The Black Rock Address on the Commission,
By Elder C. H. Cayce, January 6, 1906.

For some time we have noticed that some of the brethren who are advocating the idea that the commisison was given to the church seem to take great delight in quoting a part of a sentence from the address of the Black Rock convention of 1832. For this reason we thought it might be profitable to give space in THE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST for the entire address. We earnestly request all our readers to study the address carefully, and see for yourselves what those brethren believed.

The sentence, or part of the sentence, that some brethren have been quoting so much of late is, "The Lord has manifestly established the order, that His ministers should be sent forth by the churches." Now, this expression, taken alone, would make it appear that the brethren believed the obligation of the commission rested on the church, when they believed no such thing. That they did not believe it is very apparent from this expression contained in the address: "We will now call your attention to the subject of missions. Previous to stating our objections to the mission plans, we will meet some of the false charges brought against us relative to this subject, by a simple and unequivocal declaration, that we do regard as of the first importance the command given of Christ, primarily to His apostles, and through them to His ministers in every age, to 'Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,' and do feel an earnest desire to be found acting in obedience thereunto, as the providence of God directs our way, and opens a door of utterance for us." Please study the address carefully. It is directly opposed to the very thing these brethren are now teaching who argue that the commission was given to the church, and that the church should send the gospel. Note, also, that they say, "Formerly not only did preachers feel themselves bound to devote a part of their time to traveling and preaching among the destitute, but the people also among whom they came dispensing the word of life, felt themselves bound to contribute something to meet their expenses. These were the days when Christian affections flowed freely." This was "formerly" - before the mission spirit was among them - before the idea sprang up among them of sending the gospel. Christian affections flowed freely then. So would they flow freely now if brethren would leave off advocating such things.

Please also study that part of the address relative to making associations a kind of legislative body. Read it over two or three times, and see how that corresponds with the federal government idea suggested, and which was advocated in St. Louis, and which is now advocated in a paper at Fulton, Ky. The Black Rock brethren positively and fully condemn such a move, and let us know they have no fellowship for it.

Another point some have been saying a great deal about is bars to fellowship. It is plainly seen that in this address these brethren have put up a strong bar to fellowship against some of the very things being advocated now. How can the brethren who are advocating those departures, and are raising such a cry against "bars" claim to be in line with those Black Rock brethren? The claim is absurd, as any unprejudiced person can readily see if they will study the matter carefully.

Again, we would ask the question, "Who are the Primitive Baptists?" If those brethren assembled at Black Rock were Primitive Baptists, so are we who propose to do as they did - withdraw from those who are advocating and teaching such things as are contrary to the things they taught.

May the Lord help us all to stand firmly on primitive grounds, and to be humble and faithful, and to be honest in all our dealings, is our prayers.

C. H. C.

Reprinted from Selected Editorials by Elder C. H. Cayce, Volume 1, 1896-1910.


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