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or affirmative on the second.
To him who holds that the validity of baptism in
no way depends on an unbroken succession, it is
matter of logical indifference whether such a suc
cession has, or has not, been preserved. If it has
not, he still possesses the necessary and sufficient
proof of this validity : if it has, he possesses that
necessary and sufficient proof, with just so much
over and above. In either case alike, then, he
puts the historical (or traditional) aside from Ids
“rule of faith and practice” respecting baptism,'
the ministry and the church, and, on these points,
his ‘religion is, the Bible , the Bible alone.'
5- It is clear , then-that the opiniop, ci(cd from us
by the Herald is precisely such as sets us free
from the necessity of forming any opinion at all,
whether pro or con , on the issue raised by a
“A Baptist.” But we have an opinion, and are
quite willing to state it—the more especially as,
in our recent references to the subject, we have
had no occasion to present it, except in part.
Whether an unbroken baptismal succession has
been maintained from the apostles down to the
present time ? is a question , ’which there is no ad
equate historical proof to settle, the one way or
the other. No adequate historical proof exists
that it has, and no adequate historical proof that
it has not. It stands in the records of providence,
as it stands on the page of Scripture, a matter of
indifference. But so far as regards the measure
of light which history sheds over the question, it
must be granted, we think, that the presumption
is against the maintenance of such a succession ;
and, therefore, looking at the question simply as
one of historical criticism, the burden of proof
lies on those who affirm the maintenance. They
must overcome this presumption, or the case
gravitates in favor of their opponents on that
point.
We must add something further, to protect this
statement of opinion from misconstruction. “A
Baptist” says: “ John Newton Brown has written
that ‘the Baptists have no difficulty whatever in tra
cing up their principles and their churches to the
apostolic age.’ ” He says this, as against us.
Now, let it not be inferred from the preceding
paragraph that we deny the practicability of this
‘tracing,’ through bodies of men more or less de
cisively Baptistic. We do not. The task, we
conceive, may be accomplished, though with far
•more of difficulty than Dr. Brown seems to re
cognize. And is not this, (some one may ask,)
a proof of unbroken baptismal succession ? By
no means. The proof of an unbroken succession
involves two things: first, historical evidence
that there have been Baptists in all the centuries
since the apostles, (a point which, as we grant,
may be at least presumptively made out;) and
secondly, historical evidence that the Baptists of
each later century received the ordinance, with
out irregularity, from those of the preceding cen
turies, (the very and only point on syhich we con
sider the records of the past as pronouncing no
final verdict)
To establish the existence of Baptists in any
given age, with Baptists in the age before and the
age after them, is not to establish that the ordin
ance came to them, by succession, from the prior
age, or descended from them, by succession, to
the age ensuing. An affirmation to this effect
must be grounded on distinct and incontroverti
ble proof. It must be shown that, neither in
whole nor in part, did they, in any of these ages,
embrace, cr act on, the principle which led “the
greater number” of our English fathers in the
seventeenth century, (as Crosby and Ivimey, their
earlier and later historians, allege,) to originate
new lines of succession—the principle which Dr.
Benedict, our chief American historian, avows in
his remarks on the case of Roger Williams: “It
was just such a course as all companies of be
lievers who wish to form a church, in such extra
ordinary circumstances, should pursue. Any
company of Christians may commence a church
in gospel order, by their own mutual agreement,
without any reference to any other body ; and
this church has all power to appoint uny one of
their number, whether minister or layman, to
commence anew the administration of gospel in
stitutions. This is the Baptist doctrine of apos
tolical succession .” Now, it is the fact that such
a “doctrine” has been held and such a “course”
of action based on it, here and there, during the
period in which our records are most full and ex
-Slicit, —together with the fact that there is no
conclusive evidence of the failure and extinction
of all the new lines thus originated, or of the
perpetuation of the older lines, in uncontaminated,
aeoarate regularity, —which constitutes thehistor-
"nat the volume sins by the in.
corporation of unsound teaching with the true.
Our reference is, specially, to the second chapter
(with occasional paragraphs afterward re-echoing
its positions.) In that chapter the author, from
the fact that truth and right must be the same for
all minds, argues that “ all mind is genetically
the same”—which is a palpable non sequitur.
On the ground thus reached, lie assumes that the
human mind must furnish an anulogue of the Trin
ity in tlie Godhead. This analogue he makes out
as follows, (if we have succeeded in clearing up
almost the only cloud of logon his pages): In the
unknowable substance of mind there are “two
&yp*««tafc'S, v.i- is .>wfef>t»fci»iio-p».n
then what you will) —spirit and thought;” un
derstanding by spirit the thought-producing,
thought-using entity, or “ 1," of the mind : So
“ the Son” is “the Word conceived,” the thought,
“the out-birth,” of the Divine Mind, and the
Holy Spirit is the “ 1,” the knowing entity, or
personality. Beyond all question this is not the
Scriptural doctrine of the Trinity : it is rather an
imperfect reproduction of the Platonic “ Trinity,”
or of the fanciful analogy which some of the Pla
tonizing early Christian authors sought to trace
between the relation which the reason of a man
sustains to his soul, and the relation of the eternal
Logos (word, or reason) to the Father. The writer
who holds that God is a Trimly only' as the human
mind is a trinity, and who is indifferent whether
the word “ manifestation ” or the word “ person
ality” be used in speaking of the Son and the
Spirit, has steered clear of deviding the substance
of the Godhead only by confounding the persons,
and must be, to that extent, accounted “hereti
cal.” We hope that this second chapter will he
cancelled, if the work reaches another edition.
There are certain foreign elements, too, which
would admit of purgation. We instance the fol
low ing genesis of the “ Republican” party:
“There is a power beyond and above public men
that moves them, and surrounds them ; forcing
them often to pursue a course which is better than
their conscience, and which in other circumstances
they would resist. Witness the union of the old
Whig party at the North with the unuiovable
Anti-Slavery men, after the defeat of Gen. Scott.
Many of the old Whigs hated the Abolitionists,
but their love of power was stronger than their
hatred of wrong.” All this, though discreditable
to modern “Republicanism,” may be true enough;
but what has it to do with the “Doctrine of the
Holy Spirit ?”
Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc.
Auk ANSA:-.
Taylor’s Ivy church, Woodruff county, has
enjoyed a revival, with some 30 accessions.-i-The
St. Louis Baptist contains the painful announce
ment, that Rev. W. M. Lea has been excommuni
cated by the First church, Little Rock.
Kentucky.
Georgetown College, Dr. Crawford President,
has opened with an increased number of students.
—To ere have been twenty-one baptisms at Deep
Creek church, and thirteen at Old Cypress.—ln
relation to the baptism of fifteen persons at Oak
Grove church, Rev. J. F. James writes: “Os the
males, one was a cripple, who had not walked a step
in twelve months; ho was carried into the water
on his chair, and was immersed sitting in it,
though it was said by his physician that for him
to be baptized would cause his death. As yet no
ill effects arc apparent.”—Rev. I. W. Bruner
takes charge of Pleasant View church, Meade
county.—Licentiate Win. Bennett has been ex
cluded from Friendship church, Logan county,
because, in applying for membership, he concealed
his exclusion, for unchristian conduct, from Do
ver church, Barren county.—There has been a
meeting at Freedom church, Garrard county, with
15 baptisms; at Mt. Zion, Todd, with 22; at
Pleasant Grove, Anderson, with 18, two of whom
had been Methodists and three Reformers; at
Big Rock church, with 14; at Dallasburg, Owen,
with 22; at Antioch, Trimble, with 9; at Cy
press, Hickman, with 17; at New' Prospect, Hop
kins, with 29.—A church has been constituted in
Caldwell county, and will build a house of wor
ship in a thickly settled but destitute neighbor
hood.
Maryland.
Rev. S. C. Boston has resigned charge of Lee
street church, Baltimore.—G. W. Matthews, of
Westminster, proposes to give one of the best
lots in town and $3,500 toward the building of a
Baptist house of worship, provided $4,000 can be
raised elsewhere; and of this sum $l,lOO have
pUTII-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA„ THU RSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1869.
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19; Moore’s Creek, 11 ; Ash
pole, 63, (52 by baptism;) Big Branch, Robeson
county, 77, (61 by baptism;) Sulphur Springs,
Alexander, 18.
South Carolina.
Brethren Reid and Brunt, students at our Sem
inary, Greenville, have held a meeting with the
church at Lawrence, in which 35 whites and 4
blacks were bapfi^etj,
Texas.
Rev. H. F. Buckner expects to return, as mis
sionary, to the Indian Territory, after serving our
Domestic Board, Marion, as its agent in this State
for one year.—Rev. D. B. Hale, of Marshall, has
6ecome General Agent and Corresponding Secre
tary of the East Texas Baptist General Associa
tion.—Homer churoh has had 11 baptisms; Ty
ler, 10; Wallis Prairie, Grimes county, 17;
Knoxville, Cherokee county, 11; Larissa 21.
Tennessee.
The Memphis Baptist resumed its publication
Sept. 18th, after an intermission from July 24th.
We learn from this issue that the editor, Dr.
Graves, was married near Magnolia, Miss., July
27th, by Rev. I). E. Burns, to Miss Georgia Sni
der. May we tender our congratulations and
kind wishes?—Rev. J. H. Borum has baptized, at
Dyersburg, an intelligent Presbyterian lady, of
more than twenty years’ standing, who for twen
ty years had suffered with an unquiet conscience
on the subject of baptism.—At Oak Ridge, Haw
kins county, 36 have been baptized, and a church
organized.—A revival in the Brownsville church
resulted in 20 baptisms, with 8 or 10 more in
prospect. —H. C. Parrott has been ordained to the
ministry at Stanton church, Hey wood county. —
Rev. T. C. Teasdale, D. D., has been elected Cor.
Sec. of the Sunday School Board of the Southern
Baptist Convention at Memphis. We wish him
success.—Rev. F. 0. Johnson is serving the Knox
ville church as pastor.
Virginia.
Rev. J. L. Burrow's, D.D., pastor of the First
Baptist church, Richmond, during a recent visit
to Albany, N. Y., was invited to preach by two
of the Baptist pastors of the city; but some
members of the congregations manifested such
violent opposition in view of the Dr.’s “ Confed
erate” war record, some of the trustees even
threatening to have the churches closed, that he
felt constrained to decline the invitation.— We see
with pleasure that Rev. -J. R. Garlick, of King
and Queen county, takes position in the corps of
instructors at Richmond Female Institute. His
experience and scholarship finely fit him for the
chair of Mathematics, Latin and Natural Sciences,
which he assumes Oct. Ist. We count with con
fidence on his success.—At Four Mile Creek
church, near Richmond, 20 have been baptized;
and 54 at Collierstown church, Rockbridge, where
anew house of worship was recently dedicated.—
Rev. Addison Hall has been pastor of Salem
church, Lancaster, forty years —Rev. Dr. Hooper
has removed from Wilson, N. C., and opened a
school for young ladies at Norfolk. lsaac Aus
tin has been ordained to the ministry, at “Mount
Calvary ” church, Valley Association.—There
have been 65 convereions at Lyle’s, Fluvanna;
18 at Beulah; 12 at Fork church, Fluvanna; 50
at Walker's church, Appomatox; 25 at Enon,
Buckingham; 15 baptisms at Jonesborongh,
Buckingham ; 13 at Bradshaw’s Creek.
West Virginia.
Broad Run Association, at its recent session,
decided, as the unanimous opinion of the body,
that re-immersion should be demanded of persons
immersed by ministers of other denominations,
before they are admitted into Baptist churches.
Corrections.
I see that an “E. A. Taliaferro,” of Tus
kegee, has been aiding A. C. Barron in a
series of meetings, and has been preaching
for years to a negro church at Mount Meigs,
Ala. No such mannas ever been at either
place. H. E. Taliaferro has been here for
years, and has preached a good deal at Mount
Meigs. 1 want your reporter to “ take rest,”
as a hunter would say, at my name ; and if
“ H. E. Taliaferro” is doing any good for
his Master, he does not want that stranger,
“E. A. Taliaferro,” to ha>e the instrumental
credit of it.
The reporter is somewhat mistaken about
r»y labors at Mojjpt Meigs. I preached to a
church composed of white and black, from
1860 to January, 1869. By mutual agree
ment, the negroes, about six hundred in num
ber, were dismissed and organized into a
church in January last, elected their owu pas-
t<>r, a man of their own color, aud I am glad
to know are doing well. I continue to serve
the white church once a month, and meet the
colored church once a month, to ilid them in
their deliberations. During my pastorship I
baptized at least half their number, and I in
tend to aid thorn iu perfecting their organiza
tion. Their pastor, James Foster, is a man
of fervent piety, and of rare ability. It is a
great blessing to the negro churches to have
such a man, at this crisis in tneir ecclesiasti
cal history. The Lord keep him !
1 have given your reporter a short spelling
lesson, which 1 hope he will keep before him
till “Rev. E. A Taliaferro,” is such
it man ir. the world, comes into Alabama.
We want preachers in Alabama,but let them
be sure-enough preachers.
H. E. Taliaferro.
Ti/sicgee, Ala.
More Alabama Iteals.
Since my last letter to the Index, 1 have
had the pleasure of baptizing an old gentle
man, eighty eight years of age; Mr. Jeremiah
Collins, of this county, the father of Rev. J.
A. Collins, of Cropwell, Ala.—*Mr. Collins is
a man of strong mind and vast wealth, hav
ing been a very worldly minded and irreli
gious man. But the the relatio'nof his Chris
tian experience, his statement of the work of
grace in his soul, was as interesting as any I
ever heard. Some ten years -ago I heard his
son, the minister, say, “God pays: ‘ Prove
me now herewith,’ and I am trying God for
my father’s conversion,” that
his father was baptized, he iSud : “ 1 have
prayed for my father’s conversion for thirty
five years, and now l regard this as one of
the happiest days of my lifWL- Brother Col
litis is an able and efficient mlfiister,
I’he Coosa River Baptist Association, held
its session for this year, with-the Macedonia
church, St. Clair county, commencing oil la-t
Saturday, the 18th. I never attended a more
pleasant Associational meeting; and it was a
profitable rm-eting. The Foreign Mission
Board, the Domestic Mission Board, the
Greenville Seminary, the “Associational Mis
sion,” and n theological student were all sub
stantially remember* and,
l agree with every wnr*i you say in
your editorial, addressed to me, on the
paper subject. If we would-work more for
the papers, there would be more subscribers.
But there would not be unity in the matter.
In the bounds of our Association, The Chris
tian Index, The Religions Herald, and The
Baptist, have about an equal number of
readers, and if these readers were to go to
work at all, they would work for the papers
they respectively read. This is our ernbar
rasment. Therefore, when we meet in our
Associations, it is suggested, privately, that
we will not, say anything upon the subject,
and this suggestion takes, because the breth
ren do not regard any one ’of the papers as
the organ of Alabama Baptists. I assure
you, Mr. Editor, that I will he pleased if our
people can he united on the Index ; and then
I should every way be opposed to the getting
up of anew paper. What I want is, a medium
of communication among our churches in
Alabama; a medium, too, vjhioh will know
our w ants, and feel a constant interest therein.
If the oaptists of Alabama and the Index can
be brought to this reciprocal and united inter
eat in each other, we shall have accomplished
what is desirable in this matter.
As Alabani i Associations are now meeting,
I desire to say a word to tljorn >» behalf of
our approaching Convention. Brethren, do
not fail to appoint delegates^;.represent your
Association ; and if practicable, send a con
tribution to the objects of*the Convention.
Make a sacrifice, and let our State Convention
be brought up to the strenJUi and influence
of tither -day Jr. WertrrlS'PQfb brethren from
South Alabama, and from South-east Alaba
ma, and from West and North Alabama, will
prepare to meet (hat body at Oxford, in No
vember. Chur hes and Associations that arc
very distant from Oxford, can surely send
one messenger and pay his way.
The Spring Creek church, Shelby county,
brother W. W. Kidd pastor, has just closed
a series of meetings; ten were baptized.
Brother Williams at his Cain Creek church,
in Calhoun county, baptized seven.
Two colored churches made application for
membership in our repent Association. The
body declined to receive them.
J. J. D. Renfroe.
Tallassee Baptist Church.
This church is located in the cotton manu
facturing town of Tallassee, Alabama, and is
composed mostly of operatives of the facto
ries. It has existed for many years, and has
had for pastors, J. Hooten, 2. G. Henderson,
J. M. Newman, C. A. Stanton, J. S. Holmes.
Under the labors of these brethren it has in
creased from a small to a goodly number.
Like most churches, it has had many trials
and vicissitudes. Composed of an unsettled
population, the church is sometimes large,
and then by removals it is comparatively
small.
In their serv ice as pastor, this is my second
year, and i have enjoyed the relation. They
work in the factory, hard, all the week, and
on the Sabbath they work hard for God.
During the week they work by the factory
bell, and on Sabbath by their ohurch bell,
and they ring it often, and merrily. And
they walk fast, to both places of labor, and
they work hard when they get there. They
do not want the preacher to do everything,
being a little ptvuiiar in that matter. They
believe pretty strongly in lay preaching, and
lay working. The result is, something is
done, souls are converted and the church
prospers, and the pastor has a much easier
time than if they were “pt ease in Zion.”
They eat up your preaching.arid cry for more.
They love preachiug too well to sleep under
it. They cannot have a periodical revival.
They have to work every day in the week at
their business, or lose theirlp sitiou; so they
have a revival every Sunday, and in their
hearts all the week. I believe in my soul
their every-day and week day revival is the
best. Let a man rni\ with a church of poor,
praying, working p ' pie, and ho w ill love the
heart and admire the wisdom of Jesus for
coinpuni-inizing w ith tn rn.
11. E. Taliaferro.
A Good Work.
Again I takirup my pen to write about an
interesting meeting at Sisters’ church, near
Sandersville. It commenced on Friday, the
10th, and continued night and day lor six
days. We had a precious time; 14 were
baptized. We left many ciujuirers. Brother
Asa Duggan, Verdin, and Fulgl ain ren
dered assistance. Let us i t juice and praise*
the Lord. On last Sabbath I baptized four
hopeful converts at Qhoopie, Washington
county. Had a three da) s’meeting. Tn re
have been a great many religious nin-iuigs
in this part of the country.
Thos. J. Cum mi no.
Sandersville , Ga., Sept. 22, 1869.
An Explanation.
“ Vile la..d” makes a mistake in stating (he
proposition I made for the religious instruc
tion of the colored preachers. My proposi
tion was to board and instruct, free of charge
to them , as nffiny as fifty, if that many should
make application; but not at the expense of
the good brethren named, whom 1 had not con
sulted at that time. { simply make this
statement, that the brethren may know I have
notf pledged their pockets.
Thirty-seven colored ministers have alri ady
accepted my proposition, and the Institute is
expected to open on the first Monday in De
cember. E. W. Warren.
Macon , Ga., Sept. 25, 1869.
Revival News.
About 10 have been added, respectively,
to the churches at Ways’, Hopeful, Bark
Camp and Brushy Creek, of the Hephzibah
Association. Brethren Kilpatrick, Davis and
Carswell are now nightly conducting a pro
tracted meeting, in the chapel of Hephzibah
High School. Much interest is manifested
by the pupils. Some 8 or 10 persons pro
fess conversion, and some 20 to 30 more
seem deeply convicted.
Brothcrsvilbi, Ga., Sept. 10, 1569.
Send your Superintendent.
No class of Christian workers deserves recog
nition more than the superintendents of our Sun
day schools. For the most part, they give much
time, talent and money, to advance the interests
of the schools. They are hard-working, earnest,
large-hearted men. Their self-denying toil is sim
ply love of Christ, and love of souls. They de
serve appreciation.
Now, we propose to every Baptist Sunday
school in the country to send their superintendent
as a delegate to the Great National Convention of
Baptist Schools, to be held in St. Louis, the first
of the coming November, and make provisions to
pay bis travelling expenses.
Every school which thus honors its laborious
and worthy superintendent, will be richly re
warded. The generous act will give him increased
devotion to his work. At the Convention he will
meet the most enthusiastic and successful Sunday
school workers. He will hear discussions on the
most important subjects connected with Sunday
teaching and discipline. He will learn the latest
and best methods, as pursued in the most efficient
schools. He will imbibe the spirit of the great
gathering, and return to his work at home with
enlarged devotion. By all means send your su
perintendent. It will be a handsome compliment
to him, and will be repaid in bringing back into
your school the elements of greater prosperity.
A Letter from Mississippi.
I send you a copy of the minutes of the Bap
list State Convention, held in Canton, Miss., from
the 3d to the 7th June, 1869. That Convention
was the most interesting and important of all held
by the Baptist churches in this Stale, during the
last ten years. It was characterized by a delight
ful Christian spirit, and gave evidence of an earn
est desire to rebuild the wastes of Zion. Cash
and subscriptions for Foreign Missions SB3O ; for
Domestic Missions, $1,200; for Miss. College, $2,-
700, and for the Orphan’s Home, $2,300. An agent
was immediately placed in the field for the College,
and he has raised the subscription above five thou
sand dollars already. The Orphan’s Home is still
in perplexity as to its future location—a locus
vexatissamus —the property at Lauderdale Springs
having passed out of the hands of the Trustees.
At the recent Exhibition or Pic-nio, on the 15th
instant, there were present in the Home, about
two hundred orphan’s. It was a sight to touch
the hearts of all the good. They have been well
cared for, and well taught. They wait upon
themselves, learn to work, and make good use of
their privileges. This Home is so far in the hands
of the Baptists, as the appointment annually, of
the Trustees. In its conduct, everything of a de
nominational character is avoided. Its attitude is,
of course, suspicious to those whose denomina
tionalism is highly intensified in either direction,
but the Home of the soldier’s orphan, appeals to
every generous heart.
If will appear from our minutes, that we have
in this State, eleven Associations, 312 churches,
and 20,811 members. VVe have, however, several
other Associations, whose statistics the Secretaries
have not been able to obtain. Our list of minis
ters also, with 251 names, is, especially, far from
being complete. Yet, these statistics are indica
tive of a great disparity between the number of
churches and that of ministers, espeoially when
it is remembered that a large number of those
enrolled are on the retired list; and one should
think, might go at once to heaven, as their minis
try is finished. One Association, the oldest in
this State, with more than forty churches, has but
one minister actively engaged in the ministry of
the gospel. That Association appealed to its
churches for a contribution to missions in its own
borders, and they responded with $52. These
things are reported to me by an excellent brother
who has been among them,
Alas, these are some of the sad breaches in
Zion. But I have glad tidings from many sections
of this State, fn one letter 1 hear of a brother
who has received into his churches, one hundred
and nineteen by baptism during the year. There
is no Baptist paper published in our State, and
perhaps for that reason, our brethren do not re
port the glorious news, which otherwise, might
gladden all our hearts. In this little city, (we call
ours a city, of course,) we have been not a little
blessed. Within a month twenty have been added
to the church, others are still coming. I have
had no assistance except from this noble “ band
of brothers,” (surely / may call them such.) On
yesterday I baptized a young man, brother C. C.
Busby, who has been for about two years a min
ister of the Congregational Methodist church.
The Sabbath school statistics are of necessity
very imperfect, forty schools, 335 teachers, and
2,146 pupils. It would be sad to think that the
proportion of Sabbath schools to churches in our
denomination in this State, is (orty to 335, or one
to eight, and yet I fear this is near the truth.
We hope for, and expect a great advance of our
Master’s work during the Conventional year. It
will be seen from the very imperfect report of the
Corresponding Secretary, that something is being
done by our Associations, both of missionary work
and of ministerial education. But the brethren
abroad must not conclude that the reports in the
minutes of our State Convention exhibit all that
is being done for our Master in the State. In my
opinion the statistics given are about one-third
below the true numbers. Tiieo. Whitfield.
Meridian. Miss., Sept. 21,1969.
Florida News.
It is always encouraging to the Christian heart
to hear that the Lord has graciously visited and
blessed His people, and tnat sinners have been
made the subjects of redeeming grace. Such in
telligence I am happy to be able to communicato
from this part of the Master’s vineyard. We
commenced a meeting with Eliam Baptist church,
Putnam county, E. Florida, the third Sunday in
August, which was continued day and night for
more than a week, and resulted in twelve acces
sions to the church—all by baptism. When the
meeting closed many were asking the prayers of
God’s people.
It was my privilege to attend the last “ Put
nam Union Meeting,” which was held with Paran
church, commencing Friday before the sth Sun
day in August. The “Putnam Union” is com
posed of five churches in Putnam and Alachua
counties, E. Florida. All the churches were rep
resented by two or more delegates. In the ab
sence of the brother appointed to perform that
service, the introductory sermon was preached
by your correspondent, from 2 Tim. iv : 7, 8. The
meeting was organized by the re-election of Rev.
E. B. Timmons, Moderator, and brother Wm.
Green, Secretary. The brethren manifested a
missionary spirit, and several speeches on mis
sions were made by different brethren. An effort
was made to raise a small amount for the relief of
brother M. T. Yates, one of our China missiona
ries, and some forty dollars, mostly cash, was ob
tained, which has been sent to brother Taylor,
Cor. Sec. Foreign Missions. Saturday, the second
day of the meeting, the discussion of the query,
Christian Duties: What are They t was an
nounced as in order, and the discussion was
opened by your correspondent, after which other
brethren followed in short but edifying addresses.
Altogether, the meeting was a very interesting
and delightful one.
Our Association, the Santa Fee River, meets
with Eliam church, ten miles south of the Flori
da Railroad, on Saturday before the second Sun
day in October. Can you not be with us, brother
Proprietor? We design, at that time, advancing
the claims of the Index and Baptist, and hope
we may be able to send you a few names. If you
.will not consider it out of place, I might say a
few words about the crops. These, lam sorry to
say, are very short. The corn was cut short by
the drouth, the cotton destroyed by the caterpil
lar, so that scarcely a half crop will be realized.
J. H. T.
Waldo, E Fla., Sept. 17, 1869.
Ingathering.
Our meeting at this place resulted in the addi
tion of 13 by baptism, and 8 by letter and restor
ation. We enjoyed the efficient aid of brethren
F. M. Daniel, S. P. Callaway, and A. R. Callaway,
during a portion of the time; all of whomjabowl
with zeal and ability. Dr. Cunningham, (Pres
byterian,) also took part in tho meeting, and
rendered efficient service. The church has been!
greatly revived and their faith strengthened.
H. C. Hornadt.
LaQrange, Sept. 23nd, 1869.
£p *■'
Virginia Tidings.
Several churches in this section have held pro
tracted meetings recently, with unusually fine suc
cess. First came a meeting at Olivet, in this
county, Rev. T. B. Evans pastor. He was assisted
by Rev. Dr. Bagby, and others, and some twenty
or thirty persons were baptized. Next at Matia
poni, Rev. A. Bagby, pastor, several ministers
of the vicinity preached, and there w r eie about
thirty baptisms. The following week at Bruington,
Rev. Dr. Bagby, pastor, preaching chiefly by Dr.
Curry, tw f enty-three baptisms. Next at Beulah,
in King William, Rev. J. O. Turpin, pastor. Rev.
J. A. Chambliss, and Rev. C. H. Ryland preached,
baptisms thirty-two. Next at upper King and
Queen, Rev. A. Broaddus, pastor, preaching by
the writer of this, forty-four baptism. There have
been several other successful meetings, of which
I have heard, but do not know the particulars.
So far as l have been able to ascertain, the Divine
blessing has been experienced in every instance.
The churches mentioned above, five in number, will
report at least 150 additions by baptism. Labor
ers in the fields, are of course, greatly encouraged,
and 1 am inclined to think that over large sections
of the State, the same good indications are appa
rent. I received a letter two days ago, from Rev.
Thomas Hume, of Portsmouth, speaking of re
freshing revivals in the country aiound about that
city. I rejoice to send these joyful tidings to
brethren in the South, and hape they are enjoying
the refreshing favor of the same good God.
J. R. G A RUCK.
King and Queen county , Vu.. Sept 16, 1669.
Alabama Clinrclies Blessed.
I aui pleased to inform you, that the Lord is
still carrying on a mighty work in this section.
I commenced a series of meetings with the Salem
church, in this county, 28th August, which
resulted in the accession of thirty to our number,
twenty-four by baptism. I was assisted by tl'io
zealous and efficient services of brethren K. Haw
thorne andO. W Hare. There were no unusual
outbursts of religious excitement, everything
went on calmly and deliberately ; yet all could
see that the work was deep and genuine. Nearly
all the churches throughout tins section, have re
cently enjoyed a season of refreshing Protracted
meetings have been held with several churches,
with the following results: At Concord, there
were received by baptism, sixteen ; at Bethel,
twenty-five ; and at Zion, nineteen. Truly the
Lord is displaying His power in saving souls,
whereof we are glad. W. G. Curry.
Monroeville, Ala., Sept. 16/A, 1869.
Mississippi Items.
f can only give you a few' notes. There have
been some of the best meetings in North Missis
sippi this fall experienced there since the war.
At Verona, brethren Montgomery (pastor) and
Ball held a meeting of many days, which resulted
in the baptism of some forty persons, among them
six or seven Methodists. At Tupelo, brethren
Stovall (pastor) and Ball— fifteen or twenty. At
Richmond, Itawamba co., under brother Thomas
—ten or fifteen ; by the same, at Hopewell, the
same county—-ten or twelve bv baptism. At Bou
gefaliah, under brother Montgomery, six were
baptized on Tuesday last, and the same night
eight moie were received for baptism, amongst
them two Methodists. The churches generally
seem revived and a solemnity unusual to peivade
the whole congregation. A. D. Phillips.
September 23 d.
Good News—Supplementary.
I reported for your columns, last week, the
blessing the Lord bestowed upon our labors at
Salem, (13 miles above Savannah,) during four
days of our meeting. On the fifth day the meet
ing was closed, as anticipated, to enable our mis
sionary, brother Daniel, fn fulfill engagements
previously made. At its close, one more candi
date was received for baptism, and the ordinance
was administered in the presence of a large num
ber of spectators, to twenty-three converts. These,
added to the two previously received, make the
total number baptized within four <L» \ sand a
half, 25.
Reconstruction.—Much has been said, at tin
seat of our National Government, and elsewhere,
about reconstruction. lam happy to he able to
report that, at our meeting at Salem, a reconstruc
tion was effected which appeared to give satisfac
tion to all who witnessed it, however widely they
differed in their -political views.. -Among Umsc
baptized on the fifth day of our meeting, were
two daughters, intelligent and interesting girls,
the only children of a Federal Captain, who had
received in his body, during the late war, one or
more Confederate balls, and who, at the close of
the war, bought the landed estate of one of our
Confederate Generals. On last Lord’s day (the
3rd) the Captain himself was buried in baptism,
with three others, by brother F. R. Sweat, of
Savannah, who, at the earnest solicitation of the
church, went out, preached for them and admin
istered the ordinance as aforesaid. This makes
the total number baptized 29, and it is confident
ly expected that others will be gathered in at the
next visit of our missionary. One of the four
baptized by brother Sweat had been a member of
the Lutheran church for fifteen years. Thus,
you will see that our reconstruction process
brought into Christian unity not only persons of
different political parties, but also persons of dif
ferent religious creeds. God grant that this work
of reconstruction may go on till all shall become
one in Christ Jesus.
A Query. —Would it not be good policy in our
General Government to substitute for the soldiers
employed in promoting reconstruction, heralds
of the Cross ?
A Suggestion.— As the North is sending mis
sionaries and revivalists among us, I would sug
gest a consideration of the propriety of sending
some of our most successful revival preachers
North, that they' may labor to revive in the hearts
of our brethren there, the love of Jesus and the
remembrance of the pure and peaceable princi
ples inculcated by Him and His inspired apostles,
in and through the saored Scriptures.
If you should chance to fall in with President
Grant or Governor Bullock, you may call their
attention to our very successful efforts at recon
struction. It may suggest a new' and bright idea
to their minds. But be sure to let them know
that we neither have made, nor intend to make,
any charges for our services, against the govern
ments they respectively administer, however val
uable they may be considered, or prove to be in
the end. J. S. B.
Western Association.
It was my pleasure, and profit, too, to attend
the late session of this body. On Saturday and
Sabbath, the number present was large. The in
troductory sermon was preached by brother 11.
C. Hornady, from the commission as given by
Matthew. He made only two divisions : 1. The
work to be done: teach repentance, faith and
baptism, and then all things whaisoever Christ
hath commanded. From babes we should grow
up to be men and women in Him. 2. Who are
to do the work ? Both ministers and people.
The duty of every one, in his place, to preach the
gospel, was clearly enforced. It was an excellent
and stirring sermon, and doubtless had much to
do with the increased missionary interest mani
fested by the Association. After dinner, which
was eaten upon the ground, the body was organ
ized by the re-election of the former officers, viz:
Brother Hornady, Moderator, and brother Rhodes,
Clerk. Brother 11. seems quite conversant with
parliamentary rules, enforces discipline with good
humor, and dispatches business rapidly. Indeed,
if he has a fault as a presiding officer, it is in
business. Now began that bore of
every Association —reading the letters of the
churches. Forty-three, I think, were read, some
of which were spread over two pages of foolscap!
If the churches will not observe a brief formula,
it would be wise to refer the letters to a commit
tee, who might cull and present in a synoptical
report, all desired information.
On Saturdaj r night a brother from another As
sociation preached from the text: “The redemp
tion of their souls is precious.” In attempting
to quote the language of the angels to the shep
herds, he said, Christ was the “ Prince of the
power of the air.” This, of course, was shocking
and inexcusable. Judging from the confusion
with which other passages were quoted, 1 conclu
ded it was not from inadvertence, hut from the
failure to have in the mind a clear knowledge of
the language of the Scriptures. And I allude lo
it not to offend, but with the hope that, having
his attention culled to it, he may not repeat 'it.
At two o’clock, Sabbath, brother De Volte pleached
from 1 C*>r. xii * 81: “I show unto you n more
excellent way,” a sweet and touching sermon,
which started teaps from many eyes, and, if not a
“feast of reason,” was a “flow of .soul.” After
this, a blind brother was presented to the congre
gation, and I was glad to see the brethren re
spond, to the amount of near fifty dollars. Sab
bath night brother Carmichael preached fiotn
1 Cor. xv; 3: “That Christ died for our sins,
according to the Scriptures,” an instructing and
comforting sermon.
The business of the body was resumed 8*
o’clock Monday morning, and upon the report
‘‘on the State of Religion,” which was made by
brother Daniel, of Newnan, and was eery good, a
warm and most interesting discussion sprung up,
which moved the hearts of the brethren and end
ed in raising, in cash and pledges, nearly a thou
sand dollars, to be increased to fifteen hundred,
to supply the destitution within their own hounds
with an able evangelist. Every one seemed grat
ified at the increased interest in the spread of the
gospel; and though the amount sent up by the
churches was not large, it exceeded that of last
year; indeed, was about double, and real, decided
progress was made. At 11 o'clock brother A. R.
Callaway preached from the words: “Ye must
be born ugain,” a good discourse, lie has a line
voice, and uses it well, and to me there appears
no reason why he should not be eminently useful.
There are some things that should be corrected
in the pulpit, which are thought to be inoffensivo
and unnoticed. For example, some of us ure fre
quently drinking to relieve dryness of the throat,
which is a great mistake, for it produces it, as
any one will find who observes, and which will
he effectually removed by abstaining from water
while speaking. Some hawk and spit often,
which, like drinking, breaks the thread of dis
course,” and offends persons of delicate taste.
Some use loose or slang phrases which always
mar the “beauty of discourse,” unless in the
few who use them with effect. These, however,
can never be patterns. Others prologue their ser
mons with an unbearable apology, both in matter
and length, as if this would mitigate their failures
with the audience. Some read the gospel, which
is not in obedience to the command: preach it.
It is the privilege of every true ambassador of
Christ to be so full of the work and truth of his
Master, that, ‘thoughts that breathe and words
that burn,” will come better from the tongue
than pen.
So far as I know, there was not a jar during
the session, and I think the brethren have taken
fresh encouragement to labor in the vineyard of
the Lord, with the hope that the ensuing year
will yield an hundred fold. Q. K. C.
Appalachee Association.
The Appalachee Association held its lust ses
sion with the Bethel church, Walton'county, be
ginning Friday, Sept. 17th. The Introductory
Sermon was preached by Rev. J. J. Wallis; after
which the letters were read, and the body organ
ized by the re-election of brother B. S. Shouts,
Moderator, and Rev. G. A. Nunnally, Clerk. The
letters indicated the state of religion to be quite
low, but few of the churches having enjoyed any
revival or ingathering. The amount of money
reported was also small, hot the delegates present
were liberal, and “ to their power,” if not “ beyond
their power, were willing of themselves,” and,
notwithstanding the almost entire failure of their
crops, liberal contributions were made to three
ministers, while the Foreign and Domestic Boards
received material aid. The agent of the Domes
tic Board was cordially received, and addressed
the Association and a large audience on the sub
ject of missions, and the address was instantly
seconded by a freewill offering ol $29.80.
There were reported only about half as many
Sunday schools as churches. The afternoon of
Saturday was given to the Sunday school cause-
Brethren Stillwell and Haygood addressed the
audience generally ; the writer preached to the
children. The writer agrees with those brethren
present, who thought they never saw as large an
audience of so fine looking people as on Sabbath at
Bethel. W.\t. N. Chaudoin, Agt. D. M. B.
To Rehoboth Association.
Bear Brethren: Eleven have been added to
this mission church since last report. And still
they come. There is no excitement, hut a sincere
and thorough conviction of the truth of Christi
anity and its individual claims. The mutual head
(man and wife) of three families have been added,
all of mature age, and weighing well what they
were doing. Another old man is about eighty
years old. God willing, I will leave here in two
weeks to visit you. Will bring my little daughter,
desiring to leave her with you. According to
recent statistics there are thirteen Baptist churches
and four hundred and sixty-seven members in the
Choctaw Nation; lour native ordained (one died
recently) and three native unordained preachers,
and two white missionaries. Population of Choc
taw Nation over 23,000; area, 15,000 square miles,
I suppose, in love, "J. S. Mukkow.
Ah-to-tu, C. IV., Ark., Sept. 13, 1809.
Resignation.
Whereas, Our beloved brother. Rev. F. M.
Daniel, who has zealously, faithfully, and effi
ciently served the Newnan Baptist church, for the
past five years as pastor and Superintendent, hav
ing declined to accept the call of the church the
ensuing year,
Therefore, Revoked , That it is with regret that
we sever the ties which have so long hound us to
gether, and humbly pray that our beloved brother
may be abundantly blessed in whatever field of
usefulness the Lord may call him.
Resolved , That we cordially recommend Rev.
F. M. Daniel, to our brethren wherever his lot
may be cast, as a pious Christian, faithful pastor,,
and successful Sunday school superintendent.
Resolved , That a copy of these proceedings bo
sent to the Index for publication. By order of
the church in conference.
J. E. Robinson, Clerk, pro tem.
Newnan, Ga., Sept. 26, 1869.
Revival in Forsyth.
A meeting, which continued about three weeks
in the Baptist church in Forsyth, closed last
Wednesday night. During the meeting four
young ladies, students in tho College, and ono
young gentleman, were baptized. A large num
ber would come up for prayer when an invitation
was given, and many are entertaming a hope that
their sins are forgiven, and being boarders in the
College, are awaiting the consent of their parents
for baptism. The pastor, Dr. Hillyer, was assist
ed by brother W. C. Wilkes, Dr. j. 8. Lawton, a
ministering brother residing in the place, an 1 by
Rev. Mr. Pledger, of the Methodist church.
Monroe Female College has opened this term
under favorable auspices. About 100 pupils are
in attendance, and for the first tiuiu in its history,
the attendance for the Fall is larger than for tho
Spring session.
Forsyth, Sept. 2\st.
A Time of Refreshing.
A meeting which began at the Mt. Zion Bap
tist church, Bartow county, Ga., on the 4th inst.,
and which was ably conducted by brother J. G.
Ryals, assisted by brother Rippey, was closed,
with evident reluctance, on the 15th. Twenty
one were converted, nineteen of whom—chiefly sons
or daughters of the older members—united with
the church. One excluded person was restored.
A happy state of feeling prevails, and much good
seems to have been done, giving us great reason
to rejoice. Though brother Ryals is ono of the
best teachers I have ever known, wiiat a pity that
his churches do not say to him, as they ought:
“ Here is jour money, (or a pledge for it;) leave
the school room ; we claim your entire devotion
to your higher and nobler calling—that of ambas
sador for Christ!" J. I). 0.
Outpouring of tho Spirit.
We are made to rejoice w hen we read, in j r our
paper, of the prosperity of the kingdom ol our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Lord has greatly
blessed his people in our midst. The two churches
known as Sugar Creek and Shiloh, of Morgan
county, which hive been so cold for years, are
now rejoicing on account of the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit. Several have united themselves
to each church by baptism, letter and i csioration.
Great was the rejoicing here on earth and in
heaven over the conversion of sinners. Six were
baptized at Shiloh on yesterday ; after which
brother Crawford and I endeavored to preach to
a large congregation—too large for the bouse to
contain. lam now trying lo make up a club for
vour paper, and hope to send up several new sub
scribers shortly. E. H. L.
At Jlome , Sept. 20th, 1869.
Signs of Promise.
We have been enjoying a most delightful series
of meetings at Hearriviile Academy. The meet
ing has been in progress every night for ten days.
Our beloved pastor, brother has preach
ed with more than his wonted power and spirit.
Brother Jewel has assisted him. Four have ex
perienced a change, and before the meetings close
we hope to have several additions to the church.
To-night the meeting is appointed at the church,
(Antioch ) Sam’l A. Burney.
Madison, Morgan Cos., Sept. 211869.
Kindly. —Our neighbor of the Methodist
viante say 8, with regard to the Index
ri-r: "ll is an aide paper, and sijUjj®,,:,.,
place in evi ij 11 ipi is i la in iiy in lhejM%^
and In.; e .1 . ’>■ •.
“slow of heart to believe " what
mutter.