TO THE CHURCHES COMPOSING
THE FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION (KY)
Circular Letter, 1822BELOVED BRETHREN,
After having performed tbe duty assigned us in an associated capacity, and we trust, according to the mind of Christ, we rejoice with you for as much as it has pleased God to refresh the bowels of his dear people, by a precious ingathering of souls, in a number of the Churches within our Union; and although the revival has not, as yet, extended its vital and salutary influence to all
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the Churches, we believe it is progressing amongst those whom we hold dear to us as professmg the same faith and as being partakers of the same Heavenly calling, knowing that we shall reap, in due time, if we faint not. Brethren, the Lord's arm is not shortened; his promise and love are still the same: Therefore, let us not cease to praise and adore the matchless grace of God for the gift of an adorable redeemer; and in giving any of the fallen race of Adam a reasonable hope, that their sins have been washed in that fountain which is opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness. But, beloved brethren in the Lord, while we rejoice with you, for these Heavenly blessings, let us not forget a very necessary admonition of our blessed Saviour, which appears to be well suited to every state and condition of his people, while they tabernacle in the flesh. We, therefore, say unto you, watch; and what I say unto you, (says the Redeemer,) I say unto all, watch, for ye know not the hour when the Son of Man cometh; and, we, the rather, recommend watchfulness to you at this time, believing that there are signs which indicate that these are the last times. It must needs be, that offences come but woe unto that man by whom the offence cometh: Therefore, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor of love is not in vain in the Lord. Thus, Brethren, we have endeavored to stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance; and in the language of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, we say, stand last, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free; and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love, serve one other, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spirtual wickedness, in high places: Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day; and having done all to stand. Stand fast, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, & having on the breast plate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; and above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, take with you the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And may the Lord our God, by his Holy Spirit, direct you in your Godly determinations, and keep you unti1 the day of Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever, amen.
S. M. NOEL, Mod'r.
BEN.T. TAYLOR, Clk.================================= [From Franklin Association of Baptist Minutes, 1822, pp. 3-4; Bro. P. Clay of the Frankfort Baptist Church is the author; via SBTS Archives digital documents. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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