Minutes of the tenth annual session of the Marshall Baptist Association (Ala.) 1897

^^Am BAPTIST ffiSTOWCAl SOaETV

MINUTES

OF THE

TENTH ANNUAL SESSION

OF THE

^ml^\\ ^m^^ Baptist

ASSOCIATION,

HELD WITH

ilm $pm^ Glml Qctobeit 0, 9 ^i IQ, 1891

OKKICERS :

Rev. R. W. ROE, Moderator McVille, Ala.

Rev. Q. M. MILNER, Secrktary and Treasurer Boaz, Ala.

The next session to be held with Mount Vernon church, be.^inning Fi-iday
before the Second Sunday in October, 1898.

gadsden, ala. :

tribune job office print,

1897.

ORDER OF BUSINESS.

1. Read letters from churches.

2. Elect Moderator and Clerk.

3. Invite visiting ministers of our faith to seats with us.

4. Call for Correspondence.

5. Call for Petitionary Letters.

6. Appoint Standing Committees, viz: — On Devotion, Missions,

Sabbath Schools, Finance, Temperance, Education, Pub-
lication, Deceased Ministers, Nominations, Documents
and Treasurer'^s Report.

7. Read Constitution and Rules of Decorum.

8. Call for report of Ececutive Committee.

9. Call for report of Treasurer.

10. Ap])oint Correspondents.

11. Elect Executive Committee and Treasurer.

12. Elect Delegates to Alabama Baptist Convention.

13. Appoint District Meetings.

14. Call for reports of Standing Committees.

15. Provide for Printing and Distribution of Minutes.

16. Miscellaneous Business.

IVtiNUTKS.

The Tenth Annual Session of the Marshall Misbionary Baptist
Association convened with Clear Spring Church on Friday, October
8, 1897. The opening sermon was preached at 11 a. m., by Elder M.
F. Owens, followed by Elder M. K. Taylor.

After an intermission of one hour the body re-assembled and was
called to order by Elder W. J. Collier, who wag elected Moderator
pro tern.

Letters from the churches were read by J. W. Hughes and J. P.
Emmet and names of delegates enrolled as follows :

Albertville— J. P. Emmet, J. R. McKinney, L. T. Walker, S. E.
Finney.

Bethany — J. S. Robertson, "W. K. Bobo.

Bethel— J. C. Teal, J. E. Cowan.

Bethsaida— R. Eubank, H. I. Barrett, J. H. Weir.

Beulah— E. P. Word, W. H. Culpepper, G. M. Milner.

Boaz — Rev. J. J. Dodd.

Clear Spring — S, F. Smith, D. C. Cowan, J. L. Morgan.

Concord — W. E. Avery.

Guntersville— W. C. Ward.

High Point — J. P. Buchanan, A. C. Yonng, Elder I. M. Thomson.

Hopewell— Rev. J. E. McAnally, W. T. Bailey, N. M. Isom.

Mt. Hebron— J. A. Fowler, W. A. Phillips.

Mt. Vernon — Joseph Creel, J. P. Gillespie, C. J. Strickland, E. P.
Gillespie.

Mt. Zion— Elder M. F. Owens, W. B. Orr.

Mt. Olive— J. D. Kelley.

Phillippi— Rev. A. J. Cagle, T. J. Benton.

Pleasant Grove — W. A. Lee, J. W. Lang.

Pleasant Hill (Blount)— Elder J. A. Oden, A. B. Roberts.

Pleasant Hill (Etowah)— J. D. McHenry, C. S. Hand.

Rehoboth— L. H. Smith.

Rock Spring— Elder W. J. Collier, J. W. Hughes, W. C. Goodwin,
Z. D. Bain.

Roswell Creek— J. F. Cain, C. W. Kilgore.

Ruth— Elder P. J. Corley, Elder T. J. Weaver.

Shady Grove — G. T. Aris, L. J. Snow, A. W. McAmey.

Shiloh— Elder J. H. Haley, Elder W. P. Grooves.

Union — W. A. J. Mathews, Charlie Simmons.

Union Grove — William Lowe, J. M. Davis.

Elected R. W. Roo Moderator, and G. M. INIilner Clerk, brethren
A. E. Burns and M. K. Taylor acting as tellers.

While awaiting the report of tellers the body heard a communica-
tion from Brother W. L. Casey, who lay dangerously ill in the
neighborhood, requesting special prayer in his Ijehalf. Prayer was
offered, Brother J. H. Haley leading.

Invited visiting ministers of our faitli to seats with us. Received
Elder M. K. Taylor as correspondent from Gilliam Spring Associa-
tion, and Elder A. E. Burns as representative of the State Mission
Board and Evangelist of North Alabama.

Received by petitionary letter Sardis Church from the Warrior
River Association and enrolled delegates: H. J. Morgan and W. C.
Hall, to whom was extended the right hand of fellowship by the
Moderator.

The Moderator while appointing committees called Brother Owens
to the chair and the business proceeded.

Clerk read the Constitution and Rules of Decorum. Postponed
the report of Executive Committee.

The Treasurer made following report :

G. M. MiLNER, Treasurer Marshall Association:
1896 Dr.

Oct. 10. To cash received from Finance Committee —

For State Missions $20 61; for Home Missions $8 88 $ 29 49

For Foreign Missions $29 21; for Association Missions $6 33 35 54

Total for Missions $ 65 03

For J. D. Jordan $6 47; J. Y. Bain $5 82: H. C. Eeed $3 13—

Total for indigent ministers $ 15 42

For minutes 5:24 35; unaccounted for $1 49 25 84

Total receipts $106 29

1896 Cr.

Oct. 10. By cash to M". W. Harris, Agent State Mission Board —

For above stated purposes $ 64 77

Oct. 10. By cash to J. D. Jordan $6 :^3; J. Y. Bam $5 82; H. O. Reed $2 80... 14 95

By cash for printing minutes |lo 00; postage 24 cents 15 24

By cash for Clerk's fee 10 00

By cash on hand for Association Missions 25

By cash on hand for J. LX Jordan 14

By cash on hand for H. C. Reed 33

By cash to balance 61

$106 29

Collections for J. D. Jordan reported to me $ 2 75

Respectfully submitted,

G. M. Mn>NER, Treasurer.
Referred to committee on treasurer's report.

Appointed correspondents to sister associations as follows:
To Gilliam Springs — I. M. Thompson, P. J. Corley.
To Cullman— P. J. Corley, J. F. King.

To Cherokee— M. F. Owens, W. B. Orr.

To Warrior River — J. A. Fowler, J. H. Haley.

To Etowah— J.- C. Taylor, I. M. Thompson.

The following committees were appointed by moderator.

On Devotion — W. C. Goodwin, J. W. Hughes, James Lang and the
deacons of this church.

On Missions — T. J. Weaver, J. J. Dodd, J. P. Gillespie.

On Sunday Schools — .Joe Creel, J. A. Oden, J. P. Buchanan.

On Finance— W. C. Ward, J. A. Fowler, S. E. Finney.

On Temperance — W. J. Collier, M. F. Owens, J. H. Haley.

On Education— E. P. Word, J. P. Emmet, P. J. Corley.

On Publications- W. B. Orr, W. K. Bobo, J. L. Morgan.

On Deceased Ministers- — J. A. Fowler, A. B. Roberts, J. H. Weir.

On Nominations — J. P. Gillespie, Jos. Creel, L. T. Walker.

On Documents— W. A. Phillips, H. T. Smith, C. J. Strickland.

On Treasurer's Report — J. S. Robertson, J, R. McKinney, R.
Eubanks.

The committee on devotion reported preaching to-night by Rev. S.
L. Rogers, followed by Rev. M. K. Taylor.

Adjourned till Saturday 8:30 o'clock a. m.

Second Day — October 9.

The body met pursuant to adjournment. Opened with a scripture
lesson and prayer led by Elder A. E. Burns. Read and corrected
minutes of yesterday.

Elected delegates to the Baptist State Convention of Alabama as
follows: — G. M. Milner, J. H. Haley, Joseph Creel, J. P. Emmet, J.
A. Fowler, J. P. Gillespie, W. J. Collier, E. P. Word.

Heard report of executive committee. A motion to adopt was lost.
During the discussion of said report a collection was taken for breth-
ren Jordan and Reed and Sister Bain, wife of Rev. J. Y. Bain, de-
ceased, amounting to $10 81.

Received and read letter from Mt. Olive church without delegates.
On motion seated brother J. D. Kelley as delegate from Mt. Olive.

Heard the following

RErORT ON MISSIONS.

We, your committee on missions, make the following report: — Dear Brethren
— We are sorry to report that there is a decrease in our contributions for missions,
which ought not to be. We know not the cause. The commission is to "go into
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." But "can they go except
they be sent?" And whose duty is it to send them? Brethren, it is our duty to
help in this grand cause, for our ability is much, and God will hold us responsible
if we fail to do our duty in this cause. In conclusion we would earnestly urge our
pastors and each member of this body, when they return home, to do all in their
power to work up a greater interest in the cause of missions.

T. J. Weaver, Chairman.

The report was spoken to interestingly and feelingly by a number of brethren
tnd also by Kvangeljgt A, F>, Burue, ^nd we trii»t a profouud interegt ^ag ftwakenptj

Hrhich we hope, by the grace of God, the brethren will never suffer to abate till
J«8U8 comes. Somebody started a collection for missions by slipping a dime into
brother Burns' hand, which aggregated $10 05. The report was adopted.
Adjourned one hour f jr dinner.

AFTERNOON.

Met pursuant to adjournment. Renewed the call for correspondents and re-
ceived Elder J. S. Phillips, from Gilliam Springs, and Eldt-r Jesse Brown from
Warrior Riyer. The committee made the following

REPORT ON EDUCATION,

We, your committee, report as follows: After considering the educational
interests 6i our young people, we urge the education of our children to a higher
standard, seeing that the government of both Church and State will soon rest
upon them. But it becomes us as Baptists to look well lo the proper training of
our youths that they may more clearly understand the true teachings of the Bible.
We cheerfully recommend our denorainatiooal schools, to-wit : — Howard College,
at East Lake, Ala., and Judson Institute, at Marion, Ala.

Rcpectfully submitted,

P. J. CoKLEY, Chairman.

The report after discussion was adopted.

Leave of absence for the balance of session was granted W. H. Culpepper, J.
D. McHenry and delegates from Roswell Creek.

The committee made the following

REPORT ON TEMPERANCE.

The committee on temperance make the following report: We need not say
Ihat intemperance is a curse in the land. It is known to be such, bringing sorrow,
Buffering and death among our fellowmen and women. The Bible says that no
drunkard shall enter the kingdom of heaven. The best information that we have
is tfiat 100,000 of our fellow beings annually till drunkards graves. Tliis means
that 100,000 souls are doomed to hell and lost forever. Brethren, are we doing all
we can and ought to do to suppress this evil ? Let us rise in the name of Christ
with one united voice and action, using every opportunity we have in suppressing
this great evil. We reccommend that if any church in this association has a mem-
ber or members encouraging this great evil by signing petitions for the sale of, or
furnishing material for the manufacture of liquor, he or they be admonished by
eaid church to desist from such sin, and if the admonition is not heeded, that fel-
lowship be withdrawn. Respectfully submitted,

ivi. F. Owens, Chairman.
After much interesting discussion the report was adopted.

The comaiittee on devotion reported preaching to-night by R. W. Roe, fol-
lowed by T. J. Weaver. Sunday School address in connection with report of com-
mittee at 10 o'clcr:k Sunday by W.J.Collier Preaching at 11 o'clock by A. E.
Barns, followed by P. J. Corley.

Adopted the following report on deceased ministers : AVe find that our Heav-
enly Father has graciously spared the lives of all our ministers for another year,
for which we should be thankful. We reccommend that this body hold a short
service of thanksgiving to God for this blessing. We find further that our vener.
able brother Rev. J. Y. Bain, who was once a member of this association, but had
move<l his membership to the Warrior River Association, has been called to his
final home, and we recommend that a special committee be appointed to draft
suitable resolutions in reference thereto. A. B. Robekts, Chairman.

The committee was appointed as recon^meiaded, yi^ ; — J. W, Hughes, W, P*
Qpodwin and J. W. Lang

Ue^rd apd adopted tAS

REPOET ON PUBLICATIONS.

Dear Brothren : — We know that there is a responsibility resting upon us as a
denomination in regard to propagating the grand truths of the Bible, upon which
the salvation of our race depends. We, as christians, ought to see to it that the
Bible is placed in the hands of our children as soon as they are able to compre-
hend its teachings. In view of the doctrines, or so called doctrines, sr> extant in
the world Paul to the Gallatians says "thougli we or an angel from heaven preach
any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let hira be
accursed." As individual responsii^ility is required, we urge and recommend the
more thorough reading of tiie Bible. We recommend the Alabama Baptist, the
organ of our denomination in the State. The State Mission Journal, both at Mont-
gomery, Ala., and the Foreign Mission Journal, Richmond, Va. We believe it is
our indispensable duty to see that our children hav^ good literature to read.

Respectfully submitteil,

W. B. OuK, Chairman.

Heard and adopted report of finance committee. (See financial exhibit.)

REPORT ON NOMINATIONS.

We submit the following: To preach introductory sermoon. Dr. W. M. Scar-
borough; alternate, W. P. Groover. Sunday School address, I. M. Thompson;
Mission sermon, R. W. Roe, alternate, G. M. Milner.

J. P. GiLLESPiK, C'lairman.

Report was adopted.

Appropriated surplus of 61 cents in treasury to missions.

Re-elected J. H. Haley, L. T. Walker and T. J. Dodd executive committee.

Re-elected G. M. Milner treasurer.

Meeting for the Third District to bo held at Ruth Friday before the 5th Sun-
day in May, 1898. Heard and adopted the following

REPORT ON DOCUMENTS.

We, your committee, find that the church at Mt. Vernon invite? the associa-
tion to hold the next session with her. We reccmmend that the invitation be
accepted, to convene on Friday before the 21 Sunday in October, 1898. Mt. Ver-
non is two miles northweut of Boaz, and four miles south of Albertville.

W. A. Phillips, Chairman.

Ordered that the Clerk receive §10 and that the remainder of minute fund be
appropriated to printing and distributing minutes containing Articles of Faith,
Constitution and Rules of Decorum.

Adopted the following resolution :

Resolved, That we, the delegates from the difTerent churches of the Marshall
Afisociation, extend our thanks to Clear Spring Church and communitj' for the
kind hospitality shown us while convened with them.

On motion directed that the Association Mission Fund of $17 76, now on de-
posit with the State Mission Board, be used by said board for mission work in this
Association through the co-operation of the Evecutive Committee.

On motion agreed to meet at 8:30 o'clock to-morrow (Sunday) morning and
spend one hour in devotional exercises conducted by Brothei M. F. Owens.

Adjourned till the ti^e agreed on.

SUNDAY.

Met according to agreement and engaged in the appointed devotional meeting
led by Brother Owens, during which special prayer was made in accordance with
tbe recommendation of committee on Deceased Ministers.

Heard report of committee on Sabbath Schools.

Dear Brethren . — We are impressed from having heard the letters read from
the churches that there is not that degree of interest in the Sabbath School work
that its importance demauds. Surely our brethren are oot ignoraot qI the ohliga-

6

tion tliey are under to teach the scriptures to their children, which may be done
in Sabbath ychool. Brethren, let ns accept the teaching of the Word, and enter
with renewed energy upon this work, and press on. We suggest that the pastors
of the several churches of this association earnestly urge upon their churches the
importance of a good Sabbath School, aiid try to stimulate tne brethren to this
work, and use their utmost influt nee tor its progress. The next Baptist Sabbath
School Convention will be held at Conconl Church on Fridav before the 5th
Sunday in May, 1898, Respectfully submitted,

Joseph Creel, Chairmao.
Pending the adoption of the above report Brother W. J. Collier delivered the
Sabbath School address, after which a number of other brethren discussed the
subject inteiestingly. Others wanted to, but there was not time. One brother
suggested tliat more of us attend the Sunday School Convention which was organ-
ized for the purpose of awakening an interest in ttiis work, and there we will have
more time. The report was adopted.

Resolutions were read by the committee in reference to the death of Brother
John Y. Bain, providing for their publication in the Alabama Baptist and our
county papers. The resolutions were adopted and the committee continued to
draft resolutions in memory of Elder W. L. Casey, who has just died during this
session of the association.

Read and adopted minutes and adjourned.

Rev. A. E. Burns filled the appointment at 11 o'clock witli an able and pro-
foundly interesting discourse from Rev. 11-15 — "The kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever
and ever." The various preaching appointments were tilled by the appointees.
Tlie meetings were enjoyable and harmony })revailed throughout the session. The
Sabbath collection for missions was $4 20. The closing exercises were conducted
by Brother P. J. Coriev, the brethren giving each other the parting hand.

G. M. MILNER, Clerk. R. W. ROE, Moderator.

LIST OF ORDAINED MINISTERS.

J.E.Bagwell- Arab, Ala. C.A.Morton Alice, Ala.

.1. M. Brown Boaz, " H. M- Nipper Whitesville, '*

J.W.Brown Strawberry, " J. D. Pettit Albertville, "

W. M. Claiburn Friendship, " J. A. Oden McLartv, "

S.T.Collier Albertville, " M.F.Owens Fenton, "

AV. J. Collier Hyatt, " H. C. Reed. Summit, "

P. J. Corley Joppa, " R. W. Roe McVille, "

N. C. Denham Hyatt, " S.L.Rogers Mountainboro, **

W, P. Groover Friendstiip, " L. M Teel Friendship, "

J. H. Haley Alice, " I. M. Thompson Hyatt, "

J.D.Jordan Marshall, " W.M.Scarborough Albertville, "

L.D.Lewis Horton, " T. J, Weaver Ruth, "

G. M. Miluer Boaz, "

LIST OF LICENSED MINISTERS.

J. W. Amos Hyatt, Ala. Benjamin Mays Arab, Ala*

A. J. Cagle Mountainboro, " J. E. McAn.^lly strawberry, "

A.K.Casey Sidney, " W.D.Thomas Fenton, "

William Dvar Hoke's Bluff, " C C. Shelton Brooksville, "

J. J. Dodd Boaz, " JamesFloyd Albertville, "

S, J. Ivow,,...,,,,, ...,,.. Albertville, '•

ARTICLES OF FAITH.

I.— OF THE SCRIPTURES.

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a
perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; tiiat it has God for its author, salvation
for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals
the principles by which God will judge us; and, therefore, is and shall remain to
the end of the world, the true centre of Christian union, and the supreme standard
by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions shall be tried.

II. — OF THE TRUE GOD.

We believe tht»t there is one, and only one Hying and true God, an infinitei
intelligent JSpirit, whose name is Jehovali, t^e Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven
and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, con-
fidence and love; tliat in the unity ot the Godhead there are three persons, the
Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and execut-
ing distinct but harmonious office^ in the great work of redemption.

III.— OF THE FALL OF MAN.

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law ot his Maker; but
by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consiquence of
which all men are now sinners, not by constraint, but choict-; being by nature
utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, posiiivt ly inclined to evil;
and, therefore, under condemnation to eternal ruin, without delense or excuse.

IV.^OF THE WAY OF SALVATION.

We bejieve that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the medita-
torial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took
upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by tiis personal obe-
dience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from
the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the
tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, he is every way qualified to be a suit-
able, a compassionate and an allsufiicient Savior.

v.— OF JUSTIFICATION.

We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as be-
lieve in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the
promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in
consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely
through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which iaith His perfect right-
eousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed
peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needlul for time and
eternity.

VT.— OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made fret- to all by the Gospel;
that it IS the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, ])t nilent and obe-
dient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvatidUot the greatest sinner on earth,
but his own inherent depravity and voluntary n jeciiou ul the Gospel; which re-
jection involves him in an aggravated candeujnation.

VII.— OF GRACE IN REGENERATION.

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born
again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is
efll'ected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the lioiy Sj)irit, in
connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to tLie Gos-
pel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fi uits of rei)entance, and faith,
and newness of life.

VIII. — OF REPENTANCE AND FAITIF.

We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also, inseparable
graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating spirit of God; whereby being
deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation
by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication
for mercy at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesuf, Christ as our Prophet,
Priest and King, relying on Him alone as tlie only and all-sufticient Savior.

IX. — OF god's purpose of grace.

We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He
graciously regenerates, sanctifies 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
free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that utterly excludes boasting, and promotes
humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy;
that it encouraa'es the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascer-
tained by its eflects in all whq^ truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation
of Christian assurance; and tb^t to ascertai' it with regard to ourselves demands
and deseryes the utmost diligence.

X. — OF SANCTIFICATION.

We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of
God, we are made partakers ot his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is
begun in regeneration and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the
presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual
use of the appointed means — especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-
denial, watchfulness and prayer.

XI. — OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.

We believe that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their
persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from
the superficial professors; that a special providence wathes over their welfare; and
thai they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. — OF THE HARMONY OF TIIS LAW AND GOSPEL.

We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His
moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and tha^ the inability which the
Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love
of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a mediator to un-
feigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel and of the means
01 grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XIII. — OF A GOSPEL CHURCH.

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized be-
lievers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing
the ordinances of Christ; governed by laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and
privileges invested in them by His word, that its only Scriptural ofiicers are Bish-
ops or Pastors, and Deacons whosfc qualifications, claims and duties are defined in
the Epistle to Timothy an<l Titus.

XIV. — OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water ofabelieveri
into the name of the Father, and Son, and the Holy Ghost; to show forth in a
solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior,
with its eflect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequ-
site to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord's Supper, in which the
members oi the church by the sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate
together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

XV. — OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's day, or Christian Sab-
bath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes by abstaining from all secular
labor and sinful recreations, by the devout ot)servance of all the means of grace,
both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the
people of God.

XVI. — OF CIVIL CtOVKRX.MEXT.

We believe that Civil Government is of Divine appointment, for the interest
and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, con-
scientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our
Lord Jusus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and Prince of the kings
of the earth.

YVII. — OF THE RIGHTEOOS AND THE WICKED.

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the right-
eous 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 impenitence and unbelief are in his sight
wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after
death.

XVIII. — OF THE WORLD TO <OME.

We believe that the end of this world is approaching; that at the last day
Christ will descend from heaven and rai.se the dead from the grave to final retribu-
tion; that a solemn separation then will take place; that the wicked will be ad-
judged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judg-
ment will fix forever the final state of man in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness.

Adopted the following Constitution recommended by committee:

CONSTITUTION.

1. This Association shall be composed of the members chosen by the different
churches in the union, and shall be known as the Marshall Missionary Baptist As-
sociation.

2. Each church shall send a letter to the A.ssociation by their delegates, giving
the number baptized, received and dismissed by letter, excluded, restored and died
during the Associational year, tot d number in fellowship, time of monthly meet-
ing, and contributions for minutes and other purposes.

3. This Association shall be considered merely an advisory crouncil, claiming
no authority over the rights and privileges of individual churches. It is agreed,
however, that the Association shall have the right to withdraw fellowship from
any church that departs from the faith and order of the Gospel.

4. Each church shall be entitled to send two delegates to the Association for
the first fifty members, and one for each additional fifty or fraction over half that
number; and should any church fail to represent herself, she shall state the reason
in her next letter to the Association. — Amendment of 1893.

5. Any Baptist church may be admitted into this As.sociation by sending a
petitionary letter and delegates. If upon examination she is orthodox and order-
ly, the Moderator shall give her delegates the right hand of fellowship.

6. This Association shall elect annually from her delegates a Moderator and
Clerk and Treasurer. The Moderator shall preside over her dtliberations, preserve
order, and see that the rules of decorum are faitlirully carried out by the members,
decide all questions of order without debate, subject to an appeal to the Associa-
tion, and give the casting vote when the Association is equally divided. The Clerk
shall take correct minutes of the proceedings of the body, superintend their publi-
cation and distribution among the churches.

10

7. This Association will answer or dispose of queries sent up by the churches
or proposed by any member; provided such queries shall be expressed in their let-
ters.

8. This Association may adopt some plan for raisintj funds by voluntary con-
tributions, to defray the expenses of the Association, for supplying the destitute
churches and settlements in her bounds with the preaching of the Gospel, and for
any other purpose she may deem proper; leaving every church member free to
contribute as he shall purpose in his heart. All funds thus raised shall be placed
in the hands of the Treasurer, who shall be accountable for the same, and shall
be a countable for the same, and shall appropriate it as the Association may direct.

9. All questions shall be decided by a majority vote, except upon the altera-
tion or amendment of this Constitution.

10. This Association shall elect annually one of her ministers to preach an in-
troductory sermon, and one to preach on missions.

11. This Asssociation will do missionary work through the Board of the Bap-
tist denomination of this iState.

12. Any church, through strifes and schisms, having become dividc<l into fac-
tions, neither faction will be allowed representation in this body until she has
called a discreet council of her sister churches and submitted her grievances to said
council; and in case a reconciliation can not b^ made, tnat faction which shall be
recommended by saic! council as the consistent church shall be recognized by this
Association.

13. The Minutes shall be read, approved, and signed by the Moderator and
Clerk before the Association adjourns.

14. This Constitution may be altered or amended by an affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the members present, provided the alteration or amendment has
been proposed at a previous meeting of the Association.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RULES OF DECORUM.

The committee on Articles ol Faith, (constitution, etc., appointed at the organ-
ization of the Marshall Association and continued to the first session of that
organization, submit the following

RULES OF DECORUM.

1. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to keep on file a copy of the printed min-
utes of each and every session of this Association, and deliver the same to his suc-
cessor in office.

2. No member shall absent himself from the Association without leave of the
body.

3. Every person who speaks in debate shall rise from his seat and address the
Moderator, and shall not be interrupted while speaking, unless he depart from the
subject.

4. When a motion lias been made and regularly announced by the Modera-
tor, no motion shall be received except to amend, to substitute to lay upon the
tablr", to postpone indefinitely, or to postpone to a certain time; but a motion to ad-
journ shall always be in order, except when a member is speaking or the body is
voting.

5. No member shall speak more than three times on the same subject without
leave of the body.

6. Members shall be required to demean themselves in such a way as will
comport with tht dignity of the body and the high object it labors to advance. It
.shall be the special duty of the Moderator to call to order any member who may
indulge in oflensive personalities or unbecoming language, or depart from the sub-
ject while speaking.

7. Each se.ssion of this Association shall fix the time and place of holding the
succeeding one.

8. The order of business printed on the second page of the minutes shall be
observed at each session of the .Association.

FINANCIAL EXHIBIT, 1897

MISSI .)NS.

CHURCHES.

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Albertville

Bethany

Bethel

Bethsaida

Beulah

Boaz

Clear Spring. ._

Concord

Guntersville

High Point

Hopewell

Mt. Hebron

Mt. Olive

Mt. Vernon

Mt. Zion

New Macedonia . .

Oak Grove

PhillipDi

Pleasant Grove
Plea8a.it Hill, Blount
Pleasant Hill , Etowah

Rehohoth

Rock Spr'g, $2,45 Mis.

Roswell Creek

Ruth

SardiM

Shiloh

Shady Grove

Union

Union Grove

Col. at Associations
Anib'se, John, Claud

Totals .i;28 51

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