Philadelphia Baptist Association Circular 1793

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CIRCULAR LETTER
Philadelphia Baptist Association
(A contagious disorder in the city)
By Rev. Thomas Fleeson
1793

     The elders and brethren of the several churches belonging to the Philadelphia Baptist Association, met, by special appointment, at Southampton, in the county of Bucks, October 29th and 30th, 1793.
     To the churches in union with us, send greeting.
     Beloved in the Lord, — In a course of Divine Providence, we were favored to meet at this place, and, blessed be God, our meeting has been comfortable. We trust we have had the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great and exalted head of the church. In all our deliberations we have had a view to the glory of God and the peace and comfort of the church of Christ.
     The contagious disorder with which the Lord has been pleased to visit the city, the present great and uncommon drought, the sad decay of vital piety, are circumstances of a very alarming nature, — are sure indications of the displeasure of Almighty God, and call aloud for deep humiliation before the Lord. How necessary is it that we should lay these things seriously to heart; that we should consider the cause of the Lord's displeasure; that we should repent and do our first works ; that we should turn to the Lord with all our hearts, with weeping, fasting, and mourning, -- rend our hearts, and not our garments, and turn unto the Lord our God, who is gracious and merciful ; slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
     The accounts from our churches are such as give pleasure and pain ; pleasure, when we consider the peace and unanimity which generally prevail; pain, from the consideration of a too general declension, and the small addition to our churches.
     O, dear brethren, be engaged with the Lord, that he would revive his work, that his threatened judgments may be averted, that we may enjoy his presence, that a spirit of grace and supplication may be poured out upon us, and that we may revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.
     And now, dear brethren, committing you to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
     We remain yours in the Lord,
OLIVER HART, Moderator,
BURGISS ALLISON, Clerk.
[From Philadelphia Baptist Association Minutes, 1793. - jrd]

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