For the Signs of the Times. N. T. Stephensburg, Va., Feb. 25th, 1838.

For the Signs of the Times.

N. T. Stephensburg, Va., Feb. 25th, 1838.

BROTHER BEEBE:—In my last communication respecting Associations, I there intimated that probably some more of my thoughts might be given to my Old School Brethren on that subject; and notwithstanding my inadequacy of doing it to my entire satisfaction, and the objections some of the Brethren may have against what they may suppose innovation, I now venture to do so. But I will first observe, that if any person whatever will find a Thus saith the Lord, or one instance in the New Testament of constitutional Associations, or any plan, or rules and regulations there laid down, for such a body of believers in Jesus; I hold myself in duty bound to examine and research, and cannot find such a religious body of Christians, or any rules or regulations whatever of such a body: therefore I discard them too as being the inventions of men, and Anti-christian in principle and operation.

Moreover, whenever it is made manifest that corresponding meetings, such as I have witnessed, and in my little feeble way have endeavored to describe, in the Signs shortly back, are tinctured with Anti-christ either in principle or practice, I hold myself equally bound to reject them with abhorrence, as being more insidious than the plan of Associations on their erroneous basis, with their advisory councils, &c. &c. I will go further and say, if upon a full, fair development of Associations, or Corresponding Meetings, or both, it really does appear that they are in principle, or operation, or both, derogatory to brotherly love, godly peace, harmony and well-being of Christ’s church, according to the New Testament, every member of his church are imperiously required by the love of the truth as it is in Christ, so far as they are recipients of it, to renounce not only Associations and Corresponding Meetings, but every other invention, tradition, thought, word and deed, as far as in them lieth, and commit themselves to Christ in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator, director and disposer. And, I do pray God that I may be found among his peculiarly favoured people, and be like so many of good works, both in words and ways: and that we really take the statute book of our King as the rule, and only rule of the pillar and ground of the truth, which is the church of the living God, built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

In one of my little scribbles a while ago, I remarked that my life had continued to witness a much desired separation of the children of the bond woman, from the free: I yet desire to be thankful for the blessing, so far as it has been conferred on the churches of Christ, by his gracious dispensation of that peculiar favour.

I agree with the opinion of brother Suydam, that the time is not far distant when the Lord will drive his people and churches out of all combinations that savour of human inventions. I therefore would say to my Old School Brethren, “What you are, be.” And if you have not investigated the subject of Associations in principle and operation, but have followed the custom and fashion of those who have preceded you, which is nothing better than tradition, it is high time you should turn to the scriptures for information on the subject, and ask the Lord for wisdom and understanding in this matter.

At a meeting in my native County I heard Elder Jer. Moore, (that valiant brother for the truth, who had felt some of the curses of an ecclesiastical establishment,) in his sermon he said, “Anti-christ is in the world amongst the reigning denominations professing christianity, if he is amongst the Baptists, I pray God it may be made manifest, the sooner we get clear of it the better;” I say Amen. Had brother Moore lived to see the Anti-Christian workings and movements that have been, and are yet amongst the Baptists, I have no doubt, he would have raised his voice like a trumpet against the abominations Associations have been carrying on without divine authority for their existence or operations. Therefore, as I do believe the plan of Associations, advisory councils, &c. &c. are Anti-christian, according to the statute book of Zion’s King, I do, and will protest against their having any place amongst the people of God’s choice and care. And if it be so that my brethren cannot fellowship my opposition to Associations, as they are in principle and practice amongst the Old School Baptists, I cannot help it. I do believe I have Scripture ground for my objections, and when I bring my experience and observations on the subject to the standard of truth, I feel sustained in my opposition to the plan of men made constitutional Associations, advisory councils &c. &c. &c.

My dear Brethren, you who have been brought to spiritual life by the all prevailing power of grace, who know and love the truth as it is in our blessed Jesus, what edification, what comfort, what love is manifested, or experienced, in a multitude of old school Baptists’ forming themselves into a body, religious or otherwise, not known in the Scriptures, for the professed purpose of doing the business of the churches, or for the churches? What business is laid down in our rule of faith and practice for any non-descript body?—without any rules or regulations of divine authority to govern them? What business can the church of Christ have that she is authorized by her King to submit to members of other churches of the same faith and order, for their discussion and advice? If any church, or churches of Christ, are weak and need help, they are provided in the statute book of her Lord and King, 1 Cor. xii. 28, “And God hath set some in the church, first, Apostles; secondly, Prophets; thirdly, Teachers; after that Miracles; then Gifts of healing, Helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” If any case occur whatever not provided for in the book of Revelation, it would be a reflection on the wisdom and goodness of Zion’s King and lawgiver.

Therefore, why form combinations that cause gender strife and contentions? This very circumstance, together with having no Thus saith the Lord, for such combinations, ought at once invite your serious and prayerful attention, and induce you to enquire of the Lord, what he would have done, and what he would not have done by you.

Brethren, do bear with me a little, in my folly and weakness; if I did not love you in the Lord, and having my lot cast in with you of choice, I would not thus scribble. I am not insensible of my own ignorance, pride, and insignificance; nevertheless, I am willing to expose my ignorance, &c. in this case, if God can be glorified by it, and his dear people are benefited by it in the least degree whatever.

The will of the Lord be done.

I remain your poor brother in profession of the Truth as it is in Christ our Lord and Saviour.

CHRISTIAN