GRACE, mercy and peace be unto you, from God the Father and his son Jests Christour Saviour. It becometh us with you, dearly Beloved Brethren, to give thanks unto Him, who hath in His long-suffering kindness, preserved us until another annual convocation, and to adore His auspicious Providence, that hath continued unto us the civil and religious liberty vouchsafed onto our fathers. The sword of persecution, that formerly drank the blood of the martyrs, has long rested in the scabbard, and the
brazen glare of infidelity is overshadowed by the radiance of the Truth. The present is an era of unexampled energy progress in secular things. The inventions of genius and the developments of science, have given an impulse to the useful arts, and effected improvements far outstripping expectation. He who gave man dominion over the fish, the fowls and the beasts, hath by increasing his knowledge, laid the elements under contribution to him. The steam Pegasus and the steam Leviathan waft us overland or sea, and the invisible current hears our messages on wings of lightning. Treasures of earth, that have slumbered since the creation, are now aroused from their secret chambers, and apprenticed to incessant activity. A spirit of dispatch, of intolerance, of rest, of indomitable perseverance, overleaps physical impediments. Now is fulfilled the prophecy of Daniel, "Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall increase." The facilities for receiving and dispensing religious truth amidst the increased demand for the same, involves the Christians of our times in rare and fearful responsibility. We live and die in haste -- a day is an age.
That our piety and moral efficiency be proportionately accelerated, demands our serious concern. If at this crisis of human history, professors of christianity do not press forward with spiritual assiduity, they must fall sadly in ar[r]ears. We are either doing much for God's glory and man's salvation or else we are rapidly accumulating an awful weight of guilt. Neutrality is impossible - sloth is fatal. And there is danger lest some, decoyed by the absorbing tide of worldliness and parting faith's cable, be drawn into the eddies of profit, passion or pleasure, and swept away in the popular current toward the gulf of despair. While the world professes no opposition to Christianity, assumes no attitude of hostility, brandishes no weapon of warfare, to alarm and set christians upon the alert, its blandishments like those of Delilah, are calculated to efface their distinctive features and to shear away their strength. And though the wild boar of persecution be absent lest the grapes of Christ's vineyard be spoiled by the little foxes of worldly mindedness, permit us to call your attention, dear Brethren, to the admonition of the Apostle, "Be not conformed to this world." And, though our space forbids the expansion of the subject, we will present a few thoughts upon the fashion, business policy and religion of the world.
I. By the fashion of the world "which passeth away," we do not merely refer to dress, but to the style and habits of living in general. We do not suppose it to be a Christian's duty to aim to appear singular or eccentric. Nor have we the sanction of Christ's example to disregard neatness, civility, courtesy, or respect to the customs of society, where no compromise of duty is involved. Neither do we confound fashion with novelty; so that Chinese Christians should feel constrained to resist encroachments upon the old fashion of shaving their heads, instead of suffering their hair to grow where the Creator planted it. But for those professing to be crucified to the world, and to be the Lord's free men, to obsequiously succumb to fickle, whimsical and arbitrary fashion; is degrading. It doth not become those who seek the praise of God more than the praise of men, to expend time, thoughts, labor, or money, upon useless or prejudicial things, for the sake of imitating others. "Let not your adornings be with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or, costly array," saith the Apostle, "but with good works." But if the minutes and hours spent in marring their appearance, by many who even disavow regard to fashion, were computed; it would give them just alarm, and show them the falseness of their plea, that a want of time keeps them from their religious duties. If time thus wasted were employed in Christian labor, there would be enlisted in the Home Mission field a band adequate to its great demands.
Christians should also recognize a higher law than fashion or custom in the choice and preparation of their food, for by it are affected their health, their vigor, their temper, their usefulness, their life. The sacred word teaches us, whether we eat, or drink, to do all to the glory of God. this is plainly contravened by the use of things not designed for man's nourishment, or of culinary compositions that vitiate the palate, derange the stomach, and corrupt the blood. What an abuse of intelligence, and what ingratitude to the Bounteous Provider of it, to pervert his blessings to curses, by manufacturing wholesome food into injurious compounds to pamper a depraved appetite for eating or drinking. While the children of sense exclaim, "What shall we eat, and what shall we drink," God's children should restrict themselves to diet conducive to bodily and spiritual energy, realizing that they "live not by bread alone, but by every word of God." Whether Christians at this day should connive at the custom of snuffing, smoking or chewing a poisonous weed, whose culture tasks many down-trodden slaves, and whose use is enslaving many of the rising generation, is a fertile source of disease, and drains church members of millions of dollars annually, while the heathen perish for the bread of life, we respectfully submit to your consciences.
Moreover, "Be not conformed to this world" in its business policy. The things above referred to, combine with others to increase the imaginary wants of men and to multiply their labors, accumulate business, and oppress human life with excessive burdens. Hence millions are compelled to tell beyond their strength, and with a constancy that defies attention to the higher claims of their being. This overtasking with excessive labor cometh not of God's decree, but of man's cupidity. The rage of the day is money-getting. While industry provides a living, even wealth is rapidly acquired by some. Stimulated by this -- goaded by ambition and impatient of the crushing pressure of business, others resolve to be rich at the expense of truth and justice in their dealings and utter neglect of God and their souls. Their time is too precious to be occupied in preparing for eternity. God's law must be run over, if it obstructs their course to fortune; particularly when it boasts the seal of a corporation. But though the unscrupulous world gives the name of enterprise to successful God-contemning, over-reaching, the Scriptures declare that "covetousness is idolatry;" that "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord," and that we must do to others as we would have them do unto us, not excepting business transactions. Beware, therefore, dear brethren, of the overwhelming sin of our times! Detest the price of avarice timely, as did Judas, when too late, he dashed the silver from his hand, as if it were burning coal. The heirs of a heavenly kingdom need not overstep the divine economy to obtain perishable riches.
And since you are but "pilgrims" here, you cannot afford to lease your life to the world. You need a portion of every day for meditation and communion with God; and while you are commanded to "provide all things honestly," you are to "seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God." If your temporal interests demand daily attention, how much more do your spiritual! If the work, or trade, or growth of crops, or taking food only one day in each week will not supply the wants of the body, how will such a pittance suffice for the soul! Be not deluded with the idea that a few moments of formal, hurried, distracted prayer, will effect all that is required. But if your time be so engaged that you cannot appropriate at least one hour every day to spiritual exercises, then be content to do less business -- to make less money - to live in plainer style - with simpler dress and coarser fare; that you may enjoy the bread of life, the robe of Christ's righteousness, and the diadem of imperishable glory in his kingdom. Who shall show us any good? is the feverish cry of the world, echoing through the generations of three thousand years, with all its inventions to satisfy its thirst for entertainment, have failed. Little encouragement, then, have we to seek its vanities, and to turn from the exalted pleasures that spring forth in the heavenly course, to sup at the slimy pools of the world. Alexander refused to race with any but princes, and though the potsherds may strive with the potsherds of the earth, for its fame, its fashions, or its wealth, the princes of the most high should not deign to enter the lists for such baubles.
Furthermore, "Be not conformed" to this world's religion. Satan having discovered that men could not be content without some sort of religion, in order to prevent their reception of that only which is saving and sanctifying, has artfully sought to supply them with articles of his own manufacture. These are the more dangerous in proportion to their nearer resemblance to the genuine and their greater power to deceive. And his policy is best promoted by the introduction of unfit persons into the evangelical church. They form a connecting link and maintain a moral sympathy, between it and the world. They cannot discern the things of the spirit. They cannot endure crossbearing duties, -- faithful preaching or gospel discipline. Having the form without the power of godliness, they like the world estimate a mans soul by his means or influence - a church's power by its size and display, and a pastor's efficiency by his number of converts or amount of salary - a standard that would rate the primitive church far behind the Papal, and set Jesus Christ beneath the foot of the Pope. Such professors attend the sanctuary for entertainment rather than instruction -- admire wit rather than truth, and prefer a "smart man" to a faithful minister of Jesus. Like the Athenians who crowded around Paul, they desire to hear some new thing, and set themselves up to criticise a sermon as they would a school declamation or a musical performance. And as their object in going to the Lord's house is not to worship Him, their attendance depends upon "the weather," "how they feel," or "who is to preach." Such religion is an awful conformity to the world's. But we beseech you, brethren, not thus to receive the grace of God in vain. If you maintain spiritual intercourse with Christ during the week, you will realize "how amiable are the Tabernacles of the Lord of Hosts." You will "enter his gates with thanksgiving and has courts with praise." You will invoke divine aid upon him who addresses you in Christ's stead. The prayer, "Speak Lord for thy servant heareth," will be yours. The word of Christ will dwell in you richly. "Take heed how ye hear."
And finally - Let not the world detain you from the prayer meetings nor influence you in them. When you feel least disposed to go, be sure you most need to be there. And when least inclined to pray, you may be most benefitted by hearing others. But avoid a rigid, friged formality. However brief, offer nothing more than the unaffected outgushings of your hearts as prayer to Him who heareth you not for your much speaking. He deprecates long, spiritless, soul-hardening prayers; however beautiful to the world's ear. If, when called upon to utter prayer, words seem to hesitate -- you can perform your part in the devout use of the Lord's prayer -- whose simple language is ever appropriate. And when none feel prompted to offer an audible petition, how together in silent supplication, for the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot he uttered. But worldly prayers are a curse to the church.
We do not call your attention to these things, deer brethren, supposing you have never thought of them. Doubtless some of you were long deterred from professing Christ, because you felt that consistency would require you to live differently from the world. You knew what stumbling blocks some professors had been in your way, and you shrunk from responsibilities that you feared you might fail of fulfilling. And perhaps since then the word has often come with convicting force upon your conscience. "Be not conformed to this world." But how to reform you found not. You strove to justify yourself by the example of others and to plead the law of expedience. And thus forgetting, that to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin -- you soon relaxed again. For this cause many are sickly among and some sleep. Too general is the complaint of little spiritual enjoyment promises -- of dim hope beyond the grave. Now where is the con...
And the failure of christians to co-operate with the heavenly economy, serves to protract that agony in which the whole creation groaneth and travaileth together. The Lamb's wife cannot expect his heavenly approbation to crown her labors, if she besmear ornaments of the world. The more she pleases the world the less she pleases her Lord, who died to redeem her from the power, the spirit and the ruin of the world, and to sanctify unto himself a peculiar people. To whom under God, should men look, dear brethren, for an illustration of the religion of Jesus, if not unto those churches whose distinctive feature is the recognition of the Word of God, without any human tradition, as their only rule of faith and practice? It is not your glory to conform to the fashions, policy or religion of the world. Count not your strength to be in wealth or numbers -- but in being transformed by the renewing of your minds. Rejoice that ye are not of the world -- but that ye are chosen out of the world. Then ye may appear fair as the moon, clear as the sun and terrible as an army with banners. But the ashes of the holy martyrs cry unto you -- the multitudes besotted in sin and folly warn you -- the voices of perishing heathen wafted on every breeze implore you, and He whom none of the princes of this world knew admonishes you, from his lips of love quivering in death and embittered with gall and vinegar, "Be not conformed to this world."
TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
New-York
THEO H. GRAY, PRINTER, 104 BEEKMAN-STREET, COR. PEARL.
1853.
Art. I -- This Association shall be composed only of ministers and messengers, who shall be members of the churches which the represent, (excepting such as may be invited to a seat by consent of the body) and shall be styled "THE EAST NEW JERSEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION."
Art. II -- The association shall meet annually, on the first Tuesday in June, at the place previously appointed: and after public worship, a Moderator shall to chosen, by ballot and so often as the office is vacant a Standing Clerk shall be chosen, both of whom stall hold their offices until others shall be elected.
Art. III -- The messengers shall present the letters from the churches, which shall certify their appointments, and briefly express the state of the churches, their increase and decrease, and their aggregate number. Each church shall send with their letter, money for the printing of the Minutes.
Art. IV -- As a summary of the doctrine and practices in which we unite as an Association, we adopt the following:
We believe that the Bible was written by divine inspiration; that it is a perfect rule of Faith and Practice; and that among others, it teaches the following important truths:
1. That there is one living and true God, infinite in every moral and natural excellence.
Art. V -- Churches wishing to unite with this Association may apply by letter and messengers; and giving satisfactory information of their being sound in doctrine and correct in practice, they may he received; in tokens of which the Moderator shall give to their messenger the right hand of fellowship in behalf of the Association.
Art. VI -- We acknowledge the independence of particular churches, and that no authority or jurisdiction is to be exercised over them by this Association; nor will the Association decide in any controversy that may arise in any church ; nevertheless they deem it their duty to disown any church belonging to this body, which may have essentially departed from the faith.
Art. VII -- When a church shall neglect making any communication to the Association for three years successively, it stall he considered as having withdrawn from us, and shall be dropped from the Minutes unless at least two members request their continuance, who shall also engage to inquire into their standing and report at the next meeting of the Association.
Art. VIII -- The Association shall have a right to open and hold correspondence with other Associations as may be deemed expedient.
Art. IX -- It shall be the duty of the Association from time to time, to suggest to the churches such measures as may he judged wise and proper, to promote the interest of the Messiah's kingdom, and spread His gospel throughout the world.
Art. X -- This Association shall have power to regulate its own internal concerns; to appoint the time and place for the annual meeting; to appoint persons to preach on the occasion; and make any other
appointments, or transact any other business that shall he judged necessary by the body when convened; and shall have power, from time to time, to make such amendments and alterations in this constitution as experience may dictate.
I. At every sitting, business shall be opened and concluded with prayer by the Moderator, or whomsoever he may request.
II. Ministers present, invited to a seat with us, may debate on all subjects, but vote on none.
III. Those who speak shall rise and address the Moderator, and personal reflections shall be particularly avoided in all debates.
IV. No motion shall be discussed without being seconded.
V. If, when a motion has been made, and seconded, a member opposes its being discussed, the Moderator shall put the question, "SHALL THIS QUESTION BE DISCUSSED?" which, if negatived, the subject shall be dismissed.
VI. If any proposition or motion under debate, contain two or more points, it shall be divided, at the request of any member, and the vote taken separately.
VII. Motions made and lost, shall not be recorded on the Minutes, except so ordered at the time.
VIII. No one shall speak more than twice on any subject, without special leave from the Moderator.
IX. All questions shall be decided by a majority of votes, except matters of great magnitude, which shall require a majority of the churches; and a majority of the churches shall determine whether a question is of great magnitude or not.
X. No member of this Association shall absent himself without leave of the Moderator. If so, his name shall he left off the Minutes.
XI. The Minutes shall be leisurely read and corrected before the rising of the Association.
XII. That in the future sessions of this Association, arrangements be made so as to insure at least two sermons, or other devotional exercises that will be equivalent thereto, during each day of its session.
XIII. These Rules of Order shall be distinctly read from the Chair, immediately after the organization of the Association.
XIV. Alterations may be made in these Rules at any regular session of the Association.
[From a photocopy of the original at the Rare Books and Special Collections Library, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
This document has a small portion near the end that is not discernable. An ellipses (...) appears at the end of each line to indicate this. - jrd
By BRO. G. P. NICE.
East New Jersey Baptist Association
to propagate the Gospel, unless we who possess it, prove in our own...
is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God?" Hence...
inquiry, whether we dare hope for the evangelization of the heathen understanding...
type of christianity? Its success abroad must hear a direct relation to its...
at home. If the salt hath lost its savor wherewith shall the earth he salted?
EAST NEW JERSEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION,
Held at Scotch Plains
JUNE 7th and 8th, 1853.
COMMUNICATIONS, TO JOSIAH HATT, HOBOKEN. N. J.
EAST NEW JERSEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
2. That He has revealed Himself as the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; the same in essence, and equal in divine attributes.
3. That man was created upright; but, sinning, he fell from that state so that, by nature, there is in us no holiness; but we are inclined only lo evil, and "in that all have sinned," all are children of wrath, justly
exposed to death, temporal and eternal.
4. That the only way of salvation from this state of guilt and condemnation, is through the righteousness and atonement of Jesus Christ, who assumed our nature, or became incarnate for the suffering of death, and "whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood" having so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
5. That all who are brought to repentance and faith, were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world; and that, in consequence, not of their merit, but of God's own purpose and grace, the Holy Ghost (without whose influence none would ever repent and believe) performs the work of regeneration in their hearts.
6. That nothing can separate true believers from the love of God, but that they will he kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation; the sure and final proof of their being true believers, consisting in the continuance of their attachment and obedience to Christ till the close of life.
7. That the only proper subject of the Ordinance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are professed believers; and that baptism is properly administered only by immersion, and is, by scriptural example, a pre-requisite to Communion at the Lord's Table.
8. That according to the example of the Apostles, sanctioned by the repeated presence of Christ Himself,
after His resurrection, the first day of the week is to be observed as the Lord's Day.
9. That there will be a resurrection both of the just and the unjust; and that the Lord Jesus Christ will judge the quick and dead; when those who have continued or died impenitent, will be sentenced to endless punishment according to the desert of their sins; and all true believers in Christ, being completely delivered from sin, will be admitted into everlasting joy, and so shall they ever be with the Lord.
RULES OF ORDER.
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