Newspaper Page Text
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX.
SAMUEL BOYKIN, Editor.
TELEGRAPH POWER PRESS.
GKA..
Wednesday, April 25, 1860.
Notice.
All communications for the INDEX, must be
addressed simply “CHRISTIAN INDEX,” Macon,
Georgia. Those intended only for the eye of the
Editor, must be addressed to him individually.
REV. F. IIAYGOOD, AgH.for Index
Dr. Crawford’s Sermon.
The Introductory Sermon of the Geor
gia Baptist Convention was preached by
Rev. N. M. Crawford, D. D., from the
last clause of the 10th verse, of the Bth
chap, of Hebrews, “And they shall be to
me a people.” It was a forcible exposi
tion of the truth of the text. The preach
er presented with great clearness the dis
tinctive characteristics of the true Chris
tian, as a regenerated people by the power
of the Spirit of God.
He earnestly enforced the fact that
God’s people were a repenting people—not
once, but as long as subject to the corro
dings of sin. Asa believing people, iixiug
their faith on Jesus, and Jesus only, as a
Saviour. A faith that directs the life
Christward and upward. All such people
are a willing people, made willing in the
day of God’s saving power. Such a peo
ple are a working people, delighting in
their Master’s service, and willingly imi
tating him in doing good. Christ was
emphatically a worker , always about his
Father’s business. Ilis people will love
to ask him,day by day,“Master, what shall
Ido to-day ?” A working people are a
fruitful people, they labor not in vain.—
Their Master is the vine—living vine—
they the branches receiving life from him,
they will bring forth fruit. The husband
man prunes them to this end. By their
fruits they will be known.
The preacher was particularly eloquent
and impressive in enforcing the truth that
they were also a witnessing people. Ev
ery action seen and judged, they the ac
tors, the world the spectators, and every
production of effect for the honor and glo
ry of God and the church, or to bring it
into reproach.
They are a loving people, and by loving
one another, command the admiration of
the world, and elicit the exclamation from
those who are ever watching to judge of
the practical truth of Christianity, “See
how these people love one another.’’ The
necessity of this element of experience in
onr intercourse not only with the world,
but at all times and under all circumstan
ces, with each other, was most affection
ately enforced. So that all might not on
ly know that we were God’s people, but by
our oneness that we were children of God
and were laboring to fulfill the prayer of
the Saviour, who prayed that his people
might be one, even as He and the Father
were one.
It was a most interesting and exceed
ingly appropriate discourse, and cannot
fail in doing much good.
Ministers’ Meeting
About one hundred brethren met on
Thursday morning last, in the basement
ol’the Baptist Church in Macon, iu obedi
ence to Bro. Teague’s suggestion, that a
Ministers’ meeting be held the day before
the Convention.
Bro. Teague was requested to lead the
meeting, which he did with great proprie
ty.
A Committee was appointed to retire
and propose a few questions for the con
sideration of the brethren, which they did.
The following are the questions propo
sed :
“The Committee suggest the following
questions as topics—
-Ist. May not one of the causes of min
isterial inefficiency be, Christ is not suffi
ciently prominent in our public ministra
’ tions.
2nd. Do we enjoy as we should, an ex
perimental sense of the presence of the
Holy Spirit, in our efforts to advance the
cause of Christ —and may not a detieieney
at this important point, be the cause ot
much of our inefficiency as Ministers?
3rd. Is not Pastoral visiting too much
neglected ?—should not these -visits be
more frequent —and more decidedly reli
gious ?
4th. Is not one cause of Ministerial in
efficiency owing to a want of hearty co
operation on the part of the deacons and
members ?
REMARKS.
We will merely remark in reference to
the discussion of these questions, that it
was conducted in a warm-hearted, devout,
christian-like manner.
Bro. 11. E. Talliaferro, of Tuskegee,
opened the discussion by remarks which
struck a happy chord in every heart, and
gave a spirit to the whole meeting of a
solemn, devotional nature.
The remarks of various brethren on the
different questions, whether giving their
opinions, narrating experiences, or propo
sing plans, were such as were calculated
to do good, arouse zeal, and awaken iu
the ministry a more determined effort, by
sell-consecration, personal efforts, preach
ing more of Christ and him crucified, and
pastoral labors towards individuals, to se
cure the presence and blessings of the
Holy Spirit. It was decided that anoth
er Ministers’ meeting should be held
Thursday, before the next Georgia Bap
tist Convention—it being the desire to
make the custom permanent.
Revision Publications.
We have received from the llevison
Rooms, Louisville, Ky., the proof edition
• of Paul’s Epistle to Philemon, as revised
by the American Bible Union. It is neat
ly bound in muslin. Price, 30 cents, 12mo.
Also, No. 43 ot the Bible Union Report
er ol IY . —which contains the revision
of Philemon in quarto form. Tnis is the
first of anew series of the Monthly Re
porter, which will embrace Philemon, Ist
and 2nd Gallaiians, Matthew,
etc., from the Committee of Final Revi
sers. The average number of pages in
the Monthly Reporter is twenty. The
number contains thirty-two, still it will be
put at the same price—Bl per year, or $1
for 12 numbers—to all who commence
with the new series.
These are interesting specimens of re
vision, and are accompanied with an in
troduction to the Epistle, the Greek text
and philological notes, which will not fail
to be appreciated.
Creek Translations.
Brother Buckner’s translation must be
speedily printed ; our Creek Missions de
mands it; the cause of God demands it;
charity for dying souls demands it.
Bro. Buckner lays the matter plainly
before our readers, and says, “Will the
Baptists of the South rally to the publica
tion of these manuscripts. * * * If
you will publish ray manuscripts in good
style and soon, w r e will be in advance of
all other denominations in the good work.
Please forward a contribution to the Ma
rion Board.’’
The direction in plain and pointed, foe-
WARD A CONTRIBUTION TO THE MaRION.
We do hope the brethren will not let
this publication languish ; but will, by
their generosity, enable the Board to sejid
out immediately, and in good styit?, an
edition of this Creek t ranslation. S
The Committee’s report annexed to
Bro. B’s. letter, should satisfy every one
that the translation is entirely reliable.
♦♦♦
The Bones found in the Greene
COUNTY EXCAVATION.
“Bro. Ivirke Langford’’ has made his
report on the Bonee found in this “won
derful cave,” and from it we are constrain
ed to believe that he is, “although a plain
blunt farmer, one of the best versed men
m science in the State.”
He says in digging ditch lately, he did
discover some bones, which, upon careful
investigation, he discovered to be the
bones of a certain species of animal re
markable for its long ears; but he adds
rather emphatically, that he does not
think the bones so ongly asinine, as
those of the writer, ;ose “communica
tion was intended to prepare the public
ear” for his account.
We are glad, however, that “H. 11. T.”
had the magnanimity to confess to Pro
fessor Tucker and the Penfield President,
his share of the joke—saying that the ini
tials signed, were “A. 11. T.’’ We will
give him the benefit his assertion, and add
that “A. 11. T.’’ might have, by a typo
graphical error, became “H. H. T.” but it
is very doubtful.
After all, who believed the discovery
to be genuine ? Who will admit that they
did ? Any ? By no means. Whose name
is bared to the imputation of making se
rious inquiries concerning the matter of
President Crawford ? Os course no one
really believed in the reality of the dis
coveries.
Index not to be Sold.
The Special Committee reported favor
ably to the sale of the Index ; but the op
position in the Convention was strong;
and the motion of Rev. J. 11. Campbell, to
lay the whole matter on the table, was
carried.
Anniversary of the Bible and Col-
PORTEUR SOCIETY.
This Anniversary was held during the
session of the Convention on Saturday
night.
The opening prayer was offered by the
President, and the Annual Report was
read by Rev. C. M. Irwin, one of the of
ficers.
We may here correct g,n error in regard
to Bibles sold by the Society during the
last year, made in our editorial of last
week. From the Report, it seems that
61,025 worth of Bibles were sold, rather
than 6272 worth. SIOO worth of S. S.
Books were donated ; 6180 worth of good
books, nearly 6100 worth of Bibles, and
25,000 pages of Tracts.
Rev. E. B. Teague made an able and
eloquent address in favor of disseminating
books, and held his audience spell bound
for many minutes. The Rev. L. R. L.
Jennings then discussed, iu manly, bold,
aud vigorous terms, the necessity of Col
porteurs to go among the people with
those books. Ilis remarks were very ap
propriate, and excited many commenda
tions. Tiie Rev. J. g. Warren, ofMil
ledgevilie, then arose, and with a lofty
eloquence, depicted the value and neces
sity of securing Sabbath Schools, aud es
pecially thoroughly Baptist S. S. Books.
Our friend aud coV e-mate, is a yonng
man of great promise, and is destined, if
health continues, to make his mark in
Georgia. He possess 3 decided talent,
considerable eloquence, and is a genuine
Baptist. Ilis remar . received the ut
most attention.
Bro. 11. C. then made a few
of the happiest hints in the line of moneta
ry appeal, that we ever heard. To a
sprightly, precise, and vigorous mind, he
unites a vivacity and pointedness of ut
terance that excites envy. The right
word, in the right place, at the right time
and in the right way, are the characteris
tics of his delivery. To vim, he unites a
most piquant humor ; and to self-posses
sion, |he unites a spicy wit. Though a
pungent writer,a sharp debater and strong
land-marker, he can unite with his breth
ren in support of the Bible and Colpor
teur “Machine,” or bow tearfully with
them around the altar, devoted to Mis
sionary supplications—aye, and give his
money to be applied by Missionary
Boards.
Ilis appeal brought several hundred
dollars into the Treasury of the Bible aud
Colporteur Society.
The Anniversary concluded pleasantly.
Brethren saw the Book store, and know
something now of what the Society is, and
what it is trying to do. Let all send or
ders for Books, and thus show their ap
preciation of the Depository.
To some of th© Ga. Association.
Bro. Editor : Please allow me to say
a few words through the Index, to some
of my dear brethren of the Georgia Asso
ciation. I notice] in the Tennessee Bap
tist of the 31st of March, the folio vying
preamble and resolution from the Little
Brier Creek Church, Warren county, Ga.,
while in conference, March 3rd, 1860.
Whereas, we have been informed that
the New Providence Church in our coun
ty, have invited the Rev. J. R. Graves to
visit them at the session of the next Geor
gia Association, to meet with them on
Friday before the second Sabbath in Oc
tober next, and desire our co-operation in
that invitation. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That we most cordially ex
tend to the Rev. J. R. Graves, our warm
est solicitation to attend Baid Association.
I regret such a movement among the
Churches in the Georgia Association and
doubt very much the propriety of it just
at this time. I cannot see that we can
be benetitted by such a thlbg, but think
I can see how we can be troubled, should
the invitation be accepted. ,
I will say to my brethren of N ew Provi
dence and Little Green River churches,
that I am not to be understood as oppos
ing their inviting Bro. Graves to come
and see them as churches at their own
meetings, Ac., but I am opposed to them
when they invite Bro. Graves to meet the
Georgia Association. Nor am I opposed
to it, because I am opposed (personally)
to Bro. G’s. being at the Georgia Asso
ciation. Ido not know that I shall be at
the Association, but should I be there, I
| much prefer meeting my dear brethren
in a quiet condition without Bro. Graves,
than to meet them embarrassed with him.
Nor do I mean to say, that Bro. Graves
would do anything himselt to our hurt,
but I do say, that his being present would
very likely raise a question which would
trouble us.
As to my own position, I am ready to
proclaim that upon the house-top when
necessary. As to the brethren of the
churches referred to, it may not be amiss
and quite sufficient for me to say, that I
should not be surprised to know that in
reference to Bro. G’s. church relation, we
are perfectly agreed ; thus much I said
to let brethren know that I am not op
posing “Graves” by the opposition set up
to his being invited by a few of our
churches to meet the next Association.
But my dear brethren, I am opposed to
any motion that would very likely throw
us into confusion, lfl am not deceived I
want peace.
I am not certain that it is a very tene
ble ground for a church, only a constitu
ent member of an Association, to take
such an action. And more especially
when wo know a large number of our
brethren differ in reference to the church
relations of one thus invited.
Brethren, those wiio know me, know
that lam an uncompromising Baptist. 1
am, I think, disposed to dodge no necessa
ry issue. I lOve the avowed principles of
the Baptists—such as a personal atone
ment, eternal and unconditional election,
final perseverance of the Saints, believers,
immersion, Ac., and if I understand Land
markism, lam a Land-marker. But lam
disposed to dodge, yea, to oppose every
unnecessary issue. 1 am not disposed to
trouble, nor speak hard things of my
brethren, who, I believe, honestly enter
tain different views to mine. Ah, I fear
there has already been too much of this!
And I only ask to be done by, as I do
in this particular And notwithstanding,
I am a young man, comparatively ; 1 res
pectfully ask every Baptist to consider
this truth —that while olfenees must come,
our Master (?) has said, “woe unto that
man by whom they come.’’
Brethren, if this is wrong, please forgive
me, and I do so no more.
J. B. BUTLER.
Dry Fork, Ga., April 7th, 1860.
Delegates to the Creorgia Convention.
ASSOCIATIONS.
Appalaehee —J. M. Stillwell, B. S. Sheafs, I).
11. Moncrief, Jesse W. Jackson.
Bethel —C. D. Mallary, Wm. M. Jones, E. AY.
Warren, H. C. Ilornady, W. 11. Clarke, AY.
P. Carter, A. P. Mitchell, Richard Thornton,
AY. 11. C. Davenport, D. A. Cochrane, Jas.
11. AYade, Lott AYarren, AYm. L. Crawford,
Jesse Robson.
Clarksville —S. Sisk, T. A. Bell.
Central —J. E. Brown, J. L. Warren, J. 11.
Corley, P. Loud, T. J. Burney, A. E.
Cloud, E. A. Jewell, L. AY. Smith.
Columbus —J. Harris, C. C. AYillis, AY. D. At
kinson, T. J. Miles, J. H. DeVotie, Wm. C.
Gray, T. B. Slade, J. Carter, M. A. George,
J. S. Searcy.
Ebenezer —ll. Bunn, G. R. McCall, G. AYalker,
T. S. Chappel, G. B. Hughes, L. Solomon,
AY. D. Horne, AY. 0. Bell, J. Walker, R. B.
Edmonds.
Flint River —A. Sherwood, AY. G. McMichael,
J. T. Kimbell, A. A’anhoose, J. 11. Campbell,
D. L. Duffey, AY. Thomas, P. A. Lawson,
Eden Taylor.
Georgia —P. 11. Mell, Thomas Stocks, P. F.
Burgiss, J. H. Stockton, R. L. McWhorter,
R. Gunn, H. A. Tupper, J. Hogan, J. R.
Young, J. B. Butler, AYm. Dallas, J. T.
AYingtield, T. P. James, B. M. Callaway, AY.
P. Steed.
Hephzibah —AA r . 11. Davis, G. 11. Cliett, AY. L.
Kilpatrick, E. R. Carswell, L. M. Carter, T.
I). Key, G. Stapleton, E. J. Pannel, S. Ar
rington, Eli Mustin, R. N. Reid.
Houston —S. D. Averett, Thomas Aldridge,
Abner Burnham, AYm. B. Cone, Hardy Mor
gan, Larkin Joiner, Jr., T. C. Cone.
Middle —M. N. AlcCall, J. P. Thompson, G. L.
Jackson, AY. Cooper, J. R. Cooper, J. AY.
Hunter, E. Gross, Jr.
Piedmont —S. G. Daniel, D. A. A ason, D. G.
Daniell, G. S< Obear.
Rehobolh —B. F. Tharpe, Jacob King, AA r . C.
AA'ilkes, Jesse Horn, T. E. Langley, J. 11.
Clarke, J. H. AA'eaver, J. DeLohche, Samuel
Felder.
Sunbury —S. Landrum, F. R. Sweat, J. W.
Rabun, \Y. F. “W illis, J. E. Hogg, R. S. Hard
wick, Isaac Bruner, W. F. Chaplin, G. W.
Wylly, G. S. Frierson, M. Luff burrow, C.
M. Irwin, J. F. Dagg, J. W. Fears, T. J.
Swanson.
Sarepta —A. Chandler, L. R. L. Jennings, L.
AY. Stephens, I. 11. Goss, J. K. Cowan, J. 11.
Westmoreland, I. W. Johnson, T. B. Moss,
R. Eberhart, W. F. Stark, J. G. Holtzclaw.
Slone JMountain —A. T. Holmes, W. Thames,
T. A. Gibbs, J. T. Clarke, V. A. Gaskill,
James Clark.
Southern —W. B. Daniels.
Western —H. Carmichael, E. B. Teague, W. A.
Callaway, G. R. Moore, J. V. Davis, James
Culberson, J. G. Fry, TJ. B. Wilkinson, B. C.
Johnson, 11. S. Moore, J. E. Robinson, James
Callaway.
Washington —C. “NY. Stevens, W. M. Verdery,
O. C. Pope, A. Duggan, W. T. Harley, J. M.
G. Medlock, James M. llall.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
Antioch —AY. Edwards, L. M. Edwards, Wm.
Jewell.
Bairdstown —J. EL McWhorter, James R. San
ders, C. D. Kinnebrew.
Columbus —J. K. Redd, J. F. Bozeman, M. J.
AYellborn. v
Greensboro —N. AI. Crawford, U. AY. Wise.
Madison —Geo. Y. Browne, D. E. Butler.
Milledgemlle —James C. AYhitaker, James A.
Garrison.
Mercer University —S. G. Hillyer, J. E. AYillet,
S. P. Sandford.
Young Men's Missionary Society , Mercer Uni
versity —O. C. Pope, Jr.
While Plains —J. H. Kilpatrick.
Augusta —J. J. Pearce, R. P. Zimmerman, L.
A. Verdery.
Am. Bap . Fem. Miss. Soc. —J. A. Ansley. 1
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION.
Macon, Friday, April 20, 1860.
The Georgia Baptist Convention assembled in this
city, in the Baptist Church, at 11 o’clock, a. m , and
listened to the Introductory Sermon, from I)r. N.
M. Crawford, Heb. 8: 10 (last clause) —“And they
shall be to me a people.”
These words contain a single proposition—God
has a people.
The minister announced that his object was to set
forth some of the characteristics of God’s people.
Ist. God’s people are a regenerated people —born
of God, not of the will of men, nor of th& Hesh, but
of God.
2d. God’s people are a repenting people—repen
tance not transitory, but goes with us until we enter
upon the rewards of the upper sanctuary.
3d. God'speople are a believing people —they be
lieve in the Cord Jesus Christ. This belief changes
their life—their actions.
4th. God's people are a willing people. We can
not lay any claim to be God’s people, unless we are
a willing people.
sth. God’s people are a working people. Jesus
was a working man. If we would imitate Him, we
must be working Christians. Such questions as these
should be continually in our hearts: —Lord! What
shall 1 do tc-day ?
6th. God’s people are a fruitful people. The Sa
viour said, “I am the vine.” God’s people will be
fruitful. Do we need pruning? Every Christi in
sets a wave in motion which will break upon the
shores of Eternity. How solemn, then, is it to live!
7th. God’s people are a witnessing people. Ye
are my witnesses. Ye are a spectacle. Eye of the
world upon us.
Bth. God’s people are a loving people. Anew
Commandment I give unto you—“ That you love one
another.”
9th. God’s people to be one people— Christ pray
ed for it. His prayer will be answered. None are
able to pluck them out of His hands.
After the Sermon, on motion of Bro. Stocks, a
Committee consisting ot Brethren de Votie, Butler,
and J. H. Kilpatrick, were appointed to examine the
credentials ot brethren purporting to be entitled to
seats in the Convention.
It was agreed that the Convention assemble for
business at 3 o’clock, p. m.
Three o’clock, P. M.
The President, Dr. P. H. Mell, called the Conven
tion to order. Prayer by Rev. Dr. Boyce, of South
Carolina.
The Committee on Credentials reported the names
of members composing the Convention.
The President then announced that the brethren
whose names had been read out as delegates from
Associations and Societies composed the present
Convention.
While the Committee appointed to count the
votes was engaged, the Conveutiou spent the time
in devotional exercises.
Bro. R. L. McWhorter, Chairman of the aforesaid
Committee, reported to the Convention that Dr. P.
H. Mell was elected President; Rev. J. F. Dagg,
Clerk, and Rev. C. M. Irwin, Assistant Clerk.
The President returned thanks for the continued
confidence which his brethren had reposed in him.
He said that in order that order should prevail, it
was necessary that the Presiding officer be control
led by Rules of Order, and that the members should
acquiesce in the observance of those Rules, which
have been sanctioned from time immemorial, and
co-operate with the Presiding officer in his efforts to
enforce them. It had ever been his good fortune,
since he had the privilege of presiding over that
body, to receive such co operation, and he would
speak for its continuance He confidently bespoke
it. It was very possible that he might appear tp do
some of the members injustice, but he wished the
members to understand, whilst he would assure
them that the injustice would be unintentional, that
the remedy was in their own hands, as the Rules of
Order controlled the Presiding Officer as well as
the member!! He would not complain if an appeal
wastajsen from his decision; indeed, he would view
such an appeal as the manifestation of good feelings
towards himself. He would pronounce the Con
vention ready for business.
A commuuiqation was received from the officers
of the Academy tor the Blind, inviting the Conven
tion at some convenient time to assemble at the
Academy, to witness the exhibition of the pupils in
literary and musical exercises
The Convention accepted the invitation,, and on
motion of Brother Landrum appointed to morrow
evening (Saturday) at 5 o’clock as the time when
they would witness the exercises.
On motion of Brother E. W. Warren, reporters for
the press were admitted to seats on the floor.
Appointed Committee on business —Campbell,
Mallory, Burney, Warren, Pope and Gunn. Commit
tee on Preachers—E. W. Warren, DeLoaeh, Ra
bun, Wellborn and J. W. Johnson. Committee on
Finance—Wilkinson, Jones and Moss.
Agreed that the hour of meeting be 8J o’clock
M. and 3 o’clock P. M., and the hour of adjourn
ment be 12| and 5 P. M.
Gave an opportunity for Associations or Socie
ties to become members of the body. Applications
were received from Cuthbert, Lumpkin, Enon and
Lagrange, Missionary Societies; also from Friend
ship Association, all of which bodies were unani
mously admitted as constituent elements of the Con
vention.
Bro. Ilornady inquired of the President, by what
rules of order the Convention was governed.
The President; Parliamentary Rules, Parliamen
tary Law.
Bro. Ilornady said, as he did not know whether
Parliamentary law, meant the rules as laid down in
Jefferson's Manual, or those by which the House of
Representatives in Congress was governed, he would
move that a committee to draft suitable rules for the
government of the Convention be appointed. He
thought it very important that all the members
should kiiow the rules by which the body was go
verned, in order that they might govern themselves
accordingly.
Bro. Stocks thought that the adoption of Bro. Ilor
nady’s motion would leave the Convention at sea.—
The’ rules of tlie House of Representatives were not
at all applicable to the Convention, and therefore the
Convention could not be governed by them. The
Convention had been hitherto governed by the rules
ot Jefferson’s Manual, and he was opposed to any
committee to draft any more rules for the govern
ment of the Body.
Bro. Hornady had not meant that the Convention
should adopt the rules of the House of Representa
tives in Congress ; but that the matter of rules for
the government of the Body, be referred to a com
mittee, and be was perfectly willing, if the Conven
tion thought proper, to adopt the rules laid down in
Jefferson’s Manual, or any other suitable ones.—
His sole object, was to have them understood and
known by every member of the Convention.
Bro. Sherwood inquired of the Presiding Officer
if the Convention should adopt rules for its govern
ment the present year, would it have to re-adopt
them in 1861 ?
The Presiding Officer—Yes Sir.
Bro. S. thought it would bo imposing needless work
on the body.
Bro. Lott Warren was in favor of the adoption of
a few plain rules by the body for its government.—
Parliamentary law, as it was called, it was well
known, differed very materially in’some of its provi
sions, He instanced the case of the Previous Uues
tion, which was decided to have a very different ef
fect in the House of Representatives of Georgia, and
the Congress cf the U. 8.
Bro. Walker moved to amend the motion by re
quiring the Committee to report at the session of the
body in 1861.
Bro. Gaskill had thought of making the motion
which Bro. Ilornady had made. He knew of no
body of the dignity of the Convention that did not
have rules expressly formed for its own government.
In consequence of the want of a few plain rules mem
bers were constantly getting themselves into diffi
culty by making motions which were pronounced
out of order. As lor the rules in Jefferson’s Manual,
he did not believe that 12 of the members knew what
they were. He thought by 9 o’clock Monday, rules
might be framed which would answer the body for
many years to come.
Bro. Tharp said that it was well known that all
deliberative bodies had their own rules of govern
ment. He thought it proper that the Convention
should have its own rules. Also,
Bro. DeVotie, thought that if the Convention was
disposed to obey rules, it should respect one which
it had already adopted ; merely that of adjourning
at 5 o’clock.
Bro. Campbell moved, as a substitute for the mo
tion, that the Convention adopt Jefferson’s Manual
as its guide in rules of order.
Bro. Lott Warren, thought that the rules Ln that
Manual should be well known before adopted.—
It was competent in him to make a motion that
these rules be taken up seperately, read and passed
upon. He would not consume the time of the Con
vention by so doing, but he was opposed to the adop
tion ot them unless he was certain they were under
stood by the Convention.
Bro. Gaskill thought if the President and Bro.
Warren themselves, differ in regard to the rules
of Parliamentary law as they did on the previous
question, the other members might be well suppos
ed to be still more ignorant. For his part though
he had read those rules he did not then remember
them, and he would repeat his opinion that he did
not believe twelve members of the body understood
what they were.
Bro. Stocks thought at best, four times that num
ber understood them, they were so plain and simple.
He had been a member of deliberative bodies since
1?28, and had never known any material difficulty to
arise from the application of these rules.
Bro. Butler was opposed to any system of go
. vernment being introduced into the Convention, that
was not sanctioned by the word of God. He con
sidered that book, together with the principles of
equality and justice, righteousness aud truth, to be
amply sufficient for the future, as they had proved
themselves so in the past. For that he had
called tor a division, when the vote was taken a few
moments ago.
Bro. Horriady would remind the Brother, that if he
would look at the rules laid down in the Bible, he
would find, “Let there be no divisions.” [Laughter.]
Bro. Corley thought no member could vole on the
rules iu Jefferson’s Manual, uuless he understood
them.
Bro. AValker iu voting for the adoption of the
rules in that Manual, was confident that the Presi
dent understood them. [L&ughter.]
Bro. Devotie thought that a great deal of time
was unnecessarily consumed on this question. He
was willing to leave the government of the body as
heretofore to the President, assisted by scripture
and common sense- Any member could appeal
from the decison of the chair if he thought he had
made an erroneous decision. -• He did no. see what
more could be asked.
On motion of Bro. Culberson, the whole subject
was laid on the table.
The Committee on Preachers made its announce
ment, which is as follows: [The appointments for 1
this evening ttnd Sundsy will be found In mother
column.]
On motion of Bro. Stocks the Convention then
adjourned till to morrow morning 8J o’clock.
Prayer by Bro. Tickenor.
SECOND DAY.
Macon, Ga., Saturday, April 21,18t>0, )
85 o’clock, A. M. $
The Convention met according to adjournment—
the President, Dr. P. H. Mell, in the Chair. Pray
er by Bro. Carter, of Augusta. The minutes were
read and approved.
The Tugaloo Association made application, for
membership with the Convention. After hearing
and approving of their Constitution, the Convention,
on motion of Bro. Corley, received them into mem
bership; whereupon the President extended the
right hand of fellowship to the delegate.
Received and adopted the Report of the Commit
tee on business.
Invited ministering brethren present to seats with
the body. r lhe following brethren accepted the in
vitation : T. B. West, J. M. Childs. Columbus A.
Smith, J. L. Dagg, R. Webb, P F. Whitman, J. E.
Kyerson, W. S. Hendrick, J. P. Boyce A. R. Callo
way, B. L. Ross, S. C. Brooks, A. K. Macey, F. Cal
loway of Ala.; Jeff Thomas. E. B. Barrett.
Received the Delegates from the Alabama Bap
tist Convention —Bro. S. Henderson, H. E. Talia
fero, J. T. Tichenor, N. L. DeVotie, J. It Hand, J.
W. Williams, F. Calloway, Waid Hill, W. N.
Reeves, M. B. Harden, R. Holman, Z. W. Hen
derson
Received Delegates from the Cherokee Baptist
Convention—Bro. E. Dyer.B. F. Cooper,J. M. Wood,
S. G. Hiliyer, J. R. Chambers, S. 34. Riles, M. J.
Crawford.
Received Rev. Russel Holman, Agent from the
Revision Association.
Received Delegates from Florida Baptist Con
vention— Bros.JEverett, Dyson, Chaudoiu, Mercer.
Bro. Walker ‘moved that Bro. Hillsman be receiv
ed as Corresponding Secretary of Southern Baptist
Convention. *
Bro. Lott Warren appealed to Bro. Ilillsman to
withdraw his name from before the Convention. —
He said in case this was not done he would make a
motion, which he was loth to make. Bro W
then made the motion that the motion to receive
Bro. Hillsman be laid on the table.
Bro. Browp (Governor) appealed to Bro. Warren
to withdraw the motion, as he wished to know the
reason why Bro. Hillsman should not be received
and recognized.
On the motion to lay on the table the ayes were
50, nays 04 So the motion was lost.
Bro. Walker said he would give the explanation
which Bro. Brown wished. He had not expected
the motion of Bro. Warren and hence had not made
any explanation on making the motion. Bro. Mathew
Hillsman was the Corresponding Secretary of the
Bible Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. —
That Convention was the creature of Southern Bap
tists. It had its origin in 1845, in the city of Augus
ta. So it had a right,to a representative here. East
year in the city of Richmond five hundred and forty
six Baptist delegates assembled, the largest body of
Baptists ever assembled in the not on the
Continent, and elected Bro. Hillsman to his present
otiice, and though there were 150 Baptists in thqj
body from this State, they gave their countenance
to his election ; for they must have favored his elec
tion as tiiey did not strive to prevent it.
Bro. Mallory would correct his brother. Bro. Hills
man was not elected at the meeting of the Conven
tion, but subsequent.
Bro. Walker admitted his mistake, but contended
that inasmuch as he was elected by those who had
been elected at that meeting, the act was virtually
theirown. If the Convention desired to repudiate
the .Southern Baptist Convention, let them do so;
but let them do so on a direct issue. The Conven
tion had established the precedent of admitting the
Secretaries of the Board. In the city of Augusta,
hfo. Dayton had been received. Now why should
the place altar the case ?
Bro. Lott Warren replied at great length, lie be
gan by admitting the high Christian character of
bro. Hillsman. He stated that he had spent an al
most sleepless night in reflecting on the painful du
ty which he felt called on to perlorin. He had rare
ly felt a more painful duty. He had been brought
up by Baptists of the old sort —the feet washing
kind; Baptists who not only went to Church on the
Sabbath, but who were punctual ir, their attendance
on their Saturday Conference, and he thought he
knew what Baptist usage atul practice were. He
could not, therefore, by any action of his, seem to
endorse the sentiments which he had no doubt were
those of the Board, which bro. Hillsman sought to
represent before the Convention, as put forth by
bro. Hillsman himself, in a recent letter which he
had seen reviewed in the Baptist Correspondent.—
That communication proposed to set up a hoard for
the examination of Baptist Works, before they
should be suffered to be published by the Society,
and read by Baptists at large. He was opposed to
any such system of dictation. He regarded it as no
better than Catholicism itself. He would never con
sent to it. We had already heard of book-burning,
and the time would come, if such sentiments were
suffered to prevail, when not only should we see the
burning of books, but also the burning of their au
thors. The brother that had made the motion, had
expressed the doctrine of submission to authority,
when on yesterday, he admitted that he himself did
not understand the rules of Jefferson’s Manual, but
submitted to one who did understand them. He was
opposed to any one deciding for the Baptist denom
ination what was heresy and what was not. It
made no difference with him that five hundred Bap
tists were instrumental in the election of bro. Hills
man. lie was opposed to a Pope of every kind.
Besides, bro. Moderator, the Society had its ori
gin in impure and unholy, lie would not say motives,
for it is wrong to speak of them, but he would say im
pure and unholy purposes. He could not lay his
hand conveniently on the paper to substantiate the
position, but it was susceptible of proof that the Bi
ble Board at Nashville had its origin in opposition
to the Revision movement. Ilewould ask the Con
vention if such was not the fact—if his proposition
was not sustained ? We had already had a practi
cal demonstration of the working of the system,
when bro. Dayton had presented a certain work of
his (Theodosii.) to the Board at Charleston, with its
Episcopal head, and that Board refused to give the
hook its sanction ; but lie thanked God in spite of
that opposition, the hook found its way into the
world.
The President pronounced the brother out of ord
er in applying such an epithet to a body with which
the Convention had heretofore kept up correspond
ence.
Bro. J. L. Warren explained that the epithet Epis
copalian, applied to Mr. Tustin, and not to the body.
The President would, with that explanation, allow
the brother to proceed.
Bro. DeVotie asked il it was in order to allow the
brother to use such language as he had done, with
reference to Baptists as heretics, Catholicism and
such like.
The Chair decided that the brother might pro
ceed. He presumed that epithets were not intend
ed to be reproachful, but only to be descriptive.
Bro. Warren said that lie had not had the advan
tage of early training, and he might possibly have
used language which bad given offence. He would
disclaim any intention of offending any one in what
he had said. He thought the sentiments expressed
in the letter of Bro. Hillsman, together with the ac
tion which the Board had already had on Bro. Day
ton's work had a tendency towards Catholicism, and
might, if persisted, lead to those mirages which
grew out of the inquisition. He would close his re
marks by saying he felt no unkind feeling towards
Bro. Hillsman as a brother and Christian, hut it was
only the principles which lie had put forth that he
had felt himself called upon to defend.
Bro. Hillsman (having gained the permission of
the body) replied with equal earnestness and length
to Bro. Warren. He said he would thank the
brother who had just taken his seat lor the confi
dence which he had expressed in his Christian in
tegrity ; and he begged leave to assure him that he
would endeavi r never to do anything that would
weaken that confidence- He would accept of the
explanation which the brother had made in regard
to his want of early training, as a reason why he
should so much have misunderstood the letter on
whiehjhe had commented, as he would show before
he had finished.
Again, he was thankful for the good humor which
his brother had manifested; for notwithstanding
there was the manifestation of much zeal and
warmth in his remarks, his beaming face told too
well the (kind feelings of his heart for him to be
in any misapprehension as to the benevolence that
reigned within.
I will now, said Bro. Hillsrfian, examine the charge
■which had been alleged that the Southern Bible
Board had its origin in nnholy motives or purposes.
Bro. Warren objected that he did not use the
word unholy but impure.
Bro. Hillsman —Well, whatever is impure is unho
ly; I would therefore ask in the first place, that you
look back and see who it was that organized the
Board. William C. Buck, the editor of the paper in
which my article was reviewed, was the head and
front of that movement. He was its first Corres
ponding Secretary. Now, I ask, did Bro. Buck have
impure, or unholy purposes or motives, in the part
he took in the organization of the Southern Bible
Board 1 Will Bro. Warren say that he had ?
In the next place, who else was concerned in that
movement ? Rev. H. P. Graves and those who now
constitute the Southern Baptist Publication Socie
ty. assisted in the originating of that movement.—
Will Bro. Warren say that these brethren had unho
ly motives in what they did ? They continued to
manage its atfairs until the last biennial Convention,
and it surely would not be alledged by Bro. Warren
that these brethren had been actuated by unholy mo
tives.
Bro. Hillsman took up the rest of his time in ex
plaining and defending the letter on which Bro.
Warren had commented. He said in conclusion
that he would defend the principles contained in the
letter, and if the brethren chose to make of him a
martyr for them, he was in their hands, and would
have to submit.
Bro. Brown. (Governor) desired not to impose on
the Convention any thing to which they were unwil
ling to listen ; but he thought it most extraordinary
that the Convention should receive correspondents
from other Societies, and yet wish to lay on the taule
a motion to receive one from another, without any
explanation of the reasons for so doing. If the rose
was removed, the objections seemed to look to Nash
ville ; in other words, to Graves and Howell, the one
a Doctor of Divinity, and the other who sometimes
ridiculed Doctors, both great men. The strife seem
ed to be who should be the greatest—who should
give tone to the denomination. He thought many
of us had need to read on our knees, a certain lesson
which our Divine. Master had incu cated. As for
himself, he belonged ©either to the adherents of the
white rose, nor the red rose. He was tor leaving
the settlement of the difficulties to the Churches
where they belonged. If the brethren concerned,
had been better ministers, or as he might say, com
mon ministers, the difficulties would never have been
beard of outside of Tennessee.
Bro, Stocks appealed to Bro. Brown to let him
make a remark. He said if the discussion was sought
to be continued, he should object, on the ground
that it was out of order to discuss the question as to
the reception of a correspondent from a Society
with which the Convention had been in the habit of
corresponding. If objections were entertained to
wards the Society which bro. Hillsman represented,
the proper place to bring them forward was next
year, in the Biennial Convention at Savannah.
Bro. Brown hoped that as he had given way to
bro. Stocks, he would be allowed to finish the re
marks which he had intended to make. He had, as
his brother Warren, been brought up by Baptist pa
rents. His father was a Baptist Deacon, butthough
thus reared, he trusted that he could say. as he hoped
his brother Warren could say also, he was a Baptist
now, from the examination and approval of Baptist
principles in his maturer years. Whilst he cquld
not endorse all containeu in the letter which brother
Hillsman had written, lie still agreed with brother
Stocks, that this was not tbe proper place to take
exception to it, and he therefore hoped that the bro
ther would be received.
Bro. Carswell desired to ask bro. Brown a .ques
tion : You say that the difficulties of How-11 and
Graves should he settled by the Churches ; Do you
hold that the decision of one Church should be bind
ng on other Churches ?
Bro. Brown—“No Sir;” but I hold that no Asso
ciation or Convention should dictate to a Church
how it should decide.
Bro. Warren, explained that he did not wish from
the remarks he had made, to say that he had lost
confidence in the Baptists lie had determined to
be a Baptist, and even to try to be with the brethren
more in the future than he had been. He had de
termined if he and the Baptists were separated, they
should be on the outside.
The motion to receive Bro. Hillsman, was then put
and carried.
On motion of Bro. Landrum, Dr. J. P. Boyce was
received as an agent of the Southern Baptist Theo
logical Seminary, at Greenville, S. C'., and was al
lowed to present the claims of that Institution be
fore the body.
After he had concluded Bro. Landrum offered
the following resolutions which were taken up and
adopted :
Whereas, After several meetings of Conventions
composed of the friends of an educated ministry ot
the South, a general Theological Seminary tor the
Baptists of the South and South-West has been es
tablished at Greenville, S. C., and whereas, the said
Institution has been established by the acceptance
of the Baptists of the South of the offer made by
South Carolina to contribute one hundred thousand
dollars on the condition that an equal sum shall be
raised by the other States.
Resolved , That in the distribution of the amount
to be raised, twenty five thousand dollars is the per
tion which is expeoted of the Baptists of Georgia tor
the endowment of the Seminary.
Resolved , That in uniting in the establishment of
this Seminary, it is not the object of the Baptists of
Georgia to diminish the efforts now making in their
various educational institutions, but simply to fur
nish additional facilities for the education ot the
rising ministry. # .
The hour for adjournment having arrived the Con
vention adjourned till 3 o’clock, P. M. Prayer by
Bro. Hyerson.
3 o'clock, P. M.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
Prayer by Bro. Holmes.
Bro Van Iloose, from Ala., was received as a
ministering brother. Bro. Boyce as a correspondent
from the S. C. Baptist Convention.
Received reports from the Lxecutive Committee,
Treasurer’s Report, also report ot Board of 1 rus
tees.
PRESENTATION OF CANE.
13ro. Joshua Mercer asked permission of the Con
vention to present the cane which his eldest broth
er, Rev. Jesse Mercer, had been in the habit ot using
while in life, to someone who might.be appointed
to receive it lor the purpose of having it kept at
Penfield.
011 motion, the permission was granted ; and Rev.
Dr. Crawford, President of Mercer University, was
appointed to receive it. . 1
Bro. Joshua then advanced in front of the Presi
dent's seat. His venerable form, now wrinkled with
age, and tottering under the accumulation ot years,
still retains efficient of its primeral grandeur as to
call forcibly up the form ot him who occupied in
life so large a share of the affections of his brethren,
whose liberality contributed so largely to the en
dowment of the University that bears his name, and
who now dead still lives, and it is not saying too.
much, will ever live in the memory and affection ot
his brethren,
Bro. Mercer then said—this plain simple cane was
the one which my elder brother was 111 the habit of
using. It was the cane on which lie leaned when he
preached his last sermon. In itsell considered it is
of no value; but as a relic of my departed brother,
it possesses attractions which I trust will not make
it an unwelcome gift to my brethren. I wish it pre- ■
served in the University which bears his name. 1
wish it to be kept in the state in which 1 now pre
sent it. . . . , T
Bro. Crawford, on receiving the present, said: In
behalf of the University which bears the revered
name of Mercer; in behalf of the Baptists ot Geor
gia with whom your brother, in the days ot his man
hood, and of his age, was a tower ot strength, whose
name is still a household word, 1 accept this offering.
As you (have remarked, the cane is humble, plain,
simple in its appearance ; but to those that knew that
venerable man, it is well know’ll that this plainness,
this simplicity, is but a type of his own character.
While we cherish his memory, and. revere his name,
we will trust and pray that his plainness, his simpli
city, shall be a characteristic of those, who are t o
come after him ; that his plainness and simplicity, pi
ety and devotion, may be the characteristics ot those
to whom is entrusted the care of the University, and
of those who shall be at that University preparing
for tiie active business of life. In behali <>t my col
leagues of the Faculty, 1 thank you for this present.
It shall be kept among our choicest relics ; and when
in after days the pious visiter shall come to Peniield,
and turning away on our festive ‘Anniversary Litera
ry occasion his eyes from thb tablet on which is in
scribed his name, shall seek to go to that n-tired
graveyard where all that is mortal ot J esse M txcm
remains, there to pour out the tribute et gratitde to
him who in life, and after death, was honored be
cause he had served his generation and had loved
his master ; when that visiter shall come into that
house where we keep the relics of.tke past, and the
memorials of science, 1 am certaiu that there will
be no object there present, that will be more inter
esting to him than this caue, which so often he held
in his hand. This is the cane; I will hold i* up that
you may all see it, which at the close of 50 years in
the ministry, sustained the body ot Jesse Mercer,
when for the last time he proclaimed the unsearch
able riches of Christ, and held him up crucified as
the Savior of the world. Oh that all who look upon
it, may have their hearts inspired with his zeal, and
with his devotion. Doubtless many a visiter, many
a young man whose heart is inspired by the Spirit of
Truth to preach the same unsearchable riches of
the Gospel, many a one touching this stick, or bold
ing it in his hand, will be inspired to follow in
his footsteps, and imitate his example. Again, ven
erable brother, in behalf of the Faculty; in behalf
of the Students; in behalf of the Trustees ; in behalf
of the Convention and Baptists of Georgia, whose
servants we are, I thank you for this plain, but in
valid ble memorial of him whose name theUiiiver
sity bears. It shall be kept in the condition in which
it is received.
On motion, put olYthe election of Board of Trus
tees of Mercer University and Executive Committee,
to 8£ o’clock, Monday morning
Appointed the following standing Committee:
On Education. —J. E. Brown, W. C. Wilkes, G. T.
Browne, 11. D. Mallary, T. B. Slade and S. I\ San
ford.
On Missions. —E B. Teague, Jacob King, C. D. Mal
lory, J. L. Warren, M. N. McCall and N. M. Craw
ford.
On Nominations. —D. E. Vason, Dallas, Sheats, Cul
berson, Mustin and Hardwick.
On Deceased Ministers. —Atkinson, G. R. McCall, D.
H. Moncrief, J. li. Butler, Asa Chandler and T.
Sisk.
Received the report of the Beard of Trustees of
Mercer University, and referred ii to the following
Committee ; S- G. Daniel, E. R. Carswell, J. H. Kil
patrick, I. 11. Goss, T. 11. Murphy, L. It. L. Jen
nings, VV. P. Steed.
Appointed Correspondents as follows :
To the Alab tma Convention: —Bros. DeVotie,
Slade. Teague, Willis, Daniel, Walker, Carmichael,
Gray, Redd, Callaway, Culberson, E. W. W arren,
Weaver, Van Hoose, Goss, Stockton, Screven.
To the Florida Association :—Bros. Fleming, W.
M. Janes, Campbell, Hardwick, Stockton.
To the General Association of Virginia:—Bro.
Joseph Walker.
To the Cherokee Baptist Convention : —Bros. J.
M. Stillwell. Butler, D. G. Daniell, Holmes, J W,
Jackson, Zimmerman, King, Gaskill, J. Walker
Sherwood, Hornady, Carswell, J, It. Cowan.
To the Union Association :—Bros. M. N. McCall,
W. Cooper, J. R. Cooper.
To the S C. Convention :—Bros. Cliatt, Tupper,
Chandler, DeLoache, Hornady, Zimmerman, L. M.
Carter.
When the question of Correspondence with the
Middle Tennessee and North Alabama Associations,
came, before any definite motion was made, 5 o’clock,
the hour for adjournment arriving, the Convention
adjourned till Monday morning. 8£ o’clock,
Prayer by Bro. Burgess.
THIRD DAY.
Macon, Ga., Monday, pril 23, 1860, /
8J o'clock, A. M. $
The Convention met according to adjournment,
the President, Dr. Mell, in the chair. Prayer by bro.
Corley. The minutes were read and approved.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION.
The Clerk, (Rev. J. F. Dagg.) asked permission to
make a personal explanation. During the discussion
on Saturday some remarks had fallen from some of
the brethren, the purport of which he did not fully
understand until after the Convention had adjourn
ed, in relation to his having omitted last year at Co
lumbus, any mention of the Middle Tennessee and
North Alabama Association, in his account ot the ap
pointment of Correspondents. As there was no Cor
respondent “appointed to that Body, he had but fol
lowed the regular custom of omitting all notice of
those bodies t<> which no Correspondents weie ap
pointed. He did not know of an instance on the
Minutes of previous y--ars, in which the name of an
Association or Convention was recorded with a blank
after it, to indicate that Correspondence with that
body had not been suspended or discontinued. Be
sides, the Minutes, as printed, had been read before
the Convention, and by it approved. I bus they be
came responsible for their accuracy and he no lon
ger.
Elected as Executive Committee-Brethren Thos.
Stocks T. J. Burney, N. M. Crawford, D. E Butler,
S. G. Hillyer, J. E. Willet, J. R. Sanders.
Elected as Board of Trustees of Mercer Universi
ty-Brethren Stocks, Maliary, Campbell, Landrum,
DeVotie, Welborn, Cabanis*, Irwin, Clarke, loiter,
Barney, Evans, Johnson, Rabun, Teague, Bunn,
Wingfield, Butler. Warren, Sapp.Tharpe.
MIDDLE TENN., & N. A. ASSOCIATION.
The motion of Bro. Gaskill was taken up which is
as follows : Whereas, there is a difference of opinion
among the members of the Convention as to the pro
priety of keeping up a correspondence with the Ge
neral Association of Middle Tennessee and North
Alabama on occount of difficulties existing among
brethren in Tenn.
Resolved, without expressing any opinion as to
th'e merits of these difficulties, that harmony among
ourselves makes it necessary that our correspond
ence with that body be suspended,
Bro. Brown offered the following amendment, to
strike out afterthe word difficulties, and insert, “and
without taking any action on the question of discon
tinuing our correspondence with said Association,
that harmony among ourselves makes it expedient
that we at present appoint 110 messengers to said As
sociation.” , . . „
Bro. Brown said he proposed at this stage ot the
proceedings to offer but a tew remarks on the sub
ject under discussion. He trusted be approached
the subject with proper feelings and in a P ro P*' r
spirit. He thought much of the Tennessee difficulty
crew out of a jealousy about who should have the
victory, and it seemed to be a question here, which
of the respective parties clinging to them should
triumph. He hoped weshould not always remain 1 n
a Teunessee fog. He felt humiliated to think that
a Baptist Convention or Association could not meet
in Georgia without having a discussion ot the
.Graves and Howell difficulty before u adjourned,
and that the name of a Baptist could scarcely be
mentioned but someone would ask which wing he
belonged to. Is lie a Graves man or is he a Howell
man .’ He was heartily tired ot this, and longed to
seethe day come when Georgia Baptists would cease
to regard either as a great centre orbit around
whicb they must revolve, Said lie. suppose Gc vi a
and Howell were to die what would the Baptists ot
Georgia do for leaders? Brethren, these things
ought not so to be. We have men m Georgia as
able as either of them, and quite as much distin
guished for their piety and their zeal in the caus of
Christ. Why no: attend to our own business ami
let other people’s alone ? His opinion was that the
amendment offered by him was a compromise upon
. * a. j .. ...Abn ik.li tit iii pp imr
which all could unite and save the point ot .eeiing
with each wing. He was opposed in matters of
state and matters ofreligion, to all compromises by
which principles were sacrificed, but he w;as always
ready to compromise a difference of opinion for the
sake of the harmony of the church if it involved no
principle. His amendment onfj proposed to pass
the subject by without action for the present Ims
we couid do, as the Baptists in Tennessee had prm
dentlv neglected to send any messengers to this
Convention. Had they sent correspondents, the
uuestion must have been met, whatever might have
been the consequences to the Convention ; but this
was not the case, and he was glad of it. He admit
ted that extremists on either side might bring the
question up and force actmn, by a motion on the
one band to appoint messengers, and on the other to
drop the correspondence, but he h> ped neither
would be done. There was no necessity for action
at prtsent. He had never seen an occasion, when,
in his opinion the language of our Lord was more
appropriate —“sufficient utito the day is the evil
thereof.” Time might relieve us of the whole dif
ficulty by soothing our angry passions and calming
our excited feelings.
God in his providence might remove one or both
of the disputants from the stage of action, and the
quarrel might die with them, or he might, by his
grace soften their hearts and bring them to a proper
understanding. If they continued the difficulties,
and it were practicable, he would be delighted could
he know that no Baptist in Georgia would in any
controversy mention the name ot either of them
within the next twelve months. Could this be so,
we should all meet at the next Convention in a good
humor, and in a spirit of harmony and brotherly
love, like the Baptists met in the good old days when
Mercer, Saunders, Mallary and a number of the
good old fathers and great men of the church in the
age that is so rapidly passing away met. God grant
that we may so meet, and to this end let us pray con
stantly for a spirit of peace and harmony. He ad
monished the Convention to reflect that the eyes of
the enemies of the Baptist Church all over the State
were fastened upon them w ith intense interest. A
split in the Convention and in the denominationln
the State had been confidently predicted, and ar
dently hoped for bv them. This question was re
peatedly asked : Will t >ey not split about Graves
& Howell? He wished the Convention to answer
N*o ! But he would not take up more of the time of
the body. He had not entered upon the discussion
of the merits of the Tennessee difficulty, and did nos
wish to. He was prepared to give his opinions on
that question, should it become necessary, but ho
ardently hoped it would not be made necessary for
him to enter upon that discussion. He repeated his
ardent wish for harmony and would add no more.
On motion of Bro. Welborn, the whole subject of
Correspondence with the Association was laid ou the
table—Ayes 111, Nays 38.
SALE OF CHRISTIAN INDEX.
The Committee to whom was referred the report
of the Index Committee, reported, recommending
the sale of the Index. The subject was discussed by
various brethren, and on motion of Bro. Campbell
the report was laid on the table —Ayes 7!, Nays not
counted,
Bro. Walker asked for leave to make some re
marks on the history of the Index as connected with
his editorship ot it. The permission was refused.
On the motion to reconsider the previous vote, the
Ayes were fi ß, Nays 7~. So the motion was lost.
Heard and adopted the reports of the Standing
Committees.
The hour for adjournment having arrived, on mo
tion the Convention adjourned till 3 o’clock, P. M.—
Prayer by bro. Dyer.
Three o’clock, P. M.
The Convention met according to adjournment.—•
Prayer by bro. Henderson, of Ala.
Bro. Campbell made a personal explanation in re
lation to his motion to lay on the table the report of
the Committee recommending the sale of the Chris
tian Index. It was thought by some that perhaps he
did not treat the Committee with sufficient respect.
Nothing was farther from his intention than to treat
with disrespect that Committee. The only one that
he knew for certaiu was on that Committee was bro-
Mallary, and there was no man this side of heaven
for whom he sustained greater love or respect. He
feared the motion to sell might prevail, ami hence he
had made the motion to lay on the table.
Bro. T. J. Burney was elected Treasurer by accla
mation
Adopted the report of the Committee recommend
ing the appointment of Rev. J. H. Campbell, as State
Evangelist.
Took up contributions for Brethren Burrow and
Joshua Mercer.
Allowed Agents to address the Convention on the
claims of their respective Societies.
On motion of Bro. Butler,
Resolved, That the expenses of the Index be con
fined within its receipts.
Bro. Walker remarked that he had now an op
portunity of saying all which he had proposed to
say when cut off by a motion to lay on the table, but
that he would make his speech through another me
dium.
Elected Index Committee—C. M. Irwin, J. D-.
Loach, J. M. Fears, G. S Obear, W. C. Wilkes, T-
J. Swanson, J. R. Branham.
Appointed the next session of the Convention to
be held with the Church at Athens, on Friday be
fore the 4th Sabbath in April, 18fil.
Returned thanks tothe citizens of Macon for the
cordial hospitality which they extended to the del
egates; also to ihe various Churihes which had
opened their pulpits to the Convention.
Passed a request that the Churches send up to
their Associations an Indigent Minister’s Fund.
Ordered Five Thousand copies of the Minutes to
be printed, and that $75 be allowed the Clerk for
his services.
On motion, the Convention adjourned sine die.
The President called on Dr. Mallary to close thp
exercises as he might think proper. Bro'. Mallary
remarked that if he had time he would like to speak;
but as he had not the time, he would close the ser
vices by giving out a hymn which he had been long
in the habit of humming, not being able to sing.
Bro. Mallary then gave out the hymn in ri. M.,
commencing—
“ Come ye that love the Lord,”
and while the hymn was being sung, the delegates
extended the parting hand of fellowship, and joy
reigned supreme for the moment in every breast,
in the prospect and hope of a blisstul immortality.
*
Summary.
An Obituary of W. R. S. signed C. TANARUS.,
has been received. We retrain from pub
lishing it until we obtain the full name of
the writer.
Departure of Bro. Bowen.
On Friday, the 30th ult., our beloved
Bro. Bowen, with his wife and little daugh
ter, left our city for Brazil. They sailed
in the line bark Abigail, and are favored
with excellent accommodations. The lady
of the captain accompanies them, thus af
fording agreeable society for sister Bow
en. It was our pleasure to accompany
them as far as Hampton Roads, and have
much pleasant conversation with them.—
Their hearts are in Africa, and they would
have much prefered to return to that field;
but the condition of Bro. Bowen’s nerv
ous system rendered it, in the estimation
of bis medical advisers, improper.—Com
mission.
Missionaries for Yoruba.
In a recent conversation with Brother
Bowen, we ascertained his clear convic
tion, that white men, having it iu their
hearts to go to Yoruba, ought not to be
discouraged in the entertainment of this
question. While he would recommend
the preparation of colored men for the
work he seemed to be impressed with the
idea, that for some time to come, white