Ml NUTEIS.

NINTH ANNUAL SESSION

OF THE

CENTRAL LIBERT! BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

HELD WITH THE

Union Church, Bit)t> County, Ala..,

From fhe ?Hlh h tht- 29lJi of Sepf ember. IS93,

\V. G. HrnnARD. T \V Caddei.l.

Moderator. Clerk.

nrUTDN A WEATHEKKORP. PKINTEK<. TrSCALOO?A. ALA.

MINUTEIS

On Thursday before the ist vSabhath in October, 1S93, tlic ministers and delegates composino^ the Central Liberty Bap- tist Association, met with the Union Baptist Church, Bibb County, Ala. The brother appointed to preach the Introduc- tory Sermon being absent, and the former Moderator being absent, on motion Bro. VV. G. Hubbard was appointed tempo- rary Moderator, and afier making a few appropriate remarks, declared the body partially organized and ready for business.

Called for the letters from the churches, and appointed J.H. Deweese and H. P. Boyd reading committee. Letters were read and names of delegates enrolled as follows : Haysop— W. G. Hubbard, J. VV. Hubbard, R. M. Brown, R. H. Hnb-

baid, G. W. Tnwnsend. Liberty— H. P. Boyd, J. H. Dewees. C T. Roglin. Mulberry— J. W. Cad.lell, A. J. Mayfield, A. D. Fikes, E. Fikes. Pleasant Hill — J. D. Geddie, L A. Jenkins, H. H. Jounson, D. J. John- son, Haley Spence- Pine Flat. — S. F. Smelley, C VV. Arnold. Joseph Johnson. South Sandy.— J. T. Tubb, S. P. Sumner, W. J. Griffin, J. D. Sumner. Spring Hill. — A. J. Stewart, M. Morrison, Jr., M. Morrison, Sr. Union.— J. R. Wigging, J. W. Shuttleworth, J. B. Keeton. Union Hill. — Not represented. 2nd Baptist Church, East Blocton — S.Carleton, H.Crawford, T.B.Dison.

Then openod the door for other churches to join this asso- ciation, and the Second Baptist, East Blocton, was received into this association by the Moderator extending to the dele- gates the right hand of fellowship.

Then the Abstract of Principles and Rules of Decorum were read.

Went into the election of Moderator and Clerk, and W. G. Hubbard was elected Moderator and J. W. Caddell Clerk.

Adjourned for dinner, which was prepared and at the church.

E\'EX1NG SESSION.

The delegates and congregation reassembled in the house and joined in prayer with S. Carleton, and the Moderator ap- pointed S. Carleton to preach at the stand, which he did.

The following Committee on Devotion was appointed : C. W. Arnold, I. D. Geddie, with the deacons of Union Church.

On Arrangement of Business — T, B. Dison, J. H. Deweese, A. D. Fikes, C. T. Raglin, J. R. Wiggins.

On Finance— H. P. Boyd, R. H. Hubbard, and A. J. Mayfield.

On Documents — J. G. Tubb, G. V\'. Townsend, J. B. Keeton, and A J. Mayfield.

On Education — A. D. Fikes, J. H. Deweese, and J. W. Hubbard. On Temperance — T. B. Dison, S. Carlton, J. R. Wiggins, M. Morri- son, Tr , and H. P. Boyd.

The Devotional Committee reported that Bro T. B. Dison preach at ii o'clock to-morrow.

Adjourned until 9 o'clock Friday morning. Prayer by A. J. Mayfield.

SKCOND DAY FRIDAY MORNING.

Met pursuant to adjournment, and after singing a hymn, joined in prayer led by J. T. Tubb, the Moderator called the body to order and called for the report of the Committee on Arrangement of business, and the Committee recommended that the association take up business on the same order and plan as she did' at her last session, which was adopted.

I. Opened the door tor correspondence, and received from Harmony, Lewis Cansey ; from Tuscaloosa, J. H. Ward, D.J. Ward, and J. D. Hayes.

3. Called the roll and marked absentees. (See table.)

3. The Moderator appointed J. T. Tubb, A. J. Mayfield, and C. T. Raglin a committee to ascertain the cause of Union Hill Church not representing herself in the Asspciation.

4. The Committee on Missions reported as follows, which was read and adopted :

In our own Association, we do not know of an}' destitute of the Gos- pel, but when we look beyond there is great destitution, even in the bounds of onr own* State, and we think the best way to reach these des- titute is throuj*!) our regular organized board, who have this work in charge; and we tliiiik tiiat we should at once co-operate with that board so that we may assist in carrying to them the good news. We feel with the obligation which the Scriptures enjoins upon us to assist in carrying the Gospel into other countries as well as around our own homes, and also into the region beyond. The field is the world, and the great com- mand is to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. We feel that this comuKind embraces every one of us, an<l that each one should assist in the great work. The small things that the little Chris- tian may do are as great in the siglit of God as the great tluny;s that are done by the great ones. Remember the widow's mite and the cup of cold water. Every Christian must be in favor of the spreading of the Gospel. Every Christian under proper instruction must feel it to be his or her duty to do sometiiing in word and deed for the spreading of the Gospel. God is glorified in the salvation of saints, and as long as there are souls to be saved, as long as there are nations and people who have never heard the name of Jesus, there will be need of mission work. The world is open for the Gospel as never before, and facilities for car-- rying the truth constantly enlarging and increasing. Increased facili-

ities biiii^' iiicreaBed responsihilitiPB. Every foreijrn minfiion jfnirna brintrs clieerinj; news from the foreign mission lields. Men and women going and willing to go into these fields, and by the guiding hand of Goii the work is greatly expanding and growing stronger every year. Breth- ren, let us work and pray. Give to this great cause until God shall, by the enlightening influence of the Gospel, make the desert to flourish and blossom as the rose, till the kingdom of the world shall become the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Ciirist ; till the heathen shall claim Christ for an inheritance and the uttermost parts of tiie earth for a possession. We hereby recommend that at every session of this body there be one or more sermons preached on the ^•ubject of missions, and we further recommend that all of our preachers preach at least one sermon to each of tlieir churches at least once a year on the subject of missions, and to take up collection as often as they may think best, and we further rec- ommend that this Association co-operate with the State Mission Board. Respectfully submitted, J. T. Tube, Chairman.

On motion, adjourned two hours for preaching and dinner, and Rev, T. B. Dison preached an interesting sermon to an audience of attentive listeners, the fruits of which we trust will l)e seen in the great day of accounts. His subject was based on these words; "Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same scriptures and preached unto him Jesus." — Acts 8th chapter, 35th verse.

Reassembled in the house, the Moderator called to order.

5. Appointed J. T. Tubb, I. D. Geddie and J. W. Hubbard a committee on Nominations.

6. Report of Temperance Committee adopted as follows : We as a country people are rid of the pest whisky shop, but what

does this amount to when our neighbors and friends visit our towns and find whisky at almost every corner? We as a religious body should stamp our disapproval on the monster evil that to-day invades our coun- try and brings more poverty, misery, and death than all others known to us. It does not only bring these evils, but brings a dark gloom over tiie future, as no drunkard shall enter the kingdom of God. Thus we see that it destroys both soul and body. Why cannot we rid ourselves to-day of this evil? In tiiis free country our cities are being ruled by the saloons. Their keepers and the manufacturers of intoxicating drinks are <;ombining anil .■striving to control our legislators. The chil- dren of Christian people, as well as others, are tempted by the saloons, and guided by the example of tliose older than themselves, tiiey are certainly beginning the life which leads to the enormous sin of drunk- enness. While whisky and beer are used in the town of Blocton at this time, to the annoyance of all good citizens, thank God, with the assist- ance of the oiticers of the county, with the strong effort of the good peo- ple, times in that respect are much improved to what they were twelve montlis ago, KespectfuUy submitted, T. B. Dison, Chairman.

7" The report of the Committee on Education was read and adopted, as follows :

While there is so much written and so many speeches and lectures delivered, and free public schools esiablithed all over the country, tlie matter of education it seems has become a stale thing in the minds of a great many people, and we do not expect to enlighten or inform many people by this report ; but we wish to call the attention of our Baptist brethren to the education of their children. Now, brethren, we take it for granted that you feel more or less this responsibility, that rests upon you. We think that we, as a denomination, ought to see that our chil- dren art? educated according to Baptist faith and principles. If we do not do it, who may we expect to do it ? Onr children should be educated in Baptist faith and principles, so that they can stand in the face of any people and contend for the faith once delivered to the saints ; and the reading and studying of the Bible is a good means of bringing this knowledge about, instead of permitting them to read novels and the trashy literature that is printed and sent broadcast over the country. Other people and societies that are opposed to us are putting out their shrewdest and best educated men. and are gaining on us in many points while we, as Baptists, seen to manifest a great deal of indifference as regards that matter, especially among the common classes.

Respectfully submitted, A. D. Fikes, Chairman.

On motion, we adjourned till after preaching. Rev. W. G. Hubbard preached an impressive sermon, taking for his sub- ject these word : "It the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." St. John Sth chapter and 36 verse.

Reassembled in the house. The Moderator called the body to order.

8. The report on Sabbath Schools and Documents was read and adopted, as follows:

We find from the reading of the letters from the various churches that some complain of a coolness prevailing, while others have been greatly revived and numbers have been convc^rted and added to the church, while a number asked an interest in the prayers of the association. Brethren let us not forget these requests. We find that Haysop and Liberty churches report Sabbath Schools We, as Baptists, brethren of the Central Liberty Association, do recommend that our churches be- come more interested in Sabbath Schools, as we see that there is but little interest manifeHteii in our churches. We beliere that they should use Baptist literature and practice the same. We should read the Bible for it is the great way-bill from earth to heaven. J. T. Tubb, Ch'm.

9. Returned correspondence as follows:

Harmony— Rev. T. B. Dison, Rev. S. Carlton, G- W. Townsend. Tuscaloosa— F. M. Hobson, J.H. Deweese, Newton Mathis, J.T.Tubb. Mulberry, Rev. A. D. Fikes, J. M. Greathouae. Cahaba— J. R. Wiggins, A. J. Mayfield.

10. The Finance Committee reported :

R<^ceiveil liDrii the cliurcln's, $l}.7'»; iti trt'usiiry, i;l.(;0; t(flal, !t;l(j. .'{">. On motion, the Abstract of Principles and Rules of Deco- rum were ordered printed in the minutes.

13. Committee on Nomination reported as follows :

■ That the next session of this Association be held with Spring Hill Chnrch. on Friday hefore the firnt Sabhatli in Octnher, 1894. Eider .T.S. Carlton to preacli the introductory sermon ; W. G. Huhbanl alternate.

J. T. Tube, Ciiairman.

13. On motion, the time of the Association meeting was changed from Thursday to Friday.

14. The next District Meeting v/ill be held with the South Sandy Church, on Friday before the second Sabbath in Sep- tember, 1894. Bro. W. G. Hubbard to preach the introductory sermon, J. R. Wiggins alternate. Subject for discussion : "Is it the duty of all male members of the church to exercise in public discussion?" Opened by Bro. J. M. Greathouse.

ic;. On motion, the Clerk was instructed to have 400 copies of these minutes printed, have $5 for his services, and retain t^o copies for correspondence.

16. New business. The following committees appointed :

Missions— T. B. Dison, J. T. Tubh, and A. D. Fikes. Temperance — J. T. Tnhb. J. R. Wigfrins, and F. M. Hohson Sahhath Schools— A. J. Mayfield, B. J. Murphy, and H. P. Boyd. Education — .1. H. Deweese, F. M. Hohson, and J. W. Hubbard.

The above committees are to report at tlie next session of thip l^ody.

17. Tlie Association returns its thanks to the citizens of the vicinity of Union Cluirch for tlieir kindness to us during our stay with them.

18. The Association, having gone through with all the

business before it, sang a hymn, and gave the parting hand.

Prayer by Elder T. B. Dison.

J. W. Caddeli., Clerk. W. G. Hubbard, Mod.

ABSTRACT OF PRINCIPLES.

Article 1. We believe in only one true and living (lod, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that the Scriptures, comprising the Old and New Testament, are the Word of God, the only rule of faith and practice.

3. We believe in the doctrine of Election, and that God chose his people in Christ V)efore the foundation of the world.

4. We believe in the doctrine of original sin.

5. We believe in man's incapacity, by his own free will and aiiility, to re- cover himself from the fallen state in which he is by nature.

6. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God by the imputed righteousness of Chiist only.

7. We believe that God's elect shall be called, regenerated, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

8. We believe that the Saints shall l)e preserved in Grace, and never fall finally away.

9. We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are Ordinances of Jes- us Christ, and the true believers arc the only subjects of Baptism, and that by

ImincrRioii is*tlie only Apostolii- mode.

10. We )>elieve that our Lord and Master witshud his disciples' I'eet ; wo ought to wash one another's feet.

11. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and in the General Judg- ment, and that the felicity of the righteous and punishment of the wicked will be eternal.

12. We i)elieve that no minister has any right to administer the ordinances of the Church, but one who is regularly baptized, called, and comes under the imposition of the hands of Presbytery.

13. We believe that none but legally baptized members have a right to commune at the Lord's Table.

RULES OF DEOUKUM.

Article 1. The Association shall be opened and closed with priyer.

2. A Moderator and Clerk shall be chosen by the members present.

3. The Moderator shall be considered a judge of order, and shall have a discretionary right to call a member to order at any time.

4. A member not satistied with his decision, may appeal to the Associa- tion on the same day, but at no other time.

5. But one member shall speak at a time, who shall rise to his feet, ad- dress the Moderator, and, on obtaining permission, proceed.

6. The Moderator, when addressed by a member for permission to speak, shall signify the same in naming the person, or otherwise.

7. No member shall be interrupted while speaking, unless he depart from the subject, or use words of personal reflection. Every motion made and seconded, shall come under the consideration of the Association, unless with- drawn by him who made it.

8. Every case taken up by the Association shall be decided on or with- di'awn before another shall be ofl'ered.

9. When a motion is taken up, after allowing time for the debates, the Modei-ator shall take the voice of the Association on the suiyect by yeas and nays, or otherwise.

10. Any member wishing to retii'e shall ol)tain permission of the Mod.

11. No member shall speak, more than twice on the same proposition, without leave of the Association, nor shall any proposition be made to close the subject until the debates have been carried through.

12. The appellation of "Brother" shall be used in ihe Association l)y members in their address to one another.

13. The names of members shall be called as ofti'ii as the Association may direct.

14. No member shall l)e tolerated in any practice which tends to interrupt public speaking.

15. The Moderator shall be entitled to the same privilege of speaking as any other member, provided he appoint another to his scat during the time, but he shall not vote on any question unless the Association be equally divided.

16. Any member violating these rules, shall be reproved by the Modera- tor as directed by the Association, but only ou the day the breach shall .have been made.

17. These rules shall be read at the opening of every session of the Asso- ciation, and shall be altered and amended when a majority of the members shall deem it necessary.

Received of J. W. Caddell $10.00 for 400 copies of these minutes.

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