Minutes of the ... Annual Session of the Bethlehem Baptist Association 1872

UMAOA EAPTCT UJSTOKICAL SOCIETY

MINUTES

FIFTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY

OP THE

iitfcletoem ftotist %$&Mutw\x

HELD WITH THE

BELLVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH,

CONECUH COUNTY, ALA.
COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 21,1872.

H>>nry Farrow & Co., Printers, Mobile, Ala.

MINUTES

OF THE

FIFTY- SIXTH ANNUAL SESSION

OF THE

BETHLEHEM BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

BELLVILLE CHURCH, I

Conecuh County, Ala., September 21, 1872. )

The Bethlehem Baptist Association met, pursuant to adjournment,
with the Bellville Church. The introductory sermon was preached by
Elder J. D. Beck, from 21st chapter of Mathew, and a part of the 28th
verse—" Son, go work to-day in my vineyard."

After a recess of an hour, the delegates assembled in the Church,
and the Association was called to order by the Moderator, Elder A.
Jay, and opened by singing and prayer, by Elder P. H. Lundy, and
the Moderator announced the Association ready for the transaction
of business.

The Moderator appointed Elder W. Gr. Curry, A. J. Bobinson, B. F.
Bney, to read the letters. The letters were read, contents noted, and
the delegates enrolled. (See tabular statement.)

The names of delegates enrolled were —

FIRST DISTRICT.

Montgomery Hill. — Elder J. D. Beck.

Claiborne. — John Thames.

Salem.— D. M. McNeill, A. King.

Zion. — Elder J. McWHliams, W. D. Mc Williams.

MonroevilU. — Jno. W. Leslie, Jno. DeLoach.

Philadelphia.— W. G. Curry, W. T. Nettles, B. F. Eiley.

Cedar Grove.— M. McLeod, E. J. Watts.

Mars Sill. — James Boon, John Boon.

Pine Barren. — J. L. Bryers, B. H. Bryers, H. Gr. B. Bay.

SECOND DISTRICT.

Bethany. — B. Shirley, J. M. Lee, S. Brantley.
Arhadelphia. — J. Norred, J. S. Beddingfield, W. Norred.

Bellville.—E. Cliue, J. W. Cox, H. M. Andrews.
Pilgrim's Best. — E. P. Lovless, J. T. Fountain.
Pensacola. — J. D. Beck.

Breckinridge. — J. M. Wood, F. M. Walker, J. M. Kelly.
Olive Branch. — J. Griffin, C. N. Diamond.
Cedar Creek.— M. C. Kirkland, M. C. Ham.
Mim.—G. M. Parker, S. M. Parker, W. H. Peebles.
Point Pleasant. — S. Lowry, H. J. Howell.

THIRD DISTRICT.

Evergreen. — J. W. Locke, J. B. Long, Y. M. Eobbs.

New Rope. — Jno. Robertson, John Higdon, T. W. Deen.

New Prospect. — J. W. Eubanks, J. H. Stamps, A. Peaglear.

Union. — L. Garner, Jno. W. Page, W. H. Joiner.

Brushy Greek. — P. M. Mize, J. M. Fortune.

Brooklyn. — A. J. Bobinson.

Georgiana. — B. B. Williams.

Sepulga. — J. P. Purnell.

Pleasant Hill. — A. B. Owens, G. J. Scott.

Old Town.— I. Spence, W. B. Watson, J. A. Murphy.

Coon Hill. — S. 0. Johnson, W. M. Diamond.

Mt. Carniel. — J. Chancellor, J. T. Howell.

Antioch. — S. G. Carter.

Beulah. — Elder A. Jay, J. G. Baggett.

Mitchell's Creek. — Cornelius Coleman.

Pleasant Eill.—Q. M. Gentry, M. V. Hare, W. J. McNeill.

Blue Spring. — P. M. Crutchfield, Elias Beasley.

Pleasant Grove.— D. Summerlin, A. Velac, J. F. Baunlofo.

Proceeded to the election of officers for perfecting organization,
which resulted in the re-election of Elder A. Jay, Moderator ; John
DeLoach, Clerk, and A. J. Bobinson, Treasurer.

On motion, Bro. A. J. Robinson, a delegate from Brooklyn ChurchT
being present without letter from the Church, be received as such, and
to furnish the Clerk with the statistics of the Church.

The Moderator appointed Committee on Preaching, to wit : Elder
J. Mc Williams, J. W. Leslie, H. B. Long, and Pastor and Deacons of
the Bellville Church.

On motion of Elder J. D. Beck, that any Brother present not regu-
larly delegated, be invited to a seat with us, and Elder A. VanHoose,
the Financial Secretary of the Howard College, being present, was
invited to a seat with us. Also, Bro. J. B. Colly, of the Pine Barren
Association being present, was invited to a seat with us.

Letters and messengers from corresponding bodies were called for.

From the Alabama Association — received her messengers, Elders
P. H. Lundy and K. Hawthorne.

From the Zion Association — Bro. F. M. Walker.

From the Pine Barren Association — Bro. Daniel Bobbins.

Elder W. Gr. Curry gave notice that he would offer a resolution on
Monday to amend the Xlth Article of the Constitution of this Asso-
ciation.

Bro. A. J. Bobinson gave notice that he would offer a resolution to
amend the Yllth Article of the Constitution.

The Moderator announced the appointment of standing committees.

On State of Religion and Digest of Letters.— Elder J. D. Beck, J.
Mc Williams, H. M. Andrews, J. W. Locke, D. McNeill.

On Domestic Missions.— -J. W. Leslie, F. M. Walker, J. L. Bryers, E.
P. Lovless, J. M. Wood.

On Sabbath Schools.— W. T. Nettles, B. F. Biley, John Thames, S
C. Johnson, E. Cline.

On Temperance. — Elder W. GL Curry, J. D. Beck, A. J. Bobinson^
J. M. Fortune, F. M. Walker.

On Queries and Bequests. — J. W. Locke, J. M. Lee, Jackson Chan-
cellor, W. D. Mc Williams, Elder Ingram Spence, J. H. Stamps.

On Correspondence. — B. F. Biley, John Thames, W. G. Curry.

On Finance.-~W. T. Nettles, J. B. Long, J. W. Cox.

Elder A. Jay, Chairman of the Executive Committee, made their
report, which was received and referred to the Committee on Domestic
Missions.

On motion of Bro. J. W. Leslie, the Moderator was added to the
Committee on Domestic Missions*

The Committee on Preaching reported as follows : On Sabbath at
eleven o'clock, Elder A. VanHoose ; in the afternoon, Elder P. H.
Lundy ; and at night, Elder K. Hawthorne,

The Association adjourned to Monday morning eight o'clock.
Prayer by Elder K. Hawthorne.

On the Sabbath the ministers preached in the order of their ap-
pointment to a large and attentive audience. After the morning
services a collection was taken up for Associational purposes, amount-
ing to $30.35:

?t

Monday Morning, September 23, 1872.

The Association convened pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by
Bio. B. F. Eiley.

Elder J. D. Beck, Chairman of the Committee on State of Religion
and Digest of Letters, made their report, which was received and
adopted. (See Appendix A.)

Bro. J. W. Locke, Chairman of the Committee on Queries and
Bequests, made their report, which was received and adopted. (Ap-
pendix B.J

W. T. Nettles, Chairman of the Committee on Sabbath Schools,
made their report, which was received and adopted. (Appendix C.)

Bro. J. W. Leslie, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Mis-
sions, made their report, which was received, and after an interesting
debate the report was amended and adopted.; (Appendix D.)

Elder W. G. Curry, Chairman of the Committee on Temperance,
made their report, which was received and adopted. (Appendix E.)

On motion of Bro. J. W. Leslie, that an Executive Committee be
appointed, of which the Moderator is to be Chairman, to carry out the
objects indicated in the report of the Committee on Domestic Missions,
to wit : the Moderator, J. W. Leslie, W. G. Curry, A. J. Bobinson, F.
M. Walker.

On motion of Elder A. Jay, that we secure the services of Elder P.
H. Lundy, and that the Executive Committee co-operate with the Do-
mestic board at Marion.

On motion, that one-half of the pledges made be paid to one of the
Executive Committee on or by the first of January next, and the bal-
ance quarterly.

Bro. W. T. Nettles, Chairman of the Finance Committee, made
their report, which was received and adopted. (Appendix F.)

Bro. B. F. Eiley, Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence,
made their report, which was received and adopted. (Appendix G.)

On motion of Bro. J. W. Locke, that the Clerk be allowed twenty-
five dollars for his services, and the balance of the Minute fund be
expended for printing and distributing the Minutes, and the balance
of the funds in the hands of the Treasurer be paid to the Chairman of
the Executive Committee.

Elder W. G. Curry offered a resolution to amend Article 11 of the
Constitution, which was carried, and to read as follows:

Art. 11. Any Church in our Union, having a member who is judged
to have promising talents for the Ministry, may license him to preach
the Gospel among the Churches at discretion — which shall be reported
to the Association, and entered upon the minutes.

The Treasurer made his report, which was received and adopted.
(Appendix H.)

Brother A. J. Kobinson offered a resolution to amend the Seventh
Article of the Constitution so as to read as follows :

Art. 7. At every session of the Association, a moderator shall be
elected by ballot, and of the members present, whose duty it shall be
to see the rules of decorum are strictly observed, and to take the voice
of the Association on all subjects legally introduced. A clerk shall
also be elected by ballot, whose duty it shall be to take proper and
correct minutes of the proceedings.

On motion it was resolved that the next session of the Association
be held with the Georgiana Church, at Georgiana, Butler County, and
Elder W. G. Curry selected to preach the introductory sermon, and
Brother B. F. Biley as alternate.

APPOINTED CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Alabama Association, J. H. Burt, Theodore Ballard, Elder
A. Jay, J. H. Stamps, J. M. Lee, J. A. Boon.

To the Zion Association, A. J. Bobinson, Elder I. Spence, Elder
J. E. Mclver, J. M. Bobinson.

To the Pine Barren Association, Elder W. G. Curry, J. M. Fortune,
J. W. Locke, W. T. Nettles, J. Chancellor, D. M. McNeill.

To the Providence Association, Elder J. D. Beck.

To the State Convention, F. M. Walker, J. W. Locke, J. D. Beck,
Elder A. Jay, B. F. Eiley, J. B. Long, S. C. Johnson.

On motion of Brother J. W. Leslie, that the order of business of
the Association, and "the article faith" be printed in the minutes, the
following resolution was offered :

Resolved, That the Churches composing this body be requested to
take up a collection in December next to aid in sustaining Elder P. H,
Lundy at Pensacola, Florida.

The Association suspended business a short time to give Elder
A. VanHoose, the Financial Secretary of the Howard College, an
opportunity of presenting the claims of the College before the Associ-
ation, and of taking up a collection and pledges in aid of the College,
which resulted in the collection of $52.90 and pledges of $10.

On motion of Brother W. T. Nettles, Brother B. F. Biley was
adopted as the Beneficiary of this Association.

On motion of Brother J. W. Locke, that the Association tender to
the people of Bellville and vicinity their thanks for the kindness and
hospitality extended to them during the session of this body.

On motion, the Association, after a harmonious session, adjourned
to meet with the Georgiana Church, Butler County, on Saturday, before
the fourth Sabbath in September, 1873.

A. JAY, Moderator.
Jno. DeLoaoh, ClerJc,

APPENDIX.

[A.]
ON STATE OF RELIGION AND DIGEST OF LETTERS.

To the Bethlehem Baptist Association :

Brethren, your Committee beg leave to report that, after careful
examination ot letters from the Churches composing your Association,
•we find one hundred and five accessories to the Churches by baptism.

Brethren, J. M. Travis, J. M. Fortune and J. L. Taylor, were
licensed by their Churches, and Brother Ingram Spence ordained.
The state of religion generally cold, however, two Churches, Antioch
and Montgomery Hill, have special cause for rejoicing, as both have
been blessed by a revival and seventeen additions to one, and thirty-
seven to the other by baptism. Our harvest is great and laborers are
few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into
his vineyard.

J. D. Beck, Chairman.
[B.]

ON QUERIES AND REQUESTS.

Your Committee beg leave to state that there has been no queries
sent up from any of the Churches. The Church at Montgomery Hill,
of the First District, invite you to hold the next session of your body
with them. The Churches of Evergreen and Georgiana, of the Third
District make the same request: we would, therefore, state that the
Third District, is entitled to it, and recommend that the next session
be held with the Church at Georgiana. Respectfully submitted.

J. W. Locke, Chairman.
[C]
ON SABBATH SCHOOLS.

It is with decided pleasure that your Committee report the favor-
able items received from almost all quarters within the boundary of
this Association. Actuated by the spirit infused into their minds, the
young are rapidly rising up — filling the Sabbath Schools, and thereby
rendering them a nursery for the Church. The spirit evinced by the
young and uprising generation, indeed, marks an era in our history.
Sufficiently patent is the wide spread importance of the Sabbath
School to every Church within our bounds, and their efforts, therefore,
should be redoubled to strengthen those already existing, and to es-
tablish them where they, at present, fail to exist. It is obvious that
the Sabbath School is fast giving a proper countenance to society, and
the sins of the youth are decreasing each year under its influence.
One branch, however, remains to be healed to make the Sabbath
School a still more powerful auxiliary. The accompanying of the
children to the Sabbath School room by parents, thereby imparting
encouragement, which cannot be otherwise supplied. We further-
more admonish our ministers to make more frequent and more favor-
able mention of the Sabbath School in the future than hitherto.
Your Committee beg leave to present these suggestions.

W. T. Nettles, Chairman.

[D.]

ON DOMESTIC MISSIONS.

If there be any one of the commands of our .Saviour to which more
importance might be attached than the others, may it not be that one
which he reserved until just before he took his departure, and under cir-
cumstances the most impressive, when he said '* Go unto all the world
and preach the Gospel to every creature?" — according to its im-
portance should it be obeyed? A proper enquiry arises: to whom is it
addressed? — whose duty is it to go preach the Gospel? The very
nature of the case forbids the conclusion that this command was lim-
ited to the few disciples who surrounded our Saviour on that memorable
occasion. Was it intended to apply to all preachers succeeding the
chosen disciples of our Saviour, and the preachers alone ? as in the
other case alone, although with greatly increased numbers, yea a little
army, yet it were impossible that our Saviour should have made
preachers alone responsible, or his duty in particular, to preach the
Gospel to every creature. Then what is the nature of the command,
and to whom does it apply ? As this work was at first committed to a
few, and as it was to commence at Jerusalem, it must have left out
such as did not come within the lines of operation. The term could
not then mean, literally, every creature, but must have a general signi-
fication to be preached to all that could be — the greatest number; and
as preachers have to live as all other men, it cannot be supposed that
this work was levied on that class, exclusively, without other disciples
bearing a proportionate part. It is believed, that ministers, called of
God, to preach the Gospel, are the proper custodians of the work to
preach, but, at the same time, we believe each disciple of Christ is re-
sponsible to have the Gospel preached to every creature, in proportion
as he has talents given to him by our Lord. How can this be done,
or what method could be adopted by which those, who are not preachers,
could contribute a proportionate share in preaching? We would
answer, like communities: all need the practice of medicine — do all
qualify themselves to do their own practice, or does one qualify
himself and do the practice of the community, while in return the
unpractitioners divide their living with the doctor, until all are about
equally prosperous? would it be expected of a doctor to go to the
expense of qualifying for the practice, of which expense the other
members of the community contribute nothing, and are relieved, and
then practice for nothing and find himself and family? Thus, the
preaching of the Gospel, no doubt, was intended should work. In our
Association, for instance, we have twenty ministers and about two
thousand members, which is a proportion of one to one hundred.
Now, like the community, all are not preachers, but some have qual-
ified or are called to the work — shall Christ's people be controlled by
more contracted motives than promiscuous communities? or will they
all do their own share of the preaching, or will they, as in the case of
communities and the doctor, have one to do the preaching and the
rest share in the sacrifice made by the preacher in the work? Cer-
tainly all will say it would be best for one to do the preaching for the
rest, and let the rest pay the preacher for doing their share. How far
from this plan are our actions as an Association? — judge ye! Most of
the preachers are doing the preaching for the ninety-nine and paying

8

their own expense. What else could be expected than the barren
reports which come up to our Association? Can we, brethren, content
ourselves that we have done our whole duty in this business of
preaching the Gospel to every creature? — let us remember that we are
not our own: we are bought with a price, and that an account is kept
by the Searcher of all hearts. Have we done with the lendings of our
God as he has prospered them in our hands? Have we been true and
loyal subjects in the support and building up of our Master's kingdom?
Your Committe have elaborated upon the relative obligations of
preachers and members in this great work of preaching the Gospel to
every creature, in the hope that the old stereotyped policy of doing
nothing for missions, maybe changed, and that each and every disciple
of Christ may better see and feel the great responsibility resting upon
them and will come up to their full duty and enable us, as an Associ-
ation, to do our share of the preaching of the Gospel to every creature.
The most important work, at this time, to which our attention has
been directed, seems to us to be in the city of Pensacola. There, the
Baptists have but a feeble Church. Baptists and their children are
being absorbed by other denominations, and to recover a foothold to
get the house of worship relieved from its present embarrassed con-
dition, a debt of probably one hundred and fifty dollars, to best preach
the Gospel, or have it preached, to the surrounding destitution, we
would recommend, as was done by the Special Committee of last year,
that we secure as much help as we can from the Board at Marion, and
the Association now proceed to take individual pledges, and thus de-
termine how much can be raised for this mission. Secure to the work
the services of Brother P. H. Lundy, or some other brother who can
represent our cause, defend our doctrines and command such respect as
will plant us in that growing city. To accomplish this, and much
would soon flow back from them to the Association, and we would be
much better able to educate ministers and perform other duties, which
devolve upon us, than now, we believe that the Board will pay half of a
salary of twelve hundred dollars, and we further believe, that if any
brother will take it upon himself to canvass and solicit aid, that a
pledge of six hundred dollars can be readily redeemed with the cash
now on hand. Pensacola would give at least two hundred dollars of it,
doubtless, if solicited properly. But this duty should not be imposed
on the minister who goes there. Time only increased our conviction
of the great importance of supplying, or getting supplied, that im-
portant point, and urge it upon the favorable consideration of the
Association. Bespectfully submitted.

Jno. W. Leslie, Chairman.

[E,]

ON TEMPEEANCE.

Were we called upon to designate the most inexcusable and potent
evil within your limits, we would unhesitatingly point to intemperance
as the monster sin, the bane of our land. When we reflect upon the
magnitude of this sin, the misery and desolation it is entailing upon
our land, and how it is widening its range and increasing its hold upon
mankind, we conclude, that without a reformation, the reasons are not
more sure to all, or the sun to them, than the present enormous con-
sumption of ardent spirits is sure to produce the most deadly conse-

quences to our country. We are led to the inquiry: What is the rem-
edy for this evil? What shall be done to stay its progress — to arrest
the course of this mighty river of fire, that rolls in maddened fury
throughout our laud, hurrying thousands of the noblest and the best
of our race down to graves of dishonor arid shame. Shall we connive
at this wide spread evil, this stigma upon human nature, and tamely
say that nothing can be done? If so, let us boast no more of our
greatness. Nothing can be done! Tell it not in Gath. Publish it not
in the streets of Askelon. If we should entertain such a sentiment,
let us never speak it above a whisper. Let the wise and the good rise
up en masse and throttle the giant evil noic. Shall we, who are the con-
servators of the truth, the light of the world, allow temperance organ-
izations to surpass us in their efforts to suppress it? Should we not
be their examplers? Should we not lead the van in our efforts to
crush this destroyer? Many hard things are justly said about pro-
fessing christians, who engage in the traffic of ardent spirits, and we
would not, in the least, extenuate their guilt; but, all the blame does
not rest upon them, for sometimes, when the vendor has misgivings
about the propriety of his course, and when, perhaps, yielding to the
claims of humanity and appeals of conscience, would abandon his
sinful trade, he is encouraged by the patronage and kind words of his
brethren — yea he is sustained by apologies for his sin fooin those who
should know better. What then is the duty of this Association?
Your Committee unreservedly recommend to the Churches comprising
this, body the duty of drawing tighter the reins of brotherly discipline,
and, with uncompromising fidelity, cut off those whom admonitions
will not reclaim. Then will the cause of our Master prosper in our
midst, and generations following will rise up and call us blessed.

W, G. Curry, Chairman.

10

[P.]

FINANCE REPORT.

Your Committee beg leave to report the following amounts for the
objects designated :

CHURCHES.

For Minutes.

Montgomery Hill $1 75

Claiborne 2 50

Salem 3 70

Zion 3 50

Monroeville 5 00

Blue Springs 1 50

Point Pleasant 2 00

Georgiana 1 25

Philadelphia 3 50

Cedar Grove 75

Mar's Hill 1 50

Pine Barren 1 50

Union 2 00

Mitchell's Creek* 1 00

Mt. Carmel 3 00

Sepulga 1 25

Old Town 2 00

Pleasant Grove 2 00

CHURCHES.

For Minutes.

Amount forwarded
Bethany 2

70

50

Bellville 5 35

Arkadelphia 1 75

Pilgrim's Rest 3 00

Pleasant Hill 3 50

Breckinridge 1 50

Olive Branch 1 25

Cedar Creek.
Elim

New Hope.

00
25

2 00

Evergreen 3 00

New Prospect 2 00

Brushy Creek 2 00

Coon Hill 2 00

Brooklyn 2 00

Pleasant Hill.... 1 50

Beulah 3 50

Minute Fund $ 80 80

For Domestic Missions 26 45

Sabbath Collection 30 35

Associational Fund last year 123 45

Total.
Respectfully submitted.

$261 05

W. T. Nettles, Chairman.

ON

EG.]

CORRESPONDENCE.

Brethren of Corresponding Associations— The Bethlehem
Baptist Association hails with delight its fifty-sixth anniversary. We
are gratified to know that the number of messengers from correspond-
ing bodies is greater than at our last session. We always welcome any
communication from any associational or conventional body, as we be-
lieve it to be a potent instrument in linking us together, thereby prop-
agating and promulgating the tidings of salvation. We therefore
cherish the pleasing hope that this inter-communication will continue
to exist. While the revivals in our midst have not been so conspicu-
ous as on former occasions, yet we think it manifest that spirituality is
becoming more universally diffused, promising rich and abundant har-
vests in the future ; still, we bless God, Zion is in the ascendant, still
on the walls of Jerusalem uprearing. May Heaven's richest blessings
attend your every effort to swell the ranks of the "Soldiers of the
Cross," B. F. Riley, Chairman.

11

EH.]

treasurer's report.
A. J. Eobinson, Treasurer, in account with the Bethlehem Association :

DE.
To amounts received from Finance Committee.

^ To Minute Fund $ 80 80

For Domestic Missions, and Associational, &c 180 25

$261 05

CE.

By amount paid Clerk $ 80 80

By amount paid Executive Committee 180 25

$261 05

Respectfully submitted,

A. J. Eobinson, Treasurer.

pledges to aid the executive committee in supplying the
pensacola church.

A. J. Eobinson $10 00

J. W. Locke 10 00

A. Jay 10 00

E. P. Loveless 10 00

F. M. Walker 10 00

Beulah Church 20 00

Evergreen Church 10 00

Pleasant Hill 40 00

Salem Church 10 00

J.C.Coleman 5 00

J. W. Cox 5 00

Mars Hill Church 5 00

Z. W. Eoberts 5 00

Old Town Church 5 00

Amount pledged. ,

P. Straughn $10 00

James Straughn 10 00

J.M. Lee 10 00

John Mc Williams 10 00

Monroeville Church.. 25 00

Philadelphia Church 10 00

Pilgrim's Best Church 10 00

Claiborne Church 10 00

Bethan v Church ] 0 00

Henry Gulby 5 00

J. M. Fortune 5 00

Montgomery Hill Church.. 5 00
John Sampy 5 00

.$280 00

ORDER OF BUSINESS.

First — The Moderator and Clerk hold their offices from the election
(of those officers) at one session, until the election at the next session,
whose duty it is to occupy their offices at the coming together of the
next association, and proceed regularly to the organization.

Second — The Moderator to call the association to order; or if absent,
by motion, the vacancy of the Moderator or Clerk may be filled tem-
porarily by any brother present.

Third — Singing and prayer, at the opening of each day's session.

Fourth. Delegates to come forward with letters or evidences of elec-
tion, enroll their names, letters read, and statistical matter noted by
the Clerk.

Fifth — The Association proceed to organization by electing Modera-
tor, Clerk and Treasurer, and the newly elected to take their seats.

Sixth — Preaching Committee appointed.
• Seventh — Visiting brethren from other associations, not delegated,
invited to seats only upon the voice of a majority of the body.

Eighth — Delegates from newly constituted churches present evi-
dences or petitionary letters to be acted on, statistical matter noted,
the name of the church entered upon the calendar, the hand of fellow-
ship extended by the Moderator on behalf of the Association, the
delegates to enroll their names, being entitled then to all the privileges
of any member of the body.

Ninth — Call for correspondence, Clerk to note whatever response
either Messenger, minutes, letters, or all.

Tenth — Visiting brethren only share in suggesting and discussing
questions; not privileged to vote, second motions, or introduce
matter.

Eleventh — Any amendment to the Constitution, Eules of Order or
Decorum, to be offered during the session, must be stated or read on
the first day of the session.

Twelfth — The appointment of Standing Committees announced at
the convenience of the Moderator.

Thirteenth — Committee on Preaching to report at pleasure to meet
the exigency.

Fourteenth — Before adjourning announce services for the day follow-
ing, thus closing business for Saturday.

Fifteenth— The minutes to be read and approved on the next morn-
ing of business, if not at the close of the day's session, unless ordered
differently.

Sixteenth — Eeport in order from Standing or Select Committees,
and the committee can report at any time, when no motion is pending.

13

Seventeenth — The Committee on Finance to receive funds forwarded
to this association from any source, by calling the names of the
churches in their order, note objects of contribution, and give due
credit.

Eighteenth — Eesolutions in order now, at any time, at the pleasure
of the mover, no other business being under consideration.

Nineteenth — Correspondence arranged and messengers appointed or
elected.

Twentieth — Report from Finance Committee in order.

Twenty-first — The Association to order the disbursement of the
funds entrusted for missions, &c.

Twenty-second — Treasurer's report in order.

Tweuty-third — Elect the church with which to hold the next
association.

Twenty -fourth — Elect for the preaching of the next Introductory
Sermon with alternate.

Twenty-fifth — Fix the salary of the Clerk, arrange for printing and
distributing minutes.

Twenty-sixth — Make pledges, adjourn to meet with the church elect,
singing and prayer, Moderator and Clerk sign the minutes.

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ARTICLES OF FAITH.

Article 1. We believe in only one true and living God ; the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.

Article 2. We believe the Old and New Testaments to be the re-
vealed mind and will of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.

Article 3. We believe in the doctrine of Election, that God chose
His people in Christ before the world began.

Article 4. We believe in the doctrine of Original Sin.

Article 5. We believe in man's incapacity, by his own free will, and
ability, to recover himself from the fallen state in which he is by
nature.

Article 6. We believe that sinners are justified, in the sight of God,
by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Article 7. We believe that God's elect shall be called, justified and
glorified.

Article 8. We believe that baptism and the Lord's supper are Gospel
ordinances ; that Immersion is the only mode of baptism ; that be-
lievers are the only subjects.

Article 9. We believe that only regularly baptized members in good
standing have a right to the Lord's table.

Article 10. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and a general
judgment, and that the joys of the righteous, and punishment of the
wicked, shall be everlasting.

NAMES OF MINISTERS AND THEIR POSTOFFICES.

Karnes of Ministers. Post Office. Names of Ministers. Post Office.

J. L. Bryers. . .Bluff Springs, Fla

E. Cline, Monroeville, Ala.

J. Smith, Bellville, "

M. Wood Claiborne, "

W. G. Curry. ..Monroeville,
G. W. Kierce. .Milton,
J. D. Beck. . . .Pensacola,
G. W. Miller. .Milton,
S. C. Johnson. Milton,

Fla.

u

A. J. Lambert.
J.M.Williams.

I. Spence

Andrew Jay. . .
Z. Williams, . .
P. S. Milder. .
T.Bennett....
Joseph Nelson
J. C. Coleman.

. Mt. Pleasant, Ala.
..Monroeville,
.Evergreen,
.Jayville,
.Brooklyn,
, .Georgiana,
..Garland,
.Baldwin Co.,
.Warrenton, Fla.