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142 Ijwfex and fSaptiist J. «J. TOON, ... - Proprietor. Bev. D. SHAVER, D.D., Editor. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1869. ifßSr- It is with very great pleasure tbst we surren der our editorial space so the highly interesting news from the churches furnished by our breihren. Will they not continue to wole ? “ Come Forth, Beloved Sun! ” The enjoyment of climate was an important element in the character of the ancient Greeks. They loved the sunlight, which fell over land and sea as a mantle of glory. When the sky was obscured and the rays of “the brilliant orb of day ” were shut out, it was the practice of the children to betake themselves, singly or in groups, to the open air, and cry, “ Come forth, beloved sun I ” And what are Christians but children in faith and love, whose gladness flows from the beams of “the Father of Lights?” When the cloud of unbelief, or of guilt, hides His brightness from us; when the cares or the seductions of the present life hang as a shroud between us and His face; oh, what can be more seemly than that from the closet of personal prayer, from the family altar, and from the courts of His house, this cry should go up from us, “ Come forth, beloved sun! Lord of the heart, shine on it—shine in it!” Should not every other prayer give place to this, in whose answer alone we have the pledge of acceptable supplication, and the assurance of successful labor? Surely, the Psalmist felt so, when he exclaimed: “ Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy free Spirit; THEN will I teach transgressors Thy way, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee! Our Zion —in Our Exchanges, etc. Georgia. Rev. E. W. Warren, of Macon, is arranging for an Institute to be held in that city, next Decem ber, for the benefit of colored ministers. He an ticipates the presence of from 30 to 50; and hopes to secure the aid of some 10 of our best minis ters to deliver catechetical lectures to them, each spending about two days in the work. —The name of Rev. J. M. Wood was accidentally left out from the number of ministers laboring ia the revival at Providence church, Troup county. He labored more abundantly than either of the brethren mentioned. Alabama. There were 30 professions and 12 baptisms in a meeting with an arm of the Burleson church, at a school house six miles southeast of that place; and it is decided to constitute a church at that point.—Burleson church, during a recent revival, received 22 accessions.—J. F. Benson has been ordained to the ministry, by a Presbytery con sisting of Revs. T. Dulaney and W. Watson. A colored church at LaPlace has discharged its two colored preachers, and unanimously called Rev. J. J. Cloud as pastor; and Rev. E. A. Taliaferro, of Tuskegee, has for months rendered pastoral service to a large colored church at Fort Meigs. Arkansas. Rev. W. D. Mayfield, in the St. Louis Baptist, says that Rev. W. H. Robert, of Little Rock, will locate at Trenton, just back of Helena, among a noble set of brethren.—Rev. A. M. Russell has baptized 19 at Rich Woods church, Prairie coun ty ; “among the number three men and their wives, one entire household and nothin infant in it either.”—Arkadelphia church, Clark county, has had 16 accessions, and proposes to give its pastor, Rev. J C. Browning, a full support, al ) loWinaThim to devote his whole time to the min istry^ " Kentucky. Rev. G. W. Harris, pastor of our church at . Shelbyville, is in very low health, and it is feared that his valuable services will not soon, if ever, be actively resumed. This is the result of an impaired constitution, through a wound received when* chaplain in the Confederate army and a subsequent imprisonment at Fort Delaware. — I There have been 34 baptisms at Buckland ; 22 at I long Run; 27 accessions to North Benson, Frank Ilin county; over 100 to Bethel, Washington fccounty, (80 by baptism ;) 34 to Bethlehem ; 41 to |Mt. Vernon, Shelby county; 14 to Meeting Creek, ■ Hardin county; 17 to Little Union, Spencer county.—One Wm. A. Proctor, acting as pastor of a church in the vicinity of Bowling Green, has been denounced, by North Grand River Associa tion, as an impostor. Louisiana. There have been pleasant meetings, with ac cessions, at Mt. Lebanon, Buck Spring school house, (five miles east of Minden,) Coal Spring and Shady Grove (Claiborne) and New Hope in Bossier. Mississippi. meeting at Cherry Creek church, Pontatoc county, was crowned with 45 conversions and 33 baptisms; a meeting at Academy church, Tippah county, with 26 conversions and 21 baptisms ; a meeting at a school house on Chubba Creek, Ita wamba county, with 9 accessions to Pilgrim’s *Rest church; the meeting at luka, with 14 or 15 baptisms so far. Missouri. t The St. Louis Baptist says: “ During the ab -1 sence of the Baptist pastors this summer, the R pulpits have been very generally supplied by the deacons and other lay preachers. But little has been said about it, and we esteem it a great ad : ' vance that the public mind should have become so familiar with it that it has ceased to excite any remark, when in the absence of a pastor a private member enters the pulpit and speaks to the peo ple.” —A church, of 10 members, has been or ganized at Pleasant Green, Johnson county, and 7 added to it by baptism.—ln a meeting at Salem, Jackson county, there were 28 accessions, 20 by baptism, 8 by restoration and recommendation. The laymen “went from house to house, holding prayer meetings, and pleading with sinners of all ages, until the whole neighborhood seemed to be divided into two parties, one praying for and an other seeking interest in prayer.”—Look Out Grove church, Cole county, has had 16 baptisms; Index church, 40 accessions, of whom 2 came from “the Campbellites,” demanding baptism because of a want of qualification in the former administrator; Bellfount, Pulaski county, 6 bap tisms, (“ by moonlight, an impressive scene;”) Blue Mills, Jackson county, 19 baptisms. North Carolina. There has been a revival at Mt. Moriah church, with 10 baptisms; at Hollow Spring church,. Surry county, with 15 accessions; at White Plains, B.—Mt. Pisgah church has held a prayer meeting of fourteen days' continuance , resulting in 43 additions to the church, 4 by letter, by baptism 39, of whom 23 were Sunday school scholars.—The Union Meeting of Central Asso ciation decided that “ our churches have departed from the New Testament model in several respects, especially in the following: 1, in not meeting every Sabbath for the worship of God; 2, in not having a pastor for every church,'and in not re cognizing and maintaining the proper distinction between the pastoral office and that of the evan gelist; 3, in not raising our weekly contribution as the Lord prospers us, for the support of His cause; 4, in not administering discipline on the gospel plan.” . THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA., THU RSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1869. South Carolina. There have been some 40 additions to Grove Station church and over 30 to Cedar Grove church, both in Greenville county; 33 to Providence church, not far lrom Limestone Springs ; from 20 to 30 to the churches of Rev. J. L. Rollings, of Charleston county ; to Bush River church, New berry county, 45 ; to Chestnut Hill church, Edge field county, 109 (by baptism;) to Shady Grove church, Anderson county, 85, “ Elder Dawson,” now about 80 years old, often walks five miles to fill his appointments. Texas. A church of 13 members has been constituted at Houston Branch school house, Ellis county ; and 28 members added, (24 by baptism.)—There have been 20 additions to Navidad church, Fayette county, (16 by baptism;) 22 to Coal Spring church, near Lexington, (21 by baptism ;) 14 to Christmas Creek church, (10 by baptism ;) 49 to Bedai church ;35 to Kickapoo; 22 to Bethlehem; 27 to Indian Creek, Jasper county, (25 by bap tism.) Virginia. Thirty-one have been baptized in connection with a meeting at Buffalo church, Mecklenburg, county. —Rev. B. Cade resigns charge of Bethle hem church, Henrico county. Piney River church, Nelson county, has had 28 baptisms 5 Corner Stone church, Amherst, 15 accessions; Fincastle church, 8 conversions; Beulah, King William, 32 additions; Antioch church, Flu vanna, 19 conversions; Fluvanna church, more than 60. —A church has been constituted at Deep Greek, Norfolk county, and a house of worship is ih course of erection. I “ ; ' ' Sunday School Banner. «. Dear. Bro.: Not long since I informed you tjaat 1 should aid brother Connor in the pub lication of the Banner. I write this to say to you and your readers, that circumstances have altered our proposed arrangements, and that I arn not connected in any way, either as Publisher or Editor, with the Sunday School Banner. S. Boykin. Several Things. The revival which 1 mentioned in my last as being then in progress at Blue Eye church, Talladega county, Ala., resulted in the acces sion of fifteen members. This w;i- rather a peculiar meeting. The preachers were com pelled to leave when only a lew had been converted, and but two had joined by expe rience. The membership of the church con tinued the services four or five days ; several exhorted, who had never done so before, and many were converted, and great good was accomplished ; and when the pastor goes again to that church, he will find fifteen to be baptized. At White Plains church, in Calhoun county, brother W. E. Mountain pastor, a series of meetings resulted in the baptism of seven. The church was greatly blessed. Last Monday, the 6th of September, at Liberty church, in Cherokee county, Ala., brother J. M. Robertson, a member of that church, was ordained to the gospel ministry by Elders W. E. Mountain, S. Minton, and the writer, who acted as Presbytery for that church. Immediately after the ordination, we went to the water and saw four persons baptized. Brother Robertson is about twenty one years old, and a youth of great promise. He has a liberal education, and is a graduate of the Old and New Testament English of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He intends to spend several more years in college and in the Seminary. I have seen but few men of his age who were his equal in the pulpit. The meeting with that church continues; when I left them, there were at least forty seeking an interest in the prayers of the church. Oh, that they may seek and find Christ! At Talladega church, Dr. Henderson has just closed an interesting series of He has recently baptized three at that church, one of them brother Clay Taul, of whom I spoke, not long since, in your paper, as com ing to us from the Presbyterians—a young minister. In the late meetings, he preached alternately with brother Henderson, to the great satisfaction of the brethren. The church is going to present him a library. This “ Talladega church ” is not the church in TallacTega town, but it is located ten miles from town—an old, influential, and wealthy church. Brother O. Welch has been its es teemed and honored pastor for twenty-five or thirty years. He is truly a patriarch among his people; and as the infirmities of age have made it impossible for him to perform the active duties of pastor, he insisted upon the church getting another pastor. Dr. Henderson is now their pastor, and brother Welch and the church are “ feasting upon his ministra tions.” Several were received by letter, and there are others to be baptized at their next meeting. Is it pardonable for a “ way worn and weary ” preacher to allude to his overmuch work ? In the last five weeks, 1 have attempted to preach forty-seven sermons ; and yet, there are calls for help. Is it not wrong for all our churches to try to pack their protracted meet ings into five or six summer weeks ? It is hard on the preachers, and this year it has nearly killed some of them in this region. All the ministers in this section of country have seen active service this season, and the good Lord has blessed many of the churches. There have also been extensive revivals among the colored people, and many of them have been baptized. There are now seven colored Baptist churches in this county. These churches have all been organized since the war by our own white preachers. There are two or three other places where colored churches ought to be constituted. We have in our county four or five ordained colored ministers, and I cannot tell how many others that want to be ordained. I have noticed in the Christian Herald what brother Teague, of Selma, has said about a paper that can meet the wants of Alabama Baptists. In this matter we are in a bad case. There are about five Baptist papers that have some considerable circulation in our State. This is unfortunate. Alabama Baptists have not been accustomed to drag behind in the great enterprises of the denomination. For many years we have been “up to time,” but now we are rather behind. We know more of what Baptists are doing in almost any other State, than in our own. This is painful, and many brethren feel it very keenly. Our State Convention and our important Associa tions have been holding their annual meetings since the war, with scarcely a newspaper arti cle beforehand to call attention to the said meetings; as a result, these gatherings have been small. The same is true of our schools and colleges. The same is true of the wants of the Boards of the Southern Baptist Con vention. Before the war, the South- Western Baptist kept these things constantly before us. There was no Baptist paper in the South that said more in support of such noble enter prises than that paper, and there was no Southern State where the Baptists did more than in Alabama. What now is the remedy?—this is the question. Unless a remedy is found in some one of the papers now in existence, our brethren will seek it in anew enterprise, and this will be a heavy undertaking. With the number of railroads leading from Atlanta into Alabama, the Index is most available. It is folly to think of any other existing paper, in their present localities, meeting the wants of the great body of Ala bama Baptists. So our State Convention has thought; so I think. Therefore, Mr. Index, what can be done? J. J. D. Renfros. Howard College—The Judson Female Insti tute—Changes—A Strange Hallucination. Tt may not be uninteresting to the reiders of the Index and Baptist, especially those of Alabama, to know something of the prospects of our Institutions. lam gratified to be able to say that, from the present indications, they are highly flattering. Contrary to the wishes of the Trustees, at the close of the last session, Professor Thorn ton resigned the Presidency of Howard Col lege, preferring to devote himself to those branches which accord most with his taste, and in which he is an accomplished scholar and a skillful instructor —Natural Science and Modern Languages. His connection with the College continues. Rev. S. R. Free man was unanimously elected President, an appointment which has met with the univer sal approval of the denomination, and the friends of the College generally. With good scholarship, he combines clear judgment and a wonderful tact in adapting himself to the demands of the occasion. His executive abilities in this new position, are yet to be tested, but those who know him have strong confidence of his success. In the vigor of his physical and intellectual powers, he brings to the responsibilities of the place, the experi ence of ripened years, and the discipline of a well-balanced mind. With him will be associated a Faculty of i talented and successful teachers : E Q. Thorn- j ton, T. J. Dill, J. Jones and 1. B. Vaiden, to be increased as circumstances may require. The Judson Female Institute, under the direction of its talented and popular Princi pal, Rev. A. J. Battle, was never better equipped for its grand and successful mission of educating the daughters of our land, im provement, advance, is the law of this Insti tution, from ‘ the least to the highest in its halls. The brilliant exhibition of the Art Department, under the direction of Miss Spear, and the well-arranged concerts cf pop ular and classic music, presided over by Miss Cocke, at the late Commencement exercises, afforded the most satisfactory evidence of the ability of these accomplished instructresses, and of the talent and industry of their pupils ; while, in the solid branches of education, the advantages enjoyed here for thorough in struction, will be apparent, to all who wit nessed the exercises. Prof. A. B. Goodhue, long connected with Howard College, is now a member of the Judson Faculty, and will have a fair opportunity to test the mathemat ical powers of girls, as compared with boys. As to the relative intellectual strength of the sexes, I heve no opinion to express ; but >f there is any mathematics in a pupil of his, it will surely be brought out. With such schools in our own State, why should our people send abroad their sons and daughters to enjoy no higher, and rarely equal, advantages, at a greater cost? - A strange hallucination, this; and yet, there is another stranger and sadder still —the growing dis position to patronize Roman Catholic schools, particularly female schools. I know of no Baptists in this part of the country who aro guilty of this criminal folly ; but in some sections I am inclined to believe the evil does exist with Baptists as well as others. lam sorry for the children. Such parents deserve the reward which many of them will receive, in the apostacy of their children from the faith of the gospel, “ for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” W. H. M. Marion, Ala., Sept. 6 th, 1869. South Alabama. ■ In this part of the State, opr people seem to have been educated in the “ faith and prac tice” of periodical religion. It is the custom of most churches, at a period in Spring, to make special appointment, “in conference,” formally, of the time for “ the protracted meeting," in July or August, Tmtib which time arrives, little increase in the church, or “ growth in grace,” is thought of or expected. When “the great day” arrives, committees of invitation having busily interested them selves to procure the services of the greatest revivalist in reach, for the occasion—to whom, it is freared, they look rather than to the “Giver of every good and perfect gift,” for success in the meeting—often, as in the pres ent season, have the dear brethren “ reaped the whirlwind,” having thus “sown to the wind.” Our churches are generally “at ease iri Zion ;” but little spirit of revival has been enjoyed even at the “ protracted meetings,''’ by any in the circle of my acquaintance. It is to be hoped that our churches may be in fluenced to pursue a different policy, and wait “ patiently for the Lord ” —“ instant in sea son, and out of season,” sowing “ beside all waters” “the seed in the morning, and in the evening withholding not the handfor, in religion as well as politics, “ eternal vigil ance alone is the price of safety,” and the guaranty of success, although “the excellency of the power is of God.”~ This spasmodic or periodical Christianity, is likewise evinced in the meagre contribu tions of church members, to the support of all the benevolent and educational enterprises. I noticed, a few days since, in an article giv ing the religious news from a certain locality, this remark : “ Brother Sumner must come around and stir us up on the subject of mis sions, for we are not doing much.” As though the duty of stirring up to all benevolent works did not rest on every minister—every Christian, as imperiously as on brother Sum ner. In the open and clear expose of brother Mclntosh, respecting the Board of Domestic Missions, you notice he accounts for the fall ing off of funds on one occasion, because brother Sumner had been sick, and conse quently unable to “go around and stir up the brethr, n.” “These things ought not so to be.” The Bible clearly teaches that it is the duty of every Christian “to lay by as the Lord hath prospered him,” and the individuality of our democratic church government forbids the shifting of responsibilities lo Boards, Agents and Secretaries. The most striking evidence of vitality in our churches generally, in South Alabama, is the increased interest and activity in the cause of Sabbath schools. Conventions, mass meet ings, picnics, etc., in behalf and for the pro motion of this great work, are common in this region, and are producing a life-giving effect on the lethargic and indifferent. Our Sabbath school now numbers about 150 to 175 students and teachers in attendance. We use the Uniform Lessons and National Teach er, published at Chicago, and consequently have “teachers’ meetings” weekly, that uniformity of doctrine, teaching, etc., may be practiced by all the teachers. Our infant class of about 80, taught by myself, is the great attraction of the school. We have just had a second meeting of our Associational Sabbath School Convention, at Fort Deposit, and have concluded to make these meetings a permanency in the Associa tion—“ The Alabama," and hold one every quarter, in the different districts of the Asso ciation, that we may reach all the churches, and thereby “ provoke ” the working talent in the Sabbath school cause. Sabbath School “ Institutes ” are organized at these meetings, for the culture and training of superinten dents and teachers, the discussion of such subjects and the answering of all questions pertaining to the establishing and successful perpetuity of a well regulated, efficient “ Sabbath school in every Baptist church.” Since writing the opposite page, brother Bell, of this place, has held a meeting at Pine Apple, in Wilcox county, $5 miles West of us, at which about fifty were added to the church— 4s by baptism. He will probably report particulars. P. . ■ Greenville, Ala,, Sept. s th, 1869. Ministerial Education. The Georgia at its last meeting, recommended that the Executive Committee this conventional year, the plan for raising funds for the educa tion of young ministers, which was adopted at the Convention held in Augusta. It will be remembered that,'in accordance with this plan, a large -number cf brethren were re quested, through the Index, and through printed circulars, to collect funds for this ob ject. Many of them'entered warmly into the work, and liberal collections were sent up to the Treasurer from many points. The need of funds to defray the current expenses of the four young receiving aid from the churches, is as urgent now, as it has been during the year. Wifi those brethren, who made collections last ,\ear, continue the work during the present year! The Committee oafrJhcar testimony to the worth and promise o£ those young men, who will be the recipients of contributions. The Convention ajpo recommended, that the Associations consider the propriety of adopting young musters, within their bounds, and of raising the nSeans for their support. The Central Association has raised $250, and maintained at Mercer University a young minister, during the'past year, who would | have been compelled to leave college but for j their timely and liberality. The Executive Committee commend this system : to the consideration,,of the Associations, at their fall meetings. Itjss worthy of trial. The : young ministers, wtuiare to receive aid, will have personal acquaintance with many who ! exercise their gifts occasionally in parts of the As^WSation: their personal character may be eas» enquired into, and the collection and disbuq&snent of funds will be made direefty the officers of the Associations. To oMry out this recommen dation of the ConWntion, the Executive Commitiee request, that some brother or brethren in each Association will cause this subject tq be brought before the Associations at thetj annual meeting this year. Very respectfully, J. E. Willet, SOtc. Ex. Com., G.B.C. Penfield, Ga., Sept. 3, 1169. Reply to Brethren Lawson and Springer. Some time since, lliddressed a note to the Central Association, through the Index and Baptist, calling the attention of that body to the obligations assumed in behalf of brother Norton. To this communication brethren Lawson and Springer-replied. Brother Law son, as treasurer of (he Association asserts that they have promptly met their obligations, and gives the dates of the several payments. Brother Springer, in a general way, sustains these statements of pother Lawson. I read these communications with some surprise. 1 know these two brethren, and I have the utmost confidence in anything they may affirm. But 1 had received positive in formation to the contrary, and from a source that l credited as equally reliable. I am puzzled to reconcile the two statements. I based my first communication upon informa tion I had received from brother W. A. Jones, a gentleman and Christian of unimpeachable veracity. Brother Jones has a son at Pen field, who has been tljg room-mate of brother Norton. Brother Jones was at the last Com mencement, and a conversation with brother Norton on the subject of his support; and on his return he reported to me the facts, and requested me to call the attention of brethren to the case oL brother Norton. Re lying upon what broker Jones said to me, I wrote the article. C When l read the rfWlies of brethren Law son and Springer, LA-ote to brother Jones for an explanation. Mother Jones was not at home, and 1 have tUn delayed until now in getting his the mean time I wrote to brethren and Springer, stat ing the above facts, and promising them to furnish a communication for your paper, so soon as I should hear tom brother Jones. 1 have now received thir reply, and forward it, although he did not write it for publication. I also ask pardon for bringing the name of Mrs. Sanders before, the public, but I arn compelled to do so in this case, in self defence. Hoping that the whole affair may be satisfac torily explained, i shall await future develop ments. G. T. Wilburn. The letter of brother Jones is as follows : In the conversatioa-which I had with you at this place, I only repeated to you what was told to me by Norton and Mrs. Sanders. I had my first interview with Mr. Norton on this subject, on the 22nd day of May last, at which time he said to me that he had been corresponding with the Committee, and from what they had v£xitten him, he thought that they were going t>> drop him. I saw him in relation to the matter again, on the 13th of July. And at the same time, I saw Mrs. Sanders, and from both of them, I learned that no portion of had been paid up to that time. Mrs. Sanders may have been alluding to that portion of Norton’s board due for the Spring term of 1868 ; but she made no distinction at the time, and made the impression on my mind that she had not been paid any portion of his board. At the time of the conversation with Norton, 1 know that he did not know, that anything had ever been paid towards his board, for he so stated to me, and said that he would be compelled to leave the institution, because he could not remain longer with his board bill due against him, for all the time .ie had been in the insti tution. He said he would go home, and go to work and pay up the bill himself. I pre vailed with hirn not to leave, but to stay, and I would become responsible to Mrs. San ders for his board from that time forward. I saw Mrs. Sanders a.yd made the arrangement with her to board hi£i from that time through the fall term. 1 aif! at a loss to know how the misunderstanding has come about; if I led you astray, I did it by repeating what I think was good authority. I feel great anxi ety for Norton’s weU#ire, and would certainly do nothing but what I thought would promote his interests. W. A. Jones. Fort Valley, Ga., Sept. 4 th, 1569. Friendship Association, The churches of Friendship Association are earnestly requited to send up liberal contributions to missions, not forgetting our Home Missionary. Brother Devers has been the whole of the year in the field, and must be paid. Brethren of other Associations are invited. Come to Americus the 2nd of Oc tober, Geo. F. Cooper. A Great Revival. A few days since I witnessed the most glorious revival I ever saw, at Antioch church, Tatnall county, near the line of Liberty. Brother C. T. Mosely preached several days to large congregations, from the fact that his discourses were very pointed and inters-sting. At times he seemed to thunder down the ter rors of the law, and ihen again his discourse seemed to be as s-\«et as the whisperi. g ot angels. He preached with such power that the congregations were carried away with his eloquence, and when he closed the meeting, 29 had joined, and I believe that his services will be the means of many more joining soon. J would to God that brother G. T. Mosely could come and see us often, for we are blessed with refreshing showers always when he comes. 1 suppose brother C. T. Mosely is a man about twenty five years old, and is considered one of the ablest ministers in our country. He is highly esteemed by the churches, and makeyan extraordinary pastor, being well versed in church government. He is well versed in Scripture, and anything else that is of much advantage, and has a great store of fine language. A Baptist. Letter from a Virginia Lady. A young lady was once asked by a clerical relative to write to him; and as she was about responding in suitable terms to his Reverence’s civility,lest she might be too much inflated with the honor, he added, with marked emphasis, “ when you have learned to write sensibly." How unlike this stolid, moping uncle, is the gallant, accommodating Index ! “ W rite anything you like! ” My dear Index, you are really magnanimous, after the sug gestion of several impracticable topics, thus to widen the margin in compassion to femi nine incapacity ! However, it affords the writer such genuine pleasure to scribble to one who is not fastidious, and don’t exact ‘sensible’ letters—and, above all, sometime' condescends to a bit of pleasantry himself, — that she avails herself of her earliest leisure to comply with his politely tendered request. May she be pardoned for using some of his own recent issues as the basis of her plati tudes ? “ How much will twenty-six and a half yards of calico come to, at thirty-seven and a half cents per yard ? ” No difficult problem this ! The veriest tyro in Arithmetic might solve it thus : 26J 26 yds. 37£ tH 1| 37 i cts. 182 182 78 78 13 13 18f $9.93f (£ yd. at cts., 'lßf $9.93J The solution may be made as clear as a sunbeam by a reference to the proof on the right of the column. By-the-by, it needed not the translation of your correspondent’s erudite pseudonym, or the perpetration of a pun, to prove his identity with a certain “potent, grave and reverend" contributor to the Herald. There is too strong an individ uality in his inodes of thought to be disguised under any style, however versatile, still less under the caprice of a high sounding name. Did it ever occur to any one that the great revival which attended the labors of Rev. Mr. Earle, in Richmond, last winter, might be as largely attributable to the zealous cooperation of individual Christians, as to the ministry of the Word? Such was the writer’s persua sion at the time, and that impression is deep ened, now that the lapse of several months permits a calmer survey of that remarkable work of grace. It is no disparagement of the distinguished evangelist to say that any one can recall the names of a dozen men, more gifted as revivalists— at least, in the opinion of a Southern audience —than he; yet no one pretends to affirm that the most effective of them could have accomplished such results, for the obvious reason that, in the most hearty cooperation between the churches and these ministers, there would still have been lacking one element—if not, indeed, the main element—of the success of this meeting,—a compromise of State pride, and a sacrifice of sectional prejudice. The hearts of the Richmond brethren were pre pared tor the work; a revival had long been the burden of their prayers; and when Mr. Earle came among them, knowing only “Christ and Him crucified,” they were willing to ignore their own preferences in the conduct of the meeting, and to sanction much that was repugnant to Southern taste; and verily, they had their reward in an outpouring of the Spirit, whose precious influences still linger about the churches. Perhaps a more forcible illustration of the power of Christian jteveaiwas not furnished during the progress ogthis meeting, than on a sacramental oSeasifeh in which several churches united in commemorating the death of our Lord. The main audience roorA of the First Baptist chflreli, a spacious building, was thronged to its utmost capacity—the galleries with spectators, the lower floor with commu nicants, for whose accommodation benches had to be placed in the aisles, and even then, the deacons and many of the older brethren were compelled to crowd the pulpit. The rich and the poor, the educated and the illit crate, the refined and the uncultivated, met together in fraternal harmony ; yet something seemed wanting to the perfect enjoyment of the sacred feast. Mr. Earle was absent! An appointment in a distant portion of the city detained him, and a sort of nervousness and expectancy appeared to sit upon the congre gation. lie arrived at a late hour, just as a deputation of deacons from the several churches was about to distribute the conse crated symbols. Then methought a holier hush brooded over the vast congregation ; an unbroken repose sat upon every countenance as this man—a New Englander in every essential of Yankee character, except its most disagreeable trait, a pragmatical inter ference in other men’s matters—‘ sat down, for the first time, with his Southern brethren, around the Lord’s table.’ As the hundreds of happy voices, some tremulous with emo tion, united in chanting the praises of ‘ Him who had called them out of darkness into His marvellous light,’ and the hand of Christian fellowship was extended from one to another, all over the house, and to none more cordially than to our reverend brother from Massachu setts —the scene was more than inspiring : it was grand ; it was almost worthy of the com munion of saints in the New Jerusalem ! The usual season of protracted meetings in the country churches is now upon us, and 1 have recurred to this ‘ Mr. Earle’s revival,’ chiefly to encourage lay cooperation in such efforts, but partly, also, because of its fra grant memories. From some neighborhoods of this and adjacent counties, we have the glad tidings that “Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” May all our churches soon share in His gracious visits, and many sightless sinners be induced to sue for mercy, that—like Bart'- meus, the way-side beggar—they, too, may experience His healing power! To the Ministers and Churches of Bethel Association. Dear Brethren : The time has come w'hen we have to raise money to send up to the Association, for brother Hogue’s support, as our missionary to the Choctaw Indians. You will remember, the Association had no funds on hand, and made no provisions for his salary of $1,200 for the present year. We must send up at least what is now due, and we should send up his salary for the next year also. This we can do easily by a united effort, and I hope we all feel the importance of the subject, and determined to meet this urgent and honest claim. I received a letter from brother Sumner, a short time since, and he says brother Hogue is in great need of his salary. Ilis family is sick, and he has buried another little daughter among the In dians, and he is really in distress. The Board has no funds on hand to advance for the Association, or they would have done so. My dear brethren, remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive, and the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Thomas Musk, C. D. M. C., of the Bethel Asso. News from the Dalton Church. Tiie Baptist church at Dalton, has been much revived. Last Sabbath, five were bap tized. Since January last, about twenty have joined p-i haps more. Our congregations are large and attentive. Twice every Sabbath they come to hear the gospel. Our Index is gaining more confidence, and hope it will soon enjoy a large patronage in the mountain country. I will do all in my power for the Index —it is second to no paper in the land. Yours in love, J. L. Butch. Dalton, Ga., August 26fA, 1569. Stone Mountain. The church here did not agree to observe the “ w'ashingof feet” ns “an ordinance,” but only as a Christian duty. We regard it as a means of grace, as important to us as Sun day schools or prayer meetings. We have attended to this duty once, recently, and we are now satisfied that for the past we have been neglecting our duty in this ri spect; the performance of which has been followed by most happy results. But 1 sat down to tell your readers that “ the Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad.” e commenced meeting here on the third Lord’s day in August, which has not closed yet. In this meeting we have seen prejudices between brethren removed, mountains of coldness have dwindled into molehills, and a most Christian spirit of charity pervades all hearts. The results of the meeting up to this time, are, added to the church by letter, seven ; by jo Loration, two; by baptism, thirty two. Our congregations have been very large and at tentive, the feeling of interest general. At our meeting last night, about forty penitents presented themselves for prayer. Among those baptized, we have one Methodist and one “Catholic." The most remarkable fea ture of the meeting is the deep, yet calm, quiet manner in which the Spirit has done His office. Brethren F. Maddox and Barrow rendered timely and valuable aid in the meet ing. We are looking forward to the Association soon to meet here, when we hope to have our interest increased, the lambs fed, and all ben efitted by the prayers and preaching of our dear brethren. Wm. Henry Strickland. 03gT“ Bro. S. corrects our announcement of the fact that the Stone Mountain church had decided to observe “ the washing of feet.” Will he allow us to explain our meaning, and to ask an expla nation of his ? Nothing can be distinctively “a Christian du ty”—“a means of grace”—except that which is clothed with that character by the commandment of Christ. There are two classes of circumstan •ces under which this commandment has been issued. First: where it simply enforces that which is right and obligatory in itself, and which, therefore, would be binding independently of ex press injunction; (as in the case of preaching the word and of prayer.) Secondly: where it pre scribes that which derives its obligation only from the injunction,—which could not bind the conscience, therefore, in the absence of injunc tion, because nothing in the nature of tilings or the reason of the case marks it out as obligatory ; (as in the case of baptism and the Lord’s supper.) Commandments of this latter class are distin guished by the title, “ordinances,” in the form of speech adopted to escape the use of the word, “sacraments,” with its false and misleading asso ciations in the literature of “Churchianity.” When we announced, therefore, that “our church at Stone Mountain had decided to observe feet-washing as an ordinance of Christ,” we sim ply indicated to which class of commandments the practice was supposed to belong. Now, does brother S., by rejecting that title, mean to hold that there is something in the reason of the case, or in the nature of things , which makes it right and obligatory, independently of express injunc tion, that a body of believers, assembled for the worship of God, should wash each others feet ? Does he lift it from the number of “ positive” to the number of ‘‘moral” precepts? If ho does not, he clearly ranks it as an “ordinance.” If he does, why ?— Ed. ' Biography. The late deacon Daniel D. Johnson, was the worthy son of James and Lucy Johnson, of the county of Oglethorpe. He became a memb|r of the Baptist church at Cloud’s Creek, in September, 1888, when about*seven teen years of age; was baptized by Rev. P. P. Butler. The change wrought by the power of Divine grace in this young man, was re markable. All the fire of youthful vigor, moved and actuated from early boyhood, in persuit of the pleasures of sense and the in dulgence of sin, was changed, and his soul absorbed deeply with the love of Jesus, be gan t£» take delight in bearing his cross, and thus learning meekness of Him who was meek and lowly in heart, and finding rest to his soul. One of the remarkable character istics of the man, and the Christian, in Mr. Johnson, was firmness, stability, unswerving integrity. His love of truth, justice and mercy, were plainly and unmistakably evinced in his business transactions, and intercourse with men, and with Christians. His alliances with his fellow-creatures, were in a measure, regulated by these great principles ; hence his confidence and warm friendship were always firm and abiding in those who possessed and developed these elements of character. He was a lover of good men for their goodness’ sake. He had conscientious scruples in re gard to his fitness for the office of deacon ; but after the exerc>se of caution and great prudence, he submitted to the judgment of his brethren. Mr. Johnson had been from his youth an advocate for the support of the ministry; and a liberal contributor to the support of his pastor, and for the furtherance of the gospel in general. Asa member of the Executive Committee of his Association, supervising missionary and evangelical work, he was candid, kind, liberal and efficient upon the whole. Daniel D. Johnson, the grand son of the patriarchial and pious Daniel Dupree, long since departed, was a man of sterling worth and prominence in theSarepta Baptist Association. His memory will be cherished in connection with the names of former departed worthies in the deaconship, such as John Baughan, Thomas I. Bowen, Horatio J. Goss, Wm. Sanders, Amos Baker, Jesse M. Fortson,Thomas R. Adams, Edward Adams, Britton Stamps, William Glenn, Thomas Stapler, Joseph Davis, Berry M. David, and others. Brother Johnson died suddenly in the prime of life, being as it is presumed, only in the forty-eighth year of his age. What an admonition to us all. Be ye also ready. Truly we know neither the day nor the hour, wherein the Son of man Cometh. A. C. Revival at Sardis, Henry County. 1 have just closed a very interesting meet ing at this church. The meeting continued twelve days, with day and night services. The Lord was pleased to send down the rich showers of His grace. The church was great ly revived. About twenty-five conversions, with sixteen additions to the church, was the immediate result. The meeting closed with forty to filly penitents earnestly enquiring the way of salvation. The fruits ol the meeting, we have no doubt, will be gathered up many days hence. We had the efficient labors, at intervals, during the meeting of the following brethren in the ministry : James G. Kimbell, 11. S. Dicken, J. T. Kimbell, Wc. G. McMiehael and old brother Richards. Altogether, it was one of the most interesting meetings we have witnessed since our sojourn in Georgia. J. G. Woolsey, Pastor, From the Mountains. We have had a great revival at Tilton church, brother E. M. Lowry pastor; the meeting commenced on the first of August, and lasted sixteen days; twenty-one united with the church by experience and baptism, and four by letter, and when the meeting closed there were mauy mourners enquiring the way of salvation. Our church had been in a cold state for sometime previous to our revival; but thanks be to our God, we are in a prosperous condition now, and hope to have more additions soon. S. A. Osboxn. A Wayside Note. Somebody has said: “Let no one go to Europe until he has travelled on the Balti more and Ohio Railroad.” But travelling ouly will not do. lie must stop somewhere between Piedmont and Cheat' Liver 5 and ramble about, and dip in, and be satisfied. The railroad itself, between these points, is a marvel. The grade from the former place to Altamont, seventeen miles, will average one hundred and fourteen feet to the mile; the overcoming of which revolutionized the principles of civil engineering. There is noth ing like it —without it be on the Rocky Moun tains except over Mount Cervis, in France, where only fifty passengers arc transported at one time. At Cheat River, a wall of stone masonry, two hundred feet high, and as many long, guard the snorting horse from plunging into the frightful abyss. The trestle work is of similar dimensions, and seems like a grand effort of art to vie with the surrounding grandeur of nature. The huge rocks, cleft by the pickaxe and powder blast, present a strik ingappearance. Between the frequently occur ring strata of gray limestone, the softer brown stone cracks up into innumerable little angular parts, which makes the towering heights to resemble the exquisite stone-fret work on medieval abbeys and cathedrals. The historic christening of blood does not de tract from the suggestive effect. Nor is the poetic sentiment offended by the information of a practical friend at the elbow, that the Road cost fifty millions of dollars, and yields an income of five hundred thousand per month! An English cousin, on the other side of the water, asked us satirically, “ VV hat scenery have you in America “The Silver Spring” of Florida had not so much as reached trans- Atlantic ears: “The Mammoth Cave,” he doubtless thought a monstrosity ; “ Mount Washington” would make even Regi and Pilatus smile ; “The Hudson” was nowhere by the Rhine; and “Niagara,” he said, “is half British.” (They think now, there are no rowers in America!) 1 wished I had my Englishman on the brow of “ Hall’s Hill,” to look out upon the grand repose of nature, which rebuked the conscious breathing, and subdued the emotions of pleasure into the silence of awe. How I’d have said, Haha! haha! But what of all this? Much. He who piled up these hills, and dug the vales, and arched the. heavens over all, can save into THE UTTERMOST. V IATOK. Times of Refreshing, Our church at Senoia, Coweta county, Ga., has just closed a very interesting meeting. The meeting lasted for ten days and nights, with a crowded house at night, and fine at tendance in the day, considering the busy season for gathering fodder. The business men of the place left their trades and occu pations to attend the hours of worship: an example worthy of imitation. Nine were added by experience : among them an aged man, in his eighty-third year. Avery large congregation assembled to witness the per formance of the “emblematical ordinance.” Long may this pleasant meeting be remem bered by the brethren of Senoia and vicinity. J. C. Camp, C. Leavell, and W. C. Barnes, assisted the writer. Bethlehem (colored) church, Fayette Cos., Ga., during the present year, has added to her membership over fifty. A colored brother by the name of Scott, has the pastoral charge. His colored brethren speak in good terms of him. He hails from the “ Gate City.” From reports, the colored brethren of this section, are winning the day. Quite a rival spirit ex isted between them an.l their Methodist brethren for a while, but at last the latter caved in, and the former claimed the victory. They are trying to imitate the whites in many respects : big meetings all ground among them. May that ignorant people be blessed. 11. S. Reese. To Hie Brethren of Mercer Association. Brethren : 1 notice in the Index that your Association is to come off at the same date of ours (the Smyrna Association.) I learned from our delegate to your Association last year, that a proposition had been made to consolidate the two Associations, and if they were consolidated, to meet on the Saturday before the fourth Sunday in October, (the time of holding our Association,) and for which yours is now published; but we failed to unite. I write this for fear there may be some misunderstanding in regard to it. If so, there is time yet to correct it. Our dele gate, (brother Morgan,) further stated that if the two Associations were not consolidated, you would not change the time of holding yours. Two Associations held so near to gether, at the same time, and (this year) on the same line of railroad, would very greatly conflict. Yours, in the bonds of brotherly love, J. T. Smith. Homerville, Ga., Sept. 11, 1869. Tunes of Refreshing-. The Lord has been blessing the churches in this - section for two months past. The preachers have seemed fully awake to the great work of proclaiming the gospel to sin ners—salvation by grace. At the following churches, —all in Dooly county, and not more than ten miles apart, —we have seen precious fruits of grace. At Mount Harmon 38 were baptized, (23 whites,) at Drayton, 7; at Mt. Ariel 18 were received, 13 by baptism, and among them my little daughter, seven years and ten months old. The Lord continue his work. N. A. Hornady. Montezuma, Sept. 6 tit, 1869. A Fruitful Meeting. On Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in August, we began a meeting with Bethlehem church, of Middle Cherokee Association, which continued nine days. The result was, eleven were baptized : several professed who did not join. We expect some of them to join at a future time. Jtw as'a good meeting, and when we say good, we suppose that those who love the Lord know wh.it the goodness of God means. D. H. Moncrikf. <A Pleasant Season. A meeting commenced on the 20th iiscanc!,, at Ohoopie church, Washington continued six days. It was a precious, meet ing: nine were baptized. The interest seemed to increase to the close. The church seemed much revived. «V e had the assistance of brother Fulghum part of the time.. To God be all the praise. Taos. J. Cummings. Sparta, Aug. 30th, 1869. Intolerance.—Our exchanges state that a gentleman, recently from France, was lined $6 and costs, not long since, at the instance of the parish priest, at St. Henry, nine miles from Quebec, Canada, for selling a‘copy of the Gospels. The Sabbath.—Rev. Robert Collyer, Uni tarian, at one of the Chioago cemeteries, on occasion of the decoration of Federal sol diers’ graves, expressed the hope that annu ally hereafter the Sabbath day would be selected, and that the churches would be closed and the entire day given to “decora tion.” Degrading Scripture. —ln the English Theological Review, Unitarian, a writer ad vocates “ the expediency of an extended lec tionary in public worship,” meaning by this that ministers ure to be considered at liberty to read before the congregation as lessons for the day, not only the usual selections from Holy Scripture, but judiciously selected pas sages from the great devotional poets and prose-writers of more recent times.