Newspaper Page Text
CHRISTIAN INDEX
SAMUEL BOYKIN, Editor. . .
Macon, Ga., September 2, 1864.
Standing Rules.
SEE TERMS ON FOURTH PAGE.
The Editor is not connected with the Bap
tist Depository. Inquiries for books must be
addressed to Rev. F. M. Haygood, Agent, and
not to the Editor.
1. Always give your Post Office, whenre
tokting-isoneyi --■--.* j
2. Give both offices when requesting a
change of office, and write plainly.
3v LetjEtusiness communications be entirely
separate from obituaries or any other com
munications. Correspondents need not be
surprised if obituaries written on the back of
a business letter never see the light.
4-. Let obituaries not exceed tenor twelve
lines: if longer, 20 cents per line of eight
words must be sent. If this is not done, the
correspondent must not be offended, when he
sees his communication abbreviated.
5. Money may be sent by mail or Express
at our risk. Seal the money carefully, when
mailing, and tell no one, not even the Post-*
master.
6. All old currency, including $5 bills, are
taken by .us at two thirds of the original val
ue only.
Soldiers.
The Editor requests soldiers changing their
post office to make the fact known. ts
Meetigs of the Associations.
Clerks and others are requested to inform
us of the time and place of the meeting- of all
the Associations in Georgia, so that we can
publish them* ts.
Rags.
Our friends the ladies will oblige us by col
lecting rags for us, and if they cannot send
them now, let them send as soon as possible.
We will pay 20 cents cash per pound. Send
by Express, and write telling the number of
pounds sent. Always give some mark by
which we will know the package and be able
to identify the sender. .
Index for Soldiers,
Contributisns for supplying Missionaries
and Chaplains of our army with the Index,
are earnestly solicited. Our gallant soldiers
should have religious papers, -and Christians
must supply them. Let Churches take collec
tions, let individuals remit, and let amounts
be sent up to the Associations for this purpose,
ts.
Associations.
We hope the brethren will assemble prompt
ly at their associations and ‘transact their
usual business. We hope to attend a few ;
but when not present we toe earnestly desire
that seme brother will represent the Index, and
take up,a collection for sending it to the army.
Communications giving accounts of these
meetings will be gratefully received, if they
tell of what was done for the Index—of large
collections being taken to send it to the ariky
.We therefore emphatically repeat that we
hope not a single association will be allowed
to pass without something be done for the
Index. Any friend may represent us, and
receive and end the money to us by Express
or mail. *
Can Baptists, without violating the Scrip
tures, Conduct Missionary Operations
by Boards and Conventions ?
NUMBER 11.
Let it be granted and maintained that God
has a divine plan for spreading the gospel
throughout the world, abd for preaching it to
every creature, and that no one can of right
“ preach except he be sent.” (Rom. 10: 16).
What is that plan, and who sends the preach
er? A. C. D. says it is for an individual
church to separate, send, sustain and hold
personally responsible to itself its own mis
sionaries. ‘ \
Now, this is the very thing with which we,
not only in our argument, but also A. C. D.,
in his practice, join issue. If this be the “ di
vine plan ” it must not be ignored or modified;
and every church must conform to it. It is
not only what every church may do, but must
do. If this plan ” be taught by in
spired example, ’ then that inspired example
must be imitated in all essential particulars ;
and, consequently, we are led to the following’
inevitable conclusions ‘
1. That every individual church must, by
itself, embark in a foreign Mission, If, on
the one hand, it neglects entirely to do so, or,
on the other hand, if it combines with other
churches in the same enterprise, it fails, in
either count, to follow the u inspired exam
ple ” —it rejects the “divine plan” and is
guilty of sin; for Baptists believe that in
spired example is as binding as inspired pre
cept. t
2. Every church must separate and send at
least two missionaries to the heathen ; for the
Antioch church sent Paul and Barnabas.
3. It follows that no minister can carry the
gospel to the heathen, unless a church sepa
rates and sends him: nay, more, that he can
not go on a missionary tour to destitute re
gions, in his own country, until a church shall
separate and send him.
Does A. C.D.’s “inspired example” teach
that a minister can go voluntarily, without
asking the permission of auy church, preach
ing as he proceeds westwafd, until he strikes
the boundaries of the Indian Tribes, and does
it meet him only there, with the prohibitory
question, “ How can they preach except they
be sent?” Would his “inspired example”
leave the minister untrammeled in all his
journey to the western border of Texas, but as
soon as his foot touches the banks of the Rio
Grande, would sternly accost him with “ Hith
erto yon may go, but no farther, until some
oburoh separates and sends you ? ”
We suppose if, Jay any means, a-minister
should find himself in Mexico, or in China,
he would pot feel embarrassed by the fact that
he had not been separated anti sent by a
church-: be would not feel that he must keep
his lips closed concerning Christ and the Gos
pel until he had gained permission to preach
from some church. If it be, indeed the “ di
vine plan,” that individual churches must
designate and send missionaries, none can go
until some church permits or commands it.—
This may do for the Romish Hirarchy, but it
sounds strangely among Baptists.
4. Thjp “divine plan ” omits all mention of
the support ol the missionaries sent. The
church at Antioch says not one word about
funds or salary. It “ separates and sends,”
but omits all allusion to “ support.” Here
then, is the “ divine plan ” a&ut missionaries
which says not one word about sustaining
them, and this, after all, is the great difficulty
in modern missions— the means of support. —
Let the necessary funds be in their control,
and none ot those good ministering brethren—.
whose desire is to go into the Foreign field,
but whose minds are now confused by the
crude essays they read or write on this sub
ject, would feel it necessary to wait for the
action of any church. They have received
Christ's commission to go into all the world
and preaoh, and a church and presbytery have
already testified that, in their opinion, they
have each received such a eommissiqp, and
now having the means of support in posses,
sion, what use have they for any other church
action ?
Oh yes ! they may or may not ask for the
sympathy and prayers of their brethren ; but
by no means and in no way do they need the
permission of those brethren.
But to return. Here, then, we have the
divine plan for sustaining missions, which, at
the raising or disbursing of funds, hints not a
word. And yet, this matter of procuring
funds constitutes our whole difficulty. In
other respects, the plan for evangelizing the
world is laid down. very plainly in God's
word: the world is to be converted by the
preaching of the gospel, and Christ has sent
his ministers to all the world, giving them a
commission to preach the Gospel to every crea
ture. If they go, how shall these heaven
commissioned preachers obtain the means of
support? ffe need a plan for this and this
alone: and on this A. C. D.’s example is pro
foundly silent: that funds were raised or dis
bursed at all, it does not give the slightest di
rect intimation. .
Is it said that the obligation to sustain is
implied in the very fact that the church at
Antioch separated and sent the apostles ?
Then our only divine example furnishes the
only divine plan• for sustaining missions, not
in a “ draught or form—in a representation
drawn on a plane,” which is unmistakable,
but only by implication and according as we
may infer it!
A. C. D.’s error consists in not making a
thorough induction from the scriptures. Wo
are willing to grant that Paul and Barnabus
were sent by the church at Antioch—that in
this case a church acted directly in the mis
sion enterprise, and that it furnishes authori
ty and encouragement for a church to send,,
and, (by implication,) sustain missionaries in
the foreign field ; and should a church in our
bounds attempt it successfully, that church
would receive our hearty God speed l But do
the scriptures, in any way teach by example
or otherwise, that the gospel should be sent to
the world only through the intervention of
churches ? Did Christ say to the eleven apos
tles, “wait until the church at Jarusalem is
organized, and then, when it bids you, go into
all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature.” When the brethren were scatter
ed from Jarusalem, immediately after the
death of Stephen, and “went everywhere
preaching the word,” were they sent formally
by a church ? Or, if not, did they go without
being sent in the sense of Rom. 10: 15—
(“and how shall they preach except they be
sent? ”) Did the church send Philip to Sa
maria, or say to him, “jarise and go to the
south—even to Gaza,” to preach to the hea
then'Ethiopian ? Did the church send Peter
to preach the gospel to the gentile Cornelius ?
So far from doing so, the church was dis
pleased at the occurrence, and when they
heard his defence, said with musing astou
ment, “ Then hathj3od also to the Gentiles
granted repentance unto life!” Did the
church at Antioch substitute Silas for Barna
bas, when the latter parted from Paul on ac
count of the sharp controversy about John
Mark ? And if not, did Silas go and preach
without being sent? Did Paul hear the Mac
edonian cry through the agency of a church?
Did a church send Paul by bonds and impris
onment to bear witness to God by preaching
at Rome as he did ? 9
But why multiply questions ?
Here we have men sent,
1. By the Master’s oral utterance, before the
first church was formed ;
2. By persecutions and by impressions of
the Holy Spirit;
3. Ew divine visions, as in the ease of Peter
to Conrelius, and of Paul to Macedonia ;
4. By violence and bonds, as when Paul
was sont to preach at Rome ;
5. By the co-operation of a church, as in
the case of Antioch.
The scriptures show also that there is no
one plan which alone it is lawful to employ in
support of a pious minister who has by any
method gone into the mission field.
Take the case of Paul. At one time he was
supported (tee infer ) by the church at Anti
och : at another time he supported himself by
his own manual labor, as the following text
will show:
“ And because he was of the same craft, he
abode with them, and wrought, for by their
occupation .they were tent-makers.” Acts
18: 3.
“ Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands
have ministered unto my necessities, and to
them that were with me.” Acts 20: 34.
“ And labour, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we bless:; being persscated. we
suffer it.” 1 Cor. 4: 12.
“For ye remember, brethren, our'labour
and travail: for labouring night be
cause we wotfld not he chargeable nttHo any
of you, we preached unto you the aofipel’ofi
God.” 1 Thess, 2 : 9.
* Then again he was sustained by volantary
contributions of individual brethren: ‘
“ I am glad of the coming of Stephanas,
and Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for that which
was lacking on your part, they have supplied.”
1 Cor. 16:17. I
“ And when I was present - with and
wanted, I was chargeable to no man ; for that
which was lacking to me the brathren which
came from Macedonia supplied. and in all
things I have kept myself lrom being hardcu
some unto you, and so will I keep mmelf.” —
2 Cor. 11:9.
“ Yet I suppose it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in
labour, and fellow-soldier, but your messeiger,
and he that ministered to my wants.” Phil.
2: 25.
“Whom I would have retained
that in thy stead he might have minkrtiered
unto me in the bonds of the gospel.” Phile
mon 13.
Then,*by family contributions:
“ I beseach you, brethren, (ye know the
house of Stephanas, that it is the firrilruits
of Achaia, and that they have addicted them
selves to the ministry of the saintsA2ji Cor.
16: 13.
Then by contributions of the churches he
plan ted,and of all who were taught in the world
by him:
“ If we have sown unto you spiritual things,
is it a great thing if we shall reap your carn
al things ?
“ Even so hath the Lord ordained that they
which (preach the gospel should live of tho
gospel.” 1 Cor* 9 : 11, 14.
“Let him that is taught in the word, com
municate unto him that teacheth in all good
things.” Gal. 6 : 6.
And, finally, by the contributions of “other
churches ”: -
“ I robbed other churches, taking stages of
them to do you service.” 2 Cor. 11: 8.
From all of the above we may, then, clear
ly deduce the following:
1. The “Divine Plan” for the sahtetion of
the heathen, (as of that of the rest of the
world,) is that the gospel shall he preached to
them.
2. Any pious minister who has the Master’s
commission and the endorsement of a church
or presbytery to show that, in their opinion,
he has been thus called and commissioned, has
a right to enter upon the mission work cither
at home or abroad, without asking the consent
of any one.
3. He can he sustained in the field by his
own friends, if he has auy; by his manual or
professional labor ; by ample* appropriations
made by one or more wealthy individuals ; by
the contributions of single churches or of
churches in combinations. In short, by funds
flowing from any persons, singly or combined,
who sympathise with or are even friendly
to the enterprise in which he is engaged.
The only questions, then, to he asked and
answered are,
I. Shall brethren, having the right pr do So,
organize a system by which they may adequate
ly sustain missionaries in the Foreign field?
11. What system is the least objectionable
and most efficient for this purpose ?
*-f m
The Central Association.
We had the pleasure of attending the late
session of this Association, at Eatonton, on
the 27th and 29th of last month, and retain of
its meetings, its sermons, its spirit, and of the
hospitality and kindness with which it was at
tended, a more grateful recollection than of
any Association at which we have ever been
present. A spirit of brotherly amiability, of
courteous deference, of Christian zeal, and of
large-minded generosity, animated all. The
citizens left nothing undone to make tho stay
of the members agreeable. The ability, fer
fervency and Gospel fire that pervaded the ser
mons, though they left no shining wake to
mark their course, yet exerted an influence for
good that will be long remembered. The num
ber of delegates was not as large as asual, but
comprised most of the talent, zeal and work
ing power of our Association. Dr. Brantly,
who was to have preached the Introductory,
was absent; hut his post was worthily filled
by Rev. D E. Butler, who eloquently and feel
ingly discoursed on the first few verses of the
3d chapter of Colossians. lie preached also
on Monday morning in the Methodist house of
worship after the adjournment, and'the native
fire and sensibility of his mind flashed forth as
he pictured the court of Death, and contrast
ed the woes of the lost with the bliss of the
redeemed.
The Missionary Sermon on Sabbath morn
ing was preached to a full house by Rev. J.
R. Kendrick, in his own peculiar vein of
chaste eloquence, accompanied hv elegHnoe of
diction and grace of gesture, and was highly
commended by all for its beauty and appro
priateness. Brethren Wilkes, Stilvvell and
Warren also preached excellent sermons, and
much to’ the gratification of their hearers.—
Nor were the soldiers and colored people for
gotten, but sermons were preached for their
especial benefit.
As Moderator, Rev. E. W. Warren presided
with great ability.
THE MISSIONARY CAUSE.
A feeling of devotion to the Missionary
cause manifested itself all through tfi# session.
On Saturday afternoon it burst forth in the
spontaneous bestowal of SI,OOO in response to
the short though earnest appeals of two or
three brethren, who felt that “ a fejr words
should be said for the heathen.” It showed
itself on Saturday night, when, comparatively
speaking, a few only were present, and when
nearly SSOO were collected for domestic mis
sions. It also appeared in the contribution of
over S3OO on Sabbath morning for sending re
ligious reading to the army. The meeting on
Saturday night was dedicated to Domestic
Missions, and was addressed effectively by
brethren Roberts, Warren and Butler; but,
•till more gratifying was the result of the ]
slight effort made on Saturday afternoon in
behalf of Foreign Missions, and we hope that
an impetus will be given to that cause by this
little effort, which will arouse tho spirit of all
our Associations, <and cause them to lift this
glorious cause from the slough of neglect, and
bear it forward triumphantly and exultingly.
Be it remembered that in an assembly of
twenty or twenty-five, representing thirteen
churches, SI,OOO were raised for Foreign Mis
sions. Let the incident prove the vanguard
of a host of others similar in We
cannot refrain from adding, here, the
REPORT ON MISSIONS,
Adopted by the body.
The Committee on Missions submit the fol
lowing suggestions: -,3 •
■ The Missionary work is of perpetual obli
gation, and must never he intermitted. Like
keeping the heart and growing in grace, it
belongs to the very nature of the Gospel, and
like them, it cannot be allowed tp cease. It
must be prosecuted in troublous as well as in
prosperous times, and if it cannot he carried
on in one place and direction, it
seek new fields for benevolent effort. The
spirit of missions is the spirit of Christ, aud
the true Christian Church will ever be a Mis
sionary Church.
It is a sublime privilege as well as a solemn
duty to unite with God’s people in other lands
in efforts to evangelize the heathen, and it
constitutes ODe of tho sorest afflictions of the
present war, that it has almost excluded us
from the Foreign field. What we can do,
however, for Africa and China, we must do.
Our Churches must Dot forget that we have
Missionaries there to he sustained by our con
tributions, and that enough should he for
warded for this purpose, whatever sacrifice
and hazard the service may involve. We beg
our Churches to keep in mind, when making
their annual contributions, that tho Foreign
field needs money, and that money can still
reach our brethren who are toiling there. In
this connexion, your Committee are particu
larly gratified to record the fact, that one
thousand dollars were raised for this object in
a few minutes, at the present sesssion of this
body.
Especially should our Churches lie remind
ed and admonished, that no blockade opposes
the ascent ot our prayers to the Throne of
Grace, and the prayer for the heathen is as
fitting aud potent now as it ever has been in
the history of tho Missionary enterprise. *
Your Committee do not deem it necessary
to press the claims,of that other field which the
mysterious Prdvideucc of God has opened for
us in connexion with our armies. This is en
gaging the attention and engrossing the ener
gies of our Domestic Board, and of various
other useful organizations. The best appeal
which we can make at this point, is simply to
refer to the Report of our excellent Missiona
ry, Brother Van Iloose, and ask for it a se
rious perusal. Surely, every principle and
sentiment which can operate on a human
heart, prompt us to do all in our power for the
spiritual welfare of our soldiers.
J. R. KENDRICK.
THE SOLDIRS’ ORPHANS
Were not forgotten. Words were spoken in
their favor and prayers uttered in their be
half; and the Association exhibited its inter
est in the subject of educating them by the
passage of the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Association highly com
mends the object of the Soldiers’ Orphan As
sociation, originated at the last Georgia Bap
tist Convention, and urges upon the brethren
of the Churches of the Association, to give the
enterprise a hearty and liberal assistance;
and we cordially invite the General Agent of
the Association, Rev. 11. H. Tucker,, to visit
and present the claims of the soldiers’ orphans
within the bounds of this Association.
In connection with which resolution, we
give another, offered by Rev. F. M. Haygood,
and adopted by the body:
Resolved, That it is the sense and desire of
this Association, that special and earnest
prayer be made by Christians throughout the
Confederacy, for the release and comfort of
our soldiers and citizens who are now confined
in Federal prisons.
CONTRIBUTIONS.
The amount sent up for various ob
jects, including $96 for the Index,
and $347 57 for army missions,
was $855 52
Amount contributed for Foreign
Missions 1,018 50
Collections for Domestic Missiofls.. 444 75
“ from colored Church, for
African Missions 65 25
Sabbath collection for sending the
Index and Banner to the soldiers, 304 15
§2,688 17
THE REPOT OF BRO t VAN HOOSE,
Missionary of the Association to the army,
was read,” and excited much interest, show
ing, as it did, that he had bjeen laboring stren
uously and effectively; and it decided the
brethren to maintain so efficient a laborer in
that inviting field, at an increase of salary.
The following is an approximation to the
amount of labor performed by him since the
latter part of January last; Sermons preach
ed, 113 ; Baptized, 41 ; pages of tracts dis
tributed, 17,376 ; papers distributed, 2,838;
Testaments distributed, 26; Biblea, 1 ; Hymn
Books, 126. His ministerial labors had been
mnch interrupted by the retrogade movement,
and the constant fighting of the army of Ten
nessee. But when not employed in preach
ing he has been actively engaged as a member
of a Battle Field Relief Committee, and also,
exerted himself much in missionary duty
among the sick and wounded of the hospitals.
We earnestly hope that the churches of the
Association will see the necessity of contrib
uting liberally and speedily to the support of
Bro. Van Hoose, as their army missionary.
The following brethren were elected Dele
gates to the next Baptist State Convention :
E. W. Warren, T. J. Burney, D. E. Butler,
E. Jewell, F. M. Haygood, W. T. Brantly,
S. BoykiD, R. D. Mallary, J. R. Kendrick, S.
E. Brooks, and A. Sherwood.
The next session of the Association will ho t
held with the Brownwood Church, Morgan j
county, Ga., and Rev. J. R. Kendrick, with
Rev. E. Jewell, Alternate, was elected to preach *
the introductory sermon. Rev. E. W. War
ren, (Dr. Wm. T. Brantley, alternate,) was
elected to preach the missionary sermon.
In conclusion to this sketch, hastily writ- 1
ten for our present issue, we append the well- :
merited resolution passed by the Association,
thanking the citizens for their hospitality :
Resolved,. That this body tender thanks tp
the brethren and citizens of Eatonton, for
their. kindness and hospitality : also, to the
Methodist brethren for the use of their house
of worship.
i We pray that the “ peace of God” may
abide with this entire community.
“Come to Jesus.”
It will be seen, in another column, that
Rev! F.*M. Haygood, Agent of the Bible and
Colperteur Society, proposes issuing a large
edition of that excellent tract, “ Come to Je
sus,” and, also, that he appeals to the Chris
tians of the several denominations to aid him,
receiving in exohange for their money** s ** .
trib’uted, copies of the tract, at cost price.—
We commend his scheme to our brethren, and
toother denominational papers, aud ask them
to call attention to it. Bro. Haygood's facili
ties for issuing a large and neat edition, are
very good, and all those desirous of procur
ing copies of this most evangelical tract for
army distribution, are solicited to forward
him a remittance, according to the number of
copies desired.
Personal.
Rev. W. C. Buck is transferred from Mont
gomery to Shelby Springs, where he is doing
a good work as Missionary of the Domestic
Board.
Rev. T. W. Tobey is laboring in the hospit
als in Montgomery, as Missionary of the Do
mestic Board. His labors are highly appre
ciated by surgeons and soldiers.
Rev. W. H. Robert, Agent for the Domestic
Board, is in Georgia, engaged upon his riiis
sion, and we hope his efforts will prove
successful. He will visit such Associations
as may be in his power, and, as the
cause he represents is the most important
now claiming the attention of Baptists,
we hope his appeals will be responded to lib
erally. Let it be recollected that the expenses
of the Board in supporting many army mis
sionaries is heavy; and be it also remembered
thattke best way to secure God’s blessing up
on our army is to work faithfully in his cause
in that army. Those who honor God lie will
honor.
BOOK NOTICES.
Nellie Norton ; or Southern Slavery and the
Bible—a Scriptural refutation of the princi
pal arguments upon which Abolitionists rely
—a vindication of Southern slavery from tho
Old and New Testaments, by Rev. E. W.
Warren. Published by Burke, Boykin &
Cos., Macon, Ga.
This is the work of which a portion ap
peared in the columns of tho Index, and which
was so highly complimented by several of the
secular papers, while a few chapters were ap
pearing in the “Daily Telegraph” Newspa
per.
It is a volume of 208 pages, very neatly
printed, put up and covered. Its execution
doe3 great credit to the publishers, during
these war times. Its style is smooth and flow
ing, its diction choice, and its sentiments al
ways such as are calculated to elevate.
The hook has been written with the single
aim of discussing the subject of slavery, and
proving its authority from the Bible—its ar
gument is drawn strictly from the Bible, and
may, therefore, he considered irrefragable.—
At such a time as this, it was much needed,
and We hail its appearance as an event calcu
lated to settle the minds of all the wavering
upon a subject which has, by its agitation, dis
turbed the whole civilized world, and brought
upon it a perfect deluge of misfortune, all
through the wicked passions and infidel ten
dencies of designing and ambitious men—men
grasping for power.
There is a delicate and interesting thread
of story running through its pages which lends
’ attraction to its perusal. The characters are
well drawn and sustained: to the last the ar
gument preserves its crushing force, meeting
and overwhelming every objection; and the
reader is not permitted to rise until his mind
is satisfied that slavery is a Scriptural insti
tution. Occasional flashes of humor illumine
its pages; portraitures of Southern life in va
rious interesting aspects arc given ; and a
truthful representation of Southern slavery is
exhibited—all of which will have due effect,
we hope, upon the Northern mind, and upon
the public sentiment of Europe, if the work
should ever be issued, as it deserves, from the
European press.
General Orders fiom the Adjutant and In
spector General’s Office, Confederate States
Army, from January 1, 1864, to July 1,
1864, inclusive, prepared from files of Head
quarters, Department of S. C.. Ga. and 1 la.,
by R. C. Gilchrist, Acting Judge Advocate
General: with full Index, Explanatory
Notes, and such decisions of the War De
partment as could be collected touching
matters oT general concern to the service.
Published at Columbia by Evans and Cogs
well, 1864.
This, for business men and army officials,
exceedingly useful book, hap been sent us by
the Publishers. It is very neatly printed, and
forms an invaluable sequel to the Ist volume
of General Orders, noticed by us sometime
since. We know it to be very highly prized
by an eminent law firm to whom we present
ed the first volume, arid v?e presume all busi
ness men and those connected with the army
will rejoice to obtain the work, as it is full
and. complete, and presents all necessary in
formation connected with the army.
Absence.
The editor has been absent this week, at
tending the Central Association, and Was no}
able to give much personal attention to edito
rial details.
Will be Kept Up.
The Index will he kept up—all mail failures
to the contrary (apparently) notwithstand
ing. Let all remember this who think of re
mitting to us. Money may he sent by mail
or Express, at our risk.
Friends and well-wishers to the paper are
urged to promote its circulation. We need
money at this time, as our expenses are heavy.
Key. W. H. Robert.
This beloved brother, so well and favorably
known to our brethren, is authorised to raise
funds for tho objects of the Board of Domestic
Missions, S. B. C., in Georgia. We feel as
sured that he will meet with a cordial recep
tion, and be able to rejoico in a liberal contri
bution to his work. The time has come when
tho Board must be sustained, or dismiss many
of its most valuable and dependent Mission
aries from its service. Brethren, what will
-ytlll do to aid us ? Fifteen thousand dollars
arc required to meet our monthly expenses.
M. T. SUMNER,
Corresponding Secretary.
Notice to Missionaries of the Board of Do
mestic Missions, S B. C.
Missionaries will please notify the publish
ers of the several religious papers, sent to
them for distribution in the army, of any
changes that may occur from time to time in
their address, as this will save loss, and secure
punctuality. M. T. SUMNER,
4t Corresponding Secretary.
Dr. W. S. Lightfoot.
This estimable brother and deacon of the
Macon Baptist Church, was suddenly sum
moned into tho presence of his Saviour on the
4th iust. without a moment’s warning. But
he was ready.
lie left his house to take his usual round in
administering to his patients; hut had not
driven more sqare before he was strick
en with Apoplexy and sank into unconscious
ness immediately and died by the time he was
homo hack in his buggy to his home.
For more than thirty years Bro. Lightloot
had been an orderly and consistent member
of the Baptist Church, for the last ten years
a deacon of the. Macon Church.
His dignified hearing, amiability and cour
teousness, sanctified by his piety had greatly
endeared him to the members of liis church,
and, indeed, to all who knew him*well. Ilis pie
ty was unostentatious and uniform; his charities
■were bestowed with a prudent, but plentiful
hand. lie gave where it was needed and
whatever supplied the necessity. He was a
discreet and wise counsellor, the sequel gene
rally vindicating the wisdom of his advice.
Ilis professional services were alioays avail
able for the poor. Many weep at his loss and
will bless liis name so long as they live. His
benevolent and generous hearts always re
sponded to their wants.
The city lias lost one of its most valuable
citizens, liis profession one of its most skill*
ful and courteous members, the church the
invaluable services of a noble Christian gen
tleman who was always a pattern for others;
but his heart-stricken family have lost— more
than all— Oh ! who can tell. May God comfort
them in this sad hour. PASTOR.
Resolutions
Ot the Baptist Church of Macon on the death
of Deacon W. S. Lightfoot.
Whereas, It lias pleased God t-o remove
from the church m ilitant to the church triumph
ant, our beloved brother W. S. Lightfoot, a
deacon of this church,
Resolved therefore, That in the death of
Bro. Lightfoot, this church lias lost one of its
most estimable and rmiable brethren, a valu
able and useful deacon who has filled that of
fice well for nearly ten years, a courteous,
consistent and upright member whose coun
sels have been valuable and whose life has
been a “living epistle known and read of all
men,” and a co-laborer of irreproachable mor
! al and religious reputation,
s Resolved, That in this bereavement of our
■ church, the poor of our congregation and city
j have lest a sympathising friend whose pro
-5 Jessional services have always been freely giv
-1 en and gratefully received and. whose place
- cannot again he filled.
5 Resolved, That as a church we tender our
- heart-felt sympathies to the family of our de
-1 ceased brother, praying that this affliction
1 may work for them and us a far more exceed
ing and eternal weight of glory.
E. W. WARREN, Mod.
R. D. Mallary, Clk.
Acknowledgments-
Mr. Editor.— Please acknowledge, through
the columns of the Index, the following col
lections for Army Colporcage—
Columbus, Ga . $1356.00
Eufaula, Ala. . . 300.00
- Mobile,Ala. . . 1000.00
Tuskegee, Ala. . 240.00
Montgomery . . 1250.00
. $4140.33
For various reasons, I have concluded to re
turn to Virginia until the Fall, when I hope
to resume my collections in Alabama, and to
avail myself of the kind invitations of various
pastors. The warm-hearted hospitality every
where experienced will be gratefully remem
bered. “J. B. TAYLOR, Jr.,
Army Missionary.
Aug. 23, 1864.
Received for Bro. Barmw.
We have received for this afflicted brother
from E. W. 8., SSO.