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130 Jala mi jgaptfet J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor. R9V. D. BHAVEILILD., Editor. THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1869. The Best Christian Speech. When the statue of George Peabody, re cently erected in one of the thoroughfares of London, was unveiled, the sculptor, Story, was asked to speak. Twice he touched the statue with his hand, and said twice, “ That is my speech ! That is my speech!” There are Christians who deem themselves too destitute*of “ gifts,” to plead the cause of Christ in words. But let them not think that they are debarred from the privilege of bearing testimony for this cause. Their “ graces ” and their “ good works ” may be their speech ! They may speak by their faith, and charity, and meekness; by their stead fastness against temptation, their patience under affliction, their honesty and diligence in things of this life, their interest, zeal and ardor in things of the life to come. They may plead for Jesus and for soifls, with that highest eloquence—the eloquence of holy love and holy living—the eloquence of char acter and action, bright with the image of the One Faultless Example. And let not the gifted forget, that words of theirs can never compensate for the lack of this loftier witness and advocacy. If their walk—their manner of life—is silent, and does not speak for Christ, vain will be mere oratory, with the force of logic and the fire of rhetoric. What DeQuineey calls “ the mechanology of style,” is no sufficient substi tute for a life that teaches, and therefore is a sermon—that moves , and therefore is an ex hortation. The best pulpit even of the ablest divine is, the way of the feet, day day,—the common, secular scenes, where “ such a con versation ( behavior) as becometh the Gospel,” points with one hand to the cross which Christ endured for us, and with the other to the crown which we shall wear with Christ. .Oh, for the time when all who publish the glad tidings of peace, can appeal rather to their personal example, than to fheir public ministrations, and say, “ That is my speech ! That is my speech !” ‘‘ I,” In the Baptismal Formula. In the recent contribution to juvenile lite rature—“ Costar Grew, or the Young Ma chinist,” the following occurs, as the baptismal formula used by an aged pastor : “ Upon thy profession of repentance to ward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, in obedience to the command of my ascend ed Lord and Master, I baptize thee, my brother, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” We do not propose in any way to assail this formula; but simply to express our pref erence for the omission of the personal pro noun, “ I.” Not that we condemn even that, when it comes from the lips of others; but that we feel reluctant to employ it ourself, in the baptism of the believer. There is nothing in the celebration of the Lord’s sup per, which requires the ministers or deacons who officiate, to accompany the distribution of tl\e bread and wine with any mention of themselves : they do not (needlessly) tell us that they do what all see done by them. We think it seemly that there should be a like oblivion of the administrator in baptism—as far as possible, a keeping in the background oh his part. How would our ministerial brethren feel, if the proposition were put be fore them to adopt, for the observance of the Lord’s supper, a formula, in which at each stage of the ordinance, announcement should be made of the part they perform in it ?—as, for example, u I break this bread,” “ 1 pour out this wine,” etc? With some such feeling as theirs in that contingency, we recoil from a baptismal formula, which requires us to an nounce our personal agency in the act. Be sides : it has often struck us that this refer ence of the administrator to himself would be most congruous with the doctrine of “sacerdotal grace”—the doctrine which makes the baptizer an essential channel, for the con veyance of the divine efficacy ascribed to the ordinance, from God to the soul. In this state of mind, we have, for years, substituted for the usual form, the following : “Be thou baptized into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” Without censure for those who feel no such scruples, we prefer, in this quiet way, to step aside, so that we may not even seem to “ assert ourselves,” or to stand between the subjects of the ordinance and the Master whose vows they assume in it. Religions Liberty. • “A History of the Free [that is, Dissent ing] Churches in England, from A.D. 1688 to A.D. 1851,” from the pen of Herbert S. Skeats, which has reached a second edition in London, bears this honorable testimony to the spirit of our fathers, on the great and vi tal question of “soul-freedom “ It is the singular and distinguished honor of the Baptists to have repudiated, from their earliest history, all coercive power over the consciences and the actions ot men with reference to religion. . . . They were the proto-evangelists of the voluntary principle.” A Singular Contrast. The “Liberal Catholics” in the Grand Duchy of Baden demand the introduction of lay delegation into the councils of the church; and these views are spreading with great rapidity, especially in Southern Germa ny. Over against this remarkable fact, stands the fact which we deem no less re markable—that out of 137,210 votes cast in the (Northern) Methodist church on the ques tion of lay delegation, as reported in one of our exchanges, 46,166 were against that measure. Are there Methodists, then, un willing to accept the lesson of Christian liber ty which even Romanists are laying to heart? ISF* We are glad that the greater portion of our space on this page is demanded, the present week, by cheering intelligence from the churches. It would be matter of pro foundest pleasure with us, if we had more frequent necessity to occupy our columns with these records of ‘ the good hand of the Lord upon His people.’ Oh may weall write, and preach, and labor, and pray, more ind more, for this glory of God in the salvation of souls! * THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN ‘BAETIST: - ATLANTA, GA., Til URSDAY, AUGUST -26, 1869. Our Zion—-in Our Exchanges, etc. Georgia. The Constitution announces that Rev. W. D. Atkinson was bereaved by the sudden death of his wife on the Bth : funeral sermon by Rev. Dr. Landrum, of Savannah.—The first church, Ma con, has granted leave of absence, for one month, to the pastor, Rev. E. W. Warren ; but as his health has improved, he prefers to continue at his post, making up the time lost, through indispo sition, in the early summer.—Rev. J. M. C. Shu mate writes to us, from West Point, that a good meeting is in progress at that point.—The Mil ledgeville Recorder mentions the baptism of 18 persons, by Rev. Wilkes Flagg of the colored Baptist church. —Rev. J. J. Brantly, D.D., of Mercer University, supplied the pulpit of the Second Baptist church, Atlanta, (i.is brother’s,) on last Sabbath. How much of his father lives again in him ! —Rev. J. S. Baker writes to us a private note, from which we hope he will pardon us for making the following extract: “We have been engaged in a series of meetings in our church ; 21 have been baptized and one back slider reclaimed. I presume our pastor, brother J. Mcßride, will communicate for your columns particulars of our meeting. I expect to start this evening for the seaboard region, to assist brother D. G. Daniel for a few weeks, perhaps four or five, in protracted meetings. lam feeble in body, deaf, and almost blind, and my organs of speech are so much impaired that they often break down amfccompel me to stop in the midst of a discourse or address; but I bless God for the privilege of employing the little remnants of what I was, that are left me, in His cause, and in that of my dying fellow-n*en. Two of my older grand-daughters have been baptized tips year— one of them during our meeting ; and my older grand-son has a hope in Christ.” —The Central Georgian (Sandersville) says : “We are gratified to learn of gracious revivals of religion with a number of the churches belonging to the Mount Yernon Baptist Association. Mt. Moriah, Jack son’s and New Bethel have been particularly blest, and have added near fifty names to their membership.—“ Rev. Berry Peeler, of Hancock, one of the oldest ministers of the Washington Baptist Association, died a few days since. He was indeed a zealous worker in the vineyard of his Lord, having served him as an humble minis ter for about 40 years, perhaps more.”—At Sha ron church, Fulton county, Rev. W. Thames pastor, a meeting of marked interest has been in progress since Friday of last week. There have been a number of professions of conversion, un der the labors, principally, of two licentiates, J. F. Eden and Robert Grant. Alabama. There have been 14 conversions at a meeting in the neighborhood of Cherokee, Colbert county. —Rev. E. B. Teague, of Selma, expresses, in the Tuscumbia Herald , the opinion that a Baptist paper must be established in South or Middle Alabama again. We are sorry he thinks it. —Six conversions and three accessions to the churchi resulted from a recent meeting at Cave Spring.— The Montgomery Advertiser announces a revival meeting as in progress at the Second Baptist church of that city. Arkansas. At Enon church, Bradley county, 17 have been baptized ; at Friendship church, Jefferson coun ty, 4; at (Liberty church, Grant county, 9; at Harmony church, 9 ; at Philadelphia church 10; at Arkadelphia, 8. Kentucky. Rev. S. L. Helm, D.D., has accepted pastoral charge of East Baptist church, Louisville.—Our church at Winchester has hail 12, and at Siigo, Henry county, 13 accessions. Louisiana. I A meeting at Salem church resulted in 14 ac cessions to its membership, (13 by baptism) ; and one at Boggy Bayou church in 23, (18 by bap tism). —At Bayou des Glaises church, July 25th, E. K. Branch was ordained to the ministry ; ser mon by Rev. T. Lansdell. He enters at once on the mission field, under appointment from the Board of the State Convention, sacrificing the prospect of independence and wealth in a few more years as cotton planter. Missouri. D. M. Lee, an Elder in Prospect church, Rey nolds county, has been excluded for immoral and unchristian conduct.—The St. Louis Baptist ex pects soon to welcome to this State “Rev. Law rence J. Robert, M.D., of Albany, Ga., and C. R. Cullen, M.D., of Richmond, Va.” North Carolina. It has been decided to sell our house of wor ship at Greenesboro, and invest the proceeds arising from the sale in a more eligible site and to appropriate the balance, if any, to erecting a house of worship thereon, for the use of the Baptist church in that place.—Rev. S. G. Mason, of Yanceyville, at the recent session of Beulah Association, said, in relation to a laterevival under his labors: “ The church is thoroughly revived, though some members are still backsliders. I have never known the fallow ground more thor oughly broken up. There have been about fifty conversions. The whole community is alive." South Carolina. There have been 3 baptisms at Duncan’s Creek church, Newberry county ; 6 (colored) at Rehoboth; 8 at Callahan’s; 6 at Chesterville; 28 at Bull Swamp; lat Cheraw. —The debt of nearly $20,000 on our house of worship at Green ville, has been reduced by compromise and pay ment to $3,000. This sum the church hopes to reduce steadily by the envelope system of weekly contributions, which is succeeding well; the col lections of the first Sunday in each month being set apart to the Boards" of the Southern Baptist Convention, notwithstanding the sore embarrass ments of the church. Texas. The Baptist General Association met at Brya,n, July 23rd; Rev. A. E. Clemmons President. The funds reported amounted to $412.90; the funds collected and subscribed during the meeting to $646.10. —A meeting in Mt. Pleasant church, Collin county, resulted in 12 conversions; a meeting at Rockwall in i'2 additions to the church ; a meeting at W.llow in 12 baptisms ; a meeting in the upper end of Blue Ridge Falls county, in the organization of a church of 19 members and the ordination of a colored minis ter.—ln relation to the Rockwell meeting, Rev. J. B. Daniel writes: “Some young men laid a plan to break up our meeting; but about twenty min utes before it was to be executed, the ring leader fell upon his own knife, and, I understand, died as the result.” Tennessee. Six additions have been made to the church at Bethpage, and two await baptism.—At Marlbo rough, Carroll county 23 have united with the church; 16 of whom were baptized on a single occasion recently, and among them a lady of 60, and a gentleman of 90, also blind. Virginia. Rev. W. C. Hall has baptized 16 at Williams burg-—Rev. R. H. Bagby, D.D., has received an appointment from the Board of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, “as missionary and teacher of African preachers.”—Thirty have been baptized at Oak Grove, Princess Anne county.—“ The Second Baptist church, Richmond, sustains a day -school, to afford to such of its mem bers as are unable to pay the usual school-rates an opportunity of educating their children free of cost. No tuition fees are charged, the whole ex pense being rnet.by the church. The school is under the direction of a board of m&nagerss.” Address to the Baptists of Georgia. Beloved Brethren and Sisters : The inost of you have by this time learned, through the Home and, Foreign Journal, and the Index & Baptist, that 1 “would represent the inter ests of the Domestic Mission Board in Geor gia, as far as ray hialth will justify.” This announcement, authoritatively made, puts me in a new relation to you, and seems to call forth some statements from me. Twelve years ago, contrary to ail previous expectations or purposes, the Lord, who “ di rects our steps,” directed me to Georgia A few months spent in the State as agent for the Bible Board at Nashville, had given me a partial acquaintance with Georgia Baptists. But prior to, and since making Georgia my home, I have ever found a home among you, my brethren, wherever I have been. My heart is always affected at the recollection of j the kindness siiown me by so many, by all, among whom I have ever gone, oven when an entire stranger. Brethren, leasons unnecessary to mention, have forced me to the conclusion, against my feeling of incompetency, that its God’s will, I should accept the agency of the Domestic Mission Board. The all controlling motive actuating me, and without the power of which, it seems, 1 could net have accepted so impor tant a work, is the hope that t he cause of our Lord arid Saviour Jesus Christ will be ad vanced. Brethren, Missionary Baptists, the cause of missions is the cause of Christ. Os all missions, the Domestic Mission, the home mission—“beginingat Jerusalem”—is the most important. It lies at the foundation of, is essential to, all kinds of effort to advance the * Redeemer’s Kingdom. Now, if this cause is promoted in our State, our Domestic Board strengthened, its ability to work increased by the increase of our interest,- our sympathies, our and our money or gifts to it, then wiH the troth be helped, light spread, and Christ glorified hi the extension of His calise. That this glorious result may be achieved, my brethren, 1 appeafto you, I urge, l beg you, in Jesus’ name, in the name of the cause we love, to cooperate w ith me. The hope expressed above, will be blasted in a measure, yea, almost entirely, without your help. Let us “be workers together” for Jesus in this good cause. “ Receive me, that we may be fellow helpers to the truth;” to the truth of God, as held by us. To those of you, with whom I am not per sonally acquainted, it is necessary for me to say, that rrfjj state of health is such, that it will be mfSJy specially necessary, that if 1 succeed, yifog the aid me. Whether I shall be able to jtsujtuflfe in the work, is to some degree an dJfperiment. lam inclined to think the nature of the work may be for my physi cal good. Dear brethren, will you pray that I may be able to prosecute the work? Very truly, your brother in Christ, W. N. Chaudoin, Agt. D. M. B. Cottage Home , near Albany , Ga. Correction. A recent communication from brother G. T. Wilburn, headed, “To the Central Asso ciation,” met my eye this morning, and caused me an involuntary start. It is an appeal to the Association to redeem their pledge made at their last session, to support brother W. Norton at Penfield. Brother Wilburn is laboring under a great mistake, having, doubt less, misapprehended statements made to him; or, he has been misinformed respecting the payment of funds to brother Norton. To my certain knowledge, he has received, up to the present time, one-half of his yearly payment, and at my last visit to Eatonton, the Treasurer of the Association informed me that he would, in a few days, send him another remittance. I would nqt wonder at brother Wilburn’s indignation, expressed in terms so emphatic, nor at brother Norton’s “deep mortification,” did the fact exist, as stated by brother Wilburn, that “not a dol lar had been received to defray his expenses.” An Association pledging itself to furnish means for the support of a Lrother to fit him more fully for the high and sacred duties of his holy calling, and then not to redeem its pledge, would be worthy censure, deep and pointed. But the fact does not exist. The Association did promise to pay brother Nor ton $250 per year for his support at Mercer, and the Executive Committee have met its obligations thus far, and will be able to pay the entire amount before the present scholas tic year terminates. Had the churches not sent in means to cancel this obligation, the Executive Committee would have frequently “stirred up their pure minds by way of re membrance.” But the means for the support of both interests, determined upon at our last session, came in as needed, to cancel both of them. I hope brother Norton will rectify this mistake, as our Association has been held up to unmerited disregard, to use no harsher term, by brother Wilburn’s article. I. M. Springer, Ch. Ex. Com. Madison, Ga., Avg. Bth, 1869. We have withheld this communication because we regarded the correction of Treasurer Lawson, (which was in type when this came to hand,) as suffi cient in the premises. But as its publication is deemed desirable, we cheerfully give it a place in our columns.—Ed. A Book for 8 nlliern Children. I have been very much interested, recent ly, by a, little book called the “Chinese Bride,” written by Mrs. Martha F. Craw ford, one of our Missionaries Jo China. lam informed by the author, that the work was undertaken expressly for the children of the Southern Baptist Sunday schools; hut at the time it was ready for publication, our South ern Houses wefe not in a condition to bring it out, and inconsequence, the American Baptist Publication Society, at Philadelphia, published it; and it is now attracting the at tention of the children of our Northern brethren, while but few of those for whom it w*as intended have seen or heard of it. The attention of pastors of churches and of Sun day school superintendents, is respectfully and earnestly called to these facts, and they are recommended to send to Philadelphia for the work. In view of the large immigration now com ing to this country from China, a knowledge of the laws, customs and prejudices of the Chinese has become of great importance. It is confidently predicted that, very soon, the “Celestials” will bean important element in Southern society, and that they will soon push aside the semi-barbarous African, who, while he has almost forgotten the heathen worship of his ancestry, nourishes the preju dices of race to such an extent that mission ary labor among the Southern blacks, is hope less of good results. Mrs. Crawford has been a resident missionary in China for nearly twenty years. She Is an accomplished South ern lady, and h writer of great power and originality. The volume before me is one of striking interest, worthy the study of the most eminent divine, and deeply interesting to children. There are few living persons of equal intelligence and descriptive power, who are so well acquainted with the character, language and condition of these people. I have seen no work which portrayed more distinctly the characteristics of private and domestic life among these strange and won derful men. China has now become one in the society of nations. As soon as the im- ' provements of our civilization shall be under- j stood and used by them, the Chinese will be j thq most powerful people on earth. They j are a brave, literary, patient and intelligent ! people. The struggle between the religion of | Jesus Christ and of Confucius, has already begun. The truth will at last prevail; but it may be after many centuries of strife and darkness. A thorough acquaintance with the number, condition, habits and opinions of the enemy, should at oneh be sought. If the Sunday School Board at Memphis cannot make arrangement, at once, to pub lish this book, it shouia be ordered from Philadelphia. Send fifty cents to the Amer iern Baptist Publicatioi>-Society, and get a specimen copy. Alabama. The Baptist, at Memphis, will please copy. Clayton, Ang. 1 2th, ’69. Indian Mission. To Rehoboth Association^ Dear Brethren : Yesterday was a happy day at this mission ; two more added to our little church by baptism*. Oue is as near to me as my own brother, for he has been a true friend in every change and condition of my life, since the day I preached my first sermon at this place. 1 have pmyed for his conver sion for more than two years, and God has graciously blessed him. I am now readyto say as old Simeon, “Apd now Lord, lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for my eves have seen (the woJt of) Thy salvatioo.” This mission station wbpld now sustain itself; but “ for me to live is Christ.” There is a great work yet to be done. Three others are ready for baptism; and eleven anxious ly came forward yesterday, and inquired, “ What must we do to be saved ?” Some wildly wicked men—some that surprised me by their corning. Brethren, pray for the mission; pray for the poor Choctaws. It is an era in the short history of this mission I am very happy in prbspect of an outpour ing oT the Spirit. The jfeork is now delightful, and if I do not visia you in October, the reason will be either mkness ora revival. Dear sisters, do n :-jLthink that I fail to ap preciate your offer,/*aise and educate my children. On The it is with the great est desire to accept*'*., that I am striving to visit you in October, fcut “ why should the work of the Lord eiyse?” I will take or send “ Cogee” and Lizzie too, if you will faithfully raise and educate her—a dear Choc taw orphan girl—as soon as possible. They sadly need proper training; are growing up in ignorance : but 1 pray for and with them, and then leave them for work. God will provide. Yours in love, J. S. Murrow. Ah-to-ka, C. JV., Ark ,’Aug. 2nd, 1869. A Work* of Grace. My church at Antioch, Georgia Associa tion, has been blessed with an interesting re vivai. The meeting commenced on Friday before the first Loft’s day in August, and closed on yesterday, the third Lord’s day. During its progress, forty-three were received by experience. The blessing of God attended specially the labors of brother M. M. Lan drum and brother M. W. Edwards. Fraternally, P. H. Mell. Athens, Aug. 16 th, 1869. Ramah Revived. My meeting at Raqiah is progressing finely. Twenty-one have joined, nineteen by experi ence, two by letter; and forty or fifty mourners. I shall continue till Sunday next. 1 have had no help in the ministry but old brother Rain water. Pray for us—the church is greatly revived—to God be all the glory. J. S. Dodd. Palmetto. Ga., August 21, 1869. A Refreshing Shower of Grace. 1 am happy to inform you that the Bellville church, Conecuh county, Ala., has been re cently favored with a precious revival. The meeting commenced on the 31st of July, under rather unfavorable circumstances. But God was pleased to display His power in the conversion of many Aouls, and in strengthen ing the hearts o t At the close of the meeting, wfqpf lasted eleven days, it was my privilege tfy bury with Christ, by baptism, eighteen hopeful converts. *W. G. Curry. Monroeville, Ala., August 12 th, 1869. ■ A Delightful Meeting. We hear that Sweet Water church, under the pastoral care of Rev. E. A. Steed, has had a most gracious revival. During a meeting of sixteen days there were forty-two accessions to the church, and over fifty conversions. The meeting has been suspended until the 2d Sunday in September, when, we trust, others will come forward to declare what the Lord has done for them. * * “Labor not in Tain.” We have just closed a meeting of ten days at Elim church, W'arren county. The Lord’s people were made to rejoice in His salvation, while ten, professing faith in Jesus, followed their Lord in baptism. One was restored to the fellowship of the church, and two professed who did not unite with the Lord’s people. The pastor was assisted two days by brother J. H. Allen, and through the entire meeting by brother T. J. Pilcher. These brethren rendered valuable service. To the Lord be all the praise. J. W. Ellington. Mayfield, Ga., Aug. 23rd. Outpouring of the Spirit. Avery pleasant and reviving meeting has just closed with the church at White Water, Fayette county Ga. The writer does not re member to have ever seen a church more interested and revived, than were the breth ren and sisters of White Water. Neither does he remember to have ever preached to a more attentive congregation, for the same length of time. The house was crowded from day to day, and the work of the Spirit was manifest, both among saints and sinners. Nineteen were added*to the church, and many left seeking the face of the Lord. Brethren Duffy, Godrieh, and Spurlin, were present during the general meetitig, and after its close. Spnrlin add C. Leavell, assisted the pastor of the church for seve/al days. The meeting closed with a fine state of feeling. May the good work go on. H. S. Rees, Pastor. Turin, Ga. Loving Churches. 1 often see statements made in the religious press]of the building, or repairing, of churches in our cities and towns; why not notice the taste of the country? My good brethren at Bethel, Muscogee eounty, Ga., have recently repaired, repainted, and whitewashed our house of worship/it now looks neat and nice as a pin, and in the country too. (a not this right ? Our house is in a beautiful grove, nine miles north east of Columbus. The humble pastor is blessed with an as affection ate membership,,as any pastor in Georgia. He is under maiiy obligat ons to them, for their kindness in many respects. 1 have the prospect of having the- largest contribution for missions this fall, that I ever had. I have a missionary committee, com posed of brethren and sisters, to solicit eofi tributions from all the members and friends, and they are succeeding finely. Now, brother Editor, is it not pleasant to a pastor, to have a church thaf is confiding and affectionate, and ready to cooperate with him in his great work? I also preach to one other church, six miles north of Columbus, (Mt. Zion,) where the membership is equally as kind and affectionate; a good church. So lam a sinner greatly blessed. Now, brother Editor, l invite you to-visit us, I think if you would let my people see your pleasant face, and hear you pVeach, you might get more subscribers to the Indkx & Baptist, than I can. Will you try it? C. C. Willis. August llth. 1860. M&~- It would greatly please ns to visit the breth ren at Bethel anil Mt. Zion, as well as the churches generally throughout the State. We want to know them all; and grieve that we do not. If we can find or make an opportunity to do so, we will.—Ec, Bad Printing and Good News. It is not my usual habit to notice little mistakes of the printer, or proof-reader; but this once allow me to do so. In a little arti cle of mine on “ Ritualism,” coming from your press this week, the word “ chimerical ” fills the place for which the shorter word, chemical, was intended. The writer is chi . merieal enough already, without being made more so by the printer. The mistake alluded to occurs in the tenth line from the top, in the printed article. While writing, it may be as well to give you a little news. The church in Blakely has had no revival, so-called ; but there is, us we trust, a revival spirit. An estimable young lady knocked for entrance at the door of our church on last Wednesday evening, and was received for baptism. To-morrow she is to be buried, because we believe she is dead. She is to be taken out of the grave, because we believe she will be alive at she time of burial. What a paradoxical people the Baptists are! A meeting of days was held at Bluffton, a few miles north of us, not long since, resulting in the baptism of lour converts, as, I think, was reported. Another meeting, under the labors of brethren Knowles and Wombwell, a few miles south-east of us, resulted in the baptism of about thirty per sons. The meeting began with the constitu tion of anew church, and ended in a mem bership of about sixty. Hope brethren K. and W. caught good fish, and only good. It may be a curious fact, but it is a fact, that Sabbath schools are rapidly springing up at places where none were ever before held. Five new schools have originated in the country not far from our village. Some of them are in exceedingly neglected settlements. Books and papers suitable to such schools, would be a charitable offering, from some Society able to make it, and of great value. If some large hearted brother, or brethren, will send me a lot of books, papers, tracts, etc., for these schools, I will see to their distribu tion. W. M. Davis. Blakely, Ga., Aug. 14, 1869. Ordination. * According to previous request, met with the Baptist church of Christ at Mt. Moriah, Gwinnett county, Ga., June 2nd, 1869, breth ren A. Hadaway, A. K. Tribble, J. M. Davis and Jas. Cain. After a sermon by brother Tribble, a Presbytery was formed of the above-named brethren, who, as ordained min isters of the gospel, proceeded., to the ordina tion of brother Perminas Williams to the ministry, as follows : Questioned by brother Tribble, prayer by brother Davis, Bible pre sented by brother Cain, charge given by brethren Hadaway and Tribble, benediction by brother P. Williams. Wm. A. Cain, Clerk Presb. A Happj Week. Our annual meeting at Pine Bluff, Dough erty county, Ga., commenced, as usual, Fri day before 2nd Sabbath Aug., and continued till the 3rd Sunday. It was a happy week. The Lord heard prayer, and blessed the preaching of His word—the instrumentalities we mainly depended on or used. Every member who was permitted to attend the services, was blessed, revived, strengthened. And as the legitimate consequence, sinners were converted, we trust. The additions to the Church were, eight by letter, two by re storation, seven by baptism. The preaching was mainly done by brethren L. J. Robert and W. H. Cooper, and was “in demonstra tion of the Spirit and of power.” We all felt that it was a golden privilege, a precious feast, to enjoy such rich gospel sermons. These brethren are both members, now, of ou h church. Wm. N. Chaudoin.. ■jfcev. Dr. Tucker aud the First Church. ' Irtev. H. H. Tucker, D.D., President of Mercer University, in a letter dated 16th August, addressed to the Chairman of the Building Committee of the First Baptist church, Atlanta, referring to his donation of one hundred dollars to the building fund of said church, says: “ 1 never made a dona tion more cheerfully ; my heart and my prayers go with it. You have the best church in Georgia, and I feel that it is a privilege to help pay for it. Hoping that you will succeed in raising the funds to pay for your handsome building, and all, hoping that, under the blessing of God, you will soon fill it with worshippers and with happy converts to the glorious gospel, I am fraternally yours.” For ourself, and for the people of Atlanta, we would sincerely thank Dr. Tucker for this very generous contribution to the build ing fund of this beautiful edifice. His words of cheer and expression of earnest desire for the prosperity of the cause here, are very grateful to the Baptists of Atlanta. We are informed that President Tucker, aided by that great Architect, Samuel Sloan, Esq., of Philadelphia, matured the plans for the new building now approaching comple tion. We mention this that the denomina tion may know to whom they are indebted for the origin of this beautiful piece of archi tecture. * The “Ancient Men.” At the fork of the road leading from Wil sonville to Harpersville, Shelby eo., Ala., re sides our aged friend, Mr. Wallis, of four score and six years. On the right hand prong of this road resides, about one and a half miles distant, our venerable father in Israel, Rev. J. M. Scott, of fourscore and ten years. These remarkable personages have been living neighbors at these points for something like forty years. What a sketch could here be drawn of this forty years’ in tercourse between these veteran neighbors— how they have mingled their sorrows and joys —how they have labored and reaped the fruits of their labors on adjoining farms— how they have rejoiced together in prosperi ty and sympathized in adversity—how they haVe gone in company to the house of God, where the one proclaimed the word of life, and the other listened with admiring delight! But now, age has accomplished its work in each of these monuments of God’s preserv ing power, so far, at least, as to set bounds to their steps, as though the omnific decree had been proclaimed to them, as to the wa ters of old, “hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.” And thus is fulfilled the old say ing—“once a man” to rove abroad, “twice a child” to stay at home. So that, these aged neighbors had not seen each other for years, until a short time since, when it came to father Scott “by the hearing of the ears” that his dear old friend, Mr. Wallis, had failed on the road in an attempt to visit him. Moved with the impression that “my dear old neigh bor might have something heavy on his heart upon the matter of religion,” (using his words to the writer) brother Scott deter mined, Peter like, to go and inquire “for what intent” his contemporary desired to see him. No sooner was this faithful purpose made known to the family, ever ready to do the bidding of him. they reverence, than a suita ble vehicle was comfortably furnished, and “ Eddie,” one of his interesting grandsons, moved away with grandpa, to witness a meeting, such as is seldom seen. A few hours passed away in conversation upon religion, and other subjects suited to the occasion and to the men, when the “man of God” returned to his home with his feelings somewhat relieved by an increased hope of a happier meeting in “a better country.” Mr. Wallis is not. a member of the church, but professes to put his whole trust in the merits of Christ for salvation—giving some evidences of being “renewed in the spirit of his mind,” by statedly reading the Bible, and the habitual performance of other duties. Some days after the visit from fHs gonjl old friend, he determined on returning the call. This time, however, he made known his pur pose to his devoted and attentive son, “Wales,” who unhesitatingly provided a comfortable conveyance and accompanied his father to make, perchance, his farewell visit to the house of his favorite preacher. These venerated old men have outlived three generations, and„DUsy be regarded, with a few others here and there throughout the land, as living here alone. Last Sabbath was father Scott’s sixtieth spiritual birth day. His mind remains strong and clear; his knowledge of passing events comprehensive ; his then\p, the Cross, aud his anticipated home, heaven. May the tottering steps of these dear old men, in at tempting to visit each other, be succeeded by a meeting in a better land— “A land upon whose blissful shore, There rests no shadow, falls no stain ; Where those who meet shall part no more, And those long- parted meet again.” w. w. A Yisit to South Carolina. I promised you, when I wrote you last, that 1 would try and do something, during my visit to South Carolina, for the Index and Baptist; and would, if desirable, give you such information concerning the progress of Zion, as I might obtain. I send you a few names of subscribers. I could have done more if opportunity and circumstances had been more favorable; but money being scarce, the drouth prevailing to almost an alarming extent, the general circulation of the Herald and the Working Christian, in South Carolina, and being constantly and la boriously eqgaged the whole time myself, rendered it almost impossible to do the work necessary to procure subscriptions, especially amongst the country brethren, who are gen erally cautious and prudent in their expendi tures. My visit w as confined to Edgefield District. As far as I saw and could learn, the churches are being refreshed. I attended a week’s meeting with brother Trapp, at his church at Stevens’ creek, in which I think, at the con* elusion, he baptized thirty-eight, in all. This church numbers some four hundred and fifty members, and their able and efficient pastor, brother Trapp, has been serving it thirty-six years. I also attended a meeting two days —last Monday and Tuesday, at Gilgal, of which brother Brunson is pastor, where a most interesting meeting is progressing. Several had joined at the time of my leav ing. This, also, is a flourishing church of some four hundred and fifty members. Prior to these revivals, a meeting had just closed at Mt. Tabor, where brother A. P. Norris had been laboring. Some forty-five members were added to the church. Upon my return home, I stopped over at Granite ville and preached to the church there. This is also a large and flourishing church, of which brother Norris is the able and efficient pas tor. A revival has just closed there, in which fifty members were added to the church. This is certainly, from all appearances, a live church. Other revivals are progressing in this District, also in others. Much of this work, however, is being done over the head of the churches, which, in many cases, are cold and spiritually declining. G. A. L. Americus, Ga., Aug. 21, ’69. Seasons of Refreshing. I have just closed a series of interesting meetings at Mt. Pisgah and Red Bluff churches, Montgomery county, Ga., an ac count of which I will give you, as you request such information from pastors and churches. Our meeting at Mt. Pisgah commenced on Sunday, (their regular conference day,) the 17th inst., and continueff till Thursday eve ning, the 22d. Our congregations were large and attentive. I baptized four during the meeting, and received seven more for bap tism. The last day of the meeting was at tended with peculiar interest; nearly all the members of the congregation, with tears in their eyes, begged Christians to pray for them. Many persons in the vicinity of Mt. Pisgah are hopefully converted, and we trust will soon tell us what good things God has done for their souls, whereof they are glad. The church at Mt. Pisgah is yet in its infan cy, having been constituted since the war, with but few members. At the commence ment of this year it numbered but nineteen members. It has, during the year, received by letter and baptism, enough to swell its number to thirty-one, and seven more, now waiting for baptism, will make a total of thirty-eight. To God be all the glory. We bade adieu to the congregation at Mt. Pisgah on Thursday, the 22d, to visit Red Bluff, where we began a meeting on Saturday, the 24th. This meeting, though of short duration, was attended with much interest. It lasted till Tuesday, the 27th, at which time, we being worn down by constant travelling, and excessive labor, both night and day, were compelled to close, notwithstanding the wish of the church and congregation for it to be continued. We enjoyed the labors of our dear brother Winhain one day; but his health was so feeble that he could not give us more aid. I baptized, during the meeting at Red Bluff, sixteen willing converts, and received seven more for baptism. The church, which has been for some time in rather a cold condition, is now greatly revived, and we trust much good will result from the meeting. To sum up. We labored at the two churches ten days, baptized twenty, and re ceived fourteen more for baptism, who will probably b e, buried in the liquid grave at the next of those churches. God be praised for his wonderful goodness. W. L. Geigbr. J\lt. Veruo?i y Ga., July 30 th t 1869. Merciful Visitations. On Saturday before the third Lord’s day in July, and on the regular meeting day at Mt. Vernon Baptist church, brother R. L. Powell, pastor, J. L. Godwin, R. M. Owen and N. C. Hornady began a meeting of great interest, which lasted nine days. During that time twenty were added to the number of the saints at Mt. Vernon; fifteen whites were baptized, five of whom belonged to the Methodist society; and one was received by letter. Four blacks were baptized. On Saturday before the fourth Lord’s day in July, the pastor, brother Isaac Hobby, be gan another meeting of great interest at Drayton, which lasted for nine dajs, and ten precious souls were added to the Baptist church at that place. Seven were buried with Christ in baptism, and three were re ceived by letter. Brother Hobby was assist ed by brethren Powell, Godwin, Owen and Hornady. H. N. Smith. Drayton , Ga., Aug. 9 th, iB6O. “Days of the Son of Man.” We are glad to say to you that the Lord has not withdrawn His Spirit from us. We have been blessed with an outpouring of that Spirit at Ebenezer church. The meeting was conducted by the pastor, brother J.C. Camp, who is a faithful and zealous worker. Six have been added to the church by experience, and the meeting is still going on, and has been for nine days. The membership has been greatly revived, and some young breth ren have taken great interest, and will, we hope, be of vast importance to the good cause. We always rejoice to see young soldiers en tering the holy army, and feel confident that the influences of the meeting will be felt for time to come, though there are still those we love who are out of the ark of safety. R. E. P. Ebenezer church, Aug* IS, 1860. A Revival at Antioch. I haVe 'just returned from Antioch church, Tatnall co., Ga , where the good Lord poured out His Spirit upon us ali. The church at that place, is under the pastorate of brother A. YVeathers, who is growing in favor c<gi stantly with bis charge. In consequence of sickness brother Weathers did not attend the meeting regularly. The meeting commenced the third inst., and when I left, the thirteenth, it was still going on. The meeting was char acterized by deep, serious and solemn feel ings, and great interest was manifested throughout the meeting. It was a time of peculiar anxiety, hope and rejoicings. Broth er C. T. Mosely, of Swainsboro, was in the meeting, and preached with “the demonstra tion and the power of the Holy Ghost.” Many sinners were convicted of sin, many converted from the error of their ways, while twenty-six happy, and as we trust re deemed, souls were added to the church. I was obliged to leave the dear brethren and go to my own church, viz., Tom’s Creek, Liberty co., where the new Sunbury Associ ation is expected to meet Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in October, at which time I hope to see brother Toon present to lay- the claims of the. Inde* before the people. There is a large field for Sunday school operations in this part of the State; 1 have frequent calls to assist in the organization of Sunday schools. Most of the churches seem anxious to have them, but complain of their inability to carry them on successfully. I have recently furnished several schools with libraries. W. O. Darsky. Kollock Street Church, Augusta. The good work still goes on in our midst. I have baptized six since my last. Our congregation is large, and deep feeling prevails; the entire congregation appears to be under the influence of the Spirit. Brother Shuck,from Barnwell,S. C., preached for us, on Sunday night, a heart searching sermon ; and on last night, brother Hard, of this place, preached for us. Hi 9 subject was, faith in Christ as the only Sav iour ; and if any did not understand, it must have been because they did not pay atten tion. Our meeting still continues; and may the Good Lord continue to bless, and to Him be all the glory. H. A. Williams. A Revival. I would state, for the encouragement of your readers, that I have just closed a meet ing of eight days’ continuance at Rocky Creek church, Laurens county, Ga. Twenty - nine related an experience of Grace—l 4 whites and 15 colored—also, one backslider reclaimed. I closed the meeting from ex haustion ; having no ministerial aid during its entire progress. The church is greatly re vived and encouraged, and the careless sin ner awakened. To God be all the praise. E. B. Barrbtt. Aug. 13th, 1869. Ordination. In compliance with a previous appointment, the Baptist church of Christ at BeJthabara, after an ordination sermon preached by brother A. K. Tribble, met in conference, July 10th, 1869, and formed a Presbytery consisting of the following brethren, viz: James M. Davis, A. K. Tribble and P. Wil liams. Brother James M. Davis being ap pointed Chairman, led in the examination of the following-named candidate—Hiram W. Rainey. The Presbytery finding him sound in the faith, the ordination prayer was deliv ered by brother James M. Davis, the Bible was presented by brother P. Williams, the charge was given by brother A. K. Tribble, the benediction pronounced by brother H. W. Rainey. John W. Dalton, O. C. Baptist Statistics. The American Baptist Publication Society has issued two numbers of the Baptist Year Book. It is desirable that it should be made perfect. In the Book for 1869 we find the following Practi cal Suggestions, which we commend to the at tention of all who are able to aid in securing full and accurate Baptist statistics. The documents desired should be forwarded at once: PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.—The minutes of Associations are the source whence our statistics must be chiefly drawn. The Clerks ol the Associa tions will confer a favor, and help on the work which we have undertaken, if they will note the following particulars in their minutes: 1. The number of churches. 2. The names of post-offices of ordained ministers, whether pastors or not. 3. The additions by baptism, letter, experience and restoration, in separate columns, added up. 4. The diminutions by death, letter, exclusion and erasure, also in separate columns, and added up. It will prevent confusion, also, if they will, on the title page, specify to what Stale the Association be longs, and, if any of the churches are located in other States, indicate it in the minutes. The minutes of State Conventions and General Associations have hitherto furnished us valuable help. The value of these minutes will be greatly increased if they embody, hereafter: 1. Correct lists of all the Associations in the State, with an abstract of their statistics, as given above. 2. The names and statistics of Anti-Mission Bap tist Associations, and lists of all unassociated Baptist churches. 3. The'number of Baptist houses of worship, with their value, and the worshippers that they can ac commodate, together with the number and value of parsonages. 4. The statistics of Sunday schools—the number c>f schools, officers, teachers, scholars, volumes iu libra ry, teachers baptized, and scholars baptized. 5. The name and post-office address of every or dained Baptist minister in the State. 6. Lists of all the ministers who have died in the State during the year. A special request is made that the clerks and sec retaries of all Baptist Associations, Conventions, Societies, Theological Seminaries,Colleges, and other educational institutions, will please forward, as soon as they are issued, two copies of their minutes, reports, or catalogues, to Rev. B. Griffith, D.D., No, 530 Arch street, Philadelphia. Rev. I. J. Roberts. —The Rev. I. J. Roberts, so long a Baptist missionary in China, is now in this country, worn-out and feeble. His name will go down to posterity along with those of Gutzlaff and Henry Martyn, as eminently blessed in their labors. Mr. Roberts gathered, while in China, a great quantity of material, both in print and man uscript, for a full history ofChristian Mis sions in that country. These he has an nounced his intention to deposit with the Baptist Historical Society, that it may appoint some one to write such a history. It is to be hoped that there will be found, among these documents, the requisite materials for a me moir of brother Roberts, aside from the notices which would necessarily occur in the history.— Cor. Nat. Bap. Lawsuit against a God. —A writer in the Calcutta Christian Repository tells a curious story of a Chinese who had a sick sod. He made costly offerings to a certain god, with a view to his son’s recovery. All was in vain ; the child died. Hereupon the father filed a bill in court, charging the god with a breaph of contract. The case was duly tried. This idol was brought into court. The father pleaded that he had done everything that the ritual required of him in order to propitiate the deity ; but, through some strange perver sity or inability, the god had failed to per form his part of the contract. The god had no way of rebutting the evidence. Judg ment was accordingly given against him, and he was forthwith expelled from the province. The Gospel without Improvements. —The Boston correspondent of the Christian Intel ligencer says: A story is afloat of a pastor here who while preaching the gospel often furnishes addenda by way of quaint com ment, and not altogether in taste. At a weekly prayer-meeting, tl>e members of his church in praying for the pastor, fer vently asked for “grace to be given hi in to preach the gospel, and not improve on it.” Short Sermons. —An eminent English Archdeacon boasted recently that he never preaches more than ten minutes. *