The Salem Association of Predestinarian Baptists, to the Brethren and Sisters of which she is composed:
Beloved in the Lord, according to our former custom, we again attempt to address you by this our epistle of love, and to console you in the doctrine of the grace of our God. From your Letter and Messengers we are happy to learn that you are at peace, and it is our prayer that the God of grace and peace may dwell richly in all his dear followers, that they may shine as the light of the world. May we all so live as to prove that we are led by the Spirit of the living God, and act as Christians should do, in love one to another; for love is of God, and every one that loveth his brother is born of God, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. Let us adhere to his word, as the only infallible rule of faith and practice for us to be governed by. There are many professors of religion at this time, if we take their actions to judge them by, who must think that the Lord Jesus Christ had appointed no particular rule for the government of his Church. Were this the case, Christ's kingdom would be without any definite form, and imply that God had shown more regard for the pattern of heavenly things, than for those heavenly things themselves. Were this the case, Christ's kingdom would be without any definite form, without any system or order. But, brethren, we have the rule laid down in the Book of God; for "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Seeing, then, the divine and exalted source from which the Scriptures have emanated, would it not be a base reflection on the divine wisdom and goodness of God for us who profess to be his disciples, to attempt to add to, or in the least degree to depart from, the rule which he has given us in his holy word. May the good Lord help us in all things to take his word as the man of our counsel, rejecting all things that will not measure with this divine rule. Let us have on the whole armor of righteousness, fight the good fight, finish our course, and be enabled to keep the faith and the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, is our desire for Christ's sake. ========== [From the Associational Minutes, 1856. Document provided by Mrs. Elizabeth Kirtley, Florence, KY. jrd]
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