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A Concise History of the Ketocton Baptist Association (1808)
Of the disagreeable name of Regular and Separate Baptists, in use in the early times of the Association.
THESE different names for a considerable while kept the parties at a distance from, and shy of each other. The regular Baptists were jealous of the separate Baptists, because, as yet, they never formed nor adopted any system of doctrine, or made any confession of their faith, more than verbally; and it was thought unreasonable, that if they differed from all other denominations, why they should nut in a fair, open and candid manner, make known their principles to the world, and in so doing, act as children of the light; and on the other hand, the separate Baptists supposed the adopting a confession of faith would only shackle them;
that it would lead to formality and deadness, and divert them from the Bible; but upon a more intimate acquaintance, the imaginary conjectures were in some measure removed, and their hearts softened with affection towards each other; for upon close conversation and frequently hearing each other preach, it was found that they agreed in sentiment, held forth the same important doctrines, and administered the gospel ordinances in the same manner, and of course children of the same family, the difference being only in name. For these reasons the parties (especially the better informed) wished for a removal of all differences, and an union to take place. In order to bring about this union, letters and messengers were sent at different times from the one to the other, and propositions made for the accommodation of the differences between them; but not with that success that was desired, until the year 1787, at Dover Meeting-House, on James River, at which time the messengers from the several district associations agreed to adopt the regular Baptist Confession of Faith, in the manner following.
After a good deal of deliberating respecting the utility of a confession of faith, we do agree to adopt the regular Baptist confession of faith; but to prevent its usurping a tyrannical power over the consciences of any, we do not mean that every person is to be bound to the strict observance of everything therein contained, yet that it holds forth the essential truths of the gospel and the doctrine of salvation by Christ, and free unmerited grace alone, which ought to be believed by every Christian, and maintained by every minister of the Gospel; and that from henceforth the word Regular and Separate, be buried in oblivion, and that we be known in future by the United Baptist Church of Christ, in Virginia. This was signed by the Moderator and Clerk, and confirmed by the different associations, at the return of their messengers.
The reader may observe, that the term Separate Baptist did not arise from their withdrawing from any society of Baptists; but the way it originated was from some old men to the Eastward, or Northern States, who were Presbyterians by profession, and who hearing some lively, heart-affecting preachers, got, as they hoped, converted, and withdrew themselves from the Presbyterians, because they deemed the Presbyterians to be fallen into a lukewarm and lifeless state -and inasmuch as they withdrew they were called Separates. Some of them came and lived some time on the frontiers of Virginia, where they became satisfied of the right of believers to baptism, and that of immersion. After some time they removed to the Carolinas, still retaining the name separate, with this difference - they were formerly separate Presbyterians, but now separate Baptists. When settled to the South, they began to advocate the cause of religion, to spread the interest of the Redeemer, and like Elijah's cloud, though small in its beginning, soon spread over the Heavens and afforded flooded torrents. So these few, feeble, and despised followers of Christ, began zealously to exhort and preach, and employ their gifts in the most profitable manner. I n a little time superior gifts were raised up, and souls in great numbers converted to Christ. By these means the Southern States have enjoyed the light of the Gospel, and the bright rising of the great Illuminator of the spiritual world. How wonderful are the judgments of God and the dispensation of His providence, together with the mode of communicating His grace, past finding out.
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