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154
Said JJaptfct.
J. J. TOOJf, .... Proprietor.
PUBLICATION ROOMS 4& 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, OCTOBER 6, 1870.
Less than might liave been Expected.
The (Dutch) Reformed Church, for the
year ending June Ist, 1870, reports 974 adult
and 3,421 infant baptisms. The latter stand
to the former in a proportion of less than
four to one—which indicates a great change
from the times when adherents of the Belgic
Confession were “wholly given to” Pedo
baptism. As the church claims to have 38,-
552 families in connection with it, there was,
during the year, but about one infant baptism
for every eleven families—which excites a
grave suspicion that some Reformed house
holds must have carried reformation to the
length of “ the pestilent Anabaptist heresy.”
Certainly, to say the least, the showing is less
favorable to Pedobaptism than might have
reasonably been expected under the shadow
of the Heidelberg Catechism.
While there was an increase of 846 in the
number of families during the year, there
was a decrease of 164 in the number of in
fant baptisms. No wonder that the Com
mittee of the General Synod on the State of
Religion, felt impelled to “ask pastors and
elders, whether they so follow up the intro
duction of the little ones into the church, by
personal oversight and teaching, as to raise
the rite into more than a barren form."
And no wonder that, so far forth as the
«form ” is seen to be “ barren,” it should
lapse into neglect among an Evangelical peo
ple.
Frank Admissions.
The Christian Union publishes a commu
nication from a Baptist minister, in defence
of our position as a people, on the vexed ques
tion of strict communion. The editor, Henry
Ward Beecher, says:
We are most happy to agree with him in
believing that there exists very generally a
true and cordial sympathy between the Bap
tists and our other churches, which is far more
important and significant than any differences
between them. We freely acknowledge, too,
the consistency of their logic on the subject
of close communion; and we heartily respect
the fidelity to principle which will not sacri
fice honest conviction even to gain a good
end.
Letters of Dismission.
Baptists, removing from one place to another,
with letters of dismission, often fail to present
them to the churches within whose bounds they
make their home. They thus virtually drop away
out of active church membership for years to
gether, if not for life. “In San Francisco,” for
example, “ there are said to be more Baptists
lying around loose, with all responsibilities thrown
olf, than make up the organized Baptist commu
nity of the city.” To prevent this “ leakage,”
how would it answ T er to pursue a method similar
to that which the English Wesleyans are proposj
ingto adopt? Why not furnish to the individual
member a letter of dismission, in the usual form,
and send also a statement of this fact to the church
into whose territory he removes ? The attention
of the church will be drawn to him in this way ;
the probability is increased that he will be sought
out and welcomed,) as all strangers ought to be);
the embarrassment arising from reluctance to
make one’s self known will be obviated; and
timely succor will be secured, often, when the
soul wavers under strong temptation to dissolve
its connection with the people of Ood. The ex.
periment strikes us as well worth trying. What
we suggest, is, some times, done by thoughtful
pastors or anxious Christian friends —and done
with happy effect. Should it not be done in all
cases by the church , in pursuance of a fixed rule ,
securing to every one of her sons and daughters
this token of a wise and loving solicitude for the
welfare of the soul, and for a useful life?
How to Learn.
“Sir William Hamilton used to say that a man
never knows anything until he has taught it in
some way; it may be orally, or it may be by
writing.”
Oh, Christian, go, learn the gospel—learn its
fulness—in that way. By lip, or pen, teach it to
some poor soul, “ready to perish.” So shalt thou
know it, with a clearness of apprehension, a force
of evidence, a sense of power, such as no other
means imparts. Speech for Christ brings light
from Christ. We know Him as we make Him
known.
Utility of Baptism.
“The utility of public rites and ceremonies has
been acknowledged in all ages of thu world, both
in civil and religious matters. Such is the consti
tution of the human mind; that public rites and
ceremonies, representing certain principles, give
to those principles additional force on the mind.
The Almighty had regard to this feature of the
human'mind in the institution of the passover and
the Lord’s supper, and adult baptism.”
So writes a correspondent of one of our Pcdo
baptist exchanges. Why hold, then, that the
Lord has disregarded “this feature of the human
mind,” with, respect to the great bulk of believers
in Christian lands, and has denied them the
“ utility” of “adult baptism,” through an ordi
nance performed at an age when “ public rites and
ceremonies” can “ represent” no “principles” to
the mind ?
Back to Our Old Home.
Friday night before the fourth Sabbath in Septem
ber, we reached Cedar Bluff, in Cherokee county,
Ala., —the region of the first five years of our minis
try, and found the brethren in the midst of a gracious
revival, under the pastorate of brother Pullin, of Cave
Spring, Ga. The Cherokee Association having met
there the Saturday before, the services had been pro
tracted through the week. We heard brother Pullin
preach an able, earnest and sound sermon on the
sufferings of Christ. We were truly rejoiced to see
the church at that place under the charge of so effi
cient and able a minister as brother Pullin.
The baptismal scene, on Sabbath morning, was as
beautiful as we ever beheld. In the Coosa river,
and near the very spot where we administered this
ordinance to our first candidates just 18 years before,
brother Pullin buried 16 persous with Christ in bap
tism, and fully a dozen of them were the sons and
daughters of our dear old brethren of those long
gone days; and we believe that every one baptized
was grown. The fathers there have nearly all passed
away ; but the sons have taken their places. One of
the deacons told us that, in all important respects,
the church doubled its strength in this meeting. It
has been ten years since it was last our privilege to
preaeh to them. Our visit was delightful to us. We
also visited aDd preached ior Liberty and Unity
churches, —churches of which we were pastor in
those days, and our visit to them was not less pleas
ant. Both of these churches have also enjoyed a
gracious revival the past summer. Our congregations
were large in all these places, and the many greetings
which we received from old friends, we will not for
get.
We have seen no notice of our own Association in
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOOTII-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1870.
ihe paper—the Coosa River. It met with Refuge
church, in Talladega county, Saturday, Sept. 17th.
Elder S. Henderson was re-elected Moderator. It is
believed to have been the most important session of
that body that we have had for several years. R.
Reviews and Notices.
The Story of a Working Man’s Life : With Sketches
of Travel in Europe. Asia, Africa and America, as
Related by Himself. By Francis Mason, D.D.
With an Introduction by William R. Williams,
D.D. New York : Oakley, Mason & Cos. Pp. 402,
with 5 lull-page illustrations.
Dr. Mason was born at York, England, in 1799 )
came to America in ISIS, sailed to Burmah as a mis.
sioaary in 1830; and. with the exception of a brief
absence from the field on account of ill-health, has de'
voted forty years to the evangelization of the heathen
He is the author of the translation of the whole Bible
into the Karen tongue ; anti, for the purposes of his
work, became a printer when more than three score-
The story of his life is recounted in a style like that
of Franklin, or Defoe; and we have followed him
through every chapter to the last, with much interest.
Opposition to slavery has been a passion with him,
and l.e speaks of the South and her institutions with
severity : but these things may be patiently borne for
the sake of his eminently useful career abroad.
Silver Wings. A Collection of entirely New Sunday
School Music. Boston : Oliver Ditson & Cos. Pp.
128. Price :in paper, 30 cents; in boards, 35.
These tunes, now “ published in book form fjr the
first time,” (the compiler assures us,) are such as
have been ‘‘tried by the children and found to pos
sess the true Sunday school ring.” With our slight
skill in that line, we take it to be an excellent col.
lection, and one that will be popular.
Delaune. The English Baptist Martyr. By Rev
Charles Thompson. Philadelphia : (Baptist) Bible
and Publication Society. Pp. 457, with 5 full-page
illustrations.
“ In the days of that merciful Prince, King Charles
If, near eight thousand Protestant Dissenters per
ished in prison.” Among that number was Thomas
Delaune, a Baptist, whose offence lay in writing “A
Plea for Nonconformists,” a work calmly, ably and
Scripturally argued. One count against the Plea
was, that it had been written “to disparage and
scandalize the Baok of Common Prayer.”
Mr. Thompson has woven into an interesting story,
the share of our Baptist fathers in these sufferings
and in the revolution of 1688, which secured a larger
measure of religious liberty. Such Baptists as Knol
lys, Kiffin, Howell,Defoe and Bunyan, play a more or
less or less prominent part in it. It should be read
by all the young who wish to acquaint themselves
with the service rendered to the rights of conscience
by our denomination in the past, or to refresh their
recollections of that honorable feature in its history
Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc.
Georgia.
Our friend and brother, Rev. A. T. Holmes, D.D.,
fell asleep in Jesus, at his residence in this city, Sept.
29th. The messenger that brought to him the Mas
ter’s call, “ Come up higher,” was the dropsy. A
long and useful life has closed peacefully, in hope of
the “salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal
glory.” We shall speak of this event again. The
reader will notice, in another column, the announce
ment that Rev. T. B. Cooper, of Conyers, has been
appointed Agent of the Southern Baptist Foreign
Mission Board, for this State, Alabama and Florida.
Brother Cooper is a hard worker, and will do faith
ful service in this cause. We hope our brethren will
so appreciate the cause as to make the service suc
cessful. Read the sermon of Rev. J. H. Hall on the
first page, and send a contribution to brother C.
Alabama.
Okolona church has had 19 accessions, (five from
the Pedobaptists, one of whom, sixty years old, has
been a preacher twenty-seven years.) An arm of
that church has had 45 accessions, (ten from the Pe
dobaptists.) Revs. W. J. Parker and C. J. Miles
ordained John H. Cline to the ministry, Sunday, Sept.
4th, at Rembert Hills church, near Linden.
Kentucky.
Rev. Wm. M. Pratt, D.D., has removed from New
Albany, Ind., and permanently settled in Louisville,
without pastoral charge. Sonora church has had
21 baptisms: Simpsonville, 10; Blooming Grove,
Livingston, 20; Williamsburg, Bracken, 43.
Mississippi.
Thirteen have been baptized at Salem church, Rev.
T. G. Sellers, pastor, (7 of them from the Methodists;)
16 at Macedonia,Tippah county; 23 at Sharon church,
W.JS. Webb, pastor ; 23 at Centre Hill and 10 at
Cold Water church, Rev. J. W- Stein, pastor.-i
Twenty-five colored churches, with a membership of
some 1,500, have been organized into an Association,
(the “Sardis,) by a Committee of ministers appoint
ed by the Cold Water Association.
Missouri.
There have been 17 baptisms at Fee Fee church;
33 at Mt, Olive, Linn county; at Keytesville, Chari
tan, 10; at Clear Creek, Benton, about 30. There
is not a single Baptist preacher in Ray county.
North Carolina.
There have been 32 baptisms at Shamswell’s school
house; and a revival is in progress at Wake cross
roads.
South Carolina.
Rev. David Simmons expects to seek a field of
labor in another State. Friendship church, Ander
son county, has had a revival, with 15 baptisms;
Rabun’s Creek church, Laurens, with 23 accessions ;
Fork Shoal, Greenville, 13, (2 “ Campbellites,” 2
Methodists and l Presbyterian among them.) —-Rev.
A. Acker, in the last twelve months, has baptized 60
or 70 persons at Shady Grove, Anderson.
Texas.
The Houston Herald says : “No year since the
war, lias added so many to our churches, either by
conversion or by letter, as the present. Compara
tively few of the revivals that occur are reported
through the papers.”—Waco University “opens
with better auspices than ever before; students are
coming in from every part of the State.” A meet
ing in Atascosa county resulted in 12 baptisms and
the constitution of a church; a meeting at Peoria,
Hill county, in 18 accessions and a subscription to
build a house of worship. Wilson Creek church,
Collin county, has had 25 accessions; Mt. Antioch,
Limestone, 10.
Tennessee. »
Harmony church, Robertson county, has had 11
baptisms. There is a proposition to organize anew
Association out of the 25 or 30 churches between the
Kentucky line and the Cumberland river, including
Clarkesville, Edgefield, etc. There are about-115
students in Union University, Murfreesboro, with a
prospect of a large Sunday School
Board, Memphis, proposes to begin the publication of
a Uniform Lesson series in the November issues of
Kind Words. Rey. T. J. Kincannon, Bristol, has
sold the Female Institute to Lebanon and Hol
ston Associations for $6,250. He will spend the win
ter at Richmond College, preaching for one of the
churches in that city.
Virginia.
The recent census shows that, in Richmond, Bap
tists have 14 church edifices, sufficient to seat 12,235
persons, and worth $227,500; which places them in
ad vance of every other denomination. On Sabbath
night, Sept. 27th, the sermon of Rev. Dr. Burrows at
the First church, Richmond, was cut short "by the
discovery that the rear of the church was on fire.
The fire was extinguished before it made any head
way.
Special Notice to the Baptist Churches of
Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
Dear Bi ethren: Being under appointment
of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern
Baptist Convention, “ to reach, as far possible,
every one of you, for the purpose of securing
a contribution from each Baptist to aid in
spreading the gospel in heathen and anti-Chris
tian lands ; and especially to bring each church
into working affiliation with the Board,” the
undersigned earnestly solicits the hearty co
operation of every member, deacon, minister,
church, Association, Convention.
The motto of the Board is, “A contribution
from every Baptist church of the South — for
Foreign Missions —this fiscal year.” Their
exhortation is, “ Let every member of every
church be invited to share in the privilege,”
They affirm that “If every church member
shall give something, though only one cent, a
week, all that is needful will be secured,”
The proper method of obtaining this most
desirable end, is for every church to form a
missionary society, and appoint a treasurer
to collect and forward its stated contributions.
Many churches have done this already, and
the plan is working finely. Every church
should be a missionary society. Every one
who loves Jesus wishes Ilim to he loved by al
the world. The wish should lead immedi
ately to the act of offering Jesus, through His
word and ministers, to every lost soul on
earth. Dear brethren in the ministry, lead
the churches in this noble, work !
God has richly blessed our land in seasons
and in harvest; and now we ask as a thank
offering, the price of one Bible or Testament,
say ten, twenty-five or fifty cents, or one dol
lar, from each member of every church aud
Sunday school, with which to buy a Testament
or Bible for a heathen soul perishing for lack
of the knowledge^of Jesus. Who cannot give
a Bible or a Testament to enlighten and lead
a soul to Jesus ?
Let every church form, at once, a mis
sionary society ; and let every pastor of a
church and superintendent of a Sunday school
read this notice to his church or school, and
report, sending names and contributions to
T. B. Cooper, Agent,
Conyers, Ga.
N. B.—l desire that ministers and other
brethren or sisters, being moved by the love
of Christ, will correspond with me as to plans
for missionary societies, the state of feeling
in their churches towards the Foreign Mission
work, the missions and missionaries in for
eign iands; that they will send me minutes
of Conventions, Associations and missionary
societies; and that they will urge all the
churches to make up clubs for the Home and
Foreign Journal. Brethren, one and all,
HELP.
Baptist papers that circulate in Alabama,
Florida and Georgia, or in any one of these
States, please copy. T. B. C.
The Florida Baptist Convention.
This body holds its session with the Bap
tist church at Jacksonville, Fla., commencing
Friday before the fourth Sunday in Novem
ber next. In view of its near approach, the
Baptists of the State ought to be earnestly
considering what measures can be adopted to
promote most effectually the interests of the
Redeemer’s kingdom.
Hitherto the Florida has been represented
by a more numerous delegation than any
other Association in the State. Yet she
stands in less actual need of assistance from
the Convention, than do the others. Her
territory is more densely dotted with meet
ing houses and regularly organized churches,
and this year’s operations prove that she is
able to supply all her destitution with mis
sionaries without aid from other organizations.
Her Executive Committee are satisfied that
the churches generally are much stronger and
in better working plight than they were a
year ago.
I mention these facts to show that the
Florida Association has no selfishness in her
zeal to sustain the existence of the State Con
vention, and to urge other Associations not
to be behind in this matter. In these Asso
ciations are a goodly number of the mission
ary spirits who could, if they would, exert a
telling influence upon the mass of Baptists
with whom they are identified. They are
well enough informed to know that missiona
ry zeal is the spirit of Christ, and indispen
sable to the prosperity of the churches and
to the progress of the gospel. Cannot one
such, young or old, be found in each Associ
ation who will rise up in behalf of the cause,
and reason, instruct, rebuke, exhort and im
portune with sufficient boldness and earnest
ness to arouse the churches to greater exer
tions for the Master’s kingdom ? Unless their
light is already doomed to extinction, an
effort like this cannot fail; and the sessions
of our Associations and Convention will be
of a very different character from what they
have been heretofore.
it is expected that the generous proposition
of the New York Home Mission Society,
made last November, at Monticello, will be
repeated at Jacksonville. It is rumored that
the Domestic Board of the Southern Baptist
Convention will also offer us the use of two
thousand dollars, for the next year, on terms
equally liberal, viz., that the Florida Board
select the missionaries, and the above
named Boards commission and sustain them.
If these offers are really made, and our State
Board acts with becoming energy, the writer
sees no reason why all the thickly populated
sections of Florida may not be occupied by
our missionaries; for the New York Home
Mission Society offers its money without
limit. Surely, if our brethren abroad are so
deeply concerned about our wants, gratitude
to God for such sympathy ought to excite us
to make increased sacrifices for the cause in
our own midst. A. B. Campbell.
Thomasville, Ga., Sept. 28, 1870.
Baptist Union Association.
We have just returned from a meeting of
this Association, held with the Elam church,
Emanuel county, Ga. The churches were,
from some cause, very poorly represented.
Out of twenty-one churches, letters were re*
ceived from but fifteen. Several of the
churches reported no pastoral supply. There
has been no extensive revival interest in any
of the churches during the past year. But
few accessions reported in the letters. The
Union Association is a small body, but scat
tered over a very large terr'tory. It includes
all the Baptist churches in Emanuel, Bulloch,
Montgomery and Tattnall couuties, nearly.
The churches are generally small, and pecu
niarily weak. The Association has but about
twelve preachers, the most of them old, or
physically unable to preach much. There
are not more than three or four active laboi
ers in the entire bounds of the Association.
It can be truly said of the Baptist Union As
sociation, “ The harvest is great, and the
laborers few.”
The Association organized by electing El
der J. H. Moderator, and J. B.
Brewton, Clerk. The meeting passed otf
pleasantly and harmoniously. Union of sen
timent, and union of purpose, have always
been characteristics of the Union Association,
and we trust these, with union of action, will
always characterize this body, that has come
through much persecution. Rev. C. T. Mos
ley preached the Introductory sermon. The
remaining services were conducted by breth
ren Smith, Edenfield and Geiger. The Com
mittee on Publications recommended, very
highly, the Index and the Child's Delight;
and the notice was not unheeded, as some
subscribers were obtained right there for each
paper. No important business was transact
ed, except the recommending of a plan for
the raising of a missionary fund, which, if
observed, will place the Association far above
its present standard. W. L. Geiger.
Dublin, Ga., Sept. 21, 1870.
Front Gadsden County, Florida.
The good work of God’s grace has not
ceased in the churches with which I am labor
ing. Since the report heretofore rendered,
there has not a single appointment passed, I
believe, without the baptism of one or more
converts. At Concord, Saturday and Sunday
last, there were three baptisms, another post
poned, and two added to the church by letter,
It is worthy of remark, in regard to this
church, that while there has been no sudden
considerable increase in its membership, it
has steadily gained ground ever since I have
been acquainted with it, which has been for
five or six years.
At its laat meeting, there was some differ*
ence found to exist in the church as to whpthpr
all immersions, claiming to be baptisms,
should be admitted as valid by the church.
I availed myself of the occasion to reprove
them, mildly, for not being better informed
in regard to that question, as they plight
have been, had they bpeu taking our depoip
inational papers. They plead lack of mail
facilities, there having been no post office at
that place* until recently.
In in sponse to brother Mcßea’s supposi
tion, expressed some we<*ks- ago, in the col
uinns the Index, that I had not visited
East Florida, and therefore spoke as 1 did, in
a former letter, in regard to Gadsden, allow
me to say, he is in error. It is true* however,
that 1 did not have the opportunity, while
there, to acquaint myself very intimately
with the excellencies of iTiat section of our
State, which, no doubt, are many and desira
ble. Nor was it my intention to obscure
them. I only desiied fhrrtT*'persons coming
into our State to settle, should not do so
without seeing this county, which, in the com
pany of many very fertile and desirable coun •
ties, seems, to its inhabitants at least, the
most desirable. Not feeling- any apprehen
sion that it would suffer by comparison with
the other portions of our beautiful State, in
the mind of any one with*fe6iings not preoc
cupied, I then invited immigrants simply to
come and see for themselves, which 1 now
cordially repeat. Campbell.
September 26, 1870.
Evidences of Christianity, by Dr. J. L. Dasrg.
There are certain facts, in connection with
the above work, which showWie known to the
denomination.
It will be remembered by many, that the
cost of stereotyping the “Evidences” was
paid by contributions from several liberal
brethren. The natural supposition would be,
that tiie copyright an i from sales
remain in the hands of the author. This,
however, is not the case. '♦ftDagg has en
tered into a contract with JjW. Burke & Cos.,
of Macon, Ga., Burke
have the use ol the seven
years, with exclusive right of publishing the
work, on condition that they pay to the treasu
rer of the Georgia Baptist Convention 15 per
cent of sales, and that on of the
seven years they turn over the plates to the
Convention.
Through the generosity of Dr. Dagg, the
“ Evidences” belong now,'substantially, to
the Baptists of Georgia. Every copy sold
contributes 15 per cent, of its price towards
the benevolent objects of A
large number may minister
or place a missionary in some destitute field.
It remains with us whether this shall be real
ized. The distinguished author has devoted
many weary days and nights to the prepara
tion of the work, and now- pufcs-aside all hopes
of profit to himself, and consecrates the work
to the instruction and moral elevation of the
human family, and the pecuniary profits to
the benevolent objects of the Baptists of
Georgia. It is with them to..second this no--
ble, self-sacrificing purpose by giving the vol
ume a wide circulation.
The work is equal to The
treatment of the Evidences, in general, is
fully up to the standard of the best authors
on that subject; while, in addition, the diffi
culties suggested by the discoveries of mod
ern science, and which not kno vn to
those authors, are brought discussed.
They are now met, for the first time, in a vol
ume on Evidences; and the able, just and
liberal solution of those difficulties here pre
sented, gives to the work a superiority over
all others heretofore published, and should
excite the hearty thanks of every lover of the
works and the work of God.
J. E. Willet,
Sec. Ex. Bap. Con.
The Homiletics of Utv^lroadus.
A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of
Sermons. By John A Broadus. D.D., Professor in
the Southern Baptist TheologicaDSeminary, Green
ville, S. C. Philadelphia : Smith, English & Cos.
Pp. 514. Retail price, $2 : on ret-eipt of which the
Publishers send it by mail, pre-(**d.
This treatise by Dr. was an
nounced some rfionths in of its
publication, and many, doubtless, from
their high appreciation author’s
ability, were prepared to greet it with favor.
We should think that whe<n tjiey have read
it, they will feel that their highest expecta
tions have been met. It is a work of great
merit. It is comprehensive in plan, minute
in details, philosophical and clear in arrange
ment, direct, perspicuous aud forcible in dis
cussion, and, tor the must part, correct, ener
getic and tasteful in style. It is suited alike
to the w'ants of the theological class room and
the minister’s study; of the English scholar
and of him who understands other languages.
It is emphatically a practical, common sense
book, and at the same time a thorough aud
profouud discussion of the most important
topics embraced within its design as a guide
and help it) learning how to preach.
The treatise is divided into an introduction
and five parts. The introduction treats, in
a general way, preaching, eloquence, rhetoric
and homiletics.
Part I. Materials of preaching. Ch. 1, the
text—selection. Ch. 2, the text —interpreta-
tion. Ch. 3, subjects—classified. Ch. 4,
general materials—originality plagiarism.
Oh, 5, special materials—explanation of texts
—of subjects. Ch. 6, argument. Ch. 7, illus
tration. Ch. 8, application.
Part 11. Arrangement of a sermon. Ch. 1,
importance of arrangement. Ch. 2, the sev
eral parts of a sermon. Ch. 3, different spe
cies of sermons.
Part 111. Style. Ch. 1, general observa
tions on. Ch. 2, perspicuity of. Ch. 3, en
ergy of. Ch. 4, elegance of. Ch. 5, imagina
tion in its relation to eloquence.
Part IV, Delivery of sermons. Ch. J,
three methods of preparation and delivery—
reading-—recitation—free speaking. Oh. 2,
delivery as regards voice. Ch. 3, delivery as
regards action.
Part V. Conduct of public worship.
This summary of the contents will give a
better idea of the work than such short quota
tions and general remarks as are suited to the
limits of a newspaper. In conclusion, we
earnestly commend this treatise to all minis
ters, old and young—especially to the latter,
and to all who wish to learn how to speak
well, whether ministers or others. The bar
and the forum may benefit by it as well as
the pulpit; and it will affbrt! charming and
instructive reading to any one capable of ap
appreciating earnest discussion and good
writipg, A. M, Poindexter.
A Series of Meetings.
I have been engaged for the last month in
a series of protracted meetings, with the fol
lowing Hope, Providence,
Enou and Shadnor; during which time I was
associated with our beloved and pious brother,
George li. Moor, who is the worthy and
highly respected pastor of the four churches
above named ; and I am pleased to say that,
after three years of intimate acquaintance and
interwoven relation in both ■ the official and
pastoral obligations of ministerial life, I find
brother Moor a talented, energetic and de
yout servant of our heavenly; Master. With
the assistance of the great { Am, we com
menced a meeting with the church at New
Hope, Campbell county, on Saturday before
the first Sunday in August. The meeting
continued ten days, and many hearts were,
made to rejoice under the influence of the
Divine Spirit, 27 of whom were received into
the fellowship of the church, The meeting
wps forced to close in consideration of our
appointment with the brethren at Providenoe.
There, the Lord forgot us not, but was with
us with a visitation of love revealed in many
conversions; the-effect of which was, 31 will
ing subjects for baptism. The meeting con
cluded in the manifestation of a general feel
ing of love and good will one to another.
From thence we enlisted our prayeis in be
half of the brethren and friends of Enon, and
in answer to the same, Q°d blessed us with
five candidates for church fellowship. After
eight days of rejoicing with the friends at
Enon, we departed for Shadnor, where we
found the brethren active and yigilapt in the
vineyard of the Lord, and with very little
preaching, we realized one of the most gra
eious and heart stirring revivals I ever wit
nessed; the immediate fruits of which were
sixty bold and fearless advocates of the truth
and efftcacions power of converting grace.
During the meeting the congregations were
large and attentive —perhaps larger than I
ever knew on any similar occasion. Several
sister churches were well represented. The
church at Fairburn rendered us much efficient
labor. The constant and earnest services of
brethren Elder S. Harvey and P. M. Tidwell
are duly appreciated. On Sunday, the last
day of our meeting, brother Moor indoc
trinated the converts in one of his happiest
efforts. The influence and spirit of the day
seemed deeply impressed on many souls. On
Sunday, the last day of our meeting, 1 ac
cepted an invitation to lecture the young
mens’ prayer meeting at Fairburn. There 1
found many earnest laborers in my Master’s
cause. With the blessing of the Spirit, we
there closed a wonderful series of meetings.
W. P. Edge.
Campbellton, Ga., Sept. 28th.
A Season of Refreshing.
Dear Index: Ido not wish to be conspicu
ous, but I cannot refrain from writing while
God has abundantly blessed my soul and
labors. We baptized those I spoke of who
were lying over at YVestunion and Enon, with
others who gave us their experience. After
baptizing and preaching at Enon, on Sabbath,
the 18th instant, we left the same evening,
went to a neighboring school house, and
preached at night. The Lord was with us and
poured out his Spirit upon us. Sinners began
to weep, mourners were made to rejoice, ana
on Thursday morning we baptized seven.
God still continued Ills work. There was
hardly a time we met for preaching and prayer
but there were happy conversions. We would
ask sinners forward (or prayer, telling them
that God was every where ; that wecould only
pray for them ; that salvation was of grace,
and must be received by faith ; and that God’s
time was now ; “To-day if ye shall hear his
voice harden not your hearts ;” and that the
Saviour saith, “ If any man will open unto me
1 will come in and sup with him and he with
me.” Oh! it was delightful to sit and hear
the returned prodigals telling what the Lord
had done for their souls. Some would say,
“ As I came forward and fell at the mourner’s
seat I was blessed another, “As I walked
the road ;” another, “ As 1 went to the well;”
another, “As you was preaching ;” another,
“ While you was talking I felt so condemned
1 got up, went to the grove alone, fell down
and pray ed ; God blessed me.” Here was
a great work, where no church had been
established. Brethren from surrounding
churches attended —mostly from Enon, where
my membership is. We received those that
believed and baptized after the old apostolic
plan, by going down into the water aud com
ing up out of the water. On yesterday, the
Lord’s day, we assembled at the water’s edge
at 10 o’clock A. m., and opened the door of the
church, when my dear sister Clemmy came
forward, related her experience, that made us
all weep. She, like myself had been reared
a Presbyterian. She said for ten years she
had been try ing to serve the Lord in the best
way she knew h >w, and now desired to be
baptized and live in the Baptist church. We
then went into the water, and buried with
Christ, by baptism, sixteen willing subjects,
making 23 within four days. After a warm
meeting, at eleven o’clock, shaking hands
and shedding tears, we adjourned to meet
again on Saturday, before the fifth Sabbath in
October next, to constitute a church at this
place. Brother John F. Sharp, brother
Chambers and assisted in the .meeting.
W. J. King.
Floyd Cos., Ga., Sept. 26, 1870.
A Good Example: Cheering Tidings.
We have in our church a young brother en
gaged as a clerk in one of the stores of our
city at the small salary of S3OO, out of which
he boards and clothes himself. At the begin
ning of the year he determined to devote one
tenth of his salary to missions and the sup
port of his pastor, and a few days ago handed
to me the last of the S3O for these objects.
If is plan was, to lay by, at the end of each
month, $2.50. I have thought it a duty to
mention this case, as one of rare occurrence
and manifesting a commendable spirit of self
sacrifice. It affords me great pleasure to
mention, further, that the Lord has been in
our community converting souls, and that
some thirty have been added to the Metho
dist and Baptist churches. Fraternally,
T. J. Burney.
Madison, Sept. 26,1870.
Information Wanted.
Some months ago the colored members of
our church drew their letters and desired me,
as their old pastor, to constitute them into a
Baptist church. I made repeated efforts to
get brethren in the ministry to assist me, but
failed. At length I took two deacons and
constituted them. Did Ido right?
I have been preaching to them ever since,
and now they desire two of their number or
dained for deacons. I have been trying for
three months to get a Presbytery of minis
ters, but have not succeeded as yet. I wish
to know if it would be orthodox, if I should
take the same deacons and orjain them ?
Will one or more of the Editors [or Cor
respondents] give us their views on the above
enquiries. J. S. Yarbrough.
Orion, Ala., Sept. 14 th, 187 Q.
From the Coast of Georgia.
During the last few weeks I have been ac
tively engaged in the great work to which I
arn, by the grace of God, devoting my life.
I had, on the third Sunday morning and night
in August, a very pleasant time, while preach
ing for brother D. G. Daniell, in Walthour
ville, Liberty county. The congregation was
very large and attentive, and, I trust, some
good was done, and that before long a good
harvest of souls shall be gathered in by the
beloved pastor, who is a good preacher and a
faithful pastor.
The following Tuesday morning, brother
Daniell and myself went down to a preaching
place known as the Middleton settlement,”
in Mclntosh county, where brother Lewis
Price met us, There we continued the meet
ing four days. We had a pleasant meeting.
Nine professed a willingness to lead a differ
ent life in the future, I found great destitu
tion in this part of the country. It is real
missionary ground—some portions entirely
destitute of divine worship of any kind.
There is much to be done, a great need of
the Bible and good books. They need spir
itual instruction and Sabbath schools. This
county is in the bounds of the New Sunbury
Association, and we have brother Daniell as
our missionary for the Association ; but he
cannot preach in every settlement, and there
is no other preacher in all this vast country
preaching. Heaven, earth and hell all unite
urging Christians forward so do something
for these destitute people. The heavenly
hosts are looking with intense interest to see
whether the commands of Christ are held in
any estimation by them. Hundreds in our
destitute settlements stretch out their hands
and implore their aid. Even w-hile 1 am
writing methiuks I hear ten thousand of the
lost lifting up their voices and saying, Send,
O, send them preachers of the gospel, “ lest
they also come to a place of torment.”
I then went with brethren Daniell and
Price to Jones Creek church, Liberty county.,
on Saturday morning before the fourth Sun
day in August- The meeting continued'un
til the next Thursday. Twelve were baptised,
as well as I remember, the church w r as gra
ciously revived and much interest manifested
up to the close of the meeting, and great
anxiety that the meeting should continue
longer. It was a giacious time, and will long
be remembered by those who attended it.
From Jones Creek church brother Price went
to an appointment of his, and brother Daniell
and I went to Jonesville, preached on Friday ;
and Saturday before the first Sunday in Sep
tember, we were at South Newport church,
Mclntosh county. This church suffered much
by the war. At present, ihey seem to be
doing pretty well. Brother Daniell preaches
regularly for them. The meeting continued
until the next Tuesday afternoon, during
which time one was baptized and tw j o received
for baptism. I believe others found peace in
a Saviour’s blood that did not unite with the
church, but who, I trust, will yet come into
the church. From this church 1 went to
Little Creek, Bryan couuty, Saturday before
the second Sunday in this month, where the
pastor, brother Lewis Price, joined me again.
Here we had a good time. Long, if 1 live,
will I remember the dear brethren. Brother
Price works well in double harness. Two
were received by experience and two by let
ter. I think there were conversions that
have not been openly professed as yet. Yes
terday the meeting closed, and last night J
came home. My throat and breast are so
sore 1 can scarcely talk. 1 must now rest
some. I love to be in revival meetings.
They are calling on trie at other points to
corue and assist them. I can’t. I wish 1 could.
1 propose not to preach any more lor several
days. W. O. Darsey.
Savannah, Ga., Sept. 15 th, IS7O.
A Work of Grace.
I write to inform you of I lie refreshing sea
son we have recently had from the Lord, at
South Newington Baptist church. Our meet
ing commenced on the 3rd instant, and lasted
nine days. Although there were but few ad
ded to the church, tiiere was considerable in
terest manifested. 1 baptized five peasons on
the 9th instant. We have great reason to
thank Almighty God for Ills tender mercies
to us. This church now numbers 42 mem
bers. J. G. Norris.
September 17 th, 1870.
Notes by the Wayside—lll
Richmond is, and it deserves to be, the
pride of Virginia. Time has swept onward,
through twenty years, since 1 was last in the
“ City of Hills.” Great changes have passed
over country —some for the better, others
for the worse; and very great changes have
taken place in Richmond. A considerable
part of the business portion of the city was
burned, near the close of the war; but it has
been handsomely rebuilt. The city contains
many magnificent business houses, several
elegant churches, and some splendid hotels.
I have almost concluded, brother Editor,
that proprietors of hotels are more illiberal
than any other class of business men; at
least, they have been so to me. 1 laid our
cause before several of the hotels in Atlanta,
several in Augusta, and one leading hotel in
Richmond, and did not receive a favorable
response from a single one. Some scarcely
treated me with that respect due from one
gentleman to another ; while others acted with
courtesy becoming '‘good manners,” they
did not help us. I wish I could make one
exception, but I am not able to.
The citizens of Richmond are possessed of
that same cordiality and hospitality, for which
Virginia has ever been distinguished. The
Baptists have seven white and seven colored
churches in the city. Dr. J. L. Burrows is
pastor of the First, which numbers about
nine hundred members. He is very much
beloved by his church, and is highly esteemed
by the entire community. The brethren have
recently repaired the lecture-room of their
church, and have made it exceedingly attract
ive for Sabbath school purposes. They have
a fine infant class, who have been taught, by
their accomplished teacher, to sing of Jesus
with remarkable sweetness, as your corres
pondent can testify. Their Sabbath school
numbers, during the winter, some four or
five hundred. The Sabbath 1 was there, they
numbered about three hundred and sevetity
eight. A good many had not returned from
their visits to the country. Brother Burrows
delivered an excellent sermon on Sabbath
morning, on “Christ as an Example.” Your
correspondent occupied the pulpit at night.
Brother Chambliss is still pastor of the
Second church; brother Wilson, of Grace
street, and brother Garlick, of Leigh street,
These brethren are all spoken of as excellent
ministers and faithful pastors. 1 did not
learn who were pastors of the other churches;
but understood that one or more of them was
without a pastor. The Baptists of Richmond
are energetic, influential and progressive,
On Monday, Sept. 12th, \ attended the
meeting of the Baptist Sabbath School Asso
ciation of Richmond. This body meets
monthly, and its meetings are very interest
ing ; interspersed, as the exercises are, by
reports from the several schools, speeches,
etc. The President of the Association is
brother L, IR Rrasier t a whole-hearted Chris
tian and Baptist.
The Richmond hrethren are organizing, in
every department, for the winter campaign.
There are many objects of interest to trav
ellers, in and around the city. The number
of tobftooo factories, is between forty and fif
ty, as I was informed; and some of them,
perhaps, the most extensive in the w'orld, and
have all the modern improvements, in the
way of presses, moulds, etc. The modus
operandi is striking, and will richly repay a
visitor for going. 1 found the tobacconists,
for the most part, perfect gentlemen ; and
received promises of substantial aid from
several.
The manufacture of agricultural imple-*
ments in the city, is quite an important busi
ness. The celebrated “Watt Plough” is
made here, Mr. Watt, the inventor, is a
Baptist, a member of the First church, and
seems to be an intelligent and pious Chris
tian. He and his partner, Mr. Knight, are
extensively engaged in making that most im
portant article for tilling the soil, and they
ship a good many South.
11. M. Smith & Cos,, have also a large es
tablishment engaged in the manufacture of
all kinds of useful articles for planters. There
are two other extensive factories of farmer's
tools. This manufacturing interest is a very
important one to the city, and is destined, as
we hope, to become more and more so.
Perhaps the largest flour mill in the world,
is to be found also in Richmond. It is now
making seven or eight hundred barrels of
flour per day, and its full capacity is said to
be fifteen or sixteen hundred barrels.
Hollywood Cemetery is the crowning ob
ject of interest to the traveller from the
South, It is located above the city, on James
River, and is, I suppose, two miles or more
from the business part of the city. Those
desiring to visit it, who may be passing
through the city, can take a street car on
Main or Broad streets, which will convey
them pleasantly, within a short distance of
the gate.
More than ten thousand Confederate sol
diers haye heen buried within the grounds.
A printed record is always at hand, contain
ing the names of all buried within the enclo
sure, AH visitors will find the agent or
guard willing to assist them in finding tin
grave of any acquaintance or relative. The
first object that strikes one on entering, is the
“Confederate Monument." It is a solid pyra
mid, ninety five feet high, and forty five fort
on each side, at the base. It is bit;lt of a
species of blue limestone, or granite. Ivy,
honey-suckle, Virginia creepers, and other
running vines, are planted around the base.
When these shall have attained the top, the
whole pyramid will be enveloped with a sheet
of living green, giving it a beautiful, as well
as a nmst picturesque appearance. A white
slab of marble (1 think) is let into each lace,
bearing suitable inscriptions. On th* Ext
ern face are inscribed the words: To the
Confederate Dead ;” on the Northern face :
“Memokia in tEterna;” on the Western :
“Erected by the Hollywood Memorial
Association, A.D. 1869;” on the Southern:
“ Numini et Patri.e Asto.” All honor to
the noble ladies of Richmond. Hero lie sol
diers from every Southern State, 1 suppose.
1 visited the grounds of Richmond College,
made the acquaintance of Prof. Puryear] a
most excellent Christian gentleman, and
Chairman of the Faculty. He is said to be
a fine executive officer, and a good financier.
Ihe Institution had not then opened, but the
brethren hoped for a large number of stu
dents. Richmond College deset ves and should
receive the liberal support of the denomina
tion in V irgiuia. On Friday, the 16th inst.,
at 11:30 a.m., 1 took the cars for Washington
City. Amid sm< ke, cinders and dust, we
hastened on our way. Virginia has suffered
severely with drought this season. Thev
have had no rain for some two months or
more, around Richmond. We reached Acqiua
Creek by about 3 o’clock, and after a pleas
ant ride of some three hours, on the steamer
Samuel J. Petty, we 'landed at the “Imperial
City," where we are now.
Having neglected to mention, in the proper
place, we now desire to stale that, we called
upon brethren Jeter and Dickinson, of the
Herald. Brother J—, though still feeble, is
slowly recovering from his recent severe ill
ness, and is able to ride to the office. The
Herald is doing well, but not as well ns it
should do; for it should be in the hands of
every Baptist in Virginia. More soon.
Traveller.
Alabama Baptist. Convention.
This Convention meets with the Opelika
B aptist church on Thursday bi fore the second
Sabbath in November. For several years
past the Convention has been almost entirely
neglected. Brethren of Alabama, this ought
not so to be. Have we lost all interest and
pride in the religious and educational affairs
of this noble, grand old State? Look at our
sister States, how proud their banners wave f
They are lifted high by gallant hands. Ours
are trailing in the dust! Our cause is for
saken! It is almost in ruins! Shall we
gather up its fragments and bury them out of
sight, and write for its epitaph, “ The lost
cause” of Alabama? No! Let every Asso
ciaiion, and church, and minister, and Baptist
in the State exclaim, in thunder tones that
will shake the whole commonwealth to its
centre, a loud, stentorian No ! Let us come
together, rally around, and support those
great measures that are destined to make us
the greatest, the wealthiest and the happiest
people in the Union. Opelika is convenient
and accessible to all. Our brethren here will
give you a warm and cordial welcome to
hearts and homes. The editor and proprietor
of our much loved Index are especially in
vited. J. J. Cloud, Pastor.
Middle Association.
This body consisted, prior to its late ses
sion, of only 20 churches, that are scat
tered and feeble, and have not recovered from
the devastation produced by Sherman’s army,
on its march to the seaboard. Jt met with
a young and feeble church near Lawtonville,
Burk county, on 24th September, and ad
journed on the 20th. Total membership,
1,610. Two new churches were received.
Funds sent up and collected as follows : Foi
Associational purposes, $62.30; minutes,
$25.30; Foreign Missions, $3.50 ; Sabbath
schools, $4.00; collection on the Lord’s day,
$35.00; collected by your present correspon
dent, for the circulation of the Scriptures in
the Spanish and Chinese languages, $25.65.
Total, $156.65. Between $l3O and $l4O
- subscribed towards the support of a na
tive missionary among the Indians.
The meeting was delightfully harmonious.
The preaching was good, the spirit manifested
by brethren and sisters lovely, the interest
excited in the congregation considerable, and
Christians generally appeared to feel that they
were enjoying a precious refreshing seasoib
from the presence of the Lord. The kindness
and hospitality of friends and brethren were
unbounded. May the Lord bless them all.
One dear little girl guve me 25 cents to
help send the bread of life to the Chinese.
J. S. B.
Liberty Association, Ala.
It was our pleasure to attend a session of
this Association last week, held at Cusseta.
We met there numerous brethren beloved,
not only of that body, but from other parts
of the State, and from Louisiana. Among
the number was Dr. Freeman,the present able
and successful President of Howard College,
who preached to us, during his short stay, a
very comforting discourse : “ Cast all your
care on Him,” eto. We had the pleasure,
also, of meeting brethren Tichenor and Sum
ner, of our State, who had never visited that
Association before. We learned, while there,
that there „had been among some of the
churches an anti Board spirit, which had con
fused, and hindered their contributions, which
was the result of certain misapprehensions in
regard to the operations of our Boards, which
was jhe result of certain erroneous teaching,
which is unfriendly to the cause of Christ, and
the progress of the denomination in dissemij
nating the preached word in the same propor
tion as it may have injured the operations of
our Boards. This trouble was removed by
brother Sumner in an able refutation of the
charges, and an elaborate explanation of the
operations of our mission work, when the
Association, by unanimous vote, pledged its
cooperation w ith the Marion Board; and,
after thanksgiving to God, (in which brother
Sumner, by request, led,) the Association
raised $l5O for Indian missions, and pledged
itself for a sufficient amount to sustain a mis
sionary in their Ixounds. Brother Tichenor
received about $l5O lor Howard College.
Ilis address in behalf of the educational intei
est of the denomination made a lasting im
pression upon that people. W. E. L.
Auburn , Ala.
From the Bowen Association.
I again ask a small spgoe in your columns
to give your readers some religious items.
The good Lord is doing great things for ns
here, whereof we are glad. On the first
Lord’s day in the month, we commenced a
meeting at China Grove church, and the Lord
came into our midst. The church was pow
erfully revived, and we had two converts.
They wore baptized Wednesday morning, and
others, l think, were converted. 1 closed a
ten day’s meeting on lastSabbatli at Hopeful
church, where we truly had a refreshing time.
1 do not thiuk that I ever saw the power of
God more fully displayed among 11 is people.
The anxious seat was always crowded when
ever the invitation was given, and they seemed
to come with intense anxiety. The interest
of the meeting increased daily. On Sabbath
morning we went down to the water and I
baptized 25 happy converts; alter which we
repaired to the church and I tried to preach
to the church on the importance ot being faith
ful unto death. The interest seemed as great
as ever : there was a number of mourners that
we had to leave asking an interest in our
prayers, T. J. Johnuon.
Supeustition.— Rev. P. Bright reiser, n
the Luthern Observer, says : Baptism is oft. n
neglected until some dangerous sickness ovei
takes the child, when the minister and medi
cal doctor are sent for, post haste; the one
to help the soul, the other the body ot tl e
child.