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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.