Newspaper Page Text
162
ijato adt jgajrtwt
J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor.
Rev. D. SHAVER, D.D., Editor.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1869.
Begin at Once.
Many admirable resolutions are adopted at the
yearly sessions of our Associations. Nor is this
a mere form. The brethren, largely, mean what
they say. They intend to perform what they
promise. Their own hands shall engage in the
labor to which they exhort others! We are
obliged to credit them with such feelings and
purposes, or to regard the adoption of the resolu
tions as an act of deliberate, public hypocrisy—
and we cannot think so meanly of our people as
that.
Now, if these resolutions are not only written
on paper but registered in the bosom, why do
they bear so little fruit ? One reason, and not
the least, we are sure, is, that brethren do not
carry them into execution at once. They do not
decide to abandon the purposed works: they sim
ply delay the leginning of them. Procrastina
tion postpones—and postpones —and postpones —
until the feeling fades out and the opportunity
slips by. The neglectful weeks grow into, months;
and before the intended labors obtain Commence
ment, the year ends. s'
We urge our readers to' guard Against this de
vice of Sa|an, and to enter errfithe execution of
Association resolutions immediately after their
TTiirtTifld be the first thing with
them, lest it should turn out to be the last.
Often, in these annual gatherings, surrounded
by brethren whose zeal stirs and whose ability
impresses you, you feel strong, in view of your
effective co-workers for the Cause. But when
you are on your own field again, and find your
self, in some sort, single-handed there, a sense of
weakness comes over you, and you are tempted
to doubt whether the Cause can derive benefit
from your efforts. l)o not yield to this tempta
tion. If God is with you, what you do is done
under the aid of the wisdom that is infinite and
the might that is resistless. ‘lt is nothing with
Him to help, whether with many, or with them
that have no power.' Look, then, to Him for
strength—for strength to-day, and every day—
and spend no idle hours in the service of a Mas
ter who has not spoken one word of promise to
the idler.
Sometimes you persuade yourselves to delay
action until the Minutes are printed and distribu
ted through the churches—as if this were the in
dispensable and only method of bringing the res
olutions to the knowledge and favorable considera
tion of your brethren. But what if the Minutes,
when received, are read in a listless hour—read,
perhaps, w ith drowsy eyes—or laid away and not
read at all! Be, yourselves, as it were, living
Ulinutes. Let the spirit of the resolutions beam
from your eyes, and the words of the resolutions
glow on your bps. Give them all your weight of
character and all your force of appeal. Then,
when the Minutes come, they will come as seed
to prepared ground. They will find an interest
already awakened, to welcome them. They will
need only to carry on a work begun before they
reached the churches.
The enemy tempts you, perhaps, to wait for
auspicious openings. But who ever found gain
in the adjournment of present duty to a mwrc
cinnefiiop-s. j-.-. ot'. r 13 ..,.- the neglect ofHlhe
work of the Lord improve the state of things
among a people ? Are not matters likely to grow
worse under this neglect, and because of it ? The
fact is, there are no openings so auspicious as not
to leave it true that every good work, in this evil
world, must be performed little by little. He
who is not willing to struggle toward the ends of
Christian righteousness and love, by steps, by
inches, by hair-breadths, is never the one who
reaches them. Not “ the promptness which
strikes when the iron is hot,” but “ the perse
verance which makes the iron hot by striking,”
builds the temple of the Lord throughout the
earth. Watch, then, against the spirit which
merely wishes for favorable’ seasons of effort and
does not work for them ; lest, in your case, this
Scripture should be fulfilled, — “He that observ
eth the wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth
the clouds shall not reap.”
It is not improbable, too, that some pastors
conclude that, in order to introduce a more liberal
and effective policy, they must wait until they
have new churches, while some members of their
flocks conclude that nothing can be done until
they have new pastors. Behold the cunning
craftiness of Satan who contrives to keep both par
ties inactive, while, in mutual ignorance and mis
take, the one sighs, ‘ Oh for a church that would
follow me in the ways of the Lord,’ and the other,
‘ Oh for a pastor that w r ould lead us in these ways!’
Let every one in whose heart it is to labor with
fresh diligence for Christ, bestir himself straight
way: he may find helpers where he least expects
them, and what he accounts stolid indifference
may melt, under the warmth of his example, into
sympathy and co-operation. Or, if his exertions
prove be without effect where he is now, he
will pass into anew sphere of toil, only the wiser
and the stronger for the present failure, and may
learn, with joyful surprise, that this failure was,
as God over-ruled it, the discipline of a higher
success than otherwise lay within his reach. No
matter what the circumstances, then, we say to
one and to all, —
Begin at Once.
Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc.
Georgia.
A meeting of interest was in progress, last week,
among our brethren at Griffin. Rev. R. W. Fuller,
of this city, was assisting the pastor, Rev. J. F.
Morall, who occupied the pulpitofthe First church,
Atlanta, on Sabbath.
Alabama.
The General Association of North Alabama met
in Tascumbia, Oct. 15th. One of the questions
before it, was the propriety of uniting with the
General Association of Middle Tennessee.—David
Bedell, a young brother of promise, a former stu
dent of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,
Greenville, has been ordained to the ministry at
Loachapoka. Our church there has enjoyed a re
vival, in which 15 were baptized, 2or 3 received
by letter, and 3 under the watch-care of the church.
These facts would have been published earlier,
but the account sent by Pastor Williams never
reached us.
District of Columbia.
Rev. Dr. Gray, who resigns E street church
“ against its wishes,’’ returns to Shelburne Falls,
Mass.—Rev. J. W. Parker, D.D., is supplying
Calvary church.
Kentucky.
A Winchester correspondent of the Texas Bap
tist Herald, says: “ These Blue Grass counties
around Lexington, have, from the rise of ‘ the
current Reformation,’ been the stronghold of
Campbellism. But for the last few years the
Baptists have been steadily advancing, and it is
hoped that at no distant day, a spiritual religion
will be established here, again to the exclusion of
that soul-blighting heresy, baptismal regeneration.
Heretofore some of our churches have received
members on their Campbellite baptism when they
professed to have been converted previous to their
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN fiAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA„ THU RSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1869.
baptism, but this disorderly practice seems to be
giving way.”
Louisiana.
Rev. G. A. Kelly, of Winfield, reports 36 recent
accessions to his churches ; 22 by baptism and 14
by letter.—There have been 16 baptisms at Fellow
ship church, Bienville parish.
Maryland.
The Executive Board of the Maryland Baptist
Union Association has taken steps toward the
organization of an Educational Society to assist
young men in studying for the ministry at Colum
bian College.—Pastor Warren, of Cumberland,
has accepted a call to a church in Mobile, Ala.
Mississippi.
There have been 19 accessions to Unity church.
—A new church has been constituted, eight miles
south-east of Chulahoma.
Missouri.
A letter from St. Louis, says: “The Third
Church of this city have made an earnest effort
to secure Rev. Dr. Curry, of Richmond, Va., for
their pastor, but have not succeeded in convin
cing him that he ought to leave his college pro
fessorship.”—The St. Louis Baptist Union for
Church Extension, at a recent meeting, decided
to raise SIO,OOO in that city for this purpose.—
Rev. T. W. Barrett accepts the pastoral care of
our church at Hannibal.—Smith’s Fork church,
Clinton county, has had 16 accessions ; Mount
Zion, Clinton, 10, (of whom three had been Meth
odists, and one of them the son of a Methodist
minister;) Good Hope church, Pulaski county,
16; Lee’s Summet, Cass, 14.
South Carolina.
Red Bank church, Edgefield county, has had
52 baptisms.—Rev. W. H. Durham reports 83
baptisms by himself, 65 by Pastor Baynard,aadn and
others by other ministers, in a section where
“ some, with more denominational bigotry than
zeal for the cause of Christ, have preached almost
continually, and sometimes two hours at a time,
against immersion.” —The Chester Baptist Union,
at its last session, expressed the opinion “that
the churches should meet either with or without
their pastors every Lord's day for His worship.”
—The Working Christian speaks of the Index as
“ one of the very best of Baptist papers.”
Texas.
Sard’s church, constituted with 5 members, has
grown in six weeks to 28; of whom 19 were bap
tized, including 3 Methodists and 1 Cumberland
Presbyterian.—The Baptist State Convention met
at Galveston, Oct. 2nd; Rev. H. L. Grave, Presi
dent.—A church has been constituted at String
Prairie, twelve milessouth-westof Fairfield, and an
other at Greenwood Academy, Titus county. —The
General Association atTylerissaid to have been the
largest assembly of Baptists ever assembled in
Texas, except our State Convention in 1859. —Our
church at Midway has had 5 additions by baptism,
and sby letter; Stout’s
ter, and 5 by baptism.
Tennessee.
Rev. J. M. Phitlips reports 15 additions to Fall
Creek church, Wilson county; 9 to Republican
Grove, and 31 to Bradley’s Creek ; all in the vi
cinity of Murfreesboro. —Tom’s Creek church*
Perry county, has had 10 accessions.—ln relation
to our church in Edgefield, the Nashville Union
and A merican, says: “ The pastor of this congre
gation, Rev. E. Strode, is a Christian gentleman,
an eloquent preacher, and one of the most indefati
gable men we ever knew. He will be sure to suc
ceed, for he knows no such word as “ fail.” —Os
seven churches in Wayne county, Philadelphia
has had 19 accessions, Union Grove 18, Bethlehem
6, Friendship 7, Green River 19, Union 8, Zion 5.
Virginia.
Richmond College has 136 students, putting
into requisition nearly all available rooms for their
accommodation, and showing the necessity of
building more.—Most of the 127 converts at the
recent revival in Zion church, Essex county, were
Sabbath school scholars.—Rev. E. S. Taylor re
ports 18 accessions at Meherrin and 26 baptisms
at Tussekiah ; Rev. C. Tyree 12 accessions, each,
at Peterville and Fins Creek, Powhatan; Rev.
W. H. Kirk, 18 at Coan, Northumberland; Rev.
W. Fisher, 25 at Hunting Creek, Bedford. —Elijah
H. Adams was ordained to the ministry at Reedy
Creek church, Pittsylvania, Sept. 24th.—W. W.
Wood has been ordained to the ministry at Jeffer
sonton ; sermon by Rev. J. B. Taylor, Jr.
W est Virginia.
Charleston, the capital of the State, has no
Baptist church, but one is to be constituted there
next month. —At the meeting of the Baptist State
Convention, at Pruntytown, Rev. James Gaw
throp, who had been a missionary at a salary of
SIOO a year, said: “ I am now' too old, to be
worth the salary you have been paying me, and
shall not longer take it. I will, at ray own charges,
go when and where I can for my Master. I am
an old man, but I can make fifty cents a day with
my own hands, and will do that and help to sup
port those missionaries younger than myself.” He
is 71 years old.
Reviews and Notices.
Scott’s Monthly. —Rev. W. J. Scott, editor: H. ¥.
Phillips, Esq., associate editor. Atlanta; Phillips
& Crew, publishers. Terms, $4 a year.
The October number, besides a variety of well
selected articles, contains the following original
communications: 1. Triumphant, a Tale of the
Bloody Queen’s Reign, by Miss Annie M. Barn
well, (the beginning of anew serial): 2. Peru
and its Conqueror, by Sebastian : 3. The Mill of
God, a Prose Idyl, by James Maurice Thompson,
(the conclusion of an old serial): 4. Genius, a
Stray Chapter from a Manuscript Novel, by C.
8., (whom the editor makes known to us as a
lady of Columbus, Ga.): 5. Virginia’s Dream,
sequel to the “New York Night,” by Henry
Cleveland: 6. Letters from the Old World, by
Dr. A. A. Lipscomb: 7. Love’s Dream, by In
faustus: and, in verse, 8. Mode de Paris, ’69, by
Dr. F. 0. Ticknor: 9. Love’s Good Night, by
Annie Palmer, and, 10. “I sin, I sin,” by Henry
Hope.
Thb Child’s Delight. Rev S. Boykin, editor. Ma
con, Ga. (See advertisement.)
We hope that our readers will not overlook the
card of Editor Boykin in another column. The
Delight is widely and deservedly popular. The
family or the school enjoying its regular visits,
will have at least one unalloyed source of pleasure
for the young—and a source of profit too.
Cheering Tidings.
The Union Meeting of the 2nd District of
the Ebenezer Association, convened with the
church at Dublin, on Friday before the sth
Sabbath in August. The meeting was veiy
pleasant and harmonious. Several questions,
of great importance to the church and Sab
bath school, were discussed, and we believe
great good was done. The church protracted
the meeting afterward until the Ist Sabbath,
during which, twelve related an experi
ence of grace. Six whites and six colored
were immersed, on profession of faith in
Christ. Bro. W. R. Steely rendered efficient
aid during the greater part of the meeting.
To God be all the praise.
E. B. Barrett.
Laurens County, Sept. 29th, 1839.
News Item. —Rev. W. L. Kilpatrick, Dr.
E. R. Carswell, and Rev. W. H. Davis, have
spent their vacation in protracted meetings,
and their churches have been generally re
vived and greatly strengthened.
Rev. T. E. Skinner, I).D.
(The following action of the First Baptist
church, Nashville, will meet the cordial concur- ,
rence of all who know Dr. Skinner. No one en
joys a more enviable reputation, within the spleie \
of personal acquaintance, for the singleness of |
eye, the large-heartedness, the inflexible upright- j
ness which enter into the character of the true
man, or the sincere piety, the glowing zeal, the
unflagging industry which enter into the charac
ter of the true minister. The loss of the First
church, Nashville, in this case, will be the gain of
the church which is so fortunate as to secure the
pastoral services of Dr. S.— Ed.)
At a meeting of the First Baptist church of
Nashville, held Wednesday evening, Sept. 29,
1869, a communication was received from the
pastor, Re**. Thomas E. Skinner, tendering his
resignation of the pastoral charge of the church.
The letter having been read, was referred to a
Committee consisting of brethren C. K. Winston,
S. M. Scott and A. Nelson, for consideration.
Two weeks afterwards—on Wednesday evening,
October 13—the Committee presented the follow
ing report:
“The Committee appointed to consider the
resignation of Rev. Dr. Skinner, have performed
that duty to the best of ttieir ability, and after
consultation and prayer, recommend to the church
that, under the circumstances, it is not expedient
that the resignation be accepted; but that Dr.
Skinner be requested to withdraw it for further
consideration.”
The report of the Committee was unanimously
adopted. This action of the church was followed
by a second letter from Dr. Skinner, of ths- fol
lowing tenor:
Nashville, Oct. 13, 1869.
Dear Brethren: Since my resignation was
placed in the hands of the Committee, I have been
in consultation with brethren and citizens, who
have freely and kindly expressed their views and
feelings.
I gratefully appreciate the sentiments of Chris
tian love, fraternal regard, and friendly confidence
which they have expressed to me personally and
to others. Such an endorsement of me as a man,
as a Christian, and as the pastor of the church,
fills me with gratification, and rekindles the de
sire to continue indefinitely my labors among so
noble and magnanimous a people.
But, dear brethren, after careful consideration
of the circumstances, most of which concern me
personally, to such a degree that they need not,
and indeed, are not proper to be mentioned here,
I have to request again that my resignation as
pastor of the church be now accepted; and that
your arrangements to that end be consummated
as soon as practicable.
With sincere love, I am your brother in Christ,
Thomas E. Skinner.
Upon th»%eception and reading of this letter,
brother A. Nelson offered the following resolu
tions, which were adopted:
Whereas, Rev. Dr. Skinner, the pastor of this
has again presented bis resignation, and
urges its acceptance; and whereas , we do not feel
at liberty longer to withstand his desires, and op
pose his belief as to his duty; therefore
Resolved, That the resignation of the pastor
be accepted, to take effect on the first day of No
vember, or at such other time as he may prefer.
Resolved, That the efficient ministrations of
our beloved pastor, continued from the time when
the hand of disease was laid upon Rev. Dr.
Howell until the present day, entitle him to the
gratitude, not only of this church, but of the en
tire community.
Resolved, That we as a body, and individually,
bear testimony to his earnest piety, unflagging
zeal in the cause of Christ, and his intelligent,
faithful and constant labors in the pulpit, in the
prayer meeting and in the Sunday school. His
Christian character, as well as"his labors of love
in and out of the sacred desk, will ever be cher
ished with affectionate regard.
Resolved, That we commend brother Skinner
to the love and confidence of our brethren, and
especially do we commit him to the care and pro
tection of our Heavenly Father, beseeching the
Divine blessing upon him wherever his lot may
be cast.
Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be
forwarded, for publication, to the Christian In
dex, Biblical Recorder, Western Recorder and
Religious Herald.
Brother M. B. Howell then offered the following
resolutions, which also were unanimously adopt
ed :
Whereas, Various discreditable rumors have
been circulated in this community in regard to
Rev. Dr. Skinner, the pastor of this church; and
whereas, a close examination has shown that they
were entirely without foundation ; therefore
Resolved, That we here, in this public and sol
emn manner, assert the falsity of these slander
ous rumors, and our belief in the entire innocence
of our pastor.
Resolved , That we endorse the Christian char
acter and uprightness of Dr. Skinner, and hereby
express our unabated and unditninished confi
dence in him as a man, as a citizen and as a
Christian minister.
(The foregoing proceedings are substantially a
faithful copy from the records of the church.)
Aug’s Larcombe, Church Clerk.
Letter from Macon, Ga.
The interests of the Baptist denomination
in this city, are at least keeping pace with the
growth of the town and the increase of pop
ulation. The Second Church has lost the ser
vices of its valuable pastor, Rev. C. M. Irwin,
who has resigned and returned to his planta
tion in Lee county. Rev. S. Boykin is the
temporary supply for the church. Brother
B. is a good and zealous man, ahd is throw
ing a great deal of well-directed energy into
the work. He is improving the Sabbath
School in every respect. He writes well for
the children in the Delight. It is due him to
say, he works well for them also. His church
is suffering under the weight of a heavy debt,
which it is wholly unable to pay. A joint Com
mittee from the two churches are soon to
meet, and it is hoped will present a feasible
and acceptable plan by which the Macon Bap
tists will liquidate the amount, and thus'give
essential aid to a struggling band of brethren.
There is but little doubt that the members of
the First Church will corne up willingly to
this good work.
The First Church has been enjoying a re
freshing season for some time. Dr. Landrum
preached a week for the church and pastor.
His numerous friends in this city, who regard
him with sincere affection, were delighted to
hear his voice, and sit for a season under his
ministerial instruction. They say he has
greatly improved as a preacher, in the ten
years since he left them. Certain it is, that
be preached fine sermons, full of thought and
unction, to large and attentive congregations,
with obvious results for good. Near twenty
have professed conversion—only some fifteen
have joined. It is hoped others may come in
hereafter, and that the results of the meeting
may be enjoyed “ after many days,” as well as
at present. The young members of this church
have a chapel for prayer meetings and Sabbath
schools in the surburbs of the city. They meet
from fifty to seventy persons there on each
Sabbath, p.m. They seem to be accomplish
ing much good. They have a house, which
they built at a cost of one thousand dollars,
all of which has been paid. It affords a fine
opportunity for the development of the zeal
and working talent of the young members,
both male-and female.
The Trustees of Oglethorpe University
have just had a sitting here. The have de
termined to resuscitate that dying Institution.
It is cause of gratulation to the friends of the
College and of education generally, to know
that it has left from the ruin about thirty
thousand dollars. Some one from your city
(Atlanta) has bid forty thousand dollars, as
$n inducement to carry it there. The Board
incline to accept the offer. It will be wise in
them to do so. It will be greatly to the ad
vantage of the Institution to be located in a
populous centre, from which it can derive self
sustaining patronage. It is also greatly to the
advantage of your city to-have the Universi
ty in its midst. Added to the moral and liter
ary benefits to be derived from its influence,
it will pay from fifty to one hundred thousand
dollars in money annually. Tell your people
it will pay them to give Oglethorpe forty thou
sand dollars to locate in Atlanta, and then en
dow it with one hundred thousand more. The
Boa and confe, red on our honored fellow-citizen,
W ashiugtun Poe, the degree of LL.D., ami
on Rev. James E. Evans, of the Methodist
Church, that of D.D
Bish op Beckwithis erecting an Episcopal
Orphan Home in this city, at a cost of ten or
fifteen thousaneNatclUtrs, ten thousand of
I which was contributed by the Appletons.
Ihe Episcopalians have now two churches
here—one Low and the other High or Rit
ual. They are working with commendable
zeal.
The Methodists are doing much in the coun
try, just a few 1 BsHWout of the city. The
Professors in the Wesleyan Female College,
are preaching and laboring with much effect
in the building up the waste
places. This Femaje College is a grand mon
ument to the wisdom and liberality of the
Methodists of Georgia. It has stood for thirty
years, and has survived amid all the political
and financial revodtjfeins of that period, num
bering annually from 150 to 200 pupils from
all parts of Georgia and from neighboring
States. Its uniform success and gradual
growth, while similar institutions in other
portions of the State have gone down, are the
highest complimgnrlrxthich can be paid to the
wisdom displayed in its location.
The Presbyterians ate speaking of Church
extension. They Have a chapel and Mission
Sunday School, are beginning to put forth
such efforts for their spirit
ual health and denominational growth.
The great Fair to come off
here in JMovetnoe^^tTpis creating some little
interest amuug omfrpebple of “steady habits.”
We are expecting kn immense crowd, and are
making room for tfiem. W. J. L.
Alabama Rgptist Convention.
1 thank the editor of the Index for his editorial
on this subject. It vas timely and suggestive.
If there ever was a-tjtoe when a large delegation
was important, it ifrjteio. For some reason, our
Convention seems td have lost, in a measure at
least, the prestige of former years. In conse
quence, our zeal hat abated, our contributions
have diminished, and our numbers are not in
creasing. The signs of the times seem to indi
cate that now is the time and Oxford the place, to
re-animate our soqLt*. expdnd our benevolence,
and give anew impious to our cause. Will not
our brethren make jm extra effort to come? I
have no argument tWmake, but will say that it is
absolutely essential to our prosperity as Baptists,
that we have a full delegation. This is the firm
conviction of all the with whom I have
talked on the subject * * *.
More Alabama Items.
Since my last letter to the Index, I have
baptized a young lady in Talladega, fa
ther and his daughter, at Pleasant Grove, and
a young gentlerntftr; at Jacksonville. Bro. S.
G. Jenkins baptized three, at Hephzibah
church, (Bro. McCain, pastor.) Bro. Jenkins
also baptized ten, at Antioch, and also ten
colored people.
THE COLORED PEOPLE AT TALLADEGA.
It will not be out of place, I hope, for me
to say something fbout my colored congrega
tion. It is an exception to what is generally
observed among colored Baptists in this coun
try, and when anything good can be reported
of that race it seems to me that it ought to be
done. The usual excesses and bad tendencies
are not to be found among them here. Their
and decency in public worship are as
good as before the war. I preached for them
before and since tfie war, and in these things
I have seeu no changes. They always crowd
the house to hear me preach. It is a rare thing
for one to leave ihe house during worship,
and I rarely hear any shouting or confusion
among them. They are still connected with
our church, and are much larger
in numbers they have made
no extra demands; and although there have
been several colored churches organized in
the county, in this place they have, up to this
tune, manifested no disposition to set up for
themselves in churchship ; indeed when it has
been kindly suggested to them, they have
simply declined church separation. Yet in
all practical beaiings they are a separate
church—they manage their own church affairs;
this, however, they did before their freedom.
Some time ago there were some of them
who thought that three licensed preachers
among them ought to be ordained. A day
was appointed for that purpose. They invited
an ordained colored minister to aid me in
that work. We met. 1 expected to have
trouble, for there was but one that I was will
ing to ordain. 1 organized the conference;
the discussion of the subject began. I did
not say a word, for it was not necessary for
me-to say anything. By a large majority vote
they refused to ordain any one of the three.
Their arguments Against ordaining them were
sound and sensible; and I have heard noth
ing of the matter since. It is a more intelli
gent colored congi egation than common ; and
there is one ) oung man among them for whom
I have great hope. He is learning rapidly,
is pious and gifted, reads well, uses good lan
guage, and preaches well. They are now
striving to build them a house <>f worship,
and they will suofceed. The whites are help
ing them. When this is done I hope to turn
them over to the young man mentioned above.
I think in many places our people have
been too ready and even anxious to “ let the
-negroes go.” Our church, in this place, has
attempted to get along with them just as we
did before the war, and we have succeeded.
I have baptized fifty six here this year.
J. J. D. Renfroe.
Middle Tennessee.
I notice that conyiiunications from our section
of the great commonwealth, have not been very
frequent, of late, in your columns, and hence
suppose that a few items would not be without
interest to some of your nifmerous readers.
One of the most, notable events of recent oc.
currence, as to matfprs, is the redemption
of the Cherry eburnb-edifice and lot, sold,
just one under decree of the Chan
cery Court,‘to satisfy several old judgments,
amounting to $10,(190 —for which amount it was
sold—the bidder representing the Presbyterians—
giving the Baptists 30 days, however, in which to
make the necessary notes, payable in 6, 12, 18
and 24 months. This was consummated yester
day, and that valuable property and interesting
field secured to the Baptists ol Souiii Nashville
The Spring street, or Central church, unite with
the Cherry street brethren ; or the Spring street
and these brethren are to co-operate together, by
some arrangement to be agreed upon, for the best
interests of the cause of Truth. This movement
is generally approved by the Baptists of the city
and vicinity, and promises much future pros
perity.
As another item, I regret to mention the fact
that Dr. Skinner has tendered his resignation as
pastor of the First Baptist church, of which you
have been informed, probably, before this time.
Brother S. has endeared himself to the church
and community by his genial and courteous man
ner of address, hi; earnest and faithful labors as
pastor, and his hearty sympathy with every en
terprise of philantbopy. The First church has
been largely built up during his two years con
nection with this people, and it seems a mysteri
ous providence that it should be dissolved at this
crisis, in the midst of success. May the Lord
continue to grant our brother the measure of
usefulness which has marked his labors here, and
in former pastorates, in whatever field be may
exercise his gifts “as a good steward of the man
ifold grace of God.”
In Edgefield we are advancing slowly, but most
surely. We labor under great embarrassment
in the absence of a house of worship. We hope
to have a lecture-room or chapel ready for service
by the end of the year, if our friends respond as
they ought, to our appeals for aid in the work.
I baptized eight persons, (white,) some three
miles from our little city, at an out station —three
of the number over fifty years of age. Several ,
others will probably receive the ordinance next
Sabbath. The good work is still going on ; old
sinners are bowing penitently for prayers in their
behalf.
North Alabama proposes to unite with Middle
Tennessee again, in missionary labor, and then we j
shall be the “General Association of Middle
Tennessee and North Alabama,” as of old. Our
next session occurs at McMinnville, on Friday be
fore the fourth Sabbath in this month, (October.)
We should be rejoiced to see a delegation from
Georgia at the meeting.
Our University is, I believe, coming up to for
mer prosperity. President Selph is in the field
as Agent for the Institution, and is meeting with
encouraging subscriptions and donations for the
endowment and ministerial education.
EL Strode.
Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 15th, 1569.
Shelby Association, Ala.
This body met, at its last session, with the
Montevallo Baptist church, Shelby county,
Alabama, on the Saturday before the 2nd
Lord’s day, in Oct. inst. It embraces most
of Shelby and a part of Bibb counties, and has
over twenty churches, all of which, but one,
were represented at this meeting. At the
request of the brother appointed to that ser
vice, Bro. Hill, of Miss., who is connected with
| the “ Orphan’s Home,” as General Agent,
! preached the Introductory Sermon. Elder
T. P. Holcomb was re-elected Moderator, and
i Bro. C. W. O’Hara, Clerk. Great harmony
and good feeling marked the entire proceecl
j ings. A large congregation attended on Snti
| day, and listened t,o addresses and sermons
from brethren Hill, Hand, Sumner and Hen
j derson. Bro. Hand, by appointment, preached
the Missionary Sermon. The Association is
sustaining a mission in its own bounds, with
quite satisfactory results for the last year.
Two new churches were organized by the
Missionaries, brethren Hand and Armstrong,
and several chnrches revived.
On Monday resolution was introduced to
appoint delegates to the State Convention,
which sprang quite a discussion, not that any
of the brethren opposed the objects of the
Convention, but they thought they had enough
destitution in their own bounds to absorb all
their means. To this it was answered, that
by combining with the denomination at large,
much more would be realized, and they would
soon be able to do something beyond their
bounds. I was compelled to leave before the
discussion closed, and cannot say how it was
disposed of, but I hope to meet some of the
brethren from the Shelby Association at our
approaching Convention.
I will only add, that the church at Monte
vallo is under the charge of Rev. T. C. Boykin,
who has a large, interesting, and flourishing
Sabbath school, conducted by himself, as Su
perintendent. Our Bro. Tichenor, who has
been so sadly afflicted recently, was absent at
Montgomery, suffering from an attack of chills.
We greatly missed him. Bro. Sumner, of
the Domestic Board, was there, and did ex
cellent service. L. N.
f-gT* An account received from Rev. T. C. Boy
kin, after the foregoing was in type, contains the
following additional items:
At 3 p.m., on Sabbath, we listened to an im
pressive and eloquent sermon from brother S.
Henderson. We have heard him preach more
labored discourses, but never one more full of the
outgushings of pure gospel sentiment and feeling.
He is now (since the death of Dr. Manly) the
Nestor of the Alabama Baptist Pulpit. At night
brother M. T. Sumner entertained us with a fine
sermon upon the office of the Law in*the plan of
salvation. We may as well say here, that the
presence of these two brethren, and also of brother
Hill, added greatly to the interest of the meet
ing. . . The resolution to appoint delegates to
the State Convention was adopted, almost unani
mously. The very brethren who opposed it at
the start, seem convinced that they had viewed
the matter from a wrong standpoint, and before
the day ended, became enthusiastic supporters of
the measure. Our good brother, the Moderator,
become so full of the spirit of Christian unity
which seemed to pervade all hearts, that he could
scarcely speak without being overcome by his
feelings. It was indeed a delightful time. Brother
Sumner proposed that, if the Association would
raise S2OO, he would pledge the Marion Board for
S2OO, to be paid to any missionary the Associa
tion would appoint to labor in its bounds. The
proposition was readily accepted, with the modi
fication that two brethren be selected to labor for
half the year, instead of one for the whole year.
Nearly one hundred dollars were raised in a few
minutes, in cash. Brethren Hand and Cardin
were appointed missionaries. They are expected
to devote all their time, from Ist May to Ist No
vember, to missionary work. . . But I am
writing too much, and will conclude by saying
that about 100 additions to the churches, by letter
and baptism, were reported. Eighty dollars sent
up, nearly twenty collected on Sunday, and nine
ty-eight on Monday, making nearly S2OO in all.
There are only 14 or 15 churches in the Associa
tion. The body meets next year at Liberty
church—the introductory to be preached by the
writer, and the missionary sermon by Dr. Tiche
nor. . . I will also state that subscribers for
the Index were secured by brother Henderson, and
for the Home and Foreign Journal by brother
Sumner.
Alabama Colored Baptist Convention.
The first Session of this body met in the First
Colored Baptist Church,'Montgomery, Alabama,
October 7th, and closed their labors on the 12th.
The delegation was respectably large, from almost
every part of South Alabama. The best talent,
ministerial and lay, in the State was in attendance.
Churches only were represented, as they have not
as yet organized associations, missionary socie
ties, and other organizations usually represented
in Conventions. There were many individual an
nual members, and some have made themselves
life members. The Convention was organized
last year.
For the present, the objects of the Convention
appear to be missions to their own race within the
State, and a more efficient organization and co-ope
ration among themselves. The business would have
been creditably done from the beginning, had it
not been for a few ambitious Hotspurs, who led off
till their stock of gas was expended, and had tan
gled matters so badly that they could go no fur
ther; they then gave way to the right men who
took the tangled job off their hands, and finished it
creditably. Ambitious demagogues are to be found
in all deliberative assemblies, of every race, and
they always try to show off at the beginning.
They are the bores of humanity, and the scape
graces of creation.
The contributions sent by the churches were as
liberal as could be expected from untrained pov
erty. They ha# in their employ one general
missionary, who had been quite active during the
year. Preaching was had at many places in the
city on Sabbath, by the delegates. Their next
session will also be held in Montgomery.
I was cordially received into their deliberations,
and remained with them mostof the time, giving
instruction freely’, and without restraint. Rev.
Frank Quarles, (colored) of Atlanta, was present,
and by his talents and prudence, did much good.
He received his early training in Virginia, under
the elder Andrew Broaddus, of Caroline county.
Rev. Nathan Asherby presided as Moderator,
and Holland Thompson, Clerk, both of Montgom
ery. H. E. T.
From Middle Florida.
I record again the goodness of God in remem
bering the churches of which I have had charge
this year. Some weeks ago I informed you of
the accessions then made to Concordia church,
and at Flat Creek, to Providence church. These
meetings were followed by one at Providence
church, during which there were nine baptisms,
(two blacks,) and two received for baptism, to
whom the rite was not administered. The meet
ing continued with unabated interest for six days.
The pastor was aided by Elder R. P. Green. On
returning to Concordia, after two days’ rest from
the meeting just mentioned, I was greatly grati
fied at the reception of three others, although the
weather was so unfavorable as to hinder many
from attending. The Baptists at this place are a
flourishing people, in spite of many hindering
causes.
At the last meeting at Flat Creek, there were
four baptisms (one of the subjects had been re
ceived at Providence,) making a total of twenty
five baptisms into Providence. There were some
remarkable cases of conversion in these various
meetings, the recording of which would not fail
to engage the attention of every’ Christian. And
there are some reflections in my own mind which
might not be unprofitable. But these belong sq
appropriately to your province, that l refrain from
giving them.
Our annual Association will meet with Oak
Grove church, in one more week, and it is confi
dently’ hoped that more will be done than has yet
been done for the spread of the Redeemer’s king
dom. Chas. D. Campbell,
Now’s the Time.
Now is the time, if you are thinking of a
paper for your Sunday school, lor the next
year, to decide which one you will take. I
offer the Child's Delight as a paper every
way acceptable to the children, and adapted to
their wants and capacities, and calculated to
lead them to Jesus, and to make them better
and happier. I shall be happy to receive
subscriptions according to my printed terms,
as advertized in all the Baptist papers. Please
send, and get a specimen number, and see for
yourself.
Single subscribers claiming it during
the balance of this year, shall receive the pa
per to the end ol 1870, and thus get our
splendid Christmas Stories for nothing.
S. Boykin.
Men are needed : Who will go?
The Board of Foreign Missions have before
them the prospect of meeting all their past liabil
ities, and now, a serious question arises: W ill not
the churches furnish sufficient means to meet all
our present expenditures, and to allow a gradual
enlargement of onr working force in the foreign
field ? We believe they will.
This leads to another question : Who will go
for us, to assist in reaping the harvest now ready
for the sickle? Will no one of all the young men
who are entering the ministry, offer himself to this
work? We have the talent, natural and acquired,
for such a position. Have we not the simple
hearted consecration, which shall lead, after a care
ful survey of the toils and sacrifices involved, to a
cheerful assumption of this responsibility?
These questions are urged in all seriousness
upon the attention of the churches. They have
been already brought before our readers. We now
repeat the inquiries, with the hope that prayerful
thought will be given to (hem.
Men of proper qualifications are now the
need of the Board. We must have them, or re
trograde in our work. We are satisfied, too, that
if the Lord shall increase the number of laborers,
he will also increase the means necessary for their
support
On behalf of the Foreign Mission Board.
James B. Taylor, Cor. Sec'y.
Florida.
W ill you please announce in the Index and
Baptist, the meeting of the Florida Baptist
State Convention, that meets with the Mon
ticello Baptist Church on Friday before the
fourth Sabbath in November next. Allow
rne to call the attention of the denomina
tion of the State to said meeting? We
have failed, brethren, in accomplishing the ob
jects for which the organization originated,
simply from] the want of hearty interest
therein, and mutual cooperation.
The Institution has had but a breathing ex
istence from its infancy. It would long since
have died, but for the interest a few brethren
have felt in its existence. There is a greater
necessity for its continuance than for its ori
gin. Will the brethren, scattered over our
wide area, come together at our next meeting,
and cheer the hearts of those who have la
bored so desp mdingly in the past, and to
gether devise means to give efficiency and
success to the enterprise ? It appears to us,
that to recede, is treason to the cause of our
Master. We should not surrender an inch of
ground taken, but contrawise, take still more
aggressive measures on the empire of dark
ness. The poverty of our condition is a
strong argument for combined effort in the
field of benevolence. Let. ns awake to our
duty and endeavor to fulfil our high obliga
tions to our blessed Saviour and the cause of
ruined humanity.
By the authority of the last Convention,
we make this appointment. We extend, also,
a cordial invitation to brethren of other
States to vLit us. Can our worthy Corres
ponding Secretary of S. B. D. M. B.j and
brother Toon, Venture another visit u* our
Convention ? Although we may still be shiall,
we will joyfully receive them.
H. Z. Akdis, Pres. B. T.
Oct.l , 2869.
Florida Items.
Baldwin, Fla., Oct. 13, 1869.
As I am detained here a day by the failure
of the trains on the Florida and Central Rail
roads to connect, I have determined to send
you a brief report of the meeting of the
Santa/ee Association, which met in Putnam
county, ten miles South of Waldo, on Satur
day 9th inst., and adjourned on yesterday the
12th.
This body is composed of a number of small
churches scattered over a wide extent of country.
They have been greatly reduced in the number of
their members,and in their pecuniary resources, by
the late war. To add to their misfortunes, the cater
pillar has laid bare every cotton field I have seen
between the Suwannee and the St. John’s river;
but the Lord has caused their poverty to redound,
through their liberality, to the glory of His grace.
On the Lord’s day a missionary sermon was
preached by Rev. C. B. Jones, the hats were
passed around, and over S4O taken up for Associ
ational missions. I was then allowed, through
the courtesy of the brethren, to address the au
dience as a representative of the Domestic Mis
sion Board of the Southern Baptist Convention,
and to invite contributions to aid that Board in
effecting the benevolent object it has in view. No
hats were passed around, but it would have made
your heart rejoice to see the alacrity with which
friends and brethren pressed forward to the stand
with their contributions without any special ap
peals to their pride or their passions. I asked
them to double the amount given last year to the
Domestic Mission Board from the whole State of
Florida, (South, East, Middle and West,) and they
gave me more than I asked. I received in cash,
for Domestic Missions and the Home ami Foreign
Journal, (8 subscribers lor the Journal,) $53 GO,
and subscriptions to be paid on or before Decem
ber 1, $32 00, making a total in cash and sub
scriptions of SBS 60, and one additional dollar for
Foreign Missions.
A Sunday School Convention was also formed,
and contributions made to enable it to procure
books. In addition to all this, S2OO were sub
scribed by responsible brethren, to aid in sustain
ing a missionary within their own bounds. When
we take into consideration the feeble condition of
the churches, their poverty, the heavy burdens
imposed upon them by the Government (State
and National,) and the gloomy prospect before
them, in consequence of the ravages ol the cater
pillar, I feel that great gratitude is due to God for
the liberal spirit He has infused into the hearts of
these dear brethren.
It is wokthy of note that these brethren, so
far from deprecating the visit of an agent, ex
pressed and manifested thankfulness for the visit
of the agent of the Domestic Mission Board.
Brethren present from Alachua Association, also
urged the agent to visit them, and labor to pro
mote such a revival of Missionary spirit as they
had witnessed in the Santafee. I would like to
add a few words in reference to the ministers of
this Association, but have not space. I will only
say, many of them manifested much of the spirit
of their heavenly Master.
P. S.—Contributions were also made, very un
expectedly and without solicitation, to the agent
for his own personal benefit. The like was done
at the Middle Association, in Effingham county,
Ga. I had intended reporting the proceedings ol
that Association, but went home sick, and contin
ued sick till I left home for the Santafee. These
private contributions will enable me to serve the
Board without charge, exept for travelling expen
ses. I believe in Muller-\stn. J. S. B.
Sunny Side.
Has the pastor’s life its side of shadows ;
days of tioi and heart-sorrows? Well, be it
so. But in all positions of life there arc com
pensations. All is not dark in the life ot a
pastor and his family. There are many bright
spots; precious things even in his earthly
condition. He and his family are loved, and
there is much in ihat. A few weeks ago, on
the return of a pastor’s family to their home,
near the sea, they met a most agreeable sur
prise. The house had been thoroughly
cleansed, water introduced, a bathing room
fitted up, the pastor’s study neatly carpeted,
and sundry little things done, such as are
found only where the loving hearts and cun
ning hands of Christian women have displayed
their power. In the dining room was found
a magnifient supper, awaiting the travel
worn family. All this, planned and executed
without the knowledge of the pastor. These
things are prized beyond their mercantile
value ; they are ev dences of affection which
give freshness to the pastor’s heart, and fit
' him for more earnest and hopeful labor.
Savannah. Ga.
Kev. W. H. Goldwire.
Valdosta Church, Ga., Oct. 10,1869,
Whereas, Our beloved brother, and for
many years our faithful and beloved pastor,
Elder William 11. Goldwire, has this day de
livered his farewell sermon to this church
and community, and will in a few days,
(Providenoe permitting) leave this for another
field, in the vinejord of his Divine Master:
Resolved, That we deeply regret the loss of
one so faithful, and beloved ; but believing it
is in the well ordered providence of God, we
say, it is well! And that our loss will be the
gain of those with whom his lot will hereafter
be cast.
Resolved, That wc endorse and recommend
our brother to those with whom he may here
after labor, as one faithful in the discharge of
the duties of his high office, sound in the
faith once delivered to the Saints, “an
Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread
upon the minutes of this church, and that a
copy be furnished the Christian Index for
publication. Nl. Jones, C. C.
The Bowen Association, Ga.
As this is rather a yourtg body, allow me space
to give some account of its past history, its last
meeting, and its future prospects. It was organ
ized a few years ago by churches from the Bethel
and Florida AssridAtfohs, which had withdrawn
for the purpose or said organization, with a view
to convenience. The Bethel, prior to this, ex
tended from Ainericus, in Sumter county, across
to Lumpkin, in Stewart county, and down the
Chattahoochee, nearly to the line of Florida. The
Bethel is now sufficiently large in territory, wdiile
the Bowen covers the territory of Baker, Mitchell,
Miller, Decatur and portions of Early and Thomas
counties. The name indicates the spirit of the
churches that organized the body on Jthe mission
question, while it, at the same time, was a com
pliment to a faithful man and missionary, known
to them. But, though right in name and design,
not much has yet been done by the Association
for missions. For a year or two past, quite an
improvement, however, has been manifest.
I was at their last meeting, held last Sulurday
and Monday, 9th and 11th inst., with Bethel
church, Baker county. Did not arrive in time to
take notes from the reading of the letters, hut
learned that some of the churches had enjoyed
revivals and ingatherings. A Missionary ami Sun
day school spirit was very manifest, and both
much increased, it is thought. A Sunday School
Convention had been organized during the year,
and held its meeting Saturday night, which 1 at
tended, and had the pleasure of addressing, and
the further pleasure of preaching to the children
on Sabbath morning, and the dear little souls lis
tened with tearful attention, and on Monday morn
ing gave me $7.80 for missions. “ Bar-Samuel"
alias Elder Robert Fleming, presided as Modera
tor, and Elder W. H. Clark, was Clerk, and both,
together with the whole Association, gave me a
hearty welcome as Agent of the Domestic Board ;
a word welcome, a heart-welcome, a money-wel
come. The audience was small, but gave me
nearly eighty dollars, and then ! and then!! and
then! 11 at the suggestion of a large-souled brother,
pa’d the Agent for coming and for services. Never
was my poor heart so affected. Never can I for
get that meeting, and the brethren, all. The names
of brethren Clark, S. P. Davis, Lester, the Parkers,
Cochran and others, will be sweet to memory.
God bless the Bowen Association. Bro. W. L.
Curry is now in the Association, and Bro. J. L.
Underwood will soon be; both young men of fine
education, deep piety, good ministerial ability.
Several younger ministers, too, with less culture,
but warm, earnest-hearted, useful brethren. Bro
W. H. Clark expects to go to Middle Georgia, and
will be missed.
The completion of the railroad to Bainhridge
has materially benefitted the country, and the
Association has been strengthened, by the increase
of population, and a like increase will be felt by
the completion of the road from Thomasville to
Albany, and then by the Bainhridge, Cuthbert
and Columbus Railroad. There is a bright fu
ture for this young Association. It is onward and
upward ; and an additional proof of this, is the list
of new subscribers to the Index, accompanying
this, and which will be increased.
Wm. N. Chaudoin. Agt. Dom. M. B.
Fair burn Association, Ga.
The second session of this new organization
convened with Shadnor church, Fayette
county, on the 2nd inst. The Introductory
Sermon was preached by Elder A. B. Fears,
upon the subject of Election. Alter which
interesting letters were read from the nine
churches, composing the body, and before the
election of officers, petitionary letters were
called for, when seven other churches applied,
two from-the Flint River; two from the Tal
lapoosa Association, and three newly consti
tuted. All were cordially received. The As
sociation theu proceeded to the election of of
ficers, and elected Elder J. S. Dodd, Modern
tor, and Elder G. R. Moore, Cleik.
On Sabbath, at 11 o’clock, a. m., Elder G.
R. Moore preached a very interesting and in
structive discourse, upon the subject of the
support of the Gospel. In the afternoon the
stand was occupied by Elders Duffy and
Dodd. At the conclusion of the forenoon ser
vice a collection was taken up for Associa
tional purposes, amounting to about 840. On
Monday morning the Association entered
properly upon its business affairs, and quite
a working spirit was manifested, through the
entire proceedings of the day. The brethren
generally appeared to be impressed with the
importance of trying to do all in their power
for the spread of the Gospel, both at home and
abroad. After the adoptiou of the report on
missions, a proposition was made for the del
egates and other brethren present, to pledge
themselves, individually, to the support of
Home and Foreign Missions, and pledges to
something over two hundred dollars were
raised in a few minutes, and the body drier
mined to put a home missionary in the field
within the bounds of the Association.
Other interesting reports were adopted,
and among other things, the Index and Bap
tist was not forgotten, but the brethrm were
urged to extend its circulation. Harmony
and brotherly love seemed to pervade the
body through its entire deliberations, and the
brethren, on extending to each other the part
ing hand, seemed to exhibit that love and
Christian regard which should ever character
ize those who profess to love the Lord Jesus.
The next meeting of this body is to be held
at Flat Creek church, Fayette county, on Sat
urday before the first Sabbnth in October,
1870. E.
Houston Association, Ga.
The Houston Association convened with
the church at Beulah, on Saturday, Oct. 9th.
The delegation was large, as well as the
concourse of friends and brethren from the
surrounding country. The body organized
by electing Bro. J. 11. Horn, Moderator, and
Bro. Speucer, Clerk. The session was a pros
perous one. The attention given to Sabbath
schools and Domestic Missions, evinces an
awakening interest among those brethren. I
must say, however, that the interest felt in
Foreign Missions is very small indeed, as only
eight dollars and fifty cents were given for
that purpose. The body closed with perfect
harmony amidst expressions of the most in
tense Christian love. Tears and sighs, and
exhortations, and prays were the familiar
sounds that characterized the farewell scene,
or the breaking up of this good band of breth
ren. Amongst the visiting brethren were
brethren Wilkes, Collier, G. R. McCall, and
others. We were delighted on Sabbath w ith
most prof, und and excellent discourses from
brethren McCall and Wilkes. On Monday
Bro. McCall assisted me much in represent
ing the claims of the Index before the body.
Bro. Wilkes addressed the body in behalf of
Mercer University, and succeeded in raising
some S6OO for that Institution. G. A. L.