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Gold, Silver, Precious Stones
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A Concise History of the Ketocton Baptist Association (1808)
The Purpose and Intention of the Baptists in forming an Association.
The intention of the Baptists in associating together, was to answer several purposes. First -when each church sent a messenger and letter, and when met in one place, it proved a medium of giving general information of the success of the Gospel -the happy conversion of souls to Christ, and extension of the Saviour's spiritual kingdom among the human family, which cannot fail being matter of transport to all the spiritual sons and daughters of Zion. Secondly -information is obtained respecting desolate churches, or congregations who are destitute of the ministry of the word of God and administration of the ordinances thereof, which gives an opportunity of devising ways for relieving such churches in their widowed state, by nominating individuals, and--encouraging preachers to visit and preach to them, to forward their growth in grace and improvement in the knowledge of spiritual things. Thirdly -when associated, an opportunity offers for receiving intelligence of any church proving erroneous in principle. We consider immorality in practice, unworthy the Christian character, in which case they are to be dealt with accordingly, and if they cannot be reclaimed, are excluded from the association. Fourthly -as an advisory council, when application is made by any of the churches by way of enquiry in matters or questions intricate or mysterious, the association gives her opinion and advice, but never attempts to enforce her measures so as to infringe on the Independence of church government; for it is a doctrine held sacred in this community, that a congregational church of Christ is the highest court God hath established on earth, and that she has an undoubted right to decide on all matters respecting her internal government -and that it is arbitrary, tyrannical and antiChristian, to usurp over her, or pluck the reins of government from her, forasmuch as this right is vested in her by the great Law-giver.
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