Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Jesse Mercer – Part One

Thomas E Kresal January 27, 2020

Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Jesse Mercer – Part One

Mercer, Jesse, D.D., was the most distinguished and influential Baptist minister ever reared in the State of Georgia; and it is doubtful if any one, under the providence of God, ever exerted a more beneficial influence among the Baptists of Georgia, or as an instrument in the divine hands ever accomplished more beneficial results for the denomination in the State. “How is Mr. Mercer?” asked Dr. Staughton of a gentleman from Georgia. ” He is well,” was the answer. ” He exerts a great influence in your State,” continued Dr. Staughton. ” His word is law,” the other replied. ” I am sure,” said the doctor, in return, ” it is gospel” Jesse, the son of Silas Mercer, was born in Halifax Co., N. C, Dec. 16, 1769.

His father removed to Georgia about 1775, and settled in Wilkes County, but fled to North Carolina at the outbreak of the Revolution, and did not return until after the war, when Jesse was about fourteen years old. From that time until his death, on the 6th of September, 1841, Jesse Mercer resided in Georgia. His youthful character was free from stain ; not even a profane word was ever used by him, nor was he ever guilty of any deviation from strict truthfulness. He was a sober, staid, discreet youth ; even-tempered in his conduct, never dejected nor morose. He had great command of his passions, and was never known through life to have a personal quarrel with any one. He was a pattern of filial obedience, submitting cheerfully to every command of his parents. He was converted at fifteen, was baptized in his eighteenth year, and soon after began to preach. On the 31st of January, 1788, in his nineteenth year, he was married to Miss Sabrina Chivers ; and before he was twenty years of age he was ordained, on the 7th of November, 1789, by Silas Mercer and Sanders Walker

Thomas E. Kresal from: Baptist Encyclopedia by William Cathcart, pg. 779-780