The Nature, Design, and Advantages of Associations.
THE CIRCULAR LETTER
From the MINISTERS and MESSENGERS
OF THE SEVERAL BAPTIST CHURCHES
OF THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ASSOCIATION,
Assembled at Northampton, May 19, 20, 21
By Bro. Blundel
1812.Maintaining the important doctrines of three equal persons in the
God-head: eternal and persona1 election; original sin; parlicular
redemption; free justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ;
efficacious grace in regeneration; the final perseverance of real believers;
the resurrection of the dead; the future judgment; the eternal
happiness of the righteous, and everlasting misery of such as die impenitent;
with the congregational order of the churches inviolably:To the several Churches they represent;
Meeting at Loscoe, and Swanwick, Derbyshire; Sutton-Ashfield; Collingham,
Newark-upon-Trent and Nottingham, Nottinghamshire; Burton-upon-Trent,
Staffordshire; Sheepshead, Leicester, Sutton-in the-Elms, Arnsby, and Foxton,
Leicestershire; Oakham, Rutland; Spalding, Lincolnshire; Gretton, Clipstone,
Guilsborough, Braunston, Walgrave, Kettering, Moulton, Road, Bugbrook, Braybrook,
and Northampton, Northamptonshire; Olney, Fenny-Stratford, and Ivinghoe,
Buckinghamshire; Dunstable, and Luton, Bedfordshire; and St. Albans, Hertfordshire.Grace be to you, and peace from God dur Father, and from Jesus Christ our Lord!
DEAR BRETHREN,
WE have the pleasure to inform you, that we met in peace at the time and place appointed. The intelligence from the churches has been much more encouraging than it was this year.* Our increase is but small, most of the churches, however, have pastors, and enjoy internal tranquillity.Agreeably to the promise which we made at our last annual meeting, we this year undertake to address you on the nature, design, and advantages of associations. We do not recollect, that in any former
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* We regret to state that no letters were received from the churches at St. Albans and Spalding, but we have learned that our brother Crapps, who for many years was pastor of the church at Spalding, has this year finished his course.
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letter your attention has been directed to this topic; but notwithstanding its novelty, and the evident propriety of your being well acquainted with the reasons why our churches are thus united, we do not hesitate to acknowledge, that in itself considered, this subject is by no means of the highest importance. If how ever, we are unable, on this occasion, to afford you that substantial and practical instruction which has hitherto been communicated in the course of our annual addresses, we trust what is now advanced will not be wholly unprofitable. Before we proceed, it may not be improper to remark, that it is now almost fifty years since this association, called the "Northamptonshire Association," was first established, during which period it has been gradually on the increase. Several excellent ministers, all of whom are now dead, being convinced that an institution of this kind was both desirable and practicable, held an introductoty meeting at Kettering. Oct. 17, 1764, to take the subject into consideration, when it was unanimously resolved, that an annual association of the particular Baptist Ministers and Churches in the adjacent counties should be formed on the principles of christianity. The substance of the articles agreed on at this preparatory meeting, together with a persuasive letter, was sent to the neighbouring churches, inviting them to unite in the formation of such an association. With this invitation eight of them, it appears, readily complied. The first general meeting of the associated ministers and churches was held in the spring of the following year, viz. 1765 - in 1768 the number of churches thus connected was eleven; in 1772, fourteen; and though additions were not made each successive year, they are now increased to thirty-one. This brethren, is a summary account of the rise and progress of our association; and it is no slight argument in its favour, that its existence is to be ascribed to the prayers, discourses, and journies of certain individuals; who were the advocates and ornaments of the baptist denomination, and to whose fidelity, zeal, fortitude, and perseverance, under numerous difficulties and hardships, connected with the ministerial office, and the times in which they exercised it, many of you must attribute,
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under divine providence, the high advantage of a standing ministry, and christian fellowship in your towns and villages.Many eventful and unexpected changes have taken place within the last fifty years, in the churches of Christ, which originally composed this connection. The dispensations of providence are continually throwing light on the scriptures, and developing the human character; but in reflecting on the past, we perceive occasion to rejoice; for notwithstanding all the partial and temporary declensions of professors, amidst all the wars and revolutions which have afflictcd our country, and desolated the world, the everlasting kingdom of Messiah has been greatly and rapidly extended. None of our elder churches are extinct; many of them are now in a flourishing state; from some new churches have been formed; others have been raised in various parts of the united kingdom, where they had not before existed; a wide door has been opened to our Missionary brethren for the introduction of the gospel into Asia, where they are labouring with extraordinary diligence and success, and the exertions of the British and Foreign Bible Society will distinguish the present as an illustrious em in the annals of the christian church.
In explaining the nature, and stating the objects of our association, we desire it may be remembered, that they are not political. We are not, and never have been, a disloyal or revolutionary faction. We have not attempted to erect any new, or to demolish any old administration; we have neither cherished nor inculcated hostility against the civil and ecclesiastical polity of the nation. The advisers and promoters of our union had no intention of interfering with the legislative or executive powers of the state; and the public and quiet manner in which all our meetings have been held, and our concerns conducted, through a series of great national difficulty and commotion, must have convinced, we conceive, even the suspicious and illiberal, that our exertions and prosperity are neither prejudicial to the interests of our country, nor inimical to the political measures of its rulers. Whatever opinion we may entertain of public men and public measures, we do not meet to discuss those opinions, or to agitate any questions connected with the affairs of
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government; and we take this opportunity of again declaring, that we are sincerely attached to our excellent constitution, and to the family on the throne, by whom we are protected in the enjoyment of our civil and religious liberty.Furtber; It is not designed that this association should embrace any objects whatever of a secular nature. As voluntary members of civil society, we can not be supposed to doubt or depreciate the practical utility of civil associations. There appears to be in all creatures, throughout the different gradations and modes of their existence, an active, social principle, which admirably and powerfully disposes them to form various connections with each other; and while man is pre-eminent for the possession of this social tendency, he is capable beyond all other creatures of turning it to valuable purposes. He has the power of forming extensive, intimate, and bendiciul a1liances with his fellow men. That natural propensity to union which is discovered by persons devoted to the same profession Of studies, is not to pe viewed as dangerous or criminal, in all cases where the interests of religion are not directly proposed to be advanced. Collections of men, whose object in uniting has been the improvement of agriculture, the extension of commerce, or the cultivation of tbe liberal arts, have, by the concentration of their wisdom and efforts, not only enriched and distinguished themselves, but contributed to the temporal prosperity of the community, and conferred lasting blessings on posterity. But while the agriculturist, the merchant, and the philosopher, enrich, enlighten, and polish society, it is more in unison with the nature of our association, and more congenial to our habits and tastes as christians, to watch over and peaceably extend the kingdom of our blessed Redeemer, to use all the means in our power to facilitate the conversion of sinners, to give publicity and influence to the grand principles we have embraced; and by discharging all those reciprocal offices of peace, charity, and consolation, in which the essence, evidence, and practice of personal piely consists, to emulate each other in love and good works.
On such an occasion as the present, it seems proper a1so to avow that be constitution of this association
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does not in the smallest degree interfere with the independance of such churches as compose it. An episcopal convocation, or presbyterian synod, is both in its principle and operation totally different from our assembly. Our churches are not more independant of the state than they are of each other. The ministers and messengers, when collected, possss no accumulation of power, they impose no articles of faith, exercise no church discipline, confer no dignities, nominate to no church offices. The power of excluding, of censuring, or of restoring any member of the churches, does not reside in this body. The pators and representatives of those societies, which, owing to situation, numbers, opuleuce, gifts, and other adventitious circumstanccs, acquire a sort of superiority in the denomination, have, in this meeting, no dominion over the brethren belonging to the smallest society. We all meet as equals, as the children of one parent, or as fellow servants of one master, even Christ, who is the sovereign and the saviour of his church.Our connexion with each other is religious, and intended to instruct and establish us in the unity and communion of saints. But while the members of this association disclaim all ideas of invading the liberties and privileges of the churches - while they maintain and propagate the doctrine, that each church has full power to govern its own members, and to manage all its temporal and spiritual concerns, without making appeals, or rendering account to any - while, from religious principle as much as from motives of prudence and delicacy, they are never forward to intermeddle with those unhappy contentions which too often disturb, divide, and dishonour all classes of christians in some cases of difficulty and trouble they have been prevailed on to give their counsel and assistance, and there have been instances in which their efforts to revive declining interests, to prevent or repair breaches, to remove jealousies, to cool animosities, and to conciliate adverse parties, have been crowned with success.
In referring more directly to the objects and advantages which were proposed to be obtained in forming this association, it is necessary to recollect, that before
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this annual meeting was fixed, there was no general meeting at which the different ministers had personal intercourse. The churches being fewer in number, inferior in respectability, more widely dispersed, more confined to obscure places, and the facilities and practice of traveiling being less than at the present time, the ministers saw each other but seldom, had not the benefit of each other's conversation, counsels, and services, knew but little of each other's experience as christiaus, or of their labours; trials, and successes as ministers. In short, though devoted to the same honorable and holy employment, though found in the same class of protestant dissenters, though similar to each other in articles of faith and mode of worship, they had adopted no specific means of ascertaining, uniting, and rendering more efficient, their resources. To obviate these inconveniences, to supply in some measure these deficiencies, it was judged expedient, as we stated at the beginning of our letter, to form an association, which should at once secure to the ministers, and to such chritian friends as could avail themselves of the time and place of meeting, a personal interview, promote a more particular and generous attachment amongst them, and throw light on the state of religion in their respective churches.By the letters which are sent from the various churches, containing, as is generally known, a candid account of the most important changes which have occurred during the precedmg year, we have always been furnished with materials for prayer and praise, for deep reflection; humiliation, and renewed exertions; the tears of sorrow and of joy have been often shed, the accents of grateful triumph, and of humble supplication have been often uttered with peculiar feeling and effect on this occasion; we have enlarged our mutual sympathies, we have recognized a kindred spirit, we have lamented our imperfections, real1zed our obligations and the ground of dependance afresh; and by participating in the same hopes and fears, we have made each other's happiness and distresses our own, and drawn more closely the bond of our union.
The public religious exercises connected with the associa1ion ought not to be passed over unnoticed, when we are enumerating its advantages. We are not disposed
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to assert the absolute necessity of these services, to exaggerate their utility, to overrate the quantity of good they produce, or even to deny or conceal those trilling inconveniences with which they are attencded. We know that the regular times appointed for public worship are numerous, and that this meeting can be attended by a small minority only of the persons to whom it is supposed to be peculiarly interesting; but we think it is impossible for christians to come together, actuated by the pure desire of glorifying God and edifying each other, without receiving and imparting benefit. Did not Jehovah faithfully promise, even before the erection of the first temple, "In all places where I record my name, I will come nnto thee, and will bless thee?" And have we not in many places been honoured by his gracious presence, and supplied by the blessings of his goodness? Besides, it is by communion in worship that the christian aflections arc exercised and enlarged, the nature of christian equality illustrated, and these tender relations in which believers stand to each other, and to their common Saviour, powerfully presented to our remembrance. By the act of social prayer and praise, our best desires and kindest thoughts are drawn forth towards each other, and towards the human race; while with earnestness humility, and devotion, we recommend each other to the divine compahsion, we excite and cherish our own; while we implore his help, we feel more disposed to help each other; ami after having solemnly intreated his pnrticular care and regard to his church, we feel an additional inducement to promote its prosperity. Nor would we forget, that on the public occasions,our auditory is composed of various descriptions of hearers, some of whom are attracted by the novelty of the service, the celebrity of the preacher, or the vague hope of amusement. Many of these are destitute of the knowledge of God, "Walking in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart." To such we have, by the ministry of the word, the sacred opportunity of giving timely warning of danger, of teaching them in all wisdom,
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that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus. Nor can it be supposed that the seed of the word has been always scattered in vain on this unpromising soil, in some instances the dews of heaven have descended, causing it to spring up, and bring forth fruit unto everlasting life. To drop the metaphor, some passage has been imprinted on the memory, some convictions revived and fastened on the mind, which have issued in prayer, and genuine conversion.As, however, some of the advantages already mentioned are somewhat local and accidental, we would further remark, that associations encourage and widely circulate the spirit of exertion. This is a principal and permanent advantage flowing from them. It is an observation that has often been made by writers of ecclesiastical history, that associations aud the spirit of religion have kept pace with each other. Of this we are certain, that in those periods where there has been the least disposition among Christians to unite and co-operate, the cause of Christ has always been in a declining state. Associations are become so common, and they have so long exerted an insensible influence upon our chnrches, that it is difficult to ascertain the precise degree of good of which they have been productive. They have silently operated upon the minds, not only of the ministers, and by means of them, upon the people, but by the interesting scene which they exhibit in the different places where we assemble, by the discourses which have been delivered, and by the letters which have been circulated, they have been instrumental in the promotion of that christian spirit and temper which are conspicuous in many of our members. The character of many of the pious youth amongst us has been formed, since this association has been instituted, and it is impossible to say to what extent it has eucouraged love and zeal, liberality and public spirit. On this subject, however, we are not left merely to conjecture. - About ten years after this association was constituted, a fund was established which deserves to be noticed, not only on account of the excellent purposes for which it was formed, but because it affords the clearest evidence that Christians at length became aware of the importance of united efforts. The valuable objects which this fund was intended
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to effect were, to afford necessary aid to interests newly raised - to encourage village preaching - to defray the expenses of ministers, occasionally supplying poor and destitute churches, or visiting them by the direction of the association, and especially, to alleviate the wants of necessitous and aged ministers. The voluntary contributions of the churches have enabled the association to accomplish, in some degree, these designs; and we trust that your future generosity will render this fund a still more exteusive blessing.But were there no other argument in our favour, the single fact would be sufficient, that those monthly meetings for prayer which Christians of every name agree to encourage, owe their origin to the suggestion of this association. That such united addresses to the throne of grace would be extremely desirable, aad doubtless occurred to many a pious mind, but until Christians had these opportunities of disclosing to each other their feelings and desires, individuals could only sigh in secret, and scarcely hope to realize their wishs. But since tbe measure, proposed by a few individuals, has been so generally adopted, since month after month, thousands of the people of God appear in his presence to supplicate for one grand object, we are taught that when Christians agree to co-operate, their expectations can scarcely be too sanguine. Now from the four quarters of the globe, the ardent petitions of the saints ascend like clouds of grateful incense, and mingle together in the temple above. From this what have we reason to anticipate? The prayers and the efforts of individuals are powerful, but now the hosts of God are assembled, the powers of darkness are our enemies, our cries and tears are our weapons, and we have directed against the fortresses of Satan a mighty engine, which will ere long level them with the ground. But in order to do justice to our subject, we must form to ourselves an imaginary picture; we must endeavour to obtain an idea of what would now have been the state of our churches, of what would now have been the feelings of our ministers, had associations never existed. Good men, it is true, would have continued their labours, but these labours, comparatively speaking, would have been unpleasant, they would have acted w1th that energy which grace
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communicates, but they would have been destitute of that spirit, which all men feel when surrounded by associates in labour. Separated from each other, and ignorant of the state of the religious world, they would have been in danger of that contraction of mind which induces us to identify the great cause of God with our own litlle interests. Their joys being confined to themselves, would have been less interesting, and their sorrows, for want of the sympathies of their brethren, would have become more overwhelming. But now, while attending to their arduous duties, they can anticipate with pleasure a meeting with their friends, when success will be sweetened by congratulation, or trials will be softened by kindness. The ministers and messengers return to their respective spheres of exertion, and diffuse among the churches that spirit which the public services they have enjoyed were calculated to inspire. New subjects are afforded for conversation and prayer, and they are encouraged to meditate new plans of usefulness, which at their next annual meeting they may propose to their brethren.Thus we have briefly enumerated a few of the principal advantages to be derivrd from associations; but before we conclude, permit us to observe, that these admirable institutions, like every thing human, are liable to abuse: they may cher'sh indolence, they may foster a spirit of curiosity, They may dissipate the mind. They are probably attended by some, we should hope the number is small, not as the means of improving their christian graces, but as a kind of sanctioned religious amusement, at which they may meet their gay companions, or indulge in vanity by the exhibition of themselves. Against this state of mind we would most affectionately intreat the younger members of our societies to be on their guard, and to maintain such deep seriousness of spirit, and such ardent devotion, as will render an attendance upon these assemblies not only free from danger, but conducive to the everlasting welfare of the soul. It is possible, let it ever be recollected, be frequently seen amongst the worshippers of God below, or even to act a conspicuous part in their most solemn services, and yet at last to be excluded from the grand association of saints and angels above.
Signed in behalf of the Association,
JOHN SUTCLIFF, MODERATOR.
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BREVIATES. Tuesday evening, vi. Brother Blundel, pastor of the church where the association assembled, engaged in prayer; brother Sutcliff was chosen Moderator; the Letters from the churches were read; and brother Wheeler concluded in prayer.
Wednesday morning, vi. Met for prayer. Brethren Burton, Knowles, Franks, Sumpter; Davies, and Burditt, engaged.
---------------------- half past x. Assembled for public worship.
Brother Miller began with prayer, and brother Daniels of Luton preached from Col. iii. 4. When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Brother Jarvis prayed brother Jarman of Nottingham preached from John v. 22, 23. For the Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him. Brother Heighton concluded in prayer.
-------------------- evening, vi. Met again, when brother Nichols prayed; brother Franklin of Coventry preached from Jer. viii. 22. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered ? and brother Edmonds closed with prayer.
After the evening service, the ministers and messengers retired into the Vestry to read the Circular Letter, written by brothe1 Blundel, which was approved.
Thursday morning, vi. After singing and prayer, several of the ministers relate their expeneuce; brother Norman concluded in prayer; and the association proceeded to settle the business of the Fund. Agreed that the next association be held at Kettering; brethren Anderson and Hall to preach. -- Put up at the White Hart.
The Letter for next year to be on Reading the Scriptures: brother Sutcliff to write it.-The Moderator closed the association with prayer.
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CHURCHES. Arnsby -- Braunstone -- Braybrook -- Bugbrook -- Burton on Trent -- Chipstone -- Collingbam -- Dunstable -- Fenny Stratford -- Foxton -- Gretton -- Guilsborough -- Ivinghoe -- Kettering -- Leicester -- Loscoe -- Luton -- Moulton -- Newark -- Northampton -- Nottingham -- Oakham -- Olney -- Road -- Sheepshead -- Spalding -- Swanwick -- Sutton in the Elms -- Sutton Ashfield -- St. AlbanS -- Walgrave --[From SBTS Archives, Adam Winters, Archivist. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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