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THE CHRISTIAN INDEX.
SAMUEL BOYKIN, Editor.
Tftii£Gß4rii power press.
MAOON, GrJ±r
Wednesday, August 1, 1860.
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And Enoch walked with God and
HE WAS NOT ; FOR GOD TOOK HIM—
GEN. 5: 24.
The record of Enoch is very brief, but
very significant. His birth, his age and
the age of his children are given : all that
is said of him farther is, that he walked
with God , and was not; for God took him.
We have the divine endorsement of his
life and the manifestation of God’s pecu
liar favor, in the fact that he was trans
ferred to heaven, without tasting death.
The reason of a destiny thus different
from all others of our race, except one, is
stated to be—that he walked with God. —
This, like all scripture, is given for edifica
tion. We need not expect, like him, to
be miraculously translated from the trou
bled scenes of earth to the bosom of God;
for, alas ! we may not hope for that won
derful perfectness of character which,
without the purifying process of death,
fitted him for heaven. But we, too, may
walk with God ; not literally, of course.
To walk with God is to have the
thoughts, affections and conduct con
formed to his will. The most sublime
truths are often expressed, in the Bible,
in the most beautiful and yet the most
simple figures. To walk with God is to
agree with him We walk with those on
ly with whom we cordially sympathize;
and we choose to walk with such only as
we love. The declaration, concerning
Enoch, implies the highest possible privi
lege—that is, intimate association with
God. We hear no voice, we see no glo
ry, we feel not the hand th at guides us ;
’ey we have, now, no faculties that can
‘endure the visible presence of the God
head : death would follow so august a vi
sion. And, yet, Jehdvab, who, in sole
sovereignty, presides over the Universe,
is near unto each one of us—very near in
to those who, like Enoch, have this testi
mony that they please him.
O, how imperfectly do we appreciate
the privilege of His fellowship !
How are we to walk with God ?
AV e must have a profound conviction of the
great truths of revelation. The mind must
apprehend and the heart must embrace
them : we must know the truth.
Our thoughts of God, of heaven and of
eternity are, though not the source , the
boundaries of religious experience. We
learn the truth in the school of Christ.—
Secular culture and attainment are not to
be ignored, nor yet to be trusted: earth
ly wisdom never yet made a man wise un
to salvation. If, however, the intellect
is baptized in those truths which are an
acknowledgement of the Kedeemer’s
blood as the central point of all true
knowledge, then, the wider the range of
our knowledge, the deeper and the fuller
and the sweeter will be our Christian ex
perience. If we do the Father’s will, we
shall know the truth ; and for the obedient
the Holy Spirit is a teacher and—of all
teachers the best. So that he who walks
with God must needs be a wise man—
wiser, even, than his unbelieving neigh
bor, in the practical things of secular life.
How much more wise in those things that
pertain to everlasting life! Now, how
much of truth understood, is necessary to
salvation, is easily determined : the Fall
our lost condition—our recovery
through the propitiation of the son of God
—and the necessity of accepting him as
the alone possible Savior, are, no doubt,
sufficient. But, the believer need not
stop here. He is invited to a wider
range, to loftier flights, to deeper explor
ations ; and, if he would make progress
in religious life, he must cultivate a habit
of inquiry into the truth and, thereby, for
tify his convictions. He may look into
the mystery of Godliness : he may survey
the character and attributes of the triune
God : and, if possible, he may grasp the
idea of eternity. Sin, holiness and proba
tion; the crucifixion, resurrection, ascen
sion and intercession of Christ: immor
tality, the angels who dwell about the
-throne on high, the blood-washed throng
and the sublime beatitude of the heaven
ly state —all these are themes of contem*
plation for the believer, by thoughts of
Which, as he walks the pilgrimage of time,
he might grow in knowledge, and, thus,
more and more walk with God.
Walk
ing with God implies obedience to the law
and will of God. Our wills must be in har
mony with His will. We may not desire
what he forbids, rebel against what he
commands nor repine beneath his afflic
tions. If called to rejoice, we must re
joice with humility ; or if called to suffer,
we must suffer with resignation. We
have no right to speculate upon the wis
dom of his appointments, nor to murmur
at the inscrutableness of his providences;
but, with our evil passions subdued, our
pride restrained and our ignorance con
fessed, w r e should always be willing to ex
claim, with Job, Though he slay me , yet
will I trust him. He who believes from his
heart that all the appointments of God are
infinitely wise and perfectly just, is the
safest and the happiest christriau. But
we must do,as well as acquisce and suffer.
Walking involves activity. Passive obe
dience is not enough ; for our Master re
quires of us active obedience, as well.—
Energy and persistence, in the discharge
of duties, are the marks of high attain
ments in the religious life.
The duties of the Christian, at this day,
Ah, how numerous and responsible they
are! He must feed the hungry, clothe the
naked and minister to the afflicted. lie
must maintain a consistent Christian de
portment, wait upon the ordinances of
God’s house, sustain the minstry, rebuke
sin, encourage penitence, by precept and
example teach the living word and build
impregnable bulwarks all around the
mountain of God. He may not dream of
heroic duties and vainly wait for great
occasions ; but, in the every day concerns
of life, find that, the performance of which
will please his Maker. Brother Chris
tian, God has pleased you in the midst of
your field of labor! Your duties lie im
mediately before and around you ; and
that which your hands find to do, lie re
quires that you do with your might. —
Especially does he require of you to give
freely and willingly of your substance,
that the charities and great enterprises of
the church militant may be carried for
ward.
You must learn to know that giving is
not an expedient temporality, not a char
ity alone, not a religious obligation alone,
but an act of worship due, by your profes
sion, to Almighty God.
He who walks
with God must praise Him. He must love
Him supremely, especially his holiness ;
and love must be mingled with fear and
reverence. At all times—in the midst of
business as well as in the closet —at mid
day as well as at midnight, both the mind
and the heart should be kept in such a de
votional frame, as to be able to pass, at
once, from worldly engagements into re
ligious thought and emotion.
We should strive for just that frame of
soul and that conformity of life, which
would admit of our immediate translation
into the preser ce of the Almighty. The
wings of spirit should ever be half un
lurled, for our final flight. It is possible to
commune with God, even as the disciples
did who walked with Him to Emmaus. —
It is possible to be so imbued with his na
ture, that the heart shall burn with an un
extinguishahle fire. Contemplation is wor
ship. Contemplate God, O Christian Pil
grim, in the beauty of his works, in the
majestic grandeur of his nature, in the
tenderness of his love, in the mighti
ness of his power, in the infinity of his
wisdom, in the awfnlness of his holiness,
in the fearfulness of his wrath, in the ex
actness of his justice and in the condes
cension of his wondrous mercy; and as
you contemplate, so will your heart draw
nearer to him ; and so will you life con
form more and more to his requirements;
and the more deeply will you hate the
sins that make the Spirit mourn; and
more earnestly will you strive to tear
them from your bosom ; and more sweet
and peaceful will be your gliding hours ;
and nearer and nearer will you find your
self drawn to Christ; and Christian pil
grim, the Holy Spirit will take up his
abode in thy bosom, and
So shall thy walk be close with God,
Calm and serene thy frame ;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads thee to the Lamb.
What this Country owes to Bap
tists.
Baptists have not, as a general thing,
taken to themselves as much credit as
they deserve in wielding the destinies of
this mighty Republic, and through it, per
haps, of the ivorld.
If we run our eye, from the time when
Peter and John gloriously enunciated the
doctrine of soul-liberty, in the words,
“whether it be right in the sight of God,
to hearken unto you, more than unto
God, judge ye; for we cannot but speak
the things which we have seen and
heard,” all along the line of Baptist his
tory, beginning with the Montanists, A.
D. 150, through the Novatians, and Don
atists and Paulicians and Paterines,and the
Waldenses, and the German Anabaptists,
and the English Baptists from 1575, when
they fled from persecution in Germany
and settled in London, to 1636, when
Reger AY illiams founded the city of Pro
vidence, we can trace every where those
sublime principles, which constitute our
boast, and especially that glorious princi
ple of soul-liberty first authoritatively in
augurated by Roger Williams, and which
reached its culmination when, through
our Federal constitution, it gave to each
citizen the right to worship God accord
ing to the dictates of his own conscience.
In no other people can such an exalted
constellation of virtues be exhibited ; for
the Baptists have ever been feared of
tyrants and the friends to freedom: from
ecclesiastical dominion, corruption and
misrule they have ever dissented: for a
converted church membership, they alone
of all denominations have ever lifted their
voice in persistent claim: entire separa.
tloft of church and State has ever beeii
with them, an attainment worthy of a
martyr’s death: to discard tradition and
claim the Bible, especially the New Testa
ment, as their only rule of faith and prac
tice, is justly their boast; and, wherever
they have gone, they have, by their
church government, inculcated the doc
trine of independence. To their form of
church government is this country indebt
ed for its ever memorable constitution.
And, when we reflect, we will remem
ber that, as a body, the Baptists have not
been rich and great: have not ruled in
power nor rolled in wealth; but that they
have always been composed of the artisan,
the laborer, the mechanic —men who
compose the bone and sinew of a nation —
men of skill, men of ingenuity, men of en
terprise, men of boldness.
These are the men without whom a
State cannot exist and prosper ; and these
are the men of whom our denomination
has ever been mostly composed. -
Through persecution, they have been
kept poor and humble ; and thus, by per
secution, have their virtues been pre
served pure and bright.
And such are the men who have formed
and are now forming the groundwork of
our great and glorious Republic—men of
principle, men of thought, men of labor,
men of virtue, men not to be seduced by
the blandishments of power nor by the
enticements of prosperity—men of stern
Baptists sentiment. They it was who
braved the savage Indian and the frosts
of winter, in the settlement of our coun
try : they it was who ever lifted up the
cry for real liberty : they it was who suf
fered most in the colonial persecutions,
ever pleading for the rights of conscience:
among the first, they shouldered the Rev
olutionary musket; and as honorably and
as nobly and as valiantly as any, they
helped win the Revolutionary battles. —
With them the axe of the pioneer has ev
er been a familiar instrument; and to
them has the forest of the wilderness
bowed in homage, and the glebe of the
wilderness yielded support. From the
first settlement of our country, they have
been among those who have first subdued
the wilderness, given tone to society and
engrafted upon the stock of American
ideas the time-honored principles of Bap
tist faith. And, if ever there shall accrue
to this great nation a more glorious great
ness, it will be because of the implanta
tion into its great heart, and to the adop
tion into its living, working, religious
soul, the cardinal truths to which Baptists
have ever borne, and are still bearing hon
orable testimony—namely, the right of
private judgment in matters of religion—
the true spirituality of the church of
Christ—entire separation of church and
State—and the assumption of the New
Testament as a sufficient rule of faith and
practice. If principles ever can make a
nation great, such principles aa these will;
and we hesitate not to say that our na
tion w ill never reach its acme of great
ness, until it shall he completely guided
and controlled by these sentiments; for,
as the doctrines of the Bible only can
make a nation truly great and good, so
no nation can he truly great and good,
and great because good, until those doc
trines are inculcated and practiced in all
purity. Just so far, then, as our country
is indebted for greatness either past, pres
ent or hid in the dim future, to the
principles and practices peculiar to
to Baptists, just so far is it indebted to
the Baptists themselves; and that it is
greatly indebted, we dare be bold enough
to lift up our voice and affirm : hence, we
repeat our initial sentence, Baptists haye
not, as a general thing, taken to them
selves, as much credit as they deserve in
wielding the destinies of this mighty Re
public.
■
Missionary Organizations.
Number 5.
MONEY BASIS.
An objection sometimes urged against
these organizations is, that they have a
money basis. And what is this condemned
basis ? Why, simply this, that churches,
or individuals that contribute
money for missions have the right to con
trol its appropriation. This principle un
derlies most of our missionary organisms.
The Southern Baptist Convention is com
posed of such persons, and only of such,
as pay one hundred dollars a year to its
funds, or are appointed by churches or so
cieties paying that amount to represent
them. There certainly is no injustice in
this arrangement. It infringes no right
of any church or individual. It is perfect
ly reasonable that donors should give di
rection to their own donations. It is not
merely right but scriptural. The church
in Jerusalem selected from themselves a
board of deacons to disburse their chari
ties. The church of the Syrian Antioch
sent a contribution to the poor saints in
Judea, by messengers of their own selec
tion. The church in Philippi sent once
and again to supply the wants of Paul
while he was preaching the Gospel in Thes
salonica. Now, in all these cases the con
tributing bodies appropriated their gifts
without consulting other churches. And
what possible objection, founded in rea
son and discretion, can lie against this
arrangement ? Who will feel a deeper
interest in the judicious appropriation of
funds than the persons who contribute
them? They are the real, earnest, prac
tical friends of missions. Tfiey may be
fairly presumed, as a general thing, to be
better informed on the subject of missions,
to be more anxious for their success, and
more ready to give the attention that is
requisite for conducting them properly,
than those who contribute nothing for
their promotion.
Far be it from us to speak in derogation
of the poor saints. Some of them are
priceless jewels. They are pious and dis
creet, but they are also modest. If the
contributors to the mission cause were di
vided in their views as to the best appro
priation of the funds, these modest disci*
pies would shrink from the decision of the
question. The inexperienced, self-concei
ted and rash, might be willing to control
in such a case ; but the discreet, though
they might, suggest, or express an opin
ion, or even discuss the matter, would
forbear to assume any responsibility in its
decision.
It is essential to the well being of the
S. B. Convention, that it should be based
on some principle of representation ; and
that a seat on its floor should not be too
easily obtained. If it were otherwise,
the Convention w r ould be a mere mass
meeting. The most valued interest of
the denomination would be at the dispo
sal of the Baptists in the vicinity of the
place where the convention might assem
ble. Suppose, for illustration that some
question of absorbing interest w r ere to be
settled, and the convention should meet
in Richmond, Va., and seats in the body
were accessible to all Baptists, how easy
would it be for the Baptists of that city
and its vicinity to control the decision of
the matter? By the present judicious
system of representation, the convention
is secured, in a great degree, from undue
local influence, and the churches aud indi
viduals that place the funds in its treasury
have a fair share in their appropriation.
Besides, it is not allowable to use inno
cent means to influence minds, and in
duce the contributions of funds ?
It is proper to remark also that the ob
jection, even if it had any foundation in
equity, is speculative and not practical.—
The difficulty lies not in obtaining a seat
in the convention, but in filling the seats
to which the constituent bodies are enti
tled. The churches or other societies
connected with the convention in the im
mediate neighborhood ot the place of its
assembling, may find it easy to obtain a
full delegation to it, but it is far otherwise
with those of distant places. The loss of
time and expense of traveling, render it
impracticable for these bodies to receive
a full representation in the convention.—
In what year has Georgia had her full quo
ta of delegates in it ? If then, in any
State, there are poor brethren, that give
nothing to the cause of missions, but
whose wisdom and experience make them
valuable counsellors, they will be readily
appointed to seats in the convention, on
the slightest intimation of their willing
ness to attend it.
Is Popery about to Fall ?
Had Garibaldi lived in the days of
knight-errantry, troubadours all over Eu
rope would have spread his fame and sung
his praises to admiring crowds ; and the
noise of his mighty deeds would yet be
reverberating along the aisles of time. —
His history has been wonderful and event
ful ; but more than all else that he has
achieved, his conquest of Sicily should re
dound to his fame ; and did we not think
that other and greater deeds, as yet un
witnessed, were destined to wreathe the
chaplet of renown around his brow, we
would be tempted to sing paeans of hon
or to his name, for what he has already
accomplished.
We look upon him as the true Apostle
of Liberty in Europe. It was at Milan
in 1851, when the Austrian heel pressed
sorest upon the Italian neck, shortly after
the victories of ’4B, that we heard the
glaring-eyed Italian desecrate the Aus
trian yoke and, in terms of laudation,
but in fearful, whisper-tones, mention
the name of Garibaldi ! “Ah, sir, he is a
glorious man ! We are but waiting for
him. All Italia is but waiting for him ; for
she knows he is destined to be her Deliv
erer !”
And Mazzini !
_ Here followed a significant shrug of the
shoulders,and a curious, distrustful expres
sion. As Israel looked for the Desire of
all nations, so Italia looked for the trium
phant advent of Garibaldi.
And now the expectation is about to
be fulfilled. Conqueror of Sicily, having
the royal forces shut up—caged in Messi
na and Syracuse, Garibaldi but waits the
fit time to complete the victory, crossover
to the Continent, drive King Bomba, in
ignominy, from his Dominions and then—
Will Popery fall and Pio Nono flee ?
How hard to answer a question that a few
days only will solve !
Having permitted the course of Gari
baldi thus far, will France and Sardinia
see him dash the crown from Bombalino’s
brow and — aroused by the cry of Viva la
liberta, say to the Bold Adventurer —
Enough ?
Will not Napoleon’s jealousy dread to
see all Italy acknowledge Victor Em
manuel as King ? And will not Victor’s
dread of drawing upon himself the power
ful Coups d’ejiek of Austria, lead him to
stop Garibaldi ere he ovei turns the Papal
Dominions and sets Venice free? Has
the Pope’s voice lost all its potency ? Will
Napoleon willingly see his supremacy in
Rome, acquired in 1848, with much blood
shed against this very Garibaldi, pass out
of his hands ? What means the Report
that 15,000 French troops are to be ad
ded to those now in Rome, and that the
new recruits that have enlisted under Pa
pal banners shall be disbanded ?
Be the answer to these questions what
they may, Priestly rule in Europe is near
its end. Piedmont, Parma, Modena, Tus
cany and the Legations, have proclaimed
perfect religious liberty—all Italy, but
Venetia, Naples and the Dominions of the
Pope, allow Protestants all freedom ; and
were Pius the Ninth once more simple
Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferettiand excom
munication and priestly wrath no longer
feared,true religious liberty and worship,
and heartfelt rejoicing would spread over
Southern Europe; and men’s hearts would
beat the reveille of universal gladness. —
Yes, Popery is doomed! Garibaldi is des
tined to be its overthrower—whether me
diately or immediately.
The sure word of prophecy has pro
claimed that the days of the Man of Sin
are numbered; and these days of wild
commotion, when nations are upheaving &
the foundations of social fabrics are being
shaken and the Word of God is running
to and fro, may be the set time for the
downfall of the Mother of Harlots and A
bominations of the Earth.
POLITICS.
Query.
Dear Bro. Boykin:
Is it right for a purely religious paper
to take sides in politics?
No. A religious paper should let politics
alone ; tho’ it may give advice as to the
srmiT that its readers should permit to
animate them, in a heated political cam
paign—advocating moderation and a
Christian temper. We intend to keep the
Index free from Politics ; but if a mere
selection bearing on the subject should
creep into the paper, readers should re
collect that all such appear as news and
not as endorsed by the editor. An editor
does not endorse murder, because he
gives an account of how easily a murder
has been and may be accomplished.
The Northern Emeute.
At a Union S, S. meeting lately in It.
1., the ltev. Mr. Huntington, who lately
changed from Unitarianism to Episcopa
lianism, delivered an address favoring in
fant baptism and church membership. Os
course the Baptists were offended, as they
think the union character of the meeting
was violated.
The result will be increased complaints
on the part of Pedo-Baptist ministers that
parents do not bring forward their babes
to be sprinkled.
♦
Cause of Suspension.
When we began Prof. Worrell’s Re
view, we wrote to him for a copy with all
verbal corrections made ; and he sent us,
as we supposed, all such was not the
case, and, as we had failed to procure it
otherwise, we suddenly found ourselves
forced to stop it at No. 9. We wrote im
mediately for more copy : it has just come
and we will begin his Review again next
week. Prof. W. was from home, it seems.
We wrote also to the Tennessee Baptist
and Landmark Banner; but if they sent
the missing numbers,they got lost during
our absence at the Indian Springs.
Apply Soon.
We are informed that if any school is
needing the services of a young man, a
graduate of Mercer University, thy would
do well to address, immediately, J. II
Campbell, Gridin, Ga., and we do not
doubt but that they will he satisfied with
the services of him whom they will be a
ble to procure.
CORN IN THE BLADE.
Be certain to read the “notice” of this
volume of Poems by Crammond Kenne
dy, on our first page.
WHAT A METHODIST SAID.
“While you are writing against Baptist
whiskey-sellers,you are perfectly welcome
to tell the Methodist whiskey-sellers,
that they may take all you say to themselves .’
WHAT A BAPTIST SAID.
“While you are writing against the
Baptist whiskey- sellers, say something
against the Baptist whiskey drinkers !’’
We were reminded ofthis advice a few
days since, when a brother from the coun
try entered our office, whose breath was
redolent of corn juice. Faugh !
While we do not think it a sin to take
one glass of brandy, we think it a burn
ing shame for a church member to drink
habitually, even tho’ moderately; and
when he loves a dram —we him down
as a poor Baptist.
Spirituality and dram-drinking do not
go together : where a man loves the bot
tle he can’t love the Bible : wine-bibbers
are not apt to be closet-frequenters.
But what shall we say of those Baptists
who, away from home, scruple not to
patronize a bar ? Alas, for them; we
fear that they will never come as near tur
ning the world upside down, with their
zeal, as Paul did.
Judge L. was a church-member and—
a moderate drinker: kept wine on his ta
ble —“could see no harm in it.” But
Judge L.’s example proved the ruin of
his sons. Who has not mourned over
11. L. ?
Brother Baptist, have you never set a
bad example in this respect? If so, go
and sin no more.
See how a plain Tale, &c.
Dear Bro. Editor :
In your last issue you say that you be
lieve the cry of an educated minister one
of the crying evils of the day. It strikes
me that that is a singular expression for
a paper of a Convention which has a The
ological Institution under its care and is
doing all it can to educate young minis
ters. Yours truly, S.
Reply. —Our remark was intended to
have this bearing only—that many, be
cause they were not educated, would not
preach when they ought to do so ; and
that many, oftentimes, hesitate to license
and ordain uneducated ministers, when
they should do so, because so much im
portance is attached, by others, to a min
isterial education.
You see, dear brother, our object was
to induce the churches to encourage all
those who appear to have ministerial
gifts lind to be of God to preach.
No man is more a friend to ministerial
education than we, and we have contrib
uted to both Mercer and the Greenville
Seminary ; but we think a man can make
himself a very respectable preacher if he
will study and try to preach, to the best
of his ability, even if he has never seen
the inside of a theological institution: we
want the churches to draw out young
men and set them to work.
‘Mrs. Mason.
As our readers are aware, this lady left
Burinah and came to this country to en
deavor to procure other ladies to go out
toßurmah as Bible Readers. She says
that the three millions of women of Bur
raali are not secluded, but most easily
reached in pnb^c; but that they cannot
understand the way of life as dealt forth
by men. It requires “woman talk,’’ to
make them comprehend. And she is beg
ging her civilized sisters to return with
her and help evangelize these women. —
She certainly has made a great effort —to
come all the way from Burmah, on her
own responsibility, to secure this object ;
and there must be a fearful necessity for
it, if that necessity impelled her to such
exertion.
(COMMUNICATION S.
Reminiscences of Georgia, No. 7-
UNIFORMITY IN DISCIPLINE.
P*
Formulas for practice, so that all the
churches might have uniformity in the
transaction of business,, seemed very de
sirable and since that period, such have
been prepared by men, as individuals, and
circulated widely. Letters were read in
1825, from distinguished gentlemen in va
rious parts of the U. S., yet further time
was deemed important as to the best ways
and means to accomplish the object. —
The associations were loth to engage in
the subject —they exuressed their fears
lest chains might be forged for them,
and thrown around without their knowl
edge : hence, a resolution was presented
to let the matter rest, as efforts had
proved unavailing to unite the several
ecclesiastical bodies. But ministers pres
ent from the Ilephzaba, Sarepta and Tu
galo Associations, which had not joined
the convention, urged the anxiety of their
respective bodies, that measured might
be perfected to secure the design held in
contemplation: all the associations were
then invited to send messengers for this
special end: but here the thing found its
grave. There was not energy to carry
out the constitution, and the clause being
a dead letter , was easily effaced. Some
had too much inertia to go ahead, and
some entertained fears, but about what
they did not know, like a blhulish horse
that is always trying to see something to
scare him. If all the minor matters
above named had been settled in regard
to the proper treatment and adjustment,
we should have escaped many troubles
and inconsistencies that have beset our
path in the last quarter of a century. —
Usage would have operated lice a whole
some law, and prevented many departures
from the way of rectitude, and enabled
many churches to escape dangers and dif
ficulties created by heady and head
strong men, and made the path plain to
cripple their influence, and bring them to
obey Zion’s great law-giver.
The associations, that is, those strongly
tinctured with anti-ism, dreaded the influ
ence that the convention was sure to wun;
hence, they waged war against it. Yet
some of these did not hesitate to avow
that associations had the same authority
over churches, that churches had over
their members ! i. e. bodies that had no
scripture for their existence, possessed as
much power as the churches established by
their law r -giver, Jesus Christ, had in con
trolling members, known and described
by the sacred oracles. On this point,
Jesse Mercer wrote a valuable disserta
tion, discriminating between them. This
gave a guietus to the matter in some de
gree.
These formulus were designed merely
as advice to such churches as chose to
adopt them, that uniformity might per
vade the whole brotherhood: for it is ob
vious Baptists never claim anything as
binding, as law, except it have the divine
sanction in words, example, or logical de
duction, so plain as not to be miscon
strued. The articles of faith for our asso
ciations, attempt to concentrate what we
belive, in a focus or small compass, so as
to be easily ascertained without the time
to wade through the whole Bible, and
cull them out. So of minor the points
named —it is quite desirable that all the
churches should act in uniformity. In its
favor, could be pleaded the suggestions
and wisdom of the denomination from
the most distant points in the land.
Testis.
State Evangelist.
Bro. Boykin—l am reciving many pres
sing invitations from weak arid destitute
churches, to visit and hold meetings with
them. Some of these churches are in parts
of the State remote from me. I beg leave
to answer in this general way, that I will
comply with as many of these invitations
as I can consistently. But it is proper it
should be understood, that while the Con
vention expressed its approval of my con
tinuing in this work, it had little or no
funds which it could appropriate for my
salary. Past experience and present pros
pects deter me from extending my visits
as I greatly desire to do, and as I would
hope might result in good to the cause of
Zion.
In this connection I wish to express my
fervent gratitude to the few brethren, who
have so liberally contributed to sustain
me in my labors as State Evangelist. On
ly a small portion on last year’s subscrip*
tion remains unpaid.
J. 11. Camp hell.
Griffin, July 17, 1860.
Commmunicationjron } a neighboring State.
I read the ‘‘lndex” with great pleasure and
profit. I rejoice at its evidences of vigorous
life, and commend its courteous and manly
bearing. May it long continue the true “In
dex” of that volume of thought, energy and
benevolence — the Georgia Baptist Conven
tion. Yours truly,
S. H. F.
Our correspondent is assured that we are
satisfied.
News.
W. W. Allen, who was deposed
from the ministry by a Baptist council at
Keokuk, lowa, in August last, on account
of open-communion view's, was received
as a member of the Denmark (Congrega
tional) Association, at its meeting May
Bth ; and he is at present supplying the
pulpit of the Congregational Church at
Keokuk. He retains his former views as
to the mode and subjects of baptism, but
on all other questions assents to the arti
cles of faith adopted by this Association.
It is estimated that over two hundred
thousand people will cross the plains this
year for California, Utah, Oregon, etc.
New Church Cnstituted. —Pursuant to a
call from a company of brethven and sisters,
known as the Salem Baptist Church of Cobb
Cos., a council met at their house of worship on
Sabbath, the 13th of May, 1860, to recognize
them as a regular and independent Baptist
Church of Christ, in fellowship with the de
nomination.
The public services were conducted as fol
lows : Recognition sermon by Elder J. M.
Springer ; charge to the church by Eld. S. M.
Piles ; hand of fellowship by Elder Wm. S.
Tweedle. J- M. SPRINGER) Mod.
C. B. York, C. C.
May 13th, 1860.
Coliseum Church, N. O.—This Church now
numbers over two hundred members ; and it
might be supposed that they would he satis
fied to work together for years. But that in
defatigable worker, brother James H. Low,
with a few others, have already determined to
form another interest the coming fall.
A hall is secured, a minister well known
throughout the South, of much eminence, of
profound scholarship, and the most effective
pulpit talents, together with much pastoral
experience,’ added to no ordinary self-sacri
ficing piety, has been engaged, who will, God
willing, be at his post early in the fall. We
bid these brethren God speed iu the name of
our common Master.
Baptists in California. —The force con
sists at present of fifty-three ministers, or
dained and licensed ; fifty-four churches, and
eighteen hundred and fifty communicants.
Several new churches are to be organiAd soon.
Cherokee Baptist College. —The com
mencement exercises of this institution for
1860 created quite an excitement in Cassville
and the surrounding country. There were
more strangers present than had ever yet at
tended one of the Commencements. Cassville
was literally thronged to overflowing, and all
came away delighted with the exercises.
Foreign.
England.
The late proceedings of the British Par
liament are interesting. In both Houses
the revolution in Southern Italy had been
discussed, and the speakers evinced the
warmest sympathy for the Garibaldi move
ment. Lord Brougham predicts that the
Constitution granted to the Neapolitans
would never satisfy the people, and he
hoped it would fail to save the detestable
tyrant of Naples.
Lord John Russell, in answer to a ques
tion, had stated that Gen. Harney had
been recalled by the United States Gov
ernment for not carrying out the arrange
ments of Gen. Scott for tho solution ofthe
San Juan dispute.
France.
A person of high rank, just on his re
turn from Paris, who saw Napoleon at
Fountainbleau, relates that this monarch
had expressed himself, in the most une
quivocal and positive terms, “that it had
become a matter of necessity that both
the Bourbon ot Naples and the Pontiff*cf
Rome should decamp.” The Emperor
added that it was possible the Pope might
inhabit the island of Sardinia, with the
nominal sovereignty over the island, but
allowing it the lull enjoyment of its pres
ent tree institutions.
France had notified Turkey of her in
tention to join with other powers to stop
the massacre of Christians in Syria.
It is asserted in various quarters that
France is urgently pressing the Sardinaiu
Cabinet to listen to the overtures *f the
King of Naples and consent to an alliance
between Naples and Piedmont. The Gov
ernment of the latter kingdom does not
conceal its aversion to the proposition.
It is said that the Emperor of the
French has authorized the formation of a
National Rifle Association like that in
England. The person under whose di
rection it will be placed is M. Jules Ger
rard, the famous lion killer.
►Sicily.
Telegrams from Sicily say that Gen.
Garibaldi, w r as marching on Messina. The
Gen. was about to receive large supplies
of men and stores ; about 2,000 men were
to sail from Genoa, where great numbers
of volunteers are assembled ; and a French
house is said to have taken a contract for
some thousands of revolvers, rifles and
muskets, for Garibaldi’s service. Naples,
at latest dates, was tranquil, and the pro
clamation of martial law had been rescin
ded. The liberal concessions of the King
had been received with great distrust.
Palermo advices to the 3d, state that
Garibaldi had held a review of 9,000 vol
unteers, most of them very young.
It is stated that the Royalist forces for
the defence of Messina amount to 20,000
men, and that they were under orders to
act strictly on the defensive, and not to
abandon any of the places which with
Messina form the line of defence.
The Turin “Gazette” says that an offi
cer of the Neapolitan court, named Bosco,
has left for Sicily, declaring his intention
of either killing Garibaldi or being killed
by him.
Naples.—The Neapolitan Government
had resolved to offer the Sicilians the C in
stitution of 1812.
At Naples the proclamation of the new
Constitution had been received with in
difference. The refusal of Signor Manna
to accept office had created a bad impres
sion.
The Neapolitan exiles in Turin were
nearly all returning to Naples.
A Berlin paper affirms that the chateau
of Rosenhofen, the summer residence of
the King of Bavaria, is being prepared
for the reception of Francis 11., in case he
should find it necessary to make a precipi
tate retreat from Naples.
, Rome.
The Papal Government had released the
political prisoners belonging to the Ro
magna who were confined in the forts of
Ancona and other strong places.
The effective strength of the Papal ar
my under Lamorieiere amounted to 19,-
000 men.
The Irish volunteers are leaving Rome
for Spoleto, where a corps of 10,000 men
is to be concentrated before the fortress.
The Paris correspondent of the Field