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THE CHRISTIAN INDEX,
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING
AT MACON, GEORGIA.
BY A COMMITTEE OF BRETHREN,
FOR THE
GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION.
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION,
Two DoLLARsin advance: or paid within the year.
If suffered to overrun the yea* 1 , Two Dollars and
one-half will be charged in all cases.
SAMUEL BOYKIN, Editor.
VOLUME XXXIX.
Book Notices.
Thk Year ok Grac* A History of the Revi
val in Ireland, A. D., 1850. By Rev. William Gib
son, Professor of Christian Ethics in Queen’s Col
lege, Belfast. With an introduction by Rev. Ba
ron Stow, D. D. Boston : Gould & Lincoln.
The Revival in Ireland, in both its extent and
phenomena, is the most remarkable of modern
times ; and we are glad now to announce the ap
pearance of this book. It is a timely record of
God’s marvellous doings. As our readers are a
ware, Dr. Stow was in Ireland and witnessed the
progress and development of this re\ival. He
has written an Introduction to this book, in which
he says :
“I cannot withhold my testimony to the emi
nent judiciousness with which Professor Gibson
has discharged his trust. During my brief visit to
Ulster, in the summer of 1859,1 saw enough and
learned from reliable sources enough more, to con
vince me that the Historian of the great Irish re
vival was wisely selected, and that he has execu
ted the service with signal ability and fidelity.—
The information here embodied may be accepted
as authentic. Where the author has given opin
ions, it will be seen that they are not crude or one
sided, but are the results of extensive observation,
careful comparison, and a conscious regard to the
honor of spiritual religion ”
The book is a real history and written in an au
thoritative manner—that is most of its statements
are drawn from authoritative sources. The book
is highly interesting, especially the 19th and 20th
chapters : The Revival and its Pathological ob
jections; The Revival and its lessons; A valua
ble appendix accompanies the book.
History of the Modern Jews ; or annals of
the Hebrew Race, from the destruction of Jerusa
lem to the present time. Samuel M. Smucker, L.
L. D. Published by Duane Rulison, Phila. 350 pp.
This is a minute and chronological account of
an extraordinary people. Their History, in every
country, is given from the time of Christ down to
the present time, and in its perusal our heart has
been made to bleed at the oft-recurring persecu
tions to which they have been subjected. We
have learned to sympathize with a suffering peo
ple. The chapter of “the Hebrew Race in the U
uited States,” i3 especially interesting. It presents
the theory believed in by some of the Jews of this
country, that Jesus was crucified so late on Friday
that he did not have time to die, and that conse
quently, after his removal to the cavernous sepul
chre he was resuscitated by his followers. And
thus liis subsequent appearance, with the marks of
his crucifixion, is accounted for. They regard him
as a wise and even a good man, but with no reaj
claims to the Messiahship.
The work will well repay perusal, and we re
commend it to those who. desire light on Hebrew
History.
The Signet Ring and other gems; from the
Dutch of the Rev. J. De Liefde—Gould and Lin
coln.
This is the second edition of this charming and
instructive little book : it has additions to the for
mer edition ; “and no reader can fail to be charm
ed with the skill and earnestness with which the
great truths of the Gospel are illustrated and en
forced.” The Scottish Guardian says of it, “vVe
h ive not found in so small a compass a mass of
Christian experience so pregnant with instruction
to all who are engaged in the Lord’s work.”
American Ecclesiastical Year Book, contain
ing 1. The present religious statistics of the world.
2. A brief religious History of all denominations
in all countries during the past year. By A. J.
Schem, Prof, in Dickinson College. H. Dayton,
N. Y., 23G pp.
This book is imperfect but still valuable, never
theless. Probably there is no other place where
so much interesting statistical information can be
readily found. Its Baptist Annals of 1859 are ex
ceedingly meagre; but we doubt not that each
year will add to the interest and truthfulness of
the work : that such a work is needed we feel; —
and we are glad that it has been undertaken and
hope it will be continued perseveringly.
The Lighted Way ; or Loving Words about Je
sus. By Cousin Bessie. Philadelphia—American
Bap. Pub. Society.
A plain, simple, affectionate and attractive pre
sentation of important truths for children. It is
free from the attractions of fiction, which so much
mar the beauty and destroys the power of relig
ious truth in most of the reading books in our S.
S. Libraries. This little book will never foster a
taste for novels, but will awaken an admiration for
the “beauties of holiness.” It is one of the best
S. S. books we have read. One hundred dollars
were awarded to the pious and gifted writer, by
the able committee, who selected from a number
of MSS. which contended for the prize.
E. W. W.
HISTORY OF THE ATHENS BAP
TIST CHURCH.
Athens, Ga., Jan. 14th, ’6O.
At the beginning of the present cen
tury, this locality, was a frontier set
tlement, and but sparsely populated,
being within a few miles of the Terri
tory then, occupied .by the Indians.—
But about the same time, this spot was
selected, by the proper authority, as
the permanent site, lor the University
of Georgia, which caused some special
attention to be attracted to the place.
And the Trustees without delay, al
though almost destitute of available
means; resolved to put into operation
a literary institution, to be known by
the name of Franklin College, as the
germ of a great State University.—
The history and progress of which
may be found elsewhere, on the official
records of the country, and in carefully
preserved manuscripts of individuals,
who have taken a deep interest in the
prosperity of this noble institution.—
Our present object however, is to give
a brief sketch of the rise and progress
of the Baptist Church, in this town,
and its immediate vicinity, from its
earliest settlement, up to the present
time.
And, first, it may be proper to state,
that the pioneers who broke the first
cane, and erected the first log cabins,
in this region, were composed of Bap
tists, Methodists and Presbyterians, in
religions sentiment and profession. —
And in the buildings first erected for
religious worship, in the country
around, the Baptists had more than a
full share. But when the idea with
all its sparkling light, penetrated
this region, (sixty years ago,) that
this spot was destined, to become
to Georgia, what ancient Athens
was to Greece, when at the zenith of
#rpn of % ia. sap, Contention: beboteb to Ulisshms, pligion, anb % Interests of % gaptist Denomination.
her glory, the good Baptists of that
day, true to the instincts of their pre
decessors, manifested no disposition to
commence their Gospel ministrations,
at this new site of light and learning,
and go forth from thence, to the most
obscure corners of our noble State.—
Indeed, they generally, and in a very
remarkable manner, stood aloof from
the many advantages, which they and
their children might have derived from
this institution, in days that have gone
by. And while this was Baptist poli
cy, and strictly adhered to, for all of
thirty years, the other religious lead
ing denominations, both Presbyterian
and Methodist, availed themselves of
the opportunity thus offered, and
took an active and becoming inter
est in this great State Institution; and
lrorn the earliest settlement of this
town, have contributed their full share
of the population, which has length
ened its cords, and streugthenend its
stakes. And, in the early years of the
settlement of this place, they organized
their churches, and erected comforta
ble houses of worship, and have uni
formly since, maintained a ministry
here, equal in talent and respectabili
ty, to any which could be found in
their respective denominations; and the
result, (a very natural one,) has been
that both of these denominations, have
become numerous, strong and influen
tial in this community. Whereas up
to the present date, but very few Bap
tists, of either wealth or influence,have
ever located in this town, with a view
of residing and educating their chil
dren here. And previous to the year
1830, uo official station connected with
the University of Georgia, had ever
been occupied by a Baptist, except
that of the Rev. Abram Marshall, hav
ing been a Trustee about 10 years.—
In the year 1830, the Rev. James
Shannon was elected to a professorship
in the University, and discharged the
duties of bis office for four years, when
he resigned and removed to the West.
About the same time of Mr. Shannon’s
election to a professorship, Wilson
Lumpkin, a Baptist, was elected a
Trustee of the University, and has held
that office ever since, and at the close
of his last gubernatorial term of office,
near the close’ of the year 1535, be
came a citizen of this town, where he
still resides. Upon his settlement here,
he united, by letter, with the Baptist
Church in this place, of which he is
still a member, and has for a larger
portion of his time, acted as Deacon,
as well as clerk to the church.
On Professor Shannon’s locating
here, as a Professor in the University,
he found a few members of the sur
rounding Baptist churches residing in
this place, and by his industry and in
fluence, somewhat aided by the Rev.
Jack Lumpkin, a Baptist church was
constituted in Athens, under the or
ganization of these two ministers, on
the 31st of January, 1830 ; and Pro
fessor Shannon was immediately called
to the pastoral care of the newly con
stituted church, and officiated as such,
for 4 years, during the time of his of
flcial connection with the University of
Georgia. The church was constituted
upon ttie principles of the Baptist
churches of the Georgia association,
and with a membership of only 16 per
sons. But the church grew and was
prospered under its first administra
tion. Many additions were received,
by experience and baptism, as well as
by letter—making its number in 1835,
about 50 members, many having
been dismissed by letter, as well as re
ceived, during the 4 years of professor
Shannon's administration. Moreover,
a cheap, plain house of worship had
been erecte 1, and so far completed, as
with repairs and improvements, to af
ford a comfortable place of worship
to the church and congregation, up to
the present time, 1860. The early rec
ords of this church were very imper
fectly kept, and a portion of them,
either lost or mislaid, so as never to
come into the hands of any of its pres
ent members. But all the important
facts connected with the church, it is
believed,have been accurately obtained
from reliable sources, although some
what deficient in details, for want of
the missing records.
After Professor Shannon’s removal
from here in November, 1835, the Rev.
S. G. Hillyer, succeeded him as pas
tor, until Nov. 1837, during which
time a considerable number were ad
ded to the church by experience and
baptism, as well as by letter; also a
number were dismissed by letter. Af
ter which, there was an interregnum
of several months—when a Bro. Sal
mon was engaged, and preached to the
church for nearly one year. The next
pastor, was A. \\. Chambliss, who
staid about two years, when Bro. Al
bert Williams served the church one
year as pastor —then the Rev. Wm.
Richards—after which, there was a
short interregnum—when the Rev. S.
G. Hillyer was again called by the
church, and served her with monthly
preaching and other pastoral labors for
one year. Not having complete rec
ords for our guide, We are not prepared
to give all the details of the encour
agements and discouragements, dur
ing the ten years herein last adverted
to.
It is proper to stat ( e, however, that
these several ministers, who served the
church for varied periods, were all
men of irreproachable Christian char
acter, as well as men of education,
and commendable speaking gifts. But
the church being unable to sustain a
pastor, by giving adequate support,
these several preachers could only de
vote to the church, a portion of their
time; and labored in other avocations,to
secure a support for themselves and
MACON, GA., WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 1860.
families. And therefore, in reviewing
these ten years all together, it pre
sents the appearance of a church 6trug
ling in a state between life and death
for spiritual existence, with but limi
ted evidence of solid advancement.
The Rev. Silvanus Landrum suc
ceeded Professor Hillyer, in the year
1846, who was then, but recently or
dained to the order of a Gospel minis
ter. lie entered upon his pastoral du
ties with zeal and earnestness, and
served the church with fidelity, and an
encouraging degree of success, for 3
years. When he entered the service
ot the church, it had about 70 mem
bers, and when he left, about 140.
And when Mr. Landrum left here for
Macon, fortunately for the Baptist
church in this place, Dr. Wm. T. Brant
ly was located here, as a Professor in
our State University, and during the
eight years of his continuance here,
two Sabbath’s in each month, and
sometimes oftener, he preached to the
church and congregation, administer
ing the ordinances of the church, and
performing many other casual ministe
rial duties, necessary to the success of
the Baptist cause in this place, and re
ceiving from the church but a small
amount in the way of
for his services. Indeed, it is well
known here, that while he was official
ly connected with the State Universi
ty, that he expended more in the sup
port of missionary, and other benevo
lent Christian enterprises, than all that
he received for ministerial services, al
though he filled up every day of his
time, in ministerial labor for this and
other neighboring churches, when not
actually engaged in his official duties,
as professor in the University.
Under Doctor Brandy’s ministra
tion here, our congregations were
largely increased, and large numbers
were added to the church, by expe
rience and by baptism, as well as by
letter. But the dismission by letter
from the church, was also very large,
so as to keep the number of our mem
bership nearly stationary. Dr. Brant
ly’s services to this church will uot be
soon forgotten by its friends, who feel
an interest in its prosperity. Before
he left here for his present iocation, in
the city of Philadelphia, he put the
ball in motion, which has resulted in
our now having a comfortable new
house of worship. He made to the
church a donation of the ground, on
which the new church is erected —a
most beautiful site, in the centre of the
town of Athens. He also procured
many of the largest subscriptions for
the erection of the new church before
he left. Therefore, Bro. Brandy’s
name is closely identified with this
church, in bonds of the nearest ref
lation. He was the only pastor after
Mr. Landrum left here. There.is one
peculiarity in regard to the popula
tion of this place, which is worthy of
particular notice, in connection with
what has been said in relation to this
church. At all times we have in this
town, a very large trausient popula
tion. At all times several hundred
students, and other persons connected
with our University, and other high
schools. We also have a great many
transient persons connected with our
numerous Factories, and other arts
carried on in this place, and these per
sons compose a large item in our
churches ; therefore, great and sudden
changes take place in our numerical
tables, without any special revival or
declension in religion. The imperfec
tion of our church records will not en
able us to speak with precision, in sta
ting the number of persons who have
been connected with this church by
membership, during the 30 years of
its existence. But it is confidently be
lieved that although its present mem
beiship is only about 270, that more
than one thousand persons have held
membership in this church since its or
ganization, with only 16 members, in
1830. And yet the number of exclu
sions have not been greater than is
usual in churches, which maintain a
strict Gospel discipline. After Doct.
Brantly’s removal, in 1857, the church
fortunately obtained the services of
Dr. P. H. Mell, as their pastor for one
year, preaching two Sabbaths in each
month, and sometimes more frequent
ly, which services were performed to
the satisfaction of the church, and as
faithfully as his other avocations would
allow. They were performed, too, gra
tuitously, which may be considered as
a donation by Dr. Mell, to aid the
church in the erection of its new build
ing;
The discipline of the church was
maintained, and its ordinances admin
istered, with a considerable increase of
members, and an enlarged congrega
tion in attendance on public worship.
During the last two years, the church
has had the pastoral services of the
Rev. L. R. L. Jennings, residing in its
midst, and devoting his whole time to
the services of the church, except one
Sabbath in each month, when he
preaches to another church, and when
our pulpit is satisfactorily supplied by
Dr. Mell. Bro. Jennings has dis
charged his various pastoral duties
much to the satisfaction of the church.
Indeed, the interest and prosperity of
the church has been considerably ad
vanced, by the indefatigable labors and
energy of Bro. Jennings. When he
took charge of the church, it num
bered about 170 members, and at this
time, it has about 270 members in
good standing—moreover, anew
church, a few miles north of this place,
has been constituted, with about 40
members, chiefly taken from this
church. Furthermore, Bro. Jennings
has rendered considerable service to
the church, in procuring subscriptions
and making collections, in aid of com
pleting our new church edfice. Sus
fice it to say, that Bro. Jennings, by
untiring fidelity, has rendered the
church much useful service. We are
here iuthe midst of a wealthy, well ed
ucated, and highly cultivated commu
nity—a people of great enterprise, and
deeply imbued with Christian senti
ments. And therefore, the few hum
ble Baptists, who have struggledfor re
ligious existence in this place, have
the more keenly lamented the error of
their beloved denomination, for leav
ing this important point unoccupied
for ail of 30 years, without even at
tempting to raise their denominational
standard among the other tribes, of the
Israel of God.
But under all circumstances, we feel
at this day, that we have abundant
cause for overflowing gratitude, to our
Heavenly Father, lor the measure of
success, which has attended our feeble
efforts for the last 30 years—even in
this Athens, of Ga. And more especial
ly, when we consider, the quiet, noise
less, unpretending instrumentality,
which has effected so much, through
surround ng difficulties and embarrass
ments, rarely surpassed in this much
favored land and country, we are
forced to the conclusion, that this
whole matter has been under the guid
ance of that wisdom which comes from
above; or the Baptist denomination
would not at this day, (as it is,) be
occupying a proper portion of its
legal inheritance of the literature of
the State, located at this place. We
are encouraged in the belief that the
little church in this place, is of the
Lord’s planting; and, as an evidence to
lead to this conclusion, in looking over
the names of the first constituent mem
bers, and at every stage of the church
since, while the church has never had
great names or wealth to boast of, it
has never been destitute from first to
last, in all its extremities and weak
ness, of a few precious names, on its
church rolls, of both men and women,
but more especially women who feared
the Lord, and thought upon his name,
and who spake, often, one to another,
and to whom the Lord hearkened and
heard, and a book ot remembrance has
been written. If it was practicable to
discriminate, it would be amostpleas
ant service to dwell for a moment on
the 1 ives and characters of some of our
dear deceased members, who were the
humble followers of Christ, and main
pillars of support to this little band of
pilgrims. But we must forbear. The
number of our church members is still
small, when compared with that of two
other denominations in this place—
and we are comparatively a poor peo
ple—but we trust, we are the Lord’s
poor. And we now have a reasonable
share in the control and government
of the various literary institutions lo
cated in this place. Os late years, we
rarely fail to send forth to the service
ot the world, members of our little
church, some amongst the most prom
ising young men, who are regular grad
uates of our State University. We
have been instrumental too, in supply
ing the Baptist ministry with some of
its most useful and distinguished min
isters, such as the Hillyers, Williams,
and others, who might be named—
and we still have more of such men in
orospect. While we strictly adhere
as a church, to all the principles and
peculiarities of the first Baptist church
es constituted in Georgia. We live in
much harmony and Christian concord,
with good chiistiansof all denomina
tions. We have no little sectarian
strifes to disturb the peace of society.
Indeed this town has always been
very remarkable, for the kind and af
fectionate regard and deportment of
Christians of various denominations,
towards each other.
The different denominations here,
are expected to adhere to and practice
the respective peculiarities of their
own particular order. And it is a
rare occurrence to hear of an attempt
at proselyteism, from one church to au
another. Church members are the
more respected here for a strict adher
ence to all the rules and regulations of
the church to which they belong. In
religion, as well as other matters, we
think it best to mind our own business.
The whole history of this church has
been peaceful and harmonious—enjoy l
ing much of the unity of the Spirit in
the bonds of love. During the pro
gress of the church, the following per
sons have for varied periods, served
the church as Deacons, to-wit: Steph
en Borders, William Williams, Sen’r.,
Henry Pope, Wilson Lumpkin, J. B.
Evans, James Kerlin, W. G. Barrett,
Williams Rntherford and Henry L.
Brittain ; and the following are per
sons who have acted as clerks to the
church, to :wit: Junius Hillyer, Wm.
Williams, Sen’r., William Williams,
Jr., and W. Lumpkin. And Williams
Rutherford has been efficient and faith
ful as superintendent of the Sabbath
school connected with the church for
many years past. In the year 1848, a
separate building was erected, for the
accommodation of the colored mem
bers of the church: since that time, the
colored people have received much at
tention in the way of religions instruct
tion, and their members added to the
church, has greatly increased. This
church was constituted on the princi
ples and faith of the first Baptist
churches and first Baptist association of
Georgia, and remains unshaken in her
first faith and principles. Moreover,
it has, from the beginning, been a mis
sionary church, and according to its
ability, has always taken an active
part in the various efforts of the de
nomination, to promote missions, edu
cation, Sabbath schools, and other be-
nevolent enterprises, and is not yet dis
posed to abandon any of the present
organizations of the denomination to
promote the several objects referred
to, unless convinced that better plans
for carrying on these benevolent ob
jects can be substituted.
Wilson Lumpkin,
of Georgia.
AN EXPOSITION.
N UMBER 4.
BY REV. S. G. HILLYER.
“Thou art Peter, **** and I will give unto thee
the keys of Kingdom of Heaven ; and whatsoever
thoushalt bind on earth, shall be bound in Heav
en ; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth
shall be loosed in Heaven.”—Matt., 16 : 19.
“Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted
unto them ; and whosoever sins ye retain, they
are retained.”—John 20: 23.
“Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind
on earth, shall be bound in Heaven; and whatso
ever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in
Heaven.”—Matt. 18: 18.
“Verily I say unto you, whatsoever
ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound
in Heaven ; and whatsoever ye shall
loose on earth, shall be loosed in Hea
ven.” Mat. 18:18.
The reader will bear in mind, that
in the previous number, I reached the
following conclusions :
1. That these words were addressed
to the disciples then present as repre
senting a church.
2. That they were designed to con
fer upon the church authority in cases
of discipline. And
3. That they were not designed to
confer infallibility in the exercise of
that authority.
I shall now proceed to notice sever
al other questions which naturally a
rise from the subject.
1. Do these words pledge Heaven to
ratify the decision of a church in a case
of discipline, whether right or wrong?
If we consider the ratification to refer
only to the relation of an expelled
member to the church, I see no diffi
culty in answering the question in the
affirmative. The meaning of the text
may be thus stated :
Whenever a church,sitting as a court
of discipline, has expelled a member,
lie is expelled, and Heaven so consid
ers him. _ Such ratification is the legit
imate effect ot the authority by which
the church acts. The king has confer
red upon her exclusive jurisdiction in
the case. By his express enactment,
she has power to arraign, to try, and
to pass sentence. And then in order
to remove all ground of controversy —
in order to forestall completely the
idea that any other body may revise,
or reverse her decision, he engages that
all heaven shall accept her action as
the final adjudication of the matter be
tween herself and her offending mem
ber. It, then, the decision were wronar,
i. e. an incorrect verdict uponthefacts
in the case, it would not affect the val
idity of the sentence.
2. Do these words pledge Heaven to
ratify the decision of a church, iu such
a sense as to affect the relation of an
expelled member to God, and thus bar
his admission to Heaven ? The an
swer, to this question, lias been already
suggested in the paragraph above.—
But it may be well to state more fully
the opinion there intimated. The re
lation which human beings sustain to
God, is independent of their connec
tion with visible churches. We all be
lieve that thousands have been, and
will be saved, who have never enjoy
ed such a connection. Also, that there
are many, who live and die in the
church, who will not be saved.—
The ratification, then, must be under
stood to refer, to the relation of mem
bers to churches here on earth. This
must be its whole extent; for this is
the topic upon which the Savior is dis
coursing in this whole passage. To ex
tend its meaning beyond this topic,
would therefore, be unwarrantable.
3. Do these words give such validi
ty and force, (to the sentence of a church
in a case of discipline, as to make it
improper for other churches to receive
the expelled member? Take notice.
It is not implied, by this question, that
the decision of one church is not bind
ing upon other churches unless it can
be proved from this passage. There
may be other arguments, and conclu
sive ones, too, which would prove it.
But the question is, do these words
teach that doctrine? I think they do.
We have seen that the Savior lias
conferred upon each local church ex
clusive and final jurisdiction, in all ca
ses of discipline arising among its mem
bers. And that he haA pledged him
self to ratify its decisions in such ca
ses. This is the lowest meaning which
can be given to the words “Whatsoev
ever ye bind on earth shall be bound in
Heaven.”
The sentence passed in conformity with
this authority, is ratified. This ratifi
cation makes it binding over all that
part of the Savior’s dominions, which
sustains to him the same relation which
the church making the decision sus
tains to him—that is, over all his
churches here on earth. He walks in
the midst of the golden candlesticks,
as sole King. The relation which any
man sustains to a church, is strictly in
subordination to that which he sustains
to Christ as his sovereign. When a
man then is expelled from his church,
and the King has ratified the sentence,
were another church tj receive him
into its fellowship, the act would set
aside, not only the authority of the ex
scinding church, but it would also set
aside the authority of the King himself.
Hence it must follow, if these words
were addressed to the disciples as a
church, they clearly imply that a de
cision in a case/)f discipline should be
accepted by other churches as the final
adjudication of the matter.
4. Do these words give sutsh force to
the decision of a church, in a case of
discipline as to make it binding upon
other churches, when the decision is
not a correct verdict upon the case ?
This is an important question. Some
have said “that no wrong decision of a
church is binding.” This proposition
demands a careful examination. It is
what logicians call a universal negative;
the nature of which is to deny the pos
sibility of any exception whatever.—
To prove its incorrectness, I am not
bound to prove that all wrong decisions
are binding; but only that some are.
It is freely granted that some are not.
As for instance, if a church should nn
dertake to decide upon some subject
matter over which it has no jurisdic
tion, her decisions then would be in
valid—not binding either upon her
own members, or upon any body else.
But why ? Simply because she had
no right or authority to make them.—
A decision in that case would not be
binding even it were, “per se,” right.
Suppose my church should pass a res
olution, that I should divide my prop
erty equally among my children. The
decision is probably right. But is it
binding on me? Certainly not. Why?
Because the church has, in this mat
ter, no jurisdiction. Hence it appears
that want of jurisdiction makes the de
cision invalid though it be right in it
self.
This question of jurisdiction covers
a good deal of ground. Some years a
go, when some churches decided to ex
pel those who should join the temper
ance or missionary societies, I think
their decisions were not binding upon
other churches. They were assuming
to exercise legislative powers. This
the King had never given them a right
to do. Let it be remembered that the
“Government of Christ is a monarchy,
with its King in Heaven, and its laws
complete.” He has empowered no
body of men on earth, to add to, or
take from his statute book. It is com
mitted, intact, to all the churches, to
be for each one, its rule of faith and
practice. Sometimes different church
es may draw different conclusions from
its teachings. In such cases, no decis
ion of one, is binding upon others,
whether right or wrong; for the sim
ple reason, that none has received au
thority to decide for the rest in such a
matter. All have an equal, original,
and concurrent right to the book, and
to interpret its meaning. When, there
fore, one church declares an act crimi
nal, which other churches do not be
lieve to be condemned by the statute
book, they ma y,for that reason, in the
exercise of a sound discretion, disre
gard such decision.
Mercer University, April 15, 1860.
(Conclusion next week.)
NEW YORK LETTER.
New York, June 28, iB6O.
Bro. Editor—The summer solstice is
upon us, and though the heat is no
novelty to you who dwell so much
nearer than we to the tropies, its first
fervid approaches to us beget that lan
guor and longing for the dolce far
niente , which renders exertion either
bodily or mental, a weariness to the
flesh. So, friend Index, point not the
finger of scorn at us, if we write you a
very lazy letter this time.
Are you not sick of hearing of the
Japanese? We are, for we have had
nothing else morning, noon and night
for the last three or four weeks. They
are to leave us on Saturday, for which
your correspondent, at least, feels de
voutly thankful. It would be unkind
to attempt to rehash for you any of the
gossip respecting them, with which our
newspapers, religious and secular have
been filled, so we shall not attempt it,
but will content ourselves with a few
reflections, as to what will be the re
sult of their visit.
We doubt if the high anticipations
of commercial advantage in which so
many have indulged will be realized.
The Japanese are poor; they have not
much to sell, and consequently cannot
buy much. Their principal articles
which we want, are rice, of which they
produce but a small surplus ; gold and
silver, which they cannot well afford
to part with ; lacquered wares, which
are now held at too high prices, and
possibly teas, though their mode of
preparing these requires some modifi
cation to adapt it to our market. Then
again they are an ingenious people, and
the various machines which our people
have so freely bestowed upon them
will be imitated, and very pjssibly im
proved, and manufactured there with
out fear of the patent laws. Their ex
clusive policy for the last three centu
ries has rendered them very nearly in
dependent of us and of all the rest of
the world.
Intellectually they may and will
learn much from us, and very possibly
we may learn something from them.
In the arts of design, they possess a
readiness arid tact which surpasses that
of our best artists, and they have
shown themselves no mean proficients
in every science they have had the op
portunity of acquiring, The readiness
with which several of them have ac
quired a very considerable knowledge
of English, a language so entirely dif
ferent from their own, gives evidence
of great philological powers.
In morals and religion we doubt if
the immediate result of the embassy
will be of any particular advantage
either to the visitors or the visited.—
Their morals according to the best au
thorities are hardly worthy of our imi
iation, and the specimens of American
Terms of Advertising.
For all transient advertising One Dollar per square
of ten lines for the first, and 50 cent* per square so r
ail subsequent publications.
RATES FOR CONTRACT ADVERTISING.
1 square of 10 lines per 3 months % \ o (l
“ “10 lines “6 “ 700
“ “10 lines “ 1 year 10 00
These lines are the text advertising lines and th *
charge is for the space occupied by ten such line f
as are used in the body of an advertisement. Lon
ger advertisementsin the same ratio.
N. S., VOL. 28, NO. 29.
morals, they have seen since they have
been in the country we should not be
flattered if they copied. They know
that we profess to regard the Sabbath
as a holy day ; but they have seen it
systematically violated during the
whole of their stay ; they have been
accustomed to temperance in eating
and drinking, but they have witnessed
the most disgusting gluttony since they
have been here, and intoxicating drinks
have been pressed upon them till some
of them have acquired a fondness for
them, and have been more than once
grossly intoxicated. Profanity, too, has
been one of the vices of our civilization
which they have eagerly learned.—
from religious influences they have
been carefully excluded, unless their
visit to a Universalist church last Sab
bath can be reckoned in that category,
and with their keen powers of observa
tion it will be surprising if their pre
judice against Christianity are not rath
er increased than diminished. It is to
be hoped that in their homeward voy
age, the consistent and holy example
ot Capt. McKean and the pious officers
and crew of the Niagara may impress
them more favorably with* occidental
Christianity, and win some of them at
least to be themselves witnesses for
Christ.
Turn we then to other themes. The
Baptist Churches of New York and
Brooklyn are making encouraging pro
gress. The influence of the great re
vival of 1858 is still widely felt, and
churches, church edifices, and mission
schools are constantly increasing.—
Within the past three weeks the Hud
son River South, and New York Asso
ciations, (which comprise nearly all the
Baptist churches of New York and its
suburbs,) have held their annual ses
sions and they report an aggregate ad
dition of more than 1,000, and a total
membership of more than 17,000. In
this city the Lexington Avenue, (Rev.
Dr. Hague’s,) and the Fifth Avenue,
(Rev. S.A.Corey’s,)churches have their
new and beautiful edifices nearly ready
for occupancy. In Brooklyn,the Wash
ington Avenue church, (Rev. C. W.
Anable’s,) was dedicated last Sabbath,
and the Hanson Place Church, (Rev.
M. G. Hodge’s,) is nearly completed.
Both are line edifices and located in a
new and growing section ofßrooklyn.
The churches in Brooklyn are almost
without exception, working churches.
Iheir Sabbatn-echools are in a very
high state of efficiency, and the larger
churches sustain one or more mission
schools, which in time become neuclei
of the churches.
The evangelical churches of New
York and Brooklyn geneially are man
ifesting the earnest practical character
of their Christianity, in their move
ments for bringing the gospel to act
upon the irreligious masses. The City
Tract Society by its visiters penetrates
into every nook and corner of the great
city, proffers the Testament, the tract,
the kind and loving word of exhorta
tion, to the degraded and wretched,
and by its affiliation with the Associa
tion for improving the condition of the
poor relieves their physical destitution.
During the present season two addit
ional agencies have been added to the
Missions, Associations, Industrial and
Mission Schools which have sprung up
so abundantly to aid in this good work.
One of these new agencies is the Camp
for preaching at the Five Points, where
the most eminent of our clergymen
preach Sabbath after Sabbath, and
hundreds of wretched,miserable beings
steeped to the lips in degradation and
wo, listen for the first time, many of
them, to the story of the Savior’s mis
sion to earth. The other is the open
ing of the French Theatre on Broad
way, opposite the great Metropolitan
Hotel, for Sabbath services. Here con
gregate hundreds of strangers ;•* <1 oth
ers who never enter our enure ms, and
the earnest preaching they hear has al
ready been blest to some souls.
The summer months are not favora
ble to literary activity. Even the lux
urious accommodations of the Astor
Library, fail to attract the usual num
ber of visitors, and only the hard w< : k
ed litterateur , whose subsistence is
cudgelled from his brains, disturbs its
solemn silence. The venerable libra
rian has gone to Europe to gather oth
er treasures and add to the vast store
already collected.
Publishers too, are inactive, what
time the summer solstice comes, and
the dog-star rages. The lightest of fic
tions, the most readable of narratives
of travel, and the most complete of
guide books alone currency. In the
realms of fiction there is nothing real
ly new or good. Among books of trav
el one of the latest and most readable
is Mr. 11. C McCormick’s “From St.
Paul to St. Sophia,” just issued by
Sheldon & Cos., a racy, lively gossip
ping book, carelessly written, but
hardly the worse for that. It consists
of actual first impressions, and the pi
ety and philanthrophy of the author
led him to see different from
those which attract the eye of the or
dinary tourist, and to see them in a dif
ferent light. Mr. Geo. P. Putnam has
issued two more volumes of his nation
al edition of Irving’s works, an edition
in every respect so desirable that no
gentlemen of literary tastes will wil
lingly be without it in his library. Mr.
Charles B. Norton has published the
first of his Series of “Guide Books for
Foreign Travel,” a work greatly need
ed, and admirably accomplished. The
wonder is that we have lived without
it so long. Yours,
Occasional.
There are in France about
4,000,000 acres of land devoted to the
cultivation of the grape.