Newspaper Page Text
Macon, Ga., September 2, 1864.
Army Correspondence of the Index.
Camp Nkae Petersburg, )
Aug. 11th, 1804.)
Military Status — Religious Status and Want
of Laborers — Revivals—Preaching by Moon
light in the Trenches —Baptist Chaplain
Wanted — Baptism—Usage Os Baptist Chap
lains and Missionaries not “ Contrary to
Baptist Usage”—The beet nay to promote
Baptist principles in the Army, and who is
responsible if they suffer.
The military status remains unchanged
here despite the oft repeated assertion of the
newspaper men that “Grant is on the ere of
changing base It may the
Richmond Examiner is right in saying that
“ having tried every conceivable overland
route, and having miserably failed in effect,
ing a passage by the underground railroad,
the crafty Ulysses will have to abandon his at
tempt unless he shall be able to fly through
the air ” —but I am not aware of any indica
tions of an immediate abandonment of the at
tempt on Petersburg, although Grant has un
doubtedly sent troops to Washington which
has brought about a movement on our part,
which may result in a change of the seat of
war from the Apomattox to the Potomac. —
Our bttvs would hail with delight a move of
this sort —they are tired of these dußty march
es, and long for the green fields and fresh
breezes of our glorious “ valley of \ irginia,”
with the prospect of enjoying the
full granaries and larders of Pennsylvania.
There have been certain changes in. our
lines, within the past week,which have lessen
ed the opportnnites for preaching (or rather
the number of regiments that may be assem
bled for preaching,) and the details for picket
duty, work on our fortifications, mining, &c.,
are very heavy—hut the prayer-meetings are
regularly kept up in most of the regiments,
ami in those brigades where it is practicable
to have preaching the Chaplains are working
faithfully.
I say Chaplains, for I know of but two mis
sionaries now present in this whole
The good brethren who resolved at the
Georgia Baptist Convention that governmental
Chaplaincies were wrong, and they would do
the work of army evangelization, as voluntary
missionaries, must all have gone to General
Hood’s army. I have seen none of them here,
though I constantly hear as I go amongst
Georgia troops, “ you are the only Baptist
preacher I have seen in a long time.”
There are very interesting revivals in Bry
an's. Wofford’s, Thomas’, and Wright’s Geor
gia brigades, as also iu several brigades from
other States. I wish that some of the good
Baptist brethren of Georgia, who are preach
ing two or three times per month to small con
gregations could witness such a scene as I
witnessed at Wright’s Georgia brigade last
night. Assembled on the ramparts and on
the outside of the trenches, was an immense
congregation whose upturned faces showed in
the moonbeams, listening eager after truth as
the preacher urged an Immediate atten tn
to the claims of that gospel, and when he
ceased, and the usual invitation was given, an
old familiar hymn rose clear and strong from
the great heart of the congregation, and about
one hundred young men came forward Tor
prayer, as calmly, but as determinedly as if
they were marching to meet their country’s
foe. And then there rose the voice of prayer
in which the whole congregation seemed to
join in heart. Some words of counsel were
-p->ken, a parting hymn sung, and the congre
gation dismissed, only to crowd around the
preacher, who had papers, tracts, and testa
mews to distribute, with as much eagerness
to get the little treasures as if they were dia
monds, rubies, or gold. This is a scene of
nightly occurrence. And yet this brigade,
from the heart of Georgia, and so largely Bap
tistic in sentiment, that a large mass of its
converts (I learn) desire to connect themselves
with the i aptist church, has never had a Bap
tist Chaplain or permanent missionary. Is
there no earnest working brother among the
‘large Baptist ministry of Georgia who is wil
ling to come and labor among these brave
men? The Chaplains connected with the
brigade are faithful men, but they themselves
join in the general wish that there should also
be a Baptist laborer among them.
Brother Curry, of Bryan’s brigade, and.
Brother Hyman of Thomas’ brigade, have
baptized a number recently, and I expect to
baptise a number in Wright’s brigade in a
few davs.
By the way, in y*.ur issue of May 20th, I
which ouly reached me a few days ago, you
animadvert upon certain alleged “practices”
of missionaries and Chaplains, contrary to
“Baptist usage.” Now let sue assure you,
my good Brother Editor, that the examples
you cite are isolated, and by no means the
will of our Baptist brethren in the army. In
my whtde experience and observation (and I
hare taken the pains to enquire of my breth
ren upon the point) I have never seen or
heart! of (save the examples you cite) an in
stance in which a “ Baptist minister opens
the door of the chnrch tor the reception of
members into any of the churches.” The gen
eral I had supposed universal) custom of our
Baptist brethren has been to receive only those
who desire to be baptized (immersed) upon a
profession of faith in Christ, and ajter ad-*
ministering the ordinance, to give them a certifi
cate to “ any regular Baptist Church.” For
those who desire to connect themselves with
other denominations, it has been customary
(if there was no minister of that denomina
tion present) simply to take their names (gen
erally after the dismissal of the congregation)
and hand them to some minister of thift de
nomination, who receives them at his own
convenience, and according to the usage of his
own denomination — the Baptist minister ta
king no part in the exercises, and in no way
recognizing the scriptur&lity of the act. As
for “ receiving a member whe had been ex
cluded from a Baptist chnrch into fellowship
again,” 1 never heard of a case in which a
Baptist chaplain or missionary professed, un
der any circumstances, to receive a man “ into
church fellowship ” —they simply receive them
as “ candidates for baptism,” and then “ re
commend” them to the fellowship of any reg
ular Baptist church in case of one who
has been excluded from church fellowship,
they take his public acknowledgment and then
report the facts to the church from which he
was exclnded, for her to take such action as
she may deeip proper in the premises.
I have frequently heard in private and seen
in our papers a disposition on the part of
brethren, zealous for our principles, to cen
sure what they are pleased to call the “ laxi
ty ” of Baptist chaplains and missionaries.—
Now I very respectfully, and in all kindness,
suggest to those.brethren, that if they wish to
promote Baptist principles in the army, they
can do it far more effectually by coming to
the army and earnestly preaching the gospel,
than by contenting themselves with staying at
home and finding fault with those who are
doing the best they can in this great harvest*
- Seld. If Baptist principles have suffered in
the army, it has been the fault of those breth
ren who have staid at home and allowed whole
brigades to remain without a Baptist minister,
rather than of those whe have cheerfully
abandoned home comforts and shared the
soldier’s privations in order to point him to
“ the way of life.” If we have departed from
“ the old paths,” the way for our brethren to
put us right is to come to the army, and show
us by their example “the more excellent way.”
If we are unfaithful, let more faithful men
than we come up to the help of the Lord in
this great work. —W.—
Army Correspondence.
Near Petersburg, Va., Aug. 5, 1804.
Dearßro. Boykin:—Perhaps it will he in
teresting to your numerous readers at home
to know how we are getting along in the army
especially at this time, after being engaged in
so long a campaign, which, by the good peo
ple at home, is considered demoralizing to the
Christian. Early yesterday morning I left
my quarters to visit the line fronting the ene
my. About 10 o’clock, A. M., I saw a very
respectable congregation collected, forming a
circle around a minister of Christ. The min
ister arose, and, with much earnestness,
preached to them Jesus. After preach ing, an
invitation being given for persons to unite
with the Church, four very intelligent young
men came forward and told what the Lord
had done for them, expressing a wish to unite
with the Baptist Church. The brethren glad
ly received them. About 4 o’clock, P. M., I
saw a large congregation assembled on the
edgp of a pond. The minister again gave an
opportunity for persons to unite with the
Church, whereupon four came forward and
related a most satisfactory experience of grace.
The eight were led down into the water and
buried with Christ in baptism. Just as the
sun was sending forth its last rays of light
over the Western hills? I heard the sound of
many voices singing praise to God. A large
congregation assembled, when the same minis
ter arose and exhorted Christians to faithful
ness and persuaded sinners to he reconciled
to God. Never have I seen better attention.
This service closed, in a few minutes another
service was opened in an adjoining regiment,
where the minister preached Christ and him
crucified. By this time much of the night
had passed away. I took my leave of the
brethren and friends, to visit them again this
morning. One brother walked with me. A
short distance from the line we found three
other brethren sitting in the road, who also
arose and walked wi;h us about two hundred
yards, when they turned aside. By this time
I had formed some idea of their intentions,
and therefore followed them. After walking
a short distance, we came to a place where the
weeds and grass had been trodden down. I
was then told they met there every night to
pray unto their God. Sometimes there would
he two, at other times five and six present.
After spending a moment in silence, a good
brother said, Let us all pray. After this, each
brother told his present feelings, which was
followed by another prayer. All were much
affected, feeling that their Lord was present
with them, and that as he spoke peaee to his
disciples of old, he now spoke peace to them.
I felt that this was the crowning service of the
day, and such service as the angels of God de
light to dwell upon. We then separated, each
going on his way rejoicing in the Lord. It is
due to say that this company consisted of a
Captain, two Lieutenants, a private and a
Chaplain.
Truly, the Lord is doing a powerful work
in our midst. From the signs, Christians are
becoming more humble, and ready for every
good word and work. Brethren, how is the
good work progressing in your hearts at home?
I am sorry to say many of our army ministers
are absent at home. lam alone in my brig
ade. The question, -“Where is our preacher?”
is asked until it has become a bore.
Yours in Christ,
J.
NOTE FROM PBIVATS DIART.
Sunday morning, Aug. 7th.—Preaching at
J-0 o’clock, A. M.; large congregation ; two
joined the Church. Preaching at 6 o’clock,
P. M.; one joined the Church. At dark, a
prayer-meeting; aboutrfifty asked for prayers.
4Ve ask always to be mentioned iii the prayers
of the righteous. j
Telegrams.
A. VanHoose: The papers will h* sent.—
Don’t think your letters ever cam Would
have been glad to get them.
Mrs. Florence Howland: The sl3 are turn
ed over to Rev. F. M. Haygood. Send the
extracts.
For the Christian Index.
Social Meetings.
Mr. Editor.—Permit me to make a sugges
tion in reference to the manner of conducting
the ordinary Social Meetings of our Churches.
It has occuraed to the writer, that there has
been a lamentable mistake in not seeking to
develope the gifts of our membership* more
particularly in the exercise of prayer in onr
social meetings. These meetings primarily
were doubtless designed for worship, when it
is the duty and privilege of the whole mem
bership to assemble and render the homage of
their hearts to Him who suffered and died
that we might live; hut are not such occasions
appropriate, when brethren are thus assem
bled. for the leader of such meetings to call
out in consecutive order the members in the
exercise of prayer, and thus committing them
afresh to the work and preparing them for
usefulness in every time of emergency. What
is more attractive than a praying brotherhood?
Is not this duty too much confined to ministe
rial functions? Have they not enough of
other duties to perform involving public dem”
onstrations? The Bible represents God as a
“prayer-hearing God,” and this promise ap
plies to the members as well as to the minis
ters. Let each member in his place, there
fore, resolve to perform the duty whenever re
quired.
There is a recognized ’principle in life, that* 1
one foels more interest in that in which he
participates, than when silently listening,
other things being equal: superadd to this,
the increased individual responsibility of con
tributing his share of interest to such meet
ings. The timidity and backwardness of some
are acknowledged and felt, and how is this
obstacle to be ovorcome ? Answer, Only by
persistent practice on all proper occasions.—
To illustrate. One is called to the ministry,
how is he to render his ministrations accepta
ble ? Certainly not on the first or second cf-
hut by persevering and continued labor.
it is in the exercise of prayer by the mem
bers, and opportunity aral encouragement
should be given.
Much of the barrenness and decline of spir
ituality in our Churches is attributable to this
mistake, in not educating our members wlsen
first introduced into the kingdom to active du
ties, and thus mutually sharing the burdens
of our probation. Let our Pastors see to it.
• BAPTIST.
Letter from Charleston.
Charleston, S. C., Aug., 1864.
Editor Christian Index:
Permit me, through your paper, to give my
thanks to my mother for the religious exam
ples and training of my early life, which-, had
it not been my good fortups to have been the
recipient of I might have strayed much far
ther from the paths of peace and virtue; but
when I am tempted to go into vice and sin, if
the enemy of souls get- the advantage of me
for a short time, the early and the later train
ing which I have received, soon causes me to
think and turn back. It has been a lamp to
ray feet, and a light te way path. I have -been
for the last three years absent from homo
with my comrades in the army, fighting for
all that is dear to ua on this earth—exposed
all the time to the many vices of a camp life—
excluded from society, and a large portion of
the time from the hearing of the gospel ; but
I have never forgotten the care and anxiety of
my dear old mother at home, praying for me.
I am the last one of three brothers left from
the cruel fortunes of War, and I know her
anxiety increases as the number of us de
creases ; hut t want to assure her, I will try
to live as she has taught me—for Christ. I
am young, and sometimes a little wild, hut it
is my desire to do right; and now hear a word
of encouragement for mothers.
I know from my age it is more ray province
to ask advice than to give it, but none know so
well the worth of religious training as those
who have experienced it. llow true the scrip
ture that ‘says, train a child in the way it
should go, and when it gets old he will not de
part from it—as the twig is bent so the tree
inclines. A child’s future life depends, in a
great measure, on its early training. But
this was not the object of my letter, to advise
them, but the importance of the subject oc
curred so forcibly to my mind, my pen ran in
that direction. My only object is to thank
and assure my dear mother that her trouble
has not been entirely in vain.
The first book I learned to read was the
Bible, and I was taught that of all hooks it
was the most important. I have a small pock
et Bible which my wife gave me when I left
home, and only a short time before hor death;
it has not only been a dear relic to me of the
one who gavs it, but it has been a source of
knowledge and comfort in my dreary hours io
camp.
In speaking of my wife, it reminds me of
my child, a beautiful and promising little girl,
who, by the death of her mother, fell into
the same hands that .reared me, and I feel no
uneasiness about her, which is often felt by
fathers about their children under like cir
cumstances, though I regret to have imposed
the task on her, but it was unavoidable. I
know that she will treat her with all the ten
derness of a mother, and will direct her young
mind in a proper chaneL. But I will leave
this subject, as dear as it is to me, and go to
another, which it was my intention to allude
to in tbis letter.
In June last I was in your city sick, at the
Blind School Hospital, and my object is to
give the fair ladies of Macon my grateful
thanks for the kind attention I received ; all
the luxuries the city afforded—there was noth
ing withheld from us that would add to our
comfort. I shall always remember the ladies
of Macon for the. kindness shown me while I
was there. If Mrs. Wright should happen to
see this, she has my warmest thanks for her
hospitalities to my sister and child while they
were on a visit to see me at the hospital. I
will not trespass further on your columns.
S. H. LOWTHER.
For the Christian Index.
A Grave Charge.
Bro. Boykin: —Some very strange ‘things
are coming to pass in the Western section of
tbs great State of Georgia. Sabbath Schools
&ztd their literature are assaulted with a co
(pous flow of vim in this section of
our noble State. There is a man, if it be law
ful to call him a man, belonging to a certain
denomination, and recognized as a preacher,
who is making some very grave allegations
dgiinst Sabbath Schools. He alleges that
Sabbath Schools brought on this dreadful war,
Rod says that they should not be patronized,
because they have brought this calamity upon
the country. This man at times lets his shell
expand, and exclaims, “ Sabbath Schools
mhqc from the North, and should be put
*3own.” What a discovery ! If old Deaeon
John Fox were here, he would tell this little
hero that he was talking entirely too fast;
that he, John Fox, in the year 1784-5, in the
city of London, started Sabbath Schools for
the benefit of the outcast and uninformed.
This same little hero says that Missionary
Baptists and others are trying to convert peo
ple and children by the agency of publications.
Bro. Boykin, the man actually carried your
little paper, the Child’s Index, into the pulpit
with him, and read from it, and tried hard to
4>r?e that you are aiming at the conversion
r souls through your publication. My
Brother, glory in your work. Such are de
lightful charges. You know that one of the
charges that was brought against some of our
persecuted brethren, was that they were try
ing to ram a text of Scripture down every
man’s throat that they chanced to meet np
with. Oh, that we had such men now to
teach Scripture to the people. 5
The opponents of Sabbath Schools seize
upon the present afflicted state of our country,
and cry out against the institution, hoping
thereby to excite a prejudice against it, and
also to revive and sustain their fast-failing
proclivities. Now, will not every candid read
er decide that such charges exhibit a want of
information upon the subject of Sabbath
Schools, and also go to prove that there cer
tainly exist a preat accumulation of imbecili
ty and prejudice.
Such charges are indeed grave. It is no
less than charging every death, wound and
affliction of this war upon the friends of Sab
bath Schools. I would not be the author of
rttteh charges for the entire gold of earth. I
hope and pray that God may bless our land
wUh many more Sabbath Schools. They are
helpers to the truth. S. S. F.
For the Christian Index.
Lukewarmness of Zion.
Dear Bro. Boykin. —lt is indeed lamenta
ble to relate, that our people (the Baptists),
some of them, are becoming, Peter-like,
ashamed to own one another, and I am not
sure hut they would do as Peter did of old, if
a like opportunity were offered. Brotherly
love has almost died a natural death. In the
Jjaleyon dsj*s of peace, Baptists could afford
to claim, each other as brethren and sisters,
but these war days we hear them denomina
ting each other all over the land, “Mr.,”
“ Mrs.” or “ Miss.” They are ashamed to
lisp the name of “Brother,” or “ Sister! ”
How are we, Bro. Editor, to know who are
our people, when -our lots are cast in strange
communities? We may call to spend the
night with a Baptist unknowingly, and begin
tn interrogate him concerning his neighbors.
Who lives hack at the next house ? Mr. A.
Who at the next house ? Mr. D. Who over
North of you ? Col. T. and Capt. W. Who
youth of you ? ’Squire G., Mrs. C., Mrs. M.,
and a few other “ war widows.” Very well,
Save you no Church near you? O yes; just
over the hills about a couple of miles we have
a Church. Yes, indeed! What Cburch?-
Jlount Horeb, a Baptist Church. Have you
ho members? Yes,’Squire G., Mr. A., Mrs.
M., und in fact, nearly all the neighbors are
azembers. Ah! indeed, lam glad to bear I
am among Baptists; and you ? I am a
•member also of this Church. Glad indeed to
form your acquaintance, brother D.
Circumstances of this kind are very common
itow-a-days, but this is not right. Again,
when an applicant offers himself to one of our
Churches, these times, when the vote is taken
we hear two or three faint, weak Aye’s, two-
Uiirds of the Church taking no voice. And if
I were in the place of an applicant who met
with no warmer reception than what is custo
nury these times, I would not cast my lot
wJth any such careless, indifferent, lukewarm
and cold-hearted people as we have become.
W. E. L. D.
Watkin Ilall, Ala., Aug. 7th, 1864.
*
Casualties.
‘The following casualties have occurred in
the 37th Regiment Alabama Volunteers, Cos.
A:
Lieut. R. L. Phipps, killed on the 14th July.
Lieut. Jepbtha V. Perryman died on the
35th Aug., from wound received on the 22d
July.
Lieut. J. M. Murphy died on the 19th Aug.,
from wound previously received.
All three of the above Lieutenants were
Ue%of excellent moral character, brave and
patriotic soldiers, and we trust humble be
lievers in the Savior. W.
<■>
“Demas.”
To this article, on our fourth page, from
the )en of one of our best scholars and divines,
we direct the special attention of our readers.
JBGP'We really hope correspondents will
excuse typographical errors this week, on ac
count of our absence, and, therefore, inability
to read the proof ourself.
11. 11. TANARUS.: The money has arrived. Aft
right
To Salina.
Twelve months to-day, my darling wife,
With eager steps I hastened to your side,
Leaving the artny’s hostile front,
To claim you as my trusting, faithful bride. (
You know how well I loved you, dearie—
My lips and soul had made their pledges true;
Yon know the throbhings of my heart,
Ne’er made a pulse for others as for you.
’Twas at your quiet cottage home,
When evening threw its mellow twilight there, <
I pledged the modest golden ring, i
And breathed to Heaven my spirits ardent :
prayer.
<
It was your birthday too, my dearie, • (
When festive hours, and mem*ries sweet re- |
turn .
With relics gathered from the past,
And born afresh to childhood’s sacred urn.
The morrow was our nuptial day ;
Joyous before the altar’s sacred shrine,
We made our vows of faith and love,
As there you placed your trembling hand in
mine.
Ten days beheld oui"parting tears,
And autumn, Chickamauga’s bloody tide.
Winter found me pale and prostrate,
With thee, faithful dearie, by my side.
Last spring wc gathered flowers, darling,
Sembling and sweet as were our hopes and
love;
But summer came, with fevered breath !
Alas! 0 God! shut nos thy courts above!
My spirit hows beneath thy rod;
Father, thou could’st not spare my darling’s
life!
The pain is mine—for she was pure—
Make her my Angel now, who was my wife.
For I’m alone, and sorrows hang
Upon my heart thin dark drapery of my grief,
I’m dying*—and dying seem to live—
Living, I know I’ll die without relief. •
Father id ljeaven ! hear my jtrayer,
And g'ni^tfthy. erring child. Let angel hands
That t%ed me, soothe this aching brow,
Afid le'a’d me upward to thy. “ fairer lands.”
’ . /./ “ W. G. 11.
Avgust 25, 1864.
-'!?-]. £ •”
• f ! Tribute of Respect-
A) a meeting of Company E, 23d Georgia
Regiment, held in the ditches before Peters
burg, Va., on the sth of August, 1864, for the 1
purpose of expressing their feelings upon the
death of S. C. Barron, on motion, D. R. Hook
was called to the chair and W. W. Mosteller
appointed Secretary. Lieut. T.'A. Autrey
and Sergts. J. M. Webb and R. S. Manning,
having been appointed a Committee, offered
the following preamble and resolutions, which
ware unanimously adopted—
Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God,
the Sovereign Ruler of the universe to remove
from us, by death from a wound received in
battle ou Wednesday the 22d June, 1864, our
gallant and beloved comrade, therefore
Resolved, Ist. That recognizing the hand of
an all-wise and merciful God, even in the sore
bereavement, we how in humble submission
to his holy will.
. Resolved, 2d. That wo heartily express our
admiration of all those pure and noble traits
of character which adorned his life as a Chris
tian, and we appreciate his example in all
these rsspects, as well worthy of imitation.
Resolved, 3d. That in our opinion this com- .
pany and legiment has lost a most valuable
member, the State of Georgia one of her no*
blest'feons, and the Southern Confederacy no
braver soldier, more ardent patriot—nor more
deserving.
Resolved, 4th. That we do sympathise most
heartily with the parents and friends of the
deceased, in this, their hour of deep affliction,
and assure them that we participate in their
sorrow.
Resolved , sth. That a copy of the above
preamble and resolutions be forwarded to the
parents of the deceased, and also to the editor
of the Christian Index, with the request for
publication!
Tribute of Respect.
Camp of Dawson Grays, 3d Ga. Regt. )
August 10th, 1864. £
At a meeting of the members of the Dawson
Grays; 3d Georgia Regiment, held this day
near Petersburg, Va w the following resolutions
concerning their deceased comrades were
unanimously adopted:
Waereas, It has pleased Almighty God in
Ilis infinite wisdom to remove from our midst
Private John Rigden, killed at Spottsylvania
C. 11. May 14th, Sergt. R. W. Langston, died
3d of June from a wound received at Spottsyl
vania C. 11. May 14th, Lieut. R. P. McWhor
ter, killed near Petersburg while on picket,
June 20tb, Private Hardy Lanier, killed near
Petersburg June 22J, Privates L. D. Bruce
and J. J. Burnett, killed near Petersburg,
July 30th; therefore, resolved,
Ist. That while this decree of our God* has
deprived us of our much loved comrades and
our country of six of her noblest sons, yre bow
with humble hearts to Ilis will.
2d. That whilst they sacrificed their lives
struggling for the liberties of their country,
and sustaining the institutions of God, their
examples shall be incentives to urge us on in
the discharge of our duty.
3d. That we jtender to their parents and
relatives our heartfelt sympathies in their
deep affliction.
4th. That the foregoing preamble and reso
lutions he published in the “ Christian Index ”
and Augusta “ Constitutionalist,” and a copy
sent to the families of each of the deceased.
Lieut. A. S. MORGAN, Ch’n)
’ Sergt, P. L. McCUTCUEN, I
“ E. B. TUGGLE, [ Com
Private ROBT. BOWLING, I
“ A. V. SPENCER, See. j’
■O'———
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX,
A BAPTIST PAPER -FOR THE CHURCH,
THE FAMILY AND THE ARMY.
[ SIO.OO per annum.
J Published by S. BOYKIN, Macon, Ga.
For the Index.
Bible and Colporteur Society.
“COME TO JESUS.”
I have just contracted for the publication
of the above little book or tract. It contains
sixty-four pages, and usually admitted to
be one of the best treatises extant. It is now
being placed in type. The number of copies
will he in proportion to the amount of cash
on hand when it is ready to go to press. Any
denomination, society, church or individual
can have a part of the books, equal in value
to the sum of money which they pay to me at
an early period. I hope the Presbyterians,
Methodists and Baptists will each contribute
one thousand dollars or more, and that, other
denominations and individuals will contribute
as the Lord may enable and direct them.
The books shall he • circulated gratuitously
among the soldiers. I pledge myself, that
the Baptists will pay the one thousand asked
from them. Send to me, at Macon, Ga., your
contributions, and tell me the denomination
to which you belong. You oan also say
where you wish you t hooks circulated, And by
whom.
I hope to receive enough to enable me to
get out an edition of ten thousand copies,
equal to six hundred and forty thousand ptfges
of precious leaves. Who will help ?
F. M. HAYGOOD, Agent.
p. S.—A Presbyterian brother has headed
my list with $50.0(1. F. M. H.
jjgy* Other papers please copy.
Meetings of Associations.
SEPTEMBER.
Western. —Saturday before third Saturday
in September, at Long Cane, Troup county.
Union. —Same time, at Watermelon church,
Tattnall county, Ga. ,
Sarepta. —Saturday before 4th Sabbath in
September, Walnut Fork. Jackson county.
Western— Sat. before 3d Sat. in Sept. Long
Cane.
Baptist Middle-Hat. befq|| 4th Sabbath in
Sept. Little Ogechee.
Columbus— Same time, County Line church
Hint River —Same time, Hebron church.
Washington— Sat. before 4th Sab. in Sept.
Mineral Spring, Warren county.
OCTOBER.
Piedmont —Saturday before second Sabbath
in October, Jones Creek, Liberty county.
Houston. —Mt. Ariel. Dooly County, Satur
day before 3d Sabbath in October.
Hepzibah. —Saturday before 4th Sabbath in
October, Providence Church, Jefferson county
Married,
At the residence of the bride’s father, by
Rdv. S. Landrum, July 21st, 1864, Lieut. J.
L. Hilton, C. S- A., and Miss Ma*y E. La
nier, of Scriven county, Ga.
Obituaries.
[We publish 10 lines gratis, but will pub
lisn as many as 30 lines, for 20 cents for each
extra line. If obituaries overrun these lim
its we will have to abridge them. Our limi
ted space obliges us to take this course. The
money must accompany the obituary.]
Alexander Fitzpatrick departed this life
July 28th, 1864, at his mother’s residence in
Crawford county. He was born in Morgan
county, October 13th, 1832. He joined the
Missionary Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove,
Macon county, in 1855—was baptised by the
Rev. John Howell. lie was a member of Cos.
B, 63d Reg’t Ga. Vols. He was quiet and un
obtrusive in his nature —gave no heed to the
allurements of worldly distinction. In the
business departments of life, he was ever ad
mired as a noble example of probity, purity,
fidelity and integrity. Such was the position
he held in the confidence of the public, that
his veracity was never questioned nor his hon
or doubted. Asa church member, he was al
ways in his place, deeply interested in. the
welfare of Zion. He lived the life of a Chris
tian and died the death of the righteous. His
immortal spirit was escorted by a convoy of
angels to that rest that remaineth for the peo
; pic of God. In his death the country has lost
another of her brave defenders. Society has
lost a bright ornament—the church a useful
member, and his aged mother a dutiful and
affectionate son. But our loss is his eternal
gain.
As his brothers in the army wore denied the
privilege of being -around his dying bed and
.wiping from nis.brow the death sweat, may
they and all his relatives and friends so live
that they may meet again in that brighter
and better world, where parting will be no
more. A Friend.
Died in Jonesborough the 22d of April,
1864, John N. Stevenson, in his 23d year,
the son of James Stevenson, deceased. He
was baptized in his 17th year, lived in accor
dance with his profession at home, then ex
changed the peaceable home of a loved moth
er, pious sisters and little brother for a camp
life, and there lived an example o£ piety like
he did at home. He was taken with bloody
flux, w'hich ended liis days in full triumph of
faith, He has left a loved mother and sisters,
and many friends that loved him. Bro. J. N.
Stevenson has gone where the wicked cease
from troubling and the eary are at rest.
Joseph Hollis, the son of Richard and Mil-,
la Hollis, was born in Putnam county, Ga.,
on the 23d January, 1811. He joined the Mis
sionary Baptist Church at Liberty Hill, Tal
bot County, Ga., in the year 1839. He died in
the service of his country, in camp near’ At
lanta, G., on the 13th of August, 1804, aged
53 yerrs, 6 months and 21 days.
WANTED—A Lady, Virginian by birth
and education, would like to engage a situa
tion as Governess, or Assistant in some School
in Georgia, or other Southern State- She will
teach Higher English, French and Ornamen
tal Needle Work—has had an experience of 12
years, and can furnish testimonials of qualifi
cations from employers and others.
Applicants will give reference.
Address ‘ MISS D.,
31—2 t Big Lick, Roanoke Cos., Va.