salem Sugar Creek Kelly's Creek Zion, Giles Co. Big Hurricane Forks Mulberry Churches 31 Ccnili. tulfti. Ministers. Ezekiel Craft Thomas Clark John Leakey Thomas Obanion Peier Woods, Andrew Woods John Betcw H. Holman Ministers 16 Total The number added this year was 1059. David Adams, Moderator. George Foster, Clerk. Kentucky. El.KHO RN ASSOCIATION. 1785. Held at the Great Crossings, Scott County, Aug. 1811. Sermon by Davis Biggs. Tate's Creek 1785 Clear Creek '785 South Elkhorn 1785 John Shaklcford Great Crossings James Suggett Town Fork 1786 Jacob Creaih Bryan's 1786 Boon's Creek 1786 Forks of Elkhorn 1788 William Hlckman Indian Creek 1792 Isaac Monson, Davis Biggs Mount Moriah M'ConrrePs Run Mouth of Eikhorn Mountain Island Siias North Elkhorn Glenn's Creek Jonathan Edwards Dry Run North Fcrk Ciover Bottom Hil'sborough David's Fork Jeremiah Vardeman Mount Pleasant Mount Gilcad Ambrose Bourne Union Long Lick Beaver Creek Bethlehem N. Fork of Licking Churches 28 Ministers 8 Total Robert Johnson, Moderator. Charles Buck, Clerk. 40 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Tate's Creek Biyan's Eiit Hickman Dry Run Bru.h Fojk Raven Creek Stony Point Flat Lick Elk Lick Mill Creek Rock Bridge Boon's Creek sd Town Fork Mount Carmel Little Huston Forks of Silas Ray's Fork Poplar Gtove Churches 18 Washington May's Lick Bracken Stone Lick Lct-'s Creek Ohio Locust Rich! and Creek Licking Forks Salt Lick Johnston Wi'sun's Run Three Mile Cover Mouth Fleming Licking Locust C,dar H-:il Soldier's R^n Churches 17 BulliUsburg Mouth of Lacking Fork of Licking Four Mile 15? -k Lick Dry Creek Middle Creek Mud Lick J785 1790 '794 '794 1795 1-7G/) iPci 1800 1803 1894 A/Knitters, LICKING ASSOCIATION. 1809. Held at Bryan's, Sept. 1812. Sermon by John Conner. Ambrose Dudley J. Price Joseph Redding Jonathan Barnett Lewis Corbin Richard Thomas John Conner, Bartlett Ecmiet A. Bainbridge James Payne Ministers 9 Total Ambrose Dudley, Moderator. John Price, Clerk. BRACKEN ASSOCIATION. 1798. Held at Wilson's Run, Sept. 3, 1809. Ser- mon by Baldwin Clifton. William Payne Baldwin Clifton John King Charles Anderson JosHa Singleton Jilson Hambrick James Johnston Stephen England John Parsons Ministers 9 Total William Payne, Moderator. William By ram, Clerk. NORTH BEND ASSOCIATION. % 1802, Held at Mud Lick, Boonc County, Sept. 25, 1812. Sermon by Davis Biggs. Absalom Graves, ChichattT Matthew* John Beal AlexnnderMunroe John Stephens George Hume John Watts Wc&n Slat Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Wilmington Point Pleasant Ten Mile Brush Creek Laughery Forks of Gunpowder Bethel New-Port Churches 16 Spencer Creek Lulbulgrud Salt Lick Providence Unity Bald Eagle Johnson'i\Fork Bethel Red River Grier's Craek Howard's Upper Creek Red Lick Hopewell Long Branch State Union Mount Pleasant Sycamore Cane Spring Goshen Grassy Lick Stode's Station Log Lick E. F. F. Creek Cane Creek Ohio River Jessamine Locust Creek Salem Rock Spring Churches 29 Fork iJeep Creek Stony Point Salt River Rush Creek Dr. 's Foik Canright's &ha\vny Run i8c 1 8o< 1809 1811 1812 1812 1792 1790 Mittutcrsm Thomas GrifHng, John Taylor William Bledsoe Chiistopher Wilson Ministers ia Total Thomns Griffing, Moderator. Absalom Graves, Clerk. N T ORTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 1802. Held at Providence, County of Clarke, Oct. 1807. Sermon by Robert R. Hunt, Jilson Payne Robert Elkin 1790 James Quessenberry Moses Bledsoe, Francis Taylor Isaac Cratcher Joseph Craig 1792 1789 Wingate Jackson James Ruckcr, Robert R. Hunt Ministers 12 Total Robert Elkin, Moderator. James French, Clerk. SOUTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 1802. He'd at Stony Point, Mercer Coun- ty, Sept. 1807. Sermon by Jeremiah Var- 7> de: Randolph Hall James Keel Jeremiah Briscoe ?. Whitehead 1700 Jonathan Rice S42 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. M'Cormic's Hang. Fork Ss^viT Creek ?! iur.nt R. Bi.fFalce Creek Gilt .en's Creek Unity Churches 15 Tate's Creek Cedir Creek Mount Nil>o Viney Fork Hickman Flat Lick Sinking Creek Hurricane Creek CU-ar C-eek White Oak Boj>>:'s Fork Fbt Woods Otter Creek Gateway's Crrrk White O -k Pond Brush Creek Mason's Fork Head of Silver Creek Mount Tabor Double Springs Ivg Sinking Goose Cretk Gilead Churches 23 1787 1783 1786 1792 Cedai Creek Cox's Creek Hardin's Cteek Srii!p?nn ? s Creek MiH Crerk I.ick Crr, k Wilson's Cicek Bethel Krck Creek Roliinp: Fcik Cedar Creek Severn's Valley Nolin Beaver Dam Cre k Bacon Cre^k 1790 1/90 17*5 '7-9 1791 1787 1789 1782 Ministers, Jeremiah Vardeman Joel Noel James Rogers Ministers 7 Total Jeremiah Briscoe, Moderator. Randolph Mall, Clerk. TATE'S CREEK Assoc IAT iox. 1793, Held at Bogg'i Fork, Fayette County, Aug. 1806, Sermon by Elijah Barnes. Andrew Tribble Peter Woods Christian Hirris, Joseph Ellison Joseph Hudson Thorns Hill Squire Boon David W l Clain Henry brocks, Robert Frier, Jess? Winburn Daijid Johnson Elijah Barnes James Rentfro, John Clark William Bush Joel Mathcws Edward Turner Ministers 19 Total Peur \VooJs, Moderator. Stephen Tiigg, Clerk. SAI.EM ASSOCIATION. 1785. Held at Cox's Creek, Nelson County, Oct j, 1810. Sumon by Joshua Morris. Joshua Morris MOK* Picrson Daniel Walker Alexander M'Dugal Warren Csili, Martin Uttciback Table of Associations and Churches. Churcku. Ctntli. AKxuters, Cam, tu'.td. n ur.i. cantt. Mill Creek 87 Short Cicek XI Union Enos Ktitk 45 ftruihcn "0 Churches 26 Ministers 8 Total 1108 Walter Stallard, Moderator. i Joseph Lewis, Clerk. LONG RUN Assoc IATION. 1803. Held at Burk's Branch, Shelby County, Sept. 1812. Sermon by George Waller. JVar Grass 178} 68 Brashears's Creek 1785 James M'Ouade loG Chiuoweth's Run 1 79 2 37 Fox Run Buck and Elk 1794 Reuben Smiih, William Stout 141 Beech Creek Moics Sco;t 170 Hanoi's Creek 797 William Kellar, Thos. White, Benja. Allen L-m.T Ilun 1797 j Joseph Collins .Salt (liver Bethel j John Penny 1797 164 Buck Creek 1799 George Waller 107 Six Mile i -99 J. Ruckcr Eighteen Mile 18 o 86 Corn Creek iKco John T.iy'or 77 Rock Lick 1801 Tho aas Wooldridge 3- Burk's Branch 180 j 120 Cane and Bac,k Run 64 Little Mount 1801 6b Sulphur F .,k 1801 71 Sou;h L- Run 1802 'I! :son Hobbs 97 Lick Branch 1802 Ea.t Fioyd's Fork 1802 Allen M'Giyrc 67 Port William 1800 87 Drennon's Creek 1799 Thos. V.iadevftr, Elijah Summers, W. Noblits 86 Twins 1801 fobn Scoit, VVilliain M 12?{ Drennoii's Ridge 1801 1 ) ; i:i SB Bulfaloe Lick 1805 Phillip Wrbber South Bensou 1800 William Hick. nan, jr. Daniel Johnson Flat Rock 1805 67 Indian Fork 1806 Abraham Cook, Abraham Bohaunon 64 White's Run 1810 27 Plumb Creek 22 Little Flock Floyd's Fork 1810 180 1 Tonatnan Stark, David St.irk 15 3 Beach Ridgj 1811 1 ho;njs Ma;uu Gosiieu 1812 3 Dover tSifl i'i Churches 37 Ministers 28 Total John Penny, M.d^r^iji'. John Scoit, Clerk. GRSEN RIVER A ssoc i AT : o.v. :8co. HelJ 2t Dripping Spring, Barren C.). July 18 12. Sermon by Jacob Lock. Mount Tabor Jacob Lock, JohnCon'.ee i6a Sinking Creek 1798 I2 5 Mount Pleasant 1804 60 Green River 1803 yc Bag's Fork Samuel Grc-thotise Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. i, it. Ministers. Ctm. nwrti* cantj. Glover's C r eck oO? lalph Petty 58 B.'avcr Duin 803 46 Dripping Spring 798 ] ^.. Stockton 8l Bethlehem Concord Puncheon Camp 8oO 804 i8ci acbarias Edmcrson \ug;;stin Clayton 1 65 33 Long Creek 1807 Skagg : s Creek Union 1806 179 6 Joshua W'dborn |oun Hightower 40 63 Sulphur Spring ,798 4,5 Trammel's Fork 1007 Lee All-n bo Middle Fork 1808 'L. Morris ic8 Mount Pisgah 1809 86 Providence Edvfard Turner 62 Lick Fork Jonathan Tianrr 5-\ Blue Spring 799 William Ratiirf 79 Dover ' :o Walter Warder 7.5 Centre Creek Lewis Former B7 Hazel Creek 1797 i';nj;-.min Talbott 163 Nelson's Creek 1805 40 Sandy Creck .805 Lick Creek 1809 8< Smith's Grove 1812 37 Beaver Dam , 2:8 Ivy 812 48 Mount Zion 812 3 Boiling Spring 810 [ohn Taylor 18 Churches 33 Ministers 18 Total 2499 Jacob Lock, Moderator. Walter Warder, Clerk. RUSSEL'S CREEK Assoc i AT ION. 1804. Held at Bru-;h Creek, Green C'runty, Sept. 1811. Sermon by Isaac Hodgen. Meadow Creek Jo'nn Chaudoin .5.5 Brush Cvef.k William Matthews 34 Mount Gilead Isa.K Hodgen 202 Good Hope John Chandler 20 Trammel's Creek Thomas Skaggs e8 Sion H. G. Waggoner 33 6 Lin Camp Joseph Cogdil!, Jacob Gum H Liberty David E!kin, James Skaggs 43 Pitman's Creek 1701 oj Q:tC) CrC'-k 12 H .-.\Y- >;. l! 9 ST..! Lick Jrl Gcrdtn, jenncs Larrimor: S. Fork Nolin '-jj.nd Dodge 10 Clm.clies 13 Ministers 13 Total Tog Isaac Hcdgfn, Moderator. John Chandler, Clerk. STOCKTON'S VALLEY ASSOCIATION 1804. Held at Salem, Cumberland Ccun ty, Sept. 181 1 . Sermon by William Ray Clear Fork J. Denton 85 R ->a-ir. River 20 B"* Sprn" 23 "W-st Fork 4,T Casey's Fv>rk 11 Table of Ass Gelations and Churches. 54.5 Cfarokr. Ctr.tlt. Ministers. Cw> luted. mur.U cartti Collins's River rt Hickory Creek Big Fork William R.iy- 3o Rinox's Creek Lewis Ellison 81 Sinking Spring '9 H-aH of Collins's River 10 Mill Crc-ek 37 Cumberland John B. Langan, Thomas Ray 46 Blackburn's Fork 18 Churches 14 Ministers ,5 Total I'sa.ic Den ton, Moderate*. 491 William Wood, Citrk. EMANC IPATI NC Soc IETY. 180,5. The Minutes of this Society have not been received for four yews past. We sh:ii; ptite thejn n; 12 Churches, 12 Miaisfis, an>J total number of members 300 Tfle sum total of the Baptists iu Kentucky, ?.ccord ; ng to the Mini: ferred to, stands thus : Associations 13, Churches 263, Ministers i.j8, and members It will be observed, that some Associations arc represented as they srn.-d a number of yean ago. The author could not conveniently visit ;jjl the Ai- sociations in this extens-ve State, when he passed through it in the winter of 1809 and 10. He obtained the latest Minutes he could, wrote many letters for others, which, for seme reason, have not come to hand, Messrs. Samuel J . Milk and John T. Schermerhorn, two young ministers of the Pedobaptist persuasion, in the -summer of 1812. " commenced a tour through the western and south-western parts of. the United States, to learn the situation of the people with regard to religion, and to perform missiona- ry- labour as they had opportunity." In a htter from Mr. Mills, to the Trus- tees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut, we find among oiber sta:e- mcntsone respecting the Baptists in Kentucky ; by v.hich it appears, that in the late revivals in this State, there have been great additions to the Associa- tions whose late. Minutes we have not received. This statement v;.i nur!? in December, 1812, doubtless from Minutes of the Asiociatioiss tor tb?t year ; and presuming these gemirmcn would rot exa^g^rate the account of the Bx-.ptists, we shall give the present sum total of the denomination in Ken- tucky, as they gave it, viz. Churches 263, Ministers* 142, communicants '7,5 it 2lGfx>t * Ordained ministers only are probably counted here. t This statement appears to have been made with candour and correcmcst. It is found in No. 67, page 270 of th* Connecticut Evangelical MjgB/ine. In the C8;h No. of the same work, a commentator on this statement, as i : oHcnded at the sight ot so large a body cf baptized believers in the western regions, endeavours to whittle them down in the following manner : "The Baptists prevail principal,}- in Kentucky. Of these it is said there are 142 preachers, 263 churches, ami 21,660 communicants. The greater part of these preachers sustain that character but par- t'.jvjly, preaching or exhorting us circiuastanccsor a disposition may aiford opp>r;u- mty, pursuing the work of the ministry, not as the business, but incrrly as ;! sional duty of life. A considerable part of them do not preach stater!'. y on the Sub* b-uh, and '.he greater part do not susta:n the ministerial character on any oth'-; : the week. In saying this, I mean no imimption concerning their mo; Vi or Ciins: ; m character, hut merely to show in what ser.K th y are : be ron.sidciqt! as t c! Cj <>t religion. Their churches hn.vc 21.660 comm'.micarts. It is wejl known to be the pr.actice of that denomination, particular') in tli'- western cour.try, to receive to their communion the gieau-r part of those, who arc considered as belonging to their con- gregation, including many youths and children. In this Dumber \vc runrrt reason- ably include mere than . r ven or eight thousand ^r.iiiie'-. Pr< ' i -,,coo people." Thar is, the whojt population ofth^. Bi^ti^in Kentucky. congregations, is but about double the number of their comrnur.ii.aju;>. fi '&* VOL, 2. cy 546 Table of Associations and Churches. Churches. Duck Creek, fotmef- ly Columbia Little Miami Carpenter's Run Clear Creek Fairfceld Elk Creek Clover Fork Nine Mile Pleasant Run Clough Crepk Lebanon Hopcwell Staunton Salem Muddy Creek Middle Run Berhr.l Mill Creek Bethlehem Todd'sFork Union, on Indian Creek Churches 21 1790 Ohio. 1800 Mimstfrs. 1801 MIAMI ASSOCIATION. 1797. ield at Duck Creek, Hamilton County, Sept. li, 1813. Sermon by Daniel Clark. William Jones VIoses Frazee rus Crane James Lee, Stephen Card James Abrams William Robb John Corbly Daniel Clark Hezekiah Stites Peter Poyner Abraham Griffiths Ministers 1 1 Total John Mason, Moderator. William Jones, Clerk. STRAIGHT CREEK ASSOCIATION Was probably formed in 1812. No informa tion from it has been received, only that i has opened a correspondence with the Miami It is probably to the north of that body in thi State. We shall compute its number o churches at 12, its ministers at 8, and its tota number of members at SCIOTO ASSOCIATION. 1805. Held yt Pleasant Run, Fairfield County, Sep 1809. Sermon by Samuel Comer. Abraham Pugsley Samuel Comer, Lewis Sites, Martin Cofman John W. Loof borough William Brunda^e Ames Pleasant Run OldChilicothe Salt deck Liberty longs to the Kentucky breihren to vindicate themselves from this slanderous charge ; but the author cannat 'forbear observing, that, from his persona! knowledge, it is in the main, egregiwusly false. The ministers, who are said to sustain that char- acter but partial !y, do indeed in many instances from nt cessity labour for their liveli- hood ; but rt is presumed they would not be afraid to count sermons, during the couc of a year, with the clergy of Connecticut. That the Baptists in Kemucky receive to their communion the greater part of their congregation*, children, youth:, &c. i-n the sense here intruded, is absolutely untrue; for ihoy ho.cl to the monstrous tlocti inc of close communion. Like their brethren in all the other States, tbey ad- mit none asfom-municants, whether old 01 young, of theii own or othji congrega- tions, until tbey have been buiied in bnptisvn, and none aie baptized but such as give fetJsractory evidence that their hearts huve been changed by giuce. Table of Associations and Churches. 547 Churches. Licken Bethel Tomeka Lemuel Churches 9 Providence Valley of Aclior Concord .Sharon New-Lisbon Bethcsda Unity Carmcl Ilopt-\vell Lebanon Bethel Jefferson Churches 12 1808 1812 1812 1812 Ministers. Isaac M 'Henry Ministers 7 Total Nathan Cory, Moderator. Peter Jackson, Clerk. BEAVER Assoc IATION. 1809.* Held at Warren, Aug. 19, 1813. Who preached the Sermon, doss not appear. Henry Frazure Adimson Bently, John Wihm Thomas G. Jones Thomas Ripdon William West Andrew Clark George Miller Joshua Woodworth Ministers 9 Total *The minutes of this Association have been sent on sine* the account of it in Vol. II. p. 262, was printed. Elk-Horn Twin Creek Dry Fork New-Hope Whitewater Cedar Grove Mount Bethel Providence Lawrenceburgh Indian Crrek West F. Whitewater Churches 1 1 Indiana Territory. WHITE WATE R ASSOCIATION. 1809. Held at Logan Township, Dearborne Coun- ty, Aug. 15, 1812. Sermon by William Tyner. Lnzarus Whitchead William Williams 1802 1807 1807 180,5 1808! 1808 1807 181.0 1811 1806 1806 Joshua Palmer William Tyner, Lewis Deweese John Caldwell Ezra Ferris, Santud M'Mittan William Wilson Ministers 7 Total Lewis Deweese, Moderator. Ezra Ferris, Clerk. SILVER CREEK ASSOCIATION. 1811. No Minutes of this body have been receiv- ed. Its churches are 9, its ministers probably 5, and the total number of its members \ve bhall compute at WAJBASH ASSOCIATION. 1809. Held at BeAel, Knox County, Oct. co, 1810- Sermon by George Waller. Jonathan Ruk't Samuel Jones 548 Table of Sabbatarian General Conference. CAuic&es. Pat oka Salem Ma'ia Greek Clear F. P'j,eon Creek i 6 Salem New-Hope Bethel Ebenezer Pierre San T vt 1-ork ,L. \\ iiiii rpiho Moon Bluff 1 a'.a rm CV.T CiCfk Pirice'sCwek Mourn N :bo AJVkan Church CharcUes 20 Ministers. Jaiivs M<.riin Is-; 1 ! M'Coy Sttpficn Sin, Miiiisters 6 Total Alexander Devin, Moderator. William Polke, Clerk. * There is a mistake in ihe number of this Associarion in Vol. II. j>. 263. Missisippi Territory. M : i s : s i P P i ASSOCIATION-. 1807. H?ld at Rayou P.c-rre, Ciaibonrne County, Oct. 16, 1813. Sermon by George King. MosrsHadley, Ezckiel O'Quin Ezra Courtney Hen i') Humble Jos-ph SiocmA, John Lee Jeuak 1'lower L. Scarborough Thomas Mercer, Isham Kettles, G.W.King Robert Smith Howel Wall cers 13 Total \i.)ses H^dley. Moderator. George W. King, Clerk. Com. muni- cant i. 30 3 cf.'i. R I. Nev;p-.: R I. s. I- P N- J- .lord. C:>n ,fo. . Con. . si . Y. i? K." id. X. Y. . ;.; , N Y. Lr. -f'-.^k, Va. . W. Salem, N. T. Churches 12 GEXERAT. COXFER- ES<: :i Id at Cohansey, N. J. June ic, : 3 1 '.,. c . vmon by Gideon Wooden. - iman ik, Arnold Bliss i -!>on Wood-n Ijavid Rogers, Jabcz Beebe, jun. 1780' 1780 . William Satti-r'.ee 88 . 35 0028 17/7 Henry C a;fce 180$ I David Davis j John Davis John Davis, Elder of both Churches Jacob Ayers MinisrcTs 12 Total John D*v-s, Moderator. Jacob West, lri f Yt, Lewis Tmworth, J .is Conference, at its last session u-as not fu'i : no infornuti^o rom a numer or Churches was received I h^.ve made out (he statement of ihe Pasrors, and the numb^i' of Chute! rs, ffpon'the Minu:cs v Gi 1808, and from accounts fcccived from individuals from diScrs.-ut parts. The delegation to Table of Unassociated Churches. 549 Churches, Yarmouth Argyle Shelhurne Shephcrdy City of St. Johns Isle of St. Johns UNASSOCIATED CHURCHES. Ministers. Churches 2 1 Enstport Narr i East Bay Cape Rosia Churches 20 Brentwood, N, H. Milford, N. H. Holiis Manchester ad Shaftsbury Wallingford West Clarendon East Clarendon Mount Holly Hart land Waterbury White Hall West Haven Churches lo Tisbury, Martha's V. Indian Church, Gay Head, Martha's V. "mill, tuled. NOVA SCOTIA & NEW BRUNSWICK. Harris Harding 1807 1806 : Enoch Tower Newcomb There are besides these, about 15 churches in iota Provinces unassociatcd, making 19, whose number has not been obtained. There are probably belonging to them, 10 ministers ; and they may average 35, mak- ing a total of Ministers 13 Total 1810 1771 1809 1791 DISTRICT OF MAINE. Henry A. Clarke This was the state of these churches in 1810. There were, at that time, in this District, 16 other churches not associat-d. I conclude the number is not less now. There asay be in them 8 ministers, and we shall com- pute them at 25 each, making a total of Ministers 9 Total Samuel Shepard, Eliphalet Merrill, Jonathan Thing, Jabtz. True^ Henry Vcasy VERMONT. 1781 1780! 1780 1794 1780 Old Calvin Chamberlain Cyprian Downer Randal Tinkham computed at William M'Culler Daniel Packer Timothy Grow Ezra Butler Miller Pallium Besides the ministers named, there are belong- ing to these churche*, Elders Parker Reynolds, I*cmy Chamberlain, Bab- cock, and Carpenter. Mr. Rowley supposes that in the five churches of East and We Clarendon, Whitehall, Wa-1 ling- ford, and Weit Haven, are about 400 mem- bers, which will leave to be added Ministers 14 Total MASSACHUSETTS. Thomas JcfFer computed at 550 Table cf Unassociated Churches. Ckurcha. Gomtt- Ministers. Cam- tuttd inunl. jst Swansea* 1663 Abner Lewis c*n i. 9 Dighton 1772 Silas Hall, A. M. David Newman 1,50 Beilingham 5 jst Ashfie'ld I 7 6l Enos Smith 150 oA A cK#1/4 1788 T j-trt..^.!. v>on W3 V 1788 3* Shelburne 5786 David Long 170 Whately 1789 7 Bernardston 1789 3 Rnwe 20 Springfield 1811 William Hubbard ^30 Churches 13 Ministers lo Total 1060 RHODE-ISLAND. 1st Newport 1644 Michael Eddy 250 4th Newport 1788 William Moore 7,5 1st Tiverron 1685 Benjamin Peckharn J 74 North-Providence Ruins Teft 3 Coventry Snpplied by Amos Wells 35 Foster 1789 John Hammond 35 Coventry c* 100 Foster & Sterling 1812 Josiah Bennet 3,5 Churches 8 Ministers 9 Total "?34 CONNECTICUT. Ash ford 774 Frederick Wightman 120 Willington 1780 David Li i abridge 40 Prc'ron 180} ico 40 ad Suffield 1805 Caleb Green computed at ico Wintonbury 1786 Ashbel Gillet 4 Middletown, U. Houses 1 800 8 Wilton and Ridgefidd 1811 4 Churches 8 Ministers 4 Total 1* Ns\V-YORK. Fayette Street, city Mulberry Street, do. 1791 1809 John Williams, William Pieice Archibald Maelay, Benjamin Ashley 375 soo Union do. Mount Pleasant 181 j 1790 Sylvian Bij'otat Stephen S. Nelson, A. M. 25 90 Great Nine Partners '779 Ministers not known, computed at 100 Poughkeepsie 1807 Lewis Leonard 40 Mexico Gamaliel Barns 49 Twin 1812 Stephen Parsons 60 Clarence, H- Purchase 1811 Salmon Bell, computed at r.o Chennngo, Gitene Co. iirryrfca Jedu. Grav, Kellogg, Hoicorobe John Mud'ge 150 "b Berides these there are, not far from the St. L?\vrence Association, in the Holland Pur- chase, and neap the Chenango River, the lo following churches, which have no ministers, viz. Black Lake, constituted in 1809, Rtissel, 1809. Malonc, 1807, Osvegatchic, 1809, Cambray, 1811, Poultncy, Vernon, Batavia, 1812, Caneidea, 1812, and Edor, l8ia. They probably contain about 20 each, mak- ing a total of roe Chqrches st Minister* 14 Tota' 1334 * If ought to have been mentioned in the history of this church, that it has a farm worth four or five thousand dollaft, besides about a thousand dollars in ftjnds. Table of Weekly Communion Churches, &c. 551 Churchts. Barriston, L. Canada Sutton, do. Hatlcy & Stanstead, do, St. Armand, do. Wyoming, Pcnn. Covenant Independent Baptist Churches, ! Pa. five V 1801 Churches 194 Ministers. Roswell Smith William Marsh Th.e three last churches formerly belonged to the Riviimond Association, and this was their state in 1810. David Ditnock, Griffin Lewis, Joe] Rogers, > computed at $ Dr. Thomas He/sey and others to the nura- ) her of five ; toiul number of members > computed at ) OH 10. In 1809, there were in this State 45 churches not Associated. The nurr.bcr has probably much increased since that period. We shall estimate them at 30, their ministers at 15, and "heir average number at 30, making a toial ol By information from correspondents there are a number of churches in the new settle- ments in Mew-York, of \viiich no definite ac- cour.ts have been obrajuct!. Thcic is, if not. an Associjtion, the rera.tins of one near the Missiiippi River, in ;he Illinois Territory . Ii is also believed there arc a number of new churches in sqnsc of the other western Terri- tories, whose names have not been obtained. In a number of the southern and westcan States, some few charch^i are to be found, of which no notice has yet been taken. I think it will be a moderate calculation to suppose that there are, in different parts of the United States and Territoiies, of ur.associated church- es yet remaining, 50, of ir.inisteis 2,5, and of Hie;r.beis Suni total of Ministers 119, Members CM. muni- c*nu. 10 68 5' 51 300 100 900 1.500 97 ' CHURCHES WHICH HOI D TO WEEKLY COMMUNION, AND COMMUNE WITH NO OTHERS. Charlcstown, Mass. 3808 Walter Batfbu* 55 cd Ditto. 1809 Oliver Holdeu ^3 Hartford, Con. Henry Grew l New-York city j8io Errctt and Ovington, computed at *5 Baltimore 1809 computed at & ik-aufort, S. C. James Graham, compuied at (? Churches 6 Ministers 6 Tot;il 12*' There may be- other chuiches of thi* senti- ment, \vhich have not conic it) the k:n-.vl- edye of the author. FREEAVILL BAPTISTS. The names of n' any ciuurlir; snd minister-; ,.) ihi connexion have ii.rn c!-iaii.cd ; but cf a >?icat number no irtfotmatioti ha;, b< en rr CCA id. 1 hav.- kiunt so much of their State, ihat I think we may safe'y estimate- thcu chuschcs. 3t 150, their ministers at 150, -rid their suui total of inembeis at - ,552 Tunkcr Baptists. Churches. Contri- buted. Ministers. I hazily know whit sutcment to give of those, who call themselves CAnsttans. Some of them compute their number at 20 or go thousand. It is hoped *bere are more than this number of CStn'stians :n Americi. But trK-se under consideration, we sha'l commute af 40 churches,* 40 ministers, and oi mem- bers Cam, miin/- cunli : 5000 TUNKER BAPTISTS. Since the account of these people went to press, I have been informed of some of whom I had before obtained no account. It will probably be much beiow their nwrrberto compute them at 20 churches, 30 ministers, and total of members There are a number of mixed communion churches, skuated mostly in New-York, of which I can give no account. * Elder H : cks's churoi, in Dartmouth, Mass, is said now to contain about a thousand members. 1500 SUMMARY VIEW OF ASSOCIATIONS. tr fc ' j! g 1 b 5 s 2 s 2." . &. s S s ^> ? ~ j , & Z- 5 l Nova Scotia ~) 27 Saratoga BO 3 2676 and NPW- > '9 13 1230 1 28 Like George 6 3 3C2 Brunswick ) 29 Essex 6 2 62 i Lincoln 5' ?5 8673 "o St. Lawrence 4 1 6n 3 Bowdoinham 28 24 1456 31 Black River 9 6 462 4 Cumberland 24 24 ) 165 32 O;scgo 34 10 1953 5 N. Hampshire 3 22 l8'%7 ?3 Franklin 10 "53 6 Meredith 8 6 785 34 IWadjs^n 31 30 2317 7 Dublin 6 3 343 35 Cayuga 4 6 35 ! 9 8 Woodstock 2 5 2! ji Holland Pur- ? 9 Shaftsbury 32 21 3*57 chase > 10 2 279 lo Vermont "3 19 '794 37 Thurlow 11 8 icco 2 1 Fairfield 12 6 53^ 38 N< vr-Jersey 2T 16 1943 12 Danville 11 2 28;? 36 Philadelphia 2 4 32 2587 13 Barre 11 4 879 .{0 Chemung 12 9 1 4r>7 34, Boston 7 23 28*0 41 Abington 8 4 49 1,5 Sturbridge 20 20 1870 1 42 R?d .Si one 83 CO 1 3 9 3 >6 Ley den 2 7 13 2119 43 Delaware (> 4 1 S'o -17 Wesrfidd 7 7 6 "3 >re 18 1 1 8 .57 18 Warren 38 42 39^8 lj Saiisbu'y J 4 4 19 Yearly Meeting 17 12 1361 9o Stotsingion 92 2299 VIRGINIA. 311 GrotonUnion > 1 2 3 g4 16 Associations 28 q 283 : '5^4 Conference > ' ~i> tt Danbury 24 16 I7t6 62 Kchukce 3 21 1627 23 New-York 26 195 ' 63 Nsuic S2 8 '036 44 Warwick 20 16 64 C;ipe Ffar ^3; P 1448 25 Union 1O 7 761 6j '- h'-wan 23' o 1789 26 Renselleaiville 16 16 10*8 66 Raleigh 18 10, 562 Summary View of Associations. 553 n S | f S | 5 f t I 3 I '57 Flat River 1 1 " 6 951 Minutes, mbss mes do not ap- 10 1 Straight Creek 12 8 600 pear on the Min- 105 Scioto 106 Braver 107 White Watw 108 Silver Creek 9 12 11 Q 7 9 7 47 it 300 utes, making in all Associated Unasiociated Those who hold to 222C '94 175 17849''* 979 1797 119 109 Wubash 6 6 143 weekly com- 1 10 Missisippi 20 13 894 munion 6 6 130 1 1 1 Sabbatarian > Conference J 12 12 2O2? Free Will Baptists Those who call 150 1OOOO '2*23 l622 176764 themselves Chris- Many Associa- tions do not enter tians Tunker Baptists 40 eo 40 jcco 1500 *K< IT - 1 n inc 1 1 A i n c s o i any ministers on ihair Sutn total 2633 2142 204185 From the many observations I have made on the spread of Baptist principles, I am inclined to think, that without counting that class in Massachusetts and Connecti- cut, who hang to the denomination merely by certificates, we re ay reckon scvco adherents, to one communicant. Upon this mode of calculation, the number of adherents will amoijm to i433,9-t5, which, added to the communicant*, will make the sum total of the Baptist denomination in Ameiica, 1,638,760; that is, more than one fifth of the whole population of the United States ar.J Territories. VOJ-. 2. 70 AD VER TISEMEXT. IT is hoped that the increased size of this work, will he a sufficient apology to the subscribers, for the delay of its publication. The letters, and some other articles in the first part of both volumes, would have been print- ed on small type, had it been expected the pages would have swelled so much beyond the number first proposed. Many parts of the composition the writer would have been glad to have retouched; many accounts might have been made shorter, could he have had more time to prepare them ; and some repetitions might have been avoided, could he have reviewed the whole work before any of it was printed, and not been obliged to pass rapid- ly from one volume and article to another, to supply two presses with copy. Should any mistakes of importance be discovered, in the numerous accounts which he has collected with ao much labour and cane, he will esteem it a favour to be informed of them. And should any statements, of matters of a disputable nature, be firoved to be incorrect, it will be his duty and pleasure to correct them, should another edition be called for in his day ; as his design throughout has been to pursue the plain road of narration, and not the thorny one of con trovers}'. Three years from this date, that is, in the beginning of 1817, should the author's life be continued, he proposes to publish separately, a second table of Associations and Churches, at which time, and indeed annually the inter- vening time, he desires to have forwarded to him the Minutes of all Associa- tions whieh are now in being, or which may hereafter arise. $*" Since the account of the India Mission was printed, Mr. RICE, whose, name is there mentioned, has returned to America, to solicit the aid of the Baptists in this country, towards the arduous and benevolent design of propagating the gospel in India. Mr. JUDSOM is now on the field of missionary labour, to which Mr. RICE proposes soon to return. Before his arrival, Societies for Foreign Missions had been formed in Boston, Salem, Haverhill, and Providence. Since that event, similar Societies have been organized in New- York, Philadelphia, Washing ton and Balti- more, Richmond, Charleston, Savannah, and some other places. Mr. RICE has travelled through the States ; has met with lunch encourage- ment in his designs ; has collected about a thousand dollars, exclusive of what Societies have raised ; and a promising prospect presents iuelf, that liberal means will socu be provided for sending Baptist Missionaries from. Columbia's favoured shores to India's benighted realms* INDEX* Delaware. Welsh Tract, p. 4. Brynzion, 8. Wilmington, 9. Maryland. General Baptist church, 12. Hartford church, 15. Baltimore, Mr. Richards, 17. City of Washington, 19. Virginia. First company of Baptists in it, 23 25. Second company Reg- ular Baptists, 26. Persecutions of David Thomas and others, SC 33. Kt- tockton Association, 34. Jos.iah Osbcun.c, the author of David and Goliath, 36. Separate Baptists begin in Virginia, sr. Remarkable things of the Sandy- creek church in N. C. 42. Sandy-creek Assccinticn formed, 49. Divided, 53. Samuel Harris ordained an. Apostle, 55. The question, Is salvation by Christ made possible for every individual, &c. causes a divisicn, 57. Tlie General Committee formed, 58. Regulars and Separates unite, 62. A brief account of the ecclesiastical establishment in Virginia, 64. Juhn Blair, the deputy-governor's letter in favour of the Baptists, 66. Many thrown into prison, 67 73. Ministers' salaries and fines paid in tobacco. Severe law against the Qua- kers, 78 81. Struggles to overthrow the ecclesiastical establishment, begin, 82. The busi- ness completed, 85. A brief account of the Associations in Virginia, 8G 88. Great Revival, 90. Richmond church, 91. North-Carolina. General Baptists settle in it, 98. Gano, Miller, and Van- horn visit and reform them, 99. Kehukce Association formed, 100. Nine Christian rites, dry christening, 107. Camp meetings, 109. Anecdotes of Mr. Murphy, 113. North-Carolina Regulation, 115. Mr. Merrill executed, 117. South-Carolina. Charleston church planted by William Screven, 120. General view oi' the formation and pic-^rcis of the Charleston Association, 131 149. F 's buck load, 161. General Baptists, 161. Letter from Mr. Liliv, giving r.n account of a great revival, 165. Dr. Furman's account ot a Camp Mee>.ir.'.j, 167. Georgia. The Kioka church founded by D-uiic; Marshall, 173. Mr. Whitefield speaks unadvisedly j-.gdh.ist the iki;,tists, l0. Anecdotes of Mr. Botsford in Georgia, 181 182. Mr. Stirk and wife, 183. Savannah church, 185. A number of African churches in Georgia and the West-Indies. George Lcisle, &c. 189 206. Observations on slavery, and anecdotes respecting slaves, 207213. Tennessee. Various uc.cnunts ef it, 213 226. Kentucky. Account of its settlement, 227. Elkhorn Association has aston- ishing additions, 2-0. Arian affair, 23J. Emancipating society, 245. Some account of die. Great Revival in Kentucky, Lait Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery, singularexercises of danciag, jerking, &c. 251257. Ohio. First church in it funned at Columbia, 2i9. Genuan church, 261. Baptists in the Territorial governments, 262 2f;5. Bicgmfihicat Sketches. John Asplund, 266. Isaac Bachus, 267. Elijah Baker, 274. Robert Carter, 278. James Chik-h, -..-79. Joseph Cook, 'A (). Ijemuel Cuvel, 2^9. Elijah Craig, 291. b:tnv.:el J'.' i 8, ~ : J.;. Morgan Ed- wards, 294. Bcnjumin Foster, 301. Daniel Fr ;:-;. . ;i. John C^....-, JJ'* Oliver Hart, 323. Samuel Harris, 330i Dutton Lane, 3.19. Lewis Lunsford, G41. Jain -s Mailing, 3-1--S. Richard Major, 3-19. Daniel Marshall, 350. Kliakim Marshall, 355. Silas Mercer, 357. Joshua Mpne, 361. Jast-ph Reese, S6-*. Slvabciel Steams, 365. S-uunr-1 Stiliinar., 369 Gardner Thnrstnn, 382. Jeremiah Walker, 388. baunders Walker, r,'j2. Jr.! in \Vuller, ^3. V\'iiiiam W^ brier, 399. Peter Warden, 401. John Williams, 404. Weekly Communion Baptists, 407. Free- Will Baptists, 410. Ellas S:riith and followers, 41 2. Seventh Day Baptists, 412. Singular o-ith required of those suspected of their heresy, 414. The Ste.'intit f.miiiy, 415. Francis Bam pfield dies in New- gate. 416. J.,hn James educate*! m a cruel manner, 41 7. Sabbatarians in America, 418-424, Kogtrenes, 422. Indian Churches, 426. Dr. Fankiin's Grandfather a Bap- tist, Kefthians, 428. Tanker Baptists, 430. Mennonites, 436. -^TlstijHzru Swietie*. 410. Literary fnstituiiom and Education Funds. Brown Uuiversity, <4". G"nsral Observations. Doctrine of the Atonemeiit, 4 56. Temporal cir- cumstances of ministers, 457. A piece from Lclatiil's Buc'.eet of Scraps on the sunprrt of ministers, 459. A piece from the Georgia Mimues on the same sub- ject, 460. View of the Baptises resnecthv.; learning, 453. On Associations, 464. On Societies, 4-S5. Oa thi appe"'latio:i* given to ministers, 4c*6. Aged minis- tei-s and widows of rriinistcrs neglected, 46S. On building meetiiig-houscs, 469. Questions and Answers, 469473. jfjifiendix. Memoi-Ul arid Henmnstrance, 474. David Thomas's Poem, ad- crc-scd to the Virginia Assembly, 479. Address of xhe CJommitLee of the Baptists in Virginia to General Washington, 480. The General's answer, 4 ! -;l. Iceland's Speech in the Massachusetts Assemblv. 482. Additional Remarks on the character of Roger Willtems, 436. Account ef William Blackstone, 490. Letter of the Baptists in Philadelphia to the Episcopalians. 491. Civil state of Dissenters in England, '193. Simpson's account of the church of England, 495. Summary View ot't'ie different denominations in the United States, 495. General Table of As^cciadbP.s ar.d Ch -197. ERRATA. PACK Jn the account r f the Mayo Asseciatir.n, rt'mit the word Tenressee, 87 In the running tif le for Uev. Charles O. Screven, read Re\ . Wm. Scrcveu, 123 For Cuttiro, read CutMno, 151 In the note about tl>e Dutchman, for vive read wive, 182 For Mr. Co;i;i:oo rtiad M'Counico, 256 For petitiors, read petitronevs, and for Jieir read then, 271 For tunker, read tvinken, 430 , a number qf errors have crept into both volume-'!, which are either so smalt or obvious, that no one iviil be in dagger of mistaking the waning. Tin- mi&if>eli:r:g of the names r,f a number of {lemons, and places, l r&t discover ; !.'> r .'6c ivho d?, ii-ill i:i'^.- h-j-i' to correct them. SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. CorniOallit, N.B. Edward Manning, 12 DISTRICT OF MAINE. Eastport. HENRY A. CLARKE Aaron Hayckn, Esq. 2 Margaret Wortman Nathaniel Clarke Daniel Holmes Abel Sturns John Bastow Samuel Wheeler John Webster Jonathan N. Peavey Stephen Jones Alanson Rice Jerry Burgiss John Kendall Moses Norwood, jr. David Parsons Stephen Hatch Jacob Lincoln Jesse Gleason Philip Y. Bell Lewis F. Delesderni- er,Esq. Jonathan C. Todd Thomas Lesner, jr. Washington County. Jonathan Furnald Robert Moor, Esq. Capt, James Moor Benjamin Wakefield Mark Leighton Jonathan Leighton Elisha Small Capt. Joseph Adams William Ray Simeon Brown Alex. Nichols, Efq, James Campbell, Esq. Elisha Coffin David Wass VOL. 2. Joseph Pattin, Esq. James Bailey Otis Smith Uriah Nash DennisviUf. Isaac Hobert Sedgwlct. DANIEL MERRILL, 10 Thomaiton. SAMUEL BAKER, 9 Jefferson WILLIAM ALLEN Joseph Jackson Nathaniel Kennedy John Kennedy Archibald Robinson Thomas i'rask, jr. Andrew Waggoner Samuel Whitehouse Mary Hawks Daniel Weeks Winthrop Weeks North- Yarmouth. THOMAS GREEN SYLVANUS BOARDMAN Col. Thomas Chase James Field Calvin Stockbridge, 9 Portland, CALEB BLOOD Samuel Ward Mark Harris William Harris Nathaniel Lefavor Abel Sturns Anthony Fernald Joseph Noble Joseph C. Boyd, Esq. Justin Kent Benj. Radford Scattered in many to-wnt. Japheth C. Washburn STEPHEN DEXTER Isaac Dexter Reuben Besse, jr. NATHANIEL ROBIN SDK Nathan Wesson Capt. John Dennitt Joseph Palmer Edmund Haywood John Smith Joseph Amory HENRY KENDALL JOHN TK.IPP NEW-HAMPSHIRK. M'tlford. GEORGE EVANS, 10 Concord. George Hough Isaac Hill Salisbury. OTIS ROBINSON Lydia True New-London. JOB SEAMANS Jeremiah Pingry, jr. Chesterfield. JOSEPH ELLIOT Andrew Phillips, jr. William Colburn Stvaazy. Joseph Hammond, jr. Benjamin Hammond David Brown, 2 distend. JEREMIAH HIGBEE, 3 Capt. Oliver Shepard Capt. Levi Warren Darius Pond Cornish. ARIEL KSNDRICIC, 14 Absalom Forbes Subscribers' Names. Statterrd in many toisni. Jonathan Harvey Abner Chase Samuel Huestead Prudence Richards Nathaniel Bolles Artemas Stone, 2 Hon. Abel Parker Benj. Prescott, Esq. Lieut. Aaron Brown Isaiah Brown Pearson Richardson Joseph Holt Isaac Lovejoy WILLIAM ELLIOT ELIJAH WILLARD Daniel Crowainsbield CHARLES CUMMINGS Solomon How David Goodell, jr. Asahel Webster, Esq. Cyrus Leach Jacob Lowell HENRY GREEN 1 J /estmimtcr. Daniel Newton John Tuttle, Esq. Samuel Tuttle Capt. Daniel Mason Benjamin Smith Andvotr. Joel Manning, 8 Archelaus Putnam Windsor. Stephen Shaw Marvin Grow John W. Harris, z JOHN SPALHING Lewis Fisher BARNABAS PERKINS Samuel Miner James Thwing Daniel Bugbee Gen. Abner Forbes John Skinner Oliver Tarnsworth, 12 Craftsbury. DANIEL MASON Hiram Mason Samuel C. Crafts Hlnuburgb. Samuel Churchill, 3 J. & M. M'Ewen John Beacher, 2 VERMONT. Gui/forJ. JEREMIAH PACKARD Berj Bucklin, Esq. John Noyes, Esq. Lieut. CyrusCarpenter Daniel Bennet John Miles Poultney. CLARK KENDRICK Hon. William Ward Elijah D. Webster Middhtown. SYLVANUS HAYNFS Henry Hutchinson Scattered in many teivns. Samuel Kingsbury Evans Read Seth Howard Whitingbam. Caleb Rider Nathan Brown Luther Walker Josiah Brown Wilmington. Liseus Auitin, z Jeremiah Pamell Capt. Jonah Lincoln Medad Smith ELI BALL Marvel Howard Halifax. D-irius Bullock, Esq. Jonathan Allen Thomas Tucker Stephen Otis, jr. Esq. Lcvl ^wm David Allen, jr. Bei1 J- Baldwin, Esq. Windham. THOMAS BAKER Abitl Whitman John Clark Jacob Ide Barzillai Snow EZRA BUTLER Charles Sias William Forbes John Ide Joel Priest Sarah Brown Sarah Brown, jr. Nathaniel Blood John Cooper Elliot Colby Ephraim Butler Joshua Bliss Clarissa Pitkin Silas Davison DAVID BOYNTON Uriel Stewart Abraham Northrop John Cressey, jr. Jacob Storey Jesse Lee LUTHER HITCHCOCK THOMAS PURINTON Calvin Chamberlin ISAIAH MATTISON PAUL HYMES Werden P. Reynolds Brandon. Jonathan Meriam John Conant, Esq. Capt. Jonathan Burnet Ell :, h Parker, Esq. JONATHAN HUNTLLY Putney. Capt. Daniel Jewett Stanton Eddy ISAAC SAWYER Bethuel White David Campbell ROSWELL MEARS John Ephraim Strong William A. Finney Cavendish. JONATHAN GOING, jr. Hon. Asa Fletcher Samuel White, Esq. Hon. J.D.Farnsworth U. C. Hatch, Esq. Subscribers* Names. MASSACHUSETTS. Boston and CharUtiowa. THOMAS BALD WIN, D-D. WILLIAM COLLIER Caleb Hiorns Jonathan Ball Ward Jackson Matthew Bayley Israel Alger John Sullivan Thomas Badger J. C. Ransford Josiah Marshall Jonathan Kilham William Boynton Elijah Withington Thomas Kendall Elijah Mears John F. Low Nathaniel Ripley Lemuel Porter Wm. M. S. Doyle, 2 Ebenezer Lai kin Amos Boynton Ephraim Jones Johnson Chase John Carter Jacob Hiler DANIEL SHARP Heman Lincoln Samuel Adams Ephraim Robins JAMES M. WINTCHELL Augustus Reed Atherton T.Penniman Frink Stratton J.imes Colman Joshua Merritt Sarah Homer Benjamin Holt WALTER BALFOUR, 2 David Fosdick James Parsons, jr. Augustus Aspinwall Samuel Hood Solon Jenkins Benjamin Rcss Isaiah Jenkins THOMAS PAUL Beverly. Francis Lamson Nehemiah Roundy Richard Dodge Martin Keith Marllehtad. J. Benson Isaac Storey, jr. John Fielding Jacob Willard, Esq. Isaac Rider Standish Kider David Bursil T-\ John Benson Uanvers. JEREMIAH CHAPLIN Carver. Benjamin Kent Simeon Dodpe Benj. Shurtliff Joseph Robins o Capt. Thomas Cheever Elener Dunham Capt. Thomas Putnam Troy. Samuel Whipple Caleb Cakes Capt. Abraham Bowen Nathaniel Luther Benjamin Chaplin Enoch French M.-.j. Moses Black John Shays New-Bedford. John Alexander Reading. Benjamin Flint Lilly Eaton, 9 John A. Parker John Pickens Abigail Russel S/ndover. John Coggeshall Orlando Abbot Barney Corey Phinehas Richardson John Cornish, Esq. John Kneeland, Esq. Swansea. ABNER LEWIS Edward Mason Neivburyport. Cyrus Luther JOHM PEAK Ambrose Peck Shubael Trent Taunton. HavirbilL Caleb Atherton WM. BATCHELDER, 9 Abuer Thayer Bridgewater. William Stall Alph Leach Rehobotb. William Besett Isaiah Lane Samuel Alden Benaiah Barney, Esq Azael Shaw John Jacobs Alexander Shaw David Newman S. Lovell Caleb Carpenter Josiah Lathrop David Kingsley Barzillai Hayward David Perry, Esq. Fisk Ames Thomas Bullock Middleborough. SAMUEL ABBOT Levi Peirce, Esq. 9 Andrew Cole Sqlomon Thompson James Cole John Wilson Jabez Williams Samuel Wilson Josiah Burrow* Seelonk. Timothy Walker T. Angell Samuel Collyer Sarah French Thomas Munro Maj. Allen Munro Samuel Brown David Brown G. W. Carpeatw Subscribers* Names. Israel Dagget Benj. Corbin Wm. Hammond Joseph Bucklin Church Gray William Collier Attleborough. JAMES READ Margaret Blackington John Sprague William Everet Jabel Ingraham Nathan Kobinson Elijah Ingraham Sylvester Clafton Jane Hulton Calvin Cleftin Mary Sadler Wrentkam. Ezra Blake S. Newton J. White Samuel Flagg Josiah Ball Nathaniel Smith Jason Abbot Elisha Keyes Joseph Fassett HoMen. James Davis Jeremiah Winn Jason Mann Tcmpldoa. Job Fletcher Daniel Norcross Nathan Bryant IVfstborough. Benjamin Clark John Beeman Asahel Bellows Nathaniel Aldrich Wm.Blackington,Esq. Lydia Haskell John Needhain Barrt. Job Sibley A. Chase Daniel Harwood Simeon Metcalf Waton. Ralph Abrams Samuel Train i.ydia Upham Lancaster, Edward Fuller Charles Chase John Wickden, jr. Ephraim Emerson Mendon. Aaron Thayer, jr. Elias Lasell Ebenezer Churcheli Andrew Sherman - John Southwick Benjamin W. Willard William Wheeler Worcester. Lewis Ingals Samuel Prentice WILLIAM BENTLEV William Rice T. Kiinberly George Grafton James Wilson, Esq. Shrewsbury. X.UTHER GODDARD Josiah Norcross John H. How Joseph Knowlton F. Harrington Darid Hopgood Soybtof, Jrazier Sargeut Joseph Thayer Roswell Potter Weaver Bennet D. Smith Samuel Sweet Walter Wilber Giler Thompson A. Swasey John Smith Simon Wheeler Wealthy Cover Olney Mason Peleg Peckham Ethur Tourtellot William Bates John Beesey Samuel Berry Samuel Silcly Philip Handy Newton Darling Willard Wilson William Legg Douglas. Capt. Aaron Benson Dr. Aaron Batchelor Simeon Lee Asa Streeter Nathan Sweetland Sutton. Moses Putnam Admon Mainon James M'Clallan Josiah Batchelder Ambrose Chase SturbriJgc. ZENAS L. LEONARB Henry Fiske Simeon Fiske Peter Belknap John Phillips Joshua Mason Charlton. DAVID BOOMED David Bush Daniel Bacon Belcher town. JAMES PEASE Austin Ames Ebenezer Green Salome Patrick Adams. George Witherill, 4 Jeremiah Colegrove Stephen Carpenter John Waterman Philip Rich WILLIAM HUBBARB. Abel Brown Moses Bliss Gustavus Pinney Abiram Morgan Samuel Caswell Subscribers 1 Names. Chester. JOHN GRANT, 9 Dr. Martin Fhelps Eiisha Wilcox, jr. Leverett. Dexter Brown Benj im in Adams Oliver Hougliton Saml. C. Dillaw.iy ASA NILES THOMAS WATERMAN EITJJAH MONTAGUE, 9 j arvis P< Leonard Ktattfrtd in many tewns. Stephen Chamberlain RHODE-ISLAND. THOMAS COKANT Abigail Phillips Francis Dwelley Samuel Denny David Bryant Ebenezer Sjaow Samuel Arnold BARNABAS BATES Enoch Batchelder Abijah Fisher Elijah Rich John Stone VALEN. W. RATHBUJJ Simon Slocom Otis Cooper Artemas Hyde J. E. Torbush P. Goddard Apollos Rich David Goddard Joseph Slate Thomas Wesson Cornelius Moore Dr. Oliver Russell Henry C. Warren Capt. Daniel Bowker CHARLES TRAIN David Fisk Seth Grout JAMES BARNABY David Bates EfiENEZtR BURT Benj. Rider Peter W. Paul George Walker SAMUEL GLOVER. Seth Drew, Esq. Charles Whiting Asa Thomson ABISHA SAMSON Sally Whitcomb BARTIMEUS BRAMAN Providence* STEPHEN GANO JOHN PITMAN JOSEPH CORNELL ASA MESSIR,D.D.LL.D. Pres. of B. University. James Fenner, Esq. Lots Govtrnor of R. I. Samuel Eddy, LL. D. Secretary of State. Hon. D. Howell, LL.D. Jeremiah B. Howell, Senator in Congress. Nicholas Brown, Esq. Thos. P. Ives, Esq. 3 Thos. Burgess, Esq. Capt. Nicholas Cook Thomas Hopkins Harvy Simmons Samuel T. Holroyd Sam'l G.Arnold, Esq. Dr. William Thayer Young Seamans Isaac Brown Benjamin T. Chandler Moses Eddy Samuel A born Stephen Smith William Mason Daniel S. Aborn William Smith Simeon Barker Seth Davis, jun. Benjamin Robinson John Vickery William Woodward George Gilmore Esbon Wescott Capt. Samuel Grafton Isaac Pitman Daniel Shelden William Lee Obadiah Penniman Joseph Paddleford J. Whitmore John Davis Nathaniel G. Oiney Duty Roberts Burnham Helms William Barker Samuel Young Thomas Truesdell Capt. John Holmes Edward Harwood Thomas Reynolds Isaac Peck Gideon Baiker Robert Blinn Amelia S. Townsend Isaac Green Ira Ormsbe Harding W. Stoddard Capt. Jos. Tillinghast Samuel Claik Capt. Abra. Studly Thomas T. Wescott Russell Allen Moses H. Bartlett Luther Bushee William Brown Capt. Abel B. Weth- er ington Capt. Solomon Tyler William Chappell Samuel Mason Gen. James B. Mason Amasa Mason William R. Benson Reuben Bovvtn Joseph Martin John Haraden David Butler Oliver Sutton Col. John S. Eddy Joshua H. Langley John H. Peterson Rebecca Power Martha Treaciwell Capt. William Farrer Daniel Mason, jun. Benjamin C. Graftoa John Newman Mary C. Parkes Subscribers 9 Names. Samuel Staples Charle Lassell William Sweet Betsy Fuller Hannah Wilber Joseph Jenks Joseph Boyman John Calder Dr. John Eddy Augustine Carpenter Boomer Luther Samuel hathforth, jun. Gideon Sweet William H. M-.son Capt. Robert Gray Thomas T. Teffc Joseph Case Joseph Holroyd Elizabeth Boyd Nicholas Hoppia Oliver Angell Cyrus Grant Ann Haile John Holroyd, Esq. Jeremiah Tillinghast N. Macomber Jonathan Cady Levi Chapotin George Thomas Gilbert Seamans Jeremiah Amsbury Matilda Thuiber Nathaniel f. Whiting Benjamin Burgess William West Anthony Cumtnings William Thurber William Holroyd John P. Peterson Kandall Pullen Thomas Hopkins, jun. Experience Abbot Ira Winsor Stephen Smith, jr. Cyrus W. Lindsey Cyrus Cole D miel A. Randall J jseph Baker Daniel Dailey Judson Blake Sanford Ross Varnum Wilkinson Nath'l Searle, jr. Esq. Capt. Benja. Boyman Capt. Samuel Cross Jeremiah Jones Charles Randall Capt. Gideon Young William Lawrence John Clemmons John Tarp Dan'l D. Demoranvill Horace Fox Joseph Hodges Daniel Swetland Sylvanus G. Martin J : mes Calder Lewis Ormsbee Thomas P. Clark Tully Dorrance Col. Ephraim Bowen Capt. Samuel Wescott Allen Brown Nathan Miller John Crandell Joseph Crandell James Thurber George Holroyd Zelea Covel Chas. W. Tillinghast Capt. Benj. G. Dexter Joanna Gano .bliza Brown Gano Oliver A. Jenks Benjamin A. Battey Walter Potter John F. Jackson Nathan Waterman Joseph Herring Jeremiah Heath Kenneth Patterson Peter Berkley Franklin Newell Seth Luther Newport Wanton Sally Olney Martha Humphrey William Jones, zd Nathan Daggett Obadiah M. Brown Christopher Rodrick Whaton Bragg Peleg Burroughs Cyrus Luther David Tefft B. W. Gardner Russell Wilkinson Oliver Shaw Ebenezer Nelson James G. Armington John Bailey, Tutor in Brotun University. Ebenezer Burgess, do. Flavel Shurtleff, Stu- dent in B. University. George W. Gladding Morgan Nelson, Student in Bruvun University Thomas Rivers, Esq. David Peck Elizabeth L. Brown George Dods Paiutuct:et, and near. O. Starkweather, Esq. William Allen Remember Kent George W. Com stock Benjamin B. Peirce Jonathan Smith Capt. Eli Messenger Barney Merry George W. Walker Capt. B. S. Wolcott Otis Wolcott Daniel Sabin Richard Waterman Dan Robimon Dr. A. Davenport Sylvanus Newman Otis Tiffany Hanson Read Joseph C. Wheaton Col. Eliphalet Slack CoL Simon Whipple Eben. Tiffany, Esq. Nath'l G. B. Dexter Sylvia Wheaton Rebecca Cole Simeon Daggett John Haley Dr. Niles Manchester John Coggeshall Subscribers* Names. Stephen Taber Ichabod Taber John Lever Samuel Slater, Esq. David Bucklin Jerahmeel Jenks Bosworth Walker Uriah Benedict GEORGE H. HOUGH Comfort Barrows William Chaffee Thomas Welsh William Hove/ Benjamin Bowen John Miner Samuel Cook Jesse May, Esq. David Wilkinson Maj. Ebenezer Tyler Waterman T. Dexter Lydi.i Croade Thomas Spears G.W.Tillinghast,Esq. George Jenks William Tiffany Phebe Carpenter David Anthony Isaac Wilkinson James Daily Hezekiah Howe Jonathan Messenger Jesse Hopkins William Tiffany, 2d Henry Taft Mrs. White John Lowden Dana Gale Ezekiel Carpenter Joseph Jenks Capt. Caleb Drown Mary Olney Rhoda Jenks Ezra Bairows Maturen Ballou Esther Cole William A. Sheldon Amos Read William P. Henry Betsey Greenleaf North- Pro-oidenx. Andrew Brown Elisha Brown John Wood Joseph Whipple Simeon Stewart Samuel Olney Nathan Glevson Nathaniel Angell Pitts Smith Thomas Whipple Asa Burli.ifrarne Richard Knight Sands Aldrich Fenner Angell Gloucester. Cumberland. Cyrus Cooke William Jillson Amherst Kimball Eliza G. Cook William Colnell Maria Brown Ira P. iivans Joanna Cook Thomas Brown BebeC. Balkcom Benjamin Brown Lemuel Capron Samuel Winsor George Mason Foster. Col. Caleb Haskell Alexander Ballou Joshua King SmithfielJ. George Smith Jonathan Jenckes Silas Smith Isaac Taber Coventry* Abraham Churchill Jr-h:i Hawkins B. H. Blanchard Capt. Israel Bowen Divid Gibbs John Slater Miles Bacon Archibald Coldgrnve Richard Waterman Augustus Convers William L.mgdon J-.-remiah Fenner Benpimin Almy Scituate. Eben. D. Washburn Isaac Field, Esq. Dr. Ezekiel Comstock W. & D. Wright Joseph E. Dawlcy William Fenner Jacob Smith Giles Greene William Perry Nathaniel Day Thankful Baxter Abigail Biackmarr Chad Phetteplace Micah Stearns Jonathan Dexter, Esq. Johnston. Henry Randall Amos Whitaker Calvin Luther Gen. Peter Briggs STEPHEN PLACE Joseph S. Grennell Cranston. BurrillviUe. William Spencer Garner Ballou Pawtuxet. Simon Smith BELA JACOBS Jerahmeel Mowry William Humphrys Henry Rhodes Martin Benson Daniel Williams James Rhodes, Esq. John Watson Elisha P. Smith Duty Salisbury Peleg Rhodes Andrew Baliard John Harris William Rhodes Joseph A born Thomas Slack Christopher Rhode* Subscribers' Names. Col. Philip Bump Samuel Clark Christopher O. Arnold Joseph Potter Job Randal Richmond. Warwick. Perry Watson Charles Brayton M. P. Sha^v Hoplintoa. William Bradford MATTHEW STILLMAN Thomas Telley Arnold Soink Jeremiah Thurston Joseph Maxson Joseph Hamilton Gideon Hamilton Daniel Babcock, Esq. Fiiher Metcalf Benjamin Johnson Westerly. William Hall Bowen Babcock Jonathan Capron r//__. Benjamin Sweet John Rice Joseph F. Arnold John Gardner John Allen tv arren. LUTHER BAKER Daniel Salisbury Doct. Daniel Barrus Paschal Allen DAVID CURTIS Caleb Spencer Isaac S. Holmes Peter Carpenter, Esq. Thomas Ingraham James Sisson. Esq. Edward Kelley East- Greenwich. George Marble Augustus M. Gardner o James Driscol Nathan Whiting William Haile Dr. Thos. Tillinghast Col. Benjamin Cole Russell Johnson Maj. Caleb Carr, zd. West- Greenwich. Barnard Miller STEPHEN ALLEN Jonathan Luther Nerth-K'ngston. Peleg W. Spencer Thomas Allen William Taylor Henry Luther Anna Sanders Ebenezer Cole Nathan Child Samuel Braytoil William Lawton Benjamin Fowler Samuel Butter worth Col. Heze. Boswoith James Coffin Exeter. Col. Seth Peck Stephen Dexter Jonathan Smith William Green John Haile Jere. G. Northup Amos Wright James Claik Ann Baker South- Kingston Lydia Cockran Daniel Stanton Nathaniel Estei brooks Elisha R. Potter, Mem- Ebenezer Winslow ber of Congress, Capt. Her.ry Nimmo J. Waite & T. Edwards Capt. Miller Barnev Fanning Adams Capt. John T. Child John D. Nichols Charles Wheaton Nathan Lillibtidge Capt. John Child Sands Perkins F. Sisson Barrington. Jimes Bowea John Martin Roby KeJley Jonathan 1. Drown Bristol. Dr. Thomas Nelson James H. Richmond Joseph Peck Dr. Lemuel W. Briggs Abner Alden Portsmouth. Samuel Clark Newport. JOHN B. GIBSON, 9 Christopher S.veet Benj. B. Mumford Stanford Bell Francis Anderson, jr. Benjamin Marble Green Burroughs Eleazer Trcvett Henry G. Cranston William Tilley Benj. H. Pitman Clarke Johnson Tiverton. JOB BORDEN Jeremiah Davenport* CONNECTICUT. Hartford. ELISHA CUSHMAH Ephraim Robins Gurdon Robins A'zariah S. Fidding Joseph B. Gilbert Luther Savage Caleb Pond Joseph Lynde Isaac Sweatland William Deming Benjamin Fowler John Wing Isaac Bolles EV-enezer Moore Caleb Moore John B-.lles Hez. Huntington,Esq. Jeremiah Brown * Upwards rf five hundred subscribers in R. I. r\nd Uic aqji;inir.g State* i^re obtained by Mr. Gecrgc Dtxls, of I'rovidence. were Subscribers* Names. Sujicld. Pi;t':::jicld* ASAHEL MORSE, 2 N. Potcer Samuel Hastings Ephrahn Medbury David King Caleb Hall, jr. Jsbfird. FREDERICK WHITMAN AUGUSTUS BOWLES All >;n ri . Bvnvneil Wilkinson Chester F.i-k Bennett Wheeler David Boik'S, Ebq. J\ r i Abraham Knosvit m Joseph P. Corbin ames Ma: thews Arnold Fenner JediJiah Wentworth Sterling* William Snell AMOS Wh LLS, 9 Timothy .-Mien JOSIAH BKNNET Solomon Ky< j s John Kinysa Wand 'lock. John Douglas BIEL LFD:.YT Lisbon andPraton, Asa Morse LEVI KEAD Henry Welles Amos Read Thomas Biobee Asel Bottain O Calvin Holofook Jair.es Treat Amos Ben.'iCt Thompson, PEARSON CROSBY Stoning on. Simeon Allea JEDIDIAH RANDALL Thomas D ty AsHfcX. ->Il ^ tR. James Gregory James Wheaton Danici Mcach Elias S. Paimer Daniel Putnam New-L'.ndon. Thomas, Ormsby SAMUEL WEST Smith Phetteplace Nathaniel Hairis, jr. Isaac Mason Samuel Chappel Samuel Knapp Jonathan Si sen Marcy Wheaton Josiah Koger Capt. James Brown Jeremiah Tinker Pcmfret. Daniel Fitts John Harris Samuel Coir James Wheaton Robert Baxter Pardon Lewis Christo. Manwaring Jerenaiah Field S. B. C. West Pardon Kingsley Montville. Ephraim Tucker David Turner Capt. Nathan Paine Thomas West Jason Fish Alpheus Rogers Mansfield. Matthew Turner JONA. GOODWIN, jr. Jacob Loomis Edmund Freeman John Loomis Artemas Gurley GoJdard Martemius Nathaniel Bennet John Darrow Eleazar Wright Reuben Palmer Asa Bennet Caleb Bolles William Bennet Ebenezer Rogers VOL. .2. * Waterford. Hannah Smith Braddick "Jait Samuel Fox Sayl; cck. OLtVER. WlLLSON W'l LLIAM WlTTtR. Cape. Levi Post. David Williams Keuben K-st Dr. G. A. Dickinson Col. Jo-t pn Hill J. & E. Hayden S.imu* 1 Loomis J ;.,iC Murry EZIH Wil'i^ms Saaiuei Williams, Esq. Lyme. ASA WILCOX Christopher Champlin Ao 1 Bewel ~Ll Loumis GEORCI James Hart Capt. ri"i:>thy Savage Martha Barns John Bill EUsha M. Pomeroy Elr/.ur Barns ENOCH GREEN Calvin Hall Abigail Hamlin Benjamin Brown Jonathan Pratt William Gilbert William Ranney TrumbuU. William Rowel John Staples Jonathan Beers- John T. French D.n'id Sherwood Daniel Gregory Benjamin Tuiny Hungtington. Elizabeth Wooster Col. Agur Judson Eiiakim Edwards Subscribers 9 Names: Fa'irftld. Robert Wilson Maiy Hays Robert Knapp Amos Wilson - Lydia Gregory David Clark Nathaniel Eells Weston. Betsy Silliman David Silliman Cyrus Silliman Eli Adams Ncwtown. John Sherman, 2 Richard Bennet Alsom Seelye Ne. ::5 \V.:g!lt John W.ir Joshua L Pmney s R'^eis ljANASi,iH FRFNCH JONATHAN HASKELL Paul Main Lodowick Weaver H''nry Weaver A*-. I'ermy S lan Jish Miles Hi-2.EK.iAH PF.TTIT PivJai.c'c; Kelsy ORLANDO MACK LtVl fcb K tFTER \ . Sve\\;irt li.t'i Bixby Jr : :td Reynolds H-ni-> Bull Solomon Moore James Drake JAMES REYNOLDS Jolia Tin'n-ook Peter Mead ROSWELL GCFF KEW-JERSEY. Newark. James Vanderpcol Uriah Burdge Stth Woodruff Jahez Pool David Rogers Job Bacorn John Speer James Jones Abel Evans Edward Jones Salem Library Gomp'y In nt'jny d'jfoent truins. SAMUBL I'ROTT JACOB F. RANDOLPH John Bright JEN KIN DAVID Isaac Mu'ftird Ephraim Bacon David Sheppard HENRY SMALLET George Compton Dar'cl Manning Sarah Cox JOHN COOPER JOHN BOGGS Francis Donlevy PENNSYLVANIA. Philadelphia. WlLLIANlRoGi RS,D.. HEN. HOLCOMBE,!) D. WM.STAUGHTON, D.D, WILLIAM WHITE JOHN PtcKWORTH JOHN HIWSON RICHARD PROLDFOOT JOHN KING Jsa'tah Stratiort James Clark Daniel jamet Daniel Kendickson J' jn ^ ox George Crawford Benjamin Coles Dr. Ezekiel R. Wilson Thomas Shields SucyHazelton George Ingels Joseph Keen Burhngt.n. g hfin Beas , BURGIS ALLISON, D D Charles Hedenberg Moses Mourrous Scotch Plains. THOMAS BROWN Join- B. Usborn Dennis Coles J ;hn W'lson, Esq. Capt. J 'iiu Darby Cap* David Obbotn Samuel B. I.. ; iller Isaac Manning Flaungton. J. F. Bl.tckvveil, Esq. CH. \RLLsBARTOLETTE N.v.haniei Heggias Jrhn Kunyan John Carr Capr. J 8. Manners Jobiah Stout Ne-u- Brunswick. JAMLS MLAUGHLtK Hon. Asa Kunyan, 9 Richard Lupardus PETER WILSUN Dr. Encch Wilson Andrew Jr'errine Thomas Allen Stephen C. Ustick, 6 Salem. JOSEPH SHEPPARD DANIHL SHEPPARD John Walker Abraham Harris Col. R. G. Johnson David Sheppard, M. D. Debzil Keasbey Joseph Loyd James Johnson Thomas Guest William Paulin Temperance Smith Capt. Joseph Reynolds John Miles Amos Thomas P. Mcndenhall Benjamin Thaw Levi Garrett, Esq. William Moulder, Joseph Moulder William Britton John Bradley A. Khees Catharine Loxley Edward Thomas John Lowe Joseph Smith Subscribers 1 Names. Hannah Rambo Christopher Appleton Adam Corfield Samson Davis William P. Hansell J,ired Sexton George Helmbold John Deighton John M*Leod Thomas Dobson, 2 Jesse MWer Joseph Maylin Philip Jones Samuel Bncknall James Bucknall John Dainty Thomas Lynch William Stern John Sisty John Lawrence Jonathan Harpham S.irah Graham John Gregory Joseph Done John Mitchell John M'Leod, jr. E. Spangler Jonathan Smith Win. F Van Beek Matthew Randall Edward Mitchell William Renshaw James H. Page Joseph BarnLurst Edward Boden Robert Leak Philip Tuchett F. D. Seelporot Joseph Courtney George W. Hough Edward Melsom James Redman Lewis Warrall Abraham Davis Margaret Batchelor Mary Walker Jeremiah Hand Catharine Davis James Morgan Elijah Griffiths James Clark Joseph Compton Enoch Wright John Davis Misgrovc Willis David George George Smith Samuel Bower Joseph Vaneman Tao:nas Timings Isaac Johnson John M. Michell Edmund Miln George Grant William Henly Wiliiam Warren Jpremiah Lupton Henry Charles James Etris John Patterson Thomas Bleyler Isaac Deacon Joseph Taylor Cornelius Trimnel, 2 Samuel Huggins Christopher M' Jones Nathan Wightman Joseph Thomas, M.D. Samuel Weasy Franklin Lee David Snider Benjamin Bond Paris Davis Eli Wiley Jesse Shellmyer Ann Taylor Christiana Bower James Wiley Eli Garrison Garret Winter David White man John Collard Eiizab. Wickersham Mary Hough Joseph Lawrence Mary M'Allister Conrad Reakict William Terry Hannah Smith James Holme John Adams Clarissa F. Regnault John Owen Thomas Roberts Sarah Normaa Joseph Norman John Dayton Merlon. Chas. Thompson, Seer, to the \ tt Congrcit. Marcus' Hook. Hon. Richard Riley Roxborough. HORATIO G. JONES THOMAS FLBES.-N Sarah Levering John Phillips John Holget Charles Levering William Dehaven. Francis Sheets George Betierton Peter Gilchnst John Cornog Lower Dublin. SAMUEL JONES, D.. Thomas Holmes William Bartlett John Watts, jun. Richard Burk William Maghee John Keen Benjamin Page Joshua Jones Great Valley. David Phillips Isaac Abraham, Abraham King Samuel King Daniel Abraham Michael M'Ciees Enoch Jones Thomas Davis William Lawrence James Abraham Catharine Moore Jacob Engles John Eastburn Isaac Moore Phmehas Phillips Samuel George Samuel Eastburn Nathaniel Miles Subscribers 9 Names. Montgomery County. SILAS HOUGH, 2 Charles Humphrey William Collom Owen Jenkins Levi Jenkins Hannah Evans Hilltown. JOSEFH MATHIAS Samuel Heath William H. Rowland John Mathias Griffith Jones Sucks County. John Pugh, Esq. William Watts, Esq. Enos Morris, Esq. Amelia Morris Col. John Hines John Hough .Evan James Edward Mathew Beulah. TIMOTHY DAVIS, 6 Washington County. David Shields MATTHIAS Lus H. Wilson James Reed William Rush H. Medonoch, Esq. Jean Greenlee Hugh Jennings Mary Ken Lydia Pennock Christopher Andover In otlcr parts of tit State. Samuel Rees, Esq. Isaac Morris Philip Miller Wm. Williams, M. n. William Johnson Elizabeth Davis Jonathan Yerks Simeon Matthew Dr. Erasmus Thomas Dr. David Thomas Sarah Whining John Powel Jacob Humphrey Ann Welsh Thomas Baldwin David Whitten George Sims Wm. Griffith Roger Watkins Jas. M. Gibbias, Esq. Lycoming County. THOMAS SMILEY Mr, Smilfy obtained tie fol- lowing subscribers) living in Penntylvania. Dennet & Watson John Farnsworlh James Moore Benjamin Vastine Abuer Johnson Henry Clark Mordecai M'Kay John Oakes Charles Saxton, Esq. William Thomas Christopher Johnson Seth M'Cormick Salisbury. JOHN ROUNDS, 1 1 John R. Robinson, reti- denc: not known. DELAWARE. Wilmington. DANIEL DODGE Robert Potter, 3 Kent County. Andrew Nandane John Wilds JAMES JONES Abel Jones Thomas Foster Simon Kollock, 2 Welsh Tract. GIDEON FERRJLL, 6 In different towns. CALDWELL WINDSOR Joseph H. Raymond John Bennet Joseph Vogels MARYLAND. Baltimore. L. RICHARDSON, 10 JOHN HEADEY, 3 VIRGINIA. Moorsfield. JEREMIAH MOORE, 36 Toe following Hit of lulicr'ib- ers teat returned lv 'Thomas Buck, E;q. of Belie Air, Frederick County, flutes of residence not known. Thomas Buck, Esq. William C. Buck James Sowers Gregory Glassccck Samuel O. Hendren George Green Stephen Davis John M'Pherson John Kerfoot Edward Turner Amos Kingore Daniel Sowers, jr. Anderson Moffett George Briuan John Wood Samuel Harshbargor David Musselman Isaac Strickler Samuel Skelton John Fristoe Isaac Skelton Daniel Beaver Jacob M'Kay, jr. James Mitchell Robert Hendren Wm. B. Almond, 9 Robert Lewright Thomas Buck, jr. Ezekiel Harrison Aaron Solomon Davis & Herring John B. Moses David Kauffman Richard P. Fletcher Benjamin Harrison, jr. George Dow John Broch J. & J. Bywaters David Bumfield Subscribers* Names. Margaret Thomas Matthew Clay James Dupuy, Es^. John Lincoln G. Wood Dabney Morris Samuel Drake Thomas Gregory John Phillips Richmond Peter Clark Joieph Yarboroagh WILLIAM BRAMB T O H N 13 R I C E Martha Beasley Edmund Lockett Amey Petross Yv'Tiiam Winston Jacob Grigg Jonathan Watkins George Greenhow Daniel Halcher Thomas Lafon Jordan Martin Leonard Munnally Melchizec.ee Branie Reuben Rickett JONATHAN TCMPLI GEORGE NORRIS Norfott. Edmund Goode Samuel Brown JEREMIAH RITTER. JAMSS MITCHELL SMITH SHEARWOOD, 2 Amelia County. John Skurry Zacharias G. Leigh James Curtis NORTH-CAROLINA. Gloucester Co. Wm. Johnston Wm. Hall James M. Vaughan Matthews Co. Salathiel Fitchett O William Dearen Anthony Foster William Farley John Walden William Leigh Cheadle Burch Halifax. JESSE RE tu, 30 Bertie Co. AARON SPIVEY, 9 JAMES RUTLAND JT T George Lewis Thomas Williams Thomas Hudgen Wm. Bokannon John Jeter John L. Townes Lancaster County. ames House Thomas Sutton James Ward Daniel Smith Wm. Elliott S. L. Straughan, 5 Martin Co. H. Hugins Giles Eubank JOSEPH BIGGS, 9 Hanover Co Thomas Taylor Josephus Moore Josiah Carter Rawleigh Dunaway Burr Onterbridga Wm. Clark Anderson Grubbs Eppa Norris Brooke County. Northampton Co. JAMES WRIGHT Joha Simms JOHN PRITCHARD Samuel Barker Southampton Co. John Morgan Wm. E. Moore, Es^. JACOB DARDEN Joseph Hedge Jesse Moore HENRY JONES Daniel Roberts Carteret Ca. Dr. C. Bowers John Brown, Esq. JABEZ WEARS Simon Murfee Nicholas Headington Col. John Roberts Benjamin Griffin Benjamin Foster David Ward, Esq. Richard Murfee Resident in d\Jfereni counties. Richard Canady ROBERT MURRELL Richard P. Clemmens Rich. B. Kelbw, Esq. Jonathan Healy Joseph Billups Joseph Sanders Wilihey Free COL: Edward Bill Robert Sabistoa Chesterfield Comfy . . ELEAZAR CLAY, 2 Lawson S. Holland Thorn is Oliver David Bill Cornelius Canady Thomas Burfbot Jonathan Ray Nerjo-Hawvir Cit. Archer Traylor Jacob Phillips James Larkir.i Peter G'rH BF.VERLY BOOT H Joshua Penny Joseph Gill J -hn B. Lane Jones Larkir.i John T. Belcher Wm. Holloway Major Clark Allen Wbdworth Jonathan Jones, Esq. Solomon Beesley Samuel Clay T. Williamson, Esq. Major Manniopj Fhinelus Clay NAT. CHAMSLSSS Abraham B&^'&Y Subscribers' Names. Samuel Aaron Larkins Oithiv Co. JOHN GORNTO D.iv'id Ward Elijah Simmons Daniel Norron Edgecombe Co. JOSHUA LAWRENCE Wilkinson Makey David Powel William Daney Alexander T James L. Battle Elizabeth Fork Jethro Battle Jesse Andrews Alfred L. Battle Joseph S . Battle Andrews Battle Samuel Sparks Thomas Manning Jonah Horn Ann Koss Benjamin Barns Frederick Phillips Charles Coleman William Simms Thomas Guion, 9 Col, William Balfour Albrigston Jones Dickens & Lyons Duplin Co. JOB THIGPIN BENJAMIN DAVIS, 10 Jonathan Thomas James Raphal Arthur Murray Moore Co. Bryon Boroughs, Esq. Cornelius Dond, Esq. Mark Phillips Eli Sowler Cornelius Child William Waddol, Esq. David Kennady, Esq. Archibald Meniell Montgomery Co. BENNBT SOLOMON IGNATIVS WEST J. Culpepper Joel Wilson William Kendall, Esq. J >nn Macbary Abraham Cockran Adam Semmons Elias Deacon Seth WnJiams Lias Biilingsly Esq. Benjamin Daniel Thomas Wear Greene Co. Joshua Barnes, 9 Cos 'well Co. DAVID LAWSOV BARZILLAI GRAVES J(*thro Brown, Esq. John Landers Josiah Womack William Moore Maj John Brown Capt. W. Timberlake Charles L. Hunter Ll'j ih Witliers Rachel Christie Roci'mglam Co. GEORGE ROBERTS Col. Nathan Scales Martin Wright, Esq. John Everet William Smith Maj. Will Betheli Menan Mills Capt. Philemon Neal Leonard Carney THOMAS MOORE Capt. John Atkins James Sepple John Morehcad, Esq. Daniel W. Pounds Richard Stubblefield Gullford Co. Joshua Lee Reuben Dear Benjamin Suddith Jeremiah Pitchett Hubbard Peoples John Coleman Triton Co. JOEL GULLEDGE DANIEL GOLD Samuel S. Jacksom John Grady Charles Vivion Dudley Wnli;inis John Williams RuTvan Co. GEORGE POPE William Wright Isaac O-Jcil William Raper Jvj.ei Tea gee Charles Pope Salomon Davis Ey.ekiel I'eagee fiftrnabas Odol Joshua Willson Isaac Wiseman Josiah Wiseman Charles Pickett Solomon Farringtoa Jacob Tea t eee Samue- Fairmgton William Thompson Moses Perkins Rutherford Co. BERRYMAN HICKS, 22 DRURY ROBBINS, 12 James Doyle Buncomb Co. HUMPHREY POSEY, 5 STEPHEN MORGAN George Swain, Esq. Burdet Sams Garret Deweese, Esq. Ambrose Stitton Thomas M'Clure,Esq. James M'Brayer, Esq. James Whitaker, Esq. i.zekiel Goforth Joshua Whitaker David Rymer Joseph Welsh James Smith John Wi throw Samuel Smith Ann Ash worth RtiiJent In different count lei. John Sikes Bryan M'Cabs Subscribers' Names. Joseph Thomas Edwin Barnes Granbury Baggett AMARIAH BIGGS Wiiliam Brown Geo. Dismucks, Esq. Thomas Waddal, Esq. Richard Stanford Henry Bunch Archibald Meniell Jacob Higgs Thomas Dean Benjamin Jenkins J. E. M'lver, Esq. P. Eclvva-ds George Wilds Edw.ird Edwards J. F. Wskon Elizabeth M'ColIough liilcrbe SOUTH.CAROLINA. Charleston. RlCH'DFuRMAN,l).D. 2 Wood Furman Rich'd B. Furman,M.D. James Harper John West Isaac Gill David Adams, Esq. 2 Col. William Rouse William Fuller George Gibbs, Esq. Joseph Yates John Gardner Catiiarine A. Yoer Edward G. Sass Frances Righton Mrs, E. Elliott Sarah Bird William Inglesby Leacraft Evans Thomas Harper Georgetown. EDMUND BOTSFORD, \z Darlington District. DANIEL WHITE JOHN ELLIS Samuel Evans Evander M'lver John Kirvin Wiiliam Kirvin Martin Dewitt Samuel Norwood John Smith James Coleson John Sanders VOL. 2. Alexander Sparks John C. Sm ( Churles M. Dewitt John K. M-lver Beaufort. WM. T. BRANTLEY Thomas Gillison, Esq. Thomas Fuller T. M. Hughes Josiah Bedon Elizabeth Tripp Lydia Turner Coosawbatc/jie. Isaac Nichols Charles J. Jenkins,Esq. Joseph Brian Abraham Mixon Edmund Smart James Forrister Amos Smart Levi Wooren Joseph Rogers Robert I. Chisolm John Miller Jacob Johnston William Harrod Naaman Smart Margaret Moore Frederick I. Johnson Benjamin Crews Francis Dickinson William Bowers Kill is Halford Jacob Stevens John R. Searson Edgefcld District. AMOS DCTBOSE John Chiles John Adams Garrett Longmire Jacob Hibler Gabriel Williams Edmund Belcher Sylvaniis Adams Charnal H. Thorn Joshua Thorn Jacob Zinn William Chiles John Tairance Benjamin Hightower R. M. Williams Levi D. Wigfall Matthew Minns ArmsteaJ Burt Janus Sanders Dr. Edm'd Cartledge Jofitf BOYD Eiibha Palmore Thomas Mereweather David Boazeman Dr. John Bu^ll Ozias Morgan Deney Bassey John Middleton Drury Mims, jr. Briton Mims Samuel Roper Nicholas Fox Martin Palmer James Bullock Charles Hammond Charles Bussey John Wise William Harden L. Hammond John Tolbiit Joshua Kee Thomas M. Scott John Swilliom Amelia Ryan Moses Medlock John Ryan John Lucas William Smith Samuel Walker Richard Christmas Lewis St. John Nathan Parker David Donalson H. Mitchell Frederick Hill John Baugh Edward Martin Subscribers' Names. Sunlury. CHARLES O. SCRETEN Peter Winn Thomas Bacon, jr. Jonathan Gauldin James Smith Mary M'Intnsh William Hill Eugene Brenan Sampson Butler SAMUEL MARSH STANMORE BUTLER Eldred Simkins David Crawford Greenville s" Abbeville Districts. BENJAMIN NORTHCUT JOEL E. GRACE ARTHUR WILLIAMS Ezekiel Nash, Esq. Nathaniel Babor Thomas Meiford LEWIS RECTOR. Henry Brockman Col S. I. Alston Philemon Bradford Hudson Berry, Esq. Major William Toaey Lusha walker Jonas Edwards Richard Harrison Robert Benson Jfffcrscn Co. John Cowart Dr. John Powell Columbia Co. JOHN BLACKSTONE F. M. Hunt Beverly Spivey Sarah Moore Josiah Magee John Langston Spsrtanburgh District. GEORGE BREWTON Shands Goligiidy John Smith Daniel W" banks William Uncervvood Benjamin Bcarden Peter Towns W. Lancaster, Esq. Thomas Bomar * John Golightly Tori District. William Pettus Nathan Green Noble Bouldin Dr. Sam'l Henderson John Kendrick Frederick Dinkins Dr. Stephen Foz Chester District, Dempsey Winbourne GEORGIA. Savannah. WM. B. JOHNSON, 50 Neiuington. Wm. Cachary Wm. Fuller Thos. Parker Jonathan Cliatt Geo. Magruder Red. Simms James Golightly James Foster [sham Cliatt Richmond Co. H. W. Hodges John Purey William Burton Thos. H. Dixon Andrew Miller Bcnj. S. Screven Joshua Whitaker Jesse Fumphry Warren Co. NORVELL ROBERTSON WINDER HILMAN Michael Codey James Smith Martha Spiller Elijah Stanford Hardin Pruitt Solomon Newsom Benjamin Upton William Faglie Jeremiah Spurlin THOMAS POLHILL, 30 Seth Cranberry Benjamin Mitchell Isaiah Tucker Mr. Baker Clem W (tiltgille) Buckner B:tss Henry Hight Jethro Darden, juu. Mountain Hiil Benjamin Brantley Bradford Butt James Elliott Benjamin Crenshaw Isaiah T. Irvin Henry Harden David Mims Michael Moore Jolm Rogers J. Johnson J. Cohron Robert A. Beall Solomon Lockett Asa Chapman Charles C. Mills Leonard Steed Jacob Smith Adam Jones Collen Fennell Jeremiah Rees Theophilus Hill James Willis James Harden William Right Robert Walton Henry Gibson John Wilson Hancock C. Jarrad Burch William Rabun Isaac Battle Thomas Cooper Reuben T. Battle Jackson S. Davenport William Cook Sally Burch Henry Champion Risdon More Henry Burley J. Howell, sen. J. Howell, j tin. John Michael William Byrum Simon Harrell William Battle Subscribers 9 Names. John Johnson Robert Sims John Henderson Nathaniel Harril- Allen Pope John A. Lightfoot Thompson Champion John Veasey Benjamin Brantley Moses Powal Richard Shep Allen Roberts John Hart James Barnes Reuben Ransom E. Shackleford William Martain Ariel Bruce John Slaughter William C. Johnson Walter Hemmet Littlebury Greshem Richard Smith John Thomas Joshua Cook Joseph Henry, sen. L. H. Linch Jesse Coleman James Cook Hezekiah Ellington Samuel Howard James Barrow, 2 Eliza Harris John Trautmans Peter Fair Eliza Carter Eliza Wilson Eliza Allen Ann Jarrett Mary Bullinger William Truman Benjamin Hall William Reives Joseph Porter, Esq. Thomas Vickers Wm. Curton, Esq. 10 BENJA. THOMPSON, 10 Baldwin Co. James Stills Francis Bykin Wailnngton Co. James Gladden Lewis Miller W likes Co. Aaron Lepham John Robertson Edward Gresham Henry Gibson Thomas Wingfield John W. Butler Samuel Wingfield John Turner John Lanson Joseph Frost Joel P. Leverett Burrell Greene James Chivers John M'Ginty D.miel Slaton George Smith Jacob Tarvar, jun. Nathaniel Harris Miles Dunkin Walter Perry William Davis, 10 Thomas Williamson Isaac Callaway John W. Reviere Job Callaway Nathaniel Holtzclaw Solomon Stephens David Terrell George Willis, sen. Joseph Callaway Peter B. Terrell James Echols Barram Callaway Enoch Callaway William Callaway Joseph Henderson, jr. Mager Henderson Harris Colleman Travis Evritt John H. Milner William Ash more Greene Co. JESSE MERCER John Mercer Hermon Mercer John Baxter Samuel Brooks Daniel Mercer . William Bools Francis West Mr. Thornton Elias Bell Richard Asbury William Mirritt William James Aronstia Atkins EUsha Hunter Joel Forester John AnJi\.>vs John Vason John T. Slaughter E/ekiel Veasey Jacob Gore Richard Paiker Edmund Low Robert Green O. Porter William Read John Browning Archibald Gresham Jonathan Haralson Samuel Baldwin William Brawning Abner Veasey Jonathan Bickus Ross Congers William Greene John Screll Ellen Co. William Barnitt, 10 Oglcthcrpe Co. Joel Barnett James H. Ponder Isam Goss Joseph Embrey Robertson Heudon Wiley Sims G. W. O'Kclloy Malen Dowdy Richard Goolsby Isaac DaviJ David Theuman Richard Fioyd Thomas Glen Charles Martin W. Huell William James Pye Malachi Reves In the nitv Counties. John Johnson Frederick Crowder Jesse Purkins Taylor Nelson James Thomas Wii.iam Fiamnoy William Waiker, /en E.ij.ih Moseiy Skt'itr.n Slandefer EC: j. WhiiefielJ, sen. James K r.derson CJTUI W. ;iu; Joi.n Briefs Samuel Maddoc William Auglin Arrington Peurifoy William Ccx Randal Peirce William H. Myles Presley Dodson Joseph Bevers Fran. Flomnoy John Callaway Philip Grayhill Robert Iverson Thomas Roquemore John Perry Wiiiiam Taylor Peter F Fiamnoy Franklin Co. James Smith JEdmund King, jr. FRANCIS CALLAWAY Jonathan Gibbs William Mitchel Thomas A. Dobbs Joel Yowel, Esq. James R. Wiley, Esq. Henry Holcombe,Esq. Ciement Walters Col B. Hollingsworth Capt. James Blair Burrell Whitehead Major Neelley Dobson Joseph Williams Capt Benj. Cleveland James A. Thomson Alexander Neal Joseph Chandler, Esq. Capt. William Word John Mullin, Etq. Richard Allen, E$q. David Barton Wyat Lankford John Warmick Lincoln Co John H. Walker Subscribers' Names. Arnold Zaellner W;iiiam Moncrief . James Buys Put n am Co. Randal Robertson Thomas Lt-vrritt Diiiiel H. Z.ichary KENTUCKY. maJuon Cour.fy. ANDREW TR.EBBLB hen Hancock Abraham Lewis John Moberly '1 hornas Jarmon Evan Watson John Greenalsh John Weagle William Y;ties John Morton John Read Durret White Edward Brodns Lewis H. Gillispie James Garrard Thomas C. Howard William M'Clariahan William k. Ash by Joshua Hudson Thomas i'odd John Cosse Curtis Field Garrard Co. John Bryant Nicholas S. Smith Achilles Ballinger Isaac Mayfieid John B. Potter Elias Fisher Elijah Williams William Sterne John Denten William Davis Isaac Mark'sberry John A. Lapsley Charles Blancf Robert Rcbinscn John Arnold Robert Burnsides Michael Ray Spencer Stone Joel Noll William Parks John Floyd Co. Zaccheus Carpenter ^ M'Hatton. Shelly Co. Lazarus Wilcox John Jones Elijah Strut Hinson Hobbs Edward Tyler Edmund Edwards Oswald Thomas G. Sharp Stephen Drane Augustine Webber William Nciil James Luttrell John Gathrite John Masierson Barren Co. JACOB LOCKE Peter Thelkel Peier Butler Lieut. Wm. D. Harlow John S. Camp Moses Cox John Conlee Col. Anthony Butler ROBFRT STOCKTON- RALPH PETTY John Rountree William Rountree Aquila Green B. IX Hendrick Richard Garnett, Esq. Daniel Curd, Esq. Capt. R. P. Stecnburgan John H. B.irker William Logan, Esq. John O. Morrison William Depp Hardin Davis, Esq. John C. Hall Hezekiah Davidsoji JOHN MURPHY JOHN BAUGH Ji HN B. LOUGAN John Gor-dall Jordan Glazebroolc Lewis I. Dood Hon. Michael W. Subscribers 9 Names. WILLIAM WARDER Elijah Appgate WALTER WARDER Thomas Saunders Jane Dodd William May C.ipt. Thomas Wynn Joseph Lewis Jo'nn Grubbs Pai menas Briscoe Henry Holeman Edward Goodwin James Clayton George Saunders J^hn Whcaler Samuel Anderson Pleasant Emmerson Jn,hua Hobbs Isaac Renfro Micakay Glasscock Capt. James Hall Rodolphus Bracky James Glass William Clienawuh William Meeds Elijah King Levy Blankenship John Hawkins Frederick Fort Jnseph Hawkins John Hervinton John C. Hinton William Dennis Beall Dorsey John Yearly Enos Keith Joseph Taylor Thomas M'Cartj Eus. . Hall James Caldwell Clement Hitch Anthony Varnan John Warder Joseph Warder, jr. Frederick Smith Scoll't County. JAMES SUGGETT William Bowles JOHM H. FlCKLFN Stephen Beauchap THOMAS HENDERSON James Johnson Nehon Co. M. Duvall MOSES PIER SON Jonathan J. Johnson Abner King Jonathan Davis Nicholas Osborn A. Sapp Samuel Si;7imons T. Craig Abner Chaffin . R. Johnson William Ktndall Levi Craig Matthias Wells James Hammons John Osborn Samuel Whorton Samuel Osborn, jr. David Carr B. Fluerman Younger Pitts Joseph Pancake P. Peak Tyre Harris John King James Bruce T. Alexander George Atbin R. Smith William Sonds Jonathan Rogers David Duncan Joseph Hokings Henry Shoptaw Thomas Waggoner Joseph Ross F. Denny William Wells Joseph Vance Daniel Kennard Thomas Bradley Patrick M'Gee Thomas Cobb John Marity E. Sherley .Elijah Wigginton Joel Martin N. B. Porter A. Mothershead James Dawson Jonathan W. Craig W. Thraelcald E. Shoit Thomas Butler M. Boulware ISAAC MILLER. Isaac Keller I. Warfield T. Marshall Jonathan Swan Jonathan Bartlett Richard W. Herndon I. Gibbs W. Suggett G a! at In, an J ether Countlei, JOHN TAYLOR, 5 EJeazer Hedden Samuel Sancleave William Ford Thomas F. Rees Isaac Forbis John Coons John Callaway Alan M'Guire Enoch Har.sbrough Thomas Vandeveer Henry Davidge William Middieton Peter Ftire WUliam Neal Thomas Craig John Paul Isaac Vauter Jesse Connell David Owen John kistine Abraham King Robert Tomkins William Webb, jr. John Ransdell John H. Morris Joel Jackson Roberts Sott John Earner Reuben Craig John Arnold Jesse Bryant Silas M. Noel Dudley Mitchuw Earnest F. Martine Christopher Wilson Moses Scott Chichester Matthews Subscribers' Names. Cave Johnson Widen Sleet Jameson Hawkins John Ashbrook William Whueaker Robert Garnet Samuel Bryan Joseph M-Kike William May William Shurman Joseph Keilur Rowland Thomas James Hacket Bo;n Connty. Hugh Steers Presley Peck Jeremiah Griffing MOSES VICKER.S Daniel Baldwin ROBERT GARNETT William Brady Reuben Searcey John Terrell John Shaver William Warrcll Lewis Conner Abraham Vcughan Benjamin Cave JOHN WATTS JAMfcs DICKIN JOSHUA LEATHERS William Underhili Wiiiiam Srnither OHIO. Piclaway Plaint. J. W. LOOFBOROUGH Gershom M. Petters DeerfielJ. Peter Jackson, Esq. William Baker Jacob Nyce Union. Nathan Cory Cbi'.icotfa. Abraham Nickens Brush Creek. CHARLES B. SMITH John Rich Win. Kirkpatrick Spencer Records Hamilton County. John Ferris Caleb German William Thornell Baracha Dunn David Atherton, Esq. Hon. Oihniel Looker David Lee Thomas Appleton John Bouham William Torrance James Dickinson Wm. J. Carson Jarah Markland Enoch Everingham Wm. T. Cullum Butler County. John Ewing Josephus Guard Cornelius Hinsey Prtble County. William Milner Jefftrson County. James Tingley Jacob Martin Mordecat Cole Cincinnati. Mr. Brown, Booksel- ler, 20 INDIANA TERRITORY. Dearborn County. EZRA FERRIS Charles Brasher Thomas Townsend Elijah Sparks Jesse L. Holeman Daniel Lynn Benjamin Pursell Wiiiiam Renry Faust Webb Hon. Solo. Manwaring James Cloud Hazel Koff Franklin County. Doct. John Bradbourn John Millholland James Winchell Elijah Eads Samuel Cook Abraham Lee John Morris James Roberts Alexander Ogle Daniel Cunningham Knox County. Jarvis Haseltori John Brasehon William Lathom William Hargroves John Laihom Coonrod Lamastist Joseph Whi tsides Timothy Mayhall Ellender Worrick James Oglesby William Hankes Elias Roberts Thomas Potter John Mills Thomas Spencer William BJack James Robertson East Tennessee. RICHARD WOOD Thomas Hill, 9 James Wood Joseph P. Wood William Wood John Hatcher James Bishop Rebecca Kendersoa Spencer Clark, 9 Tanson Grishom John Lockhert Duke Ambro Evans Phelin August Bowers Thomas Welch Hawkins County. David Morrison William Good Green County. Giles Parman George Crosby John Easterly, Esq. Wiliam Davis Subscribers 1 Names. Philip D. M irony William Garrett Coleman Smith, Esq. Joseph Hneley Seymour Catching Peter Biker Philip Hale, 9 Levi Spencer William Henderson John Tryar Isaac Nuruan 'William Dicksou Jefferson Cwnty, Wm. Horner Samuel Carson David Bylcr, Esq. Aqu'.la Lane, Esq. William White Ric'vard White Samuel Riggs CALEB WITT John Coltharp ISAAC Cocke County. John Smith Abraham Fine Lidgard Fine Evan Morgan John Netherton Peter Hough F. Wall Alexander Smith Joseph Hough Ezekiel Campbell Peter Fine Charles T. Porter, 3 Abel Giiliiind, 3 W. Ganite Joseph Irvin C.irtcr County. Daniel Stover Washington County. Solomon Hendrick West Tennessee. JAMES WHITSETT Richard Drury Wm. Morton John Leakey David Clarke Daniel Elum Jeremiah E/ell Cander M'Fadden 2 HartwellSeet James Scott Benjamin Gambeil John Goorich Balaam N?wsom Zechariah Poky John D. Fly C. Thacher Cantrile Bethel John Wiseman Micajah Holiis Nathan Stancil Paton Smith Isaac Battle William H. Nance Isham F. Davis Stephen Boothe Barkley Martin John Bosley John William David Hunter L.Kean StWm.Metcalf Stfift Muilin Dutton Sweeten John Davis Samuel Johnson Andrew Woods William Jennings H. & J. Holman Benjamin Murrel Hugh Gentry Hon. Robert C. Foster Joshua Conger Littleburg Hugher James Hill Matthew Haley James Bunson John Daw Peter Fugua Alex. M-Minnamy Thomas Rhodes Theophilus Bass Christopher Koonce William Dukes John W. Lumpkin Daniel Small Richard Dfake Jephthah Durham Thomas Durham William Smith John Warren Thomas Buckor John T. CooJ;sey i'homas Durham, sen. John Borum Booker Bradford Wm. Larrence John Gill Joshua Lester James Cross Benjamin Belt Elijah Cross Peter Collins J.trnes C. Hodges George Smith Ji^eniiah Burns Timothy Sugg Edotnnd Sugg Hurbert Sugg Wm. Sugg Enoch Arnold Thomas Sugg Wm. Thomas JosVaa White Joseph Phillips Wm. Dickinson Jacob White Edward Saunders Meshach Haila Andrew I.ucus Wm. Wallace Wm. Gilbert Enoch Cunningham Nathan Williams Shadrach Casey Alfred Harris James Reeves James Waldrtp Joseph Hill John Hunter Solomon Thomas Thomas Starke Joseph Hopkins Jesse Puller John Turner John Carter Valentine Flowers . M. Wole Daniel Reeves Richard Nuckles John N. Reed D. Voug-hai Subscribers 9 Names. Garner M'Conico Wm. Den-on Thomas Walker Isaac West Michael Kinard James Merritt Joel Stevens John Blackrnan Lewis Stevens Samuel She'burne Arthur Fulyhurn Reuben Dodson Henry Walker Robert P. Currin John H. Clemm David Caldwell James Stewart Archer Jordain, Esq. Watson Gentry John D. Hill Jsham Evans Stephen Childress Spencer Buford, Esq. Henry Petty Elisha Do.Lin Mary Giddeans John Farrar J.imes Pu^h J >hn Williams John Atkinson Dann Hill Nathan Ewing Jesse Evans EBENEZCR RICE Elizabeth Williams Abram Maury John Kirk James Buford Frances Gholson Washington Walker Benjamin Wilks Lemuel Prescott David Rice William Mitchell John Spencer Thorn is John Thompson John R. '.chard son John Jone;> Thomas Parker George Dawson John Record Robert Rice David Dickinson, Esq. Edw?rd Ragsdale JAMES M-JAL:B JOSIAH HORNE, 12 Josiah Fort, 2 George KinarJ Benjamin Bugg Wm. C. Devercup Natchez. Wm. Snodgrass New-Orleans. Saml. H. Stackhouse Vernon. The following names were received too late to be inserted in their proper places. Lltcbfield (Maine.) Monson. VERMONT* HENRY KENDALL, 4 Samuel Munger additional copies. ^^ ^ MASSACHUSETTS. ^IbridgeGerryDaniels _ Guilfonl. TT , Graftsn. Harvard. ]Q ^ ^ Jeremiah Dyer fi Colraiuc. RHODE-ISLAND. GEORGE WITHERELL, Faivtucket. LEWIS ALLYN Peter Briggs Marllorougb. MANSFIELD BRUCE formerly of 4 dams, additional copies. Moses JONATHAN WILSON, 2 John Eudy NEW-YORK. Clinton, GaciJa Co. Silas Sikes Subscribers from a number of places were expected^ which have not been received. If they have miscarried^ (which may be ascertained by examining this Ikt) they shall? by being for- warded now, receive proper attention. TY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES LIBRARY University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. DISC MA S UJU. 24139 Form L A-t, 1978 A 001431179 9