Newspaper Page Text
. CHRISTIAN INDEX
SAMUEL BOYKIN, Editor.
TELEGKAPII TOWEK PRESS.
ON, <3rJ±.
Wednesday, July 11, 1860.
The Church should Co-operate
with its Pastor.
Churches fire institutions of Christ, and
to them he has confided the most impor
tant interests of his kingdom. 1 o them
he has said, “occupy till I come,” and of
them he will require a strict account
touching their stewardship. But while
he has instituted churches, he has also
given them pastors, and has regulated the
relations thus established by the most am
ple statutary provisions. Between church
es and their pastors there should be co
operation.
In Sabbath Schools, it is evident that
an important part of a pastor’s work is to
win souls. This is indeed, his great, his
distinctive work. While he should labor
to build up the Saints in their most pure
and holy faith, he should not forget the
vast numbers who are still in the gall of
bitterness and the bonds of iniquity; and
Ids heart’s desire and prayer to God for
them, should be that they might be saved.
But while his sympathies and prayers are
enlisted on their behalf, he should labor
tor their salvation through Christ. And
truly, there is no more inviting field for
this <Teat work, than is to be found in the
Sabbath School. There the young are col
lected—persons whose hearts have not
been hardened by contact with a cold and
selfish world, and who are therefore more
easily persuaded to attend to the interests
of the soul, than those who have trodden
the ways of evil. Into this promising
field a good pastor will go to gather
sheaves for the Lord of the harvest.
Or to vary the figure, here he will find
the lambs of Christ, and he will provide
tender grass for them, that they may eat
and live forever. But when he under
takes to labor for Christ in the Sabbath
School, he must have the co-operation of
his brethren, or else he cannot hope for
more than partial success, if he does not
fail altogether. His duty in the Sabbath
School is to take the general oversight of
the work, while the members of his church
are actively engaged in personal efforts
to win the scholars to Christ. First, the
Sabbath School is to be built up. Means
are to be employed for gathering the
young into it, and for securing their
prompt and regular attendance. To do
this, will require patience, tact and effort.
Children must first be found and brought
together, or else the most perfect system
of instruction will be worthless. Here
then is an important part of the work,
and the member* of the church must aid
the pastor in building up the Sabbath
School. They can do this by going them
selves and carrying their children with
them ; and then they can appeal to their
neighbors to do likewise. Christian pa
rents are under the most solemn obliga
tyjto see that their children do not neg-s
Sabbath School. Many persons
who hare a name as Baptists, are exceed
ingly remiss in the exercise of their pa
rental influence and authority at this point.
They permit their children to pursue a
vagrant course on the Sabbath which they
could by no means tolerate during the
week. If their children see proper to at
tend the Sabbath School, they have no
special objection ; but they never exhibit
the least displeasure if they wander about
the streets, or stray into the fields on
God’s holy day. And if a whole church
should adopt this insane and wicked course
with their children, a pastor would spend
his strength for naught in trying to keep
up a Sabbath School in his field of labor.
His brethren must co-operate with him
to the utmost of their ability in drawing
and keeping the children together.
Secondly. Efforts should be made to
render the Sabbath School profitable to
the children who attend it. This will re
quire much study and labor. The pastor
must bear his part in this work, and the
church must sustain theirs.
In the Sabbath School, they have an
appropriate field for exertion ; for there
they are privileged laborers. They have
hearts upon which to exercise their influ
ence, soft, pliable, aud impressible, and
they can work with the assurance that
their “works of faith and labors love are
not in vain in the Lord.” Here they may
sow with the confident expectation of
reaping, if they faint not. Aud their ef
forts should be in harmony with those of
the pastor. The members of his church
should be laborers together with him , that
both may rejoice together. The pastor
should aim directly at the salvation of
Sabbath School scholars, and every mem
ber of church should do the same.
To the Churches.
We wish to put one serious query to
our churches —a query which we do sin
cerely hope that they will take into early,
calm, deliberate and decisive considera
tion. We know that it is thoroughly
Baptistic, when a movement is originated
in our Denomination, in wdiich it is desira
ble for the churches to participate and be
come interested, that they be consulted,
and an expression of opinion be solicited
from them. When this is not done, it is
not to be wondered at that the churches,
as a whole, do not largely embrace a new*
movement; they wish more respect shown
them —they want it to be perceived that
they are the “power behind the throne,’’
which is the real controlling power; and
that they of right ought to be consulted
in regard to that, which they are to be
called upon to support.
Therefore, it is that we would consult
them, this week.
Brethren of the Baptist churches of Ga.
what think you of a State Denomination
al Society, which shall maintain a Deposi*
tory and send out Colporteurs to distri
bute Bibles, Tracts and good books i
Shall we have such a Society in our State,
worthy of the name— Baptist ?
This is the query —it is before you;
what is your answer ?
In all seriousness, we ask you are you
willing that the churches of Georgia shall
have and maintain such a Society and such
a Depository^?
We want*you to forget the Past and
regard the Future ; we desire you to look
at this as anew question —a question
submitted to you—a question that relies
upon you for a glorious and triumphant
answer.
We unhesitatingly assert that our De
nomination in the State needs such a
Society—that the Baptist cause needs it
—that the cause of religion and moral’.ty
needs it. Such a Society has been born
in your midst—will you adopt it ? As
your foster-child, will you cherish it ? As
an instrument for good, will you use it ?
You know its history, its status, its opera
tions, and many of you are its members,
now will you not, as Baptist Churches
adopt it as your own aud encourage it.
We assert, positively, that the aim of
the Society is not to make money, but
to do good and promote Baptist princi
ples and true Godliness. Now will you
not, ere your Association meetings and
Association collections, in formal confer
ence met, decide that the Society has aims
worthy of the encouragement and support
of all the true Baptists of Georgia ? And
will you not unite in sustaining Colpor
teurs whose business it shall be to sell
God’s word aud good books ? And will
you not determine to patronize the De
pository more than you have ever done ?
If you have objections to the society
let us have them : if you have none, act a
more open and candid and generous part;
and if you are friendly, come out boldly
and say so. Let us have an expression of
sentiment—and such an expression that
will horoscope a brilliant future to the
Georgia Baptist Bible and Colporteur
Society.
Missionary Organizations.
Number 2.
Having urged in the previous article
the importance of the missionary work,
we shall, in this No., examine our mis
sionary organism. It originated with our
English brethren at the time of the revi
val of the missionary zeal through the la
bors and influence of Carey, Marshman
and Fuller. It was adopted by the Bap
tists of this country when the Providence
of God, and the clarion voice of Rice,
called them for the work of evangeliza
tion. It has received such modifications
as the experience of three quarters of a
century, and the wisdom of the denomi
nation, have suggested. It is still open
to any amendments which prudence, or
zeal, or the resources of the denomina
tion, or the progress of knowledge, may
demand. It is precisely what the com
bined wisdom and experience of the real
friends and patrons of missions have
made it; and it is entirely subject to their
control.
What is this organism ? It compre
hends three distinct principles. First:
The co-operation of churches and indi
viduals, friendly to the object. It pro
poses to accomplish by concert what can
not be effected by isolated effort. Sec
ondly : A plan of co-operation, contained
in a written document, called a constitu
tion. This prescribes, by common agree
ment, the terms in which the co-operation
shall be maintained. It poiuts out the
object to be aimed at —secures to the par
ties in the compact, a fair representation
of their views and wishes—and defines, in
general, the plans by which the end in
view is to be attained. If there is co-op
eration at all, it must be on some plan,
expressed or implied, traditional or writ
ten. Thirdly: The selection of agents,
usually called a Board, to execute the
plans of the body. This agency derives
its existence, and all its powers from the
appointing body, and is wholly subject to
its control. These three principles, or
parts, will be found to embrace, in form
and substance, everything pertaining to
our missionary organisms, by whatever
name they may be called. The constitu
tions of our missionary bodies have been
shaped according to the tastes, and cir
cumstances of their framers; but they all
rest on these principles.
The advantages of this plan of organi
zations are various, and we design briefly
to notice some of them.
1. It secures union, and union is
strength. The missionary work is vast
and difficult, and calls for great resources.
Missionaries must not only be equipped,
and sent to foreign lands ; but missiona
ry dwellings and houses of worship must
be erected —the scriptures must be trans
lated into foreign and barbarous tongues
—tracts and books must be prepared—
all these must be printed and put into cir
culation, for this purpose, in some cases,
printing presses must be purchased and
put into operation—provision must be
made for the afflicted, and, occasionally,
the support of disabled missionaries, and
active measures must be adopted for the
diffusion of missionary intelligence. Can
these objects be attained without resour
ces ; or these resources be accumulated
without union ?
2. It secures the pecuniary responsibility
essential to the economical and efficient
prosecution of the missionary work. Bro.
Poindexter has clearly presented this
truth. An established credit is indispen
sable, in many cases, to the transmission
of money to our missionaries. The For
eign Mission Board of the S. B. C. is
known to the banking house in London,
and its credit is as good as that of any
mercantile house in the country. The
Board, too, is an incorporated body, capa
ble of holding and transferring property,
and of collecting bequests by law. Some
such financial agency, call it by what
name you choose, is absolutely essential
* 1 ‘ .“"-W.- I
to tlie successful prosecution bf the tnis
si Hilary enterprize.
3. It gives stability to the missionary
work. Many local causes may prevent
the usual contributions to the mission
cause. The prevalence of au epidemic,
the failure of a crop, religious or civil dis
sensions, or other causes, might prevent
the filling of the mission treasury, and the
most disastrous results would ensue to the
missionaries, and to the cause of missions.
A body deriving its supplies, like the For
eign Mission Board, from the patrons of
missions inhabiting different climates and
ivils, and possessing diversified reesour
c es, is far less likely to suffer such a re
verse than a singlo church, or a society
of only local patronage. During the
whole period of the existence our Foreign
Board, ‘(though it has passed through sev
eral epidemics and financial crises,) its
missionaries have known no want, except
from the difficulty of transmitting funds,
and this want has been relieved by the
good credit of the Board.
4. It increases the experience and wis
dom so important for carrying on the mis
sionary work. The Foreign Board gives
its attention—it should be noted, too,
that it is gratuitously given—to the work.
It has all the knowledge that can be de
rived from constant correspondence with
numerous missionaries, and intimate inter
course with returned missionaries, and all
the experience and wisdom that can be
gained from years of anxious attention to
the mission work. The importance of
this experience and matured judgment
cannot be well estimated. Every mission
Board, we doubt not, looks back to the
mistakes it made, through ignorance aud
inexperience, in its early course; and
feels that after all its training it, sadly
lacks the wisdom that is profitable to di
rect.
5. Its reflex influence has more
than compensated for all the toils and sa
crifices to which it has given rise. For
eign Missionary work promoted by this
organization, has been the honored moth
er of all our noble denominational enter
prizes, both in England and America. —
When Judson and Rice kindled among
the Baptists of this country, the llame of
missionary zeal, they had one college, and
that in a feeble state, no organizations for
promoting evangelization in our land, no
Sunday schools, and no concerted action,
in any direction, to promote the cause of
Christ, except district associations, and
these were very inert. The Baptists
were scattered, unknown to one another,
pursuing their local interests, but utterly
heedless of the power and influence of
Christian co-operation. Behold, what a
change has been wrought! See our Uni
versities, Colleges, High-schools—our Do
mestic and Foreign Mission enterprizes —
our publication and Sunday school asso
ciations—the increase of our churches in
numbers, wealth and. liberality, and last,
though not least, our religious Journals
and Magazines. AU these are the off
spring of the foreign missionary spirit—of
the very organization whose merits we
are discussing. We confess as we love
the offspring, we venerate the mother. —
We intend that no injustice shall be done
her, if our brain, or heart, or hand, or all
these combined, can prevent it.
—
Sheldon & Cos.
We take occasion, in inserting the fol
lowing excerpt from the Mississippi Bap
tist, to express our friendship for the Nor
thern House of Sheldon &> Cos., which,
amid much clamor has maintained its na
tional character. We consider them above
truckling to the South while they present
a friendly countenance to it. Smith Shel
don we consider a personal friend and a
high-minded, high-toned Baptist, bent up
on doing good with his ample means. We
haveforthreemonths had in our possession
a letter from him,from which we choose to
extract the following at this time. The
man who willfwrite thus commands the
respect of all.
“As to the base lie of the N. O. corres
pondent of the Charleston paper that I
am an old Abolitionist, I have only to say
nothing can be further from the truth. —
I never was an Abolitionist—l never sym
pathized with them in the least—always
opposed them —voting in 1844 for Henry
Clay, and in 1848 for Gen. Taylor with
his 400 slaves, when at each of these elec
tions there was an anti-slavery candidate
running. But I have no wish to intimate
that I am a Northern man with Southern
principles. lam a national man, and would
not attempt to square my opinions with
any class of sectional parties for their pa
tronage or favor; indeed I want no pa
tronage on any such low considerations.”
From the Mississippi Baptist.
Grace Truman and Mary Bunyan.
Brethren Farrar and Jones:
As there have been some reflections in
many of our Southern papers in regard to
the supposed sectionalism of Sheldon and
Company of New York, will you permit
me to make a brief statement through
your columns.
You are aware that Mrs. Ford is South
ern born and raised. Familiarized from
infancy with slavery, she introduced into
her first work “Grace Truman,” the char
acter of a pious negro slave. Aunt Peg
gy, was no imaginary character. It was
a reality—woven from life.
But the descriptions of domestic slave
ry in that book, and the intelligence, the
happiness, and the devotion of old Aunt
Peggy, were widely different from the
dark colorings in the relations and condi
tion of the slave race printed in much of
the Northern literature.
Asa consequence a proposition was
made to Sheldon A Cos., to remove from
the work that which reconciled slavery
with personal piety, personal happiness,
high moral integrity hath on the owner
and servant. A large dealer and book
seller in Ohio, stated in a letter to me, a
copy of which was forwarded also to Shel
don & Cos., that thousands of the work
could be sold in that State were this ob
jectionable feature removed. The whole
matter was in the hands of the Publish
ers; they having purchased the manu
script.
But they promptly, and I might say, in
dignantly declined the suggestion. They
said they were assured that the character
of the piotia slave was to the life, and they
would not obscure it or destroy it for any
prospect of gain.
Now if there was not a manliness and
noble integrity about this* I know not
where to find them.
The last work of Mrs. Ford was brought
out to meet what might be termed a de
sideratum in our denominational litera
ture. Bunyan was a Baptist. Those who
suffered so nobly with him were Baptists.
Nor were his sufferings limited to his
twelve years imprisonment. Ilis poverty,
the tears of his helpless starving family,
the sad fore-bodings awakened as he look
ed on his blind Mary, were his severest
trials.
But how few have recognized in Ban
yan and his fellow-sufferers, the unwaver
ing fortitude characteristic of Baptists in
every age; Pedo-baptists have written
hi3 biographies. Os over one hundred of
these, large and small, not one could we
find written by a Baptist.
To write a mere life of Bunyan, would
not have accomplished what was desired.
A hundred rivals were already before the
public, and it would have been long ere
the great facts passed over so lightly in
these Pedo-baptist biographies brought
fully before the public mind—especially
before the young.
The interest manifested by Sheldon and
Company in regard to this point convinced
me, that principle is dearer to them than
emolument, while, their liberality to
the authoress, does them honor. She
has a copy right interest in this last book,
which it is hoped will remunerate her for
the wasting labor expended in its pro
duction.
Pardon the length of this letter and ac
cept the asurances of the warm friendship
of yours truly, S. 11. Ford
COMMUNICATIONS.
Letter from Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, July 2d, 18G0.
The summer heats are now fully upon
us, all the more scorching in contrast with
the unusually cool weather which, until
the last few days, has marked the present
season. You often hear the remark that
the summers are hotter in this latitude
than in your Southern cities. It may be
true, that we have days as oppressive as
any which are experienced in Florida or
Texas. But these are but few and occa
sional. In this city we usually have about
six weeks during the year, when the mer
cury ranges among the nineties; begin
ning usually with the long days in June
and terminating early in August. At
these times the large city is a very uncom
fortable place. Fifteen hours of sunshine
are sufficient to heat the brick walls and
pavements to a high temperature, and all
night long the hot mass is radiating the
heat which has been absorbed durum the
C 5
day. Everybody who can conveniently
do so, escapes this discomfort by resort
ing to the sea side or to the mountains,
or to some of the inviting rural retreats
with which the neighborhood abounds. I
should suppose that two hundred thou
sand of our population avail themselves of
the steamboats aud railroads, to be absent
for a longer or shorter period every sum
mer. This annual exodus tells on the
congregations of those pastors who con
tinue at their posts. In some cases the
congregations, which in the winter time
are very large, are so much reduced that
the houses are closed and the preacher
joins his vagabond flock in quest of green
pastures.
There is, however, some compensation
for this depletion of the native population
in the large influx of strangers, chiefly
from the South and West, who crowd our
hotels and private boarding houses. They
come for business or for pleasure, and, for
the sake of inspecting the curiosities, and
the lion’s, endure the discomforts from
which the residents have escaped. Al
most every Sunday I see some familiar
face in the congregation in which I recog
nize some esteemed friend from the South.
I have counted at one time representa
tives from half dozen different Southern
or Western States. Last Sabbath week
on rising, I was greeted with the well
known presence of President Longstreet,
of South Carolina, and Asbury Hull, Esq.,
of Georgia. The former was on his way
to the Convention in London, to which he
had been sent by President Buchanan.—
These visits, though made only in church,
from the friends of other days, are exceed
ingly grateful. One reason, I have no
doubt, why they seek your correspondent,
is because they do not expect to hear
themselves or their institutions villified
and abused in his preaching. Many of
the South suppose that the Northern
preachers are generally abolitionists, and
never preach without indulging in some
offensive threats at themselves. Hence
their unwillingness to go to church with
out some guarantee in the character of the
minister, that they will not be denounced.
This apprehension, however, is ground
less. The occasions are very infrequent
when any offensive allusion is made by
Northern ministers to Southern institu
tions. The subject when introduced, is
for the most part, discussed in a Christian
spirit; and except in the cases of a few
fanatical declaimers, who are usually no
torious, and who may therefore be avoid
ed, there is nothing to which any Chris
tian man can take any exception.
One of the most beautiful houses of
worship in this vicinity, was dedicated a
few evening ago. The pastor is Rev, A.
T. Spalding, late of Madison in your State.
Eighteen months ago, about fifty mem
bers withdrew from the first Baptist
Church of AVest Philadelphia, (so called
because the Schuylkill river separates it
from the old or eastern city,) and were
constituted as the Berean Baptist Church.
Enterprising and liberal, though there
was but one man of wealth among them,
they purchased a lot for SIO,OOO, and have
just completed a house which cost from
$20,000 to $25,000 additional. Their at
tention was directed to Bro. Spalding—
he visited them aud preached for two
Sabbaths; and the result is a settlement.
He has been very cordially received, both
by the church and the community, and
present appearances indicate for him a
most happy and successful Pastorate.—
The dedication sermon on the occasion,
was preached by that Prince of Pulpit
orators, Richard Fuller, of Baltimore; the
devotional services being conducted by
your correspondent. More than twenty
live years have passed since I first heard
Dr. (there Mr.) Fuller in this city, I re
member him then as vehement and ear
nest. lie rose before the people like a
man so filled with his subject, that he
could submit to no pauses or breaks in his
discourse. From exodium to conclusion,
he was like the mountain torrent, rapid,
resistless and overwhelming. It was not
long before his voice was destroyed by
the severe strain to which it was subject
ed, and he was obliged to spend eighteen
months in Europe, seeking its restoration.
Two years after his return, I heard him
in Charleston in the spring of 1840. The
improvement in his preaching was most
marked; though not so impetuous, ’ he
was more self-possessed. Ilis sermons
were distinguished by a more lucid ar
rangement ; his language was more terse;
his grasp of thought was more compre
hensive, and his power over an audience
more decided. In a congregation of 1200
persons, one half of whom at least were
not prolessors of religion, I have seen
nearly every one siguify by kneeling,
when he would afford the opportunity
after one of his tremendous appeals, a
wish to he remembered in prayer. In
the year succeeding the one to which I
now refer, he visited Augusta in your
State, and though he preached every night
for two weeks, the house was always
densely thronged, whilst on several occa
sions many could not gain admission.—
Then so far as real pulpit power is con
cerned, he reached in my view, his culmi
nation point. Though he is still facile
puinceps of a thousand, he has never sur
passed the efforts of 1841. Compared
with that period, his manner now is calm,
and the effect upon the congregation less
stirring; hut his Christian experience is
richer and more extensive. No doubt lie
is indebted for no small degree of his pow
er, to a voice of extraordinary sweetness,
as well as compass. But his published
discourses show that his intellectual quali
fications are of the first order. In this
connexion I am reminded of one who was
for a number of years, an honored pastor
in Georgia, who had the pleasure of bury
ing Dr. Fuller with. Christ in Baptism,
and who often co-operated with him in
the protracted meetings which were held
in different places. I aliunde to Ilenry O.
Wyer, formerly of Savannah, now gone
to his reward. Brother Wyer’s natural
endowments, physical and intellectual,
were scracely inferior to Dr. Fuller’s. —
But his health was early prostrated, and
he was contending with an unsparing
malady for many years. But even with
shattered health, he could hold an audi
ence sometimes for two hours in the most
wrapt attention —a proof of real power. —
I have often seen the feeling deepened and
extended when after a long sermon from
Dr. Fuller, he would follow him in one of
his searching exhortations. 11l health pre
vented him from study, and his discourses
in consequence, were often undigested,
but he was a man worthy of the remem
brance of all who love Jesus.
Tiieophilus.
Reminiscences of Georgia, No. 4.
HOUSES OF WOIISIIIP.
As in all new countries houses of wor
ship are very plain, so in Georgia—gener
ally log and covered with long boards,
fastened with long poles. The Baptists,
though very fond in most things of imita
ting the Saviour to tiie letter and the
example, repudiate his custom in visiting
and preaching in “the towns and vil
lages.” They located their houses from
one to two miles from the towns, too far
to walk conveniently, and too near to
ride. Avery good reason is assigned;
their ministers generally, were men of
slender literary acquirement, and being
modest men, did not like to preach in the
presences of Judges, Lawyers and Doc
tors. So far as memory can recall, they
had very few houses of worship at the
country towns in 1820. That in Savan
nah was built about 1800 —Milledgeville,
1810 or 1812 —Eatonton, 1819, hut this
was erected by four denominations.
Their house at the Capital stood near
the Penitentiary, aud frequently occupied
by the Presbyterians, Dr. Stiles and oth
ers of that denomination. lie had the
moral courage to baptize a few candidates
in Fishing Creek, just east of the city,
about 1825 or 182 G. The houses on the
State House square were erected in 1827
—1829. The Presbyterian was the first,
and for some time used by the Baptists
till theirs was completed. That at Sun
bury was built long before 1820.
Tiie Baptists of Augusta used the Court
house ; and when Dr. Brantly returned
from Beaufort in 1821, he used the Acade
my of which he was principal; the house
of worship erected in 1824 or 1825. The
Presbyterians and Baptists used the Acade
my in Greensboro’ till 1830, when a good
house was erected by both denominations.
When civilization crossed the Ocmul
gee about 1821, the old custom of shun
ning the towns was abandoned, and houses
of worship were soon erected in Forsyth,
McDonough, Macon, tfcc. So also in the
towns between the Flint and Chattahoo
chee ; Lagrange, Hamilton, Columbus,
and others, made arrangements for places
to worship God at an early period.
Monticello had a house soon after 1820
—-Washington not till 1827 —Clinton 1835
or 1830—Athens about 1827, the College
chapel was used by both Presbyterians
and Baptists for some time after 1820.
Baptists in Lexington, had no house till
near 1840, but in Crawfordville soon after
that town was erected ; Sparta and Louis
ville not until a late period. Sandersville
has a church and needs a house, and the
means are within their reach, it is hoped
a house will soon he built appropriate for
that intelligent aud growing town. If we
may judge from appearances, they are
well able to build. But it is easier to erect
houses of worship, than to interest the
heart in the service of God, without
which they are of little permanent benefit.
Testis.
Christian Unity —No. 2.
It has been thought by some, that
Christian Unity was not practicable ; that
is, that it is not to he expected in the na
ture of things that all Christians can be
united ; inasmuch as the views and opin
ions of men are naturally diversified, as
well as their different tastes, feelings and
complexions. But while this is true with
regard to fallen depraved humanity, it
does not argue that Christians, under the
influence and direction of God’s unerring
truth, may not he one in all the essential
points in relation to their Christianity. —
God’s holy word teaches the same to all ;
the Holy Spirit of grace is the very same
in his influences, teachings, and reproofs.
The plan of salvation developes the same
good principles; its doctrines, duties,
privileges, and promises in regard to be
lievers, are substantially the same.
The Bible reveals one true aud living
God. One mediator between God and
men, the .man Christ Jesus. One Holy
Spirit. These three are one. God is re
vealed as the Spiritual Father of all be
lievers. Begotten of him to a lively hope
—received the spirit of adoption —the
spirit itself beareth witness with theirs,
that they are the children of God. Once
dead, but now made alive, quickened by
the spirit. They havß all been lead to en
tertain the same views of sin, and of holi*
ness; their repentance has been of the
same kind—repentance towards God; and
their faith lias been exercised in the same
Saviour Jesus—comprehending and rely
ing upon the same great atonement for
sin—their hope of salvation is in and
through the same great meritorious sacri
fice —it anchors upon the same great high
Priest who has entered within the veil
into the most holy place, not made with
hands, but into Heaven itself, there to ap
pear in the presence of God for them;
they are destined to inherit the same per
fect state of endless felicity. The Chris
tian has one law giver. lie has written
the law of love in their hearts, and says
to them, if ye love me keep my com
mandments. Ilis commandments 3re not
grievous, they are plain, simple, intelligi
hie. Whoso runs, may read ; the earnest
importunate enquirer can scarcely fail to
find his duty plainly marked. If any lagk
wisdom, let liiin ask of” the Master, “it
shall he given him.’ 5 lie that keepeth Ilis
commandments, shall abide in Ilis love.
His commandment also, is, that Ilis peo
ple shall love each other, and thus he uni
ted by the indissoluble cords of love.
The first great command given to a be
lieving apostle, was Arise and he baptized.
He that believeth and is baptized, shall he
saved. They that gladly received the word
wore baptized, and added to the church.
There is one baptism. Believers the sub
jects, immersion the one and only baptism
known in the New Testament. If thou
believest with all thy heart thou mayest,
and “they both went down into the wa
ter, both Philip and the Ennuch, and they
both came up out of the water. 5 ’ The
Baptism of the Holy Ghost, is not the one
baptism, it is not applicable to all believ
ers, it was a miracle only performed on
one occasion, on the day of Pentecost;
then they were baptized with the Holy
Ghost and with fire. The Holy Ghost fill
ed the whole house where they were sit
ting.
But there is hut one Baptism as a com
mand to believers as a church ordinance,
and that is water Baptism. I believe all
admit that immersion is Baptism. Then
there can he no other Baptism by water
since there is but one baptism, all can
unite upon that without sacrifice of con
science. Many Christians cannot take
sprinkling or pouring for water baptism,
therefore to he one in the first great or
dinance, immersion must be the one bap
tism. When bolievers become united up
on this practice, there will be no bar to
communion ; united upon the great lead
ing doctrines of the cross, and united in
the same symbolical representation of
their death to sin, and their resurrection
to righteousness, and united in breaking
of bread and in prayer, there will he no
discordant notes; but the watchmen see
ing eye to eye, will cry in united voice,
Holy! Iloly ! Holy is the Lord of Hosts;
and all the train of living worshipers will
fall down before the throne, saying Amen.
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let
the whole earth be full of Ilis Glory.—
Amen and Amen. A. C.
Recognition of the 2nd Baptist
Church in Augusta.
At ten o’clock on the morning of the first
Sabbath of this month, a council composed of
a number of ministers, of delegates from the
first Baptist Church in Augusta, the Grove
aud Abilene churches, and visitors from the
Beech-Island church, met by invitation, at the
Kollock Street Chapel, for the purpose of re
cognizing the 2nd Baptist church of Augusta.
Rev. W. J. Hard was chosen moderator, and
liev. J. F. Swanson, secretary. Rev. L. M.
Carter, and I). B. Plumb, and S. A. Yerdery,
appeared in behalf of 2nd Church, and laid be
fore the council the letters of dismission from
the first Baptist Church of Augusta, of those
persons now asking to be recognized as a
church. The articles of faith and church
covenant being presented, were read and ap
proved, and the council then proceeded with
the following services :
A sermon appropriate to the occasion was
preached by Rev. L. R. L. Jennings, of
Athens. The articles of faith and church
covenant read before the congregation by the
secretary of council. Address in behalf of
the first Baptist church by bro. Geo. W.
Evans. Address and right hand of fellowship
in behalf of council, given by Rev. W. J. Hard.
Address to the pastor by Rev. E. L. Whatley:
to the deacons, by Rev. W. L. Kilpatrick : to
the church by Rev. J. F. Swanson. Singing
and prayer, by Rev. G. 11. Clictt. Benedic
tion by Pastor.
W. J. HARD, Mod.
J. F. Swanson, Secy.
In connection with the above, it is proper to
say, that the impression which has gone
abroad, that the 2nd Baptist church has been
formed because of dissensions in the first, has
no foundation in fact. The organization of
the 2nd church is but a development of a plan,
formed a year or two ago. At that time mis
sionary labor was commenced in different parts
of the city, by Rev. L. M. Carter, under aus
pices of the Baptist churches, the intention
being, with the blessing of God, the establish
ment ultimately of a second interest. The la
bors of a missionary were soon concentrated
to a particular part of the city—a chapel neat
and tasteful was provided, and by God’s bles
sing upon the efforts of His people, many souls
have been converted. As early as last win
ter, the brethren aud sisters who have been
co-operating with the missionary in His la
bors, felt that God by His Providence, was
calling them to establish a church in their
field, but they declined to attempt it then, be
cause of the difficulties with which tiie first
church was at that time involved. At the.
monthly meeting in May, these reasons no
longer existing, twenty-five of the brethren
and sisters, (and subsequently others,) applied
for letters of dismission, aud though some
thought it inexpedient to make the attempt at
that time , still in deference to the convictions
of duty, and the wishes of those who would go
up and “possess the land” for the Lord, the
letters were cheerfully granted, aud then to
gether they knelt, and mingling their tears
and prayers, invoked the blessing of the Great
Head of the Church upon those going out,
and those to remain.
These facts were all stated to the council
while in session, and no part of the day’s ser
vice was more touching, than the tender and
affectionate aduress of bro. Evans, in behalf of
the first church, taking leave of the brethren
with some of whom he had long aud lovingly
labored in the Master’s cause, and biddiug
them all God-speed in their glorious work.—
And at the close of the services, the 2nd church
unanimously resolved to suspend their next
Sabbath morning meeting, and all go, and
with their brethren of the first church, sit to
gether at the table of the Lord. The second
church begins its career under favorable cir
cumstances, having a large field of labor, a
pious membership, an able and indefatigable
pastor. They have an interesting Sabbath
school of over two hundred pupils. Bro. A. J.
Huntington, of Farmville, Ya., preached last
Sabbath at the first church, aud will remain
until after the next Sabbath. He visits them
upon their invitation, and with a view to a set
tlement if they are mutually agreed that it is
desirable. J. F. S.
Cuthbert, July 2d, 3d, and 4th ’6O.
Report of the Bord of Examiners on the Exam
ination and Commencement Exercises of the
pupils of the Baptist Female College of South
Western Georgia.
Monday, July 2nd
Was devoted chiefly to the examination of
the classes in the Primary department, and
the readiness and correctness with which they
were able to answer the questions propounded
to them, show that they were familiar with
the various studies to which they had attended.
And that there might be no mistake as to fair
ness of the examinations, the part to be reci
ted was assigned to each pupil, either by some
one of the examiners or visitors. By this ar
rangement, the possibility of preparing upon
set chapters was entirely precluded, and the
scholars are thrown upon their knowledge of
the whole subject of examination, and although
the tests applied were rigid, and we might al
most say, severe, yet the classes sustained
themselves triumphantly throughout.
Tuesday, July 3rd.
On this day, classes were examined in Rhet
oric, Logic, Historic Chart, Chemistry, Alge
bra, Geometry and Moral Science. Nor is it
too much for the Board to say, that all the
subjects embraced were treated in such a man
ner as to evince the thoroughness of the course
of instruction, which pi*evails in the institu
tion. Without seeming to be invidious where
all did well, we cannot forbear mentioning
particularly the classes in Algebra, Geometry,
and Moral Science. These classes proved
most incontestibly that the Female mind is ca
pable of grappling successfully with the ster
ner, and heaver branches of learning. And in
this connection, we would not fail to mention
the examination of a class of little ones in
Geography. The impressions produced, by
their recital were those of surprise and admi
ration. They could bound all the States in
the American Union, tell their Capitols, chief
cities, rivers and territories, the States of Mex
ico and South America. Irregular classes in
Greek and Latin were examined with results
most gratifying to the Board and friends of
the Institution.
Wednesday, July 4th.
On this day, fifteen young ladies presented
themselves as candidates for collegiate honors,
and as all the compositions were good without
any exception, the Board feel it would be im
proper to make invidious mention of any one
particularly. Suffice it to say, thatSCs class
sustained fully the high reputation which the
Institution had heretofore acquired.
The music and ornamental departments are
such as to challenge competition ; and without
any design of reflecting upon similar Institu
tions, the Board must be allowed to say, that
they have yet to see this excelled in the above
named departments, and we take pleasure in
recommending the Faculty as able and suc
cessful educators. Nor can we close this re
port without referring to the order, sobriety
and morality of the people of the beautiful
city of Cuthbert.
J. 11. RAGAN,
W. M. DAYIS,
M. BRASWELL,
W. R. OGLESBY,
THOS. H. HAWKINS,
11. C. HORN AD Y,
S. G. IIILLYER,
- W. W. TWITTY,
E. T. DAVIS,
E. S. WALKER,
R. S. HARDWICKE,
A. B. LAWTON,
R. P. COPELAND.
The Banner and Baptist copy.
GOOD NEWS FROM LINCOLN CO.
Bro. Boykin :
The good Lonl is blessing us at Dou
ble Branches, Lincoln County, Ga. At
our May meeting we baptized one, at our
June meeting we baptized 2, and restored
one, and At our July meeting we baptized
seven, and restored one ; making in all,
ten baptized, and two restored. Let all
the lovers of Zion cease strife, and pray
and labor lor her peace and prosperity.
P. F, BURGESS.
July 2nd, 1860.