Circular Letter
The Elders and Messengers of the East Fork of the Little Miami Baptist Association, conveved at Duck-creek, September 5th, 1829 to the churches composing said Association.GRACE BE TO YOU, AND PEACE FROM GOD THE FATHER AND FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
DEAR RETHREN:
Through the tender mercy of our kind Lord, another year has passed away, and we have the pleasure of meeting in an associated capacity. Many and various have been our trials; yet the Lord has been our sure defence. And although he has called some of our number home since we met together last, it is his will that we should serve him still on earth; and that we should admonish one another, being taught of God, to love one another. -We therefore send you this our epistle of love, to stir up your minds by way of exhortation, hoping our labour will not be in vain. According to our common custom, we would lead your minds to the important duties of the Christian religion; and more particularly at this time, to the great privilege of addressing a throne of grace, which is accessible through Jesus, and to which we are invited to come boldly, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. And surly, brethren, this is a time of need with us. The duty of prayer is so connected with other duties, such as reading the scriptures, attending the house of worship, conference meetings, religious conversations, &c., that a neglect of any one of these duties leads to a neglect of the others. We therefore will direct your minds to the word, both for commands, examples and encouragements, in this glorious privilege. As to commands, we are told to make our wants known unto Him: "Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee. " - Job 22, 27. Says the Lord to Israel in distress, "Then shall ye call on me, and ye shall go and pray unto me." - Jeremiah 29, 13. Jesus says, "Men ought always to pray and not to faint;" and he has commanded us to "watch and pray that we enter not into temptation. "Finally, we are told to pray without ceasing, and in every thing to give thanks." As for examples, the Word is full. We can only name a few at present. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with all the ancient Patriarchs; Samuel and the Prophets; Aaron and the Priests; David and the righteous Kings; yea, all the Israel of God, continuaIly called on His name. Our Saviour taught his disciples to pray, and often sat [sic] them the example; so that after his ascension they were much engaged in this duty. And our hearts may be encouraged by reading every petition, for the Lord heard and answered them.
Let us look at a few examples. - "When Elijah prayed, the heavens gave rain." "When Job prayed, the Lord turned his captivity." When Paul and Barnabas prayed, the prison was shaken, the doors opened, and their hands loosed. While the church prayed for Peter, an angel set him at liberty. And when the disciples prayed, the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the HoIy Ghost, and spake the Word of God with boldness. But God has not only answered their prayers, but has promised to hear and answer ours. Jesus says, "Ask and it shall be given you," and "Whatsoever ye ask in my name, that will I do; and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. - Yea, saith the Lord, if two of you shalt agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Brethren, let us call to mind what the Lord hath done for us. Has he loved us with an everlasting love? We also see that with loving kindness he has drawn us unto himself. Has he chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world? We also see that it was, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Did he predestinate us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ? We also know "that he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba Father." As an association, we have the greatest reason to praise Him who is the great head of the church. In the year 1822 much difficulty and trouble abounded among the dear children of the Lord, in the association; and but one hundred and twenty-eight met by their messengers. But the Lord did appear for the help of Zion. We called, and he heard us, and has rejoiced our hearts. -
Many of our dear brethren have again taken their seats with us and many have been added of such as the Lord has called by his grace; so that our number was last year 982. Thus, beloved brethren, we see the Lord has been our helper; and shall we distrust his goodness? Is there not at present a general complaining of coldness in the churches? Let us arise from our slothful beds, and open to him who putteth in his hand by the hole of the door; who says, "open to me, and I will come in and sup with you." Let us talk more of his love. Let us meet oftener together, and pray the Lord to revive us. Let us endeavour to wait on him in prayer, both in our families and in private. And, O! beware of conforming to the fashions of this world, for its manners and customs are in opposition to the ways of our blessed Master. Finally, brethren, Iet us deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus, bearing one another's burthens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ.
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN!
========= [From East Fork of the Little Miami Baptist Association Minutes, 1829. Document provided by Ronald Hicks. Transcribed and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
Ohio Baptist Circulars
Baptist History Homepage