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THE CHRISTIAN INDEX.
SAMUEL BOYT^N,Aiitor.
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ivi^boi^oA.
■4*# —-
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 1860,
The Unsettled state of the
* W ORLD.
The present state of the world is remar
kable, and calls for the serious considera
tion of the church. The Crimean war,
short but terrific, originated in the jeal
ousy on the part of England and France
of Russian aggrandizement on the Bos
phorus. The alliance of those two States,
for centuries hostile, one Protestant and
the other Catholic, was a strange event.
The Czar w r as arrested in his march to
Constantinople—the Porte was subjec
ted, without being strengthened, to Euro
pean policy; and England and France re
turned from the conquest of Sebastopol,
allies in form, but in fact—rivals. Neither
then nor now, do we find confidence reign
ing between Louis Napoleon, and the
Court of St. James. He declared then,
and he declares now, that “the Empire is
peace,’’ but notwithstanding, adds daily
to the already gigantic military and naval
strength of France, whilst England re
pairs her fortifications, enlarges her navy,
and enrolls her militia to meet the exigen
cies of the future, whether of defence or
aggression. The next act in the world’s
drama, is the bloody revolt in India, si
lencing the voice of missions, and shaking
the very foundations of British domina
tion in the East. Then comes the Austro
Sardinian French war in the North of It
aly, breaking upon the world, with the
suddenness and destructiveness of a Cala
brian earthquake. The sanguinary fields
of Montebello, Magenta, and Solferino,
are lost and won. Austria is defeated,
but not vanquished. A peace is tendered,
and the treaty of Villafranca annexes to
Sardinia Piedmont, and other small States
of Italy. In a few weeks the Austrian
supremacy in the Italian States is thrown
oft', the Pope is humbled, and the banner
of civil liberty is unfurled where the Hag
of despotism had long waved, unchallen
ged. Thref Jjhft'f to be noted as re
so burvble,/i is the case.’ of this conflict.—
cons 7 a true incident jushe head of the
will write frequ of the world,
_ ."ar childrin, undei mfe with his legions,
£•” authority of the Pope,
anJrCry cavalierly announces to him,
that he is the spiritual head of the church
and no more. Second, the excommunica
tion of the Pope, for centuries more pow
erful than crowns, armies or constitutions,
is disregarded—even contemned, in Italy;
and third the Bible, under the toleration
of that noble gentleman, as well as King,
Victor Emanuel, circulates without let or
hindrance, from the foot of the Alps, al
most to the gates of the Holy City.
Again, the heroic ‘Garibaldi, in the ut
lorniSn~tyraany, n<T mtVihg re..- rr; mra
mWBBBRnrom conquest to conquest,
t the people rising almost as one man, to
veceive him. Avowing his purpose to
march upon Venice, Austria arms to de
fend her territory, and once more meas
ure strength with France and Sardinia.—
Almost contemporaneously with these
events occurred the horrible butchery of
the pseudo-christians in Syria, and the
intervention of France and England.—
Revolution within threatens to subvert
the Empire of China, whilst the outside
barbarians, to wit, England and France,
hover upon her coast with powerful arma
ments, demanding redress for the past,
and indemnity for the future, whilst Ja
pan sends to Washington an Embassy of
peace, commerce and good will.
Such is a mere sketch of the promi
nent facts of recent history. % In the mean
time the church of God .W -aroused —her
leaders are numerous, ‘able and fearless,
and her glorious banner is hung upon the
outer wall. Revivals are spreading over
Sweeden, Denmark, England, Scotland,
Irelar 1, and our own Union. The old
lC pagan Empires of China and Japan, are
I and reluctantly, opening their
Sorts to European and American com-
and with commerce goes the Bible
fcjd-d its civilization. The Turkish Empire,
bulwark of Mohomedan delusion, tot
ters to its fall. The Crescent, belieing
its name, wanes, and must ere long disap
pear from the moral heavens. The Cath
olic church has lost much of its influence
over the minds and consciences of men,
and the Pope has at length, lost his power
to curse. Civil liberty has gained and is
gaining upon her ancient enemies, the
Priest and the Sword. The future teems
with events involving the interests of
Christianity, and the honor of God.
What do all of these things portend ?
We hope and believe that they are ap
pointed agencies for the reformation of
the world, and the ushering in of the reign
of Christ, over all the earth. We know
not what are his purposes, but we do
know that God is Sovereign, and that he
ordereth all things well. What, in view
of the present state of the world, is the
duty of the church ? It is clearly this—
leave events in the hands of God—pray
against all sin and for all good. “Thy
kingdom come, thy will be done,’’ is the
prayer for the times. And the work of
the church is active co-operation with all
that seems, to enlightened faith, to be the
will of God.
Authority for our “theory.”
Some brethren ask us for our authority
for the position, that there are some cases
in which a church may receive the excluded
member of another church. Now this de
mand does not seem to us, to come with a
good grace from those who assume a po
sition which is inconsistent with church in
dependence. What is their position?—
EJ J— —
Why that the decision of one church
binds other church. Now, Dr.
Dagg,-who is certainly good authority,
says on this subject: “Some have regard
ed each local church, as acting for the
whole body of the faithful: and have in
ferred that its acts are binding on every
other church. But this opinion is incon
sistent with the true doctrine of church
independence, and the separate responsi
bility of individuals and churches.’’ Since
the brethren who oppose our position are
attempting to sustain a mere inference
which is inconsistent with “true indepen
dence and separate responsibility,’’ sure
ly upon them rests the burden of proof.
We endorse Dr. Dagg’s position—the po
sition of Mercer, Meredith, Sands, and
generally of the fathers in our denomina
tion twenty years ago- It is for those
who oppose this generally received opin
ion to furnish authority for their “theory.”
The case mentioned in Corinthians does
not meet their case. That, proves that a
church may restore, on his penitence, one
whom she has excluded: and it proves no
more. About this there is no question.
We hold it to be true, that were “all
our churches walking in the spirit, sound
in faith, correct in order, and careful in
discipline,” the decision of one church
would be respected by every church, not
because it was the decision of a church,
but because it was according to the scrip
tures. But when a decision is made in
violation of the scriptures, it will not be
respected by churches who are guided by
the scriptures alone, and it ought not to
be.
There is no appeal to a higher authori
ty. An appeal implies revision and
trol. There is no revision by the receiv
ing church, nor control of the action of
the excluding church. The former acts
for herself alone, and not for the latter.—
There is a remedy for an unscriptural ex
clusion, but no appeal. If it be called an
appeal, it is not to a higher authority but
to equal authority.
As however, we wish to be accommo
dating, we will refer our brethren to the
authority for our “theory.’’ It is abun
dant and very familiar to them. It con
sists of all those texts of the New Testa
ment, which Baptists are accustomed to
quote as proofs of church independence.
We deem it unnecessary to quote them
here. If it is insisted upon, we can do so
hereafter. As our position is consistent
with the true doctrine of church indepen
dence and the separate responsibility of
individuals and churches,” of course, all
those scriptures which prove that doc
trine, prove our position. And on the
contrary, the same scriptures disprove the
position of our brethren, that the acts of
one church are binding in all cases, upon
every other church, because their posi
tion is with the true doc
trine of church independence, and with
the separate responsibility of individuals
and churches.
We hope this will satisfy our brethren
as to “our authority for our theory.” If
not, they will please excuse us for a time,
and attend to the discussion of the sub
ject by brethren Baker and Mell, in the
columns of the Index.
The Household of Bouvirie,
OR
THE ELIXIR OF GOLD.
A ROMANCE BY A SOUTHERN LADY.
This is without doubt a very entertain
ing novel. It is written in a rigorous,
spirited style. Its incidents are numerous
and full of exciting mystery. It is high
ly dramatic, or rather tragic.
We plead guilty to a disrelish of so
much and such various horrors. A little
strange it is that a Lady should take such
an extravagant liking to the tragic muse.
In this book we are constrained to ad
mire much suggestive matter, and many
—very many noble sentiments, but there
are things in it that we seriously condemn.
And, if the author and other Southern
ladies of whom, as writers, we are proud,
will hear a kindly word from a kindly critic
we would say desist from straining after
effect, in the creation of monsters, and
portray humanity as it is.
There never was so terrific a fiend, in
human shape, as Erast us Bouvirie. lie is
a caricature of man—absurd—disgusting
—revolting. If an authoress means to
paint the Devil, very well; but let her
call him by his right name.
Now Beulah is a book of great intel
lectual merit; but who ever saw at the
South, a cavilling, doubting, metaphysical,
harsh, unfeminine creature like Beulah !
She is not a type of our women. We haz
ard the assertion that, be the authoress’
religious opinions what they may, no one,
whose opinions are not entirely settled,
has arisen from the perusal of Beulah
without having his tendencies to doubt
increased.
And in The Household of Bouvirie wha
religious opinions are taught, no one can
tell. Our authoress deals pretty largely in
theology but her trumpet gives a very
uncertain blast. Her Calvinism looks
very like fatalism—her atonement very
like expiation by human suffering ; and
her passport to heaven would seem to be
extreme unction.
If novelists must needs be religious
teachers, in common justice, let them tell
us, in clear tones, what they mean to teach;
and not leave us to gather from their
pages a doubt as to the truth of Christian
revelation. We do not object to their
teaching the religion of the New Testa
ment ; but we commend to them as mod.
els in this regard, the novels of the author
ess of John Halifax, Gentleman; or ofMiss
Warner.
A more hopeless task than that assum
ed by Miss Evans, of bringing light out
of German theological metaphysics, no
man or woman ever yet undertook. As
well undertake, with a rush-light, to il
luminate the gloom of a starless, moonless
midnight.
No such task is undertaken in the book
before us. Our objection to this book,
so clearly written, so full of incident ana
mystery and entertainment, is, that,
whether intended or not, it brings into ques
tion some of thefundamental truths of Christi
anity.
This criticism cannot be evaded by the
usual reply, that the authoress not to be
judged by what she makes her characters
say. The objection lies against the book.
The question is, what is its permanent
effect ? And if an authoress will discuss
theology, she is responsible as a teacher
of infidelity, if she leaves the discussion
just where its effect is to weaken faith in
the truth as taught by the Son ofGod.—
And when a book, which produces such
effects, is likely to be placed in the hands
of many of our youug people, it becomes
us, as faithful watchmen upon the walls
of Zion, to give the note of alarm.
What the regular Baptists of the
United States are doing.
The above question we asked ourself
and then sat down, and with the aid of of
ficial reports made out the following:
They are supporting 44 missions, 192
stations and 1254 out-stations. They
have in their employ, 480 regular mission
aries, and 538 native missionaries. They
maintain 473 missionary churches, which
have a membership of 31,934, of whom
7291 were baptized during the last year.
The regular Baptists have in the United
States a membership of over 1,020,000,
and they contributed to our various ben
evolent organizations during the last year,
$447,653,56, and reckoning those contri
butions that were made for other benevo
lent purposes, the Baptists of the United
States contributed during the last finan
cial year, $500,000,00, which is about 50
cents each.
In 1813 the first missionary society was
formed, and $980.22 were raised the first
year. Adoniram and Luther Rice were
the only missionaries. They had no reli
gious literature, not more than one or two
colleges and no theological institution.
In addition to what has been given
above, there are 5 publishing establish
ments on a large scale, owned by Baptists
that issue annually an immense amount of
denominational and religious matter. The
Baptists publish also 21 monthly periodi
cals, and 33 weekly denominational pa
pers ; and they possess and sustain 34 col
leges and 14 theological institutions.—
277 ministers were ordained in their com
mission in 1859, and 279 new churches
were instituted. The whole number of
ordained ministers is 7837, and churches,
12371 —exhibiting an average member
ship of 83, or about one minister to every
two churches.
Counting missionary baptisms and those
reported in the U. S., there were bap
tized in one year 79,371, and adding mis
sionary churches to those in our country,
there are 12,844 —ministers 8,316 —mem-
bers 1,052,876.
Revision.
The Bible Union is hastening towards
its final mission. Dr. Hackett has com
pleted the preliminary revision of Gala*
tions. Dr. Conant is working hard on
Matthew. (We have not received a copy
of that part of Matthew published,) and
will add to it a most valuable appendix.
“In this Appendix Dr. Conant classifies
every case of the use of the Greek word
baptizo (/3arri<?w), not merely where it
occurs in the original sacred writings, but
also in the writings of Greek authors, so
far as they have come down to us. For
more than a quarter of a century, he has
been collating the examples, as his read
ing and teaching led him to discover in
stances of the use of this word. The au
thors whose testimony is analyzed in this
appendix lived, some of them, from 200
to 300 years before Christ, others in the
Apostolic age, and others still along down
to the close of the age of Greek literature.
Dr. Conant is thus enabled to determine
its use and meaning beyond a doubt or a
perad venture.’’
The Union is in need of help; and it
does seem most appropriate in all the
friends of a true version to help now
when we seem almost to be “ sweeping
within the gates, to the possession of the
great boon so long and so anxiously an
ticipated.”
Georgia.
In Georgia there are 95000 regular
Baptists ; these gave to their missionary
operations last year $17,121,41 or 19 cts.
each, on an average. $20,000 were repor
ted to our Convention as contributed to
benevolent operations, which is 21 cents
each, on an average; but the regular
Baptists of Georgia really gave to ben
evolent objects last year $25,000, which
makes the annual average contribution of
each member amount to the round sum of
26 cents.
A Missionary.
We received a letter lately from which we
publish this extract, in order to let our read
ers know that the missionary spirit is not
dead in Georgia, as the writer is Georgian:
September 3rd, 1860.
Dear Bro. Boykin :
“I have recently suffered a great deal of
anxiety and thought in reference to the Afri
can mission. It appears that the Lord has
directed or appointed me, to go to that be
nighted people which for a long time I have
tried to avoid. But recently I have been able
to resolve to go anywhere that the Lord shall
direct me.
Believing that Africa is my appointed field,
I write this to you as a private letter, hoping
that you can tell me how I may obtain the
means which may carry me to, and sustain me
in that distant land.”
Mistake.
“The Christian Index , (Ga.) says : “Let ev
ery Baptist send for Worrell’s Review of
Mell.”— Ttnn. Baptist.
There is some error in the above. Perhaps
some other paper than the Index was intended,
in the quotation above.
H. J. W
Your verses will appear. Her time was out
a little while back. (
COMMUNICATIONS. *
Reminiscences of Georgia.
Number 10.
church independence.
As intimated in aprevious article, some
associations maintained that they pos
sessed higher powers than churches, be
cause in them was the collected wisdom
of the denomination. But the Savior’s di
rections in the 18th of Matthew, “Tell it
in the church” w ith the expositions of the
“Index,’’ gave a quietus to the whole sub
ject. The adversaries quailed under the
truth as expounded, ceased their opposi
tion to Bible teachings. If the divine
rule had been, if the church does not de
cide to suit, then report it to the Associa
tion, Conference, Bench of Bishops, or
Assembly, the case would stand very dif
ferently: but the church is the highest ec
clesiastical power on earth, unless as many
do, you deny Jesus Christ to be the only
lawgiver in Zion: then you are out at sea
without chart or compass, for one ap
peal to other judicatories, does not satis
fy the parties; frequently the highest
court coincides with the church after
years of trouble, vexation and expense:
but when you reach that final decision,
you have put yourself out of Christ’s pro
tection, since you have appealed to one
never constituted by divine direction:
the individual church is the only court es
tablished by the Savior. The church uni
versal or denominational could never as
semble to adjudicate: hence the local
church must be the only power to which
Christ entrusted cases of discipline, ad
justment of differences.
The Georgia Association opposed the
acts of some other bodies on this question
of church rights, maintaining that they
had trampled upon the internal privileges
not allowed. She defended the senti
ment that no member could be received
or dismissed by letter, by a bare majori
ty : others that this was lawful in some
cases. But see what confusion must en
sue : the letter is a falsehood if all do not
agree in the vote—the applicant is not dis
missed in fellowship, if some object. One
association declared her opinion that a
church had required more confession of
some members returning for restoration
than she ought: thus reviewing the acts
of the church as a higher authority.
The reception of excluded persons into
another church is not sanctioned by Bi
ble teachings. Instances of exclusion are
found in New Testament, but no record
that any other church tried to shield them
from the ignominy or confession of their
wrong : such interference would occasion
heart-burnings and separate very friends.
“But suppose one has been wrongfully
excluded ?” You have no authority to
interfere only by advice and entreaty:
you can not arraign the act of the inde
pendent church and set aside her deci
sions: you must acquiesce and bear till
the excommunicate is in a suitable frame
to be restored. “But he never will be
under such unjust treatment:’’ your in
ference is a pretty good evidence, that
you have no confidence in his Christianity.
“But are a church’s decisions infalli
ble ?” No—judicial decisions are not in
fallible : but they must stand until you
appeal to a higher court, and it reverses:
but as the Bible knows no higher court on
earth than a church of Jesus Christ; so
no body can correct the supposed error
except the church that committed it.—
“Then a man must be under censure all
his life; and that unjustly.” Deliver me
from my friends was the remark of a
shrewd man : were it not for their inter
ference officiously, real Christians exclu
ded through misunderstanding, would
soon be restored. Testis.
Bible and Colporteur Report.
Waymarks for August.
Penfield, Ga., Sep. 1, 1860.
Freeman’s Creek, Clark county, Ga.,
is an old church. They have anew house
and are in a flourishing condition. Spent
a few days with them. The church and
congregation gave me S2O 00 to make
Rev. J. M. Stillwell, (their pastor,) a Life
Member of the Bible and Colporteur So
ciety. Long will I remember the kindness
of the people here, and at
Bethabara, Clark County, Ga.
The'friends of the Bible and Col. cause
at this church, gave me $ll,OO towards
making their pastor, Rev. D. H. Moncrief,
a Life Member. I labored at this place
pleasantly a few days. God has wonder
fully blessed the people here, for the last
few years. Their house of worship is not
as large, nor as good as it should be, when
we consider the intelligence and strength
of its growing people.
Mars Hill Church, Clark co., Ga.
I staid one night with brother Langford,
their pastor. They have anew and neat
house of worship. Beneath the surface
on this beautiful hill, sleeps the bodies of
many of my. friends and relatives. Among
them is my own dear father. Here, too,
I first united with God’s people, and was
baptized in A. D. 1835. Sister E. V. B.
a member of this church, paid me $15,00
which completes her instalments, to make
her a Life Member of our Society. Long
may she live, and enjoy the privilege of
doing good.
Alpharetta
is the county seat of Milton county. It has
a Baptist church, but they have no house.
We preached in their new and beautiful
Court House. This is a very handsome
little village. I hope the Baptist may soon
be able to erect a house for God.
Hightower Association
met at Union Hill, Forsyth county, on the
10th ult. Rev. A. Webb was re-elected
Moderator, and Rev. F. M. Hawkins,
Clerk. This body is classed among the
missionary associations • yet they do but
little in the mission cause. No people in
Georgia, (I think,) so much underrate |
their strength as these* They complain
of poverty, yet they have good houses,
good farms and other good things.
Bethel Camp-Meeting, Forsyth co.
I attended this camp meeting. Receiv
ed $8,50 towards'making old bro. King
a Life Member of our Society. The young
people, (greatly to their credit,) paid the
most of the sum named above. Much
good was done at this meeting.
Crossyille, Dawson co.
I spent a few hours at this place. One
brother gave SIO,OO for the Bible cause.
It would be a pleasant thing to be an A
gent, if the country was filled with such
people as I saw here.
Canton
was my home 13 years ago. Oh ! what
changes in so short a time. In 1847, I
taught school in the Academy here. We
then had about 100 pupils. I visited the
school now kept in the same house, it also
has about 100 pupils. Only three of the
present 100 were in my school. The oth
ers have all gone. Some to other schools,
some to active life, aud alas! others to
their long homes. 1 saw many of my old
friends, and it was truly to me a pleasant
visit. The Baptist have a quiet little
church here.
Dahlonega
has a Baptist church, but no pastor. Re
ceived here for my cause $2,00. We had
a very pleasant meeting at night. Long
will ray traveling friend, and I, remember
the kindness of brother Martin and bro.
and sister Todd, also Miss Todd.
Clarksville
is an old town, without any Baptist influ
ence. The people are, however, a neat,
civil church going people. I preached to
a large and interesting congregation, in
the Methodist meeting house.
Clarksville Association
met at Camp Creek church, on Friday
24th ult. Rev. T. M. Kimsay was elec
ted Moderator, and S. Sisk, Clerk. This
body is doing but little in missions. It is
nevertheless a flourishing and interesting
collection of God’s people. They are
warm in the reception ot agents. The
congregation gave S3,GO to aid the Bible
and Tract cause, most of which was given
by the children. May the Lord bless
them,
Tuccoa Falls,
in Habersham, is as its name would indi
cate, a beautiful scene. It is the sudden
leap of a medium size creek, over a per
pendicular rock to the depth of 180 feet.
It falls into a basin below in a beautiful
shower.
Tallula Falls
is on Tallula River, just on the line of Ra
bun and Habersham counties. Tallula is
an Indian word for terrible, and truly the
Tallula Falls are terrible. The river is,
on an average, about 50 feet wide and 2
deep, The chasm at the Falls is about 6
miles long. The falls, five in number, are
confined to one mile. The other five
mil es, are made up of rapids. The fall of
the river, in one mile, is about 400 feet,
though no fall is more than 60 feet. The
grandeur ot the Tallula consist principally
in the great chasm made between the op
posite banks of the river, and through
which it runs. I first saw the river, from
the top of its Southern bank, a height of
1,200 feet, the opposite side was 1,500
feet. The wall on each side of the foam
ing, roaring, glittering and restless wa
ters are nearly perpendicular. Though
by the help of our energetic pilot, Master
Bonus Melior Optemus Beale, J. Eliot
Haygood (my son) and I descended from
our dizzy height to the river in three pla
ces. Rev. Mr. Hawthorn was drowned
here while bathing in A. D. 1837.
More anon. F. M. Haygood.
Old Choctaw Agency, Aug. 22, ’6O.
Dear Brother Boykin :
The camp-meetings this year have be
gun with interest amongst the Creeks.—
Councils and money payments do not now
attract the people’s attention so much for
the very good reason that there is no mon
ey to pay.
In the Ottussee town, a few weeks
since, I assisted in quite an interesting
campmeeting. Three were received and
immersed —one anew convert, one a
Methodist exhorter and class leader, and
one a Presbyterian. The Presbyterian,
a woman, said she had long wanted to be
immersed, but that the Presbyterians told
her if she was she would have two brands
upon her,(the Creeks brand all their cat
tle,) one the Lord’s brand (the Presbyte
rian) the other the Devil’s (Baptist.)
Two weeks after I held a meeting in the
Hitch-it-tee town and met again with
much opposition. The whole town were
Methodists, except five persons. I had
no interpreter but conducted the meeting
as well as I was able for three days—not
one soul who could understand one word
of English. We received three and I im
mersed two —both Methodist. One man
abused me very much and threatened to
whip me if I immersed his wife, who had
given in. I told him she wanted to obey
the Saviour’s command aud follow His
example, and that I should immerse her,
which I did without fear or molestation.
At Hlop-hlok-ko town we witnessed a
humiliating and saddening sight—two of
our members, whom we thought strong
and faithful, under the influence of intox
icating liquor. The seducing ‘bitter wa
ter’ had done a sad work. My interpre
ter met the wife of one of the men some
distance from the camps. Said he, ‘Sister,
take courage, and pray God to bring your
husband back into the path of duty.’ She
replied, ‘Yesterday I was packing up my
things at home to come to the meeting
when all at once my husband entered,
ran me off the place and then threw eve
rything in the world we had in the house
in the fire said she, ‘What you see me
now have on my back is everything I
have in the world.’ There are some ‘pale
faces’ who will have a fearful account to
answer in a coming day.
Crops are almost entirely cut of m the
Indian and surrounding country. Many*
very many of the Indians have not made
five bushels of corn. Suffering has already
begun and we dread the coming winter
and spring : the Lord knows all things and
He only knows what is to become of many
poor people here. The gardens made
nothing, the fields nothing and the prairies
are burned up. Cattle and stock ot all
kinds are suffering severely.
The day before yesterday I received
from Bro. Buckner a published copy of
his sermon preached in commemoration of
the death of my now sainted wife,Mrs. X.
E. Murrow. Truly do I return thanks for
those ‘words of comfort,’ like cool water
to a thirsty soul. The little book is pub
lished by the Southern Bap. Pub. Society,
and in very neat style, and has a tolerably
correct engraving of the loved subject of
the sermon.- May the Lord bless my dear
brother and make him long useful to his
fellow creatures.
To all whom it may concern :
There is an old Seminole man with ten
children, a Christian and good man—a
very fair preacher and loved by all who
know him. He is useful and labori
ous and could do much good if he did not
have to work very hard for a large family.
If some Association, Church or individual
would adopt him as missionary, and give
him SI,OOO a year to support himself and
family, I feel honest in saying he would
be very useful to the cause of religion. I
expect to mention him to the Marion
Board —who will pledge his support ? Or
if any one wishes to support him indepen
dently of that truly useful body, just say
so and that can also’ be equally easily ef
fected. lam after the good to be done,
brethren ; I don’t care a rush what means
you employ.
Unworthily, J. S. MURROW.
Central Ass’n. Mass Meeting.
This was a body of great moral power
and efficiency, but it is intimated that it
has deteriorated—lost its energy—that it
is missionary in name not in fact. I think
madam Gossip will have to shut her slan
derous mouth after the meeting, and eat
her own words. A crisis has arrived and
she sees that she must do or die; for hav
ing resolved to sustain a missionary in an
uncultivated field, it will be neeessary for
her to put forth energies that may have
been slumbering, because no special ob
ject of magnitude was in her purview.
But if only a part contributed, when
our crops were abundant and our fields
groaned under harvests; will not a failure
ensue in this year of drought and scarcity?
This is the very time to test the geniune
ness of our love to Christ’s cause. Many
give when money is plenty in order to
giatily their pride; now it will be a sacri
fice, and show our solicitude for the salva
tion of sinners.
Inspiration chooses to name the church
es of Macedonia, on which God had be
stowed a peculiar kind of grace, the
grace of liberality and to hold them up
as a model for our imitation. Though in
deep poverty, persecuted and cruelly trea
ted by their enemies, their contributions
were really beyond supposed ability ; for
it may be, the Lord magnified them as
He did the loaves with which He fed the
hungry multitudes. Let us, brethren,
pray for the same kind of grace that ren
dered the churches of Macedonia so fa
mous and so useful. We need it to prove
the reality of our religion and if we have
lost the zeal of earlier years, to re-imbue
us and start us anew in the path of duty.
Though their “poverty” was “deep,’’
probably despoiled of their house-hold
goods, it overflowed in the riches of their
liberality. They did not excuse them
selves, as the apostle feared, but contrib
uted liberally, when they were in want
of all earthly things. This paradox is
like that which represents a poor widow,
who with two unites, had surpassed in her
contribution, all the rich Pharisees.
There are single members in our asso
ciational bounds that could buy out all the
brethren in the Macedonian churches
“bag and baggage,” and yet have enough
yearly income to sustain a missionary in
the foreign field during life. Some would
do it, but dislike to deprive others of a
precious privilege. Let us all be present
at the mass meeting and take stock in
this glorious enterprise. Need individ
uals be named? If Madison, Antioch,
Providence, Harmony, Blountville, Mil
ledgeville and others be well represented
and the Holy Spirit be present to bestow
the grace of liberality and every mem
ber be engaged in prayer for the consum
mation of the object; the meeting will be
one of joy and gladness and the remem
brance of former seasons, of early sessions
will melt every heart and moisture every
eyA The Lord grant it all.
A MEMBER.
Missionary Colporteur Report.
Dear Brother Boykin :
As Colporteur for the Washington As
sociation, I have been visiting several
churches and find many in prosperous
conditions.
The brethren and friends around the
Ohoopie church have built a very nice
and comfortable house of worship which
will be dedicated by bro. C. W. Stevens
on the first Sabbath in October.
The brethren at Horeb, are erecting a
very comfortable building. This is, per
haps, one of the most flourishing churches
in this Association ; and, by the by, are
devising liberal things for brother and sis
ter Stone.
We cannot forbear speaking of a visit
we paid brother Pannall at Deoharts.—
The meeting was continued from Friday
before the third Sabbath in August for
nine days. Thirteen were received by ex
perience, and others expected next meet
ing.
But without any doubt we enjoyed our
self at Long Creek, Warren county, better
than we have in many a day before. The
meeting was protracted ten days with
very happy results; nineteen were added
by baptism and ttto restored. Bro Dug
gan, the pastor ot the church, with broth
er Veazy of Mississippi, and myself, labor
ed through the meeting, brethren Verde
rey, Cain and Camp, remaining with us a
part of the time. The church was much
revived, and we hope much ‘bread cast
upon the waters to be gathered up many
days hence.’
There is a meeting of some interest go
ing on in Riddleville, at this time.
O. C. POPE, Jr.
The Law Demanded.
The Arkansas Baptist avers that “the
reception of excluded members islawful—
not always expedient.’’
Where is the law ? It may be found in
the Statistics of Pope John, of Henry VIII,
of Mary or in the New England Blue
Laws. If in the Bible, the only Book of
Laws acknowledged by Baptist, it is hard
to find. Old Dr. Miller used to say, “I
assure you, my friends, there is as much
proof for sprinkling as for immersioD
now the opinion of the Arkansas Baptist is
to be classed in the same category. It
may be found in the same chapter that
recognizes the authority for two churches
to commune together at the Lord’s table,
and chides, with want of liberality, those
who do not see the example ; that too,
when only one denomination was known ;
for in primitive times, “one Lord, one
faith, one baptism” only was in vogue.
I find reception of members, letters of
commendation, exclusion by majority,
and restoration by the Corinthian church ;
but no account or hint that a church could
receive into membership, persons exclu
ded by another church. The proof, the
law, must be furnished by our brother of
Arkansas. When he shall do it, we prom
ise to make the amende honorable for cal
ling in question his superior judgment in
disciplinary measures. LEIDA.
Apostolic Baptism.
Waymarks to Apostolic Baptism ; or
Historical Testimonies demonstrating
the original form of the Rite, as ordain
ed by our Lord, and administered by
his holy Apostles. New York: Sheldon
& Cos., 1861.
Rev. Dr. Boyce, writes thus of this
new book.
Greenville, S. C., )
May 23, 1860. f
Messrs. Sheldon <fc Cos.
The Waymarks has many excellences
and is well worthy of general circulation.
It seems to have been carefully proposed
and that too by one who seeks original
sources of information. It might have
been much enlarged, but I can scarcely see
how the author could have used to greater
advantage the space he has taken up.
Let me suggest to you however that the
title is not sufficiently descriptive of the
book —Waymarks of Baptism, would have
been better—especially on the cover.
Yours truly,
JAMES P. BOYCE.
DESCENT INTO A COPPER MINE.
- A correspondent of the Journal of Com
merce on a visit to the Lake Superior Copper
regions, make the following note of a descent
into Quincy mine:
We now stood before an opening, say ten feet
square, which appeared like an unfathomable
abyss. A cool draught of air ascended, bearing
fumes of burnt powder. For a depth of say
thirty feet, objects were discernible; but at
that point day-light was displaced by pitchy
darkness. Is it cowardice to confess that one
shrinks from trusting himself to such a fabric
as that frail wooden ladder leading downward
to unknown depths ? But there was no re
treat. After proceeding a few fathoms, can
dles were lighted, the Captain placing his in
front of his hat, by the use “of an adhesive
clay. Clinging to the ladder with a more tena
cious grasp, the descent was resumed toward
the first ten-fathom level, which was the first
of three dismal galleries all having the same
general features, but seperated from each other
by intervening layers of rock sixty feet thick.
All external objects were now lost to view,
while the dripping rock seemed to close upon
us in a cold, chilly embrace, as though we
were ugon the very precincts of the grave ; the
sharp clicking of hammers became more audi
ble, and whiffs of smoke from subterranean
blasts ascended by the upward current of air,
so that we were compelled to feel our way into
the thick darkness, which the glimmerin can
dle only served to make visible. The sur
rounding walls of rock, on close inspection,
were seen to be coated with a heavy blue
mould, slimy to the touch. But in due time,
the solid bottom was reached, and we stumbled
over loose fragments of stone along a horizon
tal passage (termed a level, or gallery, or drift,
each designation being appropriate.) There
was hardly space to stand upright. Plank for
hand barrows were laid along the bottom, and
through the murky atmosphere could be dimly
seen a long line of feeble lights, stuck upon the
walls of the copper vein, to guide the labors of
gangs of miners as they toiled with hammer and
drill. The place might have been mistaken for
the abode of Vulcan, or for Pandemonium it
self, as every vault and recess echoed with an
unearthly din. The many huge timbers see - .?
overhead, (explained to be the floors which
supported large masses of superincumbent
rock, or rather the refuse of abandoned cham
bers,) added nothing to our sense of security.
To be sure, these timbers must eventually de
cay and fall; but by that time, laborers would
occupy other sections of the vein.
As we advanced, there occurred openings to
the right and left, to connect parallel passages];
and occasionally there were trap-doors almost
directly in our path, leading to almost intermi
nable depths. But the undaunted Captain, fix
ing his light upon a stick and moving it slowly
over the rocky walls, disclosed a surface ail
brisfing with spires of pure copper. The phe
nonr enon was to him a subject of infinite satis
faction, for it was evidence that the tens of
thousands of dollars which had been expended
under his direction might all be returned, with
a magnificent surplus of earnings. While en
gaged in these contemplations, everv light was
extinguished in an instant, and a fearful explo
sion reverberated along the rocky labyrinth. A
mass of copper had been thrown‘from* its bed in
the ordinary course of things ; so the circum
stance was scarcely noticed. Matches were
drawn, and labor resumed as before. In other
levels, the scene presented was only a repetition
of what we have just described, only that as the
day advanced the smoke occasioned* by blasting
grew more dense, but without serious annoy’-
ance. The Captain remarked that diseases of
the lungs were prevalent among miners, espe
cially where less care is taken to secure proper
ventilation. Rhuematic complaints are also
common. But for all these, as for casualties of
whatever description, the miner provides a fund
—each single man paying fifty cents per month
and married men one dollar, to secure medical
attendance. This is very essential, for only
yesterday an unfortunate man had his leg whip
ped off in a trice, by being caught in the coils of
a chain attached to a bucket and steam-engine
to hoist mineral.
We emerged from the mine after being under
ground about half a day, having been exceed
ingly interested in the various processes of ex
tracting mineral, and more deeply impressed
than ever with the richness lavished by Omnip
otence in building up these “everlasting hills.”