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J. 3. TOOJT, • - - -^Proprietor.
PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 & 6 SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Rev. D. SHAVER, D.D.
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Rev. J. J. D. RENFROE, TaUadega, Ala.
RiiV. 8. HENDERSON, D.D., Fayetteville, Ala.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1870.
False Visions of Coining Easily.
There are prophets of evil ainOng us, who live,
or affect to live, in mortal terror of a great defec
tion on the part of our people from the Scriptural
principles now maintained by us. They are
haunted by spectres of secret, insidious, unbap
tistic loosenesses of faith and practice in the early
future. We do not share these apprehensions.
Even “Miss Much Afraid,” we think, might
blush to entertain them. We have too strong
faith in our brethren to be troubled in this way—
too strong faith, rather, in the power of the New
Testament to make its true import known, and
and make it felt. Like the French sergeant who,
when asked recently, ‘how far it was to Berlin,’
replied, “Berlin is 350,000 Prussians off,’’ —we
feel disposed, when men predict the near approach
of disorder and apostacy in our denomination, to
say that, looking to the South alone, such an un
happy era is 775,000 Baptists off! And while
these have faith in God, and recognize the author
ity of Ills word, and seek to follow the steps of
Christ, how can that time come ? It cannot.
Writing for the Press.
It is often a Christian duty to write for the
press. Underneath the details of a question, you
discover the one principle that determines it. A
tortuous controversy is constrained, at last, to lay
bare before you the pivot on which it turns. Pa
tient thought clears a path for your feet through
the mazes of a perplexing doubt. A truth stands
out, under your gaze, in a robe of fresh illustra
tion. Experience, or observation, confirms and
impresses a doctrine of Christianity. You catch
a glimpse of clearer light, here and there, on the
import of Scripture. Out of the treasure of your
own heart, as instructed of the Spirit, you become
able to “ speak a word in season to him that is
weary.” Under these circumstances, is it not a
“sin of omission,” if what the Lord has taught
you, is not embodied, for the learning of others,
in a column, or a paragraph,
“ Asa feather is wafted downward
From an eagle in his flight?”
And the more because, in this case, the “ feath
ers” are transformed ijato pinions, with which
souls, tempted and sinking, may rise and soar at
your side ?
Is this Pastoral Support?
A Baptist pastor told us, some time since, that
he had served four churches, the previous year,
and that, under his labors, 104 additions had been
made to their membership. For the work so
richly blessed of the Lord, he received the sum of
$lB4 —which was just a dollar a day for the time
taken from weekly toil at home, and about sixty
cents each for the 303 sermons preached by him !
How can he give himself wholly to the ministry',
unless the churches enable him to do so by a
larger liberality and a truer spirit of justice ? Are
not the churches robbing themselves of full pas
toral work, and of the spiritual growth which it
ftirthers and secures, by the inadequate compen
sation that drives ministers to secular labor
through the week ?
Our brother informed us also that there were
few subscribers to the Index and Baptist in his
churches, and that these few subscribers paid, in
proportion to their number, three or four times
as much toward his support, as was paid by those
who did not take the paper. Is it not wise, then,
wise for the pastors themselves, that they should
labor to increase our circulation among their peo
ple ? Will it not help them to less stinted sala
ries ?
A Wilful Imposter.
Time was when an occupant of what is falsely
styled “St. Peter’s chair” at Rome, might have
been regarded as a deceiver of others who had
first deceived himself. Charity might deem him
the dupe of a system sincerely embraced, and
grant that he believed in the pretensions, the re
cognition of which was exacted from others. But
that time is past. Never again can there be an
honest Pope. The last possibility in that line
has perished from the face of the earth. Pius IX
knows, and must know, his own fallibility: he
neither holds nor can hold the dogma to the con
trary, which has been promulgated with such
frontless audacity. And no man can ever rise to
the Papal throne, without an inward, ineradicable
consciousness of his liability to error. All that
has been gained by the Ecumenical Council, (to
quote Dr. Dollinger,) “in forcing one hundred
and eighty millions of human beings, on pain es
excommunication, refusal of the sacraments and
everlasting damnation, to embrace and profess
what hitherto the church has neither believed nor
taught,” is simply this—'that each successive
“ Most Blessed Father ” of the Romish church
must henceforth be undeniably a wilful impos
tor!
Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc.
Georgia.
Rev. E. B. Barrett, missionary of the Marion
Board at Brunswick, reports 14 baptisms, after a
meeting of three weeks. Os Dr. Dixon, pastor
of Green Stieet church, Augusta, ihe Richmond
Herald Quotes a Georgia Baptist as saying: “He
reads his sermons and even his lectures at the
week-eight service, but he reads so well and his
sermons are so rich in thought, that already his
congregation has become the largest in the city.”
The meeting at the Third church, Atlanta,
has been resumed, with growing interest. There
were baptisms on Sabbath.
Alabama.
Our bretlnen at Coffee Town Valley held a re
cent meeting under a large Stable Shed (because
they had been shut out from the Methodist
church;) and “ ten persons were made to rejoice
in a Saviour’s love.”
Kentucky.
Rev. A. B. Miller, State Evangelist, goes to the
First church, Quincy, 111. The Baptist Or
phans’ Home, Louisville, rapidly approaches com
pletion, Rev. C. C. Chaplin, of Owensboro,
has gone, with a month’s vacation, after his family
in Virginia. South Fork church has had 13
baptisms; Beech Grove, Washington county, 5>
(of heads of families;) Rock Ridge, Meade, 16.
Rev. narvey Hall, Bateyville, has been
preaching twenty years : the sum of all his sala
ries for that time, $lO. The General Associa
tion of Colored Baptists for this State, at its recent
session, Paducah, decided to organize a Theologi
cal School this winter on its hill property at
Frankfort, (50 -acres bought and paid for)
Among four candidates baptized at Pleasant Val
ley church recently, was a Methodist, immersed
two 3’e.ars ago by a minister of that church, who
at the time said to him, “ You are committing a
sin in this act.”
Mississippi.
Rev. T. G. Sellers, of Starkville, baptized re
cently E. Redus, a prominent Methodist minister
of that community, and a Methodist for eighteen
A Baptist at Friar’s Point, to secure
THE CHRISTIAN IN HEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN (JAt’TLST: ATLANTA, GA., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1870.
the benefits of the gospel for his family) gives Pas
tor Sparkman and his wife their board an<!s3oo
per annum.
, ; Missouri.,
Rev. W. M. Briggs, of Lane’s Prairie, has bap
tized about one hundred persons and aided in or
ganizing three new churches, the past year.
Rev. G. C. Giadwynn has been deposed and ex
communicated, by McKenzie Creek church, Wayne
county. Rev. R. Hollman, D.D., abandons the
General Agency, for this State, of the Southern
Baptist Domestic Mission Board, on account of
feeble health, and takes charge of Rehoboth and
Bethel charches, Saline county, and Rev. G. W.
Rogers takes charge of Miami church, in the same
county; the tyvo, between them, supply the
churches of the late Rev. A. P. Williams, D.D.
Rev. D. II Selph accepts the Presidency of
the Baptist Female College, Lee’s
Summit church, Cass county, has had 3C addi
tions; Stewartsville, Clinton, 12 ; Elk Creek, Mon
roe, 1C; Rennick, Randolph, 14.
North Carolina.
Bonds were secured at, Tyger River Association
amounting to 5,300, on a proposition to raise
$200,000 as an endowment for Funnan University,
to make tuition free in that institution for ten
years to competent students. A meeting is in
progress at Sugar Creek, York county, with 12
received for baptism. Gethsemane (colored)
Association numbers 15,740—Rev. J. A. Broadus,
D.D., of Greenville, is having, with improved
health, a delightful time in England.
South Carolina.
A church has been organized at the old Union
church, Lenoir county, and 10 persons baptized.
A meeting at New Hope was crowned with
27 professions of faith ; and a meeting at Mt. Mo
riah with 43 baptisms.
Texas.
The Houston Herald says: “One single fact
shows that the Baptists of Texas are compara
tively alive; that is, that notwithstanding the
utter inefficiency and inadequacy of our mail ser
vice in the State, the probability is that the Bop
list Herald has a larger circulation in its own
State than any other Baptist paper published in
the South has in its own State in proportion to
the church membership. Another evidence is«
that a great many new houses of worship are in
progress. Another is, that the churches generally
•ti e taking hold of the Sunday school work. Alsoi
in many places, education is receiving good atten.
tion and high schools are in successful operation.
Churches are trying to supply themselves with
more preaching. Many will prohably this year
make arrangements to have preaching every
Lord's day. The ministry are receiving a better
support very generally; and many of them are
pre-eminently worthy of it. While there are many
ministers doing nothing, who ought to turn over
their credentials to their churches and cease their
official claim, there are many noble, toiling, able
men of God in the State. This class has had some
valuable reinforcements in the last few years, and
there is room for more. The discipline of the
churches is also improving very much. Our
bodies for general co-operation are better attended
and are gaining appreciation among the churches.
The men and papers that have hitherto opposed
these bodies, and have so much damaged the
cause of truth and missions thereby, have either
mostly passed away, or ceased their opposition ”
A meeting at Salem church, Washington
county, resulted in 26 additions.
Tennessee.
New Hope church, DeKalb county, has had 14
Recession* by baptism; New Union, near Alex
dria, 18; Eagleville church, 7. A young bro
ther Clark, who was instrumental in gathering
Pleasant Grove church (Concord Association) with
35 members, and who held a successful meeting
there lately, goes to Union University to fit him.
self more thoroughly for the ministry. Rev. J.
G. Nash, Tullahoma, reports to the Marion Board
that he has secured and nearly paid for a house of
worship at that point. S. C. Rogers has re
signed the position of Secretary and Treasurer of
the South Western Publishing Company, Mem
phis, and Dr. P. S. Jones has been elected his suc
cessor.
Virginia.
“A minister in the Strawberry Association has
been serving a church as pastor forty-seven years,
during which time he has received but ten dollars
compensation, or about twenty-two cents a year.”
The Richmond Herald reports the health of
Rev. Dr. Jeter as “ steadily improving.” Rev.
Joseph Walker, of Charlotte county, formerly
editor of the Index, accepts a call to a Missouri
church. Rev. J. B. Taylor, D.D., is in feeble
health, at the White Sulphur Springs. Our
Sunday school in Manchester has more scholars
than all the other schools of the city combined;
and the brethren have organized in addition, a Sun
day school in the suburbs which promises good re
sults. There has been a revival at New Chapel,
Campbell county, with from 25 to 30 accessions ;
at Reedy Springs, Appomattox, with 12 proses
sions of faith ; at Oakland, Goochland, with 20 ad
ditions ; at Bybee’s Roads, Fluvanna, with 28 pro
fessions ; at St. Stephens, King William, with 15
additions; at Elam, Hanover, with 20; at Adiel,
Nelson, with 21 baptisms.
China.
A candidate for baptism has been received by
our church at Canton, and another by our church
at Shin King. In relation to the death of Mrs.
Hartwell, (which we announced two weeks ago,)
Mrs. M. T. Crawford writes: “An earnest, labo
rious missionary, cut down in the flower of life
she leaves four children, two of them infants of
three months.” Mrs. Holmes writes : “ What her
loss is to Mr. Hartwell and the children, you may
imagine; but her loss as a missionary, only we
who have witnessed her untiring exertions, her
constant, anxious watch-care over all connected
with their church, school or congregation, can
fully realize. I do do not see how that little
church can do without her.”
A “Lay” “Bishop.”
Bishop Moberly, in his Bampton Lectures for
1868, (a work counted worthy of a second edition
in England,) gives a “ list of laymen who, from
Hernias and Justin Martyr to the present gene
ration, have written in support or illustration of
Christian doctrine.” It includes the name of
“JOHN BUNYAN, 1628-1683.” And this,
though the Bishop professes to omit all those ‘of
whom he cannot ascertain with certainty whether
they were in Holy Orders or no !”
If is, then, a matter of “certainty” with Bish
op Moberly that “Holy Orders” were lacking in
the case of Bunyan. The author of “Pilgrim’s
Progress ” felt, indeed, that he was called of God
to become a preacher of the gospel. He was duly
set apart to that work, with prayer and the impo
sition of hands, in the Baptist church, at Bedford.
His annual visits to London gathered more than
a thousand persons to hear him, at seven o’clock,
on dark winter mornings, during the week. His
ministerial visits to congregations of dissenters,
in different portions of the kingdom, too, “ pro
cured for him the epithet of BISHOP Bunyan.”
These facts, wi;h his long imprisonment for
preaching, were known, we thought, to all intel
ligent divines. But it seems that the range of
reading in the episcopal palace of Salisbury is too
narrow to embrace them! We commend to the
“Right Reverend” lecturer, the life of that
“immortal Dreamer,” by Iviiney, or Philip, or
Southey.
It isdrue that Bunyan was without the “ Orders”
of his clerical persecutors: but were mot these
; —n
Orders C7ilioly—unholy, by reason of their de
scent from Rome—unholy through adulterous
alliance with the State—untidy because foul with
the blood of “slaughtered saints”—unholy as
bearing the indignant reprobation of Scripture, in
both the letter and the spirit? If George Mober
ly “allows their deeds,” a thousand times over,
give us, rather the “Orders” of John Bunyan,
than his!
Education: Mercer.
The Report on Education, before Urn Central Associ
ation, by E. Jewell, O. Ringlano, W. Q-. Horsley,
D. E. Butler and E. W. Warren : Published by re
quest of the Association.
It is desirable that the blessings of a lib
eral education should be enjoyed by all the
young of both sexes in our country. It is
difficult to estimate the advantages thus to be
realized in the social, political and religious
interests of the people. We cannot too high
ly appreciate, nor too assiduously embrace
every opportunity for the development of the
intellectual powers of the rising generation.
The native independence of character, which
is peculiar to, and which so strongly marks
the Southern mind, should be accompanied
by a development of its capacities, and a
training of its powers, worthy its high en
dowments, and commensurate with its in
creasing responsibilities.
The comparative poverty of our once
wealthy citizens, and the distance at which
they are removed from each other in the ru
ral districts, greatly embarrass their efforts
in securing the services of educated men as
teachers, who are masters of their profession.
These obstacles, however, are gradually dis
appearing before the determined efforts of
the people, who are displaying commendable
energy and wisdom in this direction.
We cannot too strongly state that the best
investment a parent can make of the means
placed at his disposal, is to educate, as thor
oughly as possible, his sons and daughters.
We hope the day is not distant when all the
children of every community will enjoy the
instruction of an educated teacher.
We are rejoiced at the decision of the Com
mittee appointed by the last session of the
Georgia Baptist Convention, to locate Mercer
University at Macon. We believe they dis
played great wisdom in this selection. Macon
is very near the geographical centre of the
State; it is also the centre of the agricultural
wealth and intelligence of the State, and of
the population w hich affords the most patron
age to our University. Facts from mortuary
statistics, and from the institutions of learn
ing, bear testimony to the heaithfulness of
the city. The high moral character and re
finement of the people, \rid the strong reli
gious influence exerted by the churches, are
subjects of grateful recognition. We believe
this movement, under the guidance of Provi
dence, has been consummated in answer to
the prayers of its early and pious founders,
who so liberally endowed, and so lovingly
and vigilantly watched the growth of our
cherished Institution. They did not contem
plate its removal, but prayed for its greatest
success and most extended usefulness, and
thus are their prayers being answered.
It is a historic fact, that this Association,
neatly forty years ago, lead the denomination
in the State in enlarged views, persevering
zeal and liberal contributions to the Univer
sity. The “Central Professorship” is the
fruit of this love for “Merctr.” Shall not
we, the sons of those noble men, who have
gone to their reward, worthily bear the yoke
and carry the burdens which they so cheer
fully assumed, and which their departure
has left to us as a heritage of honor and
responsibility ?
Oun afflictions go with the College t 6 its
new hopie, our prayers shall ascend for its
prosperity in the enlarged sphere which is
opening before it.
Our enterprising Board of Trustees, and
gifted Faculty will be equal to the demands
of the new situation. Mercer’s future histo
ry will be a University in fact, and not in
name only, enjoying an extended popularity,
exerting an influence not put forth hitherto,
the pride of the denomination, and a blessing
to the South.
Resolved, That we heartily concur in the
transfer, by the Board of Trustees, of the
endowment of the Central Professorship to
Macon, in accordance with the decision of
the Committee to locate the University in
that city.
Resolved, That the endowment of the In
stitution ought to be increased as soon as
possible, to two hundred and fifty thousand
dollars, and that its friends ought to look to
the enlargement of that amount to a half
million within the next ten years.
Resolved, That we recommend to the Board
of Trustees the propriety of placing an active
agent in the field, who will devote all his
time and talents to the increase of the pres
ent endowment.
Resolved, That having learned that the
President of the Board of Trustees has ap
pointed brother B. F. Thrrp a special agent,
to promote the interests of the University,
we heartily concur in said appointment, and
commend him to the brethren wherever he
may go.
Rehoboth Indian Mission.
Dear Brethren : 1 returned from a preach
ing tour a few days since, and found my lit
tle son Samuel quite sick, with disease inci
dent to this climate. Have watched him day
and night, and hope he is something better:
disease broken, 1 trust. lam in great dis
tress, and beg a special interest in your
prayers. Three of my children are in heaven,
one is with you, in Georgia, and this little
boy is all I have with me. If it is the will
of God, I earnestly desire that he be spared,
yet he belongs to God.
Deo Volente, on next Saturday 1 constitute
the first Baptist church in the Chickasaw Na
tion. A few Sunbaths since I preached at
the place and baptized an interesting man, a
mere? ant, and received another. Others
were previously baptized by brother Wil
liams, and others are awaiting baptism. Two
excellent native men, well qualified, have been
encouraged to preach and teach their people,
and have made a fine beginning. The good
Lord seems to have opened the door for us
to enter the Chickasaw Nation, and I intend,
on the part of Rehoboth Association, to en
ter. No other Baptist body has ever worked
in that field, and we must open the field and
cultivate it. May the Lord of the harvest
bless our labor and increase it with much
fruit.
I visited our old field, among the Semi
noles. Prosperity has done that which war
and suffering could not do. It has caused
some of the Christians to become cold and
careless. Some are in a backslidden state.
Yet it was a pleasant sight, on Mouday morn
ing, at the close of their camp meeting, to
see a great multitude “of the faithful” form
a line and extend the parting hand, in love,
to visiting Christians. They still look upon
me us their guide and counsellor, and I claim
that nation as our peculiar people, our chil
dren in the gospel. Dear brother Buckner
and his family were there —came eighty miles
to visit us. I was delighted, and so were all
the Seminolcs. I will write more fully of
this people and this meeting, when 1 am not
in so great anxiety.
A letter from brother Peter Fulsom in
forms me he has recently baptized four, thus
beginning anew station among the moun
tains, which he hopes eventually to see erect
ed into a church. Our missionary, brother
Williams, in a recent letter, says: “I have
baptized ten persons since I saw you. My
meetings have been attended with the bless
ing of the Holy Spirit. God is doing great
things for the Choctaws. I have reflected
long and earnestly your proposition to
remove into a pwt-«f.the nation more desti
tute of the gospel, and I believe I can sin
cerely say ‘ Lord, what wilt thou have me to
do.’ 1 think I will remove to the placi you
have designatjL wife is not well. I
beg your
A lady near, w ho in all probability is upon
her dying bed, a days since, exhorted her
friends to beooine*Gtf?istians at once, and to
join the church. She regretted she had not
been baptized wTiyn she was able —“nowit
is too late.” She has been a member of the
Methodist she feels she has never
been baptized. Good testimony to Bible
baptism. Receive^ yours of 11th inst., to
day, brother Tharp. Thank you for encour
aging words. J. S. Murrow.
Ah-to-ka, C. JV., West'*/ Ark., Aug. 2Ath, 1870.
Alabama.
The long continued and oft-repeated prayer
of the churches iiftbis region
“ plantation.
Send us)Lord, a gracious rain,”
has been signally answered in many localities.
Wherever, and whenever, the church ceases
to “ rob God,” attci brings “all the tithes in
to the BtorehmfseJpj|P the Lord is not slack
concerning His promises,” but is certain to
“open the windovyof heaven and pour out
a blessing” those who fear Him,
and speak often oifiF to another. At my last
writing there wajSptTneeling in progress in
Greenville, whichyJJsuked in the addition of
six or eight to the church by baptism, and a
pleasant revival of the membership, to many
of whom the “ joy of salvation” was gra
ciously restored. At Fort Deposit, about
twenty were into the fellowship of
the church, meeting of ten days, in
the early Steep Creek
church continued,ten days, to meet after
the Sabbath Convention there closed,
and was al^undanr^revi ved again. About
twenty-five were ‘Gtdded to the church.”
In Rutledge, theyuapital of the new county
of Crenshaw, a cofltpany of baptized believ
ers organized a church, through the in
strumentality of diur efficient and laborious
evangelist, Elder $. A. Jackson, aided by
Elders G. G, McLendon, W. G. Williams
and J. T. S. Park, on the 25th of August.
The new church consisted of fifteen members,
to which “ the Ljard added ” two others,
whilst many
ded to become Cfnwfcms, who will, doubtless,
ere long, yield “to ute obedience of faith.”
Although the is without a house
of worship, yet, einpracing as it does, some
of the best citizens in the community, who,
it is believed, mind to work,” in
this fruitful “ fieldTalready white unto the
harvest,” we prediS for the Baptist chinch
at Rutledge, a future. May “ the
Lord of the harvest” sobn send some faith
ful laborer into this part of his moral vine
yard, to break the bread of life to this peo
pie! A good club of your able Index and
Baptist will goon tfvtfeekly mission to preach
there.
Ml. Lebanon churcli, in Montgomery coun
ty, has been greatly revived and strengthened
by an addition of twenty-five to the
former membership, of her most influential
and prominent citizens. Pine Level church
has also enjoyed “a time of refreshing from
the presence of life* Lord,” during which
eight or ten were- added to her numerical
strength. At Ellis' School House , in Lowndes
county, brother Jackson, the evangelist of the
Alabama Associativa?, has been preaching
monthly during Sprmgand Summer,and at the
August meeting mar# believed, and were by
him “ buried with igtrist in baptism.” Those
baptized here wiJfcßJoubtless, unite with
Macedonia church, boSy will probably
remove from to some point at
or near the school louse named above; the
exact site not yet having been agreed upon.
Here, in almost every instance, where the
churches have been blessed with a revival,
faithful Sabbath school labors have preceded ;
and thus prepared the soil, under divine bless
ing, to “ receive with meekness the ingrafted
word, which is able to save the soul.” Will
not every church go to work and organize a
Sabbath school ? If there is one in South
Alabama that needs assistance in such an or
ganization, let the Clerk address a note to
“Sabbath School Evangelist,” Lock-box 8,
Greenville, Ala., and a fellow-helper will re
spond by visiting said church and aiding in
the important work, “ without money and
without price;” the love of Christ, who
“ loved little children,” constraining him.
At Hickory Grove church, the ordination
of brother W. H. Dean, on the 4th Sabbath
inst., was by a protracted meeting
which is still in progress, with hopeful indi
cations. May it result profitably ! Truly,
“ the Lord hath done great things for us
whereof we are glad 1” But yet, “ there is
much land to be possessed,” and every Chris
tian should heed the call to “come up to the
help of the Lord—the help of the Lord
against the mighty?’ Viator.
Greenville, Ala., Aug. 30.
To the Alabama Baptist Association.
Dear Brethren: Your Executive Board has
appointed brother A. B. Jackson to labor#in
the destitute portions of the Association. He
has been faithfully and profitably engaged
during the year. He looks to us with confi
dence for the support of himself and family.
Shall he be disappointed ? The Lord of the
vineyard has decreed that they who preach
the gospel shall live of the gospel. Our
missionary and his family have no other
means of living. Will you instruct your
messengers to the Association to say to our
missionary, wife and little ones, “ depart in
peace,” “ be ye warmed and filled,” notwith
standing you send not to the Association
things needful for the body? Your Execu
tive Board hope better things of you. Let
ine say a word to those brethren and sisters
to whom the missionary has been sent. The
Master says thou shalt not muzzle the ox that
treadeth out fehs ’Corn. Doth God care for
oxen? If God commands you to feed your
oxen, which are your servants, does He not
require you to, feed your preacher, his wife
and children? If he sows unto you spiritual
things, is it a great thing if he shall reap
your carnal things ?
Beloved brethren, send up to the Associa
tion liberal contributions, and gladden the
heart of a laboring servant of Jesus, who is
looking to the Lord through you alone to be
sustained. He has suspended all other em
ployments of profit. He has given himself
wholly to the work of ail evangelist. In
obedience to Jesus, he has absented himself
from loved ones and gone preaching the gos
pel to every creature. He has made great
sacrifices to do good, but let it be distinctly
borne in mind, that his wife has sacrificed
more, at home, lonely, anxious for the absent
one, with all the cares of the family, and the
business of home, resting upon her. She is
left almost alone to supply the growing wants
of a growing family, such as physical, social,
educational and religious wants. Brethren
of the churches-'of the Association, help.
Begin the work at next conference.
M. Bishop, One of the Com.
Fort Deposit, Aug. ‘2Bth 1870.
A tilorious Revival.
On Saturday before the first Lord’s day in
the present month, the brethren and friends
of Liberty church, Cherokee county, Ala.,
met, as is their custom at that time in each
month, to worship. Brethren W. E. Moun
tain (their pastor) and T. P. Gwin, with
myself, were with them as ministers. The
brethren of the church seemed to be intent
on having a revival, and went to work accord
ingly in prayer, making home sacrifices and
being constant in attendance. The meeting
closed on the night of the second Sabbath
with glorious results, eighteen new sons and
daughters having been added to the household
of faith, besides several conversions not thus
publicly professed in baptism. Several of
these, I learn, intend uniting with the church
at her next regular meeting. The meeting
closed, leaving the church much revived and
strengthened, and the world deeply con
cerned.
These miracles were performed, not in the
din of battle and noise of strife, but by that
small, still voice, which brings peace to the
troubled soul, and gives an abiding hope of
the glory of God. At several different times
during the meeting, almost every eye in the
house swam in tears, and at such times, in
stead of much dancing, benches knocked over,
and backs banged by unmerciful fists, such
expressions as “Thank God ! ’ might be heard
as they gently and voluntarily escaped the
lips of happy children of grace. Brethren,
why can we not have such revivals of religion
in all churches, all over the land? Is God
less able or more unwilling to bestow the
blessings of His grace than in former days,
or are we less faithful? God has always and
will ever answer the earnest, faithful prayer
of His people. “The prater of the righteous
availeth much.” “Where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I,”
should encourage us to battle nobly in this
cause of conquering the world. There were
some marvellous displays of answer to prayer
during this meeting. Let us get ourselves
right before the Lord, and never cease to pray,
and where we now hear groanings under, and
complainings of, coldness and deadness, we
shall soon hear welcome sounds of thanksgiv
ing and rejoicing. J. M. Robertson.
Spring Garden, Ala., Aug. 25, 1870. /
Revival News.
I commenced a series of meetings on Sat
urday, the 23rd uit., at Pine Level, which
lasted nine days. Previous to this meeting,-
the church had a cold condition. But
I am exceedingly glad that I can say, the
Lord met with us and abundantly blessed the
church. Christians were revived and “ built
up in their most holy faith,” sinners were
converted, and made to cry out like one of
old, “Sirs, what shall we do to be saved? - ’
Mourners were convert* and, six of whom made
an open profession of their faith in Christ
Jesus, and after baptism were added to the
church. I had the assistance, in this meeting,
of that venerated veteran of the cross, David
Lee, part of the time, also, brother T. J.
Miles. These brethren labored efficiently in
the Master’s cause. Brother Lee left my
meeting on Friday p.M.,andon Saturday, the
30th uit., he, began a series of meetings at
Mt. Lebanon church, eight miles from this
place. On Monday I went to his assistance.
I remained with him five days, during which
time fifteen were received for baptism. I
have since learned that the meeting contin
ued thirteen day s, nnJ twenty four willing
converts were baptized and added to the
church. On Sunday, the 7th of August, I
began a meeting at brother Ellis’, three miles
from Sandy Ridge, a point where I have been
preaching this year, monthly. The Lord
copiously poured out His Spirit upon the
people. Many professed to be converted.
On Thursday I baptized five. S.-ven more
were received upon a profession of faith, and
I promised to baptize them at my next ap
pointment at that place, which will be the
first Sabbath in September. The Macedonia
church have (since this->ineeting) agreed to
move their constitution tO'or near that place.
1 think several others will unite with the
brethren there, and thatagoi>S strong church
will be built up. There aredmany kind, gen
frous-hearted people in that vfcimty,fbr whom
I have Christian fellowship.? They enjoyed
the meeting, their children were biessed,and,
I trust, they will all soots, follow Jesus. I
and brother T. J. Miles held a meeting, com
mencing on the 15th inst, at brother O’Neal’s,
ten miles distant from Pine Level. The
meeting lasted five days. It was a gracious
time, and will be long remembered by those
who attended it. On Wednesday, the 19th
inst, I baptized five upon a profession of their
faith in Christ. The Lord is doing great
things for us in South Alabama. May He
add to the number of Ilis people, how' many
soever they may be, a hundred fold.
B. A. Jackson.
Pine Level, Ala., Aug. 29 th, 1870.
Ordination.
New Ebenezer chnrch having called brother
Wm. Henry Dean to her pastorate, the church
at Hickory Grove, Montgomery county, Ala.,
of which he is a member, unanimously voted
his ordination to the full work of the ministry,
and invited a presbytery, consisting of Elders
David Lee, B. A. Jackson and J. T. S. Park,
to ratify said action. He*was accordingly
set apart by solemn “ prayer and the imposi
tion of hands,” on the 28th day of August, as
“ a minister according to the gift of the grace
of God.” Elder Jackson preached the sermon
and presented the Bible, Elder Lee examined
the church and candidate, Elder Park read
and defined the Scriptural qualifications of a
bishop, and charged the candidate, who, after
receiving “ the right hand of fellowship” from
the presbytery, and church, pronounced the
benediction. A Presbyter.
“ The Hill Country,’’ Ala.
A letter from this part of the State may
not be uninteresting to some of your readers.
I feel pained, however, at the outset, that I
cannot write such glorious news as your cor
respondent from Henry county, Ga. His
letter was truly refreshing in these times of
religious apathy and coldness. I have heard
of but little revival spirit in our (the Shelby)
Association. I conducted a meeting at one
of my churches, at which 1 baptized two
young ladies, both Methodists. Two will
probably be baptized at our next meeting,
one, an old man over seventy years of age.
His conversion dates back thirty five years or
more. Others made profession, but Ido not
know that they will join us. Wo are sur
rounded by strong Pedobaptist influence, and
no little effort is made to prevent any acces
sion to our ranks. One young lady I know
is exceedingly anxious to come to us, but her
mother opposes her so bitterly that she is
postponing the matter, hoping that parental
authority will yield to her convictions.
1 recently attended the district meeting of
the 2nd district, held at Beaver Creek church,
of which brother J. H. 11. Carden is pastor.
All the ministers in the district and several
lay delegates were present. The meeting was
one of some interest. Brother T. P. Hoi
comb was elected moderator, and W. Arm
strong clerk. A committee on business was
appointed, who reported the following queries
for discussion : 1. What is the cause ot the
present state of religious apathy in our
churches, and the remedy? 2. Should the
churches discipline their members for using
intoxicating liquors as a beverage? 3. Should
a member be disciplined for refusing to par
take of the Lord’s supper, and also for com
muning with Pedobaplists ? 4. Should let
ters of dismission be limited as to the time in
which they can be used ? 5. Did the office of
ruling elders exist in the Primitive churches?
6. Should not every church be a Sunday
school?
The Ist query elicited considerable discus
sion, and the writer, by request of the meet
ing, preached upon the subject Sabbath morn
ing. It was resolved to answer it, as follows:
Tnat if the membership of our churches had,
l,a highersense of their obligations and privi
leges as Christians, 2, less worldly-ininded
ness, 3, more faith in God, 4, less eovttous
ness, 5, more prayer at home, the difficulty
would bo removed. (Does not this cover
the ground ?) The 2nd query was answered I
emphatically in the affirmative. Upon mo
tion, the consideration of the other queries
was postponed till the next district meeting,
to be held at Mount Calvary church at such
time as the church may elect. The meeting
was protracted four or fivo days, and, as the
result, three were baptized and two restored.
I had never been thrown with these deaF
brethren in the ministry before, and must say
that their zeal and self-suerificing spirit ex
cited in me feelings of admiration and affec
tion. They have been laboring in this Asso
ciation for years with unwearied energy and
devotion, receiving little or no compensation
for their services. Most of them labor alljtho
week, and ride from ten to twenty miles -|o
meet their engagements. One of them, djjßMg
nearly the whole of one year, walked
appointments. Ido not suppose any ufjplm
receive much over twenty -five dollar* Jtyear
from any one church. While this.stale of
things exists, is it any wonder that we hear of
apathy and coldness? But 1 find that they
are, with one accord, “ reproving, rwßuking
and exhorting” on this subject, *
The Association meets thi 8 year at Liberty
church, Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath in
October. T. C. B.
A Revival in Mississippi.
In compliance w ith a request from the dea
cons of the churftli at this place, I visited
them about two months since. Found them
in the midst of a glorious revival, under the
preaching of our gifted brother, Jas. Nelson,
Agent for the Board of Education of the
Mississippi Baptist Convention. Twenty two
were added to the church during the meeting,
and we hope many more will come to us
soon. After being here a week, I was called
to the pastoral care of the church, which 1
accepted. We have a promising church of
about a hundred members, in a promising
town of about 3,000 population. We hope
for great things by God’s blessing.
W. A. Mason.
Okalona, Mtss., Aug. 22nd, IS7O.
A Revival.
1 am glad to report a glorious work of grace
in progress at Long Cane. Eight days ago
the church met in conference, and resolved to
continue the meeting day and night, until they
obtained a blessing—some of them declaring
“ they could not live longer without a revi
val.” Tokens of God’s presence in His
majesty and glory, were apparent, and soon
the fruit began to appear. Tfte promise, “ Be?
fore they call I will answer, and while they
are yet speaking 1 ■will hear,” was realized, in
the good and pleasant union of the brethren,
and the deep and earnest fueling of the con
gregation. Seven have been buried with
Christ in baptism, many others have obtained
forgiveness of sin, at.d fr* in thirty to forty
regularly present themselves at the altar for
prayer, whenever invited. Such is the power
of the Spirit with us, that the strong oaks of
Bashan bow with as much ease, apparently,
as the willows by the water courses. It is
“ the Lord’s doing, and is marvellous in our
eyes.” Brother George Robinson and Dr.
L. J. Robert, who are members of our church
and ministers of the gospel, have rendered
valuable aid in the meeting, the latter lYe
quently riding and laboring in the practice of
medicineduring theentire interval of the meet
ings, morning and night. Brother J. J. Lev
erett, also a Baptist, minister, and brother
Birch, the Methodist minister in charge at
said place, have been with us two days.
“ The work still goes on.”
A. R. Callaway.
Aug. 28, 1870.
Female Faithfulness Rewarded.
I came tofthis place in July) to Xsrtre charge
of the Baptist church until the first of Octo
ber,‘when I expect to return to Howard
College. I found the church, which once
numbered over 150 members, now almost
broken up, only one or two male members
being left, and they so situated as to bo unable
to attend meetings of any character. But,
the pious and zealous sisters had kept up the
Sabbath school, through the two years that
they had had no proaching. They would
open with prayer, and go through with the
duties of the Sabbath school without, proba
bly, a single man present. Such is the devo
tion of some of the Gainesville sisters to our
Saviour’s cause. Should not this shame inac
tive men, if not stimulate them to go to work
in the Master’s vineyard ? 1 have preached
twice every Sunday, (excepting the first Sun
day,) to large and attentive congregations.
Four have joined by letter, two useful men.
Yesterday, I baptized two —a young lady and
a young man—witnessed by a large crowd of
spectators, to whom the burial of the body
with Christ by baptism into death, had
come to be a novelty on account of its infre
quency here. There are several others anx
ious about their souls. I hope, soon, to see
many others happily converted.
L. M. Stone, Jk. ,
Gainesville, Ala., Aug. 20 th, 1870.
A Work of Grace,
Brother B. F. Clement, our pastor, com
menced a meeting with us, at Mount l’aran
church, Fulton county, on Thursday night,
August the 11th, which continued until Sun
day, the 21st. We had a gracious time. The
church was greatly revived. Fifteen were
added by baptism, four by letter, and five
placed themselves under the care of the church
until they could procure letters. Several
others professed conversion, and several, we
trust, are not far from the kingdom. Brother
Clement was alone most of the time. We
could procure but little ministerial aid. But
God was his strength. He preached two ser
mons each day, most of the time.
J. J. Sentell.
A Good Work: The Index.
The Baptist church at Mount Zion has just
closed a meeting of nine days. We received
twenty one by experience and baptism, and
one by letter. There are other converts,
who, I think, will join soon. We never had
better order and attention. Brother Brown
was with me five days, brethren Thames and
Cowan one day, and brother Cloud two days.
They all pei formed faithful service. Getting
up the club for the Index might have had
something to do, in stirring up the brethren;
many of them say they will support the gos
pel better than they have done.
* D. L. Doffey.
Clayton county , Ga., Aug. 20th, 1870.
A Pastor Finding Fruit.
1 have had very interesting meetings at
three of my churches. At West Union
we had a meeting of eight days; bap
tized six. Many came forward for prayer,
and several are to be baptized at our next
meeting. At Unity we had a meeting of
five days, baptized three. At Euon, in a
meeting of six days, we baptized four, and
others are waiting. Brother CbauJoin will
let yon hear from our Association, the Oos
tanaula. Tell him not to despond; we will
land in the Convention next year, and, I hope,
do more for missions. W. J. King.
Floyd county, Ga., Aug. 31s<, 1870.
Stone Mountain: ludian Creek.
I havp ju>t closed a series of meetings w iib
the above churches, which embraced aimast
all of August. Eleven days’ meeting at
Indian Creek resulted in an increase ot the
membership by baptism, twenty-seven. Thir
teen days at Stone Mountain, resulted in an
addition, by baptism, of twenty-three, and
four by letter. Thus 1 have baptized into
these two churches, in the August mooting,
lifiy members. Buth churches are much re
vived, and strengthened, and rejoiced. To
God be all the glory. W. H. Strickland.
Stone Mountain , Ga., Sept. 1, 1870,
News front tlie Field.
Early in August, I went to the Noonday
Association, at Allationa church, near Ac
worth, Ga. This is a now Association, and
they are now debating the question of joining
the Georgia Baptist Convention. Tliey div
eided not to join this year. Doubtless they
will join soon. They gave some money
to the different Boards of the Southern Bap
tist Convention.
Next visited Atlanta, the most growing
city in this part of the country. It is the Chi
cago of the South. The good old Index and
Baptist, published here, is worthy the pa
tronage of all our reading Baptists. Atlanta
now has three Baptist churches, and a Baptist
chapel. The chapel is in West End. It is a
neat brick house, in which a fourth church is
doubtless soon to be organized.
Had the pleasure of attending the annual
meeting of the “DeKalb County Sunday
School Association.” It is supposed that
thirty five hundred people were present. It
is composed of all the Sunday schools of the
county, twenty-one in number, containing
about twenty one hundred teachers and pu
pils. DeKalb is doubtless the Banner Sun
day school county in Georgia, and perhaps in
the South. Who can name a greater ? The
meeting was addressed by Gen. Colquitt. The
schools sang beautifully on this occasion.
Attended the Oostanaula Association at
Armuehee church, Flo_) and county. Dr. Cheney,
once of Green county, was Moderator, and
brother King, Clerk. Here, too, we had a
hard struggle, on the question of joining the
Baptist Convention—l 9 for, and 24 against,
which decided them not to join. I think the
affirmative side will carry it next year. This
.Association gave me $63.75 for the Sunday
School Board of the Southern Baptist Con
vention, for which I most heartily thank them.
It is more than some give vvho are in the Con
vention.
Have just returned from the meeting of the
Central Association at Eatonton. Brother
W. J. Lawton was elected Moderator, and
brother I. M. Springer, Clerk. We had a
small but very pleasant session. Every
church reported a Sunday school in its con
gregation. This Association has labored to
this end for several years. They have now
resolved to make every school an evergreen,
viz., not to die with the cold or the warm
weather. May the Lord bless the Sunday
schools and the children in all this country.
F. M. Hayqood, Agent and Mine.
Macon, Ga., Sept. 1, 1870.
Times of Refreshing.
On Friday before the first Lord’s day in
this month, I began a series of meetings with
Wehadkec church, Troup county, Ga., which
continued nine days. Sixteen were added to
the church by baptism, and one by restoration.
I had the assistance of brethren C. S. John
son and G. S. Leveret. The church was gra
ciously revived, and much interest manifested
up to the close of the meeting, and great anx
iety that the meeting should continue longer.
I left this church for Western, Heard
county, Ga., where tie Lord graciously re
vived his people, convicted sinners and con
verted mourners. Eight were added to this
church by letter, ten by baptism, and one still
lies over for baptism. We left a number
anxiously inquiring the way of life, and we
hope next to meet them having found peace
in Jesus. Brother M. Owensly was with me
part of the time, but unable to preach. Brn
thei C. S. Johnson came in at the close of the
meeting and preached one sermon for me.
This meeting continued seven days.
I left here for Rock Spring church, Cham
bers county, Ala. This church has been far
in the background, but, thanks be to God, He
' was mindful of and graciously vixiied <
Zion, waking up those holding letters and
stirring up the people generally. There were
added to her numbers twelve by letter, one
restored, eleven baptized. Two still be over
for baptism. We expect to receive others at
our next meeting. All was life when we left.
I had no help at all during the meeting, which
continued seven days, and was closed only
because duty called me home to my own
church, New Hope, at Fredonia, Ala. You
remember I wrote you of our revival here on
my return. I still found the church alive, and
during our two days meeting three were added
to the church by baptism and two by letter.
The Lord is ever to be praised for His good
ness toward us. I feel that I never can praise
Him as I ought, until He shall say, come up
higher. R. A. J. Cumbik.
Fredonia, Ala., Aug. 29, 1870.
Hephzibah High School.
We would most respectfully call the attention
of the Boaj;d of Trustees, and the members of the
Hephzibah Association, to a few considerations in
reference to this cherished Institution. You are
aware, brethren, that though our school has bare
ly reached a decade of years, it has, under your
fostering care, and the wise superintendence of
some cf the best teachers in the State, taken po
sition in the front rank of Institutions of its class,
in the South. Having been connected with the
school as a Trustee from its foundation, and hav
ing, for the last two years, been intimately asso
ciated with its teachers and pupils, I think that I
may say, without disparagement, that our breth
ren of the Hephzibah Association do not fully
appreciate the merits of our school—are not fully
sensible of the vast lever power we have at com
mand, for the moral and literary elevation of our
youth. Residing, as I do, in the village of Heph
zibah, having daily opportunities to observe the
training and internal management of the school,
you, brethren, would bo better prepared to rise
to the importance of the suggestions to be offered,
and the demands of the situation
We remark, just here, that the prejudices that
have hitherto existed to mixed schools, on an ex
tensive scale like ours, have been very measura
bly modified, and have, in most instances, been
entirely dissipated. Indeed, those who were neu
tral on that subject in the beginning of the school,
have, from observing the harmonious movements
of the whole machinery, been thoroughly satis
fied that mixed schools are promotive, in both
sexes, of a generous rivalry, and a higher tone of
respect for each other, than could possibly be at
tained in schools of an opposite character. Much
might be said here, but I suppose this is enough as
an introduction to what follows.
You remember, brethren, that at our last Asso
ciational session, resolutions were adopted and
spread on your minutes, having for their object
the elevation of the grade of our school. The
resolutions, as spread upon your minutes for 1809,
authorize the Principals of the school to arrange
a course of study, and to grant certificates, on
parchment, of scholarship to all, male and female,
who might complete the published course; and
also to change the name of the school to the
Hephzibah Collegiate Institute. The Board of
Trustees failed, by oversight, to officially instruct
the Principals in reference to the wishes of the
Association on this point. The consequence has
been, that, while the name has not been changed
from High School to Collegiate Institute, the
Principals have published a programme of studies,
with a statement in their catalogue, that a certifi
cate, as indicated by the resolutions of the Asso
ciation, will be given to both males and females
completing the course prescribed.
Now, brethren, at & glanco you will see that
we are placing our school in an awkward position,
and are, really, by taking this half-way ground,
thwarting the very objects had in view by the
resolutions, as they stand on your minutes for
1809.
Those who are pecuniarily able, and desire
College honors and finish, will feel that, to prop
er ly obtain them, they must go elsewhere. Those
who might, from choice or necessity, remain and
obtain their certificates of scholarship, would feel
that, however thorough their education might be
in lact, receiving it at the hands of an un
chartered schuol, the outside would give them
credit for only a partial and inferior course.
To obviate this and other difficulties, and to in
crease the lacilities for doing good, we propose
that you, brethren, .will prayerfuly consider the
propriety of advancing on your last year’s reso
lutions.
Let ns have something new under the sun.
Nothing wrong in new things, if ihey are better
than the old things.
Let us appoint a Committee, at our next session,