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About Christian index and South-western Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1866-1871 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 27, 1870)
166 Ki2ex Hapttet J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor. PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 « 6 SOUTH BROADWAY. Editor: Rev. D. SHAVEB, D.D. CORRESPONDING EDITORS: Rev. J. J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala. Rey. 8. HENDERSON, D.D., Fayetteville, Ala. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1870. “ The Church of the Prayer Book.” Rev. S. P. Parker, who preached the sermon before the Convention of the Diocess of New Hampshire, this year, styles the Episcopal de nomination, “ the Church of the Prayer Book.” Is this modest title an undesigned concession, that the Church is what the Prayer Book (not the Bi ble) has made it ? With that understanding, we shall not contest its historical accuracy. In fact, we admire its fitness. A few facts will show that our construction of thi3 title cannot be very far wide of the mark. “It was the wisdom of our reformers,” said the Bishops in 1602, “to draw up such a liturgy as neither Romanist nor Protestant could justly except against.’’ That was their effort, at least. Here was a compromise between evangelical and sacramental theology—a comprehension, rather, of both. The Prayer Book constructed on this principle has made a Church like itself. The Lu theranism of the Evangelical party and the Cypri anism of the Sacramental party have existed to gether in the Church; and these two conflicting elements have been producing virtual Romanism on the one hand, and essential Puritanism (or pure Protestantism) on the other. Thus the doc trinal strife in the Church has developed out of the doctrinal inconsistency in the Prayer Book. Again: Ira Warren calls attention to the “sin gular fact” that “all the expulsions from the Church have been on the Puritan side: not a Romanist has ever been expelled.” He tells us also that “there have always, since the days of Edward VI, been Romish affinities and appeten ces in the English Churchthat “in all those reigns from Elizabeth to George I, in which the sovereign exhibited any papal leaning, these nat ural affinities of the Church immediately came out, and she was seen receding towards a papal bondage;” and that “the Church at every period of its papal tendencies, has been prevented from a total relapse to Romanism only by the Govern ment.” But are these facts “singular?” They strike us as the legitimate issue. Episcopalian as he was, Warren shows, at great length, and with much force of thought, that “ the elementary principles of Romish error are present in the lit urgy, offices, homilies and usages of the Church.” These principles are in the ascendant in the Prayer Book—and why should they not root themselves in the Church, and ripen there, ever and anon, into a harvest of Romanism, or Roman izing, and overshadow, repress, or cast out the more pronounced Puritanism hostile to them ? The Prayer Book, we say, puts these principles in the ascendant: and if any one doubts it, let him ex amine the recent decision of the Court of Arches, (the highest tribunal of the English Church, with the single exception of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council,) on the question of the real presence of Christ in the eucharist. The Dean of Arches, Sir R. Phillimore, in his elaborate judg ment, says: “The objective, actual and real presence, or the spiritual real presence, a presence external to the act of the communicant, appears to me to be the doctrine which the formularies of our Church, duly consideffld and construed so as to be harmonious, intended tfWnaintain.” Here is “merely a nominal difference from Pope ry on the subject of the mass,” as the London Freeman well alleges; and the mass is the keystone in the arch of theological and liturgic Popery! The communion service is the centre, core and heart of the Prayer Book; and if the Prayer Book is Romish here, the church life it moulds must be chiefly Romish throughout. Once more. We have often marvelled at the stringency with which the appointed “ lessons ” of the Prayer Book are required to be read in public worship, with little or no liberty of alter native selection. This unreasonable rigor ;*(as if there were not a single passage of Scriptnre ap propriate for the day, except those fixed upon by the Church authorities—which would argue great meagreness in the Sacred Writings,) admits of easy solution, if we refer to the design to make a Church by and like the Prayer Book. A Church of England clergyman in a recent issue of the Lon don Times states that “ before the last revision of the liturgy, (in 1661,) the clergy were directed to exam ine the lessons for the day, and, if they thought fit, to select more appropriate ones;” and that this discretionary power was withdrawn solely to drive out the Puritans, by rendering it impossible for them to remain in the Church without read ing the Apocrypha 1” Those who withdrew it, knew the moulding power of the Prayer Book, and turned that power against “ pure Protestant ism 1” And this is the reason why, as Bishop Burnet tells us, “ the reasonable objections to the apocryphal lessons in the calendar were met by adding to them the edifying story of Bel and the Dragon!” But enough. Those who preferjAe Church made by the Prayer Book are welcdßbto it. We deplore their choice; but we rejoice that there is no force to wrench it from them. Our choice is, the Church made by the Bible. Thank God the time is past, when Episcopacy, in the person of Jeffreys, could condemn two Baptists, for the great sin of ‘disparaging the Book of Common Prayer,’ *to be whipped, “ that they might" (as he said) “open their mouths in praise,” and to suffer imprisonment, (as he phrased it,) “ to im prove their gift in prayer!” ’ Christian Inconstancy. “He that sweareth to his own hurt , and changeth not." This is the portraiture of the true man, as the Psalmist sketches it. What shall be said, then, of him who swears to his own gain— and yet changes ; of him who will not steadfastly adhere to the right, even when his interest and welfare are bound up with it ? He must be deemed a man untrue, and therefore no man. But do you not see your own face in that glass, oh inconstant Christian ? 4 The vows of the Lord are upon you’ —vows assumed of your own free will, and en forced with the weight of His authority—vows resting on the basis of eternal rectitude, and gar nering up within themselves all blessings of peace for the present life and of glory for the life to come. And yet how often have they been forgot ten vows—how often broken vows! Is false- Bwearing so dear to us, as toward the Lord, that, to indulge it, we must trample down our own safety and happiness,—“ the soul’s calm sunshinet and the heart-felt joy,”—the protection of a be nignant Providence and the assured title to the one only inheritance that fadeth not away? Shame on such inconstancy. Saviour reclaim us from it! From Oxford to Utah.— The Protestant Church man, New York, states that “ ten thousand of the baptized children of the Church of England have been entrapped in the snare of Mormonism.” This speaks badly for “the sacramental Chris tianity" of the Church, when put alongside of the fact that “ the English dissenters furnish Brigham Young almost no recruits." THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA., THU RSDAY, OCTOBER 27,1870. Faith and Baptism. Some men have a wonderful facility of saying, and unsaying, in the same breath. They can affirm and deny propositions, with greater celeri ty and in less time than Ariel required to pass from one side of the globe to the other. Asa remarkable instance of skill in this line, take the following passage from a writer in the Christian Intelligencer : “1. A profession of true faith is necessary to baptism; 2. Children are baptized on the profession, by Abraham, of true faith ; 3. Therefore, infants are now baptized on the professioa of true faith.” Here, the first sentence joins the profession of faith and baptism in most intimate and insepara. ble union; but the second and third drive them •‘ wide as the poles asunder.” They must co-ex. ist—says the first; nearly four thousand years may lie between them—say the second and third. This writer uses, not logic, but legerdemain. It is a sort of intellectual sleight ot hand which he would impose upon us. If this expedient gets rid, as regards baptism, of the necessity for a profession of faith in chil dren and in their parents, we see no reason why it may not get rid of that necessity as regards full membership in the church, admission to the Lord’s supper, ordination to the ministry, and everything except entrance into “ the glori ous Home above!” That last privilege, indeed, it may somewhat hinder: for does it not amount to this, —Abraham professed true faith, and there fore we who do not profess it are his children? “To Our Satisfaction.” “ Whittier, describing the usage of his drab coated brethren, the Friends, in regard to those who speak too often in meeting, and not always to edification, told us of a certain ‘ meeting’ in New England which passed and recorded the fol lowing resolution: ‘lt is the sense of this meet ing that George C be advised to remain silent until such time as the Lord shall speak through him to our satisfaction.’ ” Alas, there are many who will not hear the Lord in His works, His providence, His ministry, His word, His Spirit, unless He speaks ‘ to their satisfaction !’ But shall they not be constrained at the last to hear Him ? And will He not speak then to their terror, rfetnorse, despair ? “Common Sense Settles” It. Mr. Wesley drew up the General Rules for those who were baptized in infancy; but if any who were not baptized in infancy wished to join his Societies, they had to be baptized, as baptism normally precedes the Lord’s supper. Common sense settles that question ; and there is no con troversy on it—except as it bears upon the prac practice of the Close-communion Baptists. All admit that baptism is the initiating ordiance of the Christian church—almost all consider it the gate by which we enter the visible fold; though some Presbyterians seem to consider it a recogni tion of hereditary membership in the case of the children of believers.” If “ common sense ” settles the question, as to the priority of baptism to the Lord’s supper— what, for the sake of opposition to “ the Close communion Baptists,” unsettles it again ? It is not common sense, of course,-*-nor uncommon sense either, as to that matter; —what, then, is it? Perhaps, the Southern Methodist contempo rary from which we quote this paragraph, will tell us. The question is—what unsettles the point which “common sense settles?” But, on second thought, we do not care to know. We are willing to follow common sense and Scripture. Those who prefer other guides must be suffered, we suppose, to have their way. But, for our part, we eschew them. How to set Positive Law aside. The Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, N. Y., says, in relation to baptism: “It is a matter of the smallest importance to know what was the exact meaning of the word in the time of the apostles, or what their practice under it. The real question is, What principle was embodied in that form as practiced by the Apostles? The principle plainly was purity,— water in its cleansing power being an emblem of purity. Even if it were true that we have changed the exact form of baptism practiced by the apos tles, yet if in that change of form we have re tained the real principle, viz., the recognition of Christian purity as a duty, then have we the ex act thing for which the ancient mode was adopted, the same as in substituting the shaking of hands for kissing.” That is to say, when Christ has prescribed one act as a symbol of purity, the church can pre scribe another, and prefer her will to His—may cancel the law He gave her and become a law to herself. What becomes of “the real principle” of subjection to His sovereignty, in all this ? Infidelity. —“ A lady once asked the Earl of Shaftesbury what religion he was of. ‘The religion,’ he replied, ‘of all sensible men.’ ‘And what is that ?’ persisted the lady. 4 That, madam,’ replied the Earl, ‘sensible men never tell.’ ” His answer suggests a dilemma fatal to his school of sceptics. Either they have no heart to bless mankind, or they have nothing which to mankind would be a blessing. Take which horn you please, and their religion must be false—for the true religion is a blessing, and it gives a heart to bless. “School and College Text Books.” —We concur with our correspondent, whose article appears on the first page, in his high estimate of the Text Books issued by Sheldon & Cos., N. Y. Our grateful sense of the many kind offices received at the hands of that firm, we know not hov* to express. They have earned a fair title, too, to the confidence aid patronage of the South. Reviews and Notices. Thk Galaxy: An Illustrated Magazine. New York: Sheldon & Cos. Terms: $3 a year, in advance. Contents for November. — l. Lady Judith: A Tale of Two Continents, chs. XYlland XVIII; by Justin McCarthy. 2. A Brazilian Poem: From the Portuguese of Gonzalves Dias. 3. Reminiscences and Speculations, apropos of the Turning-point in the King of Prussia’s life; by Carl Benson. 4. Dead and Born; by Ella Lee Hardenbrook. 5. Fort Sumter: Facts in Rela tion to the Expedition ordered by the Adminis tration of President Lincoln for the Relief of the Garrison of Fort Sumter; by Gideon Welles. 6. Overland: Chs. XIV—XVII. 7. Nothing by Halves; by Frank Lee Benedict 8. The Reality of Medicine; by A. K. Gardner, M.D. 9. Mon signore Capel: the Monsignore Catesby of D’ls raeli’s Lothair; (with Portrait;) by Fannie Bar row. 10. Shekh Ahnafs Letter from Bagdad; by Bayard Taylor. 11. Alexander Dumas, Pere; by Albert P. Southwick. 12. Lost Hours, by H. H. 13. The Galaxy Miscellany. 14. Drift Wood ; by Philip Quilibet. 15. Current Literature. 16. Mark Twain’s Map of Paris, (with Map.) 17. Memoranda; by Mark Twain. 18. Nebulae; by the Editor. We have often commended the Galaxy to the patronage of our readers ; and can only express the wish that the commendation were as effectual as it is well-deserved. The Baptist Quarterly. Rev. H. G. Weston, D.D., editor. Philadelphia: Bible and Publication Soci ety. Terms, $3 a year. Contents for October. —1. The Doctrine of the Suffering Christ, by Rev. J. P. Boyce, D.D., Greenville, S. C. 2. Chinese Civilization, by Prof. C. K. Adams, Ann Arbor, Mich. 3. Bible Chronology, by Pres. G. W. Samson, D.D., Wash ington, D C. 4. Analysis of the Epistle to the Hebrews, by Rev. Charles Ayer, Morris, N- Y. 5. Church Development, by Rev. J. M. Cramp, D.D., Wolfville, Nova Scotia. 6. The Christian Priesthood, by Rev. S. W. Culver, Lowville, N. Y. 7. Exegetical Studies. 8. Book Notices. 9. Intelligence. This number closes the fourth volume of the Quarterly. The general merit of that periodical is so high as to occasion sincere regret, on our part, that it has not secured a more extensive cir culation at the South. It is largely a necessity to the minister —or, at least, a help and advantage. Make a present of it to your pastor, for the com ing year. Onr Mission Work Abroad. I am happy to say, that in addition to our pioneer missionary, recently sent to Southern Europe, the Foreign Mission Board have just appointed two brethren to reinforce the mis sions in China. Besides, brother Phillips is expected soon to return to Africa with refer-; ence to vigorous measures for the promulga tion of the gospel in that dark land. This, I am satisfied, will gratify many in all parts of the South, and will prepare the churches to make up their free will offerings, that we may minister to the necessities of these toilers among the benighted. On behalf of the Board. Jas. B. Taylor, Cor. Sec. Oar Sunday School Board. It is my intention to' be present at the meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Con vention in November, proximo. Will our excellent Alabama brethren, who gave us pledges for our Board last year, be prepared to pay them at the meeting of the Conven tion ? And will rther brethren, and the churches and Sunday schools all over Ala bama, send us a contribution to the Conven tion ? Dear brethren, we are doing a great Sunday school missionary work in the Missis sippi Valley, and in other parts of our wide field. Will you not help us—help your own Sunday School Board—to sustain these effi cient, self-denying Sunday school workers in their untiring efforts to lead the children to Jesus? We implore the aid of all, if it be ever so little. T. C. Teasdale, Cor. Sec. Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 19,1870. Ordination. By a call of the Baptist church in Dublin, Ga., brother W. S. Ramsay was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, by the impo sition of hands, on the 9th day of September last. The examination of the church and can didate was conducted by brother W. L. Geiger, (pastor,) uni the prayer was offered and charge delivered by brother W. R. Steeley. Hand of fellowship was extended by presbyter a, church and congregation. May our beloved brother make a useful workman in the Lord’s vineyard, and be instrumental in winning many souls to Christ. Elijah Benton, C. C. Dublin , Ga., Oct. 13, 1870. A Pleasant Meeting. A revival meeting has closed with the Canton church, in which sinners were aroused and saints comforted. Four persons united with the church, one by letter and three by experience ; two others have since united with us by experience, and, with the others, have been baptized. The meeting was conducted by the writer, assisted by brother W. M. Reese. The congregations were larger and more interested than for years. We trust good will still follow. M. B. Tuggle. Canton, Cherokee County, Ga., Oct. 12,1870. Greetings. Brother John P. Shaffer, of Lineville, Ala., who is missionary for North-east Alabama, under appointment of the Board of Domestic Missions of the Southern Baptist Convention, has visited our church several times this year, as he was passing on his missionary tours. His sermons at our church were logical, pointed, and full of zeal and love; and we hope they will result in much good. I beg leave to say a few words in regard to the labors of brother Shaffer, as missionary. I speak of them because they have not been such as 1 have been accustomed to see. He has gone indeed to the poor and destitute—to regions before almost unvisited. I suppose this is the proper course for a missionary; but it is not the way I have been accustomed to see them do. This brother’s preaching away out in the hills and caves, is an episode in the history of those regions, for he raises a voice of eloquence and power, from a heart full of love and faith not common in such destitute regions. He does not beg them, but preaches to them. If this brother can be kept in this field a few years, in our opinion, he will do more to remove the prejudice against the Domestic Mission Board that has existed in the district in which he is laboring, than any other man with whom we are acquainted. We hope brother Shaffer will consent to re main in the field at least another year. W. O. Jenkins. Delta, Ala., Oct. 7, 1870. Lights and Shadows. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Death, it seems, has a shadow, and certain it is, he casts a good many shadows over our pathway. I have been made to feel some deep shades but recently ; not death-shades, but Death’s shades. Os course, the shadow that he cast over a whole nation, when he cut down our noble General Lee, fell on me. But ere that, even each of the two weeks preceding the one that brought the news of the great and good General’s death, sad, sad news came to my heart—the death of two good men, two ministers of the gospel—A. T. Holmes and A. P. Woodfin. I knew enough of both to love them. I had labored with them, prayed, conversed, “ taken sweet counsel with them.” Their death made hard ly a ripple on the wave of public sentiment. Only a few know it, fewer still, it may be, care much ; but it was an gventof great mag nitude in heaven. Why am I spared ! A short while ago they were both stronger than I, and now they have gone home before me. I feel no shades about that, but the question rises, will Ibe ready as they were ? Have I “ committed my soul to Jesus in well-doing ?” If not, oh ! how deluded; if 1 have, then to die, will only be to begin to live. I know it is unbelief that shades my heart, when I think of the work to be done, the great need of “ laborers in the vineyard,” in connection with the death of these dear brethren, and also of their families. Oh, for strong faith to ch*se away sadness! God is in heaven, and in His Church, and will take care of His cause, and the widows and orphans of His servants. I found a light place at Madison, Ga., re cently : was told that there had not been such a religious influence there for several years. Brother and sister Irwin know how, and take pleasure in casting light upon their guests, and try to give all light to the agents. Years ago, a stranger in the State, I went to Albany, an Agent of the Bible Board, and brother J. took me by the hand, took me to his house and into his heart, and he ha3 had a place in my heart ever since, and since my visit to Madison, a warmer niche still has he and sister I. My ride around town, with brother Burney explaining and giving history, was a bright ray, upon a beautiful autumn day. “ I made five cents on Saturday, and I want to give it to the missionaries.” So said brother Towns’ sweet little daughter, when she came and brought the “five cents” to me. God bless that dear child. I was in formed that brother G. Y. Browne, who, in years past, presided over the Female College there, had been induced to return, and would open his first term in January. One “shad ow ” was resting on the Baptists in Madison, which they were trying to chase away. Brother Irwin had resigned, and the church was sorry. Whether they have iuduced him to remain, I know not. I hope they Have, Some more green light was needed, and how easily it could have been raised by following the example of the young man, a member of that church, brother Burney told us about, who promised the Lord a tenth, and has paid it. I found missionary light there, which cheers a missionary agent. llow glad I was always, when pastor, to see agents come to help me in stirring up my people, I needed help, and many pastors do. I am so glad now, that I never gave ‘*-acold shoulder” to agents. Not that 1 have felt such neglect myself enough to know how unpleasant it is, but I know so well how pleasant it is to be cordially received, welcomed and aided, that I am glad to think 1 used to give some of that pleasure to my brother agents. Brother Irwin, and all the paston, give me aid com fort and light. Just as I expected; another beautiful ray of light from Barnesviile; more than a dol lar per member froni'~the church there. Every church might do as much, or nearly every one ; and what blessed results ! Oh ! that our people knew the blessedness of giving. W. N. Chaudoin, Agt. Ingathering:. Since brethren Darsey and Price left me, it has been my privilege to baptize 14 others —6 at Jones’ Creek, 2at South Newport, and 6 at Enon, where is no organized church. There were interestingjUfcjidents connected with these occasions. At one, there were four young ladies dressed snowy white. One of them wasa daughter offtev. Jacob Wheeler, who is in heaven; another was the daughter of a deacon, who is also at rest; two others were orphans, and sisters. They went down into the water in couples;:—the sisters together, of course—looking as ffiYieh like angels as it is given to human beings in the flesh to look. It seemed not unreasonable to thiuk that the departed loved ones were looking down on the scene with delight. ,At another of these occasions was a man of, 70 years, who, until a few months ago, had pot been to church in many years, and had vojSled never to go again. But grace— surprising grace—has subdued him—made a little child of him, and brought hirrrsrnto the vineyanMKLthe eleventh hour. At Enon, (“ neighborhood”) I did not baptize in connection with the meet ing, but a mouth afterwards. Regard for the existence of a ehurch within ten miles, and a wish for the smoke to blow off that we might more safely ascertain tfjg slain, (dictated this delay. At my next visit 1 distinctly told them that 1 did not wish them to hold them selves bound to come torward for baptism by the expression given at the previous meeting, “ of a willingness to lead a different life in the future;” that if they felt inclined to draw back, to do so. Six came forward, were ex amined and received ; all 1, to my surprise, it appeared that all left their homes prepared for baptism, which they received almost in the same hour of the day. Among those baptized during the meetings mentioned by brother Darsey, was an entire household, the youngest not less than 10 years old. Thanks be unto God for His goodness unspeakable ! D. G. Daniell. Walthourville, Oct. 43, 1870. Form of Revival Statements. The reports of revivals occupy considerable space in the columns of our religious papers, and, in some instances, too much space. Therefore, I suggest the' following as a form to be observed in the report of revivals : 1. A revival commenced at Liberty church, 28 miles south-east of Montgomery, Ala., Sept. 3, 1870, and continuecL'seven days. Thirty mourners. Seven added to the church by baptism ; 8 by letter. TVJ. Miles pastor, and H. Stevenson, preachers. 2. One at Sardis church, 8 miles south-west of Union Springs, Ala., July 30, 1870, continued 10 days—3s mourners; 20 added to the church by bap tism ; —by letter, W. H. Carroll, pastor, and H. Stevenson, preachers. I desire a list of all the revivals that 1 can get, after the above form. I desire a state ment of the mourners, to know how many, upon an average, become converted and join the church. I also desire, where it can be given, the number thaj are excluded. Os course perfect accuracy cannot be attained to, and, where it cannot, I desire an estimate. Remarks can be made following the state ment, at the option of the writer. Writers are requested to look back even for years, send them to me, or have them published in the Index. Let the county site be the town that is always mentioned. 11. Stevenson. Pine Level, Ala. Ebenezer Baptist Association. This body met with the Corinth church, Pulaski county, on Saturday, 15th inst., and closed its session on Monday following. All the churches but three were represented— quite a large and intelligent body. The churches, generally, seem to be in a lively condition. Several of them reported the cheering intelligence that they had been per mitted to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and had the glorious satisfaction of seeing their friends and neighbors flocking to the fold. This Association covers a large territory, embracing the counties of Twiggs, Wilkinson, Pulaski, Telfair, Laurens, and Montgomery. It numbers thirty-nine churches and has twenty-one ordained ministers, and four or five licentiates. She may well be proud of her ministry, for it includes some of the best talent in the State. The organization was completed by re electing brother George R. McCall Moder ator, and W. D. Horne Clerk. The business was conducted with that decorum and sys tem which invariably characterizes its worthy Moderator. Brother McCall possesses the essential characteristics of a good pre siding officer, the suaviter in modo, and the fortiter in re, dignity and firmness. Brother Horne, also, makes an excellent clerk. The Association is highly favored in having offi cers so throughly competent, and so generally acceptable. But two Associations were in correspondence; the Baptist Union, repre sented by brother W. L. Geiger, its Moder ator for years, and the Houston, by brother Larkin Joiner, and Needham Collier. No better impression could be made upon a stranger in regard to the state of the various churches represented, than the willingness manifested by all of them to contribute lib erally of their substance to spread the glorious gospel of our Lord. The amount contributed was liberal, and bestowed by the finance committee upon domestic and foreign mis sions. Independent of these amounts, this Association supports two young men in *he ministry, and have agreed to support a Mis sionary among the Indians, as soon as the clerk reports that he has found a suitable person for the work. Your correspondent was struck with the pride which seemed to be manifested by the denomination in their schools within their own bounds, viz: Dub lin Academy, under Elder W. S. Ramsay ; “ Evergreen High School,” (Longstreet) un der Elder Moses N. McCall; and Pine Hill Academy, under Elder W. L. Geiger—all of them nurseries for ,l O.d Mercer,” which was not forgotten in the report on education. The Sabbath school cause is receiving marked attention, and several flourishing schools were reported. We trust that the noble enterprise of educating our youth, and inculcating cor rect moral and religious principles will grow and strengthen until we may proudly boast of an intelligent and virtuous rising genera tion, to whom we cancommitour deatest inter ests, feeling that they are secure, and that no weapon of malice or enmity formed against them can prosper. We have said nothing of the very excel lent sermons we were privileged to hear, or of the worthy ministers of God who preached them; you will please pardon me, but we cannot close this article without some allusion to them. The Introductory sermon was preached by our beloved brother M. N. McCall, “whom to know is to love." His subject was, “ Love to God"—Matt, xxiii: 37 —an excellent discourse. He first explained what love to God meant. Second, why we should love God. Third, How we should love Him ; and concluded by a stirring ap peal to all to love Him. Brother McCall is not only a first rate teacher, but an excel lent preacher, and we congratulate the Eben ezer Association upon the possession of him. In the afternoon, brother G. B. Hughes was appointed to preach to the congregation at the stand, while the body was in session. We are sorry that we were not privileged to hear brother Hughes, so as to report his ser mon. Brother G. R. McCall preached the Missionary Sermon on Sabbath at eleven o’clock. His subject, “Pardon and Justifi cation ;” his text: Rom. viii: 33, 34. It was just such a sermon as brother G. R. McCall only can preach; it was a masterly production in point of perspicuity, concise ness and elegance, rendered still more im pressive by its being delivered in his style ot grace, ease and eloquence ; there could be but one possible objection to the discourse — it was too short. In the afternoon, brother W. L. Geiger preached one of his soul-stirring revival sermons, to a large and unusually attentive audience—subject “ Blind Barti meus.” Brother G. is the revivalist of East ern Georgia. The sinner who could sit un moved under his preaching, we should regard as given over. Though he has been opera ting in a field new and strange to him this year, he has baptized some sixty white con verts, and about the same number of colored. God has endowed him with talents—bestowed upon but few— i. e., strength, zeal, energy, earnestness, enthusiasm, a’nd above all deep practical piety. W e understood that brother Larkin Joiner delivered an excellent sermon at the stand on Monday, but could not at tend, though we were anxious to do so. A brother who was present, said that nearly every one; present said, “Pray for me.” The next session of the body will be held at An tioch church, in Twiggs county. The dear old Index was not forgotten; several old subscribers renewed, and several new ones were added. Many promised to subscribe as soon as they could seli their cotton. We cannot close this already extended ar ticle, without invoking heaven’s choicest bles sing upon Corinth church and her hospitable membership; and a like blessing upon the Ebenezer Association, that she may prove a powerful engine for good in advancing the Master’s cause on earth. Messenger. Get. Vi tit , 1870. Peidniont Association, Ga. It was my pleasure to attend a session of this Association last week, held at Flint Branch church, near No. 0, A. & G. R. R.— The churches were well represented. Sev eral ol the churches reported no pastoral supply. There has been no revivals scarcely in any of the churches during the year. But few accessions reported in the letters. The Peidmont Association is an old but small body, and scattered over a large territory. The Association organized by electing Rev. Benjamin Blitch Moderator, and J. E. Blitch Clerk. The Moderator preached the intro ductory sermon, which was a very appro priate and feeling sermon. Sunday morn ing at eleven o’clock, Rev. J. E. Blitch, who had been appointed at the previous session for that purpose, preached the Missionary Sermon, after which a small collection for Associatioual purposes was taken up. In the afternoon, Rev. W. O. Darsey, of Savannah, preached an excellent sermon. Long will his concluding remarks, especially, be re membered by the writer. The remaining services were conducted by brethren E. B. Barrett, J. Gardner, J. 11. Harper, L. Price, and D. G. Daniell. Brethren Daniell and Darsey, presented the claims of the Index, and received several subscribers. W. T. B. Jessup, Ga., Oct. 1870. • Associations in South Alabama. The first Association organized in Alabama was the Flint River. Its first meeting was held at Bradshaw’s meeting house, Lincoln county, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1817, and consisted of seventeen churches—a few in TeVinessee, others in Mississippi territory, now Alabama. It is believed that this body has since been merged into other surrounding Associations, as no notice of it is found in any recent re cords. The second Association formed in this State, was the Beckbee, constituted in 1816, of churches in Clarke and Washington counties. In 1827 the name was changed to Bethlehem Association. This body, perhaps now the oldest in the State, held its fifty fourth session with Beulah church, near Evergreen, in Con- Scuh county, embracing the fourth Sabbath in September. Elder W. C. Morrow preached the introductory sermon, on the sin against the Holy Spirit, satisfying all, it is hoped, and especially that class whose “name is legion,” so fond of the mysterious, marvel lous and unrevealed things, which belong not “to us and our children.” Elder A. Jay was reelected Moderator, Deloach, Clerk, and Dr. Robertson, Treasurer. There are about fifty churches in this body, reporting, in the aggregate, 277 baptisms during the year. Three new churches were admitted at this session, to the body, already too large; for experience convinces us that large bodies “ drag their slow length along,” and are usu ally deficient in executiveness, and adminis trative efficiency. The older and more prom inent members usually do all the business, — whilst much useful talent iu the young re mains undeveloped and inoperative. If these fifty churches were divided into two Associa tions, each of the twain would doubtless be more effective than the present cumbrous or ganization. The mortal remains of that em inent servant of the churches, Alexander Tra vis, lie entombed at Beulah, just in the rear of the pulpit from which, for one-third of a century, he “ reasoned of righteousness, tem perance and a judgment to come.” The white population in this region is rather sparse, it would seem, from the size of the congregations in attendance, though the As sociation and its visitors were provided for in magnificent style. An immense framework, from 80 to 100 feat square, covered with boards, and furnished with plank seats, was erected for the accommodation of the congre gation during preaching service, instead of the common brush arbor. This extravagant preparation is doubtless attributable to the influence of Elder Andrew Jay, a member of this church, who lives near by, in that style peculiar to a Southern Christian gentleman, at his spacious and charming country resi dence, Jay villa. Elder Jay is one of the few rich men who seems to realize the fact that he is “ a steward,” and who, cheerfully “distributing to the necessity of saints,” is really 11 given to hospitality.” S. R. Free man, D.D., Agent of Howard College, was present, and preached two of those rich, for cible, consoling sermons peculiar to himself. One young man, A. E. Mclver, was adopted as the beneficiary of this Association, and sent to Howard College to study for the min istry. It is thought that the active Commit tee on Education , appointed at this session, will find others who will be aided in this way, to become “ able ministers of the New Tes tament.” The workings of this body, cling ing to old customs, show, perhaps, a lack of business tact and financial ability; yet that “charity, which is the bond of perfectness,” seemed to make “ each esteem the other bet ter than himself,” and thus mellow the session “ like the precious ointment, upon the beard,” where “ the Lord commanded the blessiug, even life forevermore.” The cause of mis sions, Sunday schools and religious literature is at a rather low stand in this body, gener ally ; though there are a few live men who have “a mind to work,” and will soon or ganize a Sunday School Convention in the body. Success to them ! says Viator. Sarepta and Georgia Associations. Your correspondent attended the Sarepta Association, which met with the Black’s Creek church, Madision county, on Saturday before the fourth Lord’s day 1870. The Introductory Sermon was deliv ered by brother Ivy, of Athens. The sermon was well adapted to the occasion, and was plain and forcible in style. The churches were well represented, and harmony and good feeling prevailed throughout the entire ses sion, which closed on Monday evening. The congregation on the Lord’s day, was large. Brother L. W. Stephens preached in the morning, from a passage in the book of Job xxi: 15 —“What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him,” etc., followed by brother J. G. Gibson, the missionary discourse, — founded on the commission recorded in Mark xvi: 15. The preacher showed from reliable information that encouraging success had crowned the labors of, missionaries in for eign and heathen lands, and insisted on the prosecution of the missionary enterprise at home and abroad, with liberality and benev olent zeal. In the afternoon, the Moderator, bro. Asa Chandler, preached from 1 Tim. iv: 8, dwelling on the great promise of the profits of godliness, both in the present and future life. On Monday a resolution was passed, authorizing the Executive Committee of the Association to employ missionary labor among the destitute portions of the Associa tion, to the extent that funds on hand for this mission would authorize. A proposition was also made by a brother to be one of one hundred to ODligate themselves to pay $lO each to liberate Elder A. Chandler to travel among the churches as an Evangelist, and choose his own field and labor as much as he feels himself able, throughout the As sociational year. This proposition was ac ceded to by many of the delegates and breth ren present, subscribing nearly four hundred dollars on the spot. Reports were made, and resolutions offered recommending and favoring perseverance in the churches to es tablish and foster Sunday schools, and to increase their efforts and liberal contributions to all benevolent enterprises, and the support of pastors. Your correspondent, also, attended the Georgia Association, held with the Beulah church, Lincoln county. The Association met on Friday, before the second Sunday in October. I did not reach the Association till Saturday morning, but understood that our venerable brother J. A. Carter preached the Introductory Sermon. Brethren P. H. Mell and Thomas Callaway were re-elected Mod erator and Clerk. A committee, appointed on the removal of Mercer University, reported a remonstrance against removal, which was debated at some length, and finally adopted by the vote of the Association. The writer did not witness much of the discussion, but, so far as heard, it was conducted in entire good feeling. I had the pleasure of hearing brother D. E. Butler preach at the stand on Saturday, from the text and its connections: “If they will not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead.” He labored under the inconvenience of a bleak east wind, but spoke distinctly and'forcibly, and had profound atten tion. On Sunday morning, in the house, Elder A. Chandler 'preached—followed by Elder L. R. L. Jennings—the Missionary Sermon, from the text, “ Render unto God tne things that are God’s.” In the afternoon Dr. Mell preached on in dividual human accountability in reference to the final judgment. Brother G. M. Camp bell and Kilpatrick, preached at the stand.— Os course 1 did not hear them. The session closed on Monday. Evangelist. Elberton, Oet. 17 th, 1870. Rev. J. 11. Kianebrew. This brother has recently resigned the care of the Baptist church at Barnwell Court House, S. C., and desires to return to Geor gia, his native State. If any of the Georgia churches are in search of a pastor, I would state thatßro. K’s services could be obtained. He is a graduate of the Georgia JUniversity, and is a young brother of great promise. Any further information in regard to brother Kinnbrew, could doubtless be obtained from Dr. Mell, who also knows him well. My object in this brief communication is to bring him to the notice of the Georgia brethren, as he has determined to return to that State. L. H. Shuck Charleston, S. C., Oct. 2\st, 1870. Ordination. Enon Baptist church, Campbell county, Ga., having called for the ordination of brother Miles Edwards, as deacon, the ordination ex ercises were attended to on the second Sab bath in this month at a regular meeting of the church, by Elder G. R. Moor, the pastor of the church, and Elder T. Burk, in the follow ing order: Ordination sermon, by Elder Burk, from the text, “ Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”—Acts 9 and 6—followed by Elder Moor in a short exhortation and prayer, after which the Presbytery was formed, and the deacons of the church, to wit: Brethren B. Luck, J. G Smith, R. W. Mason, and deacon G. L. Thompson, of Mt. Vernon church, were requested to assist in the ordination. J. W. Smith, the church clerk, was appointed clerk of the Presbytery. Elder Moor propounded the questions to the church; Elder Burk ex amined the candidate; deacon Thompson made the ordination prayer; imposition of hands, by the entire Presbytery, after which Elder Moor delivered a very impressive charge to the candidate and church; the right hand of followship was extended to brother and sister Edwards, by the Presbytery and church, and the exercises closed with quite a good feeling throughout the entire church. J. W. A. Smith. Oct. nth, 1870. The Lord will Remember His People. I have beer, often cheered by the revival notices in your columns, and feel disposed to add a short chapter to the cheering news. In 1868 I was called to the care of a little band of brethren numbering about 22, at Pleasant Hill church, in Cleborne county, Ala. They were sad, and wept for the presence of the Master, but could scarcely believe that He would hear their prayers. We began our work as though all was light, and during the year received four members, three of them by baptism. We began our labours in 1869, with more faith and lighter hearts, and re ceived during the year thirty members, twen ty-one of them by baptism. We have still contended for ‘‘the faith,” and presented Je sus as the only Saviour of men ; and during the present year have received thirty-five members, twenty-four of them by baptism. So, to-day, our little flock of about twenty two, in iBOB, are a strong and flourishing church. Truly, God is mindful of His chil dren; and unto our Father be all the glory. Amen. W. O. Jenkins, Pastor. Delta, Ala., Oct. Ith, 1870. Ordination of A. J. Kinard. The Baptist church of Christ at Mars Hill, Perry county, Ala., at her regular meeting in September, voted the ordination of her licentiate brother, A. J. Kinard, to the full work of the ministry. On Saturday, the Bth day of October, J. S. Ford tho pastor of the church, and Thomas Vaughn, by request, met as a Presbytery and ratified this act of the church by solemn prater and the imposition of hands, thus setting apart as a minister of the New Testament, their beloved brother, A. J. Kinkard, whom they cordially commend to the Christian regard of all the faithful in Christ Jesus. “Tlie Cheapest Plan.” Without stopping to show that the writer of the recent article in your paper, upon this subject, goes to prove that expenses are not expenses, allow me to publish what has been done during twelve months past, upon a dif ferent plan from that which he advocates. The Florida Baptist Association has been conducting its own missions. The,Executive Committee have had under employment one missionary, all the year, and two others for only a part of the year. The following state ment shows only a portion of the results: Miles traveled, 7,600; sermons preached, 357; baptisms, 173; backsliders restored, 7 ; Received by letters into destitute churches, 7; Reclaimed from anti missionism, 6. Ex penses.—Paid to missionaries, $1,036 65; to agents, 00; to secretary, 00; for incidental expenses, 00. The Committee enters upon the labors of another year with a bountiful treasury, and pastors, churches and congrega tions ready to supply them with additional funds, as need may arise. The point aimed at is to train the churches to give systemat ically, without the importunities of an agent. Is not this practicable ? Is it not 'preferable ? Nothinq is needed to obtain liberal contribu tions from Southern Baptists, except to gain their confidence. One important step towards accomplishing this end, is to simplify our plans as much as possible. It is needless and unjust to berate the Baptist public for stingi ness. They have ever shown themselves for ward in supporting measures that they be lieved to be well adapted to accomplish good. Bowen Association. The Bowen Association has just closed its session— a very pleasant one, indeed. The Introductory Sermon, by brother Curry, was excellent—sound as the gospel in its teach ings—and was warm and moving on the sym pathies of the pious heart. Brother Under wood delivered the Missionary Sermon on Sunday, to an immense congregation. “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel,” was his delightful theme. Both these young ministers are talented, educated, and warm hearted in the work whereunto Gnd hath called them. May the Lord send many such into the field—the world—is my earnest prayer. Robert Fleming. A Word from “the Wayside.” In looking over your valuable paper of 29th September, my attention was directed to “Notes by the Wayside—No.2,” written at Richmond, Va., and signed “ Traveller,” some portions of which article I propose to com ment upoh, with your kindly permission. It seems that our travelling friend suffered an attack of dyspepsia upon leaving your beautiful city, and could find nothing through out the Carolinas to mitigate his affliction. Our railroad system appears to have had a damaging effect upon his own system ; and nothing, save only “ a good meal ” at the Yarbrough House, iu this citv, could restore him. Well, I admit that tho Yarbrough House is all that he could claim for it, admirably kept, in every particular and appointment, and well deserves its extended popularity, North and South; but it is by no means the only at tractive feature of our State. Our beautiful “City of Oaks,” with its broad streets hand somely shaded by giant oaks and towering elms; “ Oakwood Cemetery,” our calmly beautiful “ City of the Dead,” where sleep their last sleep hundreds, if not thousands, of the true and the brave who fell while glori ously struggling for their homes and firesides : this, with its lakelets, and walks; the Insane Assylum, which lies just beyond our city suburbs, on a commanding eminence, with its extensive buildings, elegant lawns and parks, surrounded and shaded by about fifty acres of young oaks and hickories ; our many and extensive schools, with their fine and at tractive surroundings, our many handsome residences—the aboafe of wealth and fashion —our new public buildings, and so forth. All these were unappreciated by our friend. If he did not see them, it was not the fault of this people, and he should not have been so uncharitable as to warn all from coming (or going) by way of Raleigh, in travelling North or South. If w hat I have mentioned are not pleasant attractions for the travelling stranger, what are? But the North Carolina Railroad is the un fortunate object of much of his displeasure. I admit the fact of the time consumed in run ning from Charlotte to Raleigh. But are not some facts sometimes taken at their best, un satisfactory ? Let us see how this is: The time allowed between Weldon, N. C., and Augusta, Ga., is so long, that it imposes one of two alternatives upon the railroad mana gers between the respective points, viz.: to run a quick schedule and leave the passengers to lie over at the several changing points sev eral hours, or consume the time on the road. This latter was deemed less worrying to the travelling public, and hence adopted. The fault lies with the roads South of Augusta, and North of Weldon. Now, for the seats being fastened down. Mr. Editor,can you conceive of anything more damaging to the finely cushioned seats of a railroad coach, than to have the passengers putting their dirty feet upon them, getting all the dirt and mud from their boots and shoes upon them, and then grind it in ? One week of such treatment would ruin the finest seats that could be produced. And then, af ter such use, what damage is sustained by nice dresses, etc. “Traveller” does not seem to consider the interest of the road, nor the comfort of passengers generally, but par ticularly ladies, as he does his own conveni ence. If a coach is crowded, the traveller suffers the same inconvenience. Why does not “Traveller” argue that the officials should always take into consideration the number of passengers that will be on, and have a sufficient number of coaches io allow every passenger at least a full seat? The one position would lie as tenable and reason able as the other. I conclude by saying that, when “Travel ler” will again come this way, and will let the matter of his presence bo known, 1 will guarantee that he will have no occasion to thus speak our city and country afterwards. And I solicit the travelling public to always come “ by way of Raleigh,” and if they wish to be pleased with their trip, they will be: if not, then Paradise itself would not make them so. We expect, soon, that the consti tutions of our several railroads will be invigor ated by faster schedules, and so forth, which, I hope, will add largely to the comfort, con venience and pleasure of all “ travellers.” Raleigh. Raleigh, N. C., Oct. 14 th, 1870. Jfew Hope Association. A number of delegates from colored churches, located in different counties, assem bled in Rome on Friday, 14th instant, in or der to form an Association. Ten colored ministers were present, and, with others, rep resented twelve churches ; and after proper preliminary arrangements, were organized into an Associati >n, to be known as the New Hope Association. A tolerably correct knowledge of the rules of deliberative bodies was displayed, and their proceedings were conducted almost entirely without assistance. The various objects which claim the attention of our Convention were reported and received the hearty approval of all the members; each report being unanimously adopted after full discussion. A commendable zeal for the cause of Christ among their race was manifest in all they did, and it is hoped they will be come an influential and useful body. By in vitation, Elder L. R. Gwaltney and myself were present with them most of the time. C. H. Stillwell.
