CHAPTER 9. CAST OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE!
(SEE NEW YORK)
Or,
CHILDREN OF THE BONDWOMAN CAST OUT!
(SEE SEVERAL OTHER STATES)
STATE OF OHIO
MIAMI ASSOCIATION (1797)
HISTORY OF THE MIAMI ASSOCIATION.
A very interesting history of the Miami Association was published in the Signs of the Times, in 1837. The Miami Associaiton later published another very detailed history. Both of these are available upon request. Writings from several of the churches in the Miami Association, and in other Ohio associations, were also published in the same paper, and part of them are being transcribed and posted on this page.
Preliminary organizational meetings were held in June and November 1797. The first regular session occurred at Columbia (later called Duck Creek) in June 1798. The original four churches were Columbia (org. 1790), Miami Island, Carpenter's Run (Sycamore), and Clear Creek (1797). Middle Run, near Waynesville, and Straight Creek were admitted in 1799. A rather detailed sketch of the early history of the Miami Association, published in the Signs of the Times, and a History the Miami Association by Elder William Dodd, published in about 1880, are included in our collection. Among the other churches which were members of this Association were: Turtle Creek (later called Lebanon), Sugar Creek, Beaver's Creek, Fairfield, Elk Creek, Clough Creek, Pleasant Run, West Mill Creek, Springfield, Bethel, Centerville, Tapscott, Dry Fork White Water, Winchester, Mt. Pleasant, Mercer's Run, Indian Creek, Mill Creek, Todd's Fork, Bethlehem, Nine Mile, Poplar Fork, Prairie, Mill Run, Old Chillicothe, Caesar's Creek, Muddy Creek, Mad River, Mount Happy, Lawrenceburg, Salem, Mt. Bethel, Staunton, Big Cedar Grove (Ind.), New Hope, Little Beaver, Stone Lick, First Cincinnati, Wolf Creek, Providence, Beulah, Dayton, Ebenezer, Sixth Street Cincinnati, Race Street Cincinnati, West Lebanon, and Nettle's Creek. These churches were in Hamilton, Greene, Butler, Warren and other nearby counties.
ELK CREEK CHURCH, TRENTON, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO
TURTLE CREEK (LEBANON/WEST LEBANON), WARREN COUNTY, OHIO
HAMILTON & ROSSVILLE, HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO
TAPSCOTT CHURCH, WARREN COUNTY, OHIO
Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, August 22, 1836.
BROTHER BEEBE:-- It is with some reluctance I forward to you the following statement of our views, together with a resolution adopted by this church; not so much for the doctrine intended to be communicated, but the unintelligible manner in which it is written and the loss of so much room in your useful paper which might be occupied by gifts that would be edifying and comforting to God's dear children in this day of trial. But as objections were made thereto by some with whom the Church was in difficulty, and judging from the circumstances that it would be misrepresented, together with a willingness that our brethren who are suffering with us should know the stand we have taken, induced the brethren to order it to be sent to the Signs for publication, almost before I had time to object. Therefore, feeling it my duty as an unworthy deacon, and servant of the Church, to comply with their wishes, is alone my object in thus addressing you; and if Bro. Beebe should exercise his privilege by using it to fire his segars or commit it to the flames, it will be no cause of displeasure to his weak and unworthy brother in a precious Christ.
JOSEPH TAPSCOTT.
The Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, at Tapscott's Meeting-House, Warren Co., Ohio, feeling it to be our duty as the professed followers of Christ and lovers of his truth, to shew to our sister Churches, and all that would know our reasons for opposing the institutions of the day, called religious or gospel institutions, such as bible, missionary, tract, and other kindred societies which have been introduced into the Regular Baptist Churches by those worrupters of the word, who, with their cunning craftiness, lie in wait to deceive, and false spiritis which the scripture plainly informs the Church of Christ should go out in the world in the latter day, and which our blessed Jesus has said if it were possible would deceive the very elect. These we believe to be them who have brought in damnable heresies and caused many to stumble, and have drawn away disciples after them to the great distress of our once united and highly favoured denomination. For these things the ways of Zion mourn, and the cries of her children ascend to God day and night.
We believe that more sure word of prophecy of our blessed Jesus and his holy apostles is understood by those who are taught of God to know the truth as it is in Jesus -- who have eaten of the hidden manna and have received a white stone, and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it -- both as it respects the warning of Jesus to his Church in this perilous time, and also those deceivers who have crept into the churches unawares, and who were before of old ordained to this condemnation. By them the way of truth is evil spoken of, and the hearts of the simple deceived by their false pretentions to gospel benevolence, the salvation of souls, the conversion of the world, &c. Knowing as we do that these things have neither precept nor example in that perfect rule by which the man of God is thoroughly furnished to every good work, is our prime reason for rejecting and opposing them. We consider them of anti-christian origin, introduced into the Church by men of corrupt principle, who count gain godliness, and which amounts to nothing less than will worship - a form of godliness - a set of money-changers - a den of thieves.
It is by these things that men's souls are tried, and the poor in spirit whose is the kingdom, and whose hope and trust is alone in the mighty God of Jacob, are cast down and disquieted within them - as an ancient servant of God viewing the desolation of Zion, "O that my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people." We feel to mourn our own leanness and barrenness of soul, but experience has taught us with David, that all our springs are in the Lord, and our blessed Jesus to his followers, Without me ye can do nothing. While the workmongers of the day are manifesting their foolish zeal for do! do! and faulting the preachers of the cross for not telling them what to do -- when if he tells them to go sell all they have, or part with their old self-righteousness, take up their cross and follow Jesus like the young man, they go away sorrowful and perhaps offended, and care not to follow that preacher any more. We think it is the spirit of truth that teaches those that are regenerated to do Christ's commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the City. But these Babel builders with all their noise, bustle, and confused language are toiling to rear a superstructure, the top thereof to reach the heavens, in order that they may climb up some other way than by Christ. Will it then be too hard for the tender feelings of these charitable ones to call them, as they are denominated in the scripture, thieves and robbers?
We, therefore, as a Church, wishing to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, or with those who rob God of the glory of his grace, as it reigns in the sinner's salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, cannot bid them God-speed. We also feel aggrieved that some of our preachers who profess to be called of God to defend his truth, and also to disown the above named societies as having no warrant in the word of God, yet seem to possess so much of an accommodating spirit as not to raise their warning voice to the flock against those greedy dogs, and wolves in sheep's clothing, with all their spiritual wickedness in high places, which have so perverted the right way of the Lord in our Churches. Whether it is on account of their popularity, or that they suppose there is a little oncord between Christ and Belial, or that they have doubts in regard to the final termination of that great and last conflict between our Michael and the Dragon; we leave them God and their own souls. One thing, however, we do know, if an Apostle is correct -- If they seek to please men, then they are not Christ's servants. And although the Baptist Churches may now be experiencing what God said to ancient Israel, that he would provoke them to jealousy by them that were no people, and that by a foolish nation he would anger them; yet we trust by this same means he will purge his own floor, and his poor despised and oppressed people who are every where spoken against, shall yet say, "Though thou wast angry with us, thine anger is turned away and thou comfortest us."
We, therefore, considering all these unauthorized institutions as the antitype, or answerable to Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the whole earth, with whom the families of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication, do feel disposed to give heed to that awful voice that speaks from heaven, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, and do hereby agree and unite with each other not to encourage them; and that we invariably maintain the order, doctrine and discipline of the Regular Baptists, who, through Almighty grace, have been enabled to stand for truth in all ages against these floods of error that have threatened her destruction, believing it to be the old Jerusalem platform -- built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; and be it hereby
Resolved, That we have no fellowship with the above named societies, or with those who patronize or propagate them, and with all kindred unscriptural institutions.
Resolved, That our Deacons and Trustees be hereby authorized to examine hereafter any person who may come to us as a preacher and determine whether he may preach or not -- that we suffer not that woman Jezebel to teach, who calleth herself a prophetess, or to seduce the servants of him who is faithful and true; whose eyes are as a flame of fire, who was clothed in a vesture dipped in blood, and his name is is called The Word of God, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Let him that hath an ear hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches.
SCIOTO ASSOCIATION (1805)
HISTORY OF THE SCIOTO ASSOCIATION.
The Scioto Association published a centennial history in pamphlet form which is available upon request.
The Scioto Association was organized in October 1805 with four churches, at Old Chillicothe Church. Pleasant Run was also one of the original four churches. By 1826, the association had grown to 21 churches with 679 members. In about 1838, several of the churches divided, and the association itself divided, over the modern mission system. Nineteen churches with 559 members remained in the old paths. The present churches are Licking and Harmony.
CIRCULAR LETTER,
MUSKINGUM ASSOCIATION (1809)
HISTORY OF THE MUSKINGUM ASSOCIATION.
The Muskingum Association published a centennial history in pamphlet form which is available upon request.
The Muskingum Association was formed in 1809, with five churches, viz., Greenville, Marlboro, Liberty, Mohawk Run, and Hopewell. Other churches in this association have included: Granville, Owl Creek, Falls of Licking, Wayne, Friendship, Salt Creek, Union, Salem, Washington, and many others. The present churches are Scotts Creek, Harmony, in Licking and Muskingum Counties.
CIRCULAR LETTER,
MAD RIVER ASSOCIATION (1812)
HISTORY OF THE MAD RIVER ASSOCIATION.
Mad River Association (September 1812)
Organized by churches dismissed from the Miami Association in 1811, viz., Big Beaver, Little Beaver, King's Creek, Big Darby, Staunton, Antioch, Nettle Creek, Mad River, Union, and Bethel. The association divided in 1837 over the modern mission system, the majority going with the mission system. Nettles Creek Church in Champaign County, and others withdrew and organized themselves as the Mad River Association. Jennings Creek (Van Wert Co.), Sugar Creek (Putnam Co.), Fairfield (Lennewee Co.), Olive Branch (Wood Co.), Thompson (Putnam Co.), Rush Creek (Logan Co.), and Miami (Shelby Co.) were also members of this association.
EAST FORK OF PAINT CREEK CHURCH, FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO
NETTLE CREEK CHURCH, CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO
MIAMI CHURCH, LOGAN COUNTY, OHIO
OHIO ASSOCIATION (1820)
HISTORY OF THE OHIO ASSOCIATION.
The Ohio Association was formed in 1820, mainly in the counties of Jackson, Scioto, and Lawrence. The churches in 1823 were: Ohio (Lawrence Co.), Centerville, Storms Creek, Sand Fork, Hales Creek, Union, Sims Creek, Olive Branch, Providence, Bloom, and another whose name is illegible.
GREENVILLE ASSOCIATION (1827)
HISTORY OF THE GREENVILLE ASSOCIATION.
The Greenville Association was formed in 1827 or earlier, by churches dismissed from the Miami Association. Indian Creek, Bethlehem, and Hamilton Churches were still members of this Association in 1860. Other churches in this association included Stillwater and Providence. Some of the churches were in Butler and Darke Co., Ohio, near the Indiana line.
SANDUSKY ASSOCIATION (1833)
HISTORY OF THE SANDUSKY ASSOCIATION.
The Sandusky Association published a sesqui-centennial history in pamphlet form which is available upon request.
Organized with three churches, Honey Creek, Rocky Fork, and Thorn Creek. Many other churches have been members of this association. Some of the churches are located in Hancock, Marion, Putnam, Seneca, and other counties of Ohio. Elder Lewis Seitz wrote an account of the events leading up to the formation of this association, in 1838, from which we quote the following:
Bloom Township, Seneca Co., O., March 15, 1838. - About four years ago there was a move made in these parts for the Regular Baptists to form into an Association, but when a trial was made the first time, there being present delegates from five churches, the scene was confusion instead of union. The cause of difference was, Elder John Keating, Deacon John Kagy, and myself were chosen a committee to draft a Covenant and Deacon Kagy and myself agreed to debar all churches from the Association, who hold the benevolent institutions, (so called) and Elder Keating withstood us, so after a considerable contention, it was agreed to meet again, several months after, (on the 12th day of October, A. D. 1833) when only three churches sent delegates. Elder Lewis Seitz was chosen moderator, and John Kagy, clerk. Since that time three churches have joined this association, and at our last session two more sent in their letters to form an acquaintance expecting to join us at our next. Another association has been formed a little from us, which is known by the name of Sandusky River Association, but they have as many wives as the woman of Samaria had husbands, five, and these are their names Bible Lady, Missionary Lady, Temperance, Sunday School, and Tract, they go the whole of the institutions of the day.
OWL CREEK HARMONY ASSOCIATION (1833)
HISTORY OF THE OWL CREEK HARMONY ASSOCIATION.
Minutes of the printed minutes of the constitution of the Owl Creek Harmony Association have been found and are available upon request.
We have a sketch history published by the association, but its earliest records were lost. The oldest minute in existence is the 8th annual session, 1841. [Note: Minutes of the printed minutes of the constitution of the Owl Creek Harmony Association have been found and are available upon request.] The Owl Creek Association divided over missions, but we have no detailed information about what took place. Churches included Wayne, Marlboro, Mt. Pisgah, Salem, Owl Creek Harmony, Alum Creek, Peru, Monroe, Mt. Zion, Fredericktown, Hartford, Morris, Beulah, Whetstone, Rich Hill, Oxford, Westfield, Marion, Bryn Zion, Chester, Refuge, and Tymochtee. The present churches are: Owl Creek Harmony, Marlboro, and Mt. Pisgah. The churches are located in Morrow and Delaware Counties.
CLOVER ASSOCIATION (1838)
HISTORY OF THE CLOVER ASSOCIATION.
Minutes of the constituion of the Clover Association were published in a church paper, and are available upon request.
The Clover Association was organized in June 1838, as a result of a split in the East Fork of Little Miami Association over the mission question. Its churches were mainly in Highland and Clermont counties. Minutes of preliminary meeting in 1837, and minutes of the Clover Association for June and August 1838 were published in the Signs of the Times, which show the following churches: Clover Lick (Clermont Co.), Ebenezer, Lees Creek, and Stone Lick (Clermont Co) .
