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fuitex xsl Jajifet.
J. J. TOOX, .... Proprietor.
PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 t S SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Eev. D. SHAVER, D.D.
CORRESPONDING EDITORS :
Rev. J. J. D. KENFKOE, Talladega , Ala,.
Rev. S. HENDERSON, D.D., Jacksonville, Ala.
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1871.
ggf* The extended report of the Southern Edtx
rational Convention greatly interferes with the
usual variety of our paper. Correspondents and
the editor, alike, are shut out until next week.
Denominational Statistics.
From the “American Baptist Year Book, 1871,”
we compile the following tabular statement —
showing the relative strength of the denomina
tion within the territory of the Northern and
Southern Societies,
Home Mission Society Territory.
Associations.
Church os.
Ordained
Ministers.
Additions.
Diminutions.
TotaJ.
STATES.
California 1 5 78 48 515 832 3,625
Colorado 1 7 41 16 5 144
Connecticut 7 112 117 9i7 95; 18,881
Delaware 7| 5 73 63 782
Idaho U 20
Illinois 40 980: 685! 7,131 1,879 61,168
Indiana 29 606: 833! 4,332 3,440 85,061
Indian Territory 25 750
lowa 18 3411 229 2,978 1,560 19,585
Kansas ! 11 lWj 54 ) 802 338 3,333
Maine | 13 260! 1671 946 868 18,910
Massachusetts....) 14 268 211! 3,133 2,211 40,547
Michigan j 15 279) 233 ! 3,606 1,725 20,040
Minnesota ! 7 152; 96! 691 29-1 4,698
Nebraska | 2 29j 25 341 156 1,000
New Hampshire. 7 86; 85; 585 452 8,126
New Jer5ey........) 5 148) 186 ) 2,402 1,645 24,508
New York.' 48 839 728 ) 8,422 5,778 100,616
Ohio ! 321 534 305 ; 5,292 3,239 39,729
Oregon 1 4 47) 29) 201 134 1,723
Pennsylvania 19 493! 336 ) 6,829 3,525 57,802
ltliodo Island 3 58 78; 189 250 9,183
Vermont 7 H2i 86 713 431 8,50;
Wisconsin 12 148, 115! 1,3 5 474 10,249
Daeotah 2| 1| 50
New Mexico 1 | 1;
Montana j 1 1: •
Washington ; 5 4'
Wyoming 1 1) )
Total I 299 5,6231 4,073 51,419* 29,711 490,337
Southern Convention Territory.
Associations.
Churches.
Ordained
Ministers.
Additions.
Diminutions.
TotaJ.
STATES.
Alabama 42 1,054] 619 j 3,687 3,351 j 59,109
Arkansas 27 ' 539 284 j 1,436 367! 30,009
Columbia Ter’ry 16l 28; 964 1 7,194
Florida !.! 61 1541 75j 1,884 517; 11,611
• ieovgia 87 1,856 1,009) 15,125 9,186) 134,33;
Kentucky, 46 982 673 ) 2,314 1,539| 89,507
Louisiana 16j 374 227| 2,278 1,216 | 30,765
Maryland 1) 38 28 887 421 1 5,544
Mississippi 33 895 448 j 6,1.85 3.110] 62,431
Missouri 54) 1,184 7u4! 11,957 6,312) 69,904
North Carolina... 49 1,235 583 6,737 2,235 99,240
South Carolina... 25 681 391 6,899 8,523 : 72,258
Tennessee 34 837 612 5,234 3,450 77,389
Texas 34 712 377 3,089 1,750] 33,095
Virginia 33 948 691 15,287 6,385) 122,120
West Virginia 11 300 155 2,028 1,033 19,249
Total 500 11,822 6,745 74,995 43,355 ] 920,156
Total iu U S. 799 17,445 10,8181126,414! 73,006! 1,410,493
It will be seen, at a glance, that, as regards
numbers, the preponderance is very greatly in
favor of the South. Our overplus amounts to 201
Associations, 6,199 churches, 9,672 ministers and
429,819 members. To what extent the colored
population furnishes this majority, we have no
means of ascertaining: perhaps half of it is drawn
from that quarter. But even with this deduction,
what a power Southern Baptists ought to be, in
all the land and to the ends of the earth! Are
we praying that they may he made so? In toil
and sacrifice, do we seek to fill up the measure of
our responsibility and “ rise to the height” of our
opportunity to that end?
“Thb Church” and the Thkathe —On the
28th of March, “ the New York Star Company”
tendered their “services one night for the benefit
of the Episcopal church,” Austin, Texas. Rev.
B. A. Rogers, rector of St. David’s church, “ most
gratefully accepted” the proposition. He made
no stipulation as to the character of the perform
ance; but suggested that it should be “postponed
until after Easter” —liis conscience forbidding the
endorsement of theatrical exhibitions during Lent!
With deferential regard for his godly scruples, the
Star Company, troubled probably by few scruples
of their own, “ respectfully named Saturday even
ing, April 15t1i,” as the time —bringing it as near
the Sabbath as possible, doubtless with the hope
that the ‘ production of the beautiful domestic
drama entitled “ Dot, or the Cricket on the
Hearth,” ’ might prove an appropriate and conge
nial preparation for the services at St. David’s the
next day. The two parties seem to have been
prompted by generous emulation, in the effort to
reduce the interval between the theatre, with its
actual (and even gross) worldliness, and “ the
Church,” with its professed (but not very conspicu
ous) “ other-worldliness.” Wo presume that they
were quite successful; but did not the Church lose
somewhat of respectability without conferring it
on the theatre ?
Trifling with Duty.— ln certain English
schools, the reading of the Scriptures is required
by law. The manager of one of these schools sat
isfied his own conscience, and satisfied the Gov
ernment Inspector, by saying at the opening of
the exercises, “Jesus wept.’’ This fact, brought
out in a recent public discussion, wears a strong
resemblance to the negligent performance of duty
on the part of backsliders. As the heart grows
cold toward Christ, we abridge our devotions—we
read short chapters of the sacred volume—we
hurry through prayer. A worse stage follows -.
conscience first satisfied in this way, is seared lit
tie by little; we omit the duty occasionally, and
at last omit it altogether. Then follows open
worldliness and shameful sin. Ask yourself, rea
der, whether your devotional exercises are restrict
ed within more narrow limits of time than you
gave them once. And if you find tliut. they are,
know that IxicksHding has begun in your bosom.
Humble yourself at the Saviour’s feet, and forth
with correct this fault. If you do not, you will
wax colder and harder; the world will gain great
er power over yon, and you will feel less the
power of God within you. Oh, do not so wound
your own soul, and so dishonor your Master.
Very True. —The Methodist Recorder says:
“ Our church is not a congenial homo for persona
who ignore the doctrine of infant baptism.” This
is quite clear: but why should a communication
from one of its own brethren, alleging “ the com
mon Immersionist arguments ” against the prac
tice, be necessary to remind the Recorder of so ob
vious a principle ? Why should not that paper
and its associates bethink themselves of the prin
ciple, when they “ ring the changes ” on the “ big
otry ” of “ close communionism,” to seduce “ per
sons who ignore the doctrine of infant baptism ’>
from the threshold of the Baptist “ church ” to the
bosom of their own ?
The Georgia Baptist Convention.
We attended the recent Georgia Convention at
Cartersviiie —this being our first visit to that
body, and as an Alabamian, we will make some
allusions to our impressions and feelings, as we
witnessed the proceedings of that noble body of
Christian men.
We entered the house on Friday, just after
brother Kilpatrick had risen to preach the intro
ductory sermon: a well prepared discourse, with
much good thought in it, delivered in an easy and
pleasant manner. The discourse, however, left
on oar mind the impression that the Baptists of
Georgia were in a bad condition, which surprised
us; and we were greatly delighted, as we subse
quently watched the movements of the body, to
find that our impression was not well founded,
jmd we have no doubt but that we misapprebend-
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA„ THURSDAY, MAY 4 1874
ed the part of the introductory sermon alluded
to above. And we may be allowed to say that,
several of the speeches, on various subjects, were
of the gloomy and censorious spirit, and indica
ted a low state of morals in many churches.
Brethren do not intend to make such impressions,
but yet they ando t and this is true of speeches
which we hear in nearly all our religious Con
ventions and Associations. Baptists are not
worse than other people -nay, they are largely
the best people in the world. Much was said of
drinking arid traffleing in intoxicating spirits, and
yet we are satisfied that Baptists do less of this
than any other denomination. Much was said ol
dancing and such like worldly pleasures, and yet,
so far as our knowledge extends, Baptists have
had to stand up alone against these popular vices
for the last ten years. And no stranger could
witness the proceedings of this Convention with
out being .profoundly impressed with the piety,
devoutness, Biblical knowledge, broad intellectu
ality, and high order of culture which distin
guished the body. We have never attended a
State body superior to this one, in all the ele
ments that constitute true greatness.
We may as well say, just here, that the cor
respondent in the Index, recently, who complained
that all the talent of our denomination goes to
the cities, overstates the matter. It is true—and
we are gl id of it —that our city pastors compare
favorably with the pastors of other sects, but our
impression is, that more than half the talent of
the Georgia Baptist pulpit is to be found in the
country and in the villages of the State. We do
not believe that the cities have one iota of advan
tage in this regard. The truth is, Baptists have
precisely the ministry for the times, and for all
sections and classes. They have a grand work
before them and a glorious future to attain. Let
them make full proof of their ministry as the
leaders of the great Baptist family, and their
final triumph is certain. R.
Rev. I)r. Moll.
The spirit of the following letter from President
Mell is worthy of all commendation. It is a fresh
proof that he knows how to speak to the heart
of his brethren. Even his eminent qualifications
for the position which he has adorned through a
series of years, scarcely become him so well as
the willingness to retire from it in the interests of
harmony and union.
Harmony and Union among Georgia Baptists.
A noticeable feature of the Convention just
adjourned was the magnanimous, forbearing and
fraternal spirit that generally prevailed. A ques
tion of threatening character, relating to the ed
ucational interests of the denomination- one in
volving division of sentiment, deep feeling, and
personal interest, was settled to the mutual satis
faction of those directly at issue.
Two Conventions in succession have unmis
takably decided in favor of removal; and we may
therefore suppose that the majority of our peo
ple, who care anything about the subject, are of
the same opinion. The question, then, of the
removal of the University from Penfield, seems
to be definitely and finally settled. If this be so,
should not those of us in the minority imitate
the magnanimity of the people of Penfield, and
submit and acquiesce ?
True, there are some important ami delicate
questions connected w ith the location of the Uni
versity yet to be passed upon by the Board of
Trustees; but may we not hope that the wisdom
and piety of those brethren will be adequate to
the occasion ?
The sacrifices I recommend to others —and
more— lam willing to submit to myself. Some,
1 am informed, think the position I occupy in the
denomination in the State, is a hindrance to har
mony tfnd union among our people. YeryVwell:
lain prepared to abandon it, however much I
prize it. Whatever of power I have had as Pres
ident of the State Convention, I have endeavored
to wield for harmony and union. I now give no
lice that I lay it down for the accomplishment of
the same ends. P. H. Mell.
Athena, April 28 th.
Public Meeting at Penfield.
At a meeting of the citizens of Penfield, held
on the 29th of April, 1871, the committee which
had been appointed at a previous meeting to con
fer with tho Board of Trustees of Mercer Univer
sity in relation to the removal of the College, made
their report, which was received and adopted.
The following preamble and resolutions were then
passed unanimously:
Whereas, The Board of Trustees of Mercer
University did, on the 24tli day of April, 1871, in
the town of Cartersviiie, Ga., propose, accept,
agree to and ratify a settlement made with the
citizens of Penfield, through their agents or repre
sentatives, Dr. T. P. Janes, James R. Sanders and
R. L. McWhorter; and Wiiereas, By the terms
of said settlement the Board of Trustees of Mer
cer University, on their part, agree to establish a
High School at Penfield, to be known as “ Mercer
High School," with two competent teachers, with
an annuity of six hundred dollars each, and all the
tuition money —the said teachers to be elected by
the Board, with the advice and consent of the citi
zens of Penfield—the Trustees to keep the College
buildings and grounds at Penfield in repair and
good condition; and Whereas, It is recommend
ed, on our part, that we withdraw ail legal oppo
sition to the removal of Mercer University from
Penfield to Macon, Ga., and unite with the de
nomination in building up both Institutions of
learning; therefore,
Resolved, That the citizens of Penfield do here
by accept, agree to and ratify, in good faith, i
the settlement made at Cartersviiie, Ga., and
will take the necessary steps to arrest the lawsuit
now pending at our instance against the contem
plated removal of the University to Macon, Ga.
That the proceedings of this meeting be pub
lished in the Christian Index. The Greenes
boro’ Herald , the Chronicle <fc Sentinel, and Consti
tutionalist, of Augusta, please copy.
Dr. W. B. Arrington, Chairman.
W. A. Coeclough, Secretary.
Our Sunday School Song Book.
You will oblige me by allowing me to say,
through the columns of the Index and Bap
tist, that I have asqertained, since the meet
ing of the Georgia Baptist State Convention,
that Kind Words, our new Sunday school song
book, can be afforded at lower rates than
those first determined on. And as our object
is to make the book useful, and not to make
money out of it, we have concluded to reduce
the prices to the following rates, viz; single
copy, 25 cts.; 1 doz., 2.75; 50 copies, sll ;
and 100 copies, S2O. Persons who have pur
chased the book at the rates first named, will
be entitled to*an increase of copies as per re
duced prices. The book is'giving great satis
faction. We want every Sunday school in
the South to have it.
T. C. Teasdale, Cor. Sec.
Memphis, Tsnn., April 28 th, 1871.
« The Last ludex.
Knowing that ypu are too frequently ac
customed to hear pleasant words to be un
duly elated by them, let me tell you what a
pleasant impression your last Index made
upon my mind. Ido not suppose you made
any extra effort, but it really was a good
paper. The remarks about the Conventions
were timely, the abstracts from papers in
other States judiciously made, the correspon
dence from Louisville, West Florida, Macon
and different parts of Georgia, interesting, the
articles from contributors valuable, and in
fact the whole paper was a good one. Your
vigorous agent, R. W. F., is doiug a good
work, and he has a pleasant way of telling it.
But oh! will not somebody ask Bro.
Campbell to let the Domestic Mission Board
alone ? Bro. Campbell is a good man, and
when he is preaching and striving to win souls
to Christ, is doing a work worthy of all
praise. But when he writes these unkind ar
ticles about the Domestic Mission Board and
about the Corresponding Secretary, he is not
doing a good work, and he may bo very sure
that 110 good will be the result. The time
will come when Bro. Campbell will say so
himself. It is a good motto, “If you cannot
do any good, do no harm.” Unkind words
never did good, and never will. The bretlre
ren in Marion know what they are doing and
to whom they are responsible ; and when the
appeal is made to Southern Baptists, if the
case is put to them fairly, they will be sus
tained. Talk of changing the location of the
Boards! The Convention will not give five
minutes attention to any such proposition.
I am sorry that so good a paper as the Index
was compelled to publish the article on “ The
Dissolution of the Southern Baptist Con
vention.” It will do no good, but much
harm. W.
ißifF" As the Georgia Biptist State Convention,
at its recent session, “ deprecated ’’ and “ protest
ed against” all propositions for the “abolition or
removal of any of" our General Boards, we feel it
proper, out of deference to that body, to close the
columns of tho Index and Baptist against such
discussions hereafter. Wider and higher fields
of thought invite the vigorous pen of our vene
rable brother Campbell—and we shall be always
glad to hear from him on these.
Southern Baptist Educational Convention.
Marion, Ala., April 12th, 1871.
Pursuant to a call made by the Board of Educa
tion of the Alabama Baptist Convention, dele
gates to the Southern Baptist Educational Con
vention assembled in the Baptist church of this
place at 10^-a. 51. Rev. Dr. Wm. H. Mclntosh
was called to the chair, and Rev. 1). W. Gwin was
made Secretary. The President, on taking the
chair, stated the object of the Convention to be,
the promotion of the cause of education among
the Baptists of the South, and announced his
readiness to entertain a motion looking to a per
manent organization. 011 motion, brethren Battle,
Ala., N. K. Davis, Ky., and Webb, Miss., were
appointed a Coiumitteeon Credentials. This Com
niittee speedily made a partial report, which, on
motion, was received as information. The Presi
dent, upon motion, appointed a Committee on
Nominations of Permanent Officers, consisting of
brethren Freeman, A!a., Poindexter, Va, and
Whitfield, Miss. Through tho report of this
Committee, the following were constituted perma
nent officers of this Convention ;
Rev. Dr. James P. Boyce, S. 0., President
Dr. N. K. Davis, Ky., Vice President.
Rev. D. W. Gwin, Ala., Secretary.
The President, after thanking the Convention
for the honor conferred upon him, invited Rav-
Dr. S. S. Cutting, N, Y , to lead in prayer. Breth.
ren Mclntosh, Freeman and Harris were appoint
ed a Committee of Arrangements. Rev. Dr. S. S.
Cutting, N. Y., Secretary of the American Educa
tional Commission, was unanimously and cordially
invited to participate in our deliberations.
The Committee of Arrangements reported as
follows: Wednesday morning, Ist, “Address of
welcome, and review of the present status of Bap
list interest in education,’’ t>y Rev. E. B. Teague,
of Ala.
The following is a synopsis of this address : I
was recently touched as the orphans of the Lau
derdale, Miss., Home welcomed the audience in
that sweet refrain;
“Ilappy greeting to all! Happy greeting to all!”
Like those orphans, we give ourselves up to an
occasion of joy, as a part of the bereaved people
of the South, for the hour, while welcoming sym
pathizing friends, North and South. The Stale
Convention and Howard College had their birth
in consecration, labor and prayer, on the part of
such men as llosea Holcombe, Bestor, Crowe and
McCraw. We must rise to the same heights of
devotion : wo must have wisdom from heaven.
But the interest of our people has been damped,
discouraged—has well nigh perished in our be
reavement. Nevertheless, our Colleges—the Jud
son, the nursing mother of scores of our most
lovely and honored Christian women; the How
ard, the alma mater of men who, in the pulpit,
are felt from Virginia to Texas—must live —by
the help of God shall live, however deep our pov
erty. Our illiterate but earnest forefathers hoped
for little else than men who, in the language of
one of the leaders ofthe times, “could talk gram
mar.” See what God by them has wrought! The
same spirit will go, in its results, beyond our most
sanguine hopes.
Wednesday morning, 2nd.—“ The Advantages
of Education in Colleges under Religious Control.”
By Rev. Theo. Whitfield, of Miss.
I. Religion must be combined with intellectual
culture in a collegiate education ; because, 1.
Man has a moral nature which will surely control
his intellect in the service of virtue or of vice ;
and this moral nature must be educated for virtue.
2. This moral nature is so important that its pro
per cultivation should never cease. 8. Collegiate
education occupies a part of youth—the age in
which the moral nature is most susceptible of cul
ture. 4. At college, young men are removed
from the wholesome influences of home. 5. The
moral development is always progressing. 6.
Evil influences are abundant and always opera
tive. 7. The standard, classic literature, is not
characterized by moral excellence. 8. The nat
ural sciences, if their relations to Christianity be
ignored, will be so taught as to create son the
minds of pupils, modes of thought injurious to the
moral sentiments.
11. What provision for religious culture can be
found in colleges under religious control ? 1.
Their history is suggestive ol religious thought.
2. Their atmosphere, or surroundings, is potent
for religious impressions. 3. In such colleges the
instructors are Christians, and their instructions
may, aye, should cultivate modes of religious
thought. 4. In such institutions, the Bible may
and should be taught.
Wednesday morning, 3rd.—A general discus
sion of these addresses followed, by brethren
Poindexter, Va., Davis, Ky., and Teague, -Ala.
Dr. Poindexter.— l wish to speak on Christian
Education. I plead for a direct connection be
tween education and Christianity. It is not a
new theory with me. Our fathers intended this.
£>hall we choose between Christ and public senti
ment ? We shall have public schools. In our
political government, the Bible must be ejected
from these schools. To educate a man without
the religon of the Bible is to educate a fiend.
Look at man’s utter depravity. We should have
a chair in our Colleges teaching the Bible. In
scribe Christ upon your banners. If you will
take care of Christ, lie will take care of you.
Dr. Davis. —1 agree with Dr. Poindexter. I
have been lor twenty years watching the progress
of the Democratic idea of Jefferson, “ All men are
born free and equal.’’ It is not true. We must
educate—do educate men. We must distinguish
between Christianity and Churchism. It is a la
mentation that professors are frequently chosen
for our Colleges without inquiry as to their reli
gious beliefs, whether these are Christian or infi
del. 1 should oppose the exclusion of the Bible
from the schools, because I do not believe in Jef
ferson’s dogma. Clinging to that, it must go out.
The question for us is, What must be our posi
tion ? The only safe ground is, Denominational
schools. I wish to say, not by way of advertise
ment, there is a Biblical school in the institution
with which I am connected, and every full gradu
ate must receive a diploma from that school.
Bro. Teague. —My views may be extreme. I
am emphatically opposed to the common school
system. My log>c, religion and training oppose
it. It leads, logically, to a union of church and
state. Again: We are patronizing Romish
schools. Even Baptists are encouraging them.
\V e must teach the Bible ; we must courageously
teach our principles ; we must disregard policy.
Baptists must contend against the tides of error
flowing over the country, especially the idea that
the majority must control.
On motion, this discussion was postponed, to be
taken up in connection with the discussion of
the paper presented in the afternoon. Bro. Da
vis, of Ky., moved the appointment of a commit
tee to inquire into the propriety of a permanent
organization of an Educational Convention amom-
Southern Baptists. Committee; Brethren Davi°
Poindexter, Ttieo. Whitfield; and, oil motion’
Boyce and Freeman were added.
Bro. Teague moved the appointment of a Com
mittee to report the scheme of the English verb as
originated by a member of the Convention. Com
mittee ; Brethren Teague, Battle and Cleaveland.
Adopted the following hours for business;
Morning, 9J 1 p.m; afternoon, 3—5; evening,
75 —adjourn at will. Adjourned.
Wednesday afternoon, 3 o’clock. Convention
called to order by the President. Prof. H. H. Har
ris, of Va., read bis papers on “ Academies—their
Place and Importance.”
Synopsis of this paper: After a rapid sketch
of the origin and various applications of the term
Academy, it may be defined, for this discussion,
as denoting an incorporated and endowed institu
lion intermediate in grade between the common
school and the College.
I. In place, they correspond to what are elso
where called middle or secondary schools. The
German Gymnasium and English public schools
and academies differ in degree rather than in
kind. More nearly simitar are the French and
Italian Lyeees and College* den Communes. But
the best model is found in the Lower Gymnasium
of Zurich and in the New England Academies.
Ibe Academy is bounded below’ by the public free
schools, must require kntEtvledge of the subjects
there taught as prerequisite to admission, and on
this foundation build the beginnings of truly lib
eral education. It is bojjfdjjd above by the Col
lcge must not undertake to invade what is pro
perly a Collegiate course of instruction. The
general difference between the two, in discipline,
subjects and modes of instruction, character
of students and .qualifications of teachers, is
easily appreciated, but the exact line of demarca
tion cannot be permanently drawn, but must vary
according to circumstances. For the present,
each is advised to observe the limits imposed by
adhering to a four The academic
course of four years must tie classical and mathe
matical, because these are pillars of scholastic
education, and the best subjects for developing
and strengthening the mind, as is shown by the
testimony of teachers of professional schools and
by a comparison of the European Gymnasiums
and real schools. LatinTxiid mathematics must
be taught throughout the course; to them should
be added English during the first and second,
Greek during the third and fourth, Botany in the
third, and Mechanics in the fourth year; and with
these, throughout the whole course. Biblical Geo
graphy, History and in one lesson a
week. For such students as cannot go to College,
the Academy might allW further study of Eng
lish or some desirable practical study as a substi
tute for Greek.
H. Their importance has not been appreciated
among ns because thejfifive been neglected in our
governmental systems which supply Universities
and common schools, but nothing between the
two. This neglect will prove fortunate if it leads
to the establishment and Colleges
pervaded by a deep-rawed Christian inlluence,
which is unattainable and improper in State insti
tutions. In former times we had numerous pri
vate schools doing the work of Academies. They
have nearly all disappeared ; and even if they
could be revived, wouhrbe inferior to a cordon of
endowed schools, carefully located with reference
to population, accessibility and surrounding in
fluences.
As part of a system, Academies are needed to
secure the lull benefits of the lower schools, and
the very existence of those higher gradations is
natural and necessary in any system. The goal
is so far from the starting place, the rules for run
ning at different poijfts are so diverse, and the
number of ultimately successful contestants be
comes so small, that the whole course must be
divided into a nuinbetzof stages, each having its
own goal, where one may stop without feeling
that he has run in vain, but from which also he
may more clearly see and be beckoned on to pur
sue the next reward, A correct system for a
country of largo area will be like the frustrum of
a cone, witlijits base in the primary schools, count
ed by scores of thoHnands; then the grammar
schools, counted by thousands ; then Academies,
counted by hundreds; then Colleges, counted by
tens; arid lastly, Universities, counted in units.
In neglecting any intermediate part, you destroy
the continuity of the whole system.
In its relations to primary schools, the Acad
emy is important as furnishing what our common
schools most need, -a number of well qualified
teachers, and as enabling many to enter practical
or professional life with at least the basis of a lib
eral education. These last, standing between the
learned few and the illiterate many, appreciate
both, and form the great conservative tiers etat
the centre of gravity in politics, morals and reli
gion.
In its relations to Collegiate education, tho
Academy diverts from going further some who,
through incapacity or idleness, would do harm at
College; it awakens the ambition of many others
who would not have thought of getting a com
plete education. It grides the difficult route over
which we must climb; by furnishing well pre
pared students, it enables a College to maintain
proper standards; it secures to professors the
benefits of a ooneei\(ration of their powers on
their own proper work ; and, by leading students
forward, it guards th&n against the ruinous habit
of passing ovcy witfc*® mastering.
How r many Academies do we need ? and can
we get them ? In the fifteen Southern States,
there are about 750,000 white persons of school
age, under Baptist influence. According to
standards elsewhere prevailing, front three to four
pe*r cent, of these would be found in Academies,
if good ones were accessible. We need provision,
then, for at least 22,000 youths. Allowing as
true, that enough schools for girls already exist,
we need, for boys, not less than 30 Ac idemies, and
they might reasonably hope to be attended, in a
few years, by more than 300 pupils apiece. This
calculation is confirmed by the fact that about
one-tenth of Academic students usually go on to
College, and in our 14 Colleges there are just
about 1,100 students. A well organized Academy
should have a small board of intelligent trustees, a
principal—the very best man that can be gotten
-a number of assistants proportioned to number
of classes, suitable buildings, and an endowment
sufficient to yield from $5,000 to 8,000 per annum.
It will cost according to size and location—from
SIOO,OOO to $200,000. Less will do to begin on,
but should not satisfy, and much more would be
undesirable. Our brethren in the North and
West are actively at work in this direction : our
needs are greater, our ability not less. If we see
our duty, we must dt* it, at whatever cost. But
so great a work must be done slowly. The pre
sent is a fit time to form general plans, by which
our efforts may be best utilized. If we now frame
a high and comprehensive ideal and work towards
it slowly, but constantly, our children’s children
will find prepared for them a better system of
educational institution than has ever heretofore
existed.
On motion, the discussion of the morning was
taken up in connection with the discussion of this
paper. Buo. Boyck : lam a strong advocate of
the theory advocated by Drs. Poindexter and Da
vis ; but, while believing that there exists a strong
tendency to infidelity, I do not soo the practical
evils which they seem to see. Only one Institu
tion (Harvard University)allows infiJel teaching;
another, it is alleged, is indoctrinated in infidelity.
Infidels claim the laws of science, to be absolute
and sovereign. But the conclusions of scientists
are premature and false. Refute this arrogance
by vindicating the Scriptural records. These re
cords and those of nature are in harmony, and
will eventually be seen to be so. No man can
face the faets of science so courageously and con
fidently as the in the word of God.
My position is; Our duty is not only to have
a Professor of the Bible, but a Baptist Professor
ship.
Bko. Tuf.o. Whitfield. — I regard the Academy
as very important, but cannot see how we can get
any of our Colleges to consent to reduce itself to
an Academy. I do not see how we can secure
such vast their establishment.
Bro. Freeman.— l tnnk the paper on Acade
mies excellent; am anxious for the adoption of its
ideas. We want a tendency to thorough educa
tion. If it took 25 years to establish such a
healthful equilibrium in our system of education,
it would be time well spent.
The Committee extended the courtesy of seats
to the following gentlemen: Rev. H. R. Raymond,
Rev. Josiah Bancroft, Prof. J. K. Thompson, Prin
cipal of Marion, Tenn., Seminary, and Mr. 11. C.
Cook, Ed. of Marion Commonwealth. Adjourned.
Wednesday Evening Session, 75 o’clock.
Reading Scripture by President. Prayer by
Rev. W. M. Davis, of Ala. Col. Jos. Hodgson,
Supt. of Public Instruction in Ala., was invited to
a seat in the Convention. Rev. Dr. T. E. Skinner
delivered his address on Our Need of Educated Mun.
Synopsis: Why not men? Everything be
sidesis trained. Both animate and inanimate na
ture fulfils the laws of its being. But man is
guilty of wicked abuse of the system under which
he lives. He does not, will not think. The world
need3 thinking men ; therefore, it needs educated
men.
An educated man is one of knowledge, mental
training and Christian j'aith. Satan understands
this, and opposes it. “ Educate by all means,”
says he, “but let me manage the matter.” This
is an unreasonable claim, since his entire energies
are employed to prevent the high end of educa
tion, the glory of God in the salvation of men.
But education, in its conception, progress and re
sults, is, and ever will be, in the hand of God,
guiding the race and drawing it out of darkness
into light, and back from Satan unto God. 1.
Education is the Providence of God; 2. The op
portunity of the gospel; and 3. The hope of the
world under Christ. [These points were elabo
rated with a view of showing our need of educa
ted men.] There is nothing to fear from false
systems of religion ; however old, cruel and self
confident the}' may be, Christ makes everything
tributary to the education of the race. We need,
but do not lack men of education. Christ has
said : “ The earth shall be full of the knowledge
of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” The
wealth and commerce of the world are now in the
hands of the evangelical friends of Christ. The
progress of Christianity in tho next one hundred
years will exceed even that of this century, as that
lias exceeded the progress of the nineteen cen
turies preceding it. The world for Christ ! This
is the watchword of the church henceforth. The
need of educated men in such a crisis none can
deny; the lack of them, no disciple of Jesus- is
willing to believe.
Discussion: Bro. Tichenor. —l desire to speak
of our need, as Southerners, of educated men. Let
us, to appreciate this need, look at the upheavals
of tho past few years. Shall we keep our identity ?
There are adverse influences against us. Anew
population is soon to sweep over us, having every
term of civilization and religious belief. To meet
these influences, we must Christianize our people
in advance, and we must also educate them.
Bro. Poindexter.— Another aspect I desire to
present—our need, as Baptists, of educated men.
l.he fundamental idea of Baptists is the spiritu
ality ol Christ’s kingdom. Along with this idea
is another—Liberty of Conscience. This grows
out of the other idea, and hence Baptists, in all
history, of necessity, have been the advocates
and the representatives of liberty ot conscience.
Hence, at every cost, as Baptists, we must have
educated men.
Buo. Freeman. —The last two brethren have
taken the two views which lead me to remark, that
we may be occupying just that place in the his
tory of God’s Providence which is the most tri
umphant and grand of all history. We are to lay
a foundation : let it be broad, and deep, and safe.
Adjourned.
Thursday Morning, April 13, 1871.
Reading the Scriptures by the President.
Prayer by Rev. Geo. F. Williams, of Mobile, Ala.
Minutes were read. The Committee on English
Verb reported. Moved that the report be re
committed, with instruction that it was a matter
lying beyond the object of this Convention ; but,
on motion, the whole matter was laid on the table.
Communications were received from the Judson
Institute inviting the members of the Convention
to examine the Art Department, and to listen to
exercises in the Musical Department. Referred
to Committee of Arrangements.
The special order was taken up. Address on
the Demands of our Times for Ministerial Culture,
by Rev. J. C. Hiden, of N. C.
Synopsis. I will not discuss the general ad
vantages of an educated ministry, but the espe
cial needs arising out of the tendencies of our own
day. Pharisees failed to discern the signs of the
times. Let us not fail. Instructors must adapt
teachings to the needs of tho taught; and such
needs modified by the temper of times. This does
not involve surrender of principle ; but only an
adaptation of principle to special cases. Chris
tianity is not a Draconian code of iron-clad rules;
but a liberal system of heaven-born principles.
What, then, are the tendencies of our times, arid
bow do they affect demand for ministerial cul
ture?
1. SuuEßFiciALiTY. —“Graduation” at College
means very little. Students often graduate on
studies that they never pursued, and on books
that they never owned, nor read. The number of
studies pursued in our female schools is appall
ing. Much of what we call progress, is really
superficiality. A one-mule plough scraping the top
of the ground, makes progress; but it does not
amount to much. Patient labor, and thorough
culture, is needed in order to combat superficial
views of Christianity. All manipulated Chris
tianity arises from superficial view of Christian
law’. Jews had specific precepts; the Christian isa
law to himself. Hence, deep change required in
the fountain of the moral life. Every attempt to
substitute something else for this change, shows
superficial view of Christianity. Culture is re
quired to discover these errors. Arguments
against popular notion that the Apostles were un
educated men, (Acts iv: 13,) indicates (in the
original) only that Peter and John were not
versed in Rabbinical lore, and not members of the
teaching profession. They probably spoke and
wrote two or three languages. Profound knowl
edge of Old Testament, especially Mosaic wri
tings, is an education in itself. Philosophical
theories, mentioned in Acts; and Metempsycho
sis, or pre-existent state probably referred to in
John ix: 2. Style and argument of Hebrews,
(probably not Pauline,) show culture. Same is
true |pf Acts, James, Jude, Luke, John, Mark,
etc. We need trained men to combat errors of a
superficial literature.
If. Common School Education. Common
schools, too common. Likely to beget bad litera
ture. Bible proscribed. Moral teaching neces-
sarily poor. Free school system of Illinois re
viewed m the light of Superintendent’s report,
showing tendency to Infidelity and Atheism.
Human interpretation emasculating the truth.
Learned ministry needed to meet these errors.
111. Rationalism—Does not consist in lack of
respect l'or authority, but in respect for the wrong
authority. Rationalists follow 7 their leaders. Es
sence of Rationalism, self-conceit. Real culture
tends to humble men. Dr. Barnes’s views shown
to be rationalistic, where he says we may reject
such Scripture as conflicts with human nature.
Rationalism is often found where wo don’t expect
it. We may be rationalistic in our views of the
means used in conversion. We are not to reject
the use of means because we cannot see that they
will produce good results. Results are often re
alized which appear, a priori , to be impossible.
Illustrations of tins are to be found in cycloid,
and in conic sections; especially the hyperbola.
Some men cannot conceive of pure length; but
mathematics deals with straight lines. Ability is
often wasted in arguing with Rationalism; hut
we must prepare to answer the real objections to
Christianity. We must grapple with the ques
tions of thelimitsof religious thought; the fields
of reason and of faith ; their limitations and re
lations. Shall we fail, in this generation, to de
fend the truth ? Success is not always our duty.
Effort is. If we are to die without seeing the
full results of our labors, we may, at least, help
clear the way for our successors.
The paper of Dr. Jas. P. Boyce, of S. C., on
“The Union of Classical and merely English
Scholars in one Theological Semiuuny," was
read. [We have not received a synopsis, hut hope
to furn.sh it in the future.]
General discussion upon these two subjects.
Bno. Poindexter.—Bro. President, several years
ago, the system of theological instruction pre
sented in the paper of Dr. Boyce, was a theory.
The main credit of this system is due to Dr.
Boyce himself. It is now practical; it is suc
cessful, and indicates a power of working on with
still greater success. It is exactly the need of
Baptists. We hold that only 7 the spiritual quali
fication is the essential one for a minister of Cnrist.
Yet every man must acquire the largest amount
of knowledge. Baptists do not canonize ignor
ance. We will, however, always have a large
number of ministers who will not and should not
go to College. Every man should not go to Col
lege-should not learn languages prematurely.
We injure onr Colleges and squander the funds of
our brethren, and prove recreant to our trusts by
introducing into them a class of students of whom
they can make nothing. These students need
instruction: we must give it. But we w'ant
preachers , rather than mere theologians. This is
the special value of this system, that both classes
are mingled—a system which elevates the ono
and humbles the other, and spiritualizes the whole.
Our duty to the Institution at Greenville is to en
dow it and to sustain it.
Bko. Sturgis, of Ala.— Bro. President: My
heart responds to the words of my brother from
Ya. We need more prayer in behalf of our insti
tutions of learning. Luther Rice always prayed
for Columbian College. Our Seminary occupies
the happy mean—Scylla is on one side, Charyh
dis on the other. This system will give an odor
to the memory of the brother who originated it,
as long as our Baptist brotherhood shall last.
Bno. Skinner, of Ga.~ One feature of the S.
B. T. Seminary is, the religious, tho spiritual.
Will young men grow in grace there? I have
known men, under a different system, to grow
less religious. It is a great blessing to have our
theological students kept under true spiritual in
fluences. This Institution is noted, not only for
the ingenuity and fullness of its curriculum, but
also for its spiritual power and training.
Bko. Harris, or Va. —l agree with Dr. Skin
ner. In the mere study of theology there is no
direct tendency to spiritualize the minister. He
is thinking, rather, of others than himself as the
recipients of truth. The most important thing is
the unconscious education. 1 believe all of the
students of our Seminary really preach after
leaving it. Another thing: I think we look to
the wrong source for a supply of ministers. We
should look among the young men at College,
rather than at home. Again: There are two
difficulties in the way of our students for the
ministry: Ist. Churches entice—and ought not
to do so—our young men to leave prematurely
the Seminary; 2nd. Early and premature mar
riage.
Bro. Boyce : [ln answer to a question from a
meinber of the Convention :] The prevailing ten
dency at the Seminary is to thorough instruction,
thorough preparation for the highest usefulness.
Adjourned.
Thursday afternoon.
Opened by singing. Committee on Credentials
made a final report, viz: The following are the.
names of delegates representing Educational In
stitutions:
Her A M Poindexter, I) D., Trustees Richmond Col
lege, Richmond, Va. Prof H H Harris, M.A., Faculty
Richmond College, Richmond, Va.
Rev J L' Hiden, Wake Forest College, N. C.
Rev J P Boyce, D.D , Ho. Theo. Seminary, Green
ville, S. C.
Rev N K Davis, LL.D., Bethel College, Russellville,
Ky.
Rev T E Skinner, D D., Mercer University, Macon,
Ga.
Rev Theodore Whitfield, Mississippi College, Clinton,
Miss. Pro! Bfl Whitfield, Mississippi College, Clinton,
Miss. Prof 811 Whilfield, tjentrul Female Institute,
Clinton, Miss.
Dr R H YY’hitfield, Meridian Female College, Meridi
an, Miss.
Rev W H Mclntosh, D.D., Trustees Howard College,
Marion, Ala. J B Lovelace, Jno H Lee, J YV Cren
shaw, Dr YV YV C C lluckabee, lion
YV B Modawell, Rev M T Sum her, D.D., Hon .1 F Bai
ley, Rev E B Teague, A.M., Trustees Howard College
Rev S R Freeman, D.D., Prof E Q Thorn tou, A.M.,
Prof T .1 Dill, A.M., Prof Geo Bancroft, A.M., Prof 1
B Y’aiden, A.M., Faculty Howard College.
Hon Parter King, Trustee Judson Female Institute.
Rev A J Battle, A.M., Plot A B Goodhue, A.M.,
racuity Judson Female Institute.
Rev D YV Gwin, A.M., Board of Education Ala. Bap.
Convention, Montgomery, Rev 1 T Tichenor, D.D., Ed
ucation Ala. Bap. Con , Rev YV M Davis.
Rev J H Foster, A.M., Ala. Central Fem, College,
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Col J YV Beck, LaFayette Fem. College, La Fayette,
Ala., Rev S C Hearn, LaFayette Fem. College, LaFay
ette, Ala.
Rev YV S YVebb, Orphan’s Home, Lauderdale Springs,
Miss.
Rev C A Kendrick, Bap. Ed. Interests, G •eenville,
Ala.
Col W B Haralson, Bap. Ed. Interests, Lowndes
oounty, Ala., Dr YVm Catt'ey, Bap. Ed. Interests,
Lowndes county, Ala.
General Dklkgatrs.--Rev O G Sturgis, YY’ilcox
county; Rev L L Fox, Marengo oounty; Rev YV B
Crumpton. Dallas county; Rev E B liardie. Dallas
county; Rev YV C Cleveland, Dallas county; Maroellus
Hudson, Mobile; Rev A P YVoodtin, Mobile; Rov G F
Williams, Mobile; Prof L Moore, Mobile; Maj Ii F
Mauly, Mobile; Rev YV Wilkes, Talladega county; Mr
T L Fountain, Dallas county; J 1) Melania, Sumter
county; Rev T C Boykin, Shelby county; Rev BE
Hendon, Hale county.'
Invited Gupsts.—Rev S S Cuttiug, D.D , Amer. Bap.
Ed. Commission, N. V.; Col Joseph Hodgson, Sup.
Pub. Inst, of Ala. Montgomery, Ala.; Rev 11 R Uay
nioud, Pastor Presb. Ch , Marion, Ala.; Rev Josiah
Bancroft, Pastor Math. Ch., Marion, Ala.; Prof J K
Thompson, Prin. Marion Female Seminary; Mr U C
Coike, Ed. Cowmonwealth, Marion, Ala.
The special order —Paper on the Endowment
of Colleges, by Rev. l)r. A. M. Poindexter, of
Va, Synopsis. —To a just conception of this
subject, we must understand the place of a Col
lege in a general system of schools, and the work
assigned to it. Schools may be ranged in four
classes. 1. Common Schools— To teach the rudi
ments of an English course. 2. Academies— ln
which the English studies are to be fully prose
cuted, and Classical and Scientific studies com
menced. 3. Colleges —ln which a liberal edu
cation shall lie given. 4. Universities - Which
provide tho highest instruction in every depart-
ment.
The College occupies next to the highest grade,
and the demands upon it are elevated and varied.
To meet these demands, it should have ample and
attractive grounds and buildings, libraries, appa
ratus, and collections of the treasures of nature
and art. These will require not less, on an aver
age, than $150,000. To keep them in good con
dition and to make additions, not less than $6,000
or SIO,OOO invested at 6 per cent.
Tiie College must have a.Faculty adequate. 1.
In numbers. YY’bat number will be requisite?
By reference to the subjects to be taught, we may
form an idea. Toe course of Richmond College,
Va., with which 1 am most familiar, has seven
schools. 1. Latin; 2. Greek; 3. Modern Lan-
guages; 4. Mathematics; 5. Natural Sciences;
6. Moral Science; 7. English History and Liter
ature. Each of these is necessary to a liberal
education, and each will demand the time and
energies of at least one Professor. The minimum
is seven professors. 2. In Scholarship. Each
professor should possess an enlarged and accurate
knowledge of tho speeilities of bis Chair. His
mind should be so filled with tho subject as to
exhibit a masterful and copious knowledge, in
clear analysis, apt quotations, happy illustrations,
and glimpses of knowledge shining like diamonds,
to excite and reward the attention of the pu
pil. His culture should also be broad and gen
erous. This is necessary to the healthful action
of his own mind, and to make him a tit model for
his scholars. 3. In aptness to tench. The mind
of the professor should be, not like the sponge,
absorbing, but not imparting knowledge; but
like a spring, drinking the rains and the dews of
knowledge, to send them forth in fertilizing
streams over the parterre of minds around him.
4. In moral character. The professor should
be a high-toned Christian gentleman: weak or
immoral, he must exert a destructive influence.
YVhat is such a man worth? In one sense, his
“ price is above rubies,” but in a mere business
light, $2,500 per annum would be a small aver
age compensation for the valuable and arduous
labors be is called to perform. This, for seven
professors, would make $17,500, say to SIB,OOO.
What portion of this amount can be derived from
tuition. In 68 Colleges reported by the Society
of Missionary Inquiry of the S. B. T. Seminary,
the average number of pupils was 136—7. Many
of these were in tho preparatory course. But say
that a denominational College has 150 pupils;
one-fifth will probably bo beneficiaries. Os the
remaining 120, we estimate that 100 will pay the
equivalent of full -tuition. This, at S(SO, gives
SO,OOO. But the tuition must be reduced in com
pliance with the demand. It should be SOO. This
gives $3,000, leaving $15,000 to be provided for
by an endowment of $250,000,
We need, then, to properly start a College, and
keep it in good condition, $150,000 permanent
property, and $350,000 invested funds; in all
$500,000. Let us pause upon these figures. It
is no easy matter to establish a College. Institu
tions working under College or University char
ters without adequate appliances and funds, are a
positive injury to tho cause of Collegiate educa
tion. They lower the estimate of its value. We,
as Baptists, have attempted too many. There are
not less than 14 such institutions among the Bap
tists of the South. It would take including pres
ent investments, $7,000,000 properly to endow
them, and if none but properly qualified students
were admitted, there would not, under the most
favorable circumstances, be 100 pupils to each of
them. Better attempt less and do more, Tho
tribute of our respect and grutitude is due to
many noble, self-denying educators among us,
who, with heroic devotion, are prosecuting their
work with encouraging success. They should he
met by a more generous appreciation, and a more
liberal support.
Discussion. —Bro. Hiden. Our Professors in
Colleges ought to have more time for the acquisi
tion of general knowledge. I have known many
instances of great ignorance and stupidity on the
part of those who were forbidden, by their duties
(and their talents! the study of subjects lying be
yond their prescribed range. Again: 1 insist
upon it, that it is just as necessary that the peo
ple he educated, as that ministers he educated.
[Forcible illustrations of these points were given j
Upon invitation from tho Convention, Col. Jos.
Hodgson gave a short address explanatory of the
work of public instruction confided to bis super
intendence, which was listened to with great in
terest. Adjourned.
Friday Morning, April 15th.
Convention opened by reading the Scriptures,
and prayer by brother Hardie, of Ala. Commit
tee on permanent organization reported. A sub
stitute was moved. On motion, the whole matter
was laid on the table.
At the hour of 10, the special order was taken
up, and, on motion, an essay on Woman, by Rev.
l)r. Win. Hooper, was read by the Secretary.
Synopsis. —Woman is the subject of my story.
The Bible asserts that woman was created for
man—created under authority. This is no
ground of complaint for a Christian woman.
While man has power, he has the responsibility,
for the right use of that power from which she
is, happily, relieved. The Scriptures everywhere
assert this to be tho true relation <d the sexes.
I will endeavor to point out —I. Why woman
should he educated. 11. How she should he edu
cated.
I. Why f 1. Does it not seem to he a suffi
cient reason for educating woman, that she con
stitutes one-half of the human species V 2. Be
cause she has positions to fill and duties to per
form which cannot bo well filled, and so well
performed without a cultivated mind. (1.) Asa
daughter, she can certainly make home far more
attractive in society, if her mind is thoroughly
cultivated and stored with knowledge. (2.) The
duties of a wife and mother cat) be discharged
with fur more ability and satisfaction. She is a
tit companion for an educated man, a fit trainer of
children, and a fit conversationalist. She exerts
a mighty influence over the character and habits
of hei husband. To these advantages may be
added the power which woman's mental cultiva
tion gives her of finding perpetual resources of
entertainment and instruction in books.
11. Dow ? 1. Physical Education. A sound
mind in a sound body, should be the earnest aim.
Our institutions ought to be provided with calis
thcnic appartus, and, if possible, to have a spe
cial officer to preside over this department. 2.
After this, the first requisition is that her heart
should be educated. Her moral nature is supe
rior to, and more important than her intellectual
nature. She should be taught at school, the
Bible. Its exhaustless revelations of promise
and precept should be unfolded to her. How
different this from the usual ideas of a young
lady’s duty and happiness. (3.) The intellectual
improvement of her nature should he carried
along, pari pami, with that of her moral fuoul
ties. A good heart will long for knowledge.
Natural Science, History—with special reference
to the selection of countries which have had most
influence on the destinies of tho civilized world
Menial Philosophy, the Fine Arts, Music, con
cerning the teaching of which, nature must indi
cate. What a measureless responsibility rests
upon the teachers of females! How much wis
dom, patience, love and grace are needed ! The
pupil watches her teacher as a model, inevitably
takes on the hue of hischaractcr. Our discipline
should be healthy and guarded, by making the
results of idleness more disagreeable than the toil
ot preparation. But every teacher must preserve
the peace and serenity of his soul—for his own
sake, and for the moral effect upon the school.
I had hoped to discuss other questions in con
nection with this subject, for which I have no
room: the expediency of teaching females the
dead languages: whether the plan of the Univer
sity ot \ a., or the ordinary Collegiato curriculum
is better for females. My opinion favors the lat
ter course.
A plain, practical, common-sense man, (whom
we may call Mr. Mother wit,) might object to all
this boasting on the superiority of educated wo
men. lie wants a wife who is efficient in the
discharge of domestic duties. 1 would, therefore,
add to the art literary the art culinary , and some
acquaintance with the medical art and clinicul prac
tice. Let not the characteristics of a good woman
he disjoined. Let all graces he cultivated and
multiplied; for so shall he fulfilled the honied
words of Scott:
“ 0 woman ' . .
When pain and anguish wring the brow,
A ministering angel ihon."
Immediately upon the reading of this essay,
President A. J. Battle, ot (lie Judson Female In
stitute, read the pa put on "The Demand lor
proved Facilities in Female Education' iis
character as adapted to \V emu^.'r'Sphore in
American Society." (We hope to publish this
address hereafter.]
The hour of 12 having arrived, the special or
dei ot the day was taken up—an address by Rev.
Dr. S. 8. Cutting, of N. Y., on the history, objects
ami work of the American Educational'Commis
sion. Da. Cuh'inu.— I am glad to meet you.
Since 1 landed at Charleston, every step of my
journey lias been an ovation. 1 thank you tor the
invitation to speak. 1 proceed to give the his
tory of the i ecent educational movements of the
the Noi lh. For many years I was professor at
Rochester. W o had there at our command -
000,01)0, hut few Baptist students. Our mission
was to tho Baptist people. At two Theological
Seminaries were only 25 students in the regular
theological courses, out of 800 Baptist churches
ot N. Y. Several years ago, 1 visited the State
Convention of New York, resolving to excite a
new interest among the Baptists, and 1 presented
a paper ot appeal. \V e held a private conference.
Brethren appealed to me to abandon my profes
sorship and devote myself to this work. ‘ A Bap
tist Educational Commission resulted, 30 men
forming it; and 1, resigning my professorship,
entered upon my new duties. 1 soon saw that we
could not. separate tho cause of education in New
York or New Jersey from the general work. Cir
culars were sent in every direction; visits to As
sociations and to churches paid. After six months,
sickness laid me aside for one year. Upon my
return from Europe,—whither I had gone seeking
the restoration ol iny health, —arrangements for
a general Educational Convention were made, and
the Convenion at Brooklyn, N. Y., last year, was
the result. I believe it was the most illustrious
assemblage of Baptists ever held. There it was
voted to enlarge it, and three Advisory Commit
tees were appointed : one lor the East, one for the
West, and one for the South. Three district Con
ventions are soon to be held under the auspices of
these Advisory Committees: one at Worcester
and one in Chicago, in May ; and one in Rich
mond, \ a., in Jul)'. [ ask for no money any
wheic. J lie gentlemen composing the commis
sion support me. We must awake to the impor
tance ot this work. The masses of our people
must be aroused. The power of Christian educa
tion, rather than arms, must save us. 1 appeal
to the young —to the rising generation.
Buo. Boycb—(being called upon to give his im
pressions cf the Educational Convention at Brook
ly) stated: 1 was delighted. We of the South
were cordially welcomed. Dr. Curry was urged
again and again to complete his address beyond
its prescribed limits. Educated minds are at one
on this question. Our denomination may accom
plish the destinies of tho world. I want to im
pregnate Northern sentiments witli some of our
correct ideas, and in time get some of their vast
means to aid in building up our institutions ot
learning.
Buo. Poindkxtbr.—l believe it is known that I
have been an ultra Southern man, before, during,
and since the war. I would not sacrifice a tithe
of our interests; but there is one thing above all
—the kingdom of' our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. In order to establish it, I believe that the
maintenance, and prevalence, and promulgation
of Baptist principles are essential. Ido not de
sign to reflect upon other Christians; hut we
Baptists must surrender all for our principles.
Asa man must hate father and mother, so he
must hate country for the cause of Christ. I be
lieve that America is to secure the redemption of
the world, and that Baptists are to he the redemp
tion of America. Ido not say that there is no
antagonism ; hut in the meeting at, Brooklyn, the
stiongmen from all parts of the country met, and
the love of Christ conquered.
Moved to take up the repart of the Committee
on permanent’ organization. On motion tho spe
aial order for 3 p. m. was discharged, and this re
port was made tlio special order for that hour.
Adjourned.
Frtd ay Afternoon, 3 o’clock.
The Chairman of tho Committee on Permanent
Organization called up the matter relating to it :
Resolved, That we deem it inexpedient to organ
ize at this time a Southern Baptist Ed’l. Conven
tion. Substitute offered by Bro. Then. Whitfield:
Resolved, 1. That we believe this 8. 15. E. C. w ill
be of great benefit to tho cause of education; and
that the Board of Education of the Alabama
Baptist Convention deserves the hearty thanks of
the denomination for inaugurating this Conven
tion. 2. That a committee of one from each State
represented in this Conventinn be appointed,
which shall hereafter call another educational
convention at such time and place as it shall think
needful.
Bro. Battle: I appreciate Dr. Cutting, his
Christian integrity and arduous labors. 1 approve
the scheme of the Brooklyn Convention, but I am
opposed to the merging of our educational work
into that organization. If we do this, why not
abandon our missionary 7 organization? It. will be
the entering wedge. lam decidedly in favor of
the organization of a Southern Baptist Education
al Convention.
Bro. Poindexter : I deem it unwise to organ
ize such a Convention.
Bro. Freeman: As misapprehensions may
arise, I state that my reasons for opposing the per
manent organization of tins Convention, are in
dependent of the existence and turns of the
Brooklyn Convention. 1. We tire not able. 2
It is not practicable.
Bro. Cutting: The National Ed’l. organ
ization is to terminate at the end of (872. Each
member must pay SIOO annually. Now compo
sed of 30 members. We want some common me
diuiy. We want to know and to preserve what is
done for this cause. It is my desire to have an
Ed’l. organ published.
Bro. Harris: I wish to make a personal ex
planation. lam a member of the Advisory Coins
intttee because I was appointed, having no aims to
accomplish beyond the general good of all, and
especially of my own section. A Committee of
the character suggested in the resolution, could
not meet to confer, and this might defeat the oh
iects of the mover.
On motion, the 2d resolution of tho substitute
was stricken out, and the Report, amended by tho
first resolution of the substitute, was adopted.
Convention adjourned to the Judson. Female In
stitute to attend a musical entertainment given
by its pupils, which proved very interesting, re
flecting credit upon the instructors.
Friday Evening.
After the anjournment of the mass-meeting for
Howard College, the President called the Con
vention to order. On motion of Prof. Harris, of
Virginia, the report on the permanent organiza
tion was reconsidered. Prof. Harris : Brother
President, as the majority in favor of the original
resolution of the Committee, wuis 90 small, and as
there may be some dissatisfaction and feeling on
the part of the minority, and as we are really