Stephens, Oliver Hart, Francis Pelot, John Brown, Josh-
ua Edwards, ministers ; James Fowler, William Screven,
Richard Bedon, Charles Barker, Benjamin Parminter,
Thomas Harrison, Philip Douglas, and John Mikell,
messengers.
The Association thus formed, held its meetings for
a number of years at the place of its organization, and
hence took the name of the " Charleston Association."
In 1 755, the Association, taking into consideration the
destitute condition of many places in the interiour settle*
ments of this and the neighbouring States, (then prov-
inces) recommended to the churches to make contribu-
tions for the support of a missionary to itinerate in those
parts. Mr. Hart was authorized and requested, provided
a sufficient sum should be raised, to procure, if possible,
a suitable person for the purpose. With this view he
visited Pennsylvania and New- Jersey in the following
year, and prevailed with Rev. John Gano to undertake
the service, who attended the annual meeting, and was
cordially received. The Association requested Mr. Gano
to visit the Yadkin settlement in North-Carolina first,
and afterwards to bestow his labours wherever Provi-
dence should appear to direct. He devoted himself to
the work : it afforded ample scope for his distinguished
piety, eloquence and fortitude ; and his ministrations
were crowned with remarkable success. Many embraced
and professed the gospel. The following year he receiv-
ed from the Association a letter of thanks for his faith-
fulness and industry in the mission. At the same time,
the expediency of raising a fund to furnish suitable can-
didates for the ministry with a competent share of learn-
ing, was taken into consideration ; and it was recom-
136 Fund instituted for Education.
mended to the churches generally to collect money foi
the purpose. The members present engaged, in behalf
of their constituents, to furnish one hundred and thirty-
three pounds to begin the fund ; and Messrs. Stephens,
Hart, and Pelot were chosen trustees. In 1759, Mr.
Evan Pugh was proposed by Mr. Gano as a candidate
for the ministry. He was examined, approved, and put
on a course of studies. Having gone through them, he
preached before the Association in 1 762 with acceptance,
and was soon after ordained.
The general contribution from the churches was not
so great as was wished. But a society instituted in
Charleston in 1755, which was called the " Religious
Society," and flourished many years, was highly useful
in aiding the Association in its benevolent design. Sev-
eral young men were furnished by it with the means of
pursuing studies preparatory to the ministry. Of this
number were Messrs. Samuel Stillman and Edmund
Botsford, both from the church in Charleston. The
former was ordained there February 26, 1759, and in
1807 finished at Boston a long life, distinguished by fer-
vent piety, shining talents, and eminent usefulness. The
latter survives as the venerable pastor of the church at
Georgetown.
In 1763, Rev. Hezekiah Smith, from New- Jersey, was
ordained at Pedee by the assistance of several ministers
of this body, and resided there a year, supplying the
Cashaway church, and visiting those adjacent.
In 1767, the Association having previously called the
serious attention of the churches to the subject, formally
adopted the confession of faith, published by the London
Assembly of 1689. This had been previously held by
the churches in their individual capacities, particularly
that of Charleston, from the beginning of the eighteenth
century. The church at Ashley-river adopted it March
18, 1737. Messrs. Hart and Pelot were appointed to
draw up a system of discipline agreeable to Scripture, to
be used by the churches. This they brought forward
in 1772, and Rev. Morgan Edwards and Mr. David Wil-
liams were requested to assist the compilers in revising it.
In 1773, it was examined by the Association, and adopt-
ed. That and the confession of faith were printed under
the inspection of Mr. Hart.
Separate Baptists send Delegates to Association. 1 3t
Several churches in North-Carolina having joined the
Association in 1758, it was determined, for their accom-
modation, that an annual meeting of ministers, belong-
ing to this body, should be holden at Pedee in the spring ;
the object of which, besides preaching, was to consider of
the general concerns, and particularly of those in North-
Carolina ; their proceedings, however, subject to revision
by the more general delegation at Charleston. In 1760,
five other churches in North-Carolina, viz. Great Ko-
harah, Fishing-creek, Tosniot, and two on Tar-river,
joined the confederacy, but soon withdrew.
- Several churches of the Separate Baptists were form-
ed in the new settlements of South-Carolina about 176O.
One of them situated on Broad-river, sent a letter by
their minister, Philip Mulkey, to the Association, in 1 762,
stating several queries, which Mr. Hart was appointed
to answer. An union with this people was thought de-
sirable, and Messrs. Hart and Pugh were delegated to
attend one of their general meetings in North-Carolina,
and endeavour to effect it. In 1773, Rev. Daniel Mar-
shall, Joseph Reese, and Samuel Newton, commissioners
appointed by a general meeting of the Separates held at
the Congaree, attended at Charleston for the same pur-
pose. The Association testified their desire of union by
proposing liberal terms, which allowed their brethren
the observance of their peculiarities, reserving to them-
selves the right of friendly discussion on the points of dif-
ference. But the Separates would be satisfied with noth-
ing short of the Regulars coming fully into their views*
So the desirable object was not then accomplished.
In 1772, a correspondence was begun with the Phila-
delphia Association, by means of the Rev. Morgan Ed-
wards, one of their ministers, who was present.
In 1773, the first regular and full account of additions
and other alterations in the churches was taken. Their
number of churches was then reduced to 8, which con-
tained 390 members. Mr. Gano attended as messenger
from the Philadelphia Association in 1774. He and
Messrs. Hart and Pelot, by appointment of the Charleston
Association, addressed the Baptist Associations through-
out America, in favour of a plan of contribution, for aug-
menting the funds of Rhode-Island College. Messrs.
VOL. 2. 18
138 Particular Days set apart for Prayer.
Hart and Williams were nominated to receive contribu-
tions for that institution, and to transmit the same to
Col. Job Bennet, in Newport. In 1775, a correspond-
ence was begun with the Warren and Ketockton Asso-
ciations. The churches were urged to contribute for the
relief of their brethren in Massachussetts, suffering from
restrictions on their religious liberties ; and the money
which should be raised, was directed to be sent to the
care of Rev. Isaac Backus.
There was no meeting in 1776, on account of the un-
settled state of the country, threatened with invasion.
From the first formation of the Association, particular
days had been frequently set apart for humiliation and
prayer, or for thank-giving and praise. In 1777, four
were appointed for these purposes, both on account of
the situation of publick affairs, and the state of religion.
At the same time the Association expressed their hear-
ty approbation of the American measures. In 1778,
the time of meeting, which ten years before had been
changed to February, was restored to the original season.
For a number of years after the Association began,
religion flourished among the churches in a remarkable
manner. Much happiness and harmony prevailed, and
annual additions were made. But in 1765, and some
following years, a great declension was complained of.
Not long after, several unhappy circumstances took
place, which pained the real friends of Christianity.
Two ministers, Stephens* and Bedgegood,f who had
been in high repute, were disowned ; the first for drunk-
enness, the last for polygamy. About 1777, a revival
commenced, several new churches joined the union, and
considerable additions were made by baptism.
In /1 779, a standing committee was chosen to transact
business of emergency during the recess of the Associa-
tion ; particularly to treat with government on behalf
of the churches ; to correspond with other Associations ;
to detect impostors, and recommend travelling ministers
of good character. Messrs. Hart, Pugh, Botsford, Fur-
* Mr. Stephens professed and was believed to be penitent before his death,
and was admitted again to preach.
t See his biography in the history of the Welsh-Neck church.
Churches scattered in consequence of the War. 1 39
man, and Cowan, were the committee nominated. By
the State Constitution established in South-Carolina,
during the revolution, the different denominations were
put on a footing, and incorporation was allowed to in-
dividual churches, on application to the Legislature.
The Association advised those in its connexion to avail
themselves of this privilege, which gave them the legal
right of holding and recovering property. Several ac-
cordingly made application, and obtained it.
South-Carolina soon becoming the theatre of war,
churches were scattered, and their intercourse suspended.
Several ministers, who had been the active friends of the
revolution, retired for safety to neighbouring or distant
States. Mr. Hart, who had acted so conspicuous and im-
portant a part in the concerns of this body, removed with
his family to New- Jersey.
In 1782, a meeting of the Association was held at
Welsh-Neck. Ministers were appointed to visit destitute
churches. The 7th of November was set apart as a day
of thanksgiving, for the interpositions of Providence in
favour of America.
In 1783, the standing committee was revived, consist-
ing of Messrs. Pugh, Botsford, and Furman. Three years
after, the same nomination took place, with the addition
of Messrs. Cook, Lewis, and Holcombe. A faithful and
useful minister, Rev. Timothy Dargan, having died in
this year, the Association declared their " high sense of
the worth of that eminent servant of Christ, and their
concern to have the memory of his amiable life and vir-
tues perpetuated."
In 1785, Rev. Silas Mercer and Peter Smith appeared
as messengers from the Georgia Association, lately form-
ed, and were cordially received. A correspondence with
this Association was introduced.
In 1786, Rev. Joseph Cook was desired to open a cor-
respondence with the Kent and Sussex Association, in
England, on behalf of this body. The Circular Address
of this year contains the following exhortations : " It is
our ardent desire that the members of our churches be
well established in the evidence as well as the necessity
and importance of Christianity ; and that the reasona-
bleness and consistency of its particular doctrines be well
14O Education in the Gospel Ministry recommended.
understood. We recommend, therefore, that a thirst
for divine knowledge, together with a laudable desire to
excel in every grace and virtue, be entertained in all your
breasts. Pay particular attention to the education of
your children with this view ; and where it has pleased
God to call any of his young servants to the work of the
ministry, let the churches be careful to introduce them
in the line of study and improvement ; and make suitable
exertions to furnish them with the necessary means for
this end. We have for several years given intimation
of our concern, that the representation of churches in
Association has not been better supported, and we are
sorry to observe, that this has not had the desired effect.
Permit us now to entreat you by all the arguments which
arise from the love of Christ, and that dear uniting af-
fection, by which his saints are bound together ; by the
support, honour, and advantage which the church en-
joys from a due regard to the interests of her union, and
the tendency it has to promote the divine honour ; that
it may be attended to, not as a matter depending on
convenience, but as of sacred and religious regard. Let
each church extend its views beyond its own particular
interests, to the happiness of churches abroad, and the
general spread of the gospel ; and it will be impossible
to indulge a backwardness therein." In the same letter
they express their joy at the introduction of several prom-
ising young men into the ministry, and at the success of
the gospel in Great-Britain, and in different parts of
America. The expediency of applying for incorporation
was considered and agreed on. In 1787, a. covenant
with this view was drawn up and signed, and a
committee appointed to petition the Legislature. A
meeting sufficiently numerous was, however, not ob-
tained during the recess ; and at the next annual meet-
ing, some members doubting the propriety of the meas-
ure, it was relinquished. A few years after, the object
was obtained in a different form, and to general satis-
faction.
In 1789, the Bethel Association, newly formed in the
northwestern parts of the State, and consisting of 16
churches, was represented by the Rev. James Fowler,
A Fund for that Purpose proposed. ] 41
A correspondence was commenced, and in consequence
of a motion to that effect, made by Mr. Fowler, a pro-
posal was made from the Charleston Association to unite
the two bodies ; but on account of some inconveniences,
apprehended by the Bethel, it failed of accomplishment.
Letters and breviates of English Associations were re-
ceived, and distributed to the churches, and recommend-
ed to their perusal.
The object of having a respectable and permanent
fund established for the education of pious young men,
candidates for the ministry, having been seriously con-
templated and earnestly wished by several members of
the Association, it was this year taken up, and particu-
larly recommended to the churches. At the following
meeting a draft of a plan for the purpose was brought
forward by a committee, consisting of Messrs. Furman,
S. Mercer, Mosely, and Holcombe, and adopted by the
Association. By this it was proposed, That a sermon
should be preached annually in each church, followed
by a collection. 2d. That delegates, one from each
church, should meet at the same time and place with
the Association, whose business it should be to examine
candidates for the assistance of the churches, and to make
application of the fund. The Circular Letter, drawn up
by Mr. Holcombe, urges the hearty adoption of this plan.
After recounting the disadvantages the Baptist denomi-
nation had sustained in various parts of the world, but
especially in the interiour parts of America, from the neg-
lect of learning, it proceeds " We hope, therefore,
brethren, that the consideration of diffusing useful
knowledge, of capacitating your ministers to acquit
themselves with propriety and dignity in the important
duties of their functions ; of adorning the Christian pro-
fession, increasing the respectability of our order, and
above all, glorifying our Royal Master, will engage you
to make the necessary exertions for completing the pro-
posed design, so manifestly tending to answer such truly
laudable purposes. The laws of reason and religion re-
quire it at your hands. We not only see, but feel the
necessity of it, and beseech you, by your obligations to
promote the Redeemer's honour, and your tender regards
1 4-2 Day of Fasting and Prayer appointed.
for the prosperity of Zion, to make it a matter of serious
and religious concern."*
In this year died Rev. Joseph Cook ; and the Associ-
ation paid a tribute of affection and regard to his mem-
ory, as " a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and an able
minister of the New Testament."
In i7^1, Mr. Furman having, at the request of the
Association, published his sermon preached before them
in 178'J, presented them with fifty copies of the same,
and received the thanks of the body. The committee
for the Education Fund reported, " That they had a
system of rules under consideration, though not fully
matured ; that they had agreed, when the rules were
completed, to apply to the Legislature for incorporation ;
and that they conceived it might be proper to invest the
committee with power to recover and take into their
possession any glebes or other property belonging to
churches in this connexion, which either are or may
become extinct, when liable to revert to the public, or
become private property, and apply the same to the in-
terests of the union." The Association, after receiving
O
and considering this report, unanimously approved the
plan of enlarging the powers of the committee, and of
its obtaining incorporation. They further agreed that
due care ought to be taken, that the business and powers
of the committee be fully defined, and that they might
not interfere with the rights and privileges of the churches
as independent bodies, in things either spiritual or tem-
poral.
In 1793, the attention of the churches was called to
" the threatening and warning dispensations of Provi-
dence, and the declension of religion ;" and the third Wed-
nesday of December was appointed as a day of solemn
fasting and prayer, to implore the mercy of God on the
churches and the country at large ; to pray for the peace
and prosperity of the United States ; for a general refor-
* Though the plan for raising and supporting a fund for the purposes men-
tioned, was adopted unanimously by the delegates assembled, it met with op-
position in several of the churches, so that, at subsequent meetings of the As-
sociation, objections were raised against it, which, though answered and gen-
f rallv given up in that body, b\ those who proposed them, appeared to be re-
tained by the dissatisfied churches ; as the}- either withheld their aid altogether,
or contributed very partially toward the fund.
General Concert of Prayer repeatedly recommended. 143
mation among the people, and for the direction and pres-
ervation of the government ; also, for a sanctified use of
the afflicting dispensations of Providence, particularly
that by which Philadelphia had been recently visited.*
Contributions had been made for reprinting the Con-
fession of Faith, Church Discipline, and Catechism ; but
not being fully adequate to the object, Mr. Furman
was requested to have the Discipline put to the press
immediately, and to import the rest. Accordingly ICOO
copies of the Catechism, and 200 of the Confession of
Faith were imported, and 2000 of the Discipline printed.
In J 794, to accommodate some of the southern churches,
it was proposed to have two meetings in a year ; and one
by way of experiment was appointed to be hoiden the
ensuing May at Ewhaw. Delegates from Charleston,
Ewhaw, Coosawhatchie, Pipe- Creek, and Black Swamp,
attended. They concluded that the plan of holding two
meetings in the year was impracticable, and recommend-
ed instead of it, that the annual meeting should be held
in the northern and southern parts alternately. This rec-
ommendation was afterwards complied with. They al-
so took into consideration the General Concert of Prayer,
proposed to be hoiden on the first Tuesday of January,
April, July, and October ; the object of it being to unite
with a number of good men of different denominations,
at home and abroad, for " the revival of religion among
Christians ; the propagation and success of the gospel
among the heathen, and the conversion of the Jews to
Christianity." The observance of this Concert was
earnestly recommended, and the recommendation re-
newed from year to year. The Circular Letter of 1795
contains the following admonitions : " The situation of
the church calls for deep humiliation before God, serious
concern respecting the state of our souls, vigorous exer-
tions in the cause of God, and diligent use of the appoint-
ed means of grace. In vain do we acknowledge our
imperfections, or professedly lament our leanness, if our
hearts are not affected. And what blessings can we
reasonably expect, while the rational and most proper
means, which God has put within our power, and to
* In this year this city was first visited with the yellow fever.
144 Admonitions of a Circular Letter.
which his word directs, are neglected ? Permit us, dear
brethren, to suggest our fears, that the duties of the
closet and the discipline of the heart, are awfully neg-
lected in the present day. We fear the views of even
those who have made the most serious profession, are
too much limited to the present life. Have we not al-
most forgot to consider ourselves as strangers and pil-
grims on the earth ? Is not the spirit of ambition,
pride, and covetousness prevalent to a high degree ?
Who are they that feel anxiously concerned for the
things which are Jesus Christ's ? Who burn with zeal
for the honour of Jehovah ; mourn for the abomina-
tions of the land ; and feel bowels of compassion for
perishing and immortal souls ? Has not the gracious
and holy Spirit of God, the Comforter, been grieved by
our untender walk, by our unbelief, ingratitude, for-
mality, and neglect or abuse of our privileges ? Have
not the solemn meetings for prayer, repeatedly recom-
mended, been either shamefully neglected, or attended
with a coldness and indifference unbecoming those who
profess to know Jesus Christ, or to believe the awful
realities of eternity ? Rouse, brethren, from your leth-
argy ; reason, interest, obligation call ; judgments threat-
en ; mercies invite ; all that is sacred to the heart of a
rational immortal creature, requires your activity, se-
riousness, and diligence, in the cause of your God and
Redeemer. Render to Jehovah his unquestionable and
too long detained due, and prove him herewith, if he
will not pour you out a blessing, that there even shall not
be room sufficient to receive it.'*
In 1797, a letter was received from Mr. John M. Rob-
erts, expressing gratitude for the assistance afforded him
in obtaining education for the ministry ; and his " firm
determination to use his best exertions to obtain every
suitable qualification, and to devote himself to the great
work ;" which gave much satisfaction.
Rev. Gabriel Gerald, a member of the church at the
High-Hills of Santee, having advanced sentiments subver-
sive of the Christian Sabbath, and a difficulty existing be-
tween him and the church in consequence of the same,
the Association was applied to. Mr. Gerald then publish-
ed a pamphlet in defence of his opinions and practice. At
Mr. Gerald cemured. 1 45
the request of the Association, a letter was written in an-
swer to his publication, with a view to convince him of
the obligation to observe the Sabbath, and to reclaim
him from what appeared a dangerous error ; but it proved
ineffectual. The church put Mr. Gerald under censure,
and he appealed to the Association, complaining of un-
fair treatment. A letter was also received from the
church, requesting assistance. Messrs. Furman, Bots-
ford, and Fowler, were appointed a committee on behalf
of the Association, to meet both parties. Next year the
committee reported, that according to their judgment,
some of the church's proceedings had been irregular ; but
that they had just cause of dissatisfaction with Mr. Ge-
rald, both on account of his principle and conduct ; that
a liberal plan of reconciliation, proposed by the commit-
tee, had been rejected by him, and that he persisted in
the sentiment and conduct he had defended from the
pulpit and the press. He died soon after, without having
recanted his sentiments.
In 1 800, the proposition of the Philadelphia Associa-
tion, to establish a general conference of the Baptist As-
sociations throughout the United States, was taken into
consideration, and it was voted, that " if a well-digested
plan should be devised for such a coalition, in which the
proper objects were clearly pointed out, with suitable
measures to attain them, and the danger of perversion
and abuse well guarded against, and if a general concur-
rence in the undertaking should be obtained of the
churches in the United States, this Association are dis-
posed to give it their support." In the same year,
the Association recommended to churches destitute of
pastors, to endeavour to support publick worship by en-
gaging some of their members to read sermons, and take
a lead in prayer.
In 1801, they petitioned the Legislature for an amend-
ment of the law, passed the preceding year, imposing
restrictions on religious meetings, so far as respects per-
sons of colour. The petition was renewed the next