Newspaper Page Text
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-