The Northbend Association of Baptists met at Plattsburgh the fourth Friday in September, 1817--To the churches of which we are composed sendeth christian salutation.
DEARLY BELOVED IN THE LORD--
Pursuant to appointment we met in our associational capacity, and through the blessing of the Lord, we have in much peace and harmony attended to the business which claimed our attention. We are happy to state that the information communicated to us from some of the churches and corresponding associations is truly pleasing and soul-comforting: it gladdens our hearts to hear of the late outpouring of the spirit of God, and the refreshing season enjoyed from his divine presence. O! that the Lord would extend the conquest of the cross until the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of God, and his kingdom come in the power of his grace with its divine influence, and multitudes of Jews, Gentiles, Pagans and Mahometans [Moslems] be brought from a state of darkness, error, superstition and idolatry, into the light and liberty of the gospel.
Dear Brethren--When we consider the Lord's doings of late, not only in many sections of our Western Country, but in divers other places within the bounds of our national union, in displaying the riches of his grace in the salvation of sinners; and to what extent it has pleased him to direct The attention of many to promote the interest of the Redeemer's kingdom, by forming societies to adopt measures for combining the efforts of multitudes to send the gospel to millions in the region and shadow of death; and the great success of those laudable exertions, we are led to believe the period is approaching, and trust is not distant, when more visibly the glory of the Lord will arise upon Zion, and the wilderness and the solitary place will be glad for them, and the desart [desert] shall rejoice and blossom as the rose, and every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Beloved Brethren, for this glorious and happy period, the Church has been long and anxiously waiting; for this thousands of petitions have already been presented before the throne; and thousands more are continually ascending: "thy kingdom come." The Lord in his wisdom, and consistent with his own purpose and glory, has delayed an answer (in its fullest extent) until his own time; the present is a period which exhibit prospects favorable; the gracious work seems to be spreading in different directions, and many brought to bow to the king of Zion. For these great and unspeakable favors, dear brethren, let us thank and praise the Lord; and unite in our petitions at the throne of grace for an increase of this glorious work, and that places now destitute may share in the heavenly shower, "and the parched ground become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water." The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen. CHRISTOPHER Wilson, Moderator. Attest, ABSALOM GRAVES, Clerk.================ [From Northbend Baptist Association Minutes, 1817. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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