Christian index and South-western Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1866-1871, April 20, 1871, Page 58, Image 2

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58 fuln m$ J§ajrtist. J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor. PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 & 6 SOUTH BROADWAY. Editor: Rev. D. SHAVER, D.D. CORRESPONDING EDITORS: Rev. J. J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala. Rev. 8. HENDERSON, D.V.,Jacksonville, Ala. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1871. Work for the Convention. The question ha3 often recurred to us recently, whether the work we are now doing is of suffi cient magnitude to justify the assembling of such a meeting as will come together at St. Louis in a few weeks? We do not propose, by starting this question, to intimate that money can represent the value of any service done for Christ and the souls of men : but whether it is exactly prudent and wise to expend so much of our money in mere machinery, at the expense of the real work of the Convention ? In other words, whether we really increase the benefactions of our Boards by such a policy ? Now, we do not propose discuss ing the wisdom of annual meetings of the Con vention, for that seems to be settled ; but we do think that in any proper estimate of the expenses of mere machinery, we ought to include the money paid out by the delegates to attend its meetings. This would very nearly equal the amount expended by either one of our Boards. But waiving all this, it is well to ask whether the work the Convention is now doing through its Boards is a fair expression of what could rea sonably be expected from our denomination, and from such an assemblage as our great Southern anniversary? Is there not a painful contrast be tween the one and the other ? When the intelli gence and piety of the denomination are called together, it is not unreasonable to expect some thing worthy of so vast a gathering. Unless there be some proportion between such great im plied pretensions and their fulfillment, disap pointment is the result, and this disappointment re-acts most disastrously upon the whole work of the Convention. The Domestic Mission Board is, wo believe, the. most efficient Board of the Convention, thanks to its live Secretary. But how easy would it bo to doublo the capacity of this Board, by a slight effort? What is it doing compared with what might be done, if our brethren were in full sym pathy with its objects ? Cannot something be done to increase its hold upon the confidence and support of our churches, Associations and State Conventions? Suppose we were to abate the next annual meeting, and appoint the next Con vention two years hence, and take the money we spend in reaching the place of meeting, and put one active, able, working agent in each of our Southern States, to represent all the interests of the body, would it not be a wiser expenditure? We protest, in making these suggestions, we are not actuated by a captious, fault-finding spirit. Our solo desire is to increase the efficiency of ail the Boards of the Convention. Something must be done to put the hearts of our brethren more generally in communication with the great work in which we arc engaged. Il we would stop the mouths of gainsayers ; if we would silence the clamors of the few amongst us who are ever and anon looking to Northern affiliation as the great remedy for our present lethargy, we must do something worthy of the seven hundred thousand Baptists in these Southern States. If w T e do not, or cannot occupy our own destitute territory, how can wo blame others for coming to our assistance ? As to merging all the Boards of the Convention into one, we think that would about be the death knell of the whole organization. We might as well prepare for the funeral obsequies of the body. About as much would be collected and disbursed by such a Board as any one of our present Boards dispenses. The truth is, no con ceivable plan will ever bo operated vigorously until we can inspire our churches with a deeper sympathy in our work. The fault is not in the plan, but in the disposition to operate any plan; and we are thoroughly convinced, that deep and wide-spread as may be the objections to agencies as such, we never can reach that high measure of success until we fall back upon such agencies. No great work has ever yet been achieved without them, and never will be. God has so ordained it, and we cannot change it. Fret, and chafe, and murmur as we may, no great enterprise, human or divine, has ever been successfully prosecuted without them. When we fight against them, we tight against our only means of success. 11. Superannuated Ministers. Ministers who have worn themselves out in the service of the churches and who are poor, have been sadly overlooked by the benevolence, not to say the justice, of the denomination. With the widows and orphans of those who have fallen asleep, they are entitled to support at the hand of the brotherhood. We should like to see the col lection of funds for this class distinctly recognized as one of the objects of our State Convention, and the Executive Committee specially charged with the disbursement of these funds. We should like to have that Committee spread before our people, at intervals, such facts and appeals as might set forth the work needing to be done and prompt the large-hearted and warm-hearted to do it. Thousands of dollars should be expended for this purpose every year. And, with proper system, •we think they might be secured. WiU'the breth ren who assemble at Cartersville give this matter thought"? Political Infallibility.— The National Mon itor, Brooklyn, N. Y., is the organ of two colored Baptist Societies, and conducted by two colored Baptist editors. Announcing the steady increase of its circulation, in a recent number, it says: “ Two thousand five hundred colored-ivfcrA—lead ing men in the South—will read tlus issue.” And urging “the colored brethren of the South” to subscribe now, it makes promise that the paper “will be to them a reliable, fearless, outspoken, unfettered, and unerring political guide in the fail elections.” “ American citizens of African de scent,” then, are as fortunate in the sphere of poli tics, as Papists are in the religious sphere. Infal libility condescends to clear a path for them, that no snares of error may take their feet. If Brook lyn and Rome would only form a copartnership, under the name and style of Pius and Perry ! “I Felt Hunched Up.” A few Sabbaths since, it became our duty to baptize a pious old gentleman who had for many years been a member of a Pedobaptist denomina tion. His experience before the church was very interesting. When he came to the point where lie felt called upon to say something about his reasons for seeking membership among the Bap tists, he said: “ I was sprinkled when a little child —so I have been told. I have also been told that I fought the preacher while he was imposing the rite. I was no believer: my will was not consult ed in the matter. And all through my religious life, when reading the Bible and seeing such pas sages as, ‘He that believeth and i3 baptized,’ ‘ Buried in baptism,’ ‘ Baptism is the answer of a •good .conscience,’ I would feel hunched up, and in spite of me, I would hurry over these places.” A few days afterwards, we stated this part of his experience to. a friend of his. of the de nomination which he had left. And this -remarked, “ That is not his experience alone, for there are many others who feel ‘ hunched up ’ when they come to such passages in the Scrip THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOOTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA., THURSDAY, APRIL 20,1871. tures. I have felt the force of that sort of ' hunch ’ myself.” Why will not Christians obey the Scriptures and act out the convictions of conscience ? “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” “He that loveth me will keep my words.” Alas for the power of an erroneous religious training! The church of my fathers, I cannot leave it. My pa rents had me sprinkled, and I will not set aside what they did for me. But Jesu9 says, “He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not wor thy of me.” R- Reviews and Notices. The Moral Duty of Total Abstinence : A Sermon on God’s Law on the Body and His law in the Book. By Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, Lafayette Avenue Church, Brooklyn. New York : National Temperance Society and Publication House. Pp. 23. Price 15 cents. This is the second in the Series of Temperance Sermons, which the Society proposes to issue. Dr. Cuyler puts the question clearly and strongly. Third Annual Catalogue of the Crozer Theological Seminary, Upland, Penn.: 1870-71. The Faculty of this young but promising Insti tution consists of H. G. Weston, Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Duties, G. D. B. Pepper, Professor of Christian Theology, and H. Osgood, Professor of History and Hebrews There were 36 students, among whom we notice, in the Senior class, J. M. Fulglium, Sandersville, Ga., in the Middle Class, T. N. Coleman, Fort Deposit, Ala., and in the Junior Class, A. N. White, Hernando, Miss. The Baptist Quarterly. Philadelphia: American P.aptist Publication Society. Terms, $3 a year. Contents for April— 1. New Testament Revis ion, by Prof. A. C. Kendrick, D.D., Rochester, N. Y. 2. Athens: Her Place in History, by Prof. J. R. Boice, LL.D., Chicago, 111. 3. Lightfoot’s Christian Ministry, by Prof. G. Anderson, D.D., Newton Centre, Mass. 4. The Baptist Historical Society, by H. Malcom, D.D., LL.D., Philadelphia, Pa. 5. The National Baptist Educational Conven tion, by S.S. Cutting, D.D., Brooklyn, L. I. 6. Life and Times of Dev. John Leland, by J. T. Smith, Warwick Neck, R. I. This is an admirable number, anil we rise from its perusal with no little regret that a periodical so worthy of general patronage lind3 its way into the hands of such a small number, comparatively, of Southern readers. The Baptist Sentinel. Lexington, Ky., Worrell & Ray, Proprietors. Terms, $2 a year. The April number of the Sentinel is marked by its usual variety and vigor. We note the request for the views of the Index and Baptist on the intercommunion of churches in the Lord’s supper, and hope to give them in due season. Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc. Georgia. —Rev. E. W. Warren, of Macon, has accepted a unanimous t all to the pastoral care of the First church, Atlanta, and will enter on his labors with it, May Ist. We congratulate the church and community on this valuable accession. A Third colored Baptist church was dedica ted in Atlanta, on Sabbath afternoon; Rev. Dr. Brantly preaching. From S3OO to S4OO were raised. Our church at LaGrange has called Rev. M. B! Hardin, of Texas, to the pastorate. Rev. J. J. D. Renfroe, of Talladega, A(a., will preach, (on his way to Greenville, S. to at tend the Commencement of our Theological Sem inary,) at Elam church, Warren county, Wednes day, April 26th. A storm which passed over Sandersville, Sunday afternoon, March 26th, threw the colored church, just completed, off its foun dation and injured it so much that it will be nec essary to rebuild. The white church, though not completed, did not receive quite so much injury; but work had been stopped on it for want of funds. Botii need help from abroad, and J. M. G. Medlock will receive contributions to both. Brethren Asa Chandler and Benj. Thornton preached, on Saturday' and Sabbath, for the Third church, Atlanta. Alabama. —Rev. J. J. D. Renfroe, of Tallade ga, lias recently received from the generosity of his friends, a horse worth $l5O, and Mrs. R. re ceived a sewing machine worth SOO. Some un known friend also sent him a fine barrel of flour and a choice barrel of “ sugar house molasses.” He feels very thankful for these substantial kind nesses, and earnestly wishes the richest blessings upon the kind hearts who furnished them. Arthur Truss, an intelligent, influential and wor thy Baptist of Talladega county died suddenly, while on a visit to Jefferson county, a few days ago. ——Rev. W. 11. Mclntosh, D.D., of Marion, writes to us, April 15th: “ The Educational Con vention adjourned last night: it vyas a successful and profitable meeting. Last Sabbath I baptized eleven.” We regret that arrangements for an early report of the proceedings of the Conven tion have miscarried, and hope to make up in ful ness and accuracy what is unexpectedly lacking in promptness. The Montgomery Advertiser of the 16th says: “On last Sabbath the exercises of the First Baptist church Sabbath school were ren dered unusually interesting by the distribution of badges of honor. There are six Bands, Bright and Early Band, Band of Good Behavior, Bring ing in Band, Band of Benevolence, Berean Band, and Band Brightest and Best. The badges consist of white, dark blue, light blue, orange and red ribbons. To get into the Brightest and Best the scholar must get into all the other Bands, which requires perfection. On the last Sabbath there were present 188 pupils, 16 of whom received tire highest honors—that of the Brightest and Best. Superintendent Thomas deserves the highest com mendation for the interest he lias inspired into the congregation of the First Baptist church in the matter of Sabbath schools. It is astonishing to see what interest the scholars manifest in the Sabbath school. The whole school engage in singing.” KENTUCKY.-Mayslick church has resolved to have preaching every Sabbath and a pastor for all his tune. Rev. C. W. Dicken has returned from our Seminary, at Greenville, S. C., “ bringing with him a bride, in the person of Dr. Williams’ eldest daughter.” Harrisburg church has had 17 ac cessions ; Garnettsville, 17; Bowling Green, 56. Rev. S. P. Hogan, pastor at Great Crossings, Scott county, is dead. Allen Allenworth has been ordained to the ministry, at Fifth street church, Louisville. Missouri. —At Lexington 25 have been baptized, (among them two children of Rev. D. IT. Selph;) 25 accessions at North Fork, Adair county;.27 at Ten Mile, Macon county; 30 at Alt. Salem, Knox county; 31 at Bee Creek, Platte county; 125 at Chillicothe; 18 at Marshfield, Webster county, where $1,700 were secured toward the erection of a house of worship. Rev. R. Holman, D.D., has almost entirely recovered from the effects of paralysis, and is fitting up a comfortable home near Petra. North Carolina.— Rev. Win. Turner and F. M. Jordan acknowledge through the Raleigh Recorder the receipt of “ nice suits of clothes,” as presents. A church has been, or is to be, con stituted at Hickory Tavern, a flourishing town on the Western N. C. R. R. Rev. J. L. Carroll, es Oxford, accepts the call tendered him from War ren ton, Ya. Soittii Carolina. —Rev. A. Rice has resigned pastoral charge of First Creek church, after an uninterrupted service of twenty-two years, during which he baptized into its fellowship 310 persons. Rev. L. H. Shuck baptized 6 ladies at the First church, Charleston, April 2nd. Mt. Pleas ant church has had its first baptisms; of two young ladies, one of a Presbyterian, the other of a Methodist family. Rev. G. C. Needham has preached a week for our church at Barnwell. Rev. I. D. Durham resigns charge of our church at Orangeburg, and removes to his plantation some thirty miles distant. The ladies of Sum ter 'church, who two years ago, raised SI,OOO to repair the church house and purchase an organ, have recently assumed a debt of from two to three hundred dollars. The general health of Rev. R. Furman, D.D., is better than for the past two years. Texas,—Rev. W. D, Magouirk settles at Ce dar Bayou, Harris county, to preach there and at Lynchburg, Liberty and Beaumont.——Our church at Palestine is without a pastor and disorganized, and the church house is in the hands of the Freed men. Tennessee. —Our church at Morristown has completed a house of worship, at a cost of some $9,000. It is to be dedicated next Sabbath.- A church of 46 members has been organized at Oak Dale, Knox county. Virginia.— Rev. Addison Hall died, after less than a day’s illness, Sabbath, April 2nd, at Kil marnock, Lancaster county. Rev. G. B. Tay lor, his chaplaincy at the University having closed, returns to his old pastorate in Staunton. -Rev. J. A. Mundy, of Nelson county, removes to Texas. Rev. J. B. Taylor, Jr., has baptized 9 at Cul peper C. H., and others await the ordinance. W. H. Thomas, of Bedford county, latterly a stu dent at Golumbian College, was ordained at Cum berland street church, Norfolk, March 16th, and takes charge of Red Bank and Lower Northamp ton churches. Rev. J. A. Chambliss, of the Second church, Richmond, declines the call to Broadway church, Louisville, Ky. In the Rich mond Herald , Dr. Williams, of Baltimore, suggests that churches who send their pastors to the South ern anniversaries at St. Louis, also enable them to attend the Northern anniversaries, the week after, at Chicago. West Virginia.— The Charleston Record says: “ In the two hundred and fifty Baptist churches in this State, there is a fraction under 20,000 mem bers. There are counties in which there is not a Baptist minister, others in which there is but one, and portions of every county where we are either unknown or are misrepresented.” Georgia Baptist Convention. Let me ask the attention of the brethren, who will soon form the session at Carters viile, to a matter which, I think, deeply in volves the interest of the denomination in this region, i refer to the project of organ izing a South-Georgia and Baptist Convention. It would be consistent with her Constitu tion for the Ga. Bap. Convention to take ac tion on this subject: “To form and encourage plans for the revival (or promotion) of ex perimental and practical religion in the State and elsewhere .” No. 2 —Art. 10. The Baptists of Florida are too weak to accomplish much for the cause of Christ without aid from abroad. A strong and in fluential Body could be formed by the union of a few Associations of Southern Ga. with their brethren of Fla., by which the prevailing destitution in this region could be supplied, and the interests of the denomination other wise be promoted. These Associations .would probably be more useful in such connection than they are in connection with the Ga. Bap. Convention. It would increase their sense of responsibility. It would be more convenient for their delegates to attend a Convention in this section, and thus fraternal intercourse would be promoted. Whatever benefits to the cause may arise from the sessions of the Ga. Bap. Convention are not likely to be enjoyed by their brethren of Southern Ga., Amerieus and Cuthbert being the lowest points at which the Body has ever assembled. A South Ga. and Fla. Convention would supply this deficit. The Ga. Convention is becoming burden some to the communities which have to ac commodate its delegates, not to say the vis itors, male and female, who would be glad to attend its sessions. Hence the invitations it receives arc not as numerous, nor as pres sing, as in former years. The loss of a few Associations would render it less burden some. The Methodist brethren have a North-Ga. and South Ga. Conference, besides a Fla. Con ference. Would it not be well for the Baptists to consider whether their example, in this respect, may not be worth following? If any inquire, What can the Ga. Bap. Con ventiou do in the matter 1 I answer, let them recommend it. When that is done, some church in this section can invite a preliminary meeting of the churches in the terrritory in dicated. Such meeting can invite the coope ration of the Associations which will assem ble next fall ; and, by next Christmas, the South Georgia and Fla. Bap. Convention may be an accomplished fact. The brother who will bring this matter to theattention of the Convention at Cartersville, will, as the writer believes, confer a benefit on the cause of Christ in all this region, J. El. Campbell. Thomusville, Ga., April 14, 1871. Notes of Travel. Hogansville is anew and growing town on the Atlanta and West Point railroad. It was named in honor of Judge Hogan, who settled the place, and was at one time sole proprie tor of the town and its environs. After his death the property was sold by his execu tors ; and, as an evidence of its rapid growth, it now contains eight hundred or one thou sand persons. The Baptists have a neat, sub stantial house of worship, built of brick, and the Presbyterians have a neat and commodi ous edifice, built of wood. Rev. R. FI. Jack son is the esteemed pastor of the Baptist church ; and, under his wise and efficient la bors, the church is rapidly growing in num bers and influence. Rev. Mr. Stacy, of New nan, preaches for the Presbyterians once a month. The Methodists have an organiza tion, but no house of worship. They are at present using the house of the Presbyterians, and are under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Lowe. One of the striking features of Hogansville is its excellent school, under the control of Mr. Loony, aided by a corps of competent teachers. At present, the school numbers more than one hundred students, of both sexes. The worthy Principal has made quite a reputation as a successful educator, but wears his honors quietly and gracefully. Miss Murphy, daughter of Rev. Thos. H. Murphy, has a fine school, and is giving entire satisfac tion to her patrons. lam satisfied that leach ing is woman’s legitimate employment, and I rejoice that this field of usefulness is open to the fair daughters of our battered and bro ken South. There are a great many excellent people at Hogansville, and the writer can testify to the generous hospitality of John T. Pullm, Virgil Hopson, B.C. Morton, J. 11. Loftin and Wil liam Jones. There is one of the graduates of Mercer in the place, and he is doing well as a disciple of Blackstone, He is young, but will make his mark when hi^powers become more mature, and ciicumstanccs favor his energetic efforts. He loves his alma mater, and proves his devotion by deeds. Some of the brethren have done weil for our Univer sity, and others have promised to follow the example so worthily set by their neighbors and friends. Long Cane is a small place, about one mile from the Atlanta and West Point Road, and about ten miles from LaGrange. There are two churches in the place—Baptist aud Meth odist. Bro. A. It. Callaway is the popular pastor of the Baptist church, —which, by the way, is one of the strongest in Western Geor gia, its members being ready to every good word and work. The venerable Philip Green is the senior deacon of the church, a good and true man, brought up at the feet of Jesse Mercer, and to whom the denomination are indebted for the only likeness of that great and good man. Bro. Green painted the por trait from which the likeness was lithograph ed, which appears in the frontispiece of the Memoirs ofMeroer, by the lamented Mallary. There are other deacons, all of them young, ardent and progressive. Perfect harmony prevails amongst the membership, and they are doing a good work for Jesus. The re- sponse to the claims of Mercer was noble ; and, at present, Long Cane has the proud eminence of being the banner church in its gifts to the agent for the further' endowment ol the University. The writer, while at Long Cane, enjoyed the hospitality of Bros. Flart and Hudson, both of them now deacons of the church, and highly esteemed by their brethren. H. C. 11. Rehoitgtii Indian Mission. You have called for news from the churches, and of course mission churches are included. I have just returned from visiting the Chick asaw mission. It is in a good condition. The native brethren have been visiting the different settlements, notwithstanding the severe winter, Mid have awakened a lively interest in the religion of Jesus. Two were baptized into the fellowship of the Stonewall church, and three among the black people. A young white man, a merchant, member of our church there, is endeavoring to let his own lig'hf shine as a Christian, and also en couraging theTjiative preachers, supplying the people who need them, with Testaments, hymn books, etc., besides providing a com fortable place for the people to worship. Oh ! that all white men in this territory would follow his example. Several, for whom we. have been praying long and anxiously, around this Station, have recently profe&ed conversion, and will short ly (D.V.) be baptized. Bro, Hogue expects, by God’s blessing, to constitute a church in the town of Boggy Depot, the 2nd Sabbath in May. This is a move in the right direc tion. It will serve as a nucleus around which those who wisli to follow Christ in His com mandments and example, may gather, and serve as a to which some who have long been wanders and exiles, may come an 1 find shelter and rest. May God Lless that effort, I pray ; and 1 believe.lle will bless it. For several months past, we have been en gaged in erectyig a Baptist house of worship at this Station: one that will be comfortable and creditable.’ The building is twenty-four by thirty feet—built of lumber which cost us $3.50 per hundred feet. It is nearly com pleted, excepting seats and pulpit, and the total cost will be about SBOO. It has been a hard struggle, and was no small undertaking for a little mission church not two years old, with about twenty members, most of them very poor, and'at the same time contributing to the support of a native preacher, besides other charitiel. And while lam writing, I will add, as a climax, that these same mem bers, in addition to the above, have pledged to Bro. Hogue SSOO a year, to teach school for them. Now, sir, are you not ready to exclaim, “Well done, little Rehoboth mis sion church I sincerely hope, however, that Bro. Chaudoin and other good brethren of the Bethel Association will succeed in get ting an adequate support for Bro. Hogue, and relieve him from his present embarrassments. 1 beg leave to acknowledge the present of a bottle of “ Eye-Preserving Fluid,” sent to me by Bro. A. M. Wellborn, of Tuske gee, Ala., which has given me much comfort, and which l would recommend to persons suffering from ophthalmia. J. S. Morrow. A-to-ka, C. A’., March 30, 1871. The Teloogoo Scriptures, The subject of the Teloogoo Scriptures, which has long been under consideration by the officers of the American Bible Union, came up yesterday, in the Board, upon a re port from the Committee on Versions. Com munications had been before the officers and the Committee on Versions, from various parties, among whom were Rev. W, K. An derson, of Breadalbane, Ontario, Dea. J. Hol man, of Brooklyn, Rev. Dr. Murdock, Cor. Sec. of the Am. Bap. Miss. Union, and Rev. John C. McLaren, missionary to the Teloo goos —all ailvssing<thaUhe Bible Union should become the medium' through which the con tributions of churches and individuals for the printing of a faithful translation of the New Testament in Taling language, (the speech of the Teloogoos,) may conveniently reach their object. Bro. Jewett, the translator or reviser, selected by his fellow-missionaries, is duly accredited as a competent scholar, and has already commenced his work. Great interest in the object, and the peculiar cir cumstances of the case, was manifested in the Committee on Versions, and in the Board. The resolutions unanimously adopted in the Committee, were, with the same unanimity, and with corresponding zeal and sympathy, passed by the Board. These resolutions con stitute the American Bible Union the required medium for the raising and transmission of funds for the Teloogoo Scriptures, and appoint Rev. J. W. Sarles, D.D., Rev. Hiram Hutch ins, and Rev. A. C. Osborn, D.D., a Special Committee to correspond with religious pa pers, and to prepare and publish suitable ap peals for the object. The members of the Committee enter upon their work immedi ately. In thß meanwhile, we hope that there will be no delay, either on the part of churches or individuals in the collection and remittance to our Treasurer, of funds for the Teloogo Scriptures. Thomas Armitage, Pres. 32 Great Jones Street, New York, April 6, 1871. IVest Florida. By invitutjpn, I spent last Saturday and Sunday with Pleasant Grove church, 12 miles West of Pensacola. This church was organized in November last, by Elder J. C. Coleman. He has baptized since, three Methodists—one of them lately immersed into Methodism —one from the “ Free Will” and seven upon first confession—one a lady 75 years old. On Saturday, we received three more for baptism, one of them 60 years old, who, when hiptized, will raise the number to 25. Bro. Coleman and I formed a Pres bytery, at request of chul-ch, and ordained Bro. Richards to the office of deacon. They have a good Baptist Sabbath school. John D. Beck. Pensacola, Ap-il 12, 1871. Leaves from an Agent’s Memorandum Book. From Au-ierson 1 jog along on old Char ley. 1 call him my Texas buggy. Ponies are the only-vehicles that can travel these roads, rather over these routes, where roads ought to be. They have no roads in Texas. Working rojds is unheard of since the radi cals took possession. Sambo is their pet. Sambo don’t love to work roads or anything else. So, rather than hurt Sambo, they ex cuse everybody from working roads. 1 won der what some of those Georgia agents would think if they could see me rigged out in regu lar Texas style, with a Mexican saddle, stake rope forty teet long, saddle bags, cottonade leggings, and a long rowelled spur with a bell on it ? I would like to see that pet agent of Georgia, Chaudoin, try this old-fashioned horseback service a week or two. Old Char ley, too, says those Georgia horses could not stand what he has to endure. He can live and travel on grass. He has to do it. That long stake rope is to hold him while he grazes. The lands m cultivation here yield about thirty bushels of corn to the acre; yet corn is very scarce and high. And as for fodder, I have not seen half a dozen stalks, though 1 have ridden nearly two hundred miles. The people tell me this comes from cotton and laziness. I do not know anything about it. Many farmers make their crops by grazing their oxen and horses when at rest. Here 1 am in Bryan, on the Central rail road, one of the largest of the interior towns —not very large at that. From the number of stores, one. would take it to be quite a busi ness place. The trade from the rich Brazos bottom, I suppose, keeps it up; for the coun try around is rather poor for Texas. Eider F. M. Law, so long known and loved in Ala« bama, is pastor of the Baptist church. They had the misfortune to lose their house of wor ship by fire about three months ago. They will soon have another. There is an energetio liberality about these Texas Baptists that is admirable. They will do much for foreign missions, lam persuaded. They love Jesus, and when they are reminded of their duty they seem willing to do it. Who will not help to make the name of Jesus great among the heathen ? While here, I run down to Millican, twenty miles on the railroad. Here I meet Elder Frank Kiefer, who labors principally as mis sionary among his own people,—the Ger mans, —who abound in Western Texas. He was among their first converts to the Baptist faith, and labored a long time alone, under great discouragements. He is yet a young man, and it is refreshing to hear of the pro gress of our cause among the Germans. We have now two well organized, strong churches and many stations ; four ordained ministers and a3 many licentiates. These can all preach in two languages,—English and German. Bro. Creath, therefore, counts these eight, six teen. I call them double-barrelled preachers. Bro. Creath says, “ when God converts a Ger man, he is worth, in zeal, liberality and devo tion to Christ, tw.o or three Americans.” Here 1 meet again one of the peculiarities of Texas—one of those cold, furious winds called northers. It does not take one long to get tired of them. Texans are always on the lookout for them. When one comes by day, I hold on to my hat with both hands and bend my head towards the wind, so that it may blow it on tighter. Ido not know where my pour coat tail goes. By night I lie still and and hear the windows rattle. I can’t sleep. Jno. L. Underwood. Bryan, Texas, April 3rd, 1871. From our Lonisville, Ky., Correspondent. The Seminary. —Dr. Brantly has re-opened the question of the removal of the Seminary from Greenville, and has suggested Atlanta as a more eligible place for its location. In this suggestion I heartily concur. Our most excellent brother of Shelbyville, Rev. Dr. Ryland, has recently re-affirmed his judgment respecting theological students being permit ted to preach while prosecuting their studies. Though I feel that it is almost presumption to differ with one whose praise is in all the churches, and for whom I cherish the highest regard, yet 1 do express hearty dissent. I long to see our Theological Seminary located in some such city as Louisville or Atlanta, where, on every Lord’s day, the whole avail able talent and culture of faculty and students may be made available for direct assault npon the powers of darkness. Spurgeon’s training school is a model school. From week to week its energies are put forth for the cause of truth; and its power is felt and recognized on every side. Rev. J. B. Hawthorn. —The many friends in Alabama, of this dear brother, will be pleased to know that his labors in Albany, N. Y , are regarded as more than satisfactory. The church of which he is pastor, is about to unite with another good strong church ; and, the two combined, are to build a $250,- 000 house for their use in worship—brother . Hawthorn being retained as pastor. Rev. Alex. Chambliss, of Richmond, Va., the successful pastor of the second Baptist church, has received acall to become the pastor of the Broadway Baptist church, in this city, and strong hopes are entertained that he will come. Probably no more important and promising field of labor can be found in the entire South. To him, who shall be their first pastor, they will extend a, most cordial greeting, and active cooperation. Prof. J. E. Willet's New Boole.—Won ders of Insect Life,” from the gifted pen of my old friend and teacher, has brought the entire world of juvenile readers under heavy obligation. His book was a prize volume, and brought its author the handsomo reward of SSOO ; but, if he could have witnessed the joy of the boys at my fireside, when Albert and Willie and Eugene actually beheld and read the beautiful book of him whom they knew in Selma, Ala., in “war times,” as “ Mister ’Fessor Willet,” there would have been other joy added to the pleasures he experienced. His name already stood out in our household in such wise as gave promise of immortality. He may be assured that other homes than ours will wish that his “shadow may never be less.” Louisville — Trade — Religion. Our city has been made to feel, very sensibly, the strin genoy of financial matters in the South and South west. Trade has not borne a pleasant correspondence with that of the same season last year. Yet, our Baptist Zion has put on strength with the new year. Pastois are all faithfully prosecuting their work. One church, long in debt, has removed this incumbrance, and now gives guarantee for the support of a native missionary in China. Two other churches have had frequent accessions by baptism ; more than twenty have been re ceived by each. A Pleasant Incident occurred on New Year’s day. The East Baptist church, being accustomed at times to use the baptistery of Walnut Street church, had announced their purpose to baptize at 3r. m. At that hour, Walnut Street was accustomed to observe the Lord’s supper. Thus, these two churches, so long at odds when Ford and Evarts were pastors, were brought Providentially together. It was a delightful season, and was spleedily followed by the good blessing of God. These were the churches to which some fifty have been added by baptism. Another Pleasant Incident of private in dividual experience, is worthy of record. An humble, worthy man, now a member of Walnut Street church, was once an abandoned drunkard.; By the grace of God he was saved. Ft was wonderful, that he could be upheld of God. Yet the arm of the Lord suffiiced. Nobly has that man fought the good fight. He stands among us, the monument ol the Lord’s wisdom and power in His gospel. — We are proud of him as a trophy of God’s grace. Ou New Year’s morning, as he came up to the house of God, a good sister said to him, “ Oh, brother L., I am so glad to see you here. I felt uneasy for you. I was afraid that the Christmas temptations would be too much for you.” With gratitude to God he replied, “ Tnis is the first sober Christmas I’ve spent in twenty-nine years!” For a whole year now he has walked worthily and maintained his Christian integrity. A. T. S. April 12 th. High Shoals Church, Clark County, fcla. Our church a High Shoals is a little over two years old. It has struggled hard against opposing elements. We are encouraged to hope that day is breaking. We have one of the most comfortablo houses of worship in the Appalaehee Association, and a member ship of some fifty, who know how to cooper ate with their pastor in every good word and work. Have preaching twice a month, (2nd and 4th Sabbath,) and a weekly prayer meet ing. At our last regular meeting, (2nd Sab bath inst.,) we were gratified in receiving and baptizing an entire “ household Bro. John Harriss and his wife—daughter of Bro. Early Thrasher, of Madison. When we came up “out of the water,” our young sister was clasped in the arms of old “Aunt Creasy,” an aged (col.) mother in Israel, who raised this child, as she expressed it, for her natural mother left her when quite young. This good African mother met our sister, clasped and pressed her to her bosom, exclaiming, with heart-felt joy, “ My child, my child, my child!” All who knew the circumstances, were melted into tears. J. M, Stillwell. Monrot, April 12 th, 1871. South-Eastern Georgia. The strip of country between salt tide water and the sandhills seems, much of it, to be lower than that directly on the coast—more flat—abounds in swamps, which, during much of winter and early spring, are covered with water. These swamps are very rich. Por tions of them have been cultivated in time past, and teemed with corn, cotton and rice. Adjoining these swamps are lands which may be called hammock. These, too, are fertile, and portions of them were made to contribute freely and generously to the wants and luxuries of the owners and workers. Now, dilapidation and desolation reign. Fences are gone; houses are fallen and fall ing ; ditches are clogged, and water remains stagnant on the ground ; bushes, briars and vines are claiming and regaining their ancient sway; numbers of freedmcn occupy the old quarters, or are squatted here and there in little pole huts, and cultivate (or pretend to do so) little patches; but their presence and their works seem only to render the desola tion more visible and painful. Besides these swamp and hammock lands, there is much that is poor, flat, spongy, and abounding in low palmetto and gallberry bushes. These are regarded as valuable only for range. A few turpentine orchards have been worked on this kind of land, but with what success I am not informed. Os this section it must be said that it is not safely habitable by white people during the summer months. To render it so, it must be drained. But this cannot now be done by the owners of the land. The State could do it. A few hundred thousands of dollars, expend ed under the direction of a competent engi neer, would develop many thousands of acres of as good laud as men find in the West, after a journey of eight hundred to twelve hundred miles, and the expenditure of hundreds of dollars in making it. The whole aspect of the country would undergo a change in a few years. It would become healthy for white people. Incalculable millions of feet of pine, oak, ash, cypress, bay and other kinds of tim ber would be made accessible by the canals which would drain the land. The enhanced value of the lands and the increased produc tion would reimburse the State by increased taxes and general prosperity, thus making the amount appropriated a good investment for the State—better, in the judgment of the writer, than much of the vast assistance ren dered to railroads. This draining project may seem to some persons chimerical uow ; but it will be done in time. The vast resources of this section will not be allowed to lie always locked up by its present embarrassments at the front door of civilization ; and those who move first and effetively in their development will realize the greater profits. So much for the present, Bro. Editor ; and whether I say more hereafter will depend upon tho interest excited by what has been said. D. G. Daniell. Watthnurville, Ga., April Ith, 1871. Meeting in the First Church, Macon. For some weeks we have been enjoying a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Rev. Mr. Needham, the Evangelist, spent one week with us. ll is preaching was acceptable to the people, and very effective. He was instrumental in winning souls. We all re gretted when he left, us, that he could not remain longer. The aid given by Drs. Tucker and Brantly has been most valuable to the church and congregation, and highly appreci ated by all. They have greatly endeared themselves to us, as eminent Christian men, and able and earnest ministers of the gospel. They have proved a real blessing to us— ever willing to labor or to wait, to preach or to listen, as might be most for tha glory of the Redeemer. The entire Faculty, 1 may say, by the way, are making very fine im pressions on the community : they add iiuiOh to all the better interests of our society. The University under their guidance here, will prove a grand success. Thirty seven have united with the church on a profession of faith—among them, brother Tucker’s only son, and brother Brantly’s second son. The church is revived, harmonious and strong. The incoming pastor, whoever he may be, will find a liberal congregation, a good church, an ample field, and a sympathizing member ship. E. W. VVarren. Macon, Ga., April 11th. Varieties. “Variety’s the source of joy below, From which still fresh revolYing pleasures flow.” The first line of this couplet being true, Agents are joyous beings, constantly enjoying “ fresh pleasures.” I cannot, experimentally, say they are not true. The shades, bitters, and griefs are necessary to the better apprecia tion of lights, sweets, and joys. This article I have to begin with sorrow, not for the sake of variety, but because I omitted to say in rny last, that Prof. Soals and Lady, with Mrs. Hampton, (such a superior singer,) are the very persons to have charge of the Female College, at Cuthbert. lam willing for any body to believe me except parents who have daughters: I want them to send there and test what I say. Hawkinsville is a town (if not a city), yes, and it is on the Ocmulgee river, below Ma con, in Pulaski county, for I was there lately and saw it, and saw a nice place and people, a nice Baptist meeting house, recently painted over, with a nice white pailing inclosing it, and saw their nice Bishop, G. R. McCall and his nice Lady, and preached two as nice ser mons as i could to two as nice congregations as any town can produce. They treat their pastor nicely, have a nice Sunday school, with a nice superintendent, who was nicely mar ried the morning 1 preached, to one of the nicest ladies in Georgia. I will say no more about Hawkinsville this time, except, that if any preacher can go there, and get nice money like I did, see as many nice tilings, and be treated as nicely as I was, and go off and not write nice things, he -, well, ought not to write anything. 1 will write more when I get a nice Thank-offering from the Su perintendent and bis bride, for they are each due the Lord a liberal one, but 1 forgot to get it. Elder J. R. Horne, of Dooly county, is one of our old ministers, a good man and use ful minister. 1 preached for him at Antioch, in Pulaski county. Found him looking re markably well, and carrying his age finely, preaching to three churches, and not getting the remuneration he is entitled to —that is, if he teaches his people their duty, in support ing the gospel. My visit to Antioch was not fruitless, as to Mission Funds, and I hope will not be in spirit and results. Now, when a man has been in a work for twenty years, It is diflijult to lay that down, on the last day of December, and on the first day of January, turn to something different, and succeed at it. I think the man that does is a genius. There is a man in Macon that did that, lie weait out of a twenty year’s agency or Sunday school work into the pas lorate of the Second Baptist Church, and is succeeding most admirably. He has adopted the Scriptural system of “laying in store upon the first day of the week,” and the congrega tion is improving under it. The Albany Church is doing the same. Any system is better than none, but the New Testament plan is best. We cannot improve on Scrip ture in anything. A glorious day it will BE, WHEN GIVING SHALL HE REGARDED A PART op every Sabbath day’s worship, as well as PRAYER AND PRAISE i. Cor. XVi ;2. Brother Haygood has received into the Second near 20 members. lie has fully ar ranged for, and is gradually paying off the church debt, for the house of worship. I spent a portion of a day in visiting with the B;shop, and learned that he has tact for it, and also, that the Second Church is nearer to a larger number, than any one church in Ma con. “ 1 have compared Thee, my beloved, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariot.” Brother Stillwell says, Anti-missionary, horse, hitches himself behind the chariot, and pulls the other way, saying, “you are all wrong j this way, this way.” O—missionary is harnessed and hitched with the horses in front, as though he was going to puli, (has the name, and profession of a pulling horse,) but when all is ready, and the word is given, all start ofl' nicely in the same direction, bus the horse called Omis»itnarg ) which throws up his head, snorts, kicks, fails back against the breeching, and every one knows he is more trouble, than if like Anti, he did not belong to the team. Now, I see the point in this figure of brother S., but as he has been driving a long time in Missions, and had much experience , 1 in quire, if O-missionary horses are finally “ broken to harness,” and quit throwing them selves back, and go to pulling, or do they have to be pulled along all the time. I want to know if there is hope for O-missionary ma king a pulling horse. I enjoyed very much, attending one service at the First Church with brother Wurren. A large and seriously attentive audience was in attendance, and two young persons re ceived for immersion, in order to church fel lowship. But of his meeting and its results, you will hear more. Some one has said “ letters with remittances, are the plums of literature,” and 1 love such plums. Waiting for plums. Send plumes to W. N. Chaudion, Ag't. Rev. Joseph R. Hand. This devoted minister of the gospel of Jesus is no more. llis manly form now sleeps beneath the sod, and his clear ringing voice is heard no more upon the walls of Zion. lie lived long, and served his genera tion faithfully, but he now rests from his la bors, and his works do follow him. Many who were led to the Saviour by his earnest and zealous efforts, have already bidden him welcome to the skies, and have struck hands with him upon that bright shore where the “ noon tide of glory eternally reigns.” He was my friend and brother, and when last we met, lie said, “ Brother, when I die, I wish you to write an obituary notice of me, and preach my funeral sermon.” That meet irg will be remembered long, and so will my promise. It was a season of prayer and of religious conversation, at a brother’s house. An unusual brightness overspread the coun tenance of brother Hand, and there seemed then to be in his mind, a presentiment that lie would soon be called from his earthly labors, arid be permitted to hear the Saviour say, “ Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of thy Lord.” The subject of this notice was born in Screven county, Ga., on the 7th day of Feb ruary, 1800. He was baptized at an early age, upon a profession of his faith in Christ, and being deeply concerned for the salvation of others, he begun at once to warn sinners, beseeching them in Christ’s stead to be re conciled to God ; and, for fort) five years, he ceased not to invite the laboring and heavy laden to come at once to Jesus and be saved, lie was a man of good native mind, a warm and sympathizing heart, and, under God, was honored as the instrument in the conversion of many of our most influential and useful brethren. He had, with his own hands bap tized about fifteen hundred persons, some of whom still survive him, and are doing good servioe in the Lord’s vineyard. He had for months been suffering from an affection of the heart, and was not able, towards the close of life, to perform much servioe in the pulpit. The night of his decease, he ate supper with as much relish as usual, and before retiring to rest, read a chapter, and bowed with his companion in prayer, to the God of his sal vation. About half-past nine o’clock he was seized with difficulty of breathing, and in less than half an hour he had passed on to join that mighty host who had crossed the flood, and is now with Jesus, his Lord. Thus died this good man, having nearly completed his sixty-fifth year,and like a shock of corn fully ripe, has been gathered into the heavenly garner. He leaves behind him a devoted wife, several children, and many friends, to mourn his departure; but they sorrow in hope. 11. C. llornady. Dissolution of the So. Baptist Convention. Several brethren are wiiting vigorously against “the dissolution of the Southern Bap tist Convention”—against “ the proposition to merge any of these Boards, especially the S. S. Board, in Northern organizations.” One brother looks “ upon this movement as adapt ed to sap the foundation of all Southern so cieties.” I confess that these writings have bewil dered me. I have got behind the times some how. Where did this “ movement” origi- nate? Who has made the “proposition” to merge any of our Boards into Northern or ganizations? 1 ask for information. Some think a reduction of the expenses of the Boards absolutely necessary to their suc cess, and that the Convention, soon to meet in St. Louis, ought to address itself earnestly and patiently to the inquiry whether such reduction is not practicable? For one, lam convinced suefi a result would be most read ily attained by the consolidation of the For eign and Dornestio Boards into one. Dr. Brantly suggests the removal of the Green ville Theological Seminary to Atlanta. 1 suggest that, (should it ha deemed inexpedient to consolidate the Mission Boards,) the Dorn. Miss. Board be removed to St. Louis, Nash ville, Atlanta, or some other large city, where it would likely be better sustained by the de nomination in the South. The writer does not lack confidence in the integrity of any of our Boards; but faithful men may err in judgment. “A. F. 0.” lias well said, in a recent artiele in the Religious Herald, “ Why is it necessary to pay a salaiy of $3,000, when some good brother could Im had for $1,500 ? and why pay $2,000, when, for SI,OOO, another good brother could be obtained to do the same work? And again, why is it necessary to employ two brethren, when one ought to be able to do all that is necessary ?” And, let me further inquire, where is the propriety of paying the Corres ponding Secretaries of our Boards twice, three limes, four times as much as is allowed to the missionaries of those Boards ? It may be just, but I cannot see it so. The attempt to ven tilate this subject was stifled at Macon, but it cannot be,deferred much longer. I have every confidence that the Convention will sur vive the investigation. If, however, the Boards are to be considered immaculate, and if those who deem their actings and doings suitable subjects of revision, are to be reguid ed as aiming at the dissolution of the Conven tion and the transfer of our affairs to North ern organizations, the sooner the churches ui - derstand the matter the belter for all con cerned. J. 11. Campbell. Thomasville, Ga., April B th, 1871. Baptism. —At the last session of the North Alabama (Southern Methodist) Conference, 1,030 adult, and 559 infant, baptisms were reported. The South Carolina Conference reported 1,511 infant, and 1,070 adult bap tisms; the Souih Georgia, 1,610 adult and 843 infant baptisms; the North Georgia, 1,260 infant and 2,010 adult baptisms. In the four Conferences, the adult baptisms number 7,420, the infant baptisms 4,1 1 9. How to Preach, —Adarn when usked by a young preacher how to preach, replied, “ Go and study yourself to death, and then pray yourself to life again.”