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NEWS OF THE WEEK. _ .. . • MACON 6, 18C4. . . —_ -3T _____ Notes on the Times. Three years ago Maj. Anderson moved his garrison from Ft. Moultre to Ft. Sumter and : theio enacted tlie first scene of the bloodiest drama the world ever gazed upon. No land! has ever suffered the same amount of sorrow, ‘ privation, anddeath in so short a time, as ours. : there is not a household in all the country : which has not wept over the loss of some dear one, and with heads bowed down, mourn their | crul late. Property lias been destroyed, i homesteads laid in ashes, the country devas- | tated, and the most inhuman cruelties inflic ted upon a suffering people. The hand of ty ranny has pbed every means devised by the despot’s head, to subdue our people, and to break their spir.t. But, notwithstanding all these things, the people of the South are still defiant and determined to be free. The ene my lias published his programme, and fully advised us of our doom if we are conquered. 1 he alternatives are liberty, slavery, or death. Death has already reaped a rich harvest in the thousands of noble patriots who have been slain in the cause of freedom. Many more may lay their live upon the altar of their Country, but liberty will bo the boon of those who survive, and of coming generations. Sla very can never be the doom of the South un less her sons ignobly refuse to fight, and wil hngly cress their hands to receive the tyrant’s fetters. There seems, for the present, to boa lull in military movements. The heavy rains and hard f; aezes have brought the contending for ces to a stand. In Tennessee, the enemy has distributed his forces at various points for the purpose of v filtering and obtaining supplies with more convenience. Our own army occu pies about the same position in Northern Ga. that i . clid previous to the great battle ofChick pmauga. Gen. J. E. Johnston, is now in com mand. It has been apprehended by some that our army would fall back toward Atlanta.— But it is the opinion of tlie knowing ones that this apprehension is groundless. Gen. John ston is a lighting man, and we believe will stubbornly contest every inch of ground from Chick:, manga to Atlanta. But we do not be lieve it will be possible for Grant to advance before April or May, and by that time be may have to make a retrograde movement. Let the people see to it that the army is well fed and clad during the winter months, and they need not seriously fear that it can he driven back very far towards Atlanta. In Virginia all remains quiet. The late raid of Aver ill is doubtless the close of the winter campaign in that quarter. The Yankee army has made no progress towards Richmond within the past twelve months. It is now twenty miles further off thau it was this time last year, nor is it probable that it will ever get much nearer. The soige of Charleston, progresses, but the enemy approach no nearer the city. They are evidently growing weary of their work. Six months’ time, millions of money, tons of iron, thousands ot’ pounds of powder, and great sac-* rifico ot life have been, expended, but the ene my is really but little nearer the accomplish ment of his object than when the seige began. There have been some indications of a pur pose to make an attempt by laud. Numerous transports have been seen to pass Wilmington which were supposed to contain reinforce ments fi in the Northern armies for Gilmore. But we believe that they will make as little advance by this rout as they have up the har bor and over tlie islands. Gen. Beauregard will not he caught asleep. Pocotaligo has heretofore proved an unlucky spat for Yan kees. uth Carolina soil is not at all adap ted to Yankee homes or armies. .Matters wear a cheering aspect West of the Mississippi. Magtuder, Dick Taylor, Price, Holmes, and Kirby Smith, will prove more than a watch for Banks and his clan. It appears that tho negro trouble at Fort Jackson was a small affaiv after all. It shows, however, that they are not altogether satisfied with freedom and their Yankee brethren. The Mississippi River is still infested with rebel batteries on its western bank. Com mercial operations are no more safe now than before the fall of Vicksburg. Nor will it ev er be so long as war exists. The westeru men will find that peace is the only means by which that river can be opened and undisturbed nav igation secured. They have fought against their own interests and brought all their trou ble upon themselves. The Confederate Congress has been vigo rously at work devising and discussing schemes to improve the currency aud to recruit the ar my. Both are matters of the greatest impor tance. We trust that wisdom and not bascc may characterize its deliberations. The substitute law will doubtless be repea led and the limits of conscription extended. We regard the good faith of the government involved in tho former, to say nothing of the constitutional ba.-rier against impairing the obligation of contract. As to the latter, we think the original age fixed for conscription will furnish men enough to whip the Yankees if the law is properly enforced, aud the strag glers and deserters gathered up and put in their places. The main tiling now is to pro vide subsistence and clothing. It is not over grown armies that-achieve the greatest victo ries, but those that are best provided and best disciplined. But we leave these matters to those who have them in charge, hoping and believing that if we are true to ourselves and to our obligations to God that he will overrule all things for our good and enable us to tri umph gloriously in the end. Notice. The Minutes of Ihe Columbus Baptist As sociation are ready for distribution. Persons wishing them will call at the office ot the Grant Factory. . S. B. LA AY, 2t Clerk C. B. Association. : Richmond Correspondence of the Index. Riohmonp, Dee. 2eth, 1863. I write on thMky which has been set apart from all the year, by two hun- I dred and fifty minions of Christians, real or | nominal, as the date of “the Lord Christ’s” I birth. Without avouching, nay, though alto ■ gether discrediting the historical accuracy of ! this selection, we must at least regard it as ’ not unmeet that an event which lies at the ! heart of the world’s hope should lack no form of honoring and hallowing within the power |of our race. The observance of Christmas i day—to coinmeirforate the beginning of an I earthly life by alleavenly King—tocallmen’s thoughts back to the coming of a God in the flesh, for the redemption of such as should partake of that flesh with Him, if they but consent to be partakers of His Spirit also— had its origin, doubtless* in highly devotional motives: motives whose high devotion must have absolved them lrom severity of censure, had the observance been left, in the case of every believer, as a free-will offering, laid in accordance with the self-promptings of grate ful love, upon the altar of his faith. But alas, the usage, if instituted by Christian piety, has undergone perversion through human infirmi ty. What with the formalism, whieh seeks by one day’s external sanctity to atone for the long year’s inner, hcart-neglect of the Savi our—what with the festivities and sports, which break away from tho reins of serious reflection—what with the dissipation and vice which einbrute every nobler faculty—there is, during the whole course of the year, perhaps, no single day, on which the world clothes it self with an aspect so Godless and un-Clirist like as the one it wears, this- same Christmas day! llow imperatively it becomes evangeli cal believers to redeem the time from this abu sive grossness, and make the season which well meaning men have chosen as the anniver sary of the Redeemer's appearing on theeartb, a season of thoughtful love and lovingthought. Milton, in tlie Christmas Ilymn, so little equal to his powers, says f “No war or battle’s sound Was beard the earth around : The idle spear and shield were high up bung; The hooked chariot stood Unstained with hostile blood ; The trumpet spake not to. the armed throng; And kings sat still with awful eye, As if they surely knew the sovran Lord was by!” This is partly history, partly fiction. But whether it be true, or not, that the era “AVherein the Prince of light His reign of peace upon the earth began,” vras marked by a cessation of hostilities strict ly universal, one cannot make a pilgrimage to Bethlehem, and look on the seene* the shep herds saw there, without feeling—even in tem porary forgetfulness of the song heard by the shepherds, and echoing ever since from the lyre of revelation—that war is always and ut terly at variance with the purpose of our Sa viour’s mission into the world. AVho can stand in imagination by the manger, and then transfer himself to Gettysburg or Chiekamau ga, suppressing the conviction of the absolute and infinite incongruity between them, shut ting bis soul up from the belief that if the one spectacle is of heaven, the other is not and cannot be? AU this, lam conscious, is awk wardly expressed ; but it will prepare your readers to conjecture, “at least, why I say that the thoughts incident to the day impress me more than ever with the persuasion, that the authors of the present war are crimson with a guilt only less than unpardonable. Let the flay move us, also, to zealous self-searching, lest we catch from our foe the accursed spirit of war, and no longer stand to our arms sim ply because we must, iu defence of right, and and for the maintcnanceof conservative Chris tianity. Oh, if wc must fight, may wo fight, as it were, in sight of Bethlehem and the Babe of Bethlehem J not hating the invader, not thirsting for his blood, not rejoicing over his calamities, but loving justice, and suffering— if need be, dying—for that ! . From the Christmas stand-point, (and this should be the stand-point of the whole year as well,) how sacred appear the functions of the Christian ministry. To them it is given in trust to take up, with revivent and rapturous repetition, the angelic anthem on the plains of Judea—not to suffer this “blessed evangel” to die out from among men—to keep the voice of this world’s interests, and passions, and commotions, from drowning it. Such is the work to which they are called to devote their lives. Nothing else must rank above it—no- thing else tcith it. . AA 7 hat a wide departure from the purpose of Christ’s mission, then, would our country betray—how would she separate our cause from,how’ would she array it against, that nobler cause which gives sanc tity to Bethlehem and Calvary—if she should tear ministers away frofla this divinely-ap pointed life-work, and thrust them into the field of an earthly warfare! I hope that the history of the present struggle will not be dis figured by s’o dark a blot. AA r e would lose too much in our spiritual interests by it. Nay, we would gain too little iu our material inter ests, (if it were allowable to weigh gains in this line against losses in that.) According to the report of the Superintendent of the Bu reau of Conscription for A T irginia, the two Car olinas and Georgia, out of 64,830 exempts in these States, only 830 ard ministers of the gos pel. And can the South consent to ignore and to trample down the claims of this sacred office, after the pattern shown in the movement of Northern infidelity, for so slight an addi tion to her forces in “the field—an addition which must be subject to no little abatement on the score of physical disability for the pri vations and toils of active military service?— I cannot believe it. If Congress takes such action, it must be because that body altogeth er misreads, I will not say Christian, but pub lie sentiment. (By the way, without iastitu ting comparisons, which might seem mvidi- j ous, I add, from the report above-mentioned, that there are 150 ministers among the 22,- 807 exempts of North Carolina, 184 among the 20,382 of Virginia, 271 among the 15,80i of Georgia, and 219 among the 5,815 of South Carolina.) Bpgging your pardon for prolixity, I ven ture on one thought more. If likeness to Bethlehem be the rule according to which G<id judges among tho nations—if lie deals with a people according to the proportion in which Chi ist is bom into their hearts, through ‘the Holy Ghost coming upon them and the power of the Highest overshadowing them’— we are yet at a tearful remove from the posi tion in which we might claim His favor for the South, with an absolute assurance of faith. Alas, so much ot Richmond as lies around ray daily path, lias, this morning, greeted the ear with more sounds of profanity and obscenity, and the eye with more scenes of drunkenness, than on any Christmas since I first knew the city. Is this a fair type of the state of morals throughout the country ? If it is, how can we escape the stroke of the rod of the anger of God? Will He not continue us, until We are broken in pieces? Oh, for na tional reformation that wo may not be swal lowed up in the vortex of national ruin ! i SEMEI. Soldiers’ Children- For the Index. Education of Soldiers’ Children —Legislative Action Deferred — Uri/bnt Appeal io the Peo ple. Bro. Boykin. —A few weeks ago your read ers were informed that a memorial from our Baptist State Convention had been presented to our State Legislature, in favor of the edu cation of sbldiers’ orphans ; that the measure was favorably entertained ; and that a joint committee had reported a b : ll making special and liberal provision, not only for the educa tion of soldiers’ orphans, but also of all child ren of soldiers who might need aid from the State. I learn the measure encountered no opposition in either branch ; that it passed the House with an appropriation es $850,000, but failed in the Senate solely for want of time to give it a third leading. If Hon. Linton Ste phens (who was the author of the bill, and who took a deep interest in its passage) ‘had not been providentially kept out of liis seat for several days previous to the close of the session, it would no doubt- have passed. I have the utmost confidence that it will be pass ed at the next session, with a largely increas ed appropriation. What is to be done in the meantime ? It is hoped the people will see to it, that these poor children and youth, amounting, probably, to not less than 20,000, are not wholly deprived of educational advantages. The Inferior Courts have authority to assess a tax for schooling all poor children. In the uamo of their heroic fathers, who stand” between us and our brutal enemies, or who have sacrificed their lives in defence of their country, I ap peal to the people of my native Georgia, in their behalf. Cali the attention of voor Infe rior Courts to the importance of prompt and vigorous action in this matter. Many poor orphan boys will take their father’s vacant places in the ranks before the close of another year. A few months’ schooling would be of incalculable benefit to them. Shall they have it ? 1 call upon you, Bro. Boykir, and all others in the State, having control of therms, to exert its mighty power in favor of this ob ject, in which the best interests of our coun try are so deeply involved, and which com mends itself alike to the patriot and the Chris tian. ‘ J. 11. CAMPBELL. P. S.—Papers throughout the State are re spectfully requested to copy. J. 11. C. For the Christian Index. From the Camp. Camp Colquitt, Janies Island, S. C., ) Dec. 10, 1863. * j Bro. Boykin —Allow me, in behalf of our battalion, the 12th Ga., to tender to you tny most sincere thanks for tho weekly visits of your most excellent Journal, the Christian Index. Since I wrote you last we have endured many hardships, having been here ever since the seige began, 10th July last; but we always welcome the In dex, whether in Fort Sumter or on the Is land. We continue our semi-weekly prayer meet ings, and as I trust aud believe, much good has been accomplished. It is indeed touching to see many of these sun-burnt veterans, who have for months stood before the blazing throats of so many monster guns, melted in to tears under the power and influence of the Christian religion. Itev. T. J. Adams, of Hancock county, Ga., visited us not long since and preached several days and nights; while here he im mersed five believers. We went down to the tea shore, “because there was much wa ter there”—they were buried with Christ in baptism beneath the briny waves of the sea. Oh, it was a scene upon which the angels de light to gaze and the sons of God shout to gether for joy ! Pray for us, my brother, that we may not only be valiant soldiers of our country, but of the cross of Christ. Hoping that you may receive sufficient en couragement to resume a whole sheet by next January, and that you may ever be prosperous, I am, Very truly, J. J. DAVIS, Cos. A, 12th Ga. Bat, T. D. Key.— All’s right. A list of subscri bers like yourself would de. Hasty Telegrams. 11. Neeson.— We believe that any minister can get a Chaplaincy in the army by going to the army and consulting with some Regi ment or Chaplain, and having an application forwarded to the Department. ‘Tis said to be very easy to accomplish. Mrs. N. W. Daily and Mrs. A. E. McMikin. 170 canpot send the books you wish, Mrs. B’s $4 is subject to orders. Buckhead church, Burke Cos., Ga. — $19i,50, for Bro. Huff’s agency, is received. F. M. H. 11. E. Butler.—The SSO were acknowledged. - .J. M. C.—Yes. Send it on. Our thanks ale due Bro. Roberts for a copy of the Minutes of the “Washington Associa tion. The Lawrenceville, Columbus, Sarepta and some other minutes not now reeollected, have been received. A. M. MarqliaU.—The money cam* and was acknowledged. All right. Bro. Dags'* The ology can be had. Writ* t* t. M. Haygood. Receipts to Jan. 4, 1864. I. G. Cheeves, April IS, 65 tss 00 Rev. T. J. Adams, April 30, 04 2 00 G. Garbult, Feb. 23, 05 5 00 Rev. J. 11. Hall, May 8, 65. 5 00 Dr. W. J. Carroll, Dec. 31, 65 10 00 Miss A. E. Weaver, Dec. 31, 55 10 00 ILL. Bunn, March 6, 65 5 00 J. W. Evans, Dec. 31, 64 5 00 W. Walker, March 31, 64 1 50 J. 11. Rutherford, Dee 31, 64...........5 00. Rev. W. L. Mansfield, May 10, 69 20 00 C. Blanks, March 31, 64.... .1 50 James Horsley, March 20, 66 ,10 CO Mrs. A. R. Sauls, Dec. 31, 64 5 00 Miss M. M. Osteen, Dec. 31, 64 5 00 C. R. Green, Dec. 31,64 5 00 B. Crowley, Dec. 31, 64 5 00 C. F. Be in is, March 18, 65 5 00 Mrs. P. G. Wall, Dec. 31, 64 5 00 Rev. J. T. Claike, May IS, 65 5 00 Mrs. W. A. Pope, Dec. 31, 64,.. , 500 Rev. J. A. Lawton, Sept. 24, 66.......10 00 N. Massey, March 6, 65.... . . 5 00 F. C. Armstrong, March 6, 66 10 00 Mrs. L. Swilley, Dec. 31, 65. .. 10 00 S. Palmer, Jan. 3, 65. 5 00 Mrs. E. B. Barrett, Doc. 31, 64. .5 00 Jos. Reagan, April 17, 65 5 00 T. 11. Vaughan, March 31, 64 ..1 50 W. Maury, Dec. 3.1, 64 .5 00 G. F. Hudson, Nov. 17", 65 . 5 00 Rev, M. B_ Bjpion, Dec. 31, G 4 500 Miss A. E. Bryan,'Feb; 29, 64........ .1 00 Miss L. Gantt, Dec. 31, 64 5 00 W. Carry, July 26, 65. . 5 00 Money received to send the Index to Soldiers, Rev. A. E. Dickinson, Agent S2OO 00 Mrs. M. Gresham 10 00 Rav. M, T. Spmr.ar, Agent 100 00 T. 11. Vaughan. 10 00 SXarried, On the 21st Dec., by Rev. N. B. Billion, Mr. Lafayette P.u:::eh to Mrs. Martha A. Jackson, all of Hancock county. Bv R*w. P. A. Lawson, on the T#th Decem ber, at toe residence of Judge T. 11. Connell, I'A nucir, Esq", and Mis* Sabah A. Connell, all of Spalding county, Ga. On tin; evening of the 25 th Nov., by Rov. J. 11. Weaver, Mr. Lem lei. S. Baxkr, ofthel3th Ga. Yols., to Miss C. Joanna Sxbhd, of Up son county, Ga. On the evening of the 26th Nov., by Rev. J. 11. Weaver, Mr. T. 11. Daniil, of the 2nd Ueg’t State ‘A ols., to Miss Emma H. Sandwich of Thomaston, Ga. On the, 16th inst., by Rev. E. J. Coates, at the residence of the bride’s Tatlifr, Mr. R. 11. Carswell, of Wilkinson county, and Miss Penxie Dupree, of Twiggs county, Ga. In Penfield, on the 6th Oct., 1863, by Rev. Dr. Crawford, Rev. Joseph L. -Butch to Miss Mattie Beazei y. Also, in Augusta, by the same, on the 12th Nov., Dr. Flournoy Carter, Surgeon C. S. A., to iliss Mattie AValshe. Also, in Penfield, by the same, on the 15th Dec., A. Junsox Cieves, of Montezuma, to Mtss Anna M. Sanford, daughter of Profes sor Shelton P. Sanford. Also, near Penfield, by the same, on the 23d Dec., Lemuel L. Callaway, of Texas, to Miss Ann Josephine Mullins. Obituaries. Society has lately lost one of its most valued brnaments by the death of Mrs. Mary A. Russell, wife of Hon. James M. Russell. Young in years trod lovely in character she left us when life seemed fairest to her vision. Asa child she was dutiful and obedient—as a wife faithful and trusting—as a mother kind and tender—as a mistress indulgent and for bearing—as a Christian placing implicit con fidence in the promises of her Saviour, and in every relation acting the affectionate and ac complished woman. Death had no “terror for her, and she met him with calmest resigna tion. Twenty-three summers only had passed over her head when God called her tc himself. In lieaveu she now sings those praises to the Lamb in which on eash ’twas her delight to join. In the glad chorus of the skies she now mingles her angel voice. Let those whom she left behind, whom she loved, be ever ready to jjin her in that bright realm of angels. D. Died at the residence of Mr. Wm. W. Brooks, in. Greene county, Ga., Mr. L- J. Mcßrjdi, of chronic dysentery, in the 27 th year of his age, he was born and raised in Madison eounty, Aia., near Huntsville, (where his father was living the lastjie heard from him,) and joined the army the sth day of June, 1861, in Helena Ark., and when he died, was a private of Capt. J. K. Phillips, Cos. F, 2nd Reg., Ark. vols., and was in the battles of Shiloh, and Libert}’ Gap, and was on a sick furlough to Union Point, on the G. R. R. near whieh place he died. lie bore his affliction with patience, and some think he was a Christian, notwith standing ho had not made a public profession for he died likp the righteous, and hut a short time before he spoke of both his parents, and asked for a hymn book, when he was not able to hold it, and repeated the two first verse)* of the hyn, “O ! when shall I see Jesus,” &c., and soon after died like going” to sleep. Some Ala. papers will please copy. Any friend wanting information, can address H. O. Peek, Greensboro, Ga. . On the 31st Oct, 18C3, in the second year of his age, after a severe illness of six days, Em met Dickson Gunn, the only child of Wm. R. and E. E. Gunn. Keenly do the fond parent feel this sad providence which takes from them their first born. But their loss is his eternal gain. “AVeep not” for God has taken him unto liimself. “Faith cries out, it is the Lord, Let him do as seems him good ; Be Thy holy name adored, Take the gift awhile bestowed; Take the child no longer mine, Thine he is, forever thine.” • Died in Dougherty county, Nov. tho Bth, 1803, Mrs. 11. E. Hill, daughter of John M. and Ann J Hampton, (now Mrs. Lunflay) and the wife of Dr. A. C. Ilill, early in her 29th year. The intense anxiety of physicians, relatives and friends for the recovery of the departed, availed not, and we can now only pay a last tribut to her memory —she is dead! Yes, the spirit of the devoted wife, the doting mother, and true friend has winged its flight, we trust, to a happier aud more congenial climo than earth affords. No more shalt thou, sainted friend, welcome us to thy plenteous anS hos pitable home. One other still .remains to bid us join and tarry with himself and little ones. But why so sad, and the sitting room why so dreary? Difficult tho’ it is to realize, yet it is true — thou art gone. Yes, my bereft friend, thy bosom companion—thy Raoh — is no more ; and tho’ serious illness prevented thee from discharging, around her bed-side, those kind •ly offices none other could so well exeoute, her departure was calm and peaceful, scarcely a “wave” of trouble” seemed to disturb the quiet and composure of her mind, in tho try ing hour of dissolution. Two links—L. M. and Willie May—she has left with thee aud dwells, we believe, with the only other in the chain of materuo-paternal affection, Samuel Ashton—her little “Sammic.” And to the widowed, Christian mother, who arrived too late to sooth the dying pillow—be consoled. Thy daughter, several months be fore she was attacked with the fatal pneumo nia, gave satisfactory evidence to brother Webb, pastor of the eburch she attended, that her faith was in her Redeemer, and a few hours before her death, were given” to both “father Mallary” and brother Webb, cheer ing assurances that her trnst was still in the BttYiour, yrliilc ohc, ftfc tliO uftine trinre, expr6SS* cd clpar views as to the plan of salvation. Thus passed away the wife, the mother, the daughter, the sister and the friend. The ten der infant, probably, explains tlie reason why she had not symbolized her death to sin and life in Christ by tubmitting to tlie ordinance of baptism. Among her last petitions was one methinks something like the following; “Trusting in thy word alone, I to Thee my children leave: Call my little ones thy own, Give them all thy blessings, give ; Help them while on earth they breathe, Save their souls from endless death. Whom I to tby grace commend, Into thy embraces take ; Be his sure, immortal Friend, Save him, for my Saviour’s sake; *Thee from-sin, from sorrow fr*e, Let my husband trust in thee.” * W. W. T. Died in hospital at Richmond, Ya., Janua ry 3d, 1863, of wounds received at the first Frederiesburg battle, Henry T. Dayi, of Ce. F, 35th Reg., Ga. Yols. The subject of this sketch was the son of Elder J. J. Davis, of. Gwinnett county, Ga., and was inthe23d year of his age. He professed religion and joined the Baptist church in 1854. lie was not only a pious, orderly Christian but a licensed min ister of Jesus. We feel that lie was too puro to remain on earth, therefore God took him The writer has often been with him in the stand and was licensed to preach at the same time, and joined in prayer with him many times. In the church, in .the secret grove, a round the family altar, in the prayer-meeting, in ti e Sabbath school, ho was always devoted in all the Christian duties. He was not only strictly pious but was an example of piety to many that were his seniors in age. T. E. K. Killed on the battle field” at Chickamauga, Sept. 19tli, lt>63, Sergt. James 11. Geiger, Cos. G, 25tli regt. Ga. Vols. Sergt Geiger wa leading the gallant little company to which he belonged after the fall of the gallant Lieut. F. J. Chapman who was wounded early in the engagement on the 19th. Scrgt Geiger had been in command but a short time when the cruel ball took effect above the left eye produ cing death instantly. This brave brother left his home,, affectionate old, father, mother, . brother, sisters, and a largo circle of relatives and friends wlio were all the time filled with anxious cares for him. We trust our loss i* his gain, and are thankful we were not left without a hope, though ho had not made a public profession of faith. A Brother. Departed this life in Atlanta, Ga., on Fri day evening, Nov. 27th, 1863, Mrs. Amelia R- Cole, wife of Mr. Moses Cole, and daughter of James Clark, Esq. Rarely have I seen a death which afforded a more striking illustration of the power of Chris tian faith than that which was exhibited fn tlie last moments cf this amiable youn";.; lady. With much to attach her 16 life, loving p al ' _ Oats, fond sisters and brothers, a devoted hus band and an interesting child which Gcd nad just given to her—she nevertheless welcomed her dismissal from the body as the happiest hour which elie had ever kuewn la lr?e said she, when the iey kund of the last ie my was actually uponher, “l am happy, hap py, perfectly happy. I did not think that I should kayehad such feelings at this time.” So ftr from evincing any agitation or alarm, when it was made known to lier that recove ry was despaired of, she received the intelli gence with tlie smile of one who is for the first time apprised of joyful tidings. The only distress which she seemed to in theflo -Bing hours of life was awakened by the griet of the loved ones who surrounded her. She entreated them to desist frowi their tears as suring them that it was all well with 1:@- In a conversation had with her pastor a few weeks previous to her sickness, and’ when sh i was in her usual health, she expressed her un abated faith iu the Saviour. And when the stern trial ofthat faith was upon her, she a gain said, “Jesus is precious, he is very pre cious to me. I cau trust him.” About eight years before her death, “when in the fourteenth year of her ago she giVvo her heart to Jesus. Though a frail consti- tution and repeated attacks of sickness did not allow her to enter upon that active service for Christ which would have been congenial, doubtless, to her heart, she nevertheless ex hibited the true Christian in the passive vir . tues of her character. Debarred frequently from the privilege of going to the house ot God, she did not neglect the devotions of tho closet and thus maintained her walk with heaven. Intelligent, amiable, pious, she was all that could make a wife beloved, or a daugh ter and sister dear. Those upon whom God has sent this most painful bereavement, need not sorrow for her as for one for whUru they have no hope. She has gone to their Lord and her Lord, to their heaven and her heaven. The spirit is already in tho realmSof the blest, and the body which lias fallen asleep in Jesus will one day be roused from its slumbers to join its celestial partner. “Comfort one anoth er with these words.” Pastor. Departed this life Oct. 15, 1863, at her fath er’s residence, Newton, Ga., Mrs. Sarah B. Underwood, aged 20-years, 2 months and 8 days. She joined the Baptist church in 1861. She lived an exemplary Christian Die- She was a lover of the Index, possessed a good natural talent for music” and took delight in the songs of Zion and when necessary would lead church music. “ _ County Line has lest one of her most useful female” members whose loss is felt. But tlio judge of all the earth will do right at whose behest we must all submit. She was calm in her last hours*. She arranged her worldly mat ters with deliberation, then selected tho preach er, text and hymn for her funeral, then passed through the iron gato to join the heavenly chorus above. B. G. M. Mrs Mary Ann Ray, daughter of Mrs. Re becca and James Pearson, died of typhoid fe ver on the 3d of Dec. 1863, aged 41 years, 8 mouths and 12 days. Mrs. Laura E. PoweLl. dangble* of Mrs. Mary Ann and Dunwoody Ray, died of typhoid fever on the Bth of Dec. 1863, aged 19 year's,. 4 months and 28 days. Little Ida Powell, daughter of Mrs. Laura E. and Joseph L. Powell?died cf typhoid fe ver on the 13th inst., aged 3 years 1 month and 29 days.. Died at Atlanta Hospital, Novejabcr the 10th, 18G3, James 11. Morley, of Cos. D, 47th Reg., Ga. A 7 015., aged 22 years. His protrao ted illness was characterised by intense sul fering which he bore with patience until death came and relieved him of his pain, lie was a bright, interresting y*ung man, and to# much beloved to bo easily resigned, but he would point to the sorrowing parents the bright world where now I hope he is praising his Re deemer close by the throne of Ged. I don’t know as this young man was a member of any church, but I was one of his companions thro’ our campaigns in Mississippi and North Geor gia, and a better companion I never had. lie sleeps now far from his friends. A FRIEND. Died in Lexington, Ga., on the 6th Nov. 1863, James Henry, only sou of Col. Jas. D. and Mrs. D. A. Mathews, aged 2 months and 23 days- While fond parents deeply feel their loss, they should be consoled by the thought that “it is well with the child.” “Ere sin could blight or sorrow fade, Death came with friendly caie : * The opening bud to heaven conveyed, And bade it blossom there.” Died, near Lexington, Ga., on tho 11th Nov. 186$Tafter a severe and protracted ill ness, Mrs. Elizabeth TANARUS., wife of J. M. Braw ner, in the 47th year of her age. The subject of this notice was for many years a worthy member of the Baptist church. She had the confidence of all who knew her, and died as only tlie Christian can, in full pros pect of immortal bliss. Her dying testimony was clear, exhorting her friends to meet her in heaven. A .disconsolate husband and four njfcctloa ate children, mourn their loss, yet sorrow not as those who have-no hope, for they feel that she has entered the blessedness of those who die in the Lord. “Asleep in Jesus, blessed eleep, From whieh none ever wakes to weep ; A calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the last of foes.” Constitutionalist please. Gluttony kills more than tfcc swerd. God helps thoso who helps themselves.