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MINUTES
OF THE
Mmn^M^H 3nnml <	flqgStOtl
OF THE j
([aliaba jBaptijst $$$ociation.
HELD WITH
NEW HOPE CHURCH, HALE COUNTY, ALABAMA.
October 14th and 16th,	1896,
DFFICERS,
! J. P. HARMS, Moderator J. A. McCRARY, Clerk. \| D. J. FRAZER, Treasurer 1	. .Harrisburg, Ala. . . Pinetuckey, Ala. . . Centreville, Ala.
MARION, ALA. STANDARD JOB PRINT, 1897. 1

MINUTES

-OF THE-

Mmnitt-MWH Svn«»i M^^

-OF THE

([ahaba Jiaptigt $$3ociatioii.

-HELD WITH-

NEW HOPE CHURCH, HALE COUNTY, ALABAMA,

October 14th and 16th, 1897,

OFFICERS,

J. P. HARRIS, Moderator Harrisburg, Ala.

J. A. McCRARY, Clerk Pinetuckey.. Ala.

P. J. FRAZER, Treasurer Centreville, Ala.

MARION, ALA. STANDARD JOB PRINT,

1897.

MINUTES.

MORNING SESSION.

Tl o 78th session ot the Cahaba Baptist Association met with New Hope church on Wednesday morning Oct. 14th, 1896. After a portion of Scripture was read by brother J. P. Harris, Rev. J. W. Dunaway offered prayer; after which, iu the absence of Rev. A. R. Hardy and by request of Rev. J. A. McCrary, Rev. J. W. Cabanis preached the Introductory sermon. Text, John 9-27.

The letters of the various churches were then called for and read by brethren J. W. Dunaway and J. B. Lovelace. The body then went into a permanent organization. J. P. Harris was chosen Moderator and J. A. McCrary, Clerk. The Associ- ation then adjourned for dinner with prayer by Rev. J. M. Tucker.

EVENING SESSION.

At 2 o'clock the body was called to order by the Moderator and prayer ottered by Rev. J. E. Barnes; then visiting brethren from other Associations were invited to seats with the organiza- tion. The following brethren were seated:

Rev. J. W. Cabanis from Unity, and C. W. Arnel and Adam Pikes from Liberty. A Finance Committee was then appointed, consisting of brethren J. C. Suttles, J. T. Curb and J. M. Mc- Cullough.

Report on State Missions was then read by Rev. J. W. Duna- way; received by the body and tabled, to be discussed in connec- tion with Home and Foreign Missions.

The Committee on Home Missions being absent Rev. J. E. Barnes was appointed to write a leport to read on Thursday morning. Rev. J. W. Dunaway then read a report on Foreign Missions; these reports were then spoken to by Rev. R. G. Pat- rick. The discussion of Missions was then suspended, and the report on Education was read by J. C Suttle.

A letter from Col. J. T. Murfee, President of the Marion Military Institute, in interest of student, E. E. George, was road

by the Moderator. The sentiment of this letter wns adopted by the Association. Rev. J. W. Dunaway then made a talk in in- terest of student E. E. George; after which a contribution in cash was made to help defray his expenses at the M. M. I , amounting to $25.00, and subscriptions amounting to $144.00, making a total of $169.00. Brethren J. B. Lovelace, W. B. Alexander and J. T. Curb were appointed as a committee to re- ceive this money; J. B. Lovelace to be known as Chairman. Student E. E. George was then introduced to the Association by the Moderator. The much beloved young brother then made a nice talk of thanks to the Association for adopting him as its beneficiary; after which Rev. ii. G. Patrick discussed the subject of Education.

A Committee was then appointed consisting of Rev. R. G. Patrick, brethren J. B. Lovelace and W. B. Alexander to write Resolutions concerning the death of Dr. Averett, who was presi- ident of the Judson at the time of his death. The Committee on hospitality then made its report, after which the body adjourned with prayer by Rev. J. B. Poole, until 9:30 o'clock, Thursday morning.

MORNING SESSION.

Thursday morning, Oct. 15th, 1896, at 9:30 o'clock the Moderator called the Association to order. Prayer was offered by Rev. J. S. Boiling. The Clerk then proceeded to call the roll. The following delegates were seated:

Bethlehem — D. A. Rogers

Stewart — J. W. Whatley, Eugene Avery and P. T. Harris.

Sardis— E. W. Tucker, J. T. Griffin.

Siloam — R. G. Patrick, J. B. Lovelace.

Union— W. T. Stringfellow, E. J Stringfellow.

Pineflat— E. P. George, J. M. McCullough, E. E. George and W. B. Alexander.

Pisgah — J. W. Dunaway.

Pinogrove — J. M. Tucker.

Ocmulgee — N. T. Quarles, J. W. Dunaway.

New Shiloh — No delegates but represented by letter.

Newberne — J, E. Barnes.

4

Macedonia — J. W. Seals, H. W. Stavender. Mt, Olive—A. Miller. Mars Hill— T. J. Lester, J. W. Pitts. Medline — Thomas A. Sanders.

Hopewell— R. E. Lee, P. A. Driver and J. U. Tubb. Hepzibah J. A. MeCrary, A. C. Haggard. Harmony— S. P Curb,W. 0. McMillan iindl T. M. McCarter. Greensboro — T. J. Kynerd, D. W. Ward and W. M. Seay. Friendship— A. H. Littlejohn, D. M. Moore. Fellowship— W. T. Wood, J. T. Curb, Sandy Monts, W. J. Horn and W. O. Monts.

Ephesus— G. W. Nickols, D. H. Nickols, Robert Nickols and George D. Nickols.

Concord— J. W. Huff, T. S. White and J. S. Boiling.

Bethel— J. P. Harris, H. W. Faueett.

Centerville — Virgic McKinley,J. 0. Snttle and D. J. Frazcr.

Immanuel — W. M. Langhorn, W. H. Kendrix and W. T. Weisinger.

Macon — Do delegates but a letter received by the Clerk.

After the enrollment of the delegates a letter from Immanuel church at Brown's Station was read before the body, asking to be admitted into the fellowship of the Association. A committee consisting of brethren J. E. Barnes, E. P. George and J. M. Tucker, was appointed to investigate the matter. The report on Home Missions was then read by Rev. J. E. Barnes and spoken to by brethren Barnes and Patrick, after which the body agreed to offer special prayer in behalf of Rev. J. W. McColliim, our Missionary to Japan, and Miss Kelley, our Missionary to China. This prayer was lead by Rev. J. M. Tucker. At the close of the prayer Bro. E. P. George arose from his knees singing one of those good old familiar hymns which seemed to lead our spirits right up to the gates of heaven.

Rev. R. G. Patrick then preached the Missionary sermon. Text: Romans the 9th chapter, 3rd verse and Romans, 1st chapter and 14th verse. Alter the sermon an offering was made amounting to $17.87. The body then adjourned until 1:30 p. m.

EVENING SESSIOxN.

At 1:30 p. m. the body reassembled and after prayer by Rev. J. W. Cabanis, the body proceeded to business. There was a resolution ottered by Rev. R. G. Patrick extending the thanks of the body to the good people of the neighborhood of New Hope church for the hospitality tendered it during this session.

The subject of Education was then taken up and discussed by brethren Patrick and Barnes. The committee to investigate the Immanuel church matter then made its report. The report was accepted by the body, and the right hand of fellowship was extended the messengers of that church by the Moderator in be- half of the Association. Bro. E. P. George then spoke on the subject of Missions. The reports on Missions were then adopted by the body.

REPORT ON STATE MISSIONS.

The report of State Missions for 1895 covered 16 months and while it was thought to be the hardest year financially in the history of the Board, jet the Board collected during the six- teen months for all purposes $20,108.82, which is in excess of any sum ever before collected by the Board in a single convention term. During the 16 months the State Board raised for State Missions $1 1,009, which shows that we have gone above the average collection for the convention year. The prosperity of the Mission cause in our state is chiefly due to systematic giving; taking it for granted that we have 115,000 Baptist in the state and that hundreds of these gave nothing at all for missions. Yet the faithful few, through good management and persistent effort, raised over $2.27 per capita of the entire denominations of our state. We are sorry to say that the great majority of the Bap- tists of our state are anti-missionary in practice — if not in spirit. Much of this is due to the lack of the State Mission Board in not sending out the proper ones to teach and organize the churches in the mission work, which ere this would have given impulse in extending the Master's Kingdom. J. W. Dunaway,

.1. I>. Frazf.r", \V. T. Pearson.

REPORT UN FOREIGN MISSIONS.

The earliest general organization among American Baptists was the general missionary convention of the Baptist denomina- tion in the United States for Foreign Missions. The convention was organized by thirty-three delegates, representing eleven States, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 18th of May, 1814. Baptist people co-operated with this body for a period of thirty years. In 1845 a division occurred between the Biptists of the* North and those of the South. On Thursday, the 8th day of May, 1845, at Augusta, Ga., the Southern Baptist convention was organized. 51 years have elapsed since the first meeting was held, and many changes have taken place. Possibly there were not more than 250,000 white Baptist in 1845 that were members of the Southern Baptist convention; today we have over one hundred thousand ordained preachers and over one and a half million communicants. We can truly say in the language of the Psalmist — "The Lord hath done great things for them." The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad. At the beginning of the present century all the Christian people of earth gave comparatively nothing for Foreign Missions and the num- ber of missionaries were so few in number that they all could have dined off one table. We have now over one million of people in the heathen lands that are members of Christian churches and that over 3 million have put themselves under the teaching of the missionaries. But let us look at the other side of the picture. O, think of the heathens who are left. We have 175,000,000 Hindoos, 50,000,000 Mohammedams, 50, 000,000 Devil worshipers. More than 250,000,000 that are notable to read or write. I don't think there has been an age since the Apostles that made greater demands of God's workers. E. P. GEORGE, Chairman

REPORT ON HOME MISSIONS.

The Home Mission Board which for years was located at Marion, Ala., is now located in Atlanta, Ga., with Dr. I. T. Tichenor as Secretary. For half a century this Board has been accomplishing a great work for the cause of Christ in our South- land. This Board is a necessity as much so, in some respects at least, as our State Board of Missions. The policy of the Board

has always been to assist the weaker States of our convention; to accomplish the needed work in their bounds in behalf of our native population and the foreign population that is so rapidly filling up our country. The Home Board of our convention, act- ing jointly with the Home Board of our Northern convention, has undertaken a work in behalf of the negro population of the South, in trying to give them a better instructed class of preachers, and through these preachers it is hoped to reach and evangelize the millions of negroes who are at our very door.

Your committee would also call the attention of the Associ- ation to the frontier work, and work among the Indians that this Board is doing, and urge upon every church, that can do so, the importance of sending boxes of clothing to the self-sacrificing missionaries that are preaching Christ to the people who live in the destitute country, west of the Mississippi river.

Besides undertaking the much needed work in our country, the Home Board some ten years ago heard the Macedonian cry as it came across the water from benighted Cuba, saying, "Come over and help us." As God honored the Baptist of England and America by preparing and calling Carey ami Judson nearly a century ago, and sending them to India and Burmah; so about a decade ago he called forth one, Diaz, who he had been prepar- ing for years to be the Apostles to the Cubans. Today there are about three thousand (3000) Baptists in Cuba. Diaz being sus- pected by the Spaniards, during the present war between Spain and Cuba, of aiding the Cubans in the early part of this year was cast into prison. But Cod released him and sent him to this country to tell of His mighty work among those people, and to quicken by his earnest speeches a proper interest in the salva- tion of Cuba.

The success of the Board during these fifty years, and the great opportunity for preaching Christ to our own people, to the foreign population, to the negroes of the South and to the priest-ridden people of Cuba, should enlist our sympathy and our prayers and gifts in its behalf. Respectfully submitted,

J. E. Barnes, Chairman.

Rev. J. E. Barnes then made a talk on Education — the re- port was then adopted.

REPORT ON EDUCATION.

We are glad to report that both the Howard and Judson are in better condition than one year ago and the future is full of promise. The}' have been well equipped during the long crisis in the financial affairs of our people. Among the trials they have endured (successfully so far) the competition with schools that have no fixed standard of scholarship for graduation, and no fixed rates of board and tuition; but we have a revival of Educa- tional interest in our state and with this revival of interest will come a demand lor that which is best in education, and the Howard and Judson will be largely attended. The two schools have opened the present session with unrivaled numbers. We hear that the Theological Seminary at Louisville had one of the finest openings of its history. If is a propitious sign of progress, that the people value something more than they do pleasure or material substance; that they value Education more than they do gold. We regret very much to mention the death of our es- teemed brother Prof. S. W. Avcrett, who so efficiently and faithfully presided over our beloved Judson; but we feel we can say that while his death is a great loss still the school is in good hands and we hope it will receive the same love and patronage as before from our people. J. C. Suttle, Chairman.

Report on Denominational Literature was then made by J. A. McCrary; spoken to by himself and brethrenJ. W. Cabanis, W. B. Alexander, E. P. George and J. II. Payne. The report was then adopted.

REPORT ON DENOMINATIONAL LITERATURE.

All religious literature is based upon the teachings of the Bible; so anything oi religious nature that we read is improving to ns, mentally. morally and religiously; therefore, with the many opportunities that we have of informing ourselves concerning the great and many subjects pertaining to religion, we should be eager to avail ourselves of the great and many opportunities, and thereby become more intelligent and more God-like. By reading the Foreign Mission Journal we obtain information concerning the heathen and also the work of our much beloved missionaries and consequently we are brought more in sympathy with them

and made to put into action more t'uljy the teachings of our Master. By reading the Home Mission Journal we are enabled to understand our Home Mission work, and thereby brought in closer touch with the work.

By reading the Alabama Baptist we are kept posted in the the work of our Denomination in the state, and not only does it keep us posted but the splendid letters of the many great and good men who write for it are improving and inspiring to all who will read it. We notice from the report in the Minutes of our last session that there are 1878 members in the Cahaba Association and of that number only 34 take a denominational paper. In connection with the Bible, your committee insist that this Association will read these religious journals.

J. A. McCrary, Chairman.

The report on Temperance was then read by J. A. McCrary, by the request of Rev. J. S. Boiling. It was spoken to by J. A. McCrary; the discussion was then suspended until Friday morn- ing. The body then adjourned until 0:30 o'clock Friday morning.

MoRNTNO SESSION'.

Friday morning, Oct. 16th, 1800, the body was called to order by the Moderator, and prayer by our young ministerial student, E K. George; then the minutes of the preceding day were read by the Clerk and adopted. The subject of Temper- ance was tnen taken up and discussed by brethren Pool and Mc- Crary. The report was then adopted.

REPORT ON TEMPERANCE.

Temperance is that virtue which a man is said to possess who moderates and restrains his sensual appetite. It is often, however, used in a more general sense, as synonymous with moderation, and is then applied to all passions, and we learn from the word of God that we should be temperate in all things, and as we learn this great principle from that All-wise Being, then we should consider it in the general sense. First we will notice that men should be temperate in their eating. There are many wrecks in the world- today because they have not observed this law, wherein they have given way to their appetite to such

an extent they have given more work to their digestive organs than they were able to perform, therefore, by continuing in this intemperate habit so long they have ruined their health for life and in consequence of which their lives are shortened.

But the greatest injury to the human race is caused by the use of distilled and fermented drinks, for not only is the consumer injured but his whole family and also the community in which he lives. Many a poor godly woman and innocent children suffer for the necessities of life because they have a drunken husband and father. Yea! many of them sigh and groan for a gentle word, but alas! it never comes, because their husband and father is at all times tired up, on the spirit of the devil in the form of intoxicating drink. In such a condition there can be nothing but harsh and abusive words. Not only does such a one bring misery and distress upon his own family but his influence is brought to bear upon the young in the community in which he lives. Oh! may God hasten the day, in which all of his people, will see how injurious this whiskey traffic is to the human race — mentally, physically, morally, socially and religiously and seeing this, may they use their influence to abolish it.

J. S. Bollino, Chairman. The report on Sunday Schools was then read by Rev. J. B. Pool and discussed by brethren Pool, Barnes, McCrary, String- fellow and W. B. Alexander; after which the report was adopted.

REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

We recognize the importance of Sunday Schools and regret that we cannot report one in every church in the Association. The study of the scripture is of great importance to all Christians for it is the meat and drink by which the soul is fed and nour- ished, by which it may gather strength and growth day by day, so that at last we may become men and women in Christ. We are commanded to search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and where can we study them so well as in the Sunday School? Let us therefore, old and young, gather ourselves together, Sunday after Sunday and study His holy word, not only during the long days of summer but the dreary days of winter, so that all the days of our lives may be spent in bringing

11

souls to Christ and teaching them to observe all things written in the book of life. J. B. Pool, Chairman.

The report on the Orphanage was then read by Bro. E. E. George, and spoken to by brethren J. W. Haggard, W. B. Alex- ander, J. A. McCrary and J. E. Barnes; after which a collection was taken for the Orphans' Home, amounting to $10.00. The report was then adopted.

REPORT ON ORPHANAGE.

The Baptist Orphanage was permanently at Evergreen, Ala., three years ago and the property purchased, consisting of a building containing ten rooms with eighty acres of land at a cost of five thousand dollars. The debt has all been paid and the property is free from encumbrance. It is on Main street and is divided into thirty acres for farming, thirty in woods and twenty in pasture. The whole has been enclosed by a substantial woven wire fence, and a com modi us barn has been arranged.

Into the home has been received 29 boys and 31 girls, and out of it have gone by adoption ten boys and fourteen girls, and by apprentice 2 boys. They do not apprentice girls and only apprentice boys in exceptional cases. The children all attend the Agricultural school and most of them are doing well. They all attend Sunday School and church, and are under firm, steady and loving control. Eight of them have been baptized. There are more application^ to take children than the managers can approve of, for the want ol room; they arc in pressing need of a cook room; a laundry room, a dining room, and in case of an epidemic, like the terrible scourge of measles through which they have just passed, they greatly need a sick room. An appeal is made to the Association to assist in the addition of these needed appli- ances and also for the permission of four more dormitories, so that they can care for more children. E. E. George, Chairman.

Report on Nomination was read by Bro. E. P. George.

REPORT ON NOMINATION.

Wc recommend that the next session of the Association be held with Bethlehem church, Perry county, Ala., to commence at 10 a. m.,on Wednesday after the second Sunday in Oct., 1897.

12

Introductory sermon by Rev. J. W. Mitchell; alternate, Rev. J. M. Tucker. Missionary sermon, Thursday at 11 a. in., by Rev. J. K. Barnes; alternate, Rev. J. W. Runaway. The following delegates were appointed to the State Convention to meet in Huntsville, Nov., 1896, to-wit: Revs. J. W. Dunaway, R, G. Patrick, J. A. McCrary, A. M. Perry, J. W. Mitchell and brethren J. B. Lovelace, J. W. Haggard, W. I). Ward, J. E. Barnes and J. M. Waters

We, your committee, recommend that the apportionments made for the last year shall be the same for the next associational year. Tmmanuel church is apportioned Missions $15.00, Or- phanage $10.00, Ministerial Education $1 0.00. We also recom- mend that the churches of this Association raise an amount ac- cording to their 'several abilities for Ministerial Education.

Respectfully Submitted, K. P. George, Chairman.

The report was adopted with some changes, to-wit: That a committee was appointed to rhake an additional apportionment to each of the churches in the Association for Ministerial Educa- tion. This committee to consist of brethren Frazer, Thompson and J. C. Suttle. The Finance committee was given more time to make its report, and when ready instructed to make it to the Secretary.

REPORT OF FINANCIAL COMMITTEE.

Received of Financial Committee of Cahaba Association, Two Hundred and Forty-two Dollars and Ninety-three cents, for Missions &c. 1). J. Frazer, Treasurer.

Oct. 16th. 1896.

13

APPORTIONMENT FOR MISSIONS.

Browns $ '20 00

Bethel 25 00

Bethlehem 15 00

Centreville 25 00

Concord 25 00

Bphesus 20 00

Fellowship 30 00

Friendship 15 00

Greensboro 1 0 00

Harmony 10 00

Hepzibah 25 00

Hopewell 60 00

Immanuel 15 00

Macedonia 20 00

Macon 110 00

Mars Hill 12 00

Medline 10 00

Mt. Gilliard 32 00

Mt, Olive $ 10 00

Mt. Hebron 12 00

Mt. Zion 20 00

New Hope 30 00

New Shiloh 35 00

Oak Grove 35 00

Ocmulgee 35 00

Pineflat 30 00

Pine Grove 10 00

Pisgah 40 00

Sardis 15 00

Siloam 400 00

Stewart Station 25 00

Union 30 00

Uniontown 100 00

Total $1306 00

APPORTIONMENTS FOR THE ORPHANAGE.

Browns $ 10 00

Bethel 10 00

Bethlehem 5 00

Centreville 5 00

Concord 5 00

Ephesus 5 00

Fellowship 10 00

Friendship 5 00

Greensboro 5 00

Harmony 3 00

Hepzibah 5 00

Hopewell 15 00

Immanuel 10 CO

Macedonia 5 00

Macon 20 00

Mars Hill 5 00

Medline 3 00

Mt Gilliard 0 00

Mt. Hebron $300

Mt. Olive 3 00

Mt. Zion 10 00

Ntwbeme 15 00

New Hope 6 00

New Shiloh 10 00

Oak Grove 5 00

Ocmulgee 10 00

Pineflat 20 00

Pine Grove 3 00

Pisgah 15 00

Sardis 3 00

Siloam 50 00

Stewart St 5 00

Union 6 00

Uniontown 20 00

Total $316 00

14

APPORTIONMENTS FOR MINISTERIAL EDUCATION.

Browns $10 Ci f

Bethel 10 (0

Bethlehem 5 1.0

Centreville 5 00

Concord 5 CO

Ephesus. ...-.•..■ 5 00

■Fellowship. . ]0 Wl

Friendship 5 00

Greensboro 5 00

Harmony y 00

Hepzibah 5 00

Hopewell 15 00

Inimanuel 10(0

Macedonia 5 00

Macon 20 00

Mars Hill 5 < 0

Medline 3 00

Mt. Oil Hard .. . . (5 00

Mt Hebron $ 3 00

Mt Olive 3 '0

Mt Zion 10 dO

Newberne 15 00

N< w Hope (5 00

New Shiloh 10 00

Oak Grove 5 00

Ocmnlgee 10 00

Pineflat 20 00

Pine Orove 3 00

Pisjrah 15 CO

Sardis 3 Co

Siloam 50 00

Stewart St 5 00

Union 0 00

Uniontown 20 00

Total $310 00

RESOLUTIONS. The following was unanimously ordered to be published in

the minutes:

Prof. S. W. Avcrett, LL. I)., our greatly admired and be- loved brother, the President of the Judson Institute, passed peacefully away on Sunday, Sept. 20th, after an illness of two weeks, contracted in his vigorous efforts to build up our denomi- national school for girls. He had served the Cahaba association and the Baptists of the state faithfully in a life that abounded in good works and noble fruits. Therefore

Resolved, That we humbly recognize the hand of the Lord in this sad affliction, and reverently bow to his merciful authority.

Resolved, That we record our high appreciation of his char- acter and services; of his high courage and stalwart manhood, his devout and earnest spirit, his balanced judgment, his consecrated earning, his arduous and efficient labors in behalf of the Christ- ian education of our women, and his large usefulness in many departments of Christian endeavor.

Resolved, That we extend to the members of his family our

cordial and sincere sympathy in their distressing bereavement,

and commend them to the tender care of the Father of Mercies

and the God of all grace.

Robert G. Patrick ) n ■. . w t i. T ^T . ^ -Committee. J. 15. Lovelace (

15

RESOLUTIONS.

Resolved, That a Committee he appointed by this associa- tion to prepare a programme for the next session. The said Committee to consist of three brethren; after the programme is prepared it is to be published in the Alabama Baptist, Marion Standard, and other papers within the bounds of the Associa- tion. The following brethren were appointed: J. E. Barnes, T. T. Daughdrill and Thos. J. Lester.

The Association then adjourned to meet with Bethlehem church, on Wednesday before the third Sunday in October, 1897. J. A. McCrary, Clerk, Pinetucky, Ala.

J. P. Harris, Mod. Harrisburg, Ala.

ORDER OE BUSINESS:

1. Appointment of Special Committees.

2. Receive correspondents.

3. Reports on different Missions.

4. Reports on Education.

5. Report on Woman's Work.

6. Report on Temperance.

7. Report on Sabbath Schools.

8. Report on Bible and Colportage.

9. Report on Orphanage.

10. Report on Denominational Literature.

11. Report of Special Committees.

16

BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH.

As adopted by the Cahaba Association.

I. Of the Scripture.— We believe the Holy Bible was writ- ten by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heaven- ly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture ot error for its matter; that it re- veals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the centre of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.

II. Of the True God. — That there is one, and only one, true and living God, whose name is Jehovah, the mater and supreme ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, won hy of all possible honor, confidence and love, re- vealed under the personal and relative distinctions of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption

III. Of the Fall of Man. — That man was created in a state of holiness under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary trans- gression fell from that holy aim happy state; in consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choi'-e, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of Go: I, wholly given to he gratification ot the world, of satan and of their own sinful passions, and therefore under just con- demnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse.

IV. Of the Way of Salvation. — That the salvation of sin- ners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who took upon him our nature, yet without sin, honored the law by his personal obedience, and made atonement for our sins by his death. Being risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, is every way quali- fied to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Saviour.

V. Of Justification.— That the great gospel blessing which Christ of his fullness bestows on such as believe in him, is justifi- cation; that justification consists in the promise of eternal life on

17

principles of righteousness which we may have done, but solely through his own redemption and righteousness; that it brings us into a state of blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every blessing for time and eternity.

VI . Of Freeness of Salvation. — That the blessings of salva- tion are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by. faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, except his own volun- tary refusal to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ; which refusal will subject him to an aggravated condemnation.

VII. Of Grace in Regeneration.— That in order to be saved we must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration con- sists in giving a holy disposition to the mind, and is effected in a manner above our comprehension or calculation by the power of the Holy Spirit, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence is found in the holy fruit which we bring forth to the glory of God.

VIII. Of God's Purpose of Grace.— That election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which he originates, sanc- tified and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, prayer, praise, trust in God and active imitation of his free mercy; that it is as- certained by its effect in all who believe the gospel; is the foun- dation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves, demands and deserves our utmost diligence.

IX. Of the Perseverance of Saints.— That such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering at- tachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

X. Harmony of the Law and Gospel. — That the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the scriptures ascribe to fallen man, to fulfill its precepts, arises

18

entirely from their love of sin, to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XL Of a Gospel Church. — That a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by his laws, and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word; that its only proper officers are bishops, or pastors, and deacons, whose qualifica- tions, claims and duties are defined in the epistle of Timothy and Titus.

XII. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. — The Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, Son and the Spirit to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in a crucified, buried and risen Sa- viour, with its purifying power; that it is pre-requisite to the privileges of a church relation, and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church by the use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ preceded always by solemn self examination.

XIII. Of the Christian Sabbath. That the first day of the week is the Lord's Day or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes by abstaining from all secular labor and recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest which remaineth for the people of God.

XIV. Of Civil Government. — The civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society, and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientious- ly honored and obeyed, except in things opposed to the word of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Prince of the kings of the earth.

XV. Of the Righteous and the Wicked —That there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem, while all such as continue in im-

19

penitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

XVI. Of the World to Come.- That the end of this world is approaching, and that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead from their graves to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of a man in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

CONSTITUTION.

Article 1. — The Association shall be composed of members chosen by the different churches in our union, who, on producing their credentials, shall be entitled to seats.

Article 2. — The members thus chosen and convened shall be known by the name of the Cahaba Baptist Association, who shall usurp no authority over the churches in our union, or infringe upon their internal rights, but shall merely be considered as an advisory council in all the matters relative to their concern. Nevertheless it becomes necessary, in some cases, to have uniform rules of procedure; for example, if one church commit an offense against another, it shall be the duty of the offended to labor with the offender for satisfaction; if she fail of success she shall call the aid of two or more churches in our union to assist in laboring for satisfaction; and if final satisfaction, in the opinion of the helps thus called, is not obtained, the aggrieved may bring the case before the Association, which shall be taken up and decided upon according to its merits. If a serious difference should arise in an individual church which, upon due labor, cannot be reconciled, she shall call the aid of two or more sister churches to assist in the work; and if a reconciliation be not affected, the helps so called, or the church, may bring the case before the Association, to be acted upon according to its merits. But the Association will take cognizance of no case of the above kind unless a due course of procedure shall have been previously pursured accord- ing to the economy of church discipline, found in the 10th chap- ter of the gospel of Matthew, and other parts of the Scriptures which define the nature of offences and manner of bringing of- fenders to trial.

Article 3. — The churches in our union shall transmit to every annual session of the Association, written communications, spec- ifying the names of their messengers, their number in fellowship,

20

baptized, received by letter, dismissed, ex-communicated, re- stored, and deceased, since the last session, which shall be read and minuted accordingly.

Article 4.- Every church in our union shall be entitled to representation in the following manner, viz: Churches composed of fifty members, or under, are entitled to send three messengers, and for every fifty members that may be added one additional messenger. Any church tailing to represent herself as above prescribed, shall state the reason to the next session.

Article 5. — New churches may be admitted into our union by messengers bearing petitionary letters. If, upon examination they be found worthy and orthodox, the Moderator shall manifest their admission by giving the messengers the right hand in token of Christian fellowship.

Article 6. — The Association, when convened, shall be gov- erned by a regular and proper decorum, which she is authorized to form and amend according to her own views.

Article 7. — At every session of the Association, a Moderator shall be appointed by and from among the messengers present, whose duty it shall be to see that the rules of decorum are strict- ly observed, and to take the voice of the Association on all sub- jects legally introduced. A Clerk shall also be appointed, whose duty it shall be to take proper and correct minutes of the pro- ceedings.

Article 8. - The Association shall have power to exclude, from her union, any church that may violate the constitution, or depart from the orthodox principles of the gospel.

Article 9. — The Association shall furnish the churches with the Minutes of every session.

Article 10. — Every query sent by a particular church, must be included in her letter, certifying that she has endeavored to reconcile it but failed. In sm-h a case the Association shall take it under consideration, and the voice of a majority shall be con- sidered an advisory answer, which shall be entered on the Minutes.

Article 11. — Queries which immediately concern the gen- eral union of the churches sent by a particular church, or intro- duced by motion, shall be taken up and declared on as soon as practicable.

Article 12. — Any church in our union having a member who is judged to possess talents tor the ministry, shall call from two or more churches the aid of their ministers, and select members of the Laity, who, in conjunction with the churches, shall examine the candidate, and if deemed qualified, may license him to preach the gospel among the churches at discretion, which shall be re- ported to the next Association and entered on the Minutes.

21

Article 13. — Any church in our union having a preacher, whom she deems worthy of ordination, shall call a Presbytery of ministers from sister churches to officiate in the work, and all the Presbyteries in ordaining of ministers or deacons, or in the con- stituting of churches, shall be governed by the abstract of iaith adopted by this Association.

Article 14. — Any church in our union having a minister who may fall into disorder, and who, after all due labor with him, shall continue refractory, should consider him a fit subject for ex- communication, shall have power to exclude from fellowship, and it shall be the duty of that church, in such a case, to call a Pres- bytery, and through them demand his credentials. If such a minister return and give satisfaction, the church shall have pow- er to restore him to fellowship as a private member; but if she wish him restored to the exercise of his ministerial lunctions, she shall again call a Presbytery, who shall be discretionally author- ized to renew his credentials; which, if renewed, shall be re- ported to the next meeting of this Association, and entered upon the Minutes.

Article 15. — The Association shall have a fund, supplied by the voluntary contributions of the churches, and all monies thus contributed shall be transmitted from the churches by their mes- sengers, and paid over to the Committee on Finance. This com- mittee shall be appointed annually, whose duty it shall be to re- ceive in charge the Association fund, and dispose of the same agreeably to order. They shall make at every session a fair and circumstantial report of their proceedings.

Article 16. — It shall be the duty of the Clerk of this Associa- tion to keep a regular tile of the printed minutes of every session ot this body.

Article 17. — The .Association shall not adjourn any session until it shall have finished all business on hand, except in extra- ordinary cases

Article 18. — The Minutes of this Association shall be read and corrected, if necessary, and signed by the Moderator and Clerk before the session rises.

Article 19. — The Association shall in all cases, be governed by a majority of members present.

Article 20. — Amendments to this constitution may be made at any session of this Association, where a majority of the mem- bers shall decide it necossarv.

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