Newspaper Page Text
should receive. Will bro. T. deny that he
has done this ? We appeal to his Christian
candor to say, whether he really believes
that it was the design of brother Reid to
represent that the Saviour tool; Leonidas
lor his mod l, and pursued a certain course,
because this distinguished heathen had pur
sued a similar course ? If he believes this,
he must believe what no one else, who
knows bro. Reid, will believe—and, indeed,
no one who believes the testimony which
bro. T. has himself borne to the Christian
character of bro. Reid. I!
For the Christian Index,
Saptist Bishops.
Brother Baker —l entirely dissent from
the proposition of a brother in your paper
of Sept. 27, with reference to the title of
Bishop, at the same time I agree with you
that it is both scriptural and appropriate;
and I will also go farther than you have
done, and say, if the change were ever so
desirable, there is not the least probability
of its being effected.
I have lately been reading Mr. Coleman’s
very interesting work on the primitive
church, and am fully satisfied that the offices
of episcopus and presbyter, or bishop and
elder, were nearly of the same import—
that in primitive times each church had its
own bishop or elder, and that diocesan epis
copacy was a thing that came into use in
after times, and grow out of that metropoli
tan influence which by gradual steps sub
verted the original simplicity of the true
gospel otders.
But as the whole Christian world, from
time immemorial, have been accustomed to
attach ideas to the episcopal office so entire
ly different from what we ever did or wish
to do; as there lias been a general consent
of all denominations is this business, and
the language in intelligible to all sects and
parties, as much as our own use of the term
elder; and futlherinorc as all who are under
this form of ecclesiastical regimen claim for
their episcopal functional ies a higher stand
ing than ordinary ministers ; all these con
siderations give an appearance of assump
tion and invasion to this proposed alteration.
No denomination has been so uniform as
ours in the use of the word Elder as appli
ed to their ministers, and although consid
ering the etymology of the word, it seems
mal appropos when applied to those who
are very young, yet we all understand it as
applied to ollice rather than age ; our peo
ple like it; it is scriptural and proper; and
I sec no good reason for this modern inno
vation, which will subject us to ridicule on
the o ,c hand and prejudice on the other.
With the non-episcopal churches in Eu
rope and especially in France, the term pas
tor is applied to their spiritual guides, and
in a sense entirely different from ours ; it
is lilt; abstract cognomen of the man as well
ns the definition of Ins office.
Willi your correspondent I have hail
scruples as to ihe term Hev., which have
but little weight with me now. It is suita
ble that clerical men should be distinguish
ed from other professions and callings, and
with the understanding which is now inva
riably attached to it, it is wholly free from
sacrilege or impropriety. And ifit is some
times applied to men of an unworthy char
acter. the same may be said of bishops, ci
ders, pastors, deacons, and indeed of all
stations and vocations.
One word more—if we change onr vo
cabulary, as many of late seem inclined to
do, as bishops and overseer aresynominous
terms and always have respect to the pasto
ral office, what will become of that numer
ous class of ministers, who have no paste
ral relations or principal charge, who are
ministers at large, who are traveling mis
sionaries, agents, &c., who are professors,
teachets in our vatious institutions, editors
and helpers in ministerial work in various
ways. They are men of talents and use
fulness. but bishops they cannot he, until
they are invested with some spiritual charge,
and beeomo overseers of some spiritual
flesh.
I am sorry to see such a restless desire
among some of our people for the change I
in question, as I have the fullest conviction
that a sober sound thought will neutralize
the plan, and bring us back to the good old
way.
It is quite a circumstance to become a |
bishop with those who believe in the order, !
in the common acceptation of die term,and
I seriously fear that this wholesale system i
of bishop-making at this late age of world,
against so many objections ; this episcopal
creation by local resolutions will do us no
good.
If the chattgo is made, it ought to be by
some conventional rule, and then be uni-i
fornily maintained.
If 1 ain not mistaken the presbyterians
and perhaps some other non-episcopal pe
dobaptists commenced this attack on the
bishops and assumed to themselves the ti
tle, contrary to all former usage, ami I much
prefer that this controversy and that with the
Catholics, anil all oihctsof the kiml.should
be left in their hands. Let them fight their
own battles, with men of their own side;
but let us. as Baptists, whom they all op
pose, mind our own business, be contented
■vitit the plain unassuming name for onr
ministers which has always served them
•o well t take the Bible for out guide, and
pttijtie that ftraighi forward imobstritsivr
course which we have always found so pe
culiarly pleasant, safe and successful.
NON-EPISCOPUS.
For the Christian Index.
Revival Intelligence.
Brother Baker —For the satislaction of
brethren and friends at a distance, and for
the encouragement of Christians, both Min
isters and members, I now address you,
and hope you will publish the same in the
Index. My friends in this county (For
sythe) thought proper, in January last, to
give me an office; in the montli of March, I
commenced my duties in that office, which
was the cause, or opened the way for me to
preach in a neighborhood where the people
did not care much about Religion. The
truth is, they were very wicked. There
was some excitement, which induced me to
make another appointment, which was at
tended. It was plainly seen that the Lord
was at work among the people. There
were occasional meetings thereafter which
resulted in the Baptism of 25 persons, who
were added to the Shady Grove Church.
On Satutday before the 2d Lord’s day in
August, a meeting commenced at Bethel
Church, 8 miles northeast of Cumming.—
2 joined. On Lord’s day, I arrived and
preached a Funeral Sermon on the death of
brother Stovall, and baptized the two who
had joined the day before, two otbeis join
ed. The meeting continued on Monday.
Several more joined. The meeting was
protracted Tuesday, and from the interest
manifested, the Brethren thought proper to
continue the meeting. On Wednesday,
the sth day of the meeting, brother Everett,
a liconsed preacher of the Academy clutrch,
Jackson co., came to my assistance ; also
brother 11. Roberts, of Hall co.; on Satur
day, Brother Wiley Smith, who was on a
visit from S. Carolina, came to the meeting,
and remained until Monday, when the meet
ing closed. On Lord's day I had the pleas
ure to baptize 28. The number received
during the meeting was 58 by experience
and one by letter.
Brother Baker, I have been in many re
vivals, blit I may safely say, i never saw
such a time; the work was chiefly amongst
the youth—it was a most solemn time.—
i here was butlittle noise, shouting, scteani
mg, &e. during the whole meeting, but an
awful solemnity seemed to test upon the
audience. From Bethel we went to Salem,
some 7 miles, on Tuesday, and continued
until Lord’s day. There were some 20
joined; part of whom were baptized on the
first Lord’s day in September. I returned
to Bethel to baptize some who were receiv
ed at the other meeting, and remained on
Montlav—l2 more wereadded at this meet
ing. On Wednesday and Thursday last
was at the same place ; 7 more added, mak
ing in all 77 by baptism and I by letter.—
At Salem, some 25 by experience and 15
by letter. It is a matter of Joy, as well as
ol encouragement, to see so many precious
youths remembering their Creator in the
days of their youth. A large number were
under the age of 20: 1 Justices of the peace;
3 who had been Universalists, who renounc
ed the doctrine as wholly absurd; some
20 or moro from tit ■ Methodists; so much
for rantism or sprinkling. Several have
been added to other chinches, and what is
a little remarkable, is, that there was but
one colored person out of the whole num
ber, This information is intended to em
brace Forsyth co. only. There is one case
I must not omit. A young friend, who had
been raised by an infidel father, who deni
ed the authenticity of the Bible, over whose
infidelity reason, conscience, and the Bible
triumphed. Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and foiget not all his benefits.
Brother Baker, we may, with propriety,
adopt the language of one, and say, The
Lord has done great things for its, whereof
we are glad.
Brother Baker, 1 have thought much of
late about the prayer of Jesus in the 17th
chap, of the gospel by John : -
That they all may be one, as thou Fath
er art in me and I in thee ; that the world
may know that thou hast sent me.
We should both pray and labor that all
Christians may be one.
In the one good hope of a blissful im
mortality.
I am yours in love,
I). HUTCHINS.
Gumming, Ga., Oct. 2.
For (he Christian Index.
Bro. Baker, —Having a few moments
leisure, penr.it me to address you a few
lines, for the first time; the object being to
give you (and if you think proper your
readers) a brief account of a revival of God’s
wotk with the Indian Spring Church, Leor
Cos., Florida. For a long time this church,
from various causes, had been itt a cold, and
consequently in a languishing condition.—
But agreeable to previous appointment, a
piotracted meeting was held with this
church, commencing on the 15th of August
last, which continued ten days, with in
creasing interest. We were blessed with
the labors of of our beloved brethren.
Mays. Linton and Wheeler, who labored
with us during the first four days, after
which we were left with our pastor, who
was assisted occasionally by our Methodist
brethren resident with us- During these
! services the church were aroused from their
lethargy, and, inspired with a spirit of fer-
vent prayer to God ; sinners became awak
ened to a sense of their danger, and as up
on the day of pentecost, cried out, “Men
and brethren what shall we do |” Many I
trust, wereeffectually pointed to the “Lamb
of God, who taketh away the sin of the
woild.” The scene at the water, the clos
ing scene, was one of interest, when nine
willing converts put on the Lord Jesiia by
Baptism ; father and mother receiving their
children as they “came up out of the wa
ter ;” wives embracing their husbands;
a scene which caused the sioutest heart (for
the time at least) to melt. Never in my
life did 1 witness such a tenderness in a
congregation of spectators, for they*tvere
almost without exception bathed in tears.
During this meeting eight white an| two
black male members were added to the
church ; one of the ten by Six fe
male members were also added to ihe
church, one ol whom was received by let
ter. Making in all, sixteen souls. /We
may well say, “the Lord hath dotJgreai
things for us, whereof we are glad.”!
B. S. FULLER, Paior.
Sept. 23d, 1844.
Brother Baker —ln connexion the
Revival at Cabbin Creek, Jackson county,
and rather as a continuation of it, Biother
Jesse M. Jackson had a Iwo days appoint
ment at Joberty, (an arm of the Moriah
Church) Madison county, commencing the
14th nil., but the win’d being altended with
ihc Power ol the Holy Spirit, the meeting
was continued nine days. Not only the
members of Moriah and Cabbin Creek
Churches, but members ol'otlierdenomina
tions were filled thankfulness and bro
therly love. Several of our ar.ti brethren
and sisters attended during the meeting and
seemed to enjoy themselves as much a* any
present. Throughout the meeting an unu
sual solemnity pervaded the congregation,
and every time an opportunity was given,
nuiribeis came forward, desiring the pray
er of God’s people. Six were baptized
and one aiui Sister rcstoied, and more ex
pected to follow. Several obtained hope
during the meeting who did not join, and
some we have heard of since that have met
with pardon in the Saviour. Although the
number added is small, yet when werrfiect
that for some years preaching has seldom
been heaiil at that place, things relating to
religion almost forgotten, we are constrain
ed to call it a great work. We trust the
soil has been prepared and the seed sown,
that, with proper culture, will produce a
copious harvest. To our Lord be all the
glory given.
Bro. B. Brown, and a young Bro. Key,
who hasjust commenced exercising, came
in during the meeting to Bro. Jackson’s as
sistance, and joined zealously in ihd tvork.
Prepared for publication in the Index, by
order of the Moriah Church.
J. iM. JACKSON, Mod.
J. Sanders, Ch. Clk. pro tern.
P. S. Oct. 6th, This day Six added
to Moriah Church by Baptism, the work is
progressing.
Bear Bro. Baker —l have but just re
turned from a Baptist Campnieeting, ami as
it is probable that you will not leeeive a re
port of it from any other source, am! as I
have lately been at several oilier very inter
esting meetings, 1 have concluded to make
for the “Index” (our Index) a report, in
cluding the whole. The (Janipmeetuig, ol
which 1 have spoken, was held in the north
eastern corner of this county; near the Uoo
sawathie river. The ground was, nr is
new, anil but partially finished, and the
weather for the most part of the meeting
was unpleasant, notwithstanding which a
goodly number of people assembled, anx
ious to hear the words of eternal life; for
after the very first sermon, some twelve or
fifteen eagerly presented themselves, ilesit
mg that prayer might Ire made on tlteirpart.
From such an ausptciousbegiiinitig the Ure
thren took courage, and covenanted togeth
er before the Lord, to make prayer contin
ually, for the salvation of the people and
for special manifestation of bis presence and
power during the meeting. The result was,
that pleaching, praying and exhortation be
came a pleasure. The people listened as
lor Eternity, and twelve believed to the sav
ing of their souls; of which they gave evi
dence to the church and weie buried with
the Lord by baptism. But front what I saw
and heard 1 cannot but believe, that ihe
Lord has begun a work there, which will j
not be finished until very many others are i
brought into his fold.
1 cannot forbear relating a solemn, inter- j
esting and pleasing scene, which occurred j
alter the eleven o’clock sermon on Monday,
and if 1 could but relate it, as 1 saw it, 1
kuow it would make your own and others’
eyes fill with tears of joy. An old Broth
er, from some thirty miles distance, who
had gone with the hope that lie might enjoy
a refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
was not in litis case disappointed, but at the
commencement ol the meeting received a i
Benjamin’s mess, which was replenished
day by day. On Monday, the day spoken
of, when an opportunity was given lor the
mourners to distinguish themselves, the
rush which they made from every part of
the stand, caused the old Brother to break
out in this strain, “Bless the Lord, look
how they come—Bless God, 1 believe they
will all come.” And when it was propos
ed that the mourners should kneel at their
seats, and the whole congregation, without
a single exception, bowed as one man—
the old Brothei, who had remained stand
ing with the ministers to sec the end of the
matter, turned in triumph and with a coun
tenance beaming with excessive happiness
repeated, “Bless the Lord, 1 told von so,
i they are all here.” From such manifesta
tions as these 1 believe the Lord will enn
timic the work in that place. The minis
ters in attendance were Brethren Nathaniel
Andrew and James Adams, besides a licen
tiate, Bro. Baird, and myself. Bro. Evan
Pearson was present part of two days, but
in conscience of affliction could exercise
but once. I’his meeting commenced on
Friday before the fifth Sunday in Septem
ber.
The next meeting of which I shall speak,
was a protracted meeting held near the
Hightower River, in Clteiokee county, at a
a place known as New Bethel, or Bell’s
Meetinghouse. This meeting continued
for ten days. Upon the sixth day 1 was
sent for by Bro. Crawford, the pastor of the
Church, and Bro. Jacob Tate, who was as
sisting him in the meeting. I arrived at
the hour ol prayer; and il 1 ever felt more
awlul or solemn I do not now recollect it.
Such groans and cries 1 seemed never to
have beard before, but I was made to re
joice that their cries were directed to him
who came to seek and to save that which
was lost. One was heard to cry upon one
hand, “Lord have mercy on tne a sinner,”
another, “my soul is lost,” another, “pray
for me, and yet another, in the agony of
her spirit, cried out, “What shall Ido, I
have resisted God, to whom shall I go?”
and exhausted by the intensity of her suf
ferings she could but plead “save me, oh my
God.’’ At the conclusion of this meeting
Ihete were hut three baptized. At the next
monthly (the September) meeting there
were seven, and some fifteen or twenty oth
ers prolessed a hope, hut would wait a
month longer to be better satisfied.
1 he next meetings ol which 1 speak are
those held either statedly or occasionally at
Bettis’ Creek Church, Cass County, six
miles south ol Cassville. 1 say meetings,
for it would he impossible to single out a
particular meeting, and speak of it to the
exclusion ol'jlte rest. To go to Pettis’
Greek is sytiotiimous with to have a good
meeting. Bro. John L. Lewis is pastor
here, and his labors have been so greatly
blessed that the church has been in a con
tinued state of revival for the last three
years. 1 have witnessed it for the present
year, and am well convinced that “ They
that wait on the Loid shall renew their
strength. 36 liuvo been baptized here du
ring die present associaiioual year. My
paper is out.
J. 11. U. SHACKELFORD.
I'rom the Baptist Record.
Revivals.
There are fewer revivals at present in
die United Siuiee, than at any one period for
ten years past. The extraneous religious
excitements that have been produced by
Mtllerisnt and hall a dozen oilier isms,
doubtless have their legitimate effects in
producing reaction. The combined influ
ence of worldly prosperity in the revival of
business and trade, and the great political
fermentation kept up by four parties, are
causes of sufficient potency to produce the
effect of religious indifference.
Still God has not entirely forsaken his
boriUige. There are green spots in the
field ol vision. A letlei from a cot respon
dent in Norilt Carolina, dated August 31s;,
says,—
“Some of our churches are enjoyinw a
good slate of things. The clerk of the
Liberty Association writes me that at their
anniversary there was con-idetable excite
ment and several conversions. The place
of meeting was at Abbott’s Greek church,
Davidson county.
At Ballard's Bridge church, Chowan Cos.,
the pastor recently baptized 40 persons.—
At Smith's church, Northampton county,
brother 1’ informs me that at tit last
monthly meeting, (third Loid's day in Au
gust) a great work was manifest. Thirty
persons professed the hope of salvation.”
Let the inquiry be made by all our rea
ders, “Will thou not revive us again, that
thy people mav rejoice in tliee.”
J. M. P.
Revivals. —Wc learn from the Baptist
Banner, that during the mouth of August,
35 persons were added by baptism to the
May slick church, K’tv.
Ala protracted meeting held at Mill
Creek, Nelson county, K’ty., Aug. 15-26,
23 persons were received lor baptism.
At Spring Hill, Gibson Cos., Tenn., at a
protracted meeting held with the Baptist
church, 13persons were baptized.
On Lord’s day last, Elder M. T. Sum
ner baptized live peisons, at Bethlehem,
Henrico Cos., the fittits of a protracted
meeting.— lick Herald.
Correspondence.
Dear Bro. Worth, —1 have just return
ed from a mission on the Aroostook river,
and as it is needful for me to write you on
business, 1 improve a moment to give you
a short account of the state of leiigion in
that region, hoping it will not be altogether
uninteresting to you and the numerous rea
ders of the Register. The land on the
margin of the river, for a distance of 60 or
86 miles, is settled, principally, by people
from the Provinces, Schools are almost
unknown among them and 1 am told that
not more than one in four, old and young
can either read or write.
There have been a number of churches
formed, of what 1 can hardly describe
But sure 1 am, they arc composed of such j
materials as cannot long hold together.— |
Some ministers from the Provinces, as 1
have been repeatedly ••mdcredibly informed,
have urged upon these uninformed people
the necessity of baptism as means of re
pentance. Others baptized any who had
spoken in public, without hearing their re
ligious experience or taking the advice of
the church. The influence of such a
church must be very deleterious. I have
inquired of these members, ‘Do you enjoy
religion ?’ The answer is ‘no.’ ‘Did you
ever enjoy the consolations ol religion?’
‘•Why, yes, I once enjoyed them.’ In
, some instances, I have tried to obtain a his
tory of their feelings since they prolesscd
; religion, but can find nothing that looks
like the religion of Christ. F greatly fear
that the larger part of them know nothing
of the consolations of a good hope through
grace and of what use is our hope, if it does
not lead us to perseverance in tlie ways of
holiness ? But among them, I find some
mourning Christians, who give decided
evidence of regeneration.— X H Bap. Reg.
Howland, Me. Sept. 7 1844.
PENFIIiLU.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1844.
Query. —ls it right for an agent to pay
the postage when he sends the names of
four subscribers for the Index ?
•dns. — We will not discuss the right but
cheer.ully pay the postage. Extracts from
a Florida Missionary next week.
“D ” who writes from Columbus, Mi
is informed that we do not publish in our
paper grave charges, made by an anony
mous writer, against any one. If he will
give us his name, with a certificate from
someone whom we know, that he is really
a corporeal being, known and designated
by the name which he may send us, we
will n l hesitate a moment to publish Ins
charge against us, or any other that lie may
tlimk proper to prefer.
The Georgia Association.
The anniversary of tins body was held
with the Antioch Church, Oglethorpe Cos.
ten miles fiom this place. The introducto
ry sermon was delivered oil Friday, bv
Rev. C. M, Irvine from Ileb. 5, 12. The
preacher pointed out, very elearly and forc
ibly, what was needed to give greater elfi
ciency to our churches. We hope his re
marks will long be remembered by those
who heard them, and lead to a general re
loiinution of our churches, in those pnnic
ulars in which they were truly represented
to be deficient. The Missionary seimon,
on Lord’s day, was delivered by Rev. Win.
T. Brandy, Jr; the one appointed to deliv
er it, and his alternate, having both been
prevented from fulfilling the appointment.
The sermon was founded on the closing
part of 2. Corinthians 5. 14. and attracted
very general and close attention. It was
highly creditable to our young brother, and
we have no doubt made a favorable im
pression on many minds. The colleen n
taken up amounted to one hundred dollars’
The session commenced on Friday lltli
Inst., and closed on Monday the 14i11.
As the matter for this paper was arranged
previous to our return Irom the Association
we caunot at present give a more extended
notice of its proceedings.
Our attendance at die Georgia Associa
ted lias prevented our noticing minutes
sent us by other bodies, and many rominti
nieulions received. Bro. Ross of Mi. musi
also indulge us another week.
Extracts from Letters of Correspondents.
Bro. B, It. Willsunof Dadevdle, Ala.
writes, under date Ist Inst.—"l again ad
dress you with a few lines. We have just
closed our Association, (the Liberty,) and
truly it was a refreshing season. Our bu
siness was conducted very harmoniously,
and the Lord was truly present, and that to
bless—however the Minutes will be sent
you as soon as they come out. I left the
association and went to my church at Pro
vid nee, Chambers Cos. and truly the Lord
was there. I baptized tuo and received
tw o more on Sabbath evening (not yet bap
tized.)jl am soil trying to sw ell thejiumber
of subscribers for yourexcellent paper, &c.” |
Bro. W. enclosed money for two and sent
us the names ol ten more new subscribers.
ICT’An extra number will be sentas direct
ed by him.
Our Circulation.
What is wanting to extend it ? We will
give the opinion of a ministering brother
in Alabama, who lias sent us, within the
year the names of twenty-two new subscri
bers. He writes, “1 am of opinion there
is nothing wanting hut a little more effort
with the ministers to give your paper a
more genetal circulation: for (find it an
easy matter, when the merits of tour paper
are brought to bear on the minds of the
people, to get subscriber. One brother
told me the other day, every paper he got
was worth more to him than the money he
paid for it; and while it breathes the spirit
it now breathes, I think it will still advance.”
That brother has endeared himself to us by
his active and unwearied efforts in behalf
of our paper, as well as by his kind ex
pressions of interest in onr temporal and
spiritual welfare. The remembrance of
such brethren at a throne of grace helps to
enkindle love, awaken gratitude, and make
devotion sweet.
The mail that brought us the letter from ]
which we made the above extract brought |
us also the names of 15 new subscribers,!
with only one discontinuance; and that
was ordered prospectively and was accom
panied with money in advance. The num
ber of new subscribers obtained during the
last week were, by mail, 19—at the Geor
gia Association, 15—=total 34.
Query for the. Ala. Baptist. —Why is
it mote criminal in brother Buck to cireu
| late, in a private manner, proposals for a
, Western Publication Society, than it is for
bro. Peck to issue, in a like tnannet, a
i pamphlet against bro. Buck and ourself, at
| the expense of the denomination ? If
‘ there be a rumor of the one, has there not
been mote ihm a rumor rif the other?
Rev. Jonathan Davis, having returned
home Irom the Indian Springs, desires all
communications designed for him to be di
rected, hereafter, to Palmyra, Lee county,
Ga.
.1 Coincidence. —It is somewhat remark
ahle, that without any previous concert,
“A Baptist Ministet” and the editor should
have their minds directed, at die same lime,
to the same passage of scripture, (1 Tim.
6. 1—5,) and should be led, both of them,
to take and present die same view of it in
our last number. Neither of us knew
what the othei had done, until the papef
was printed; for the article of -A Baptist
Minister” was put into the hands of the
printer, without having passed through
those of the editor. This was done, how
ever, not without authority from us. Hav
ing confidence in die ability and orthodoxy
of the writer, we had, after having exam
ined one or tu o numbers, authorized the
publication of the articles on Slavety with
out submitting them to our revision. As
there is no such thing as chance, should
not this coincidence lie consideie.l as a pro
vidential occurrem e, and attract more atten
tion to the passage of scripture to which
reference was made?
A False Presentation.
Onr brother ol the Alabama Baptist, iii
his remarks on our reply to his atta-k on
os, represents us as having assailed him.
This is certainly a “false presentation,”
my good biother. You were the assailant,
and we only replied in self-defence on our
second attack. Aon represented remarks
which we made in support of onr objec
tions as the objections themselves. Have
we ever served you thus? You represent
ed us as “ blustering, raving,” &e. Have
we ever applied such epithets to vou ? Is
it just, generous or magnanimous to assail
one for the views which he lias expressed,
and then refuse to discuss the correctness
of those views ? We have on'y one favot
to ask ot yon mv brother—grant that, and
sure ue are that we shall live in peace with
each other. Never assail our views, un
less you are willing to discuss them with
us fully and fairly. Do not come nut into
the public highway, strike us a blow, then
lorn on your heels, run into your sacred re
treat, and entrench yourself within vour re
served rights. That is not the way we
treat opponents in the South, If you would
sustain the character of a “Southern edi
tor,” you must observe the rule of honor
which the custom of Southern editors has
established in reference to this mallei,
We are grieved, notolTemletlutyourcoime,
brother.—So fare-llice-well: and may the
circulation of your paper and your useful
ness be multiplied a thousand held. Thus
to multiply them is ail the harm we would
wish to tlo thee.
Wrong Reading.
Our friend of Zion’s Advocate has not
read us aright, it would appear from the fol
lowing extract:
“In the Advocate of August 27. wc quo
ted the account given in those articles nl the
manner in which Hebrews became siaves,
and pressed on the editor of the Index the
question whetliei these examples are writ
ten for our imitation. We understand by
what we rend above, that he admits that
they are not. We like the editor of the In
dex as an opponent, both because he can
understand an argument, and also because
he manlully and cheerfully yields a point
when lie secs it is untenable.”
We do not believe that what is recorded
of the Hebrew slaves makes .-liveholding
to be a duty. But this it would do if it
were recorded expressly “ for our imita
tion.” We only contend that w hat is writ
ten in Ihe hihie, in lefercnce to slaves, gives
a divine sanction to slavery, and, therefote,
that our abolition friends, however pure in
heart they may be, err in judgment, when
they denounce slavery as a sin; and this is
all for which “ A Baptist Ministet” con
tended in the article on which the editor
commented. We too like the editor of Zi
on’s Advocate, abolitionist as he is; because
he appears to act honestly ami does not, as
some others, wilfully pervert and misrepre
sent the views of an opponent.
Our Colored Population. —For the in
formation of our friends at the North, who
represent tltat the religious interests of our
colored population are wholly negs cted in
the South and Southwest, we transfer to our
pages the report of a committee made to
the Mississippi Baptist Slate Convention,
at its last meeting. We also hops that the
publication of this report will exert a salu
tary influence on our readers in the South,
by exciting them to more active efforts to
impart religious instruction to their servants.
It would argue a weak mind, as well as
depraved moral feelings, to allow ourselves
to be lnterrup.ed in the discharge of our du
ty, by the false philanthropy of foreign in
termeddlers.
Report on the Colored Population.
The committee to whom the spiritual
welfare of the r.oloied population was refer
red. beg leave to submit the following v
Whereas, From the reports from various
parts of the State that have come into the
possession of your committee, we find that
; their spiritual welfare has and is now receiv
ing much more attention than formerly, and
that the best and most efficient mode of
preaching the gospel to that portion of our
population, is to preach to them in unmixed
congregations; and inasmuch as many of
the planters owning large numbers of ser-