Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-08-31
BRooKvIILE FRANKLIN COUNTY INDIANA FRIDAY AUGUST 81

ced down TO 90 churches, with ah ag-
gregate of only 803 members, amongst
whom there seems to be only eight
OF dained ministers, and still we were
bound to feel the blighting effects Of
strife amongst the proIessed followers
Of Jesus, and of its whitening infu-
ence on our prosperity aud for few
years we declined. and then again as
the God of Israel manifested his pow
er amongst us, we began gradually to
rise, until 1851, we numbered 81
churches and $40 communicates and
about this time there being different
publications in religious journals res
pecting the feelings and views Of our
body. in reference to the Missionary
and kindred institutions of the pres
ent day, (though unknown in the form
alton of this Association, it was
thought by some to be duty she ow-
ed herself, as well as those abroad, to
come out and publicly define her posi-
ton. Whereupon, in 1852, the Asso-
citation inserted in her minutes a pre-
amble and resolution, advising the
churches and all their members to
stand aloof from all institutions not
having the Word of God for their sup
po.t, nor a THIS saith Tire Lord for
their creation. And although said
le. olution was adopted with one single
negative vote, yet some took 'lmbrage
and bfeakirg of lou u foru i an
other a. ociation the same year, there
by virtually declaring an unfellow-
ship with us, which again brought OR
number down in 1853. to 10 churches
and 62s members. Since which time
there has nothing very special occur
led, though yoG will see by our Lin
rites this year, that tie Lord .as not
altogether forsaken us bit that SOME
of our churches in the past year have
experienced the droppings of his mer-
cy, and the insatheling Of souls into
his kingdom. And now. very dear
brethren aao sisters, in reviewing our
history through a period Of almost
half a century, and in reflection upon
our own unworthines, All the work
ings Of orr unruly passions. and our
short comings before him, may we not
with the deepest gratitude OF heart,
break out and say with one of old
"truly, God is good to Israel and his
mercy endureth forever" Our faith
ers, the founders of this Association,
whore are they ? and our beloved pas
tors that faced the beating storms late
and early, travelling the then almost
pathless desert. to proclaim salvation
to their fellow rle.i and women, and to
labor for the upbuilding of their mas
ter's kingdom ? Have they not long
since fallen asleep that they may rest
from their labors. and we see them on
earth no more ? And yet the good
ness of God and the riches of his mer-
cy is still continued to us, their chill
drcn, and every day and every hour
yea, and every moment of our lives
we experience fresh displays Of hi:
loving kindness. And in view of al
this, and that we too soon must die
and that all earthly things must bt
dissolved. What manner of person.
ought we to be, in all holy converse
tion and godliness, and how ought W,
to strive together and pray our Faith
er in Heaven, to send forth more Ia
borers into his harvest, Tor the har
vest truly is great. but laborers ar,
few. How ought we to deny our
selves and take up our cross and FOL
low Him. And now, brethren. fare
well. Live in peace, and the God o
Love and Peace will be with and bles
you. Amea.