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About Christian index and South-western Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1866-1871 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 18, 1870)
126 Jfttibc xn& fSaptiiSt. J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor. PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 l 6 SOUTH BROADWAY. Editor: Rev. D. SHAVER, D.D. CORRESPONDING editors: Rev. J. J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala. Rev. S. HENDERSON, D.D., Fayetteville, Ala. THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1870. Accident to-Rev. Dr. Henderson. Our Talladega associate, in a brief note of the 14th, conveys painful intelligence. He says: “ Have you heard of brother Henderson’s injury by rail train accident, when returning from an ap pointment in Calhoun county to Fayetteville, on the morning of the 3rd of August ? Near Oxford, the passenger coach was thrown from the track, killing one man and hurting many others. Among this number was Dr. Henderson, who was wrenched in his back and painfully cut in his face. The dear brother made a very narrow es. cape. For the preservation of his life we are truly thankful to God. We believe his injuries are not serious or permanent.” We chronicle this untoward event with grieved heart; but rejoice that the life of our brother was shielded from the power of the enemy, and hope for his speedy restoration to full health and vigor. Joy iu Worship. The Christian Union, in an article highly ap preciative of “ the Episcopal Liturgy,” says: ‘‘We think that there is one phase of religious feeling which finds but little expression here--the sense of personal nearness to God and Christ, the joyful familiarity of love, to which the soul may sometimes rise.” The absence of this element the Union excuses on the ground that “ it is in the nature of things almost impossible that ster eotyped forms should largely express emotions of this class,” and that “ love in its glowing mo ments uses words which it would be almost pro fane to crystalize for regular repetition.” The Un'on deems it, “therefore, rather a merit than a blemish, that the tone of the Prayer Book scarce ly ever departs from the reverence which implies a certain distance.” We have an inspired liturgy; and this is marked by a striking unlikeness to the Episcopal Prayer Book, in tho feature over which our con temporary throws the veil of apology. “The reverence which implies a certain distance” is not wanting in the Psalms; but where will you find more fervid utterances of love or more rap turous strains of joy than there ? The Holy Ghost appears to have had no misgiving as to the propriety of “ crystalizing ” these words for rep etition through the ages. Surely, it cannot be that worship, while yet in its Jewish incomplete ness, rose to loftier heights than become it now, when distinctively Christian. Either the inspired or the Episcopal liturgy is at fault in this matter; and to which the blame attaches cannot be made a question. It must be ‘rather a blemish than a merit, 5 to stereotype forms of devotion for the Church of Christ, adapted only (or chiefly) to a lower plane of experience than found expression in the temple at Jerusalem. To exclude the higher type of piety from the service of the saints, in the (perfect) dispensation of the Spirit, must be grievously an error—a sin against “ the grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glo ry of God.” The joy and hope which are reciprocally born of each other, enter into normal Christian expe rience as essential elements. “ The kingdom of God,” —His reign in the soul—“is righteousness, and peace, and joy in tiie Holy Ghost.” Not merely do the Scriptures recognize this as a height “to which the soul may sometimes rise," —rise “in glowing moments:” their mandate is, “Rejoice evermore —rejoice in the Lord alway!” When the soul does not soar to it, therefore, some serpent-fold of evil in us fetters its wing—some warp and bias of our own deflects the work of the Spirit from its legitimate course—some inbred night mingles shadow and mist with the day which might otherwise be perfect. Now, if stereotyped forms of worship are adjusted rather to this ab normal, defective, guilty stage of experience than to the fullness and overflow of Christian privi lege beyond and above it —is not a false philoso phy of spiritual life implied? Is not sanction given to this state of feeling, as the natural and permanent, not the exceptional and irregular, outgrowth of true godliness ? Is not an arrest put on the steps which should be quickened to “press toward” greater “personal nearness to God and Christ?” And by the “regular repeti tion” of “crystalized words” which breathe no “joyful familiarity of love,” are not men tempt ed to linger and languish hopelessly in “dis tance,” not simply as reverence implies it, but also as superstition, or formalism, exaggerates it? The practical influence of a liturgy which gives “little expression” to so vital a “phase of reli gious feeling,” cannot but prove hurtful to growth in grace. When Nehemiah said to the Jews, “ The joy of the Lord is your strength ,” he spoke, through them, to believers of every generation ; and the soul must be smitten with weakness, in proportion as its forms of worship fail to awaken and to embody that joy. The power of Rome to enslave men lies in her power to obscure and hinder “ the joy of the Lord.” Implant in the bosom the scriptural, evangelical “assurance of salvation,” and you break her yoke—her captives are set free. But to the extent to which she can involve the rela tion of the soul to God in perplexity and doubt— can strike dumb the inward witness of peace with Him; to that extent a widening slough of “dis tance” interposes between the Saviour and the sinners ransomed through His blood, and oppor tunity is afforded for the multiplication of cum brous ceremonies, as so many (slippery) stepping stones, over which we may make our dubious way to the Kingdom of the Cross—to the Crown of the Conqueror there. This incertitude as to our spiritual state and final safety is the true corner-stone of Romanism —lying below the sur face, indeed, and therefore overlooked by the su perficial eye—and yet really bearing up the huge superstructure of rites and forms, which consti tute the “sacerdotal” and “sacramental” sub stitute for the Divine religion of the heart. Now, “the joyful familiarity of love" is precisely that “phase of religious feeling” which must be lack ing in a liturgy, in proportion as this germinal error of Romanism presides (consciously or un consciously) over its formation. Given, a Prayer Book framed by those who, once under the unal loyed influenoe of this “ first falsehood ” of Pa pal theology, have not yet been purged from all cPegs oMi, —and, reaaorrvng a priori , we would expect to find the fioefc marked by the very fea ture which the Christian Union, points out and palliates. We do not hesitate to say, then, that in this feature lies the mere latent and the sub tlest Romanism of the Episcopal liturgy. There is a more obvious Romanism in it, which one of the ablest journals of that denomination deplores, as accustoming men to “ the ideas, the nomencla ture and the practices” of the Great Apostacy. But if that were pruned away, might the knife of revision be safely laid aside? Docs not the less palpable Romanism of which we speak, without awakening suspicion, smoothe the way for the perverting power of the Romanism which lies more on the surface ? The work of the reviser will never be accomplished, until the “ glowing THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA, THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1870. moments” of Christian love and the “vivid emo tions” of Christian joy obtain expression in the Prayer Book, after the model of the inspired lit urgy. But the point of view from which this subject overlooks the freer worship of our denomination, is the one most important to us. We pray, as Tertullian expresses it, “ without a monitor, be cause from the heart.” And do we sufficiently remember that ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength' in worship —whether we plead with Him for our fellow-men, in intercession —or, by presentation of the truth, plead with our fellow men for Him ? Does a listless formality never drone through services which ought to set the soul on flame? Are we not often content with the “proprieties” of collected thought, a grave manner and a solemn spirit, while we kindle with no fervors—rise to no raptures ?’ Oh, if we would have “ power with God and with men,” and would “prevail,” the joys of the great Sal vation must be restored to us and cherished by us—must wing shafts of thought and feeling from burning hearts to hearts which they shall cause to burn. It is the voice of these joys singing in the soul, and echoing through the words of the mouth at the throne of grace and in the pulpit,— it is this which “wakes the dull, cold ear of (spiritual) death” in those around us. And it is in their voice that the voice of God speaks most audibly to us—stirs most mightily within us. When will the churches awake to cry out after that chief gift from “ the Master of assemblies,” —thp.t Bis joy may he in us, and that our joy may he full ? Some Good Tilings. We have been so much engaged, of late, in protracted meetings, that it has not been con venient for us to write for the paper. This, however, is a very small loss to our readers; for the Index never depreciates on account of our absence. We take up our pen now with the profound est gratitude to God for His great grace upon one of the churches of which we are pastor, — the Pleasant Grove church, seven miles north of Talladega. We began with that church a series of meetings on Saturday before the first Sabbath in August, and closed the second Sabbath—when we had the pleasure of bap tizing twenty rejoicing converts, and received nine by letter aud one by restoration, making an accession of thirty members to the church. The church was blessed with the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit the first day, and it is an interesting fact that we had conver sions every day to the close ; backsliders were rescued, and old letter-holders were revived and led to the path of duty ; and we baptized every convert, though some were previously not of the Baptist persuasion. Jn this revival the church added at least one third to its strength in every respect —in moral worth, in intelli gence, in influence, in numbers and in wealth. Elders W. C, Mynatt and G. Mynatt were with us four days, and rendered the very best service. The holy and blessed God be praised for this gracious visitation. We recently spent four days with brother W. C. Mynatt, at his Blue Eye church, and in company with brethren W. Wilks and P. Castleberry. We also spent four days with brother W. W. Kidd, at his Spring Creek church, in Shelby county. Both these churches were greatly blessed ; but as we left before their meetings closed, we cannot speak defi nitely of the number converted ; but we know that each of them received some good acces sions. Brother Smyth, of Oxford, recently bap tized ten, as the result of a series of meetings at his Tallassehatchee church. We were not in his meeting. Some three weeks ago we organized a col ored Baptist church in Talladega Town of nearly two hundred members—they having never before left our church. It is a pleas ing fact, that when they called for letters, they requested the pastor and officers of the church they were leaving to meet with them and act as organizing council. We also ordained four deacons and two ministers for them. One of these ministers is a young man of great pro mise. They will soon have finished a house of worship worth at least three thousand dollars. The season for the assembling of our Asso ciations in Alabama will soon be at hand. We beg the liberty to urge our brethren to ap point delegates and make provision for rep resentation in our next Stale Convention, which will meet in Opelika. It is painful and humiliating that so few of these bodies in this State are in cooperation with the Convention. This is not the result of opposition, but indif ference. Brethren, let us improve; let us come together and work together. We hope to see an increased number of the lay breth ren of our churches in the next Convention. They will be largely repaid for all the trouble aud expense which their attendance will cost them ; besides, their presence will add in fluence, dignity and weight to the body. We hope to say more on this subject soon. Reviews and Notices. The Pastor and Preacher : A Memorial of the late Baron Stow, D.D. By Rollin H. Neale, Pastor of the First Baptist church, Boston. Pp. 96. Daily Manna for Christian Pilgrims. —By Baron Stow, D.D. Pp. 128. These are appropriate companion-volumes, and have been brought out in tasteful style. The first contains the address commemorative of Dr. Stow’s life and ministry delivered before the Trustees of Newton Theological Institution by Dr. Neale, and afterwards repeated in Tremont Temple. It sketches bis character and labors, with a pencil, loving indeed, yet discriminative. The second furnishes, for every day in the year, a verse of Scripture, an analysis of it, and a stanza in har mony with it. These brief analyses are so sim ple, and clear, and comprehensive, and spiritual, that, for their length, we scarcely know their equals anywhere. The two volumes will be sent to any address by the publishers,—Gould <jc Lin coln, Boston, —on receipt of the price,—$1 each. Job TuFton’s Rest : or, Ways and Means. A Story ot Life’s Struggles. Bv Clara Lucas Balfour. New York: National Temperance Society. Pp. 332, with 3 full-page illustrations. This is a reprint of a very interesting English work. Tba power of strong drink for evil and of total abstinence for gopd, are at once truthfully and strikingly portrayed. The career of Martin Qliphant and of Francis Withering must impress on the minds of the young the most salutary les sons. Boys, both rich and poor, should read it Life at Home: or, The Family end its Members, By ltev. William Aik man, D-D. New York: R. Wells. Pp. 249. Price: plain cloth, SI.CQ ; gilt extra, $2. For sale, Atlanta , by J. J. ts S. P. Rich ards. This work treats, in nine chapters, of the Family Relation; —Husbands and Wives, —Husbands,— Wives, —Parents, —Children, —Brothers and Sis" ters,—Employers and .Employed,—a»d the Altar in the House. A flowing style, a sound judg ment, and a Christian spirit characterize it Its circulation would contribute effectively to “ Domestic happiness, the only bliss Os Paradise that has survived the fall.” An Illustrated History of the Bible : Being a con nected Account ot the Remarkable Events and dis tinguished Characters contained in the Old and New Testaments, and in Jewish History during the Four Hundred Years intervening between the time ofMalaehi aud the Birth of Christ, including also the Life of Christ and His Apostles ; the whole embracing a period of four thousand years. With notes critical, topographical and explanatory. By John Kitto, Doctor of Divinity and Fellow of the Society of Antiquities; Author of the “Loudon Pictorial Bible,’ “ Cyclopedia of Biblical Litera ture,” &c. Edited by Alvan Bond, D.D., formerly Professor of Biblical Literature in the Theological Seminary at Bangor, Me. Assisted in Geology by Prof. C. H. Hitchcock, late of Amherst College. Embellished aud Illustrated by about three him tired Engravings, including accurate copies from the Nineveh Marbles, from Ancient Egyptian Paint ings, and from articles now in the British Museum ; and a large number of Engravings from designs by Gustave Dore, the most eminent of living anists ; together with maps of the Countries of the Bible, and a Portrait of the Author, engraved on steel. A royal octavo volume; pp. 735. H. Dill, publisher, Norwich, Conn. L. Fullilove, agent , Atlanta. Ga. Price: cloth, $4.75; Arabesque leather,. $5.25; half Morocco, $6.25. The name of Dr. Kitto is a sufficient recommen. dation of this work. It embodies the fruit of his vigorous intellect, sound scholarship, life-long re search and evangelical piety, as devoted to the effort to furnish a harmonized history of the events recorded in Holy Scripture. The American edi tors have increased its value. It is simple in style, while keeping abreast of the latest results of Biblical criticism, and is at once popular and learned. The student of the Sacred Volume will find in it a mass of information which is nowhere else brought together within so narrow a compass and clothed in so attractive a form. We are not surprised that, in the hands of the present pub lisher, it hns reached a sale of some two hundred thousand copies. It would be an appropriate present from a Sunday school class to its teacher, or from a congregation to its pastor. Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc. Georgia. Rev. Bedford Langford, of Clarke, county, twen ty-five years a minister, writes to us that he has been sorely afflicted for five years, but during the last few months has been able to labor some in the vineyard of the Lord. Kentucky. The Bethel Association reports a membership of 5,298, in 58 churches, 498 baptisms during the year, and a net increase of 245.—Rev. B. T. Tay lor has returned to Henderson, from Urbana, Ohio. Our church at Albany has had 12 accessions. Missouri. Erastus S. Eyerly was ordained to the minis try, July 21st, at Nodaway church, Holt county: sermon by Rev. W. R. Northrup. Anew church has been organized at Prairie View school house, Audrain county, called (from the adjacent stream) Littleby, and Rev. M. Powers chosen as pastor. Bethlehem church, Ralls county, has received, 44 additions; Wolf Island church, Mis sissippi county, about 20; Little Niangua, Polk county, 36; Cypress church, Scott county, 25. Charleston Baptist church are known to pray in public or in their families. The pastor and his wife, though they live a distance of three miles from the meeting house, attend the weekly prayer meeting regularly, and read the Scriptures, talk and sing, and pray, and then close the meeting and go home without hearing a word of exhorta tion or prayer from any one else; even the Sun day school is superintended by one who makes no religious prentensions.” North Carolina. The church at Jonesboro has had four acces sions by letter and five by baptism. Rev. H. Petty accepts the call to the pastorate of our church at Charlotte. Rev. A. D. Cohen con ducts a school at Newbern, and preaches at Kin ston, LaGrange and Fort Barnwell.—Rev. John Ammons is laboring in the Western part of the State as Missionary of our Sunday School Board, Memphis. Our church at Greensboro worships in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, their own house being old and insecure. Pastor Fontaine is trying to sell it so as to build anew one. Forty-three persons have professed, in a revival in our church at Edenton, beginning among the Sunday school children. South Carolina. The report of the Executive Board, at our re cent State Convention, Greenville, was decidedly the most cheering of any made since the war.—- The State Convention and Board of Trustees de cided to raise an additional endowment of SIOO,- 000, for Furman University, and E. V. Pope, Esq., of Newberry, was appointed agent for that pur pose. At the Convention, Rev. J. L. Reynolds, D.D., delivered a discourse on the early history of the denomination in the State, and was ap pointed to deliver one, next year, on the history of the Convention. A Committee was appoint ed by the Convention to report next year a plan for supporting aged and infirm ministers, and the State Mission Board was instructed to ascertain their number, and the number of indigent fami lies of deceased ministers, and to raise a special fund to meet their wants as far as possible.—— The sessions of the State Convention are to be held hereafter on Thursday before the last Sunday in November. -A Historical Society was organ ized during the session of the State Convention ; Rev, J. L. Reynolds, D.D., President; Prof. J. B. Patrick, Secretary; J. J. Carwille, Treasurer. Texas. Good Hope church, Washington county, has had 23 accessions, the result of a recent meeting. A meeting at Plum Grove church, Fayette county, was crowned with 27 accessions to the church. Old Navidad church, Fayette county, has had a revival and 22 accessions. Tennessee. Round Lick church, Wilson county, has lately built a house of worship for the colored people of the community. At a recent District Meeting of Southern Methodists at Woodbury, a Sunday School Mass Meeting was held Lord’s day after noon, and the Baptist Sunday school was invited to attend. The President of Soule Female Col lege, Murfreesboro, in a speech, said, that as he was baptized when an infant, he knew nothing about it, but was glad of it, for children should be consecrated when young, and the commission shows that “ all nations,” men, women and chil dren are to be baptized. At the close Bishop McTyeire commended the speeches very highly, Rev. D. H. Selph declines the Professorship of Theology and Moral Philosophy in Union Uni versity, Murfreesboro, and visits Lexington, Mo., to decide whether be will accept ttie Presidency of the Baptist Female College there. Virginia. A Richmond minister writes to us : “ Our Col lege looms up; prospects roost encouraging. We expect two hundred students. Baptists ought to send to us, instead of to the University, Wash ington College and the Military Institute,” Indeed they ought! Rev. N. B. Cobb resigns charge of the Fourth street church, Portsmouth. Rey. C C. Bitting, Lynchburg, has undertaken to prepare the Statistics of Southern Baptists for the American Baptist Year-Book for 1871. It will be well done. “He wants two copies of the Minutes of each Association, and the post-office address of every Baptist minister in the South." —■ —Our Education Board expects to have fifty students for the ministry at Richmond College next session. Pocorone church, King 4 Queen county, reported to the Rappahannock Associa- tion that »la contributions to the two Boards of the GenerajAssociation for the year consisted of two barrels potatoes. The support of a Bible Woman in China has been undertaken by Menoken Sunday school. East Alabama Female College Burned. We write sad, sad news, that will send sharp pain to many hearts in our denomina tion. The noble East Alabama Female Col lege—the cherished idol of our Association— lies in muns. Last Friday night, the 12th, the College was discovered on fire in the fourthAs we have no fire engine, the flames spread rapidly over the building, and soon the whole was a mass of smouldering ruins. We could do nothing but stand iu mute, helplfisa-'grief, and look upon the de vouring etertient~doing its work of destruc tion. It his spread a dark pall of gloom over our church and the entire community. The prospect was so fair for its reopening, with a of students, and one ol the best faculties in the South. Brother Raw lings was pushing forward rapidly and ener getically the repairs, refurnishing, etc., and by the opening of the session hoped to have everything in order. It is not known how the fire originated, but we fear it was set on fire. The community, irrespective of denom ination, kindly expressed their sympathy with our grief, and have decided to open their hearts for boarders. The Baptist church, and several other large buildings, have been tendered brother Rawlings, for tempo rary use, until he can rebuild. The school will advantage and conveni ence can bFenjoyed by pupils. Brother R. deserves the-sympathy and patronage of our entire denomination. Brethren "Battle and Mclntosh are with us, and preached for us on last Sabbath, and will several nights. We expect to protract our meeting some days. These good brethren arrived only two hours previous, on the night of the fire, and have cheered and comforted us greatly by their counsels and presence. On last Thursday night I had the pleasure of baptizing a Tlidy connected with our congre gation, whowvas converted, through the bless ing of God, on the admonitions of a parent. We hope Tnjs is but the troubling of the waters that shall know no rest until scores shall be “ buried with Christ by baptism un to death.” We several of our country churches are enjoying revival seasons, and the Spirit of the Lord is being outpoured upon the landt A. C. B. Tusiegee, Aug. 15, 1870. \ Virginia Letter, Bear Index whohas various aliases, gave you an interesting account of the old Dover. Since then other Associations have met. Among! them the James River, the Dan River and the Rappahannock. The last has 41 churches, all represented, an able min istry, a working laity who read religious newspapers, ate more Sunday schools than churches. In the bounds of this body la bored Robert Semple and Andrew Broaddus, and their follow them. Several of our Associations conflict in the time of meeting. A little episcopacy, or a more accommodating independency, would get rid of this evil. Virginia Boptists are quite well organized, but these conflicts interfere with ministerial intercourse,'and the efficiency of our General Agents. This city, since April, has had a very equiv ocal govern rnffit. When Van Buren was sAt John L. Stephens, the cel ebrated a diplomatic mission to Central AinJßa, and he returned without finding the government to which he was ac credited. Who is Mayor today? is a ques tion constantly greeting us on the streets. “Under whiefi king, Benzonian?” The Council appointed a Mayor. The military incumbent held on. Underwood decreed for the incumbent. The Court of Appeals deci ded in favor of the civil appointee. A pop ular election was held. The election was contested. A Judge decided the election ille gal, and ordered anew one. In the mean time, contests continue, and ’the whole thing is so tangled that a Philadelphia lawyer can’t unravel it. Hope deferred seems to have quieted party animosity. The people are in good humor, aud are planning various schemes for the in crease of trade and commerce, and cheapening transportation. The opening of the canal to the Ohio requiring Federal bounty, building “ straight-shoot ” railroads to the coast, and deepening the James River, are exciting at tention as feasible projects. The city, mani festly, is recovering from the disasters of the war. Street railways and new houses for stores and residences, evince a revival of prosperity that is very gratifying. Among the noticeable improvements is a neat brick cottage at Richmond College, which is to bear, inscribed on a marble slab, the name of De Land, who generously gave the money, $2,500, for its construction. The Saturday newspa peys contain the cheering announcement that the College is to have a Law School, and to take another advance step towards becoming the Baptist University of the South. The Faculty consists of Judge Halyburton, Wm. Green, LL.D,, and Dr. Curry. The last re ; tains his Chair of English in the literary de partment, and will lecture on Constitutional and International Law. The other gentlemen are profound jurists and accomplished schol ars. Mr. Green is a prodigy of legal learn ing. flis private library numbers 10,000 vplunma, and he seems to have mastered their contents. As an evidence of his class ical attainments, I mention that, before he was twenty, he commenced the study of the law, and the first law book he read was Puf fendorf, in Latin. With such unequalled Professors, the Law School must be a suc cess. A Medical School will soon follow, and then the University is complete, except ing aTheological Department, and woe worth the man who touches a hair cf the head of our Seminary at Greenville. The Index improves with advancing age, I read the Ur a, Reflector, Examiner, National Baptist, oyr princely Herald, the Recorder, the Central and the Memphis Baptist, but 1 find no editorials which, for clearness of thought, power of logic, or soundness of the ology, surpass those of the Index. L. Richmond, Va. , Aug. Bth, 1870. Opelika, Ala. Our church at this place is enjoying a gra cious revival. The membership is greatly encouraged. Since my arrival here, about the middle of June, sixteen have united with the church, nine of whom joined within the last five or six days. Our dear brother Bar ron was with tjs tfp-ee days last week. The meeting is still going on, with large congrega tions and increasing interest. The Baptists of our town have opened a female school of high grade, under the guidance and direction of brother Huff, who is a graduate of Athens University. I know of no better place for a female school of high grade than Opelika. For convenience and health, it stands without a rival. J. J. Cloud. Aug. 14 th, 1870. A Plcasaut Meeting. A revival meeting has justclosed at Salem church, in Cherokee couuty. Great interest wa3 manifested by both saint and sinner. The meeting was conducted by the pastor, brother A. H. McVay, assisted by brother Kincade and the writer. \Ye trust much good was accomplished. We had the happy pleasure of seemg four baptized, and two others are waiting to be baptized. M. B. Tuggle. Canton, Ga., Avg. sth. From Florida. I noticed in your last issue an effort to tap our emigration line, by Rev. Mr. Campbell, of Quincy, and I beg leave, through your col umns, to make some feeble effort to prevent it. I fear he never has visited our section. If he had, he would never think of throwing Gadsden across the tracks. Fourteen years ago I travelled over East, Middle and West Florida, to select a location. I had the pleas ure of examining Gadsden then, and, to be honest, must acknowledge it to be a very de sirable country; but selected this on account of health and other superior advantages. This is undoubtedly the healthiest portion of the State, and anywhere in Florida where a man can enjoy good health, he can make a good living. We have some miasmatic dis eases here, but they are easily controlled. We have very little pneumonia, and winter diseases, and have never seen a spontaneous case of typhoid fever. This is equally as healthy as any part of the United States, ta king all seasons together. Our climate is de lightful; Fall, Winter and Spring, very pleasant; Summer months hot, in the sun, but comfortable in the shade. The laborers find it no hotter here than up the country. Asa farming country, this is equal to any of the Middle Southern States ; and all that is required is, farmers and capital to develope the resources of the country. This is as reli able a corn country as any of the adjacent States, and the present crop will prove the productiveness of the land. There have been but two partial failures in corn in this section for the last fourteen years. Cotton grows well, both Sea Island short cotton. Sugar cane grows to perfection, and is as easily cul tivated as corn, and will yield from six to twelve barrels per acre. Potatoes, peas, rice, etc., scarcely ever fail. The lands are spotted ; small bodies of good land surrounded by poorer lands, which is an advantage to range and health. Nearly all the best lands have been entered, but there is plenty for sale on reasonable terms and prices. The tropical fruits can be raised here to advantage. The orange is being extensively cultivated, and profitably. Some families have nearly paid their expenses from a few trees since the war. 1 am sorry I cannot give you as favorable an account of our spiritual condition and pros perity as our beloved brother of Gadsden did. We have had, for some time, rather a spiritual drought, but hope soon to be able to write you better news. G. W. A. Mcßae. Waldo, Fla., Aug. s in, 1870. Revival News from Arkansas. I have just returned from a very precious meeting with the church atTrenton, of which Rev. W. H. Robert is pastor. Brother R. appears to be doing a good work there, and his church is emphatically a working church. During the meeting, which commenced Sat urday, July 23rd, and continued nearly two weeks, there were some twenty-five conver sions, twenty of whom united with the church up to the time the meeting closed, and others are expected to join. Among the number con verted and brought into the church, there were some ten or twelve young men, two or three of whom have the ministry in view. They feel impressed that it is their duty to preach the gospel. Some of them are expect ing to attend the Seminary at Greenville. May God bless them and make them the in struments of good in Zion. The church at T. is very much revived, its membership en larged and its efficiency greatly increased. This community, taking it all together, is one of ((he pleasantest I have found in this part of theiState. It is made up chiefly of old Caro linians. Brother Robert has been very sorely afflicted for several months past by the ex treme illness of sister R. She has been a great sufferer from a complication of diseases, but under it all her faith is strong, and she feels that “ these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, shall work for her a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!” She is waiting by tho river, and ready to cross over when the Master calls. The preaching during the meeting was done by the writer and brother Mayfield, of Helena. I shall al ways remember with feelings of pleasure my visit to Trenton. J. K. Murphy. Near Helena, Aug. 6 th. Noonday Association. This body convened with the Alatoona church, six miles from Acworth, Saturday, August 6th, 1870. After the introductory by Elder W. 11. Dean,MD., the body organ ized, (after letter reading,) by the election of brother Dean, Moderator, and Elder M. B. Tuggle, Clerk. Twenty dollars were sent up for Foreign Missions ; the same for Domestic and Indian M issions,and twelve for the Associa tional Mission. On Sabbath, after the mis sionary sermon by Bishop Mansfield, there was a voluntary contribution of $25.45 for the three Beards of our Convention, Names are not always appropriate. The name of this Association may have been—l hope may be again—but is not now. It was not sunrise when we met, Well, yes, the sun did rise, and shone brightly during the intro ductory sermoH, but when the letters were read, clouds overcast us. The question of uniting with the Convention again, had been referred to the churches, which, with few ex ceptions, voted “No Convention.” Between sixty and seventy baptisms were only reported, and the churches mostly cold. Ere the body adjourned, the light was shining brighter. Brother Mansfield’s mission sermon was full of light, that shone into many hearts and pockets. Dr. Sumner arrived on Monday morning, made an impression for missions, and in favor of the Convention, that will long be felt, l think. The whole body nearly gave him the right hand, and resolutions were heartily adopted pledging all present to adopt some system, and use their influence to in duoe their churches to do more, and to adopt some system. F- M, Haygood, the übiqui tous Sunday school man, was there dispensing light, as usual, and made a good impression generally, and Sunday morning in particular. Several visiting brethren and correspondents were present, who preached with unction and plainness. 1 was glad to see two young men, Tuggle and Reese, whose hearts are in the work, and who give promise of usefulness. The Lord be thanked for progress at this, the first Association that meets, and may it go on to noonday brightness. The more we become like our Saviour, in a worldwide benevolence, the happier we become. W. N. Chaudoin, Ag't, Cnthbert and the Region Around. I have just closed an interesting meeting with the church at Enon, in Quitman county. We had a pleasant meeting, and 1 had the pleasure of baptizing nine willing subjects, and left ipany othprs tljat should have followed the Saviour into the Liquid grave. The health of this section of the State is re markably good ; in fact, I do not think I have known it better at this season of the year. I have lived in and about Cuthbert since 1840, and I pat) say in truth it is the healthiest place I have met with in sixty years. Brother F. M. Daniell,our pastor in Cuth bert, is now absent on furlough, to spend some weeks in Newnan. I am pleased to say that he is the right mau in the right place. He is a good preacher and a faithful pastor. He is much beloved by the church and the entire community. He has done much in building up the Baptist cause since here. His flock seem much at a loss and discouraged in his ab sence. We are feeling greasy she loss ot t>up Female College afc tips place. We are making some effort J.o §tapt It tl)ia fall or winter. The prospeotfor a liberal patron age was never better than now. I am glad to say that the Baptists of South-western Georgia have become tired or ashamed of patronizing Pedobaptist schools I hope and believe the time is not distant when the church will be prepared and will educate the children of her people. The Baptists are, if they knew it, a strong people in this region, and fully able to have as good schools and sustain them as well as any, if they will only determine to do so. The trustees of the Baptist Female College of South-western Georgia would be highly pleased to hold correspondence with any good Baptist that would like to take the Presidency of the College; and if you know of a suitable man for the place, you will con fer a favor by letting me know his address. I am highly pleased to hear that our Col lege at Penfield has been located in Macon. 1 think it will be greatly to its advantage, and hope all the boys of Baptist parents in South western Georgia will be educated at the old honored and beloved Mercer, and all the daughters be educated at the Baptist Female College in Cuthbert. The brethren of the Friendship and Bowen Associations, I hope, will feel that they have an interest in the Baptist Female College here, as they aided in building it up at first, by their money and patronage. We want you to feel and speak of it as our College. Come, my brethren, you have the land and raise the great staple, and you have the sons and the daughters, and let us rally to our old and honored institu tions, and make them equal, if not superior, to any in the South. Thomas Muse. Cuthbert, Ga., Aug. 10 th, 1870. „ Providence Church, Ala. I have just closed a ten days meeting with this church, resulting in twenty additions ; sixteen by experience and baptism, and four by letter. Some thirty anxious souls came for prayers at the close. The first two days, I had the services of brother W. N. Chaudoin and S. C. Hearn ; also, brothers Harrington and William C. Bledsoe. The last five days I was alone. I vYill recommence the services Wednesday night. A. K. Tribble. Chambers County, Ala., Aug. B th, IS7O. District Meeting'. This meeting, according to appointment, convened with the Bethsaida Baptist church, at Snow Hill, Ala., July 28th, 1870. The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder T. M. Bailey, from Matt, xxi; 28: “Son,go work to day in my vineyard.” After recess, the delegates reassembled, and the meeting was called to order by brother W. B. Har alson, who, on motion, was reelected Moder ator, and J. Rives Crumpton, Secretary. It was resolved that every session of the body be opened and closed with devotional exepci ses. All the brethren present, not delegates, were invited to participate in the proceedings of the meeting. A Committee of four was appointed (T. M. Bailey, B. F. Ellis, James Taylor, and W. C. Cleveland,) to select top ics and to appoint brethren to appoint to dis cuss the same at the next meeting. After an earnest discussiou of the subject, “ Growth in Grace,” the meeting adjourned until Sat uaday, 9J a.m. Prayer by brother C. E. Brarne. On Saturday morning, after devotional ex ercises, conducted by Rev. T. E. Williams, the discussion of subject, “Consecration of the Church,” was opened by brother C. E. Brarne, followed by brethren Haygood, Bai ley and others. In the afternoon, the subject announced for discussion was, “ Baptists the true exponents of Scriptural Communion.” Discussion opened by brother W. C. Cleve land, followed by various brethren. ! Ou motion, it wap resolved, that the next teessioitof this body be held with the Provi dence church, near Orrville, Dallas count)", Ala., beginning on Friday before the fifth Sabbath in October next. The Committee on programme for next meeting reported as follows: On Friday, 11 a.m., sermon by S. R. Freeman, D.D.; alternate, W. C. Cleve land. At 2 p.m., discussion of “The Impor tance of the Spirit’s Presence in the Church es,” by B. 11. Crumpton; alternate, T. E. Williams. Saturday,9i a.m., discussion—sub ject, “Systematic Benevolence,as enjoined by Christ and illustrated by His Apostles,” 11. W. Cassey; alternate, C. C. Cleveland. At 3 p.m., discussion—subject, “Evidences of Christian Character,” YV. B. Crupton; alter nate, D. B. Edwards. Sunday, 9£ a.m., Sun day school exercises. At 11, preaching, by B. H. Crumpton. The report was received and adopted. The meeting adjourned until 9£ Sabbath morning, when the Sabbath school was addressed by brother F. M. Haygood, of Ga. The Secretary was requested to inform the absent brethren of their respective sub jects of discussion for the next meeting. The proceedings of this meeting were ordered to be sent to the Christian Index and South- Western Baptist for publication, and the programme of the next meeting to be pub lished in said paper for three weeks prior to the next session. The body then adjourned, after an interesting and profitable meeting. J. Rives Crumpton. Ordination. A presbytery, consisting of G. A. Nunnally, J. M. Stilwell and C. 11. Strickland, met, by request, with our church at Monroe, Waiton county, Ga., the fourth Sabbath in July, to set apart to the gospel ministry brother Thomas H. Burruss. After due examination, brother B. was pronounced worthy of ordination. Sermon by brother J. M. Stilwell. Prayer and charge by brother G. A. Nunnally. Benediction by brother Burruss. C. 11. Strickland. Among the Churches. Since writing June 3rd, I have been actively engaged in the great work to which I am, by the grace of God, devoting my life. I had, on the first Sunday in June and Saturday before, a very pleas ant time while preaching for brother J. 11. McMul len, at Sardis, in Hart county, Ga., where my father held his membership a great many years, even till his death, and where I united with the church in the summer of 1839. I had not visited this church since 1802, when the whole country was in terrible war, I was glad to find the same church building,unimpaired, the grave-yard nicely inclosed, the church yard one of the most attrac tive in the world, and the beautiful spring neatly kept. But tho most interesting of all, to me, was the privilege of meeting the remainder of my father’s old membership of the church, together with a very promising set of young members— more than two hundred in all. Brother McMul len, the pastor, is warm-hearted, and an interest ing, successful minister of the gospel. His people love him, and he loves them. I preached and wept in common with others each day. I trust good was done, and that this summer a good har vest of souls shall be gathered in by the pastor. On the second Sunday in June and Saturday before, I preached with brother McMullen at Rock Branch, where I had served several years as pas tor, and had been favored with revivals. This church also numbers more than two hundred. My emotions were strong, the attention of the people undivided. On Sunday the building for worship failed tp seat all the hearers. Brother McMullen and myself both preached to weeping hearers. In the evening, we did the same at a stand prepared for evening meetings. On the third Sunday and Saturday before, in June, we labored in similar manner at the Line, near Hartwell. Those three churches compose the pastoral charge of brother McMullen. I trnst at eaoh place many souls will soon be added to the church, such as shall be saved ; for they not only seemed full of tears and prayers, as a worshipping people, but also ready to aid by contributions, the travelling preacher, whose visits seemed to be so much appreciated by all classes. On the fourth Sunday in June and Saturday be fore, we fell in with brother McMullen at Holly Springs, where we had a very precious time with brother Asa Puncan, the mqch loved pastor, and with his people. Judging from tho vast crowd who heard US so attentively, and even weepingly, good was accomplished in the name of the holy child Jesus. After these visits to churches in | Georgia, I spent one "abbath— the first in July— at Cross Roads, in South Carolina, where I met brother W. H. King, the devoted and much be loved pastor. Here, the building for worship is a largo brick house, the congregation large and orderly. I preached three times, and I received expressions of appreciation in tears, words, pres sure of hands, and contributions of money to aid me in my going from church to church and from family to family. I visit between Sundays. Re maining on the South Carolina side of Savnannah river, and preaching at night twice for the special benefit of afflicted families, I then met brother Julius Earle, the well educated and devoted pastor at Shiloh, on the second Sunday in July and Sat urday before. I preached throe times for him. His people worship in a large, unfinished brick building. With the finishing stroke this would be a splendid building. The congregation, on Sunday,' was large ; and after brother King, of Cross Roads, and myself had preached, we had breaking of bread at the Lord’s table. I could see some still weeping as though their hearts were sweetly melted down at the cross of Jesus. All glory to King Jesus ! This noble people also were liberal in aiding me by contributions. In fact, all these churches of Georgia and South Carolina thus mentioned, and their pastors, seemed deeply in terested in my being aided by their contributions, while going into all the world, as far as possible, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. These visits made in South Carolina, I returned to Geor gia, and on the third Sunday and Saturday before, met brother L. W. Stephens and his charge at Dove’s Creek, in Elbert county, Ga. Here I thought pastor and people in a cold frame, but I filled my engagements as best I could ; and al though no tears were seen to flow on the right and left while under preaching, yet, when visiting families I saw a few. Brother L. W. S. and his very good congregation said nothing concerning giving and receiving prior to the benediction, yet some friends handed me three and a half dollars. As it was not lar to my next appointment, which was in E'berton, this more than carried me to it. So it does me good to know there was even this much appreciation. I had been pastor several years at Dove’s Creek, and had been favored with revivals there. All seemed glad to see me. In Elberton 1 preached twice for the Methodists, hav ing found their meeting protracted. On Tuesday night, when all denominations had met in the Baptist house, I preached to a large, attentive crowd. Some presented themselves for special prayer. Brother Asa Chandler is the chosen pas tor, but has not accepted. While in Elberton, I visited several families; among which was that of brother James Loften. His whole soul is full of religion, while in the body he suffers much. Not long since, his wife’s death was noticed in your paper. His two single daughters are a source of very great comfort to him. One of them has been a Baptist several years—a most excellent lady in deed. The other was baptized by brother Chan dler recently. She too is a most excellent lady. Nearly all the property of the family having been lost as the result of the late war, these well edu cated daughters teach music and other branches. Let parents educate their children by all means. I received several dollars at Elberton. But the best of all the meetings in those parts was at the Fork of Broad River, in Madison county, Ga. .where I had been a successful pastor. I met my brother in the flesh, 11. J. Goss, there on Friday before the fourth Sunday in July, and continued with him ten days, and preached each day in the afternoon, and one night in the neighborhood. Brother H. J. Goss is the pastor. lie preached in the forenoons till my other brother in the min istry, W. B. Goss, joined us on the sth day of this meeting. After this, brother W. R. G. preached in each forenoon and the pastor would work in connection with us whenever he could see a place to do good, which was often. The church was greatly revived. On the sth Sunday, the last da)' of this meeting, thirty-five happy converts were baptized. Three of these were my nephews and one a niece, and another a more distant relative. I never saw so many glorious days all in connec tion before. All were melted into tears. The crowd at the water was very large—more than tho house held when we had gone to it. I hud not met W. R. Goss in a meeting before within eleven years. lie is a wonderful worker, and, to me, one of the most impressive preachers I ever heard. Brother 11. J. G. was with me and preached at Dove’s Creek. He has greatly improved also, and is a good worker in such a meeting. The Lord did great things for us and the people, whereof we are very glad. Many thanks to old and new friends at the Fork of Broad River for bo many contributions of money. I am now in Banks county, Ga., to labor four weeks with my brother VV. R. Goss. The Lord help us! I. H. Goss. August 2nd, 1870. Rappahannock Association. This body, which you know to be one of the largest and most influential of the Virginia Asso ciations, has just closed its annual meeting. Judge H. C. Jones was made Moderator, J. Pollard, Jr., Clerk, and Rev. A. Broaddus, Jr., preached the introductory sermon. The matter which gave most interest to the meeting was the new plan which has been originated for the instruction of the colored people. Rev. H. W. Montague read the report on this subject, which elicited an ex tended discussion. The report, after urging the importance of immediate attention to the subject, recommends the following preamble and resolu tion : “ Whereas, we have learned that the Bible and Publication Society (Philadelphia) are anxious to employ some suitable man to labor in the bounds of this Association for the promotion of Sunday schools and the distribution of the word of God among the colored people ; therefore, Re solved, That we regard the work proposed as one of great importance, and that, should a suitable man be appointed to perform it, we will give him all the encouragement and help in our power.” lion. R. L. Montague said that be regarded the plan proposed as one eminently deserving of the wannest endorsement. The colored people are going to be taught. Somebody is going to do this work. The Bible and Publication Society are willing to aid us in it, and without hesitation or delay, he was for accepting the otter made by that Society. Brother Bristow, of Middlesex, was glad that at last something tangible had been proposed. For years we have had reports urging us to action, but they failed to produce fruit, simply for the lack of some simple plan, such as is now proposed. He thought the Society in Philadelphia had acted nobly. It asks nothing but what we should gladly consent to. Let us work with the Society, and carry tho gospel to the colored people. Rev. T. B. Evans was warmly in favor of the plan proposed, lie was willing to go even farther than this. Important changes are taking place. Their prejudices are melting away. In his field, they are now ready and anxious to hear the word of life from his lips. He would go for any good man the Philadelphia Society would appoint, and the fact that the appointment is made by a Society located at tho North would make such a brother more acceptable to the colored people. Rev. I. Diggs testified that the colored people are moro anxious for the aid of whites than heretofore. Bro ther Diggs has been preaching for them. Brother E. T. Montague said that he had consented, at the urgent solicitation of a colored Sunday school, to devote a portion of his time to work of this kind, lie endorsed all that had been said. A great change is taking place, and if we do our duty, the return of good feeling will be speedy and com plete. Rev. Robert Williamson would speak for the Northern Neck. A few years ago, the freed men would not hear him. A man from the North, who had proven unworthy, (an impostor,) had per formed the ordinance of baptism in the Rappa hannock river with the United States flag floating over him. Again and again had the stars and stripes been used in this way ; but now these same people are coming to the speaker and confessing their sin iri this matter. They are anxious to bear him preach. A mighty change has come over them. Brother Williamson believed that the ap pointee of the Bible and Publication Society might now reap a rich harvest for Christ, and he would aid such a brother to the extent of his power. Rev. A. Broaddus fully agreed with all that had been said. He was altogether in favor of the pro posed action. He wanted the Young Reaper cir culated among the freedmen. lie felt no hesitancy in commending the Young Reaper. It is a good paper, and must do good. Brother W. A. Jones, of Gloucester countv said that he had organized two colored Sunc f schools, and that all through that county th..* are eager for such aid as we can render. He wanted the aid of the Bible and Publication So ciety. Rev. H. W. Montague said that, as Dr. R. H. Bagby was not present, he would take the liberty of saying that ho was warmly in favor of the measure, and had prepared the resolution now be fore the body. Rev, A. E. Dickinson said that the Bible and Publication Society had pursued an honorable course in its operations at the South. Instead of embarrassing us, it had constantly been aiding us to do the Lord's work. In is now spending some $3,000 at the South. The millions of colored peo-
