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(1II!ISTIa . i'miE\ and south-western baptist. VOL. 49-NO. 2. A RELIGIOUS AND FAMILY PAPER, PUBLISHED WEEKLY IN ATLANTA. GA TERMS.—CIubs of Four, ($3.00 each) per annum...sl2.oo Clubs of Throe, ($3.33 each) per annum... 10.00 Clubs of Two, (3.50 each) per annum 7.00 Single Subscriber - 4.00 ,J. J. T O O IST, Proprietor. Wliat Ihe Old Year lias Seen. « When first I came in winter, amid the frost and snow, I saw good resolutions, but they’re broken long ago; High purposes have melted, as ics before the sun, Some schemes have been abandoned, some never were begun.” Reader, is the picture true ? Does the old year speak of you ? “ I’ve seen God’s days polluted for worldly ease or gain, I’ve seen that somo have taken his holy name in vain ; I’ve seen God’s book unopened, ,his teachings set at naught, I’ve seen his house neglected, or filled with earth-born thought.” Reader, is the picture true? Does the old year speak of you ? «I’ve seen some angry tempers rise over cheek and brow. Revengeful thoughts I’ve noticed, aud some are cher ished now-, Feelings of strife and aoyy, unhallowed thoughts Is*re seen, And at God's righteous dealings gome nmrmurings there have been." Reader, is the picture true ? Does the old year speak of you ? “The strivings of God's Spirit I're seen all quenched and hushed ; . Sharp prickings of the conscience hare been despised and crushed; I’re seen earth’s joys so valued, that heavenly joys grow dim, And some enjoyed God’s blessings without one thought of Him.” Reader, is the picture truer Does the old year speak of you ? “I’ve seen good counsel slighted, I’re seen self-will and pride, And ra'ii conceit I’ve witnessed to many sins allied; I’ve seen ungrateful conduct to parent and to friend, I’ve seen that some to slander a willing ear would lend.” Reader, is the picture true ? Does the old year speak of you ? « ()f alt the sad sights I’ve witnessed, the saddest now I see : , A soul that’s still unpardoned, though warned from wrath to flee; One which refuses mercy, though Jesus bids it come. One which prefers to perish, and so must meet its doom.” Reader, is the picture truer Does the old year speak of you ? The Coming of Christ in His Kingdom—No. 2. “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, tell us when shall these things be] And what shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the world ?” Matt, xxiv :3. 11. re are two questions. The first evidently refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, for the Saviour had just been speaking of t hat event —see the preceeding verses. The second question is the point of difficulty. To what exactly does it refer? It will aid us in set tling this point, to bear in mind, that the Saviour, not long before his present conver sation, had told His disciples that in the life time of some of them, the Son of Man should come in his kingdom. And now he had just predicted the destruction of the Temple. Hence it was perfectly natural that they should connect the tvo events together. It is not necessary to suppose that they had clear aud definite views of those events. • Probably, they hrd not. They were asking for more’light. # But Jiami what Jesus had said t<* diei*:, audY oni the wonderful parables I addressed to the «/ews, recorded in previous chapters, they rnderstood that some great catastrophe was impending, which would in clude, Dt, the destruction of Jerusalem ; 2d, the coining of Christ in his kingdom ; and 3rd, the end of the world, i. of the age or dispensation. (The Greek is, “ ton aionos,” she literal sense of which is “ of the age.”) Hence they asked the questions. First, when shall this great catastrophe occur ] And stfcond, what shall be the sign of its coming ] That this is the. correct view of the question, is confirmed by the parallel passage in Mark, who states the questions thus: “ Tell us when these things shall bie] And what shall be the sign, when all these things shall be fulfilled I” —making the sign asked for, the sign of the things, viz., the destruction of Je rusalem; while in Matthew the disciples ask for the sign of His coming and of the end of the age, or dispensation. A compari son of these two versions of the same ques tion, requires us to regard Christ’s coming as includeil, in the minds of His disciples, in the catastrophe which was about to come upon Jerusalem. According to this view of the question the Saviour shapes His answer; which, by the way, is further proof of its correctness. He does not reply to the ques tion —when] But proceeds at once to give the signs of His coming, as if that included the other. But while His disciples, in their Question may have had reference to a partic ular point of time, he in his answer had reference not merely to a particular point of time, but to that whole period which should reach from the destruction of'Jerusalem even to the final eonsumation of all things. This view of His answer is, I conceive, the key to the correct interpretation of the whole of this sublime discourse of the Saviour. Its cor rectness is confirmed by the Saviour’s own words in Matt,, xvi: 27-23 : “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His holy angels; and then shall He re ward every man according to his works. Verily, I say unto you, there be some stand ing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the* Son of man comfng in His kingdom.” These verses comprehend the beginning,and the end of His regal adminis tration in one view, as one dispensation, one government, the beginning of which was the pledge of its consummation. He had been * warning the people against the loss of their souls. To enforce that warning He announces the coming judgment—and as a proof of its coming, He declares that some of His hearers should live to see Him enter upon His regal administration, which should continue till He should come to the final judgment. The discourse of the Saviour in the chap ter before us, aocords with the preceding views. The disciples ask, When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world ? Instead of answering the first question, He begins to speait of His own coming—“ Take heed that no man-deceive you, for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” This is the first sign of His coining. Another is, there shall be wars, and rumors of wars. Nation shall rise against nation, &c.—“ but see that ye be not troubled, for the end is not yet,” e. the end of that dispensation. These wars “ are the beginnings of sorrows.” Then follow other jjjjrns—such as the persecution of Christians —the coming of false prophets—the falling away of some in love, &c. History informs us that these signs did occur just as here re corded, prior to the destruction of Jerusalem. Another sign, more significant than any yet mentioned, is given in these words, “This gospel of the kingdom must first be preached in all the world, fora witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come—the end al ready spoken of, and accomplished in the destruction of Jerusalem. This is clear from what immediately follows: “When , therefore ye shall see the abomination of des olation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet stand in the holy place .. . then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains. FRANKLIN PRINTING HOUSE, ATLANTA, GA., THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1870. Let him that is upon the house top ndt come down to take anything out of. his house, &c., to the close of verse 22. All this indicates a time for haste—for flight to escape impending evil. The passage is descriptive of what might occur at the destruction of Jerusalem. From all which it is manifest that the Saviour meant to associate His coming with the de struction of that devoted city. And just here He might have added the words found at the 36th verse: “ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only,” and there he might have left the subject. But the subject was too important to be dismissed so summarily. Here he amplifies the account of that awful event, depicts its inexpressible horrors, and its inevitable suf ferings, and adds other warnings that His disciples should not be deceived by false Christs, who would, amidst the confusion of the times, lay claim to that high dignity. And more effectually to guard them against the possibility of being deceived, He an nounces the fact, that His coming at that awful period would be like the lightning which shineth from the east even unto the west. He would appear, not in the wilderness, not in the field,yet in the secret chambers, but in the clouds of wrath which were about to burst in fury upon guilty Jerusalem. That we may see the propriety of this figure let us advert to Christ in His kingly character. One essential, fundamental attri bute of«a king is, government. . It is his right to govern which constitutes him a king. Not his royal robes, not his regal splendor, not even his exalted rank, but his sceptre of power. That which clothes him with au-r thority, which makes his will the law , is what makes him a king. Now, this attribute belonged to Jesus in all its fulness. Isaiah says, “ Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, &c.” And accordingly when Jesus had risen from the dead, He solemnly claimed that all power in Heaven, and in earth was given to Him. As king, therefore, He was clothed with power to govern. But one of the most important functions of gov ernment is to put down all opposition to legitimate authority—to crush out rebellion, and to inflict punishment upon the incorrigi ble. Christ, it is true, entered upon his kingly rule when He ascended to heaven. There He forever sat down at His Father’s right hand, henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. But he did not at at once enter upon His career of vengeance upon those enemies. No, the first dispensa tion of His power was one of grace. He shed forth His holy Spirit on the day of Pen tecost. He endowed His apostles with power from on high, and sent them forth to preach the gospel in all the world, beginning at Je rusalem. Oh ! what condescension ! What forbearance! What mercy! The very people who thirsted for His blood, —they are first made to hear His offer of forgiveness and peace. He holds baek His wrath that He may give them opportunity to repent. Well, some did repent. He had a people even in Jerusalem —a remnant to be saved. Hence His delay. But this was not the only cause of delay. It was necessary to illustrate His justice before the eyes of all men. ’ Hence the gospel,must Tie preached,to all nations soy a witness unto them, and that He might make known to all believers His fearful contro versy with Jeruseiam. Hence the heralds ot the cross went forth over the then known world, into all the provinces of Rome’s vast empire, preaching Jesus and the Resurection, and doubtless making known to every con gregation of believers the coming doom of the Jewish people. The time at length came. Christ had during His ministry, taught the Jews, in one of His most wonderful parables, the curse that was upon them ; “ Bring forth these mine enemies, who would not have me to reign over them, and slay them before me.” To accomplish this retribution He now comes. What more appropriate figure could express this terrible coming ] “As the lightening, which shineth from the east even to the west, so shall the corning of the Son of man be.” In every language, light ning is an emblem of wrath, of power; and in this case the bolt which flashes across the entire sky, may well denote the violence of the blow which He was about to strike. Such was the coming of Christ to execute His vengeance upon the guilty city. True, the Jews did not see Him. They were blinded. The vail was upon their hearts. He had warned them, but they heeded not; He had wrought wonders before them, but they believed not. They had murdered and buried Him,and they knew He had disappeared from His empty tomb, in spite of the official seal, and in spite of the Roman guard. But still they would not believe. Hence they saw Him not amidst the dangers which were gath ering over their devoted heads. Nor did Titus, and the Romans see Him. In their Pagan blifjdness and ignorance they knew not that they were only executing the wrath of a ruler higher than Csesar, and dis pensing the justice of a power far .above the throne of the Empire. But there were those who did see Him. The humble followers of the Saviour knew what the gathering of the armies meant. When they saw the Roman Eagles flapping their wings around the walls of the city, they re membered the “ abomination that maketh desolate” —they knew by these fearful signs that the hour had come. They looked not at Titus, they looked not at the legions. By the eye of faith they looked higher—far above the din of battle—far above the tumults of the people they saw the Son of man coming in His wrath. They remembered His words —lt was time to fly. They left the accursed city. Asa proof that we have not over-rated the case, it is a well-known tradition that no Christian perished in Jerusalem. So clearly were they warned by the signs of the times, that before the walls were completely invested they had fled to a place of safety, where, in solemn awe, they could witness the wrath of God. Such was Christ’s coming to ill-fated Je rusalem. With one blow of His mighty arm, the city fell to rise no more, ’till the fullness of the Gentiles be brought in. The completeness of the overthrow, was depicted in the following verses. The consid eration of these, however, I reserve for the next number. S. G. llillybr. Forsyth , Dec. 14,1869. Life and Death. “ What is life, father ?” “A battle, my child, Where the strongest lance may tail. Where the wariest eye may be beguiled, And the stoutest heart may quail: Where the foes are gathered ou every hand, Aud rest not day or night, And the feeble little ones must stand In the thickest of the fight.” 11 What is Death, father?” “ The rest my child, When the strife and the toil are o’er; The Angel of God, who, calm and mild, Says we need fight no more; Who. driving away the demon baud, Bids the dm of battle cease, Takes banner and spear from our failing hand, And proclaims an eternal peace.” “ Let me die, father 1 I tremble and fear To yield in that terrible strife!” “ The' crown must be won fer heaveD, dear, In the battle field of life; My child, though thy foes are strong and tried, He loveth the weak and small; The angels of heaven are ou thy side And God is over all!" Harvest Home. CHAPTER X. “ Then I saw in my dream that when they were come out of the wilderness, they presently saw a town before them, and the name of that towc is Vanity, and in jjt there is a fair kept, called Vanity Fair."” The lively little French lady, who had stopped Clara in the store to talk about the wedding, was right in saying, they must have had invitations. A search through the card basket proved the fact, and Helen trium phantly announced it, the same evening, soon after their return from the shopping excur sion, rushing into the library for the purpose, and overturning a footstool, in her eagerness to show them to her father. Clara, who was watering some plants at the window, turned to see what was the matter. “ See ! papa; here they are—Mr. Mont marie, Miss Montmarie, and Miss Helen ; Mr. Hartly Montmarie and Miss Lorrimer.” “ Yes, yes, Helen; I see. What of it ?” “ Why let us go, papa, every one of us.” “ Make young ladies at once of you and Lucy, hey ! while my modest Clara just be gins to think of it]” “ No, no; that wont make us young ladies —just to go to one weddiDg. We will not be invited again for an age, and this is to be the grandest affair-—you can’t think. Every body is talking about it, every seamstress and dress maker is hurried, making dresses for it. Madame Paris has sold all her prettiest wreaths and head-dresses, and Cunard says every one of his hands are employed making the confectionery for the supper. Do let us go. We will dress just as simply as possi ble. Lucy and I will promenade with you. Lucy, you know, is in mourning.” “ Which will make her feel entirely out of place in such a scene.” “ Not if she just looks on with you and Hartly, and I beside her.” “And must Hartly and I pin ourselves to to your apron-string, my imperial lady]” “ Yes, indeed ! you will both like it. Wont they, Clara]” “ Indeed, I can’t answer for them,” said Clara, laughing; “ but if you can manage to get to the wedding, I think you will forget to complain of their desertion.” “ Well, well, I promise to think of it, and let you know in time to prepare that very simple dress you spoke of. So be off at once to your sampler.” “ My sampler, indeed,” thought Helen, as she drew her slight form to its utmost height. “I am am yet quite child enough for that.” But she withdrew quietly at her father’s com mand. The wedding was not forgotten. As Helen had said, every body was talking about it, and great preparations were made for it. The parents of the bride-elect were wealthy and fashionable, gay and pleasure-loving. The young lady herself, though she had a warm little heart, which she had really given unre servedly to her betrothed, was not averse to making a triumphant exit from the theatre of her conquests; sighing, indeed, that American customs —such, at least, as prevailed in her native place—prohibited belleship to matrons. The heart, i say, was warm; but ill-regula ted, so that at a period when a thoughtful woman would be trembling and fearful lest the precious trust committed to her care should be wrecked—lest that she gave should be rashly yjjelded*—poo, - Louise gave at‘Last half her thoughts, and more than half her time, to the getting up of her trousseau, its silks, and laces, and jewels. Her friends, ot course, must not disgrace the occasion by an inferior toilet. So they exhausted ingenuity to get up something elegant. Helen had gained Mr, Montmarie’s consent to her attendance and Lucy's, if the latter would consent. Hartly was to go also, and all parties besieged Lucy with persuasions* Love of excitement was natural to her tem perament, and this desire struggled hard with her shyness. Finally it conquered sufficient ly for her to promise to go. A moment af terwards, she longed to retract it; but no, she said to herself, I am forgetting my dear mother’s lessons. This is a weakness. 1 will conquer it. The hardest trial to me will come when I have learned to love such scenes—not to care for them too much. The eventful day arrived. A keen No vember blast was sweeping down the avenue, and iqade Clara shiver, as she opened the door for her father and Hartly that evening. “ Mademoiselle Louise will have gloom enough outside to heighten the cheer within, if she likes a contrast,” remarked the latter, as he sprang up the steps. “ Where are Lucy and Helen 1” asked Mr. Montmarie. “ Getting ready for the wedding. I sent them up stairs fop that purpose,” answered Clara. “ I must go and see bow they pro gress.” Quite a noisy consultation seemed going on as she reached the upper floor : Rose, the mulatto servant-girl, who waited on the young ladies, declaiming loudly ou her favorite sub ject, interrupted by frequent remarks from Helen and Lucy. As she opened the door of their room, she found them just finishing Helen’s toilet. Lucy’s plain mourning dress was already arranged, and the last curl of Helen’s hair just unwound from Rose’s fin ger. “ Now the wreath, Rose,” said Lucy. “ You are not to wear ornaments, Helen,” objected Clara. ‘f Oh, this is only a wreath of ivy,” pleaded Lucy. “It just suited her.” And so Clara thought, when Lucy had fas tened the dark green leaves around the classic head, makiug a tout ensemble severely simple, yet in exquiste taste —the pure white drapery floating round her like a cloud of spray, caught back gracefully from the faultless arms and shoulders, leaving them shaded only by the shining golden curls. Lucy’s artist eye had seized upon the only appropriate addition to this toilet —the ivy-wreath, which only such a head and face could have borne. Clara turned at last from the lovely picture, to scrutinize Lucy. “ You are quite ready, Lucy, you say ?” “ Yes, I had very little to do.” “ But you look nicely. If you could manage to keep that color up, I should be perfectly satisfied. Come, Rose, and help me.” “Shall we go too?” asked Helen. “No, thank you; Rose can do all I want. Go wait in the sitting-room for papa and Hartly.” When Rose had braided the magnificent black hair, and fastened a moss rose in it, arranged the soft, rich lace to fall over the rose-colored silk, and clasped her mother’s pearls on her neck and bosom, she rose and surveyed the effect in a mirror frhich reflected her full length. “That will do,” she said, as the girl clap ped her hands with delight. “ Never mind going into ecstaeies; just hand me my shawl.” “ You will take the eyes of all the gentle men,” exclaimed Rose, with true darkey em phasis on the last syllable. In Clara’s mind, the question rose, Will Mr. Stanley be there? and she blushed on the instant at detecting such mn evidence of interest in the stranger. The party waiting down stairs, overwhelmed her with kisses and praises as she entered and threw aside her shawl, to give them an opportunity to criti cise. *' Clara, you are f splendid-looking,” said Hartly. “ I declare I never knew it till I saw you in that dress^f 5 Her father’s ey<?*rested on her very fondly, t- very proudly; then he hurried them into the close carriage, and wrapped them up snugly I for their five-miles’ ride. - The parlors at Mr. Alexander’s blazed with s light, and echoed *ith music. Dancing was to be the order of -lie evening, and the band played a beautiful wedding march as the guests arrived. The hour came for the wed ding—a hush felL on all, the bridal-train, rnefl and maidens, formed a double line, be tween which the b/ide and groom advanced to the temporary a.tar, at which the white robed priest was sending. A Latin ceremo ny—solemn, but rqeaningless to most hear ers—united t.hq ptar, and joyous greetings and Congratulations began: Mirth and music reigned undisputed. The Memphis Board S. B. 0. Erroneous impressions, I fear, are enter tained in certain in relation to the Sunday School Bo|u‘s, at Memphis. One brother asserts that4singular has characterized the u of the Sunday School Board of the SouthAi. Baptist Convention, at Memphis.” And ygara he says, that “ the Board at Mem pl'izHfltormani Tested -a singular disregard of the wjSp&s of the. Convention.” It is possible that others may be laboring un der a similar misil»ke; and, therefore, it is proper, perhaps, th*t I should, %s the official organ of the Boanif placa myself and my Board, rectus in curia. With your perinis sion, I will make a-V.mple statement of facts in relation to this matter, through the columns of your exce.lent journal, and leave your in telligent readers to form their own conclu sions. At the last meeting of the Southern Bap tist Convention, (which I did not attend in con sequence of sicknessjn my family,) I find that the Report of the Sunday ‘School Board was referred to a Special Committee, of whom Geo. C. Gunnor seems to have been chairman. That Committee offered* the following: 1. ‘ It is to be regretted that the Board found it necessary to accept the resignation of the Corresponding Secretary, aud we re commend the appointment of another.” The Corresponding Secretary, whose resig nation the Board “ found it necessary to ac cept,” was by the Convention itself in Baltimore; and»jao one, now, will doubt the wisdom of the Board, in accepting his re signation. The re< mmendation of the Com mittee that anothez*- Secretary be appointed in his place, has be-;n fully adopted, and one has been appointed, who is trying to work as well as he can for thp interests of his Board. There is, I submit, then, no great “ perversity" in the action of the Memphis Board in this regard; and no “ Angular disregard of the wishes of the Convention.” 2. “ In regard to tlze employment of Agents and Missionaries to arouse the churches to the discharge of their whole duty in the im portant work of Sunday school instruction, your Committee would suggest that the mat ter be referred to the Bo'ard, with the earnest request that their unmediate attention be given to it.” Thi/ second recommendation of the Committee fc/1 0 been observed to the letter; *;,nd Agent%-Jiji Missionaries have Seen employed, to' the fullest extent of its ability, by the Board, “to arouse the churches to the discharge of their whole duty in the important work of Sunday school instruction.” Our annual Report to the Convenfion will show to what an encouraging extent this work has been carried, with the scanty means at the command of the Board. I respectfully submit, therefore, that, in relation to this second recommendation of the Committee, the “ Board, at Memphis, h'as evinced no “sin gular perversity,"' and has betrayed no dispo sition to contravene “ the wishes of the Con vention.” 3. “We are gratified to hear of the success of ffind Words, which has been edited by tlze accomplished Mrs. Ford since the resiga tion of the Corresponding Secretary, and also to learn of the improvements contemplated, and we most cordially recommend it to the churches of our denomination.” The Board has kept a’steady eye on the matters referred to in this item of the Com mittee’s report. It has expended several thou sand dollars recently in the purchase of the good will and the subscription list of Child's Delight, together with all its valuable pic tures ; and the services of Elder Boykin, the talented editor of Child's Delight, have been secured in the editorial department of the united paper. With all these valuable cuts, and with the new and elegant pictures which it is intended to insert, from time to time, and with the combined talent of the Secretary and Elder Boykin, and the excellent writers for children whom they may be able to enlist, the Board hopes to make “ Kind Words-The Child's Delight," all that can be desired in a child’s paper, for Sunday schools. I submit, then, that, in relation to this third recommen dation of thS Committee, the Sunday School Board is not justly chargeable with “a singu lar perversity," in its action; or with “ mani festing a singular disregard of the wishes of the Convention.” 4. “As regards the publication of books, your Committee arc of the unanimous opinion that the condition of the field at the present time, requires the energies of the Board to be chiefly directed to the establishing and main tenance of schools all over the South. This work, we respectfully suggest, is of weightier importance just now than the publication of Sunday school books.” Now, in relation to this fourth and last re commendation of the Committee, I would just say, that the Board has entirely abstained from the publication of Sunday school books. It has neither sent forth any new books, nor re-published any of its old series. It has now in process of publication, it is true, the Ques tion Books of Dr. Manly, for which there has been a pressing demand. And even in the publication of these excellent books, not a dol lar of indebtedness has been incurred by the Board; nor has a dollar been expended out side of the Book fund. And then, as to the work of “ establishing and maintaining schools all over the South,” I would just say, that the Board is doing what it can in this direo tion, through jts State and A ssoc ' a tional aux iliaries, and through the personal efforts of its Secrei.ary, its “ Agents and Missionaries,” and other friends of the cause. A vast amount of gratuitous work is being done for the Board in this regard ; and a vastly increased amount of labor would be expended in this direction if the churches and friends of the cause, gen erally, would place at the disposal of the Board, a greater arnouDt of means. Ido then most respectfully submit, that in nO sense is it true that “ a singular perversity has charac terized the action of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, at Mem phis and that in no sense is it just to say, that “ The Board, at Memphis, has manifested a singular disregard of the wishes of the Con vention.” But it will be said, that appeals are being made in the personal addresses of the Secre tary, and through the public press of the de nomination, for means to publish books. This is not denied. The Secretary does not un derstand the report of the Committee to in hibit, entirely, the publication of Sunday school books. That report says, that, in their opin ion, “ the field at the present time" —not al ways certainly—“ requires the energies of the Board to be chiefly"- —not entirely “ di rected to the establishing and maintenance of schools all over the South and they sug gest, that “ this work is of weightier impor tance just noyi" —not forever —“ than the pub lication of Sunday school books.” If, there fore, the Board had gone much more largely into the publication of Sunday school books than it has done, it would not be justly charge able with “ a singular perversity" in its action; nor could it’be alleged, with any modesty or truth, that it had “ manifested a singular dis regard of the wishes of the Convention.” What has been said about the difficulties which environ this matter of publication; and the “ much danger" thereby threatened “to the best interests of the denomination,” the Secretary is too obtuse to see, as yet. And it may be a relief to some who are sensitive on this point to say, that although, “ in many portions of the South and West,” (l confess Ido not know where they are,) “opinions prevail among Baptists which are considered heterodox by the majority of the denomina tion ;” and although “ there are many Asso ciations existing,” (I do not know them, and ignorance here is bliss,) “ which are composed entirely, or for the most part, of churches hold ing such sentiments;” and although books, “ diverse in excellence, and differing in opin ions,” may be submitted to the Board for publication, they must all pass through the crucible ol zi rigid examination by the Secre tary, and be approved by the Committee on Publications, after* a critical scrutiny of the MSS, on their part, before they can be ad mitted into the series of our Sunday school books. But, if an individual, a church, an Associa tion, or a State Convention contribute SIOO to procure the stereotype plates for a good sized Sunday school book, will not the Board feel itself bound to publish the book, with out regard to its literary merit, its doc trinal sentiments, or its adaptation to lead children to Christ! I answer, no, NO. And it any individual, or any body of Baptists, or even Methodists, had contributed towards the publication of a Sunday sohool book, to be issued by our Board, under the impression that the Board does not reserve .to itself the right and the prerogative of judging of its merits by its Secretary, and by its regular Committee on Publication, then, the sooner they are enlightened on this subject, the bet ter. Our Board will publish nothing, old or new, that is not first approved by the Secre tary and by the Committee on Publication. And if any have contributed either MSS or money, under any other impression, they are at perfect liberty to withdraw their contribu tions at once. The rule of the Board, in this regard, is inviolable. So much I deem it necessary to say on this subject at present. As to the “ book question,” I am aware there is • considerable diversity of opinion amongst esteemed Sunday school workers. This is not the occasion for discussing the merits of that question. When the time comes for the consideration of the subject before the Convention, l sliall have some testimony to submit from various portions of our vast field, which will serve to show ho#r widely the the ory of a recluse may differ from the expert- enee of a vaiiatu. .soldier, amid the din and dust of actual battle. I will just put one wit ness on the stand at present; and he shall be an Alabamian. He says, in a recent letter : “ We have been trying to sustain a Sabbath school at this place, with the Baptist church, for three years. We have tried to raise funds for a library, on the union plan, so as to sat isfy everybody, but have so far utterly failed. Iu short, we are mighty poor, and have less liberality than means. It is impossible”—-‘ IMPOSSIBLE, mind—“ to sustain an inter est in Sabbath schools without books. These we have not. Hence our school is delicate sickly , For the good of the community, I belonging to no church, but of Baptist lean ings, have devoted my time, for three years, to°the school—the time 1 have been living here. Now, lam poor, too—had a tan-yard burned to the ground lask week—loss $1,200 —but I wish to buy myself your SIQ Library, No. 1, Can’t you help nm ip this good work ] —and how much ] for I can get r.o help here.” But let this suffice. My object in this com munication has been to vindicate my Board against the charge of “ a singular perversity," and also against the accusation of manifesting “ singular disregard of the wishes of the Con vention.” If I have succeeded in doing this, I am content. And, now, let me just say, that if any of your readers have entertained unkind thoughts towards the Memphis Board, and said unkind things in relation to it, I hope they will show their repentance as Zaccheus did his, “ And now Lord, the half”—a reasonable portion — “ of my goods I give to the poor”—the Sun. day School Board—" and if I have taken any thing from any man, wrongfully”—if I have withheld anything, wrongfully, from the Sun day School Board, “ I restore him four-fold,” I will give four times as much to the Board, bv reason of my past delinquency, T. C. Tbasdale, Cor. Sec. Memphis, Ten n., Let. 28 th, 1869. To tlie Baptist Sunday School Workers* of Alabama. As Chairman of the State Sunday School Committee, created at the late session of the State Convention, I beg leave to call your at tention to a most valuable auxiliary for your work. The Baptist Teacher is a monthly journal for Sunday school workers, published by the American Baptist Publication Society, 530 Arch Street, Philadelphia. It is edited by Rev. A. E. Dickinson , of Richmond, Vir ginia, (one the proprietors of the Religious Herald), and Rev. Geo. A. Pellz, of Philadel phia. The former of these brethren is too well-known to you to need any commenda tion ; of the latter , every report says that he is a conservative Christian pastor, writer, and Sunday school worker. The following ex tract, irom the January number of the Teacher breathes the “ true spirit,” and should meet an appropriate reception : “ For political issues we shall have no place whatever, We are confident that the motto of our late Convention, ‘ One in Christ will be accepted by Baptist Sunday school labor ers in ail parts of our land, and when the Baptist Teacher teaches, or acts upon any other doctrine, then it will be untrue tp the purpose of its present owners and editors.” 1 have examined the January number of this paper, and, judging from its character and contents, am led to believe that the Teacher will prove itselfa most invaluable adjunct in every department of Sunday school labor. To elevate the standard of Sunday school in struction, to extend Sunday school .missions, to disseminate information with respect to Sunday school organization and discipline, and to bind together all our Sunday school workers, are the noble object which it seeks to promote. For these purposes, it seems peculiarly adapted. The series of Bible Lessons for 1870, on the Life of Jesus, (to which attention has al ready been called, in the Index,) is most val uable, Each monthly issue of the Teacher will contain a lesson for every Sunday of that month. 1 have examined all of the most pop ular series of lessons in use, and prefer this to any of the others. This is also the opinion of more experienced Sunday school workers with whom I have conversed on the subject. I earnestly commend this paper to your attention and support. Every Sunday school worker needs it. The interests of the Sunday school cause in your field, demand it. The Pastor needs it; the Superintendent needs it; the Librarian and the Secretary ueecT it. But, above nil others, the Sunday scjjapl teacher needs it. For Sunday school teafthing is a science, in which we can never be too thor oughly instructed. And, as a science, it needs much development and elevation. As an auxiliary to that work, the Teacher is a ne cessity. Terms: 75 cents, single copy, one year; 50 cents, in clubs of 10 copies and upwards, to one address. 11. C. Townsend. Montgomery, Jan. 1870. - Elders—Ruling and Preaching. ‘“Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.”—l Tim. v: 17, 18. 1. Ruling Elders, men whose special office it was to rule,- seem to be distinguished in this passage. 2. Preaching Elders; men whose special of fice it was to “labor in the word and doctrine,” seem also to be distinguished. It has been held that the word here rendered “labor,” is “exhaustive,” meaning “ to toil, to work hard.” —Lidell and Scott. And that these strenuous ministers of word are simply distinguished from their less laborious coad jutors, each class to be honored in proportion to their laboriousness. There is ingenuity in this view, but it is not an obvious one. Be fore looking into a concordance, we find that the word in the original is most exactly ren dered in our version by “ labor,” and that in both cases it may be said that the term does not always imply “ toil,” but sometimes moderate exertion, such as most men exhibit in their several callings. If this be so, the construction is forced, or however moie inge nious than substantial. We fall back, there fore, upon the interpretation which an unbi ased mind would make, supposing no difficul ty suggested by the stronger meaning of the term in question, and assume the distinction we have indicated. The existence of a plurality of Elders in every church, agrees well with this interpre tation. The “ Elders” of the Church at Je rusalem are mentioned many times. Paul and Barnabas returning from their first mis sionary tour, came by the churches they had established, and “ordained them elders in every church.”—Aotsxiv: 23. Paul from Myletus, “ sent and called the elders of the church” at Ephesus.—Acts xx : 17. “ For this cause left I- thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are want ing, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”—Tit i: 5. It is not forgotten that the Church, collec tively, is the highest judicatory—the local church we mean. That question is set at rest by a fact mentioned in the second epistle to the Corinthians, in reference to the exclusion of the incestrous man. “ Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted by many,” literally, of the •major part, the majority. This may bfe shown in many ways, but that is not the matter now in hand. Our conclusion is, that discipline was or dinarily administered by the eldership of the church, with the privilege on one hand, and the right on the other, ot appeal to the church as a whole. Prudential reasons often force a judicious pastor to see to it that a delicate case be pre paredly the consultation of the wiser breth ren, before coming into church. Otherwise, “ firebrands, arrows, and death,” are scattered around. What right have we to dispense with a plurality of elders, whether lay or ministe rial I E. B. Teague. The Alabama Convention. Brethren of Alabama: We hold annually what we call, the Alabama Baptist State Convention.” This Convention, we under stand to be a “ Big Association, with simi lar powers to those of all other Baptist As sociations, however small. The only ad vantage that it has for doing more good than other or smaller Associations, is to be found in the fact that the body is composed of more talent, and represents a larger number of brethren —that is to say, it is composed of all the talent of all the others, and hence embodies all the elements of power in the Stale, in one body; that the whole of this power may be brought to bear in a given way, at a given time, for the accomplishment of a given purpose: herein consists its superiority. If this be true, it follows, that if the State Convention shall represent all other Associations in the State, and hence all the Baptists of the State, it will be able to accomplish the very highest good that the Baptists of the State can accomplish by any such Conven tion ; but if the State Convention shall not represent all the other Associations in the State, and hence not all the Baptists of the State, it will not be able to accomplish the amount of good that might be accomplished by the Baptists of the State, through said Convention. And such State Convention will fall short of doing the good that might be done by such Qgnvention, just in that de gree that it falls short of representing all the Baptists of the State. Now, if the Convention is held for the purpose of doing good, (and that is most cer tainly our object,) and if that good can only be accomplished in that degree in which the Convention represents the brethren of the State, (and I hold as self -evident, that this is the only way in which it can do good,) it then follows, as a matter of the very first importance, and as one vital to the interests of the Con vention, that it should represent, as nearly as possible, all the brethren in the State; and if upon examination it should be found that it does not represent thbm, but that they are being represented in other and smaller As sociations, not corresponding with it in any way, or if corresponding, doing it as a mere formality ; it will then most surely follow as a necessity to the usefulness of the Conven tion, that we devise some plan whereby it may be made most emphatically oor Con vention ; that is to say, the “Alabama Bap tist State Convention.” Now, brethren, if my understanding of what a Baptist Convention is, is right, (and if my views are wrong I hope some brother will present better ones,) we should next con sider the Convention in all its proportions, and see whether it has the cooperation of the Baptists of the State. Has it, brethren ? I need not tell you, no. You know the answer as well as I do. It is a fact, that large sec tions of the State, in North and East Ala bama, are not cooperating with the Conven tion. We need not say whose fault it is; to establish the fact is our object. Let us now consider some of the reasons why we are not together. The first and grandest reason is, the want of systematic thinking, and hence, the want of systematic action, that so gener ally pervades the masses of the brethren, from which results the want of orqanized effort, which constitutes the weakest ele ment in Baptist character, the very thing that are now deploring, Now, this state of WHOLE NO. 2472. mind is in direct antagonism to Associations of ail kinds and sizes; for they are advisory oouncils, having for their object the inaugura tion of organized effort; hence, this state of mind among the brethren must be oured (for it is a dangerous disease) before we can in duce them to enter in fully into the Conven tion. Therefore, brethren, we should not leave any means untried that would be like ly to remedy the defect. The second reason is, that quite a large number of Baptists in the State are opposed to the Convention, and prejudiced against it. They regard it at tame kind of a bugbear. They think it is a “money machine ,” for the support of a feu) favor ites, from which no good can result. They think it is composed of aristocrats, who would scarcely speak to a “ poor country Baptist.” These are terrible prejudices, and prevent thousands from co-operating with the Con vention ; but if these brethren could only bs made acquainted with it, these prejudices would be removed ; for they would find that the Convention was not, cursed with any of those things which constituted their objection to it. We must not curse our brethren be cause they have not co-operated with us in the Convention, for they are good brethren and want to do right; but we must sbk right before we can act right. I warrant that an acquaintance with the Convention will usually remove all the prejudices of this olass of brethren ; therefore no effort should be spared that will bring these brethren in contact with it, that they may be made acquainted with its operations, and learn to love it, and help it, and call it our Convention. I know that a great many brethren of the Convention, aud able brethren, too, think that all such objections as these have long since given way to light and knowledge. They found this opinion upon their knowledge of the country where they live, and it is true in regard to those districts, but not true of all. Brother Teague, during the last meeting •of the Convention, remarked, and truly too, “That many needed to be lassoed yet.” I was glad to hear him say it; for, brethren, I know that it is emphatically necessary in re gard to thousands. Let them be “ lassoed,” and their prejudice is gone. Brethren, I speak plainly in regard to these matters,*not fearing that I will be misunderstood ; fori want it distinctly understood that I am a friend to the Convention, and it is on this ac count that I have spoken as I have. Ido hope that when the Convention meets next year at Opelika, every Association in East Alabama will be represented. I hope that brethren who think it important that not only those Associations and churches that have heretofore been represented in the Con vention, but all in the State, will spare no pains in extending by personal effort, the in vitation to attend, more widely than it has been done heretofore. Brethren, we may do more good in the future than we have in the past. Let u3 fully awake, and in all the strength which God shall supply, go forth to plant the interests of the Convention in the hearts of the brethren, s6 that when it speaks and acts, it may speak and act with a majes ty and power .worthy of the brotherhood of the State. Let it be what it ought to "be. Not Air “Alabama Baptist State Convention,” but the “Alabama Baptist State Convention.” John P. Shaffer. County Line, Ala.,'Dec. 20, 1869. t A Good Omen. In a day of “rebuke and blasphemy?’ one hails with delight anything ominous of good to the Israel of God. Let every Baptist re joiee at the advent of“77ie Baptist Teacher a monthly journal for Sunday school work ers, published by the American Baptist Pub lication Arch Street, Philadel phia. In addition to the vast utility of such a publication, a most gratifying fact is reach ed : a Sunday school paper for the whole Baptist communion, East and West, North and South. The crippling policy of having so many publications of the kinfl is abandon ed, and one, ably edited by an editor North and South, is substituted for the thumbpaper issues of the past. The Lord be praised ! It is heart-sickening toevery lover of truth to see the Baptist family in the United States, with intellectual and physical forces enough to move the word, divided, and subdivided in their plans of doing good. This should not be, and the Master has so decided. The signs and tokens are good for a coming to gether. The “Baptist Teacher" will, a little monthly as it is, contribute largely to unify the great Baptist family. The time, the blighting time, is past for setting metes and bounds to the Baptist Israel of America. The bone of contention which was used by religious demagogues is removed, and noth ing but captiousness and self-interest now pre ventathe most satisfactory unification. Among Baptists, let there be no North, South, East, nor West; in their faith, practice, energies, lives and deaths, let them be “one in Christ Jesus.” Baptists have a great work to do ; a great battle to fight. They are the constituted and legitimate opponents of error, and it has been the wise policy of the “Prince of this world” to divide them in their counsels and energies. And alas I how well he has succeeded. But we “thank God, and take courage,” at the signs of the times. The Muster has rebuked demagogues. And what now prevents the whole Baptist brotherhood from rallying to the American Baptist Publication Society, and make it an engine of power all over the world 1 Why should not the Baptists at the South make it their Publication House ? They helped build it up in the good days of union and love. Business men, and godly men, have charge of it now, and let every Baptist thank God that they have such an institution, managed by such men, and rally to its support. And can any Baptist, in any Section, give a good reason, a reason that would stand the test at the Judgment, for more than one Board of Missions, Domestio and Foreign, in the Uni ted States ? The reasons that have existed do not now exist, and there should be but one Board and one Publication Society. Let Baptists away with their ponderous machin ery, and centralize their etlorts, and then the world will feel their power. No thoughtful person will envy the heart that can plead for * sectional efforts. As a man lam a Southern man, as a ChrisU ian I am a Baptist—an advocate for a united Baptist family. “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you ? or were you bap tized in the name of Paul ?” Let those who would keep up the old geographical bounds, thereby weakening the energies of God’s people, know assuredly that their davs are numbered. k. T. Worship of Makv. — lne JV-. Y. Observer says: Anew dogma, arising out of, and a natural sequence of the Immaculate Confti* tion, has been inculcated by Dr. Oswalcr — Romish theologian, who affirms in his “ Man--, ology “We maintain the co-presence of Mary in the Eucharist; this co-presence is the necessary consequence of our Marian the ory, and we have no reason to dread the con sequences which flow from it,” And “we believe that the presence of Mary iu the sacred elements of the Eucharist is complete, and that she is to be found perfectly consistent in them both in body and soul.” Is this new dogma to be broached in the Ecumenical Coun cil this month ?