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Jfjtikx ni Jiapttet
J. J. TOON, --- - Proprietor.
PUBLICATION BOOMS —A i. 8 SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Rev. D. SHAVER, D.D.
CORRESPONDING EDITORS:
Rev. Jr J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala.
Rev. S. HENDERSON, D.D., Fayetteville, Ala.
'THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1870.
Georgia Baptist Convention.
News an, Friday, April 22d, 1870.
At 11 o’clock, a. m., after prayer by WL Kil
patrick, the Introductory Sermon was preached
by J G Ryals from Jno zix: 80, “It is finished.”
At the close of the sermon, P H Mell, Presi
dent the previous session, announced as a Com
mittee on Credentials, C M Irwin, B F Tharp, T
B West, W N Chaudoin, J W Johnson, M N Mc-
Call. The Convention adjourned, to 3 o’clock,
r. m.
At that hour, the Convention assembled, and
prayer was offered by M J Wellborn. The Com
mittee on Credentials reported as follows :
Associations.
Appalachee. —B S Sheats, G A Nunnally.
Bethel. —D A Yason, R J Bacon, W H Cooper,
T H Stout, J T Clarke, W M Davis, C M Irwin, R
S Jackson, R J Hogue, W N Chaudoin.
Central.— E W Warren, T J Burney, D E But
ler, A M Marshall, F M Haygood, G S Obear, G
B Bealer, J W Fears.
Columbus. —J Harris, M J Wellborn, B W Bus>
sy, A D Phillips, J H DeVotie, 0 C Willis.
Ebenezer. —G R McCall, M N McCall, H Bunn.
Hephzibah. —J J Davis, W H Davis, W L Kil
patrick, H A Williams, G Stapleton.
Houston. —L Joiner, A J Beck.
Middle Cherokee. —J G Ryals.
New Sunlury.— S Landrum, D G Daniel, Wm
H Stark, W M Janes.
Rehoboth.— B F Tharp, W C Wilkes, S G Hill
yer, T H Mann, J S Lawton, B W Whilden, J H
Weaver.
Flint River.— W G McMichael, A E Cloud, E
M Hooten, J M Wood, J D Stewart, P A Lawson,
J A Whitaker, J G Kimball.
Sarepta.—A. Chandler, L W Stephens, J W
Johnston, T H Hawkins, E J Reynolds, W T
Thornton, A J Kelly, F H Ivey, J B S Davis.
Washington.—W I Harley, W J Nortben, I W
Duggan, T J Cumming.
Western.— H C Hornady, A R Callaway, U B
Wilkinson, R H Jackson, J H Hall, T H Murphy*
F M Daniel, H S Reese, H Carmichael, J F Aw
try, T N Rhodes, W 0 Tuggle, R W Hamrick.
Bowen.— R Fleming.
Georgia. —P H Mell, J R Young, J H Kilpat
rick, T B West, W A Overton, B M Callaway, M
M Landrum, J W Ellington, J L Brown, H H
Tucker, J E Willet, J W Wingfield, S P Sanford,
C N Daniel, H Neeson.
Mercer. —J Mcßryde.
Friendship. —G A Loftin, J T Hooten.
Stone Mountain. —W D Atkinson, AT Holmes,
W Thames, W H Strickland, T B Cooper, E Stead
man, D Shaver.
Societies.
Greensboro Missionary Soc. —H M Burns, T D
Sanford.
Madison Ch. Miss. Soc.—C M Irwin, J E Chiles.
Marietta Ch. Miss. Soc. —S Earl, D J Dobbs.
Bairdstown Miss. Soc. —J R Sanders.
Young Men’s Miss. Soc. of Mercer University.—
J L D Hillyer. :
Rome Ch. 'Miss. Sec.—L R Gwaltney, J D
Green.
Columbus Ch. Miss Soc. —H S Estes.
The Convention proceeded to elect officers, with
W H Davis, B F Tharp and J R Sanders as tellers.
P H Mell was re-elected President, G R McCall
Clerk, and N A Bailey Assistant Clerk.
A season of devotion was held and prayer of
fered by J Barrow, J T Clarke and J H DeVotie.
It was decided to spend a half hour, each morn
ing, in devotional exercises.
The hours of session daily were fixed os fol
lows: from 9 a.m., to 12iP.M.,and fromStoSp.M.
Fairburn Association applied for membership
in the Convention. Its articles of faith were
read and approved, and its representative, J S
Dodd, welcomed to a seat, with the right hand of
fellowship; also G B Davis, G R Moore, B Luck.
The following Committees were appointed by the
Chair: On Preaching —A T Holmes, U B Wil
kinson, J E Robinson, B Sheats, D A Vason, J W
Johnson, J L Brown. On Finance—3 E Willet,
W H Stark, W M Janes.
Visiting brethren were announced as follows :
W J King, J 0 Camp, S P Callaway, J Barrow,
W S Tweedles, G W Burson, J M D Cates, Gen
eral Association of Middle Tennessee, G E Brewer,
Alabama Baptist State Convention, M T Sumner,
Cor Sec and W N Chaudoin Agent of Domestic
Mission Board, T O Teasdale, Cor Sec, and F M
Haygood Agt of Sunday School Board, S B C, A
D Phillips, Missionary to Africa, and R J Hogue,
Missionary to the Indians.
The Report of the Executive Committee was
read and referred to a Committee, R Fleming, chair
man. It appears that four young ministers are
sustained at Mercer University through funds
contributed by the churches, and one by the ac
tion of an Association. The Hearn School still
gives satisfaction: Palemon J King, Principal.
The Report of the Board of Trustees of Mercer
University was referred, after reading, to a com
mittee, J G Ryals chairman. The endowment
amounts to $132,000, with the real estate at Pen
field estimated to be worth SBO,OOO. The income
of the past year was $12,336, of which $2,722 80
was from tuition. The success of the institution
is obstructed by insufficient funds, by the loca
tion, and the want of concentration of the de
nomination on the University. The charge for
tuition has been increased from S6O to SBO a year.
Prof J E Willet has received a prize of SSOO from
the American Baptist Publication Society for the
best treatise on the Power and Goodness of God
as illustrated by Modern Science.
C M Irwin offered the following: “ Resolved ,
That the present location of Mercer University is
unsatisfactory, and that the institution should be
removed.” J T Clarke moved its indefinite post
ponement; when, (the hour of adjournment hav
ing arrived,) the Convention closed its evening
session with prayer by G E Brewer.
At night, Rev G A Nunnally preached from
Job xxxl; 14
Saturday, April 23rd.
The morning session of the Convention was
opened with prayer by J M Wood, and 16
minutes spent in devotional exercises, led by S
Landrum; prayer by J Mcßryde, L R Gwaltny,
and E W Warren.
Committees: On Report of Executeie Commit
tee / R Fleming, J H Kilpatrick, A M Marshall,
B W Bussy, G Stapleton, L Joiner, J S Lawton,
F M Daniel
On Report of Board of Truttees of Mercer ;
J G Ryals, A E Cloud, L W Stephens, I W
Duggan, R H Jackson, D G Daniel, W A Overton
and J H Hall.
On Decerned Minitiert ; D E Butler, H Burns,
T H Stout, F M Haygood, S G Hillyer, A Chan
dler, W I Harley, H A Williams.
On Education ; W M Davis, J T Clarke, W
D Atkinson, W C Wilkes, R J Bacon, W J North
en, H C Hornady, G A Loftin.
On Nominations ; E Steadman, T J Burney, H
S Estes, S J Pearce, G S Obear, R S Jackson, S P
Sanford, J T Wingfield.
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOOTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA„ THORSDAY, APRIL 28,1870.
On Missions; M J Wellborn, A D Phillips, R
J Hogue, B W Whilden, W G McMichael, A J
Kelly, T B Cooper, M M Landrum.
On State of Religion; E W Warren, L R
Gwaltney, J S Dodd, W H Striekland, J Mcßryde,
J M Wood, A R Callaway, J R Young.
On Temperance : J H DeVotie, H H Tucker*
F H Ivey, P A Lawson, G A Nunnally, T H Mur
phy, C 0 Willis, B M Callaway.
The resolution of C M Irwin, as to the removal
of Mercer University, was taken up. J. T. Clarke
spoke. The question of the location of the Uni
versity, he said, has from the first been a matter
of divided opinion; and it should be discussed, as I
the only expedient for setting the mind of the
denomination at rest with regard to it It should
be discussed with fraternal spirit, since, as a I
whole, we have no personal interest in it The
present question is, nakedly, whether the Uni
versity may not be advantageously removed
leaving the questions of its future location, and
the time and mode of removal, if the resolution
prevails, to be decided afterwards. He favored
the resolution because Penfield has some inconve
niences incident to itself, which render it ineligi
ble. There is a scarcity of water, as the wells j
dry up in summer and some ot the citizens have
to haul water for Commencement gatherings. It
lacks business attractions for capital. It is diffi
cult of access, being removed from the railroad.
It is, therefore, obscure, lacking the circumstances
which bring Institutions to the knowledge of] the
general public. The University, on this account
loses patronage —because many do not know that
it is there to send to, and some who know it, send
their sons where they may secure the advantages
of graduation at institutions of conspicuous and
known and general reputation. The Commence
ment gatherings are chiefly from the immediate
neighborhood, as the population of the town,
though liberal and doing the best they can, could
not entertain crowds from all parts of the State;
and without these crowds on such occasions, the
University and its merits cannot be generally
known. There is no hotel in the place, and one
cannot be sustained there. Hence, notwithstand-
ing the ability of the Faculty and the ample en
dowment, the patronage has been (and for these
reasons must be) limited.
The Convention adjourned to hear a sermon I
from Rev A B Earle, of Mass.
[We regret that our notes of the proceedings
on Saturday evening, by some miscarriage, have
failed to reach the office, and we cannot now re
produce them. With the aid of the report of the
special correspondent of the Constitution , we
give the following outline, as the best that can be j
done in the hurry of the morning.]
J. T. Clarke resumed his speech. “He stated
that while only seventy persons from a distance
visited Penfield during the last Commencement,
the cars were running for several days, filled with
visitors going to Athens to attend the Commence
ment of the State University.”
D E Butler, President of the Board of Trustees,
read, in response to an enquiry from J T Clarke,
a paper adopted by that body, as follows: " While
the Board, as such, will not raise before the Con
vention the question of removing the University,
yet if that question, being before the Convention,
the opinion of this Board be called for by any
one, the President be authorized to say that the
present location is unsatisfactory, and that a bet
ter one can be chosen; and that we think the
choice of a location can be safely left to some
mode of future consideration with a good hope of
satisfactory concurrence of views on that point”
He said that the University “ was well and wise
ly located by ita founders day; jt was a
success up to the great upheaval of our country
by the war. But it can never succeed again in
Penfield. The University was located at Penfield
because the Manual Labor School was already
there. If difficulties are to be met, let us meet
them ; if financial troubles are ahead, let us look
them in the face; if lawsuits are unavoidable, the
rights of parties must be tested; but rather let
us not go to law with one another, but choose out
wise and good men to settle our differences.”
W H Davis opposed removal. “He asked what
we wanted with a Baptist College in Georgia ?
Was it simply to afford facilities for an education
in literature ? If so, we may well dispense with
it. But if the object be to disseminate truth, then
some such retired spot as Penfield was better than I
any populous city in the State. The distinguish- I
ed men who have graduated there are the best
illustrations of this fact. By leaving Penfield we
would lose our buildings, which are worth $40,-
000. First decide upon the location, and then 1
remove; and if you put your shoulders to the
wheels and your hands in your pockets, we will
be found at your side."
C M Irwin “ thought a man should first decide
whether it was best to remove, and then where.
He did not admit that the College was a success
before the war. He took issue with the President
of the Board on that subject.”
J L D Hillyer, delegate from the Missionary
Society of the University, stated, that of the 73
students now in the Institution, 65 were desirous
of removal. They were cut off, in a large degree,
from the refining influence of female society ; and
young men kept for four years in such seclusion,
were apt to come from College, “educated gawks.”
The question should be settled, for agitation will
continue until the University is removed or a rival
Baptist institution is established.
S Landrum obtained the floor, and the Conven
tion adjourned to Monday morning.
At night, S G Hillyer preached from Romans
xv; 29.
On Sabbath, in the Baptist church, a Children’s
Meeting was held at 9-o’clock, a. at., conducted by
T C Teasdale and F M Haygood; D Shaver
preached the Education Sermon at 11 o’clock, A. m.;
A D Phillips delivered an address on Missions at
3 o’clock, p. m. ; and H H Tucker preached at
night:—in the Presbyterian church, S Landrum
preached in the morning, and F H Ivey at night;
in the Methodist church, in the morning, E W
Warren preached, and at night W C Wilkes. Bro.
Phillips received by collection, sll2, and during
the entire meeting, $630.40 for Foreign Missions.
Mosdat, April 26th.
The Convention met at 9 o’clock, a. m., with
prayer by T B Cooper. Devotional exercises were
conducted by B W Whilden, and prayer was of
fered by F M Haygood and R Fleming.
The discussion of C M Irwin’s resolution was
resumed, aDd S Landrum spoke. He had advan
tages as to acquaintance with the subject growing
out of a residence of five years at Penfield and a
service of sixteen years on the Board of Trustees.
He read a resolution of the Savannah church,
“ that the best interests of the Institution will be
promoted by its removal to a town or city pos
sessing larger and more inviting advantages.”
1. The removal, at some time or other, is a neces
sity. Dissatisfaction with the present site is so
wide-spread and decided, as to exclude the hope of
allaying and extinguishing it In anew site, we
would have the advantage of experience in Uni
versity building. The patronage of the denomi
nation has not been secured where the Institution
now is—-creating a necessity for an additional en
dowment of SIOO,OOO that we may go on as we
now are. 2. What good the University has done
and is doing, ought not to prevent removal. The
question is—can we not secure greater good else
where ? Secluded education is one-sided; educa
tion, to be thorough and broad , must be among
the scenes of active life. “Faculties” run in a
groove and are fitted into a mould, when placed in
a secluded site; they need contact with cultured
intellect outside of their own band to broaden and
widen them. Four years of student life with
out society—female society, specially—expose,
through ennui, to the temptations of vica; and
these temptations are in city and country alike.
Training for professions, (the ministry included,)
should be in a city, since that fits for city and
town positions, (positions in which the apostles
chiefly labored;) and those who are fitted for these
positions, as the greater includes the less, will be
fitted for labor in the country. By the sacrifice
of the local patronage secured by location in a
city, we are paying say SB,OOO a year for the
privilege of staying at Penfield. Our fathers
changed when they saw it wise to do so: and if
we could recall their spirits now, they would coun
sel us to act in that way.
G M Irwin suggested that the motion of J T
Clarke and his own resolution should be with
drawn, for the sake of introducing a compromise
proposition.
J T Clarke declined the suggestion. He thought
that the Convention should decide the question of
removal, as the largest body of representatives of
Baptists in the State, and in order to end all sus
pense on that vital question. He withdrew his
motion and called for the previous question, but,
on request, withdrew the call.
D E Butler renewed the motion of indefinite
postponement
W H Davis thought Penfield the very best loca
tion in the State for Mercer as a Baptist College,
training young men to leave their imprint on the
denomination. A town, with sufficient accommo
dations, is better as a location than a city. It is
better socially, because the numerical strength of
the denomination is in villages and the country ;
and city training engenders manners which are a
barrier between young men and the great body
of our people. It is better intellectually, afford
ing opportunities for quiet study, apart from the
distracting excitements of the city. It is better
religiously ; as the Faculty in a city would be
tempted to a milk-and-water policy, to attract gen
eral local patronage; and the local patronage
must be sacrificed, if they would exert a proper
Baptist influence over the students. It is better
financially, for a city location tempts to the ex
penditure of money, and doubles the expenses of
student life. Penfield has not now all the accom
modations needed; but we have now buildings
there which elsewhere would cost $50,000, and
can put what else is necessary there, with less cost
and more harmony than anywhere else. Remo
val will occupy five years, and, in that time, law
suits, etc., will fritter away half the Mercer en
dowment Thirteen years ago, eminent lawyers
gave the paid opinion that removal might endan
ger that endowment. Penfield is not an obscure
place; only four miles from the rail-road, it is sub
stantially a rail-road town. Our fathers placed
the institution there, and that should endear it to
our people, and make it more feasible to lead them
to work for it at that point than elsewhere.
M. J. Wellborn would not repress discussion.
Mercer, whether at Penfield, or in process of re
moval, is weak enough to need unity of feeling and
concert of action from all the brethren. Penfield
has never been able to unite the denomination. If
there are lawsuits to go against us, let us meet the
demands of law and equity, and not, to spare
that expense, sell the truth for money. Let us
place the Institution on the highway of travel and
commerce, at some point which shall be a centre
for “ reconstruction” to the denomination from all
parts of the State.
W. L. Kilpatrick, as an advocate of unanimity,
proposed a compromise between the friends and
opponents of- removal. He- is-®et in favor of re-*
moval per se ; but will concur in it if concert of
action cannot be secured without, and can be se
cured with it. Let us know where we are to go,
before we leave Penfield. To secure unanimity,
it is necessary to settle, first, the cause of the want
of success at Mercer since the war. Is it the fault
of the place, or of the men ? Is it the fault of the
Board of Trustees, or of the Faculty ? If of the
latter, the Trustees should remove them; if of
the former, they should resign. If it is the fault
of the place, and it cannot be remedied, then let
us remove. But let us send competent men to go
and see where the fault is. And then (to settle
the second point necessary to unanimity,) send
them to various localities to see where the most
eligible site and the best terms can be secured.
He read the following paper as embodying his
proposition:
“Whereas, The location of Mercer University,
at Penfield,*is unsatisfactory to very many of our
brethren; . , . . ,
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed con
sisting of one member from each Association rep
resented in this body—which member shall be se
lected by the delegates of each Association respec
tiveiy_tbe names to be presented before this
body at ■— o’clock.
Resolved, That this Committee shall, through
subordinate Committees, (appointed before the
final adjournment of this body), ascertain what
inducements may be offered at various places in
the State, for the removal of Mercer University to
any one of those given places ; also what may be
the legal claims of property-holders in Penfield or
any other parties against Mercer University, in
case it should be removed, and if any such legal
claims exist, on what terms they may be settled ;
also whether the local inconveniences of Penfield
can be removed.
Resolved, That this Committee shall meet at
Penfield at the time of the next Commencement,
and shall then decide the question of removal,
and if it decides to remove —to determine the
place. , .
Resolved, That this Committee report its deci
sion forthwith to the Board of Trustees of Mercer
University; and that this Board be and hereby
is instructed to carry into practical effect such de
cision at as early a period as possible.”
H. C. Hornady thought that we should decide
whether we will remove before we look out for a
new site. We need an Institution to educate the
mass of our sons, not ministers merely; local
patronage makes an Institution large; and as
large bodies aggregate others to themselves, the
University in an eligible location will gather our
sons into it Adjourned with prayer by M. T.
Sumner.
C O Willis offered prayer at 3 o’clock, and the
discussion of the Mercer University question was
resumed. J H DeVotie said that the design of
the fathers who founded the Institution was, to
train our young ministry and to educate the sons
of Baptists. This latter design has never been
accomplished, because of its faulty location—mak
ing the University like a whale in a mill-pond.
Mercer was so dissatisfied with the selection of
Penfield as to withdraw ss,ooo—one-half of his
previous subscription from the endowment of
I the Institution. This dissatisfaction is shared by
the present Board of Trustees, Faculty and Stu
dents, and Baptist parents, at large, throughout
the State, (as they will not patronize it). There
should be an expression of this dissatisfaction by
vote here, now; for many are here under instruc
tion to cast such a vote ; it would be unbaptistic
to refer the question to a Committee instead ; and
if the Convention disapproves of the policy of the
Board of Trustees, it is due to the Board to say it,
and let it get out of the way. We have no right
to wsate one dollar of the funds of the fathers,
contributed for education, to keep up Penfield.
There are a number of cities who will give us, to
secure the location of the University in their
midst, much more than the $30,000 we sacrifice
in surrendering thp present site.
D E Butler, as President of the Board of Trus
tees, urged a vote on the resolution, that it be
known whether the Board is or is not represent
ing the Convention.
W H Davis did not wish the issue changed.
There is no question as to the Board—no call for
a vote of commendation or cei sure. He favored
the compromise, as securing harmony whether
the University is or is not mo ed.
J H DeVotie did not was a change
of issue. If the Convention lisapproves of re
moval, the Board of Trustees to resign in
stanter. J
W L Kilpatrick had not tfftised the “ lifting”
of the Board. He had only urged the adoption
of a course, which would bripg out the real cause
of failure, and secure agreement in judgment in
the premises. Whether therault was in the men,
not the place, he had mentioned simply as one of
the points of legitimate inqury.
A R Callaway wished a vde against indefinite
postponement, in order to introduce the compro
mise proposition. If the proposition delays ac
tion, that may be well; for Removal may necessi
tate a change of charter, andit would be unfortu
nate to have that question, brought before our
present Legislature, “ so-called.” The proposi
tion, too, may lead to an afoidance of lawsuits
and injunctions in case of removal.
J D Stewart said that applications for changes
of charter, under the present Code of Georgia, go
before the Superior Courts, not before the Legis
ture.
D E Butler withdrew thet motion for indefinite
postponement, and J T Clarke called for the pre
vious question. The call wks sustained, and the
question was taken on the resolution of C M Irwin,
which prevailed by a vote to 16.
J D Stewart offered the (Slowing preamble and
resolutions:
“ W hereas, The Georgia Baptist State Conven
tion now in session, has decided by vote that the
present location of is unsatis
factory, and that the University ought to be re
moved; *
Therefore, Resolved by this Convention, That
the Trustees of Mercer University, together with
a Committee composed of one delegate from each
Association now represented in this body—said
committee-man to be selected by the other dele
gates of each Association respectively now present
in this body,—be and they are hereby instructed
to select anew location for Mercer University,
after fully investigating the claims and advantages
of each locality.
Resolved, Secondly, That said Trustees and
Committee are hereby autfJorized to do and per
form all acts necessary to be done, in the removing
and establishing said University at such place as
they may deem proper.” #
The mover of this paper urged the necessity of
immediate action —and the expediency of action
through a Committee froat all quarters of the
State, in connection with the Board of Trustees.
The Committee proceeded to consider the reso
lutions, one by one. C M lywin offered an amend
ment to the first; pending the consideration of
which, a motion to adjourn to 8 o clock, p. m.,
prevailed, and prayer was offered by J H Kilpat
rick.
Praver at 8 o'clock, by W L Mansfield.
The order of business was suspended, and the
Report of the Committee on Missions was read by
the Chairman, M J Wellborn. It appears that
the debt of $17,500 of tffl Domestic Board has
been reduced to $2,000, with the prospect of im
mediate liquidation. Its receipts amounted to
$22,573.55—an increase of some $3,000 over the
present year. The number of missionaries under
appointment has been enlarged from 26 to 64; and
225 persons have been baptized. Eight missiona
ries in the Indian Department have baptized 118
of “ the dusky race.”
M T Sumner delivered an address, showing wise
and vigorous action on the part of the Board, and
an increase of harmony and co-operation on the
part of the where estrangement
once reigned. Nearly part of the receipts
of the Board, the past yS^ame-from the State
of Georgia. The summary of labors and results,
during the quarter of a century since the organi
zation of the Southern Baptist Convention, is
cheering to those whose faith and funds have been
consecrated, in good measure, to this work. At
the close of the address, a collection was “ lifted,”
amounting to $247.55. The whole amount re
ceived by Bro. Sumner for Domestic Missions du
ring the meeting was $1,046.22.
A Committee of one from each Association was
appointed, to nominate delegates to the Southern
Baptist Convention.
The resolutions of J D Stewart were taken from
the table. The first resolution was amended by
requiring the selection of the Committee of dele
gates from the respective Associations, to be made
during the present session of this body, and by
the addition of the following proviso: “ Provided
that each Association here represented by only
one delegate, shall be represented in said Commit
mittee by the delegates now attending therefrom,
and that the following brethren from Cherokee
Georgia be added to the Committee: Alfred
Shorter, A W Buford, Mark A Cooper, J J How
ard, W L Mansfield.” The preamble and second
resolution were adopted without amendment; and
the President of the Board of Trustees was made
chairman of the Committee.
Resolutions, presented by T H Stout, were
adopted, recommending Kind Words to all our
Sunday schools, and bespeaking the co-operation
of the churches with F M Haygood, as agent, for
this State, of the Sunday School Board of the
Southern Baptist Convention. T C Teasdale, Cor.
Sec. of the Board, spoke. He testified to the in
creased activity of the Board, the growing in
terest of the denomination in it, the destitution
which calls for its exertion, and the prospects of
usefulness opening before it
A D Phillips read a communication from J B
Taylor, in which he says: “ Since 1861, we have
not found so much to encourage us in our new
work; and we are about to commence anew series
of operations in sending, the word of life to the
perishing.”
Prayer by W A Overton.
Tuesday, April 26th.
Prayer at 9 o’clock by H. H. Tucker.
The Treasurer of the Convention made his re
port, which was ordered to be printed. The fol
lowing is the recapitulation: Permanent Fund
for Education, $18,672.45. Orphan Fund, sl,-
800. Permanent Mission Fund, $216.80. Hearn
Legacy, $5,195.16. Town Lot Fund, $634. For
eign Missions, $5. Domestic Missions, S2O. Sun
day School Board, $24.70. Indigent Ministers,
sl. Total, $26,569.11. The receipts for the
year, $8,612.80.
Correspondents were appointed as follows : To
Alabama Baptist State Convention: F M Haygood,
D Shaver, D E Butler, J H Hall, Y Wood, R H
Jackson, J G Ryals, W H Strickland, U B Wil
kinson, R Fleming, W O Tuggle, M J Wellborn,
J H DeVotie, J F Hooten, F M Daniel. To Gen
eral Association of South Eastern Alabama: W
L Kilpatrick, F M Haygood.' To Florida Conven
tion : N A Bailey, G R McCall, D G Daniel, R
Fleming, T B West, W N Chaudoin, F M Hay
good. To South Carolina Convention: W L Kil
patrick, M J Wellborn, F H Ivey. To Mississippi
Convention : J H DeVotie, J F Hooten.
Cartersville was selected as the place of meeting
for next year.
Appointed delegates to the Southern Baptist
Convention, as follows: P H Mell, G R McCall,
N A Bailey, H A Tupper, E A Steed, G A Loftin,
J F Hooten, E C Gordon, B W Bussy, F M Hay
good, W M Oliver, J J Jelks, Jas F Glover, M N
McCall, F M Daniel, W I Harley, J H Kilpatrick,
J M Fulgham, J M Wood, A E Cloud, L T Doyle,
C Peeples, J A Whitaker, J F Awtry, J O Pitts,
J H Fanning, H O Hornady, R P Zimmerman, S
Earle, W H Dean, D J Dobbs, A F Kendrick, S
P Callaway, A R Callaway, U B Wilkinson, J H
Hall, H H Tucker, W T Brantly, E W Warren,
S G Hillyer, C M Irwin, W N Chaudoin, T H
Stout, R W Fuller, G Stapleton, J C Black, J
Dixon, D B Plumb, J J Pearce, H A Williams,
E R Carswell, W H Davis, W L Kilpatrick, G W
Callaway, A Chandler, J C Gibson, F H Ivey, Z
H Clarke, L W Stephens, I W Johnston, J S
Hamilton, M A Cooper, A W Ruford, P E Haw
kins, J R Hanks, J J Howard, J G Ryals, R Ha
den, S Boykin, E Steadman, W D Atkinson, A T
Holmes, T B Cooper, W H Strickland, A K Seago,
L G Crawford, D A Vason, W M Davis, W H
Cooper, J S Lawton, J M Callaway, S Landrum,
J H Weaver, J E Walker, J H Stockton, J Hill
man, P B Robinson, J R Young, J W Ellington,
T W Callaway, T B West, C C Willis, M J Well
born, LRL Jennings, J J Brantly, D Shaver, T
J Burney, J E Chiles, G S Obear, J B Walker,
A M Marshall, W Hearn, J W Fears, G B Bealer,
I M Springer, E Jewell, J R Seals, D E Butler,
W C Wilkes, B F Tharp, J H DeVotie, C S Gaul
den, L R Gwaltney, A Shorter, J C Brown, G A
Nunnally, B S Sheats, J M Stillwell, A D Free
man, D B Hamilton, B Mallon, D G Daniel, F B
Sweet, W H Stark, R Fleming.
The Committee on Deceased Ministers reported,
appropriately referring to N. G. Foster, Jonathan
Davis, Berry Pealer, Jesse B Battle, J F Swanson,
B F King, and Jas McDonald, who have died since
the last session of this body. A solemn admoni
tion !
The Executive Committee was elected by ballot
as follows: Thos Stocks, T J Burney, D E Butler,
P B Robinson, W G Woodfin, J E Willet, J R
Sanders. Treasurer: T J Burney.
W L Kilpatrick was appointed to preach the
Introductory Sermon next year, (F M Daniel al
ternate,) and H H Tucker to preach the Education
Sermon, (L R Gwaltney alternate.)
Reports on Education, the State of Religion,
Temperance, the Report of the Board of Trustees
of Mercer University, the Report of the Execu
tive Committee, and Finance, were read and
adopted. From the latter report it appears that
$1,178 05 were received by the Committee during
this session, and $242 72 contributed directly to
the objects named and reported to the Committee:
collections during the meeting $430 70: total
$1,851 47.
The names of the Committee to act with the
Board of Trustees of Mercer University, were an
nounced as follows: Georgia Association: J H
Kilpatrick. Rehoboth: J S Lawton. Central:
G S Obear. Washington: W I Harley, Flint
River: J D Stewart. Fairburn: G R Moore.
Ebenezer: G R McCall. Hephzibah: W H Da
vis. Bethel: R J Bacon. Bowen : R Fleming.
Western: U B Wilkinson. Columbus: C C
Willis. Friendship: G A Loftin. Mercer: J
Mcßryde. Middle Cherokee: J G Ryals. Sparta:
F H Ivey. Stone Mountain: W D Atkinson.
New Sunbury: W H Stark: Appalachee: G A
Nunnally. Houston: L Joiner.
Resolutions commending the Index and Bap
tist and the Home and Foreign Journal to the
patronage of Georgia Baptists, presented by M J
Wellborn, were adopted. These resolutions re
quested the Proprietor of the Index and Baptist,
to cause the Eductions Sermon preached on Sab
bath to be published in the columns of that paper.
One thousand copies of the Minutes were or
dered to be printed.
Dr Dagg’s work on the Evidences of Chris
tianity was characterized, by resolution, as one
that ought to be universally read, and that ought
especially to be in the hands of all our ministers.
Adjourned, sine die, with prayer by D G Daniel.
An Unexpected Treat.
As we passed the railroad depot of our town, a
few days ago, the agent called our attention to the
fact that there were two barrels in his depot for
us. We could not imagine where they were fronj.
After examining the freight way-bill, we saw that
they were from Kentucky. Now, we wondered
who, in all the noble old State of Kentucky, could
have done this good thing. It seemed that the
question was not to be decided. But after the
barrels were gotten home, it was discovered that
the name of Wm. Sprigs, of Glendale, Ky., was
written in pencil marks on the heads of the bar
rels. This is the only clue we yet have to the
matter. And therefore, we have set it down to
the generosity of this noble brother —whom we
never met but once or twice. To say that we ap
preciate this treat scarcely expresses our feelings.
From our heart we thank him.
But what did these barrels have in them ? One,
the finest article of “ white wheat flour.” The
other, the finest article of Kentucky apples. When
we opened this last named barrel, our children
danced round, shouting, “ Mr. Sprigs is a good
man.”
We are also just in rceceipt of a fine “study
gown,” presented by two of the best women on
earth :—one of them in Montgomery and other
at this place. We shall think of them many a
time as we sit at our study table in this gown.
God bless our friends. K>
Last Days of John E. Dawson, D.D.
The writer of these sketches finds it necessary,
in order to preserve the chain of kindred events,
not to observe so much the order of time as the
order of things. This will necessitate him occa
sionally to go back to develop other facts and
events, possessing an independent interest. Thus
it is with the present paper.
Before brother Dawson accepted the appoint
ment tendered him by his Georgia brethren, and
which we referred to in the last article, his health
had so far recovered as that he consented to preach
the Commencement Sermon of the East Alabama
Female College. This was about the Ist of July,
1858. It so happened that the late Dr. Manly
was engaged to deliver the Annual Address on
Commencement day, on the same occasion. This
was the first time these two men had ever met.
From some cause, Dr. Manly did not reach Tus
kegee until Sabbath morning, just in time for the
service. As he had heard much of Dr. Dawson,
and as he desired to bear him to the best advan
tage, he chose to drop in quietly and take a back
seat, and thus avoid those attentions that would
have been shown him had he appeared on the
rostrum. Not willing to trust himself in his usual
method of extemporary preaching on account of
his delicate health, the speaker had written out
his sermon in extenso. As he rose to introduce
the service, his tall, commanding form, brilliant
eye, with a countenance glowing with just enough
excitement to enchain the immense audience, Dr.
Manly could not restrain whispering in our ear,
“ What a noble personnel /” The sermon, though
not equal to some we had heard from Dawson,
met the full expectations of his friends. It was
well thought out, earnest and practical, and de
livered in a clear, round, and somewhat tremulous
voice, so that every syllable was heard by an
audience of perhaps a thousand persons. For
clearness of conception and enunciation were
among the excellencies of this great man. Words
with him were what colors are to an artist—they
gave you an exact image of his thoughts. We
remember that, at its conclusion, he addressed a
few words of counsel and warning to the young,
which brought “ tears from eyes not used to
weep."
That Sabbath evening, after the service, as we
have intimated, Dawson and Manly met, for the
first time. We believe it was in the parlor of the
venerable Dr. Battle, the life-long friend of both
parties. It was an interview which one is not
likely soon to forget. There were just such differ
ences—contrasts, we had like to have written—
between the two ministers, as to draw out the ex
cellencies of each; —like the negative ar.d positive
poles of an electric machine, which are essential
to create a current. The mild, genial, modest sim
plicity of Manly ; the bold, fearless, masculine
spirit of Dawson ; the sweet, subdued, seraphic
piety of the one; the noble, stately, imposing
Christian manhood of the other —together with
such contrasts in thought and style as tho reader
can readily supply—each served to vary the fig
ure, as a mutual back-ground to set off the lead
ing characteristics of the other. Altogether, it
was such an interview as a man seldom witnesses
in life’s pilgrimage. We would as soon attempt
to impart the fragrance of the rose to this paper,
as to essay a reproduction of what passed between
these two brethren on that Sabbath evening. It
was emphatically “conversation seasoned with
salt.” A bond of enlightened Christian union
and sympathy sprung up spontaneously between
them, as if they had been life-long “ companions
in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.”
And O, blessed thought! that union, so intimate
and tender, formed on that calm, quiet Sabbath
eve, is now perfected In the home of the blest.
We had intended to incorporate into the above
sketch, a short account of a series of “ Missionary
Meetings,” immediately following the events here
alluded to, but it would take up too much space,
and we shall reserve it for the next article.
H.
Rehoboth Indian Mission.
Mt. Holly, 18th April, 1870.
I enclose a letter from brother Murrow.
Perhaps it would stimulate some of our
brethren to do more for the poor Indians, to
read what he says of the spirit of our little
Indian church. You may publish all of the
letter excepting the part relating to myself
and family. I will receive and faithfully ac
count for all sums sent me for the support of
the native preacher, brother Eu fa-10, men
tioned by brother Murrow.
J. 11. Stockton.
Dear Bro. Stockton: I have very good
news from brother Wm. Eu-fa-10. He has
been quite successful in his labors of late,
baptizing several. In connection with his
labors, a Methodist native preacher, of long
connection with that society, and one of their
staunch supporters, has been baptized, sta
ting that the Methodists are wrong in doc
trine and practice, and he wished to be right.
Another man, (quite a smart and influential
Creek man—National Treasurer,) who was
once a member and minister (licensed) of a
Baptist church, but who became demoralized
in the war, has recently made acknowledg
ments to the church (near Eu-fal-o’s) and been
restored. This fyas caused great joy to him
and others.
He says he has never recovered perfectly
the use of his eyes: they are very weak. He
speaks of his poverty and want, and begs for
help.
To prove to you that Indians are disposed
to contribute to the support of the gospel, I
proposed to the little Indian church of only
21 members, and not a year old, at this sta
tion, to adopt and support brother James
Williams, an old Choctaw preacher, and let
him go into the destitute parts of the country
and preach. They agreed at once, and delib
erately pledged him SIOO a year, $72 of
which were immediately subscribed, and part
paid. This shows the right spirit, does it not ?
I am determined that all my churches (nine
now) shall give according to their ability.
Pray for me, for brother Eu-fa 10, for Indian
Missions. I will beg for money for others,
for myself I beg prayers. Ido not want
money, but O! I need and beg your prayers.
May God bless you. He has blessed you in
the conversion and confession of your chil
dren. Yes, you may well rejoice. 1 have a
1 little motherless* daughter at* Forsyth, Ga.
Please ask those young converts of your
family to pray for her, that she may early
find Christ, and then will 1 feel easy for her.
I have written in haste and under difficul
ties; but I feel unwilling to close, no one
scarcely to talk to. J. S. Murrow.
Ah-to-l a C. N., West of Ark., March 29, 1870.
Florida.
In your issue of the 14th inst., you express
a desire to hear from the Baptists of Florida.
The reason why you do not hear of them
through the writer of this article, is for the
desire we entertain to have the Index freight
ed, as it is, with valuable matter. We sin
cerely hope that it may continue to preserve
its well-earned reputation as no second-class
paper. Ordinary communications will be a
detraction from its merit, and should, there
fore, be scrupulously avoided.
Supposing you might construe silence into
a want of appreciation of the sentiments of
kindness you express for us, inclines me to
respond.
As you are aware, we are a weak people in
gospel ministers and church members. As
to the former, we grow weaker yearly.
Deaths and removals has thinned our ranks.
A quarter of a century since, I removed to
this State and found about a score of preach
ers. Os that number about three remain.
Their places are not being filled with young
men. The reminiscence of the past saddens
my heart. Once we flourished. The various
objects of benevolence we sustained.
But the glory is departed. Zion languishes,
and we mourn. Yet our God reigns, and we
should not despair. Amid all, the interest in
the Sabbath school cause has inereasad. We
have more than doubled the schools in a
twelve-month.
The worthy agent of the S. S. B. was with
us last week, well received by our people,
and his address to the children gave universal
satisfaction. We regard the Board as pecu
liarly fortunate in securing his services. He
is doing a good work and doing it well.
If we had any denominational information
with which to cheer you, we would lengthen
our communication; but being therein defi
cient, we close by saying, the Index is a wel
come visitor in our house, giving great pleas
ure and more profit. H. Z. Ardis.
Madison, Fla., April 18, 1870.
North and South in Council.
Yesterday morning, in taking a casual
glance at the leading articles of the Tribune
of the day before, my eye was arrested by
the names of Revs. Drs. Jeter, Crawford,
Crane, Samson, Boyce and Broaddus, of the
South, in connection with the National Baptist
Educational Convention, then in session at
the Pierpont street Baptist church, Brooklyn.
I immediately started off for that point,
actuated, not more by a desire to refresh my
vision once again, than by the great interest
I felt and take in the cause of education. 1
might as well, however, confess to a little
weakness, that my speed was somewhat ac
celerated, knowing such persons were within
seeing distance. I was a silent, but by no
means disinterested observer of the proceed
ings that day, of that peculiar meeting. Few,
if any, then and there present, experienced
emotions altogether similar to those which
thrilled my own heart. Five years since, the
two sections had laid down the weapons of
deadly warfare; and to behold, after so brief
a lapse of time, in a Northern city, our breth
ren of the Baptist denomination, South, sit
ting in council with those with whom, for
years, we had held no fellowship,—and that,
too, in perfect Christian harmony—was a
scene sublime; one well worthy of record.
1 would write more, but you will get the
particulars in detail, and in due form, lay
them before your readers. I communicate
simply to give expression of my admiration
of the Christ-like spirit which pervaded this
Convention of men from the East, West,
North and North. God perpetuate it !
Clkmentia.
New Tori, April 22,1870.
Revival in Eufaula.
I began a series of meetings with m v church
about two weeks ago, and up to last Tuesday
night, labored “ solitary and alone” in the
good work; —not alone, either, for we had
one excellent sermon from brother Reeves.
The interest gradually increased, and, up to
the time mentioned, there were several inqui
rers who presented themselves for prayer. I
was then reinforced by brother Chaudoin of
“ Cottage Home,” near Albany, Ga., ajid he
has preached several of his melting sermons
this week, with excellent effect. The inqui-
Kers have increased in number, three happy
ouls have professed conversion, and others
are emerging from the darkness of nature into
the marvellous light and liberty of the chil
dren of God. We trust this may be but the
beginning of a truly refreshing season.
M. B. W HARTON.
Eufaula, Ala., April 18, IS7O.
Ordinations.
On the call of the Baptist church at South
Newington, Chatham county, Ga., Sabbath,
April 17th, Elders Allen Edwards and S B.
Sweat, with the writer, set apart brother John
G. Norris to the full work of the gospel min
istry. Elder Sweat preached the sermon,
Elder Edwards examined the candidate upon
his doctrinal views of theology, the writer
made the ordaining prayer, imposition of
hands by the Presbytery. The charge was
given by the writer. The right hand of fel
lowship was given by the Presbytery. Broth
er Nunnie was ordained to the office of the
deaconship at the same time and place.
Brother Norris has accepted the pastoral
charge of the church—will preach every Sab
bath. The above is a working church, and
promises to support its pastor well.
Rev. L. Price and myself constituted a
church in Bryan county, Ga., second Sunday
in April, 1870. W. O. Darsky.
Savannah , Ga., April 19 th.
Correction.
In your issue of April 14th, by a printer’s
mistake, I made to say, “it would be crimi
nal to advocate a rival paper,” under certain
circumstances. Instead of criminal , I wrote
cruel. Lower down, where lam made to say
“for schools too poor to take a paper,” it
should have been printed, “take a weekly
paper.” S. Boykin.
South-Eastern Alabama.
Having met Rev. Wm. Pritchett, Mission
ary of the General Association South east
ern Alabama, we gathered these facts from
him : His field of labors embraces the follow
ing counties: Covington and Coffee, Ala., and
Santeroza and Walton, Florida. In all this ter
ritory great destitution in religious literature
and preaching prevails, and has for ten years
past. During this whole decade there has
been scarcely any preaching in these four
counties; and there are many others in the
same region equally destitute, from the best
information had on the subject. The Board
directed him to select such a field for his
work as he could compass each month, by ap
pointments. About ten years ago, Zion
Association had a missionary, Rev. E. J.
Rogers, preaching in this country, and he
then organized churches, but they have been
long neglected, and, as a consequence, some
of them have wasted away ; others still exist,
but have been doing nothing, as churches.
Some of their houses of worship, even, have
decayed and gone out of use. Since brother
Pritchett has been preaching to them, already,
in places, they are building new houses. He
hired a pilot the first trip, to conduct him
through the country and help lay off his work.
On approaching houses, Mr. Rogers, being
acquainted, would speak familiarly to the peo
ple, saying, “ Hete I am to see you again,
with a preacher, the missionary of the General
Associations; and not unfrequently the wo
men would clap their hands and thank the
Lord that they would hear preaching again
before they died. He has made three tours,
filling appointments, and finds that great anx
iety prevails everywhere to hear the gospel.
Parts of this region are sparsely inhabited,
being “ low piny wmods, interspersed with
gaulberry and tight-eye swamps.” There are
many high-land ponds, abounding in fish in
great variety. Such is the general anxiety to
hear the gospel that people go as much as
twenty miles to meetings. One woman sixty
years old walked ten miles the same morning
to hear the sermon. She came up and greeted
the minister warmly, and thanked God for send
ing him to preach to the people. A Baptist
man by the name of Stokes walked nineteen
miles in time to hear the text announced.
While the great majority of these people
are very kind to, and considerate of, the
preacher, there are some that “ regard not God
or Devil.” This class often spend the Sabbaths
in fishing and hunting. There are but five
postoffices in all this territory, and many live
forty miles from post facilities. Brother P.
goes home once a month, and begs religious
papers and tracts for distribution among these
people, and they are read by them with avidity
and gratitude, often returning to those who
sent them, hearty thanks. At the request of
the missionary, 1 now make an earnest appeal
to Baptists for religious papers and tracts.
Will not Baptists who are enjoying all the
means of grace, send religious papers, (when
they have read them,) and buy ar.d send good
tracts to Rev. Wm. Pritchett, Aberfoil, Ala.,
who can tell what good a single paper or tract
might do sent to these people? He is greatly
encouraged with the prospect of a general gra
cious revival and displays of saving grace at
no distant day. The people eagerly hear the
gospel, and receive the word with joy, extend
ing their hands to the missionary, begging an
interest in his prayers. Baptists holding
church letters meet him at these appointments
with letters in hand, and ask the privilege of
joining the church. At one time five were
received. How unlike the conduct of many
holding letters in towns ! He is urging the
people to have Sunday schools, and they are
now being organized in places. At one point,
ten dollars was contributed to purchase books
for the school. What a field of destitution,
spreading over South-east Alabama and most
part of Florida! It was this, that being to the
General Association of South east Alabama,
little more than a year ago, the organization
was entered into by the warmest friends and
supporters of our Boards, with the conviction
that a great work would soon be done that
would not at an early day, if ever, without it.
The Executive Board needs twenty thousand
dollars and twenty men—active, earnest mis
sionaries to occupy this vast field. It is com
posed of a noble set of brethren—such as
Priest, of Troy, Paullin, of Clayton, Shorter
and Wharton, of Eufaula, and Calloway, of
Newton. They are just beginning, and have
but little means, and no doubt doing the
best they can, under the circumstances. It is
hoped that they will soon, through agents,
appeal to our populous communities for
money and men to send the gospel of salva
tion throughout all this region.
Wm, H. Carroll.
Union Springs, Ala., April 16, 1870.
Temperance.— Rev. Dr. Chickering calls
our attention to the organization of the Wal
nut Street Presbyterian church, in Evansville,
Indiana, which provides, among other com
mittees, for one on temperance, whose duty
it is, from time to time, to appoint temper
ance meetings and to submit a pledge of total
abstinence to all who are willing to sign it,
the signers becoming thereby members of the
“ Walnut Street Church Temperance Society.”
Revival.— “ We ought to have a revival
365 days in the year, said Col. Ray, at a
recent Sunday School Convention.