CIRCULAR LETTER OF THE UNION PRIMITIVE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD WITH THE EMPIRE CHURCH, SEPTEMBER 17-19, 1859

The Union Association to all the Dear Brethren
and Sisters, and all to whom it may come :

DEAR BRETHREN AND S1STERS-As we are again permitted to meet in an associate capacity to transact the business of the Association, something in the form of a Circular Letter will be expected. Therefore, we will call your attention to Ephesians' first chapter and the latter clause of the 13th verse, and venture a few thoughts thereupon. "In whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." Now, Brethren, if we understand the Apostle here in the first place, at the commencement of this Epistle, he takes up what might be termed the fundamental principles of the gospel. Hear him, '' Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing, in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Read the remainder of the chapter. The Apostle first treats upon the principles of the gospel, for he preached Election, Predestination,
and the everlasting love of God, as manifested to His children. Now, Brethren, it
seems that a belief in the truth is necessary, and it is by the spirit of illumination that the understanding is properly opened, and the poor soul is brought
to see that he is a sinner in the sight of God; for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shone in our hearts, &c: 2 Cor. iv. 6.

Where light is communicated to the poor soul he not only sees but feels himself a sinner in the sight of God. All the terrors of the law are leveled against him; in this condition, they feel themselves to be the character that is without hope and without God in the world. They view themselves as justly condemned, and feel that it would be just in God to cut them off forever; for they feel to be the poorest subjects that ever lived; they mourn over a hard heart and reprobate mind. We often hear the brethren and sisters tell how they were burdened on account of sin before the poor soul is made to visit the secret grove--there to pour out his soul to God· for relief; but often return worse burdened than when it went, if possible, justly condemned, before God. All the promises of the gospel belong to someone else, for they cannot see how it can be possible that such characters as they now view themselves to be, can be saved.

But at a time least expected by the sinner, he finds relief. The love of God is manifested, or shed abroad in their heart, and they are made to rejoice with
that joy which is inexpressible and full of glory. The promises of the gospel now embrace them. They now find much comfort in the Scriptures; for by grace, ye are saved, through faith, &c. This we understand the Apostle was brought to view in the text "Being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise;" in that, the soul is swallowed up in love to God, their theme is love; their song is love;
and we view then love as the moving cause; for the Apostle John says, "We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John iv. 19. We love Him back with the same love: we then begin to see into the doctrine of Free and Sovereign grace; for by
grace ye are saved, &e. Not of works lest any man should boast. It is by the same Spirit we get a view into the imputed righteousness of Christ, and the plan of life and salvation as devised in the Wisdom and Counsel of God, and set forth in His word; and it is by the same Spirit the understanding is properly opened, to understand the mystery of the Scriptures. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit; neither can know them. But the children understand the same one thing, when they receive the Spirit of adoption, are made partakers of the love of God, and are brought nigh by the blood of Christ. They then understand these things as being taught by God; for the Lord by the Prophet says, “Thy children shall all be taught of the Lord," &c. And every man therein who hath heard and learned of 'the Father, cometh unto me. We remarked that God is love. Jeremiah xxi. 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting love, &.; John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me, &c.: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans viii. 28. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate, &c.

Now, Brethren, have we ever fallen out with the idea of being conformed to the image of Christ Jesus? At the time when all was love with, and around you, did you find any fault with God's arrangement in the Covenant Plan of Redemption, and of that grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Or were you constrained by the Spirit of Promise, to say He hath done all things well. When our minds expand on those Christian prospects, surrounded with all the promises of God, having the Seal of Promise, we live by hope; which hope is the anchor of the soul; and, which maketh not ashamed, even of his holy ordinances; for they shall all know me from the least to the greatest. Being thus sealed, they march on as they are called by His Word, which word is spirit and life. John vi. 63. Then, Brethren, being born again, not of corruptible seed, &c.; we have a right to claim the promises of the gospel, which is eternal life. And here we are lost in wonder and astonishment. We are too short-sighted to comprehend the depth of the riches of the Wisdom of God. Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive the things that God hath prepared for them that love him, yet it is "Ye are dead, and your lives are hidden with Christ in God." It is further said, "It doth not yet appear what we shall be; but it is enough, brethren, to know that we shall be like Jesus.

Then let us be found in the discharge of known duties. Search the Scriptures, for they teach us our duty in plain terms, and warn us of error. In them, we find the never-failing promises of life being sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise. We now recommend you to act upon the Gospel Rule, which is laid down unalterably, and in so doing you have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. Then, dear Brethren and Sisters, Farewell; let brotherly love continue. 

Live in peace; and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.

M. WESTBERRY, Moderator.
E. J. WILLIAMS, Clerk.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1516838161790745