Extract of a letter from brother Newport, dated Priola, Ia. September 19th, 1837.

Extract of a letter from brother Newport, dated

Priola, Ia. September 19th, 1837.

BROTHER BEEBE: I have visited three Associations in Ky., all of which are divided in sentiment among themselves in reference to the modern institutions of the Gospel. They will ultimately split asunder, and the sooner the better, for there is no more real union among them than there is between light and darkness, nor agreement than there is between Christ and Belial. There are almost all kinds of heresy now proclaimed in Kentucky, by men bearing the name of Baptists; and all claim protection under the engrossing name of “General Union,” but the boasted general union of Baptists in Kentucky is only a rope of sand, and will be blown to the moles and bats. The Licking and Tates Creek Associations are the only Associations collectively maintaining the original principles of the Baptists; yet there are many, very many most excellent brethren, and a number of whole churches in other Associations, who know and love the truth, but they are borne down by the high-handed measures of majorities of their Associations, which measures are a disgrace to the Baptist cause. I hope the sound brethren will obey the voice of the Lord, which says, “Come out of her my people.”

I am leaving Kentucky with mingled emotions of joy and grief. I grieve for the Baptist cause, and that there are so many abominations prevailing under that name, which I have so long held dear; but I rejoice to discover that there is a redeeming spirit abroad, and that there are a number of valiant men of Israel there, who hold swords because of fear in the night. They can neither be led nor driven from the path of duty, and they will not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. I am carrying a host of these in the bosom of my affections; among them I will name a few that I have travelled mostly with, brother T. P. Dudley and E. J. Rees, the beloved Frenchman, Jordan H. Walker and Enoch S. Tabor, the persecuted stripling E. Penney, Daniel Riley, Wm. Barnett and R. Ricketts, may God Almighty bless and sustain these and all others like them, for they are truly as lights in a dark place. I think of them often with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart, and I never bow my knees to the Father of mercies, but they are present to my mind as they were when we often bowed together. I will intend, when I get home and have a little leisure, to write you some account of my tour. I have been a member of the Blue River Association since I crossed the Ohio. They, like all other old-fashioned Baptists, who do not worship the Dianas of the day, nor bow to the calves of Jeroboam, met in peace, transact their business in harmony, and parted in love and union; indeed, their fellowship was confirmed, and their souls refreshed by their interview. To me it was peculiarly refreshing, after witnessing what I had at some of the things called Baptist Associations in Kentucky. I am now setting out in a few minutes to visit the Salem Association on my way home. Here I shall witness another happy interview with those who are brethren indeed, for they are strictly Old School Baptists.

Brother Beebe, I am in haste, and must subscribe yours, in the bond of love,

RICHARD M. NEWPORT.