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[The author is unknown; the letter was read and referred to a committee of Elder John Underhill, Brethren D. Roberts and Willis Florence before approval for its printing.]

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CIRCULAR LETTER, 1864
THE SALEM ASSOCIATION OF PREDESTINARIAN BAPTISTS,
now in session with the Church at Mud Lick, Boone County, Kentucky,
to the Churches of which she is composed, sendeth this, as her Annual Circular:

VERY DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN THE LORD - Our Heavenly Father and Gracious Benefactor, in His kind providence and tender mercy, has permitted us to meet once more on earth in our associational capacity. While the world seems to be turned upside down after honor and the applause of men, it seems to have forgotten God and godliness, and is worshiping the creatures more than the Creator. Oh! let us remember that we are bought with the precious blood of Christ, and we should render to Him our constant and ever-grateful acknowledgement that we are yet His care. Therefore, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience and meekness the race that is set before us, preferring one another in love, and so fulfill the law of Christ. This charity, or the love of God, shed abroad in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that we should be conformed to the image of His son.
"This He gives us;
'Tis His Spirit's rising beam."

"Charity suffereth long; is not puffed up; thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. Charity is the gift of God, or fruit of His Holy Spirit in us, that we should show forth His praise by a pious walk and godly conversation, knowing that we are redeemed, not by corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the blood of Christ, which cleaneth us from all sins. Charity edifieth. Though we speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, we are become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Now, let us look to ourselves, and see whether we be in the faith, for if these things be in you and abound, you are neither barren nor unfruitful, but have your fruit unto holiness, and the end is everlasting life."

This is communicated to us by His Spirit. Are we making manifest to the world that we have denounced the hidden things of dishonesty, by our walk and deportment through life - by keeping ourselves unspotted from the world, and thus stopping the mouth[']s gainsayers? "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life; hatred stirreth up strife; but charity covereth a multitude of sins. There is, therefore, no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Now, then, when we walk after the flesh, with Paul we can say, "It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me; for I know that in me - that is, in my flesh -- dwelleth no good thing; for it is God that works in us, both to will and do of His good pleasure." But let not your good be evil spoken of; for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Arise! shine! for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen. How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? Oh! brethren, let us draw near, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from all evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Flee, also, youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, and charity. Peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works! Peace be with the brethren and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all. Amen.
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[From the Associational Minutes, 1864. Document provided by Mrs. Elizabeth Kirtley, Florence, KY. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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