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66 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.