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FHE CHRISTIAN INDEX.
SAMUEL BOYKIN, Editor.
TELEGKAPn POWER PRESS.
MACON, <3rJ±.
Wednesday, May 30, 1860.
Notice.
All communications for the INDEX, must be
addressed simply “ CHRISTIAN INDEX,” Ficon,
Georgia. Those intended only for the eye of the
Editor, must be addressed to him individually.
REV. F. M. lIAYGOOD, Ag't.for Index
A Word in Season.
Asa nation, a crisis seems to be upon
us. Our beloved union stands tottering
upon the brink of a fearful political earth
quake. The moral influence of our free
institutions, which has caused transatlan
tic oppression to tremble to its very cen
tre, seems to be in danger from the ebul
litions of fanaticism at the North, and,
perhaps, a too highly excited patriotism at
the South.
In this crisis, which may be the most e*
venlful in the history of our Republic, we
would call upon the Christian patriots of
our whole country, to stand firm, and
“quit you like men.” Let no fearful Uz
ziah, lay violent hands on the tottering
ark ; let no desponding Saul consult the
witch of Endor, nor long for the counsels
of a departed Samuel ; the Lord of Sab
baoth reigns, and will not forsake us till
we forsake Him.
It may be that the happy or ruinous
termination of this political crisis, depends
instrumentally, upon those who fear God.
It is feared that there may be some, es
p ■< ialiy in the Northern camps of Israel,
who, like Judas, would betray the cause
they seem to love ; and some, like Peter,
who, though loyal at heart, are disconcer
ted and fearful; but thousands of Chris
tians will stand firm, and feel an abiding
confidence in Him who workethall things
after the counsel of his will. In demo
cratic forms of government, where each
citizen possesses equal suffrages with all
the rest, the political masses become tho
roughly and intensely excited—feeling
that, to a very great extent, the welfare
or perpetuity of the Union depends upon
them. On this account the cause of Christ
is sometimes made to bleed at every pore,
during an electioneering canvass.
We would, therefore, speak a “word in
season.”
1. Let every Christian stand fast as
such. Your duties to your country do
not conflict with your duties to the cause
of religion. Do not become unduly ex
cited, ail'd suffer yourself to be betrayed
into the indulgence of improper feelings,
or the utterance of improper words. For
get not, that the world enjoyed some de
gree of prosperity before you came into
it, and it is probable it may even survive
your dissolution.
2. The cause of Christ will need your
especial aid during the severe trial thro”
which it is about to pass. Iniquity will
will abound, and the love of many will
wax cold; but do you, my dear brother,
watch your heart. Keep it with r.U
diligence. Attend your prayer meeting
with unusual punctuality —let your pray
ers be unusually fervent and unctious —
Live in all holy conversation and godli
ness; tea pattern of piety; let others
see that your religion sustains you in the
midst of trials. Bea witness to the pro
mise, “my grace is sufficient for you, and
my strength shall he made perfect in
weakness.”
3. Pray for your Country. —As a
patriot, you love it. Commit its interest
to the God of Nations. It is a time
for much prayer, fir universal prayer,
for our country. That divinity which said
“peace, be still,” and hushed the roaring
winds, and calmed the maddened waves,
can hush the voice of national discord and
can paralyze the uplifted arm whose fatal
stroke might terminate the peace and
happiness of our Christian country, and
ultimately bring anarchy and ecclesiasti
cal oppression upon our posterity.
He who
“riints his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm,”
can bring order out of the confusion and,
at once dissipate the troubles that now
darken the political horizon of our belov
ed country.
Men of God, to your closets ! Let this
be a time of wrestling prayer, of coming
boldly to the throne of grace. Forget
not, “It is not by might, nor by power,
but by mv spirit saith the Lord of hosts.’’
>44
The true method of propagating
CHRISTIANITY IN HEATHEN LANDS.
It is in vain to look, in Christian lands,
for a supply of ministers to meet the de
mands of our Missions. The men cannot
be found; and if they could, it would he a
waste of time and life to depend on them
for watering the seed already sown in
heathen lands.
No. We must depend on native coyiverts.
It is useless to vary from the apostolic
method: God himself has laid down the
plan and we have but to obey. A\ edo
not read that Paul called for Missionaries
to feed the flocks he collected in Galatia,
Macedonia, Achaia, and round about Illy
ricum ; uor do we read of the Church at
Corinth, hurrying forward recruits to oc
cupy these fields. We read simply that
Paul and Barnabas ordained elders in ev
ery church, and then, commending them
to the Lord, on whom they believed,
passed onward.
Here is the faith that modern missiona
ries should have ; to sow the word faith
fully, form the converts into churches, or
dain elders out of the membership of tho.-e
churches and leave them in God’s hands,
taking good care, though, that, like Paul,
they strengthen and conlirm the churches.
It was this that made the Gospel s
prosperous in the Sandwich Islands ; it
this that affected that marvel in the
history of modern missions, the conversion
of the Karen people; and it is this that
will yet fill the earth with the knowledge
of the glory of God.
Said Paul to Timothy, “The thiogs-that
thou hast heard of me, among many wit
nesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
And, as Paul says himself, he left Titus in
Creto, to “set in order the things that are
wanting and or dam elders in every city
To depart from apostolical precedents
is dangerous to success; and where the
example in this matter has been so plain
ly set us, it becomes us simply to imitate
it. Let missionaries, as Paul and Barna
t perform the preliminary labors;
bui . them, as speedily as possible, plant
stations, train native pastors, acting them
selves as overseers. Who but a native
can enter into and appreciate native minds?
Who can attain such unbounded influence
and success as a consistent native Chris
tian ?
Peoples and nations, all over the Globe,
are now, by Almighty Providence, pre
pared for and awaiting a gospel invasion.
Let but the word be preached and men
will be converted ; and being converted,
make them preachers; and as often as a
sensible native is converted induce him to
deal out to bis benighted brethren the
word of life.
To native preachers must we look for
the evangelization of the heathen world.
Week of Prayer.
Not long since we sent forth a short ap
peal to the churches to engage in prayer
for “more laborers.” This was suggested
by the resolutions of the Bethel Associa
tion ; and it was intended in those resolu
tions to appropriate a particular week in
July to this purpose.
In another column “A Pastor” calls up
on his brethren of the Rehoboth Associa
tion to set apart the 2d week in July for
united prayer ; and now we call upon the
Baptists of the whole State to set apart
an entire week as a season of prayer for
Missions, in July. Let it be the second
week.
Brethren, God has said, (Isa. 66: 19),
that he will send those who shall “declare
his glory to the Gentiles” : that “his peo
ple shall know his name,’’ (Isa. 32: 6),
therefore how beautiful are the feet of
him “that publisheth salvation’’ (ver. 7).
Yet he will “for this be inquired of by the
house of Israel, to do it for them (Ezek.
36: 37). “Thus saith the Lord—Ask me
of things to come concerning my sons ; and
concerning the work of my hands command
ye me. (Isaiah 45: 11), wherefore “ye that
make mention of the Lord, (margin, are
the Lord’s remembt ancers), keep not si
lence and give him no rest till he establish
and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the
earth” (Isa. 62: 1,6, 7.) “ Let us lift up
our hearts with our hands unto God in
the heavens.’’ (Lam. 5: 41.) “Call a sol
emn assembly, gather the elders and call
the inhabitants of the laud unto the house
of the Lord, your God, and cry unto the
Lord, (Joel 1: 14.)
0, is there need of any more pertinent
exhortations and encouragements than the
word of God, itself, furnishes !
And shall we not have a glorious week
of joint supplications—a mighty uplifting
of hearts and voices—a voluminous stream
of ’ .uyerful incense going up to God and
acce by him ? (Isa. 56: 7.) Ah, breth
ren, r we v, ‘.nit more love, more harmony,
more zeal, more liberality, more genuine
piety,and less contention and disturbance:
if we want missions to flourish, and the
spirit of missions to “suffer no abatement”
but to rise triumphant over all differences,
we must pray together. “ Oh, come let
us worship and bow down ; let us kneel
before the Lord our Maker ; for he is our
God, and toe are the people of his pasture f
How becoming in us to lift up the voice
of uinted prayer! And let brethren repair
from place to place, transplanting the spir
it of devotion and of praise, “Theinhabi
tants of one city shall go to another, say
ing, “Let us go speedily (margin, contin
ually be going) to pray before the Lord,
and to seek the Lord of Hosts.’’ (Zech.
18: 20.) Thus will God be incited to “ga
ther the remnant of his flock out of all
countries and bring them to their folds.’’
(Jer. 23. 3).
Witnessing a good Profession.*
“Riding in the cars from New York to
Philadelphia, amid the noise and confu
sion and bustle, I heard the name of Je
sus mentioned. Ah, thought I, will this
conversation continue when the cars stop
and the racket ceases ? I waited to see.
The conversation still went on, and I felt
grateful for the lesson which the example
pie taught me.”
We are all traveling to eternity; but
how few of us make it known by our pro
fession that we are bound for a celestial
haven.
How are we engrossed by the cares of
the world, or fearful of the remarks of the
vulgar, or ashamed of our Saviour to such
au extent, as not to let it be seen, by our
lives and examples, that we are Christians !
Reader, can you not reproach yourself?
This arrow is aimed at you. May it strike
you between the joints of the harness.
He that is not with me is against me,
says our Saviour. P‘ we come not out in
a manly, open profession : if we let it not
1 be seen that we are on the Lord’s side, the
world rates us as on its side and God rates
i us as against him.
Christian, would you have a sweet con
solation dwell perpetually in your bosom,
would you have God’s smile rest upon you
continually, would you have your bed of
death radiant with joy and triumph, and
would you be gladly welcomed by the
heavenly choir on Jordan’s farther shore !
Then, witness a good Profession.
* Margin.
Bro. Reid.
We have just received a long letter
from him which is very interesting. It
will appear next week. He has baptized
a promising convert. Health as usual.
The Christian Warfare.
“Among the prisoners taken captive at
the battle of Waterloo, there was a High
land piper. Napoleon struck with his
mountain-dress and sinewy limbs, asked
him to play on bis instrument, which is
said to sound delightfully in the glens
and mountains of Scotland. “Play a pib
roch,” said Napoleon ; and the Highlan
der played it. “Play a march.” It was
done. “Play a retreat.” “Na, na !” -said
the Highlander, “1 never learned to
PLAY A RETREAT!”
So should the" Christian.
Having put his hand to the plow he
should not even look back. Upon the
standard of every Christian warrior,
which he is to wave in tiiumphant suc
cess as be advances, victorious, not only
against flesh and blood, but against evil
principalities and powers against the
rulers of the darkness of this world and a
gainst those spirits of wickedness who re
belled in heavenly places, should be em
blazoned, as his motto, that which he nev
er will falsify, no retreat.
But, having taken the whole armour
of God, he should stand and quit him
like a man. He is struggling for a prize,
O, how great! how celestial! how glori
ous! Then, let him never retreat. He
is fighting for a King, O, how lovely and
dear to him ! Then let him not retreat.
He is struggling against enemies, Oh, how
full of subtilty and malice and vigilance!
Then let him pray always with all prayer
and supplication, and watching thereunto
with all perseverence, so that Satan may
be bruised under his heel and he be ena
bled to ? shout the Hosanna of triumph.
Up, Christians,sound the battle charge!
Fight for your Saviour and your soul—
never giving place to the Devil —no, not
for a moment. Consider the crown laid
up ; and press forward towards the mark
for the prize of your high calling.
Let me alone.
“ A poor drunkard had fallen in the
highway, and was irwlanger of being run
over by the first wagon coming along.—
Some benevolent persons sought to re
move him to the wayside that he might
be out of danger. But he resisted their
efforts, and kept crying out, “ Let me
alone. 4 ’ ’’
So with the sinner when his kind friends
admonish him to “flee from the wrath to
come.” He is wallowing in the highway
of sin, covered with the filth of pollution,
and the chariot of the Almighty may be
approaching to grind him under its wheels.
But blind to bis danger, and insensible of
the kindness shown him, he grumbles out,
“ Let me alone.”
Or, wrathful, that others should so in
terest themselves in his concerns,he frowns
a forbidding frown and ejaculates “ mind
your own business and let me alone.” Or,
with an air of cold, but mock interest, be
goes on bis heedless way, louder than ev
er saying, “Let me alone.’’
Bat we will not let thee alone, O sin
ner. Thou art in danger: thine eternal
soul is at stake. Awake out of thy sleep
and give a more earnest heed to thy soul’s
welfare, and let not so great salvation as
is offered you, slip. Turn you, turn you,
for why will you die ?
Hark! what dreadful, wailing sound
is that rolling up from the depths of Tar
tarus? ’Tis the cry of a lost sou\- l ‘Let
alone, aye, forever am I let alone, by good
men, and by the Almighty himself. But
O, I am not let alone by Devils! I am not
let alone by this knaw ing worm ! lam
not let alone by this tormenting flame !”
Fearful,fearful is the doom of him whom
all good men let alone, whom the Holy
Spirit lets alone, whom God has let alone !
We will not let thee alone, O sinner,
but with the most earnest entreaty we
would call upon thee to seek the Lord
while he may be found and call upon him
while he is near ; for, provoked too much,
He may say of thee—“He is joined to his
idols, Let him alone.
Bible Union.
“This new movement was started be
cause the - Id Society would insist on cir
culating King James’ version, and this
Society was instituted avowedly to make
anew book for common circulation,’’
The above is contained in a recent edi
torial of the N. Y. Observer, alluding to
the Bible Union.
To say nothing less, we are amazed at
its effrontery; for if the Observer were
not so persistently hostile to the Revision,
it would not so wilfully misstate. Time
and again has the Union avowed that
“this new movement” was started because
in translating the Scriptures into foreign
tongues, it became necessary to trans
late the words according to their actual
signification, (and not simply transfer
them,) in order that the scriptures might
be understood. And because this was
not allowed: because Baptizo could not
be translated into Burmese, as should
be done : because other words of various
significations were being employed to ex
press the rite of baptism ; the founders
of this Society determined to burst the
shackles of prejudice and give to the
world a correct version. For this they
deserve all -praise ; and yet, the Obser
ver says it was done “because the old
Society m ould insist on circulating King
James’ version !”
And olt and over again, has the Union
declared that they are not making a
‘•new Book,” but simply revising “King
James’ version !” And have they not as
much right to a version as King James?
When the Observer says “The American
(Baptist) Bible Union,” it knows well that
prominent Presbyterians are engaging in
the work.
Dr. Joel Branham ,
Long known as one of the first physic
ians of the State, lately settled in Macon
and offers his services, professionally, to
her citizens.
He may be found in the back room of
the Depository, where his office is. He
has his son, Dr. P. A. Branham, associated
with him in the practice.
CIIEUOKEE BAP. CONVENTION.
This body is intended to represent the Haptists of
Cherokee Georgia aud convenes annually. It as
sembled this year at the city of Marietta, and was
composed ot very intelligent delegates, numbering,
including correspondents, about 70. -
Correspondents were received from the East Ala
bama Convention, Concord Association of Tenn.,
S 11. 8. S. Union and Georgia Baptist Convention.
TheJßev Edwin Dyer was elected President of the
Convention, and he performed the duties ot his of
fice with great readiness, tact and suavity. The du
ties of Clerk were performed by Win. A. Mercer and
Rev.T. H. Stout.
The first report presented was that of the Trustees
of the Cherokee Baptist College, an institution ori
ginated and sustained by this Convention.
Os the financial condition of this College we may
learn something from the Treasurer’s Report, which,
as officially presented, announces, whole amount of
bonds and conditional subscriptions, 000
Obligations, bearing interest forthe education
ot indigent Young Men, 10 000
Real Estate, Library, Apparatus, Ac., 17,500
Total amount of Assets, $49,500
Liabilities to Ist January last,
including unpaid salaries $10,092
$39,408
The amount of unpaid salaries at
Ist of January last was 5,283 (0
Due Professors at close of
the present session 1,932 60
$7,215 00
This indebtedness is to be met by the interest of
subscriptions, donations aud tuition fees and availa
ble assets that amount to $5,010 only. From the
first little can be expected, as of the fund reported
by the Treasurer $14,500 is represented as unavail
able, and also some portion of the remainder is in
solvent. The number of students during the year
in the College and Academy has been 90 ; and it is
unnecessary to add that the chance for liquidating
the indebtedness, immediately, from donations ap
pears to be small. After two urgent appeals on Sat
urday night, a few dollars only were collected. All
those delegates preseut, however, had already con
tributed to the extent of their abilities in support of
the institution.
As there was an indifiniteness in the reports rend
ered, a special committee was appointed to act in
conjunction with the Board of Trustees and make
out and exhibit at the next annual meeting of the
Board in July, a lull andaccurate report ofallthe
aflairs of the College and devise means to complete
the endowment promptly. Looking the whole mat
ter in the face, it is plainly discernible, inthewords
of the Trustees’ report that, “unless considerable
endowment be raised or the number of students is
largely increased, the College cannot long continue;”
and if the Baptists of Cherokee do not at once rise
up, in their might, and wipe off the responsibilities
ot the institution and support it by liberal endow
ments, they hadas wellabandon the project altogeth
er—sell its realestate to liquidate indebtedness aud
let the Cherokee Baptist College be numbered
among the things that were. This, however, we en
tertain no idea that they will do, when we recollect
that they represent 30,000,000 of dollars.
MISSIONS.
The report on Missions “recognizes the claims of
Missions upon us as Baptists,” and asserts “that the
commision implies the extension of the Gospel to all
nations,” and expresses the opinion that “the breth
ren do not respond to the claims of Missions as their
profound importance demands;” aud it requests
that pastors “call their attention more frequently to
this Divine claim, and urge them to continuous and
liberal efforts to spread the Gospel.” The amounts
sent up for Missions we were unable to obtain.
Amount collected during the session were about
S3OO.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
The report, as adopted, presented the importance
ol 8. Schools aud manifested a deep interest in the
possession of a Southern Baptist S. 8. literature,
commending the Southern Baptist S. S. Union and
urging all the churches to increase their interest and
etiorts in favor of 8. Schools.
EDUCATION.
The report on education was interesting. It as
serts that, in regard to Education “cur primary ob
ject is to patronize and countenance true learning
and its companions, virtue and industry,” which are
incorporated by—l. a learned Faculty—2. by provi
ding the Faculty with ample facilities—3. by raising
the Faculty to entire independence of the students.
DECEASED MINI NIST ERS.
The report on deceased Ministers announced the
death of Bro. Washington Drummond, who “was
emphatically a good Minister of our Lord and Sa
viour Jesus Christ.”
THE CONSTITUTION
Was amended according to a resolution of the
last Convention. As amended it reads thus .
[We give a mere abstract of parts.]
Ist Section.—Name, &e.
2nd. Section.—The Convention shall be composed
of messengers from such Associations aud churches
as approve the objects sought to be accomplished,
desire connection with it, and whose constitution
may be approyed.
3rd. The messengers of the body shall be orderly
members of regular Baptist churches, chosen by the
churches themselves, or at their instance, by Asso
ciations. Each messenger to represent a constitu
ency to whom he is responsible.
4th. Each Association shall be entitled to 6 mes
sengers and ore additional messenger for every 500
in La connection: provided always that
the churches >f such Associations approve the ob
jects sought ift such co-operation ; each church fa
voring sucf objects, shall be entitled to 2 messen
gers, unless represented, by its sanction, through an
Associate a, in which case, it shall be entitled to one
messenger.
sth. Oliicers.
6th. Executive Committee to be composed of 7,
and elected anuualy.
7th and Bth. Duties of Secretary and Treasurer.
9th. Objects.—To offer a medium of co operation
of Baptist churches. 1. To unite the friends of edu
cation and combine their efforts in favor of educa
tion. 2 Distribute Bibles and other good books.—
3. Foster and cherish a spirit of missions at home
and abroad and to carry out the wishes ol Associa
tions and churches, as they may direct, as well as
the wishes of the messengers of which the body may
be composed. 4. Encourage education of indigent
young ministers, of orphans of both sexes, to make
provision for superannuated preachers and families
who may be in needy circumstances, and to encour
age any and every benevolent object which may
have scriptural claims upon individuals or upon the
church of Christ.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
Not having seen this report as we did the others,
we can 6ay nothing of it, except that respectable
amounts were sent up. Including the collection ta
ken on Saturday for Ind. missions and on Sabbath,
about S3OO was raised by the Convention.
VISITORS.
There were present Eld. A. C. Dayton who repre
sented the S. B. 8. S. Union. Dr. J. B. Taylor, cor.
Secretary of Foreign Mission Board. Jas. Edmunds
and W. T. Russell, the former cor. Secretary of the
Louisville Revision Association, (“a capital fellow,”
and we don't care if he knows that we say it,) and
the latter Agent for Ga. liev. D. G. Daniel, agent,
aud others.
slrmons.
We heard several, including the Introductory Ser
mon by liev. G. F. Cooper, which was excellent.
During the session addresses were delivered by
Rev. Dr. J. B. Taylor, of Richmond, Va., in behalf
of Foreign Missions; Rev. A. C. Dayton, of Nash
ville, Tenn., in behalf of the Southern Baptist Sun
day School Union ; Rev. J. Edmunsd.Jof Louisville,
Ky., and W. T. Russell, in behalf ot the Bible Revi
sion Association. Able and impressive sermons were
also delivered by Rev. A. C. Dayton, Rev. J. H.
Campbell, Rev. 11. C. Hornady, Rev. J. 11. Corley,
Rev. Dr. J. B. Taylor and several others, whose
names we cannot now recall.
The Convention adjourned to convene again at
Calhoun, Gordon county, on Friday before the third
Sabbath in May 1861.
IMPRESSIONS.
We were impressed with the unanimity and broth
erly love of the delegates, and with the conviction
that they were trying to do what they esteemed the
right. They are a warm-hearted, zealous people
strong landmarkers —and ail determied to do some
thing, while they live, for tffeir Master.
We were treated in a cordial, friendly way by all,
and return them our (banks.
Marietta is a beautiful place, full of fairy South
ern homes that would make a wanderer's heart ache
with envy. Its inhabitants are most intelligent and
hospitable—its fair possessed of charms sufficient to
warm an anchorite’s heart, and, by their liberality,
they merit the blessings of many.*
GEORGIA MILITARY INSTITUTE. _
With tie members of the Convention we attended
this Institute, and heard the warm and eloquent wel
come given by Major Capers : and we are sorry that
cur memory will not let us give his glowing words,
for they were truly eloquent.
While he professed to dispise flattery, he did not
hesitate to assert th it the Baptists had ever been the
bold, unyielding friends of liberty, suffering more,
perhaps, than any other in its cause, and struggling
aud stiiving and dying for its maintainance, whether
on the field or around the hearth—whether in legis
lative halls or at the shrine of conscience. And he
declared the so'dier and servant of Christ might
stand side by side as the amelioratersand benefac
tors of the human family—the one to protect, the
other to instruct—the one to preserve immutably
the rights of conscience, the other to disseminate
the truth that would make conscience acknowledge
Jehovah; and thus together they unite to secure
the highest and best interests of humanity.
llis address lasted 15 or 20 minutes.
Rev. Ed. Dyer, though taken by surprise, return
ed thanks for such a friendly reception, and express
ed his and the Convention’s appreciation of the fa
vorable opinion of the. orator, remarking that, “while
it was his business to train men for the field, it was
the Christian ministers’ business to train them for
higher and nobler ends ; that as ministers and christ,
iaus, it was ours, by the presentation of heavenly
truth, to train the conscience, it was his business
as a soldier, to protect the liberty of conscience. But
the time would come when the sword would be beat
en into ploughshares, and the spear into pruning
hooks, and the soldier would be no longer needed,
yet our work would go on. Triumph, therefore, was
on our side.”
Whereupon the crowd cheered, and the soldier
stepped forward, took the Christian by the hand and
confessed the triumphant claim
After viewing the building, the members of the
Convention assembled in front of its colonade ar.d
Rev. 11. C Hornady stepped forth to address the
* The ladies of the Baptist church determined to
adopt and educate an indigent young minister.
Cadets, who were drawn up in two opposing columns
presenting a very soldierly appearance.
We fear to do him injustice by an attempted re
port. Suffice it to say that, with dignity and grace
fulness, he spoke stirring words of encouragement
and approval.
lie pointed them back to those deeds of daring
which should incite them to similar deeds; he remind
ed them that their country might need their services
to repel the invader or preserve the rights of con
science ; and he urged upon them the attainment of
the highest excellence in their calling. “And yet,’’
said he, “while a man may be all that a soldier
should be —while he may possess the greatest
courage, the lodiest patriotism, the boldest dar
ing and be skilled in all the art of war—while he
may be able to lead armies, defend nations and save
his C( untry’s honor, still amid all he may be, and tie
ought to be a thorough Christian man-, and, young
gentlemen, let me say to you while you stride
for the honors of this world, there are the hon
ors of a better world for which you ought to strive ;
that while you conquer your enemies of this world,
it becomes you to conquer those enemies that would
debar you from an upper and a more glorious world ;
that while you strive to wreathe around j our brows
the laurel that fame on earth can give, you should
strive to win that golden crown that the saints in
heaven shall wear throughout a blisstul eterriity.”
Much applause greeted his happy effort; and, af
ter watching the accurate evolutions of the well
trained young soldiers, the Convention returned to
the city.
Tuesday found us liieiDg homewards, hoping that
the “Index” had made some friends in Chero
kee, Ga.
But we will not close without speaking a word in
favor of the “Marietta Hotel.” It is truly a travel
er's rest—Jieat, clean, with good rooms and beds, an
excellent table, well cooked viands and good ser
vants. We commend it and its polite landlord to
travelers.
Items from the Commission.
Bro. Stone in Peril.
Having gone to warn a Liberian broth
er of peril, Bro. Stone was taken captive
by Ibadan warriors and carried to Ibadan,
being roughly treated. But he escaped
toOgbomishaw and thence safely to Ijaye,
much tired. He was captured on the
20th of February, about the 25th he es
caped, and arrived at his home in Ijaye
on Ist of March.
Bro. Phillips says, “The cause of the
war seems to be this :—The chief of this
town, Arie, refused to acknowledge the
king of Awyaw as king, because he was
not legally crowned. The king theft sent
to hire the Ibadan people to help him fight
against Ijaye. All the rulers hut one in
Ibadan refused to take part in the war. —
The one who accepted the presents is a
powerful chief, but not able to make war
except be has the consent of the other
chiefs of Ibadan. So as he cannot make
war he has hired men from the interior,
whose business, all their lives, has been to
pillage and plunder. They are very de
sirous to revive the slave trade. This
town and the most of Ibadan are opposed
to it. The Dahomies were to fight Abe
okuta at the same time, and thus break
down all opposition to slave catching. I
learn that the king of the Dahomies came
with a very powerful army to within one
day’s walk of Abcokuta; but from some
cause they seemed to take sudden fright
and all ran away. This probably ended
the war.
Bro. Phillips was just recovering from
the small pox —being then able to walk
about the house. When he wrote on Ist
of March Bro. Reid was well.
Sierra Leone.
Bro. Wm. S. Brown, writing from Wa
terloo on 31st of March says :
“ A good proportion of the young peo
ple w’hose conversion has been reported,
continue steadfast, and afford evidence
of progress in the Divine service of our
heavenly Father I am enabled to say
that the Lord continues to me and my
wife the blessing of health.”
lie had just lost his house and all his
clothes and furniture by fire. Remittan
ces are needed much to repair the loss.—
They can be sent through the For. Board
at Richmond.
Freetown.
The news from this place is encouraging,
the services are kept up regularly, and the
congregations increasing daily.
Waterloo.
The church and school are increasing in
knowledge as well as in numbers. There are
some inquirers.
Brother Bond.
Student at Columbian College, has been ac
cepted by the Board as Missionary to China.
He expects to graduate next Commencement,
and sail for Shanghai, his field, next summer
or fall.
Yoruha.
Two applicants for Miss, appointments are
looking to this field. It is the opinion of Bro.
Bowen, and of the brethren in the field, that
white men can live and labor long enough in
Yoruba to justify their going there. White
men go and live there to make money. Can
not Christians do so to save souls ?
The For. Board says, “We want more men
for Yoruba. We want two for Abheokuta —
two for Ogbomishaw, and one to join brother
Reid at Awyaw, to occupy the ground already
entered upon; and then, there are almost
boundless “regions beyond.”
Brazil.
Iu Itio Janerio there is an English chapel
for British residents, and a small German
church. These do nothing to reach the na
tives. The whole surface is a waste place—
full of ignorance, superstition, and impiety.—
The way of salvation through faith in the mer
its of our blessed Lord is unknown. The Bi
ble is in the hands of a few, though it is a most
cheering indication that there is au increased
demand for it.
The Episcopal Church of America are about
establishing a mission in Brazil. They think
of beginning operations in the North.
As yet no one has openly proclaimed the
gospel in the native language. Montevideo
is said to be an interesting field for Brother
Bowen.
Baptists in California.
The force consists at present of fifty
three ministers, ordained and licensed;
fifty-four churches, and eighteen hundred
and fifty communicants. Several new
churches are to be organized soon.
Baptist Circular.
Canton.
In Canton is a population of one million
of our fellow-sinners who are perishing.
We can go into every lane and highway
of this vast city ; we can rent or pur
chase houses, open schools and chapels, at
pleasure.
Rev. C. D. Mallary is not the author of
a letter recently published in the S. W.
Baptist over the signature of “M.” nor is
Dr. Mell.—[S. W. Baptist.
Change of Meeting.
Owing to the Commencement exercises of
the Hamilton Female College, Ga., the Gener
al Meeting of the First District is changed to
Friday, before the third Sabbath in July.
E. H. BEALL, Cl’k.
COMMUNICATIONS.
Reminiscences of Georgia.
Number I.
Mr. Editor—You ask for Reminiscen
ces, but I am not qualified for the task.
I can’t write so as to be interesting to
your polished readers. They desire sty
lish pieces, with Johnsonian rotundity ot
period, beautiful, captivating, full ot attic
salt and Roman strength, the fortiter in
re, with the suavita in modo ; but I can’t
write that way : I am a plain, blunt man,
as you know—no orator asßrutusis; but
were Ia Brutus, you would bear and feel
what I should say. Why, I have forgot
ten all my reminiscences : how then can
I gratify you ?
I can call up a few facts in regard to
the Baptist Convention that held its an
niversary in your city last part of April.
Let me see: The resolution that called
this Body into existence first appeared in
the proceedings of the Sarepta Associa
tion, held at Ruckersville, Oct. 1820. —
The suggestion was merely made, thrown
out for consideration. In Sept. 1821, the
Ocmulgee, earliest in session of all similar
bodies in Central Georgia, approved the
object and appointed messengers ; but the
Sarepta, alarmed at her own resolution,
the idea of general association, as first cal
led, seemed to frighten her, re-resolved,
“we see no need of such a body !” Isham
Goss, for several years moderator,drew up
the resolution, and through his influence
and speech, it was carried at Salem, G m.
S. E. of Lexington. That same brother
preached the Introductory at Eatonton,
in 1824, as a corresponding messenger ;
though that Association did not unite till
1849. The Georgia Association which
met in Oct. 1821, approved, named Pow
elton as the place and the Thursday be
fore the sth Sabbath in time.
Robert McGurty, J. M. Gray, and Cy
rus White, were the messengers appoint
ed by the Ocmulgee. White alone was
present, and Mercer, Brantley, Hillstnan,
Armstrong and J. P. Marshall, from the
Georgia. All gone to their final home
years ago. Mercer, Armstrong, White
and Brantley, Committee on Constitution,
drafted by the latter, in his stiff, aristo
cratic hand, yet very large and legible.
E. Perryman, Jos. Roberts. Thos. Coop
er, Humphrey Posey, then a missionary
at Valley Towns among the
preached on Friday, P- M., and several
others were present. Mercer was moder
ator 18 years, Marshall Clark 2, and Sher
wood 10. The last preached written
discourse before business, Friday morn
ing, from “Prepare ye the way of the
Lord,’’ in which was portrayed the neces
sity of such a Body in strong colors. —
Mercer closed with a feeling expostula
tion and weeping prayer, enquiring “hast
thou found us out, O our enemy ?’’ allu
ding, probably to the discriminating truths
as they showed our want of unity and ef
fort. In reading the Constitution Brant
ly made much use of the reasons that had
been suggested, why the proposed body
should be organized.
In those early times, you may suppose
that three days hung heavy on our heads;
so we discussed queries and resolved our
selves into kinds of ministers meetings, full
of interest, for we were not crowded for
time as are now the sessions with their elo
quent speakers. The query was, “Ought
we always to use the appellation Broth
er ?” Several maintained the affirmative
with warmth, among whom was Wm. Da
vis, of Wilks, a minister and father of 4
sacerdotal sons —a shrewd sermonizer for
those days, and powerful when roused up.
The Clerk then staling he had some ser
vants, church members, asked if in ad
dressing them he must say “Brother Bob,
go and plough, and sister M., Go and cook
breakfast ?” This gave a quietus to the
matter, and brother D. said he regretted
his positiveness in his speeches ; never cal
led up again. The appellation was very
proper, but not to be unilormly used in
all the relations of life, secular as well as
ecclesiastical. But I must deal in Homeo
pathic doses. Testis.
Ready for the Contest.
Appeal to the Pastors and Churches
of the Rehoboth Association.
Beloved brethren, have we done, and
are we doing all for the cause of missions
that our stewardship to Jesus requires us
to do ?
A great moral contest is going on in
the world. Satan’s mighty army, num
bering more thUn eighty to one ot “the
little folks,’’ are making fearful aggres
sions against the cause of Jesus and of
souls. Our blessed Captain has comman
ded us to fear not, but to preach Ilis Gos
pel to every creature, and assured us He
is with us alway even unto the end.
He calls on us to pray,to labor, to give,
not because he desires a gift, but that
fruit may abound to our account. Shall
we not do something to rally our forces
in this good work ? Shall we not provoke
one another a little, by having our pure
minds stirred up by way of remembrance ?
We would suggest, brethren, that each
church in the association appoint the sec
ond week in July, when they will come
together to talk about, pray for, and give
to the cause of missions. Let us spend
the 2d week in July in this good cause. —
What do you say, brethren ?
What does the Executive Committee
say ? Will they not make a suggestion ?
And shall rot the.Rehoboth take the lead
in this matter of a week of prayer for mis
sions ? A Pastor.
S3F The Brethren of Saute Fe River Asso
ciation, East Florida, * will bear in mind that
the Union Meeting appointed by the Execu
tive Committee for this Association, will meet
at Sharon Church, on Friday before the sth
Lord’s day in the present month. Sharon is
immediately on the Fla. R. Road, at Callahan
Station, 27 miles from Fernandina. Let us
have a full attendance, brethren.
T. J. WOMB WELL, Cl’k.
April, 1860.
A Suggestion
Bro. Boykin : I wish to make a sug
gestion to the Churches of the Columbus
Association. It will be seen by reference
to their Minutes that the Committee on
Missions recommended that a certain
week be set apart, during the present
year, as a season for special prayer, and
effort lor the cultivation of a more en
larged Missionary spirit among the
churches, and for the promotion of the ob
jects of our missionary enterprise.
The Report of the Committee was
unanimously adopted, but the recommen
dation was not acted on. This was an
oversight caused perhaps by the reports
being read about the close of the session.
To remedy this omission, I propose that
the District meetings, as appointed by the
Association, shall convene speedily to
pray and labor for missions at home and
abroad. Let the services embrace Fri
day and Saturday before each Sabbath.
In carrying this out it is proper that
the churches with which these meetings
are to be held, shall express their assent
or dissent through the “Index” to the end
that we may distinctly understand what
is to be done. I would also be glad to
have an expression generally throughout
the Association, by churches or individu
als. If they can suggest a better plan,
that’s the one for me. I want the meet
ing ; and in the most imposing and effec
tual manner to reach every church in the
bounds of the Association, and stir up
God’s people to a lively sense of their ob
ligations and duties.
Let us hear from you, brethren. I feel
that if we will approach this occasion in
faith and earnest prayer, that God will
pour out bis spirit abundantly on us.
A DELEGATE.
State Evangelist.
The following extract from the Report
of the Executive Committee, made to the
Georgia Baptist Convention at Macon,
and which was unanimously adopted,
shows the views of that Body, on this sub
ject:
“The Committee have noticed, with
much pleasure, the suggestion to contin
ue Bro. J. 11. Campbell as State Evangel
ist. We believe him to be eminently
qualified for usefulness among our church
es, and especially in such localities as may
not enjoy the regular ministrations of the
Gospel. We, therefore, cordially recom
mend him to our brethren as worthy, not
only of their confidence and co-operation,
but also as deserving their liberal contri
butions to meet his necessities while thus
engaged in public service. And, where
as his labors will sustain a close relation
ship to those of domestic missionary, we
recommend that the Convention appro
priate s7l 58 of the interest of the per
manent Mission Fund to his support.”
It is my intention to continue in this
service, and I shall be willing, when cal
led upon, to perform the following kinds
of labor: 1. To aid in the settlement of
Church difficulties; 2. To visit destitute
neighborhoods and weak churches ; 3.
To aid pastors in protracted meetings.
Brethren wishing my assistance, will
please give me due notice thereof, and I
will govern myself accordingly.
J. 11. Campbell.
Griffin, May 17, 1860.
Beware.
Stop ! Take care my brother how you
scatter your sparks about! Do you not
know that the world is full of something
very much akin to powder, and you may
kindle a fire that will do incalculable mis
chief ? And that keen blade which you
seem to take so much pleasure in flour
ishing—l am very much afraid you will
cut someone, or yourself, with it, so se
riously that the wound may never entirely
tyeal in life.
Do you ask what I mean ? Well, then,
plainly ; I mean to beg you to be careful
how you indulge in wit and sarcasm. —
You are an editor of a religious newspa
per, or a writer for one—a controversial
ist —a religious controversialist. It is your
business, by the Press or from the Pulpit,
to root up error and build up truth. Very
well; but by what authority, either of
precept or example, do you resort to these
in the performance of your work ? How
much of them do you find in the teach-’
iugs of the prophets and apostles ? How
many witticisms and sarcastic remarks do
you find in the words of Jesus? And
what use have you for them ? They car
ry no conviction to the mind of your op
ponent. You know this or ought to know
it. Why use them, then ? Is it for,
pretty much, the same reason that a
thoughtless little boy fires off his crackers
and sticks pins through flies, that you
may see the sparkling of your own smart
ness, and see the victims of your sarcasm
writheing under its sting ? There is a lit
tle of love as of argument in this—indeed
it savors strongly of sheer down-right
cruelty. And as love does not prompt to
the use of such things, neither do they
beget love in tlieir victim-. How many
friends think you John Randolph’s sar
casm secured for him ? And how much
veneration does it now command for his
memory ?As he did,you may make your
self feared but never loved by indulging
in the use of these weapons.,
I beseech yon, therefore, J myVJbrother,
to beware how you scatter your sparks
and brandish that keen blade. One ill
timed spark of wit may set off a maga
zine of passion that, in its explosion,
would scatter ruin around. One cut of
your sarcasm may open a wound that
would bleed a lifetime. “Behold how
great a matter a little fire kindleth.” *
Monitor.
Bible Colporteur Xotice.
During June I hope to visit Linton,’ Spirta,
Mount Zion, Powelton, Warrenton, Thomp
son, Crawfordville, Greensboro’, Madison,
Covington, Social Circle, and some other pla
ces between Augusta & Atlanta.
F. M. HAYGOOD, Ag’t.