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index and fSnpttat.
J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor.
PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 l S SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Bov. D. SHAVER, D.D.
CORRESPONDING EDITORS :
Rev. J. J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala.
Ret. 8. HENDERSON, D.D., Fayetteville, Ala.
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1871.
Retributive Providences.
“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Yes:
do not deceive yourself. Your punishment is as
certain as your sin. “ The rod ” will have “ blos
somed ” by the time “ pride hath budded.” As
the “ blossom ” is in advance of the “ bud,” so
the implements of punishment are in advance of
the sin that provokes it.
Retributive providences have been so uniform
in all ages, that it has grown into a proverb, that
41 the penalty of a misdeed always treads upon
the heels of the transgressor.” No matter how
numerous and various the subterfuges of guilt,
sooner or later it will be overtaken and adequate
ly punished. Achan was but one of many thou
sands, and he took the precaution to hide his
stolen treasure beneath his tent, no doubt sup
posing that, atnid so vast a multitude, his theft
would not be discovered. But all his subterfuges
failed, the “ wedge of gold ” was found, and he
was brought to merited punishment. No scheme
was ever concocted to hide iniquity with more
sagacity, than David’s attempt to hide his crime
with respect to Bathsheba. Yet in the provi
dence of God, the whole was brought to light,
and the finger of the prophet pointed with uner
ring certainty to the guilty culprit, and thun
dered in his ear, ‘‘Thou art the man!” It is the
fatal heritage of guilt to leave its mark some
where upon some object so unmistakably as that
the hand of justice can exact the penalty with
reasonable certainty. In vain may “ that man
Coniah” seek to destroy the memorials of his
crime. And if sentence against an evil work is not
executed speedily—if perchance an occasional
culprit escapes through this life—a more fearful
retribution awaits him in the world to come.
11 is indemnity here but increases the awfulness
of that penalty which he must suffer when “ the
earth shall disclose her blood,” and when “ God
shall bring every work into judgment, with every
secret thing, whether it be good or evil.” Every
attribute of Jehovah stands, of necessity, pledged
to visit “ indignation and wrath upon every soul
of man that doeth evil.” It is only in the pen
ally of law that we ascertain in what estimation
it is held by the Lawgiver. It is as necessary,
therefore, to punish sin, as it is to reward right
eousness. According to those eternal principles
of “justice and judgment," which are “the
habitation, or basis, of His throne,” God is (we
speak it reverently) as much morally bound to
provide a prison house, a hell, for his enemies, as
a mansion house, a heaven, for His friends. “Be
sure your sin,will find you out.” H.
Glimpses of the Times.
Separation under the Name of Union. —No
person of common sense can fail to see, that the
proposition for “the union of liberal Baptists,”
(as loose communionists affect to style them
selves,) is, practically, a proposition for separa
tion from strict communionists. Os course, to
those who urge it, strict communionists are, in
some sort, odious; and their prospect of success
depends largely on the degree to which they can
inspire others with that feeling. Is not this the
philosophy of the fact that Rev. J. Ilyatt Smith,
in “ the Open Door,” ‘makes war upon his breth
ren,’ (as the American Baptist expresses it,)
‘and holds up the denomination to ridicule and
contempt! 1 ’ Is not this the explanation of such
language as the following, which we quote from
a correspondent of the Baptist Unions: “When
the whole land was tilled with the stench of a
public trial of a Baptist minister, for a gross of
fence, nothing was published of the whole affair
in any denominational paper as bad as has been
concerning Mr. Smith, Mr. Sawtelle, and Mr.
Malcom. And so I make for myself this applica
tion : Get drunk, steal, commit adultery and be
forgiven: Advocate open communion, and there
is no forgiveness 1” We are sorry that these ag
itators should hate us so bitterly on account of
our Scriptural practice; but we thank them for
making so full the proof that one impulse to their
movement, and not the least, is rather this hatred
of ourselves, than the “ love ” and “ charity ”
which they profess toward others.
The Theatre.— A secular paper, in Pittsburg,
Penn., notes among “signs of progress,” the
“encouraging" fact, that ‘the Presbyterians and
Methodists of the city have wonderfully improved,
within the last ten years, as frequenters of the
theatre.’ This is a sorry compliment for church
members to receive; but it comes from a very
proper source. In the same issue, that paper
represents the command for the hallowing of the
Sabbath, as requiring ‘a cessation from physical
labor only, applicable, in equal terms, exactly, to
men and cattle—to cattle as much, no more and
no less than to men,’ and declares, of Paul, that
‘his style is the worst thoughts the most
disjointed that have come down to us from his
times!’ It is precisely men holding such views
as these that may consistently chant the praises
of the modern drama, with (what John Foster
styles) “ its many modes of heathenism.”
Prayer in Concert. —“The hour of nine on
Saturday evening has long been set apart by many
Christians, as a season of special and concerted
prayer for a blessing upon the preaching of the
Sabbath following.” We unite with the Congre
gationtilist in placing this fact before the godly
public: and with the Standard in saying: “The
wider this concert of secret prayer, the fuller and
more abundant results may be expected to follow
the administration of the word.” Will not many
of our readers take part in it ? Dear brethren and
sisters, let not the proclamation of divine truth
fail of its effect around you and in you, for want
of regular, united, importunate, bolieving suppli
cation on your part.
“ Shooting a Longbow.”— A Kentucky lay
man, writing in the Richmond Religious Herald ,
says: “ Avery large proportion of the rank and
file of the Baptists in this country—perhaps a
majority—do not give their assent to close com
munion.” This is so greatly wide of the truth,
as scarcely to need contradiction among Baptists.
But we wonder that our brethren of the Herald
suffered it to pass without correction, to prevent
the erroneous conclusions which Pedobaplists
might draw from it, to the damage of the denomi
nation.
Religious Papers. —The Methodist , of New
York, on the close of its eleventh volume in July
next, will be enlarged beyond the size of any ex.
isting journal within its denomination. It is an
independent paper —one not published under the
control of the General Conference, as an official
organ ; and the editor, Rev. George Crooks,
has secured for it, “ not merely a local, or de
nominational, but a national, and, to some extent,
a foreign circulation.” Rev. Abel Stevens, LL.D.,
is now associated with him, and will add to its
popularity and ability. To appreciate the im
portance and power of the religious press, is no
mean token of wisdom. None of the denomina
tions can afford to dispense with this efficient
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SODTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA., THURSDAY, MARCH 16,1871,
agency —and none of them feel that they can.
And yet, none of them make the most of it. All
are guilty of neglect in this regard ; and Baptists
—Southern Baptists—especially so. May we
hope for an improvement which will enable the
Index and Baptist to vie with the Methodist in
material prosperity and growth, in circulation
and usefulness ? Why not ?
Infant Baptism. —A Presbyterian exchange
quotes from “Home” by W. K. Tweedie, D.D.,
on this subject: “ A little one thus dedicated to
God is weakness placed under the guardianship
of Omnipotence. Parents may then use means
and firmly hope in God.” May they not “ use
means” before and without this ? May they not
“hope in God” as “firmly ?” To say that they
may not, is to claim for the baptism of the infant
an efficacy towaH salvation which transfuses
itself through all subsequent means for that end;
and this is but another form of the “ baptismal
grace,”on which sacramentalists build their per
version of the gospel. The Old School Presbyte
rian, St. Louis, says: “It is unspeakable com
fort to us to believe that our dear children are
included in the covenant of grace. We dedicated
them to God, and applied to them the token of
that covenant, and we confidently look for the
fulfillment of His promise to be their God as well
as ours.” Now, if this “confidence” is ground
ed, either in whole or in part, upon the baptism
of the children, then, an act which, so far as
regards the children, is a mere “ opus operatum ,”
being mixed with no faith, or even knowledge, of
theirs, has power nevertheless to open for them a
more certain path to the kingdom of glory;—and
this simply modifies, this by no means repudiates,
that alledge connection of the ordinance with re
generation and remission which constitutes the
fundamental error of Sacrainentalism. “It used
to be said ihat wherever there were two Germans
there were at least three different opinions;” and,
on the question as to the efficacy of “ infant
sprinkling,” this seems eminently true of Pedo
baptists. And yet, when we bolt the matter to
bran, the three opinions (or the thirty) resolve
themselves substantially into one—as the Chi
cago Standard strongly says: “The truth is,
that clinging to the pernicious practice of infant
‘baptism’ which Rome introduced, the Presbyte
rian body, and every other which retains that
practice, retains with it ‘ the sacrainentalism of
Rome.’ How can they help it ? Baptism is, as
they truly say, ‘a sign of regeneration.’ What
does it mean, then, when applied to infants ? It
means, of course, regeneration in connection with
them, in some way. But how ? Rome has one
way of answering; the Church of England and
American Episcopacy another; the Presbyterians,
Congregationalists and Methodists another. All
alike, however, hold to the connection of ‘ the
grace’ with this rite. What does it matter
i whether ‘ tied to it ’or not ? What, we beg to
ask, has baptism to do with that grace at all,
except as a sign of such grace already received ?
Where is the Scripture authority for receiving it
as a sign of such grace to be given in future,
whether to those now adults, of those now in
fants? Unhappily, the dogmatic error is inbred
in this rite; whosoever retains the one cannot
truthfully say that he does not hold to the other.”
The Educational Convention,
Appointed at Marion, on the 12th of April
next, it is hoped, will be largely attended. Will
not our brethren, ministers and laymen, make a
a little sacrifice, and let us have a good, old
fashioned, rousing meeting? Let us meet and
take counsel together. The crisis demands every
man to do his whole duty. We cannot affnfd to
fail in the present effort. Able men—men com
petent to discuss the question in all its aspects
and bearings, are expected to be present. If we
fail at this juncture to meet our obligations in
this respect, our youngest members will not live
long enough to measure the disaster to all the
interests of our Zion. Let us, therefore, meet,
and devise liberal things, and execute them with
a will. Can we associate our counsel and means
in any enterprise involving more vitally the in
terests and prosperity of the great cause, than in
the endowment of our noble, time-honored insti
tution of learning? Then let us rally to it with
that noble enthusiasm that is the precursor of
success. 11.
Talladega (Creek) Baptist Church.
This church has wisely resolved to change its
location from the present site to Alpine, on the
S., R. and D. Railroad, ten miles south-west of
Talladega Court House, and build anew and
commodious meeting house. A sufficient sum
has already been secured to authorize the Com
mittee to make a contract for the work. The
change in the location, it is thought, will prove
to be a judicious one. By the latter part of sum
mer, we hope to be in our new house, and then
our ministering brethren will find it quite easy to
stop over in travelling to and fro on the railroad,
and preach for us. The church and community
have manifested a commendable spirit in the lib
eral subscriptions made to this enterprise. Our
lamented brother, Walker Reynold*, among the
last acts of his life, gave one thousand dollars to
the work. “The memory of the just is blest.”
H.
Rehoboth ludiau Mission.
We have four preaching places for Indians
and one for the blacks in the Seminole na
tion, to-wit: at O-e-ki wo Tu 10-fah, (Spring
City,) Mik-ko-suk-keTown,Cho ko-nik-la, and
Pond Creek. There are four ordained native
preachers, viz : John Jumper, the Chief, Jas.
Factor, Ah-sun-E-mah-kla, and Win. Eufalo.
The churches all have deacons, and assemble
for worship every Sabbath day. The O-e ki
wa church is the oldest. It was constituted
in January 1860, of seven members, by J. S.
Murrow and John Bemo, Presbytery, in a
negro cabin, four of the seven members be
ing negroes, it increased rapidly, both by
letter and experience, in September of that
year John Jumper, who had for several years
been a Presbyterian, was baptized into its
fellowship, and became an active and useful
member. For more than three years—from
’62 to ’66—-it enjoyed an almost uninterrupt
ed revival. The war was sorely felt; the
whole nation were refugees for about three
years; the men were all in the army and
away from the refugee camps. There was
no special effort made by the members, and
yet the Spirit wa3 constantly operating upon
the hearts ot the people. The Christian re
ligion was the chief subject of conversation
among all classes. Even the exciting war
topics were considered secondary. When
the war closed the writer, who had been min
istering to this church from its constitution,
very injudiciously removed to Texas. Before
he left, however, in July 1865, John Jumper
and Jas. Factor were ordained to the full
vork of the ministry; H. F. Buckner and
J. S. Murrow, Presbytery. These brethren
returned with their people to their own
country, and served the church as pastors.
For a season many continued to be added by
baptism. But although during its sojourn in
the wilderness all of its members, except
three, remained faithful to their profession,
now, when peace and prosperity were re
stored, some have “ fallen away,” being se
duced, only for a season, we trust, by the
devil. It now numbers about 150 members.
The Mik ko suk-ke church is a colony of
O-e ki wa, (the mother church.) It was con
stituted by Elders John Jumper and James
Factor in 1866, and has been ministered to
by both these brethren. O-sun na, a deacon
of its membership, and also, like Phillip, a
preacher too, and a useful man, died trium
phantly, praising God. Ah-sun-E mah-kia,
another licentiate, was ordaiued by Jumper
and Factor, and though in feeble health, is
preaching all he can. This church numbers
about sixty members. Old Bro. Pa-suk ky,
the last of a once flourishing Presbyterian
church among the Seminoies, baptized into
our membership, belongs to this church, and
is a host within himself.
The members calling themselves the Cho
ko-nik-la church have not been constituted
into a church as yet. They, however, receive
members by experience and baptism, and
Bro. Wm. Eufalo preaches for them regu
larly. Their number is 28. This little
band is gathered partly from those Seminoies
who went North daring the war ; and as that
party were almost wholly under Presbyterian
influence, it is evident that nothing but a firm
conviction that Baptists have the truth in
their peculiarities, causes them to become
Baptists. J. S. Morrow.
The Lauderdale Orphans.
I write, reclining on one elbow, from a sick
bed, for reasons it is of no moment to ex
plain. The concert of the orphans of the
Home, Lauderdale Springs, Miss., in this
city, Monday night last, was entertaining and
touching. The singing by these poor little
children was quite equal to that of pupils of
a similar age at the Commencements of our
Female Colleges. The contrast, however, of
these with more favored ones, in dress and
physique, due to poverty and less auspicious
parental training, made me hardly an impar
tial judge. Judging from my own feelings,
I think the moral impression was greatly
good. When Rev. Jos. E. Carter was done
with his brief address, at the close of the
exercises, I was almost transported out of
myself and unmanned. The children are
attended by Rev. A. D. Trimble and Mr.
Carter above named, Christian gentlemen,
unusually even, entitled to the last degree of
consideration and trust. God bless them and
the orphans ! E. B. Teague.
Selma, Feb. 9, 1871.
Notes of Travel.
My late article left me in the Gate City,
(but I did not see the gate,) and I now pro
pose to make further progress. Well, I start
ted on a run, from the Kimball House, to
overtake the train, which, from some unex
plained cause, got the start of me, (I always
carry fast time,) but as it turned out, I proved
too swift for the iron horse, and while it
halted at the freight depot, I boarded the cars
and took my seat by one of Atlanta’s most
estimable merchants, the fine-looking Col. M.
Very soon the whistle sounded, the engine
puffed, the wheels clattered, and we were off
for Macon, the place where Mercer Univer
sity is soon to find a home, and a right good
one at that. On board this train 1 met the
President of the Maoon and Western Rail
road, Capt. A. J, W hite, who fully under
stands how to make a compliment doubly
acceptable by the affable manner in which it
is presented. He cordially gave the Agent
of Mercer University a complimentary ticket,
for the year 1871, and in this respect takes
a jplace alongside of Col. L. P. Grant, the
gentlemanly Superintendent of the Atlanta
and West Point Railroad, to whom the wri
ter is under obligation fur a similar favor.
We reached Macon about 11 o’clock at
night, and found hospitable entertainment at
that excellent hotel, the Brown House. Next
day I paid my respects to brother E. W.
Warren, who has, for more than eleven years,
exercised the functions of Bishop of the First
Baptist church, and upon which he has made
impressions for good that will be lasting as
the ever-circling ages. He received the
Agent of M. U. in the most agreeable
manner, and gave him a home at the Bishop’s
residence, while remaining in the city. In
the society of this Christian family, the trav
eller soon forgot his toils, and might have
become oblivious of his wanderings, but for
the tender recollections which came crowd
ing upon him from home. No sooner was
the lamp extinguished, than there appeared
the figure of a lady standing out of the dark
ness, surrounded by a group of three little
ones, (all beautiful, of course, the lady inclu
ded,) and every one saying, as plainly as it
could be done when nothing teas spoken,
“llow long before thou wilt come home?
Please don’t stay long, for we miss thee sad
ly,—we do wish to see thee so much.” Well,
that group did not make me drowsy, and so
I lay awake and thought, and thought, and
thought; and if any one should be curious
to know what I thought, I am very much dis
posed to gratify him.
One thing the writer remembers, was about
this; If I did not love the cause of my dear
Saviour, could 1 leave the loved ones at home,
and become a weary wanderer over this
troubled world? And if our brethren could
know all I feel, would they not love Mercer
University, and pray more frequently for all
connected with it? Would they not make
haste to raise a complete endowment, and
then say, ‘brother 11., return to thy loved
ones at home, and the Lord be with thee?”
If they knew all my thoqghts, could they
find it in their hearts to treat me coldly for
fear that they would be called upon to give
a few hundred dollars to the best of causes?
Nothing of the kind would they do, but as
soon as they hear that tin Agent has come to
town, they would be on the lookout for him.
and say, “ Come in, brother H., don’t pass
me by, please don’t; for lam so glad to see
that some one is looking after the interests
of our loved University. Here, my brother,
is a small contribution ; I am only sorry that
1 am not able to make it five thousand in
stead of five hundred dollars; but take this
now, and I will do more as the Lord pros
pers me.” This I thought, and something
more, as I lay gazing upon the shadowy
group which stood so lovingly by my side,
and then saying, “God protect and bless you,
loved ones,” your correspondent soon passed
into that semi-unconscious state which we
call sleep, and bade the world, for awhile,
farewell, and so 1 now say to you and my
readers. H. C. H.
Leaves from an Agent’s Memorandum Book.
Arrived at Galveston, on the Josephine,
one of Morgan’s steamers. The city has
quite a commercial look. New buildings,
and many of them fine ones. Residences
nearly all framed buildings. Streets very
wide. The city is built on a flat, sandy is
land, about thirty miles long and seven wide.
Very few trees. Here and there, orange or
lemon. Population about 25,000,. having
doubled itself in the last ten years. A great
many Germans. The Catholics have a fine
cathedral; so have the Episcopalians. The
Baptist church is a rather small, framed build
ing, with anew and commodious parsonage
attached. Elder Win. Howard is pastor,
and is supported by his church, with an in
teresting Sunday school and a large and
growing congregation. A working pastor
and a working church. Delighted to meet
again this faithful man of God, under whose
preaching I had profited in my boyhood, in
Sumter county, Ala.
Everybody going on Sabbath, at eleven, to
witness the dedication of the splendid, new
St. John’s Methodist church, by Bishop Mar
vin. (On the way to church: “ Brother
Howard, how much did this building cost?”
“About seventy thousand dollars.” “Is it
all paid ?” “All but fifteen thousand dollars ?”
“ Don’t you think they will try to raise that
sum to-day?” “Oh, no; they wouldn’t
treat us in that way. We and our congre
gations have been specially invited to attend
the.dedication at this hour, and it would be
inopportune to stop to raise money.” “Well.”)
We enter. A splendid building it is. No
perceptible defect, except the glaring, yellow
stained glass of the windows. A number of
preachers on the pulpit platform—one a Bap
tist, invited up there to read a portion of
Scripture. He is not a landmarker. No
other ceremonies had been announced or were
anticipated by that preacher when the Bishop
pointed out the Scripture for him td read.
The choir sung a voluntary. The pastor in
charge rose and announced that the ordin
ance of baptism would now be administered.
Like Wharton’s Indian, I looked for the
baptistery. I saw a bowl of water on the
table. “ How is he going to dip a believer
into that basin?” The candidate rises in
front of the altar. A nice lady, with a babe
in her arms. The preacher said, “ Suffer
little children to come unto me,” etc. “ What
has that got to do with baptism?” I ask my
self. Then he said, “I baptize thee,” etc.,
and put a little water on the baby’s head.
He didn’t cry, but they took him out. He
is a member of the church, but I suppose
they gave him a furlough for ten years. Then
he will be old enough to understand preach
ing, and all that. But where is my Baptist
preacher? He’s up there. He didn’t know
it. He’s caught. The dedication services
then begin, and that Baptist preacher reads
the chapter. The Bishop then preached
metaphysics an hour and a half, and the gos
pel a quarter. 1 timed him. He began at
the bottom of thought. 1 knew it would
take a long time to get to the top. On the
whole, a masterly, scholarly effort; sound
logic, deep metaphysics, and edifying to those
that understood him. They may keep up
with him over here in Texas, but we Geor
gians couldn’t.
Then came the dedication. No, it didn’t
come. Something else, Ttfe Bishop said, had
to come first. That money. It came slow
ly. The congregation got tired. Waited
about three quarters of an hour. They had
then raised about ten thousand. That Bap
tist preacher up there got tired then. I
thought he looked tired when he saw that
baby affair. He came down, and we and
nearly everybody else went home. They
tried it over again at night. Preached, raised
all the money, and then dedicated. That
preacher and 1 did not go at night. He is
more of a landmarker now. That was a
Texas dedication. 1 love to see buildings
dedicated to God, even when the worshippers
walk not with me. We will all come to
the unity of the faith after awhile, perhaps.
That building was built to stand a long time.
Then I see a gross defect in its construction.
It has neither a baptistery, nor confessionals,
nor chapels. It is suited neither for a Bap
tist church, nor a Catholic cathedral. It will
be one or the other, some of these days. It
can’t stand betwixt and between.
Jnq. L. Underwood.
Galveston, Texas, Feb., 1871.
Fellowship Church, Ala.
I am a naemberof Fellowship church, near
the line of Chambers and Randolph counties.
Brother John Curnbie is our pastor. Out
church is tolerably large for the country.
We number about two hundred and over;
were constituted some fifteen or twenty years
ago, with the pastoral care of brother James
Sperlin. Brother Cumbie has been the prin
cipal pastor since the removal of brother
Sperlin to Georgia. We think brother C. an
excellant preacher, and a good man. His
labors in past years have been abundantly
blessed. But there now seems to be a cold
indifference—no Sabbath school, no continued
prayer meeting. The church appears to be
in a dull stupor. We {>ay, O Lord, revive
Thy work in the midst these years. We
ask an interest in the jjpayers of the Index
and its readers. 7 Wm, McCarter.
Rock Mills, Ala., Feb. 27, .
Mission to thp Freedfnen,
The special Executive Committee of the
Bethel Baptist Association, charged with the
mission of sending the gospel to the destitute
among the colored population, met this eve
ning for the purpose of organizing. Present,
Judge D. A. Vason, Chairman, R. J. Bacon,
and Elder N. A. Bailey. Elder Bailey was
requested to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Elders W. N. Chaudoin and J. 11. Ingraham,
and Deacon R. I). Mallary being present,
were invited to aid us with their counsel.
Elder Chaudoin opened the meeting by
prayer. Elder J. IT. Ingraham and R. D.
Mallary were elected permanent members of
:he Committee. Elder C. M. Irwin was ap
pointed General Agent to canvass the field
and report destitution, aid colored pastors
where it was desired, report suitable mis
sionaries to supply the destitution, and solicit
contributions for carrying on the work.
The following resolutions were adopted :
1. That Elder C. M. Irwin is most cordially
commended to the confidence and fellowship
of the brethren, both white and colored, and
to the people generally, as well-as the mis
sion he represents. 2. That Elder W. N.
Chaudoin is requested to render all the as
sistance in his power to this mission, while
travelling among the churches as Agent of
the Domestic Board of the Southern Baptist
Convention. 3. That local Boards, auxiliary
to this, will be appointed in different sections
of the Association, when desired. 4. That
these proceedings be published in the Albany
Neios and Christian Index.
N. A. Bailey, Sec.
Albany, Ga., Feb. 27, 1871.
Our Cause at Jefferson, Ga.
Our brethren, at the settlement of this
country, failed to occupy this town—a blun
der so often committed in those days, and
one from whose evil effects many of our vil
lage churches will not recover for a long time.
The natural result was, the Methodists and
Presbyterians came in and occupied the place.
The Baptist church here was constituted
June 20th, 1866, with 19 members. They
were without a house to worship in, and, be
ing mostly very poor, had but a gloomy pros
pect to secure one. The Presbyterians had
built a very good house, but had not paid for
it. Soon after the constitution of our church,
they proposed to sell to the Baptists one-half
interest in their church property at one thou
sand dollars. This proposition the Baptists
accepted, and paid half the sum, most of
which was collected abroad. After this they
borrowed money on individual credit, and
paid the remainder and secured titles to the
property. These individuals now owe, in-
cluding interest, about five hundred dollars,
and would be glad to receive contributions to
meet the liability. Who will turn their backs
upon us?—l mean “greenbacks.” From the
time of its constitution our church has grad
ually gained strength, and now numbers 31
members. Nearly half this number, during
the last four years, have been dismissed by
letter. We are now expecting some valuable
accessions, and our prospect is flattering. I
am making an effort to send monthly contri
butions to Foreign Missions. Hope, ere long,
to see a large proportion of our people inter
ested in this great work.
This town, according to the late census, con
tains about 500 inhabitants. The Presbyterians
have lost their pastor on account of, I under
stand,non support; consequently,they have no
good prospect of filling his place. The Meth
odist is the prevailing denomination. We
have here a flourishing Institute, (undenomi
national in character,) with an endowment of
fifteen thousand dollars of Ga. R. R. stock,
the dividends of which are applied to the re
duction of the tuition of all that attend. This
Institution, with this and other advantages,
gives vigor and permanence to our educa
tional interests. There are no less than nine
Baptist churches in this (Jackson) county,
some of them numbering nearly two hundred
members ; and, altogether, perhaps outnum-
ber all other denominations combined.. But
it is believed that there is more inefficiency
in these churches, according to their ability,
than in any county in the State South of this.
These churches possess a fair share of the
wealth of the county, and yet not one of them
maintains preaching more than once a month.
And perhaps there is not a pastor in the
State, North of Athens, who receives from all
his churches a sum sufficient, in a year, to
meet half his expenses for the same time.
Our pastors spend much of their time in their
fields, workshops, store-houses, etc. What
is the cause of all this derangement and inef
ficiency among our churches and our preach
ers? 1 pause for a reply. Our churches do
not generally need more members, but they
need a mind to work for the cause of Christ.
With few exceptions, the churches in this
section known to me, make annual pastoral
calls; consequently, there is but little sta
bility in the pastoral relation. The more I
see of the practical working of the annual call
system, the more 1 am impressed with its
evil tendencies. But a good brother says, to
make an indefinite call, is to surrender pre
cious and important rights. There is, just
now, quite a sensation among some of our
churches on the subject of “ salaried pastors.”
Some of our pastors have refused to serve
churches unless they would state what they
would give them. Other preachers seem to
think they can do more good by saying no
thing about their salaries, leaving that matter
wholly unsettled at the time of their accept
ance of the call. I believe a discussion of this
subject now would do good. I hope, ere long,
that you, or some of your old correspondents,
will give us the scriptural plan of sustaining
him who labors in word and doctrine. Let
us soon hear from you.
There are some encouraging things to be
said of this section. We are confidently ex
pecting the projected North East Rail Road
to pass through our town. Subscriptions are
now being taken for this purpose, and we are
told the work will be begun this spring.
Some of our churches have begun to improve
upon their former course. This we hope,
after a while, will become general.
A. J. Kelly.
Ministers’, Deacons’ and Sabbath School
Meeting of the Bethel Association.
This body assembled with Pine Blufi'church,
Dougherty county, Ga., Jan. 28th, 1871.
Elder W. 11. Cooper was called to the Chair,
and TANARUS, H. Stout requested to act as Secreta
ry. The attendance was small. Many
brethren, who had been appointed to prepare
essays for the meeting, did not make their
appearance. We all regretted the apparent
want of inteiest manifested by the non-ap
pearance of the dear brethren. The meeting
was opened by singing and prayer. Pro
ceeded with business in the following order:
Elder W. H. Cooper read an essay on,
“ The Importance of the Spirit's Presence in
the Churches." After remarks, the essay was
unanimously adopted. Brethren who had
been appointed to w r rite on specific subjects,
but had failed to come, were, on motion, re
quested to prepare essays on their several
subjects for the next meeting of this body.
An essay —“ Growth *in Grace," —was read
by Elder N. A. Bailey. On motion, it was
adopted. Took a recess of one hour, when,
after prayer, ElderT. H. Stout read an essay.
Subject: “Duties of Churches to their Pas
tors." The meeting adopted it. On motion,
the Clerk was appointed a Committee of one,
to assign subjects to brethren upon which to
write.
The Mission of the Bethel Association,
among the Choctaw' Indians, and the practica
bility of Rev. R. J. Hogue remaining among
them as the missionary of the Association, as
he has done for several years, was presented
for the consideration of the body. Remarks
were made by several brethren, during which
the following facts were stated: 1. That
brother Hogue earnestly desires to remain
among the Indians, to labor for their salva
tion. 2. That he can be of more service (as
he thinks) there than anywhere else. 3. He
believes he can accomplish more in the Mas
ter’s vineyard there, than any new man will
be able to do, at least for some time. 4. The
missionaries among the Indians, and who have
been his co-laborers, desire him to remain.
The subject was postponed till the next day,
for further consideration. The meeting then
adjourned till Sabbath at 10 o’clock a.m.
On Sabbath morning, met pursuant to ad
journment. Prayer by brother W. 11. Coop
er. Heard reports from churches and Sab
bath schools represented in this meeting.
The churches were reported as being in a
cold condition ; fearfully neglecting prayer
meetings, Sabbath schootsand discipline. Ad
journed to meet again at 1:30 p.m. The af
ternoon session was opened with singing.
Adopted the following resolutions in refer
ence to brother R. J. Hogue and his mission:
“ Whereas, Brother R. J. Hogue has re
turned to the Indian Territory, and feels that
he could do more good in that field than in
any other, and as the Providence of God
seems to indicate that he should remain there;
therefore, Resolved, That we earnestly invite
the churches to give an expression of their
willingness to sustain him in his labors while
he remains among the Indians, as we have
hitherto done; and that they be requested to
notify brother Thos. Muse, Chairman of the
Domestic Mission Committee, Cuthbert, Ga..
immediately, of their action. Resolved, That
we request a meeting of the Domestic Mis
sion Committee, with this body, on Friday
before the fifth Sabbath in April next, at
Elim church, Calhoun county, to consider the
subject of resuming this mission.”
On motion, adjourned. T. 11. Stout.
Greeuesboro, (ia., Baptist Church.
I have been connected with this church,
a3 pastor, since the first of January of the
present year. Employing a settled pastor
and securing his services for every Sabbath, is
an experiment. It is to be hoped, however,
the effort will be successful. There is no
want of pecuniary ability to support a pas
tor, and a willingness seems abundantly man
ifested. Our denomination is by far the
strongest in the place, and is evidently taking
the lead in all religious enterprises. Our
Sabbath congregations are large and atten
tive. Our Sabbath school has increased nearly
a hundred per cent, during the present year.
Stiil there is much room for improvement.
Our prayer meetings are largely attended,
and much interest manifested. We have re
ceived an unusually large number of acces
sions to the church by letter, recently, and
we anticipate a corresponding increase by ex
perience and baptism soon. The pastor’s
family have been the recipients of many and
valuable presents from the members, espe
cially the sisters. Contrary to the course of
some ministers, I will not mention by name
or even by initials, the kind sisters who have
contributed to our comforts. I know it would
be distasteful to their modesty. No pastor
can boast of a nobler set of sisters—a more
efficient corps of workers.
This church has been in existence, I sup
pose, over forty years. I believe Dr. A.
Sherwood was the first pastor, followed by
Rev. B. M. Sanders, Drs. Mell and Craw
ford, and Judge P. B. Robinson in the order
of their names. Revs. Carlos W. Stevens and
T. J. Bond occupied the pulpit for a short sea
son. With such men as the above as her in
structors and guides, it is not strange that
this church should be sound in gospel doc
trines and practices, and deeply imbued with
the spirit of missions. The membership of
this church, from the beginning, have been
distinguished for piety, intelligence and lib
erality. Among the older membership that
survive, our venerable Bro. Thomas Stocks
still fills his place in the sanctuary, and is
more frequently at his conference meeting
than many that are younger in years. Ho
now feels the infirmities of age. 1 believe he
is in his eighty-sixth year, rich in honors, rich
in grace and in the affections and confidence
of his brethren and the whole circle of his
acquaintance. He is patiently waiting the
Master’s summons, “ Come up higher.”
Rev. P. B. Robinson and Rev. J. A. Pres
ton are worthy ministers and members of
this church, prompt and ready to cooperate
with the pas or in all his labors. Bro. R.,
my immediate predecessor, was a useful pas
tor, but resigned the pastorate in consequence
of his pressing duties as Judge of the Supe
rior Court, yet he performs much missionary
labor in the towns and villages within the
bounds ot the Ocmulgee Circuit, where Bap
tist preaching is much needed, and exerts a
fine influence on the bench, us it is his praise
worthy custom to open his sessions each day
with prayer. I learn this practice is highly
approved by the bar and by the attendants
upon his courts generally. There is also a
very flourishing colored Baptist church here,
taking the lead of all others. I suppose they
are pretty sound in doctrine and correct in
discipline, as we hear nothing to the contrary.
We are looking for the establishment of a
lodge of Good Templars in our midst soon.
Though this is not a Baptist institution, yet
we think that many Baptists, as well as oth
ers, would not be injured by embracing and
practicing the principles inculcated by the
order. W. D. Atkinson.
Greenesborough, March 9th, 1871.
Dublin Church.
I met with our church at Dublin on the
first Saturday and Sabbath in February. The
object of my visit at that time w r as to assist
in dedicating the new and commodious house
of worship, which is nearly completed. It
was with feelings of the greatest pleasure I
greeted them on that occasion, as it was a
field of former labor. Many were the strug
gles 1 made for Christ there. At present, the
church is abundantly supplied with excellent
preaching talent. Bro. W. L. Geiger, a reg
ular veteran in the ranks of Christ, is the effi
eient pastor, and Bro. W. S. Ramsay, (son
Timothy,) a young minister of great promise
to the church,supplies the pulpit once a month.
We trust the church will realize her superior
advantages and improve them. The educa
tional facilities are also most excellent. The
Academy in Dublin, conducted by Bro. R.,
is a good institution, and, without his per
mission, I will state that he is prepared to
advance the student to any class in College.
Bro. Geiger is conducting a school five miles
below, and has proved himself “ worthy and
well qualified.” E. B. Barrett.
Brunswick, Ga., March 2nd, Is7l.
To the Baptist Pastors of Georgia.
Dear Brethren : The Board of Trustees of
Mercer University have decided that it is
best to have a General Agent of that institu
tion in the field, and have made choice of me
to fill the position. 1 have entered upon my
duties, rel) ing upon the promise of Jesus and
the cooperation of my brethren for success
in this important work ; and I now ask each
of you to keep the matter before your
churches. God has placed you in responsi
ble positions, and it is a solemn truth, that
the account you will have to render, at the
last day, will be in precise ratio to the means
you possess for doing good.
Years ago, the wisest and best of our Bap
tist fathers decided that the interests of our
denomination demanded an Institution of
learning at which the rising generation could
be prepared for more extensive usefulness by
a liberal and practical education. With much
toil, prayer and money, they succeeded in
setting on foot the University which bears
the cherished name of Mercer; and some of
them lived long enough to see and enjoy the
precious fruits of their toils and sacrifices,
and were then gathered to their fathers, leav
ing to us the work of finishing what their
own hands had so worthily begun. Shall we
be equal to their expectations? or shall we
prove, by our failure, that we are not worthy
sons of those holy men of God, who have
gone to their reward in heaven ? Have the
mantles of the Mercers, the Armstrongs, the
Brautlys, the Maliarys, the Dawsons, the
W ests, and others whose records are equally
bright aud glorious, fallen upon the men of
this generation ?
These were men ol vigorous minds, of
strong faith and hardy piety ; but shall all
enterprise, all benevolence die with them?
True, the people are poorer now than they
were years ago, but it is not poverty which
ruins enterprise, it is the foolish and selfish
greed of gain that is the bane of good works.
1 have been a pastor for twenty years, and
know, by experience, that the minister must
be an example to the flock as well as a teacher
to them, if he would accomplish most for
Jesus. By a firm support of everything
good, you will secure the favorable opinions
of ail well-meaning men, and will increase
your influence just as you employ it for the
welfare of your race and for the glory of
God.
In times like these, we want no timi3, self
ish, time-serviug men to lead the hosts of
Xion, but those who love the cause of Jesus
so much that it amounts to a burning, con
suming passion,
Mercer University has strong claims upon
you and your people, and I beseech you meet
them like men, and God will bless you in all
your relations.
H. C. Hornady, Ag't M. U.
March 9th, 1871.
Farmvillc ami Beulah Churches.
Many are the complaints of pastors against
their churches for being neglected by them,
with regard to pay and otherwise, and justly
so; but when a church does her duty, she
should have credit for it. I wa3 called to the
care of the above churches, situated in Lee
county, Ala., for last year, which I accepted,
and served to the best of my ability. 1
found them (and especially the former) a
lively, working brotherhood, at which we re
cei\ ed, during the year, 44 members, by bap
tism and otherwise, and at the other about
23 members. These churches paid me every
cent they promised, and the former one, sev
eral dollars more, besides some good things
sent to wife and little ones at home, and
especially that good sized basket filled to the
lull, “pressed down and shaken together,”
and almost “ running over,” handed me by
deacon TANARUS, for the family, and upon removing
the nice cover discovered quite a quantity of
rich backbone, spare-ribs, sausages, etc., too
good to talk about; but made one feel as the
old woman did when she joined the church,
over in Georgia, like they had a hog killing
time in their soul. 1 am still serving said
churches, and the prospects are as good in
every particular, as they were at commence
ment of last year. May God bless our uni
ted efforts there, for the cause of Christ upon
earth. W. H. Stanton.
Ordinations,
February 25th and 26th, Elder J. M. Still
well and T. H. Burruss met as a Presbyte
ry, with the church at Sandy Creek, Morgan
county, Ga., for the purpose of setting apart
A. W. Brooks to the office of Bishop, and
Charles Brooks to the office of Deacon. On
Saturday, the candidates were presented by
the church. Brother A. W. Brooks related
his Christian'experience and call to the min
istry, which was satisfactory. Then brother
C. Brooks gave a brief account of his con
version to Christ. Then followed the exami
nation of the candidates, as to their sound
ness in the faith, which was entirely satisfac
tory. On Sabbath morning, sermon by the
writer, imposition of hands and prayers, led
by J. M. Stillwell; charge and presentation
of the Bible by T. H. Burruss; presentation
of hands to the candidates by the Pfresbyte
ry, followed by the church; doxology and
benediction by the candidate for the ministry.
„ „ , J- M. Stillwell.
Monroe, March 9th, 1881.
Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga.
The meetings which have continued for
thirty-five days in this city, have resulted,
thus far, in the conversion of over seventy
persons, mostly females. Twelve have been
received in our church for baptism, but we
have not been able to use the baptistery,
which is out of repair. This has been some
hindrance to the meeting, as far as the Bap
tist church is concerned. A general praver
meeting is held every morning at the
different churches, alternately. The reli
gious interest is spreading in the community,
and all of the pulpits are aided by visitin'*
brethren except mine. I have made several
efforts to procure aid, but have been unsuc
cessful. A stranger in your State, I would
beg that you interest yourself in my
behalf, and seud me some assistance.
Since Ist day February I have attended
neatly eighty meetings, and been occupied
with the inquirers in the intervening time. 1
may be able to continue for a week longer,
but my strength is severely taxed. Send
help, and, if necessary, call for it through the
Index. Trios. E. Skinner.
Golumbue, Ga., March 7th, 1871.
From Alabama.
The Editor of the Index and Baptist has
frequently solicited information from the
various portions of our States, and l have as
cften determined to write, but various and
numerous circumstances prevented. I pro
pose sending short, but comprehensive sketch
es, from time to time, of the aspect of our
country, the character of our people and the
state of our morals. My object in so doing,
is to keep those posted—as suggested bv
your last week’s female correspondent from
the North—=-who may be necessitated, or may
desire to change their place of abode.
I will attempt a brief description, in this,
only]of Pleasant Hill and Col lei rville commu
nities, between which T. M. Bailey—a work
ing preacher—and myself reside. The for
mer place is a beautiful, healthy, sandy, w ell
watered village, with three churches—one of
which 1 serve—situate twenty miles south of
Selma, near the Selma and Gulf Railroad.
This place has never It •en seen but to bo ad
mired. lhe latter place is very small, on
an immense hill, and will compare in every
respect with the former, except water. There
is a good Baptist church near. This place is
twenty three miles from Selma and six miles
from Pleasant Hill. From one of these
places to the other is an unbroken range of
high, sand, fertile hills, at the foot of which,
on either side, is an extensive, rich, prairie
valley, a portion of which can be bought on
fair terms. This country is generally well
supplied with peaceable negroes. We have
as refined, cultivated and honest citizens as
the world affords. They were once wealthy,
and are good livers still. They will welcome
gentlemen and ladies from any quarter. The
morals of our people have attracted the at
tention and elicited the praise of visitors.
Our churches are in a healthy condition.
These are facts, and we invite all, who have a
good spirit, to come. B. H. Crumpton.
Pleasant Ifill, Ala., March 2,1871.
Lights and Shadows.
Some people have a sort of horror of re
ceiving dispatches by telegraph. Well, I
dislike very much to receive one I sent
myself, for I had the trial of it recently, and
there was not much light in it. 1 sent a mcs
sage to a brother at V. to make au appoints
ment for me, and after my arrival , 1 had the
pleasure (?) of being a witness to that broth-,
er’s reception of my message, paid for, and
sent more than twenty-four hours before.
It is not pleasant to be imposed on in that
way.
“ Iv’e no idee he knowed a word he was
going to say when he got up thar.” So said
a Primitive Baptist sister (so called,) in
speaking of the sermon her pastor had preach,
ed. The intelligent gentleman she was dis
cussing the sermon with, said he was inter
ested, though the preacher “ used such big
words, he could not put them in straight, so
he crossed and piled them.” The way he
was interested may easily be guessed. No -
tice, too, the evidence to that woman of a
call to the ministry,” was that a man could
preach without •* study.”
I saw a man, a few days ago, with a good,
intelligent, pious wife, and several bright,
sweet children, and he a Baptist, going home’
from his store, so much intoxicated, he stag.
gered two or three times against one yard
fence. I thought of his treatment to a pro
cious family, but worse of his treatment to
Christ and His cause. Then, still further, l
thought it probable his church, by its lax
discipline, was to blame very much. Men
if Christians, will have some respect for their
church and its discipline, it there is anv
Shadows!
At TANARUS, I made the acquaintance of a young
lady who was active in Sunday school, at
tended promptly, listened with attention, and
apparently, without interest, made her mis
sionary contribution, and thanked me for my
visit, for personal reasons. My, heart was
glad. Her acquaintance made, and her zeal,
was a ray of light. But alas! a shade, a
cloud has obscured it. I passed that way a
few days after, and preached. There was a
ball the same night in TANARUS., and my young
friend was—not at church was dancing at
the ball. Heard the announcement for wor
ship, but, between the places of pleasure and
prayer, chose the place of pleasure. Daik
was the shadow that almost eclipsed that ray
of light; but very soon it was relieved by
other rays.
From South Carolina comes light—yes,
green light and spiritual light. A dear sister
sends her second bi monthly contribution,
and, “ if not disappointed in my plans, 1 will
be able to send one dollar monthly, instead
of one every two months That is good,
but listen at this : “ I have been, until this
year, a solitary Baptist in the neighborhood
where 1 am living, but the firm for stand
ing alone.” Thank God ! there are some wit
nesses for Jesus of the primitive type —-ome
in Sardis yet, whose “ garments are not de
filed.”
Here is light from Jefferson, Ga., with a
New Year’s gift for missions—a family offer
ing. Sister H. A. D. loves the blessed cause
of Jesus. From Eld. P. E. Hawkins, more
help and words of cheer: “ My dear brother:
Tne wealth of earth cannot purchase the got and
feelings I have for my brethren all over the
land.” So writes a brother who is poor, old
and afflicted, but able to work for Jesus, and
does work. How sweet is brotherly love!
“ llow sweet, how heavenly is the s'ight” of
loving Christians !
Well, it is cheering to meet with ministers
whose hearts make their faces bright, like
Bro. B’s, covered with sunshine. The heart
filled with love to Jesus makes a face lovely.
How my heart was warmed, as my dear bro
ther told mo of his sweet communion with
Jesus, and his enjoyment of his work ! —even
enjoys giving, these hard times. May ho and
his co laborers, —Cooper, near by, and Ingia
ham, in Albany,—all be blessed more and
more. W. N. Chaudoin, Agent.
Infant Baptism.— We once heard a Pres
byterian minister say, when asked if he be
lieved that children dying in infancy were
saved: “That baptized children dying in
infancy are saved, I know” was his reply;
1 hope all others are!”— Standard.