Memoirs of Elder Jesse Mercer

Front matter

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Chapter II

Mr. Mercer's first public exercises — His marriage — Brief notice of his first wife — His ordination — Personal appearance — Call to Hutton's Fork Church — Attends to his mental improvement — call to another Church and removal to Oglethorpe — His doubts as to his call to the ministry — Distressing temptation — Death of his Father and his return to Wilkes — Succeeds his Father in the charge of his churches. 26

Chapter III

Mr. Mercer's ministerial labors — Sardis Church — Phillips' Mill — Bethesda — Powelton — Gov. Rabun — Extracts from Mr. Mercer's funeral Sermon on the occasion of Gov. R.'s death — Eatonton Church — Thomas Cooper 41

Chapter IV. I

Number of immediate conversions not a certain test of a minister's usefulness — Mr. Mercer set for the defence of the gospel — His care to establish his churches in the truth — Skilful to aid the tempted — Anecdotes — His caution in receiving members — Able disciplinarian — His manner of presiding at church

VI CONTENTS.

meetings — His punctuality — No respecter of persons — His churches benevolent — Defects in the prevailing system of pastoral labor — 31 r. Mercer in revivals — His views on Revivals — Ministerial support — Estimation in which he was held. 58

Chapter VIII

Mr. Mercer's efforts in behalf of Education — Mt. Enon — Columbian College — Attempts at co-operation with South Carolina — Mr. Mercer's views on the subject — His aid to Mercer University — Brief History of the Institution — Project of College at Washington— Sermon on Education — Extracts from the same, and from Christian Index 160

Chapter IX

Mr. Mercer's efforts in the Missionary cause — Formation of Powelton Mission Societ}- — Mission Board of the Ga. Association — Mission to the Creeks — His favorite argument for Missions — Letters in defence of benevolent plans from the Index — Letter to Mr.

*

CONTENTS* Vll

; Shuck — To Mr. Bolleson the abolition excitement — Remarks from the Index on the same subject — His kind feelings towards his northern brethren— Skeleton of a missionary Sermon — Letter on the " Imprisonment of the Missionaries to the Cherokees.,, 188

Chapter X

Mr. Mercer and the Temperance Causes — At first stands aloof — His reasons for this in a letter to Mr. Brandy— Mr. B.'s editorial comments — Finally takes the pledge — Establishes a Temperance paper — Opposes the use of wine — His opinion on the traffic in spirits — Remarks from the Index — Sketch of a Temperance Discourse — Short i notes on the wine question. 223

Chapter XI

Mr. Mercer's pecuniary contributions to benevolent objects. 236

Chapter XII

Unhappy divisions in the churches — Mr. Mercer's opinion as to the causes— His Circular Letter published in the Convention Minutes of 1831 — Usefulness at ministers' meetings — Extracts from his sermon on Ministerial Union — Letters to Mr. B. and Mr. L. 245

Chapter XIII

Mr. Mercer as a writer — Speaking the truth in love — His Ten Letters on the Atonement — Extracts — Sermon on the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ, and Extracts from the same — Essay on Lord's Supper— History of Ga. Association — Review of a certain Report — Essay on forgiveness of sins — Extracts from his Editorial pieces. . 281

Chapter XIV

Narrative of Mr. Mercer's Life resumed — Letter to Mrs. R. — Severe indisposition — Address to patrons

Vlil CONTENTS.

of Index — Letter to the Ga. Association — Letter ta Mrs. R.— To Heman Lincoln— Death of Mrs. Mercer—Letter to Mr. M. — Letter of Mr. Curtis to Mr. Mercer — Mr. Mercer's reply — " Hear what the Spirit saith to the churches," 3 nos. — His feelings in view of his approaching end. 332

Chapter XV

Mr. Mercer's decline regarded with sorrow — His last Sermon — Sketch of the Sermon — Visits Penfield — Letter to Mr. Sturgis — Visits Indian Springs — Letter to Mr. Sturgis — His death — Mr. Carter's Letter in relation to his death — Resolutions of the Washington Baptist Church — Of the Presbyterian Church — Notice of Mr. Sturgis' Funeral Sermon. 373

Chapter XVI

Mr. Mercer's personal appearance — Various traits of character described — Mr. Mercer in his social relations— Character of his mind and attainments — His character as a preacher — His gift in Prayer — His piety — His faults — His great influence. 395

Appendix

A

Memoranda of occasional remarks made by Mr. Mercer, in his sermons, private conversation, &c. 431

B

Recollections of one of Mr. Mercer's sermons, furnished by Rev. \V. H. Stokes. 434

C Obituary Notice of Mrs. Nancy Mercer. 436

D Mr. Mercer's Opinions upon various subjects connected with Church Discipline, &c. 441

M EM0IR8

ELDER JESSE MERCER,

BY C. D. MALLARY.

NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY JOHN GRAY.

COPY RIGHT SECURED,

ADVERTISEMENT.

The following work was undertaken in accordance with the request and appointment of the Baptist State Convention, at its annual session at Lagrange, in 1842. Its preparation for the|press has been retarded by some difficulty and delay in collecting the necessary materials, by other numerous and pressing duties, but more especially by that feeble state of health, which for many years past has imposed upon the writer the necessity of taking much time to accomplish even an inconsiderable task. The volume is not altogether what the Author could have wished, and what perhaps the public have expected, nor what, under different circumstances, the writer could have made it ; yet with all its defects, it is hoped that it will be found entertaining to the surviving friends and acquaintances of Mr. Mercer, and not altogether useless to the religious community in general. The work contains some reflections and historical details not absolutely necessary to illustrate the life and character of Mr. Mercer: yet they generally relate to affairs with which he was more or less connected, and may be in some degree interesting and useful to Southern Baptists, and particularly to the Baptists of Georgia. And it is proper* here to state, that the Author in preparing the work has had particular reference to its usefulness upon that field where it was natural to suppose it would find its principal patronage and circulation. On this account, it is to be hoped, that the more distant reader will look with forbearance on what might seem to him to be the redundances and defects of the publication.

Numerous quotations from the writings of Mr. Mercer are interspersed through the volume — more than what many might deem judicious, though fewer than what others no doubt would desire. In the selections, reference has been had, in some cases, to their practical excellence, in others, to their adaptedness to give a clear and impartial view of Mr. Mercer's various religious opinions. After all, the9e quotations constitute but a very small portion

IV ADVERTISEMENT

of hi* writings, and would not therefore supersede the desirableness* of publishing his most important productions in a separate volume. The Biographer has in his possession most of these productions, having collected them at coneiderable [pains, and could now very readily arrange them for publication, did he know that the general wish and anxiety of his brethren were such as to justify the undertaking.

The Likeness which accompanies this volume is not as accurate as could be desired. There is no complete likeness of Mr. Mercer extant, from which an artist could copy ; but still his surviving acquaintances cannot fail to recognise in the one which is here presented, the most striking peculiarities of his interesting features, and to regard it as a valuable appendage to the Book. The engraved fac simile of his hand writing, which is inserted in the volume, will 110 doubt be also highly valued.

In the conclusion of this prefatory notice, the Biographer would tender his most sincere thanks to all the brethren and friends who have generously assisted him in various ways during the prosecution of his labor ; and especially would he offer up a tribute of thankfulness to the Great Head of the Church, who has enabled him, through manifold infirmities, to press on to the conclusion of his toil, so that he can now present to the Christian public a volume which, notwithstanding all its deficiencies, may tend somewhat, with the divine blessing, to perpetuate the usefulness of one, whose name will ever hold an honored place upon the catalogue of the Wise, the Great, and the Good. Twiggs Co., February 9, 1844,

CONTENTS,

Chapter I

Introductory remarks — Brief notice of Mr. Mercer's paternal Grandfather — Sketches of the life of Silas Mercer — Early life of Jesse Mercer — His conversion. 9

Chapter II

Mr. Mercer's first public exercises — His marriage — - Brief notice of his first wife — His ordination — Personal appearance — Call to Hutton's Fork Church — Attends to his mental improvement — call to another Church and removal to Oglethorpe — His doubts as to his call to the ministry — Distressing temptation- Death of his Father and his return to Wilkes — Succeeds his Father in the charge of his churches. 26

Chapter III

Mr. Mercer's ministerial labors — Sardis Church — Phillips' Mill— Bethesda — Powelton — Gov. Rabun — Extracts from Mr. Mercer's funeral Sermon on the occasion of Gov. R.'s death — Eatonton Church — Thomas Cooper 41

Chapter IV

Number of immediate conversions not a certain test of a minister's usefulness — Mr. Mercer set for the defence of the gospel — His care to establish his churches in the truth — Skilful to aid the tempted — Anecdotes — His caution in receiving members — Able disciplinarian — His manner of presiding at church

VI CONTENTS,

meetings — His punctuality — No respecter of persons — His churches benevolent — Defects in the prevailing system of pastoral labor — Mr. Mercer in revivals — His views on Revivals — Ministerial support — Estimation in which he was held. 58

Chapter V

JVIr. Mercer's labors on his journeys from home, at Associations, &c. — Circulates useful books — his Cluster— Extracts from his correspondence — His relation to political affairs. 81

CHAPTER, VI.

Death of Mrs. Mercer — Mr. Mercer removes to Washington— A church constituted there — His second inarriage — Editorial labors — The degree of D. D. conferred on him — Letters to various individuals. 102

Chapter VII

Mr. Mercer's connexion with the Georgia Association — Extracts from his Circular Letters — Connexion with the General Committee — Baptist State Convention. 137

Chapter VIII

Mr. Mercer's efforts in behalf of Education — Mt. Enon — Columbian College — Attempts at co-operation with South Carolina — Mr. Mercer's views on the subject — His aid to Mercer University — Brief History of the Institution — Project of College at Washington— Sermon on Education — Extracts from the same, and from Christian Index 160

Chapter IX

Mr. Mercer's efforts in the Missionary cause — Formation of Powelton Mission Society — Mission Board of the Ga. Association — Mission to the Creeks — His favorite argument for Missions — Letters in defence of benevolent plans from the Index — Letter to Mr.

CONTENTS, Vll huck — To Mr. Bolleson the abolition excitement — Remarks from the Index on the same subject- — His kind feelings towards his northern brethren — Skeleton of a missionary Sermon — Letter on the " Imprisonment of the Missionaries to the Cherokees." 188

CHAPTER X*

Mr. Mercer and the Temperance Cause— At first stands aloof — His reasons for this in a letter to Mr. Brantly — Mr. B.'s editorial comments — Finally takes the pledge — Establishes a Temperance paper — Opposes the use of wine — His opinion on the traffic in spirits — Remarks from the Index — Sketch of a Temperance Discourse — Short notes on the wine question. 223

Chapter XI

Mr. Mercer's pecuniary contributions to benevolent objects. 236

Chapter XII

Unhappy divisions in the churches — Mr. Mercer's opinion as to the causes — His Circular Letter published in the Convention Minutes of 1831 — Usefulness at ministers' meetings — Extracts from his sermon on Ministerial Union — Letters to Mr. B. and Mr. L. 245

Chapter XIII

Mr. Mercer as a writer — Speaking the truth in love — His Ten Letters on the Atonement — Extracts — Sermon on the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ, and Extracts from the same — Essay on Lord's Supper— History of Ga. Association — Review of a certain Report — Essay on forgiveness of sins — Extracts from his Editorial pieces. 281

Chapter XIV

Narrative of Mr. Mercer's Life resumed — Letter to Mrsjjl. — Severe indisposition — Address to patrons

Vlll CONTENTS.

of Index — Letter to the Ga. Association — Letter to Mrs. R.— To Heman Lincoln— Death of Mrs. Mercer— Letter to Mr. M. — Letter of Mr. Curtis to Mr. Mercer — Mr. Mercer's repiy — " Hear what the Spirit saith to the churches," 3 nos. — His feelings in view of his approaching end. 332

Chapter XV

Mr. Mercer's decline regarded with sorrow — His last Sermon — Sketch of the Sermon — Visits Penfield — Letter to Mr. Sturgis — Visits Indian Springs — Letter to Mr. Sturgis — His death — Mr. Carter's Letter in relation to his death — Resolutions of the Washington Baptist Church — Of the Presbyterian Church — Notice of Mr. Sturgis' Funeral Sermon. 373

Chapter XVI

Mr. Mercer's personal appearance — Various traits of character described — Mr. Mercer in his social relations— Character of his mind and attainments — His character as a preacher — His gift in Prayer — His piety — His faults — His great influence. 395

APPENDIX.

A

Memoranda of occasional remarks made by Mr. Mercer, in his sermons, private conversation, &c. 431

B

Recollections of one of Mr. Mercer's sermons, furnished by Rev. W. H. Stokes. 434

C

Obituary Notice of Mrs. Nancy Mercer. 436

D Mr. Mercer's Opinions upon various subjects connected with Church Discipline, dec. 441

I \

OF

ELDER JESSE MERCER.

Chapter I

Introductory Remarks. — Brief Notice of Mr. Mercer's] paternal Grandfather. — Sketch of the Life of Silas Mercer. — Early Life of Jesse Mercer. — His Conversion.

Upon the map of an extended country, we do not expect to see a distinct exhibition of every hill and rivulet and valley. An attempt at such minuteness would defeat the design of geographical delineation, exhibiting nothing to the eye but a confused and blotted chart. The most interesting and prominent objects only can be sketched, and if this is performed with judgment and accuracy, every reasonable expectation is satisfied. So upon the map of Zion, which is to be held up to public view and handed down to future ages, we do not expect to find a distinct and prominent exhibition of the life and labors of every saint who may have contributed a share by his work of faith and labor of love, and patience of hope, to enrich and beautify the spiritual landscape. If it were possible for mortals on earth to construct and exhibit such a chart, how vast would be its dimensions, how complicated its parts, how wearisome its details. It would take a long life to scan one little province ; and even in this limited and partial field, the eye would wander over a thousand objects which would fail to make any deep and salutary impression on the mind. For the present, it is enough for us to know that such an extended and perfect memorial is in the course of preparation in a brighter and better world. The record of all the saints is on high. On that record, the life and services of the most obscure believer, as well as of the most eminent, are traced in clear immortal lines. At length the glorious chart will be unfolded to our view in all its minute and mighty delineations. The little rill will then be as distinctly seen as the majestic river ; the flowery hillock as the cloud-capt mountain ; and then shall we learn, as we gaze with strong and admiring eyes upon the heavenly portraiture, in what manner the beauty and influence of all the redeemed had been combined to complete the glory of Zion, and show forth the manifold wisdom and matchless grace of the Triune God.

But if, at present, it would be as useless as it is impossible, to render distinct and prominent in the annals of the church, the life and death of every good man, yet there has ever prevailed a just and general expectation that those who have been blessed with distinguished gifts and graces, and selected by heaven as the instruments of extensive and lasting good, should be honored after death with some enduring memorial in which they may still live for the glory of God and the benefit of mankind. Upon the map of Zion, which is to give faithful instruction to future ages, the Baptist denomination in the United States will be laid down as an extensive and important province ; and in that province our children will expect to see some traces of the life and services of Jesse Mercer.

The patriarchal head of the Mercer family was a native of Scotland, who emigrated to this country about the close of the seventeenth century. The paternal grandfather of Jesse Mercer was one of his children, and was born in Virginia, in 1713. He married his first wife in that state, by whom he had three children, Lydia, Silas and Rhoda. His second wife was Sarah Simmons, of Currituck county, North Carolina, by whom he had nine children ; viz. Jacob, Thomas, Sarah, Chloe, Mary, Vashti, James, Caleb and John. Two only of this numerous family are now living, Mr. James Mercer of Coweta county, and Col. John Mercer of Lee county. The father removed from Virginia to North Carolina, (at what time it is not certainly known,) and resided in Currituck county and elsewhere in the state until about 1767, when he emigrated to Georgia and settled in what is now Wilkes county. He and his family suffered many hardships during the revolutionary struggle. He was upwards of sixty years of age at the commencement of the war, and although from age and infirmity he performed no actual service, yet he embraced in feeling the cause of his country, with patriotic zeal. Two of his sons, Jacob and Thomas, notwithstanding they had families, were engaged in active service during nearly the whole war, the care of their families in the mean time devolving mainly upon their aged parent. He died at the residence of his son Silas, in Wilkes county, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. Through youth and middle age he was a High Churchman, and for a long time officiated in North Carolina as clerk of the parish, and perhaps as curate. In his oIU age he and his wife professed conversion, embraced the peculiar sentiments of the Baptists, and were baptized, probably by Daniel Marshall.

Silas Mercer, the father of Jesse, whose name will ever occupy an honored place in the records of American Baptists, was born near Currituck bay, North Carolina, February, 1745. As his mother died when he was but an infant, his early training devolved more exclusively upon the hands of the father, who being a zealous member of the Church of England, very carefully instructed him in the doctrines and ceremonies of that religious denomination. From early childhood, young Silas was the subject of serious impressions, but it was not till after he arrived at manhood, that he experienced a saving change. Previous to this happy event, he had been most devotedly attached to the rites of the Episcopal church, and as violently opposed to other religious denominations, and especially the Baptists. These were the people that above all others, he had been taught to dread ; and he carefully and conscientiously shunned them as a company of deceivers, and a people infected with absurd and dangerous heresies. But possessing an independent spirit, and endowed with a vigorous and discriminating mind, when he came under the decided influence of correct religious principles, he was very naturally led into that course of investigation which gradually carried him beyond the control of educational prejudice and traditionary systems, and established him at last in a faith and pr actice more in harmony with the simplicity of the gospel. He very soon began to question the validity of sprinkling as scripture baptism, and in accordance wi th the rubric of the Episcopal church, which enjoined immersion except when the health of the child might seem to require a milder mode, he had two of his children dipped. The first was Jesse, the subject of this memoir, who was immersed in a barrel of water at the clergyman's house ; the other was a daughter who was subjected to the same ceremony in a tub prepared for the purpose in the Episcopal meeting-house.

In his progress towards more just and scriptural views, he was compelled to encounter the most formidable opposition. His father, under the influence of mistaken zeal and affection, cast every possible obstruction in his way ; and to this were superadded the strenuous efforts of the clergyman, in connexion with all his Episcopal brethren around him. They spared no pains to keep alive his prejudices against the heretical Baptists, and to prevent all intercourse with that blind and infatuated sect. But in spite of his own long cherished antipathies, and the untiring opposition of beloved and honored friends, he gained his consent at length to attend a meeting of Baptists, and listen to a discourse from one of their ministers. This presumptuous and daring act provoked his father's resentment ; and as the tears of grief and anger gushed from his eyes, he exclaimed, " Silas, you are ruined /" But neither the tears nor the rebukes of the disappointed father proved availing. The unreasonable prejudices of the son soon began to yield, and he was inclined to cherish more kind and charitable feelings towards the people he had so long despised. Not long after this he removed with his family to Georgia, and settled in Wilkes county. Having at length become thoroughly convinced of the propriety of believers, baptism, he was immersed about the year 1775, by Mr. Alexander Scott, and became a member of the Kiokee church. He rose from the water as it were, a minister of the gospel ; for before he left the stream where he was immersed, he ascended a log and exhorted the surrounding multitude. Having been formally licensed by the church, he at once entered upon a course of ministerial labor, which was characterized by much zeal, ability and usefulness. During the revolutionary struggle, he fled for safety to Halifax county in his native state, where he remained six years, during which time he was incessantly engaged in the work of the ministry. It appears from his journal, that he preached, upon an average, oftener than once a day ; so that during his six years7 residence in North Carolina, he delivered more than two thousand discourses.

About the close of the war, he returned with his family to his former residence in Georgia, some seven miles south of Washington, where he remained to the end of his days. He was justly regarded as one of the most exemplary, useful and pious ministers in the Southern states. Several interesting churches were reared up under his faithful labors. Though not distinguished for his literary attainments, he was nevertheless the devoted friend of education, especially in the ministry ; and to promote this noble object, he established -a school near his own house, and procured an able teacher to superintend its interests. In the midst of his active and useful labors, he was arrested by disease, and after a short illness, he entered into his heavenly rest, in the fifty-second year of his age.

He devoted considerable time to study, wrote several pieces on important subjects, one of which, entitled " Tyranny Exposed, and True Liberty Discovered,"

was published in a pamphlet of sixty-eight pages. He was, however, more distinguished as a preacher than a writer.

Jesse Mercer was born in Halifax county, North Carolina, December 16, 1769. He was the eldest of a family of eight children, consisting of five sons and three daughters.*

* The following are their names: Jesse, Ann, Mary, Dan'el, Mourning, Hermon, Mount Moriah, and Joshua. The third and fifth died in infancy. Ann was born in 1774, joined the church at Phillips' Mill in her fifteenth year, and married Mr. Robertson, of Wilkes county, in her seventeenth. She removed with her husband to West Tennessee in 1822, where she is still living, in widowhood, Mr Robertson having died the second year after their removal

Daniel was born in 1780. His father gave him a good education, and he made teaching his profession, in which he was highly distinguished. A large portion of the eminent men in the state received their education, in whole or in part, under his care. He was a distinguished Latin scholar, and was also able to give instruction in the Greek. He was a man of considerable research, and spoke the English language with great purity and precision. He was quite facetious, and quick at repartee; a person of pleasing address, and fine colloquial powers. At the same time he is said to have been a person of sound judgment, great energy and decision of character, and possessing talents of a higher order, in the estimation of many good judges, than those of his brother Jesse. He married Miss Sarah Tuggle, of Greene county, about 1812, removed to Henry county in 1826, and died without issue in 1827.

Mount Moriah was born in 1787, joined the church at Williams7 Creek in 1809, married Miss Ann Edge, of Wilkes, in 1816, And died in Oglethorpe, in the thirty-fifth vear of his age, leaving a widow and three children, who are still living. He also was a school master by profession; but not having received a classical education, his labors as a teacher were confined to common schools. In this sphere he is- said to have been distinguished. He was remarkable for his peaceable, humane, kind-hearted, and affectionate disposition.

Hermon and Joshua are still living. The former was born in 1784, the latter about 1790; they have both been for a long time

1G MEMOIRS OP

The youthful character of Jesse is described by surviving friends as almost without a stain. In very early life there was seen the budding of many of those amiable and virtuous traits, which so much distinguished him in after life. Under the influence of his strong, native good sense, a remarkably tender conscience, and great self-control, he was enabled to avoid, not * only the more gross excesses of youth, which are often witnessed with the deepest regret and sorrow; but those more slight deviations from uprightness and propriety, which, in subsequent years, are frequently called to remembrance with mortification and self-reproach. A venerable uncle,* at the particular request of the writer, has generously furnished him with a sketch of the youthful days of his nephew, as well as of some interesting incidents connected with his more advanced life. Several extracts from this sketch, (with a few unimportant corrections,) will be introduced into the following narrative; as they will furnish very suitable materials for illustrating some important portions of Mr. Mercer's history, wrhich must have remained an entire blank, but for this kind and seasonable contribution.

Shortly after the return of Silas Mercer to Georgia, he visited his aged father, who had previously removed from North Carolina, and settled on Brier Creek, in

members of the Baptist church, and are also ministers of the gospel.

The descendants of the original Mercer family are now scattered through the whole of the middle, southern and western states, and Texas. Tradition says that the gallant General Mercer, who fell during the Revolution, was one of the family relatives. Many of them are yet in Virginia, amongst whom is the distinguished Charles Fenton Mercer.

*Col. John Mercer, of Lee county.

JESSE MERCEU, 17

'Burke county. Whilst there, he gained his father's consent to remove with his family to his own farm in Wilkes, that he might be more comfortably provided for in his declining years. " He came down, (says the writer of the sketch above referred to,) for my father and his family the ensuing fall, and brought with him his son Jesse, a very spare lad about thirteen years of age. This was the first time I had ever seen him. He was my senior by nearly seven years.* I soon became much attached to him, because he was freehearted, sociable and kind, and called me his little uncle. From this time, we were brought up on the same farm, about seven miles south of Washington. From the intimacy of our association, I of course knew him well, and it gives me great pleasure to bear testimony to the rectitude of his juvenile deportment. Although a mere boy, he acted the part of the prudent man, that foreseeth the evil and hideth himself. Perhaps I may as well say here, that I not only never knew him use a profane word, or an impious expression myself, but that I heard him say, in his latter years, he had never used an oath in his life, not even one of those petty oaths that too often fall from the lips of persons considered moral, or that indeed sometimes deform the conversation of professors of religion. Nor did he ever pronounce in vain the Deity's name, as in those common exclamations, My God ! Good Lord ! &c. So far did he carry the principle all through his life, that in relating an incident, or an anecdote, he scrupulously refrained from repeating such oaths as might be connected with it.