Newspaper Page Text
74
fttlei mi, gpJtSI
J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor.
PUBLICATION ROOMS —4 l 6 SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Rev. D. SHAVER, D.D.
CORRESPONDING EDITORS:
Rev. J. J. D. RENPROE, Talladega , Ala.
Rev. 8. HENDERSON, D.D., Jacksonville, Ala.
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1871.
Provocations—The Remedy.
We are provoked—intensely provoked—and
that by a body of Christian men whom piety and
wisdom, urbanity and hospitality had always
placed them above suspicion—the Georgia Bap
tist Convention. And what lends additional em
phasis to the provocation is, that it is public, and,
therefore, intolerable. And we have reason to
know that the entire delegation from Alabama to
the last Georgia Convention shares this feeling in
common with us. We have borne it as long as
we can, and have, therefore, resolved to submit
“ facts to a candid world,” and leave consequen
ces to those who merit them. This we shall do,
as a preacher would say, first, by explaining the
nature of the provocation, and, secondly, by ap
plying it
Provocations to evil are so much more frequent
than provocations to good, that the very word
provoke has cotne to express nothing but an in
citement to iniquity. And yet there is no sin
expressed by the word. The Apostle uses it in
a high and noble sense where he speaks of Chris
tians “ provoking one another to love and to
good works.” Noble emulation ! which appeals
to that principle in -our nature that leads us to
imitate each other—that gives potency to exam
ple. In this contest, the very best aspects of
human nature are developed. In those higher
virtues which constitute the chief adornments of
Christian character, the laigest margin is given
to this principle. We never see believers fall out
when the strife between them is, who shall mani
fest most of the lowly, self-sacrificiDg, benevolent
spirit of Christ. In all that domain of Chris
tianity in which its highest trophies are won, in
which the piety and usefulness of the parties is
in issue, yea, in which their very qualifications
for heaven are promoted, the more earnest the
provocations, the more glorious the results.
Would that we could all catch this spirit, and
show what it is for brethren to “ strive together
for the faith of the gospel."
On last week we attended the meeting of the
Baptist Convention of Georgia, at Cartersville,
and as we entered the new and commodious meet
ing house, so closely packed that we could scarce
ly find a seat, wo really wished that a larger
number of our Alabama brethren had been pres
ent to observe the difference between a large, liv
ing, working body of Baptists, and a well,
not exactly a dead, yet not a living body. A
noteworthy fact in the Georgia Convention, was
the number of active, business laymen present.
It seemed to us that well-nigh, or quite two-thirds
of the body were private members, and these
brethren were as efficient in shaping and trans
acting the business, as the ministers. We admit
that much of this is due to their having the best
presiding officer in all our States. Dit. Mkll is,
in that respect, without a peer. In the construc
tion of committees, in the administration of par
liamentary law, in the dispatch of business, in
that kind sagacity that can bring out all the
working power which is in a body of Christian
men, he is unsurpassed. But, then, the material
was there to do the work.
Now, we have in Alabama proportionally as
much efficiency, as we have in Georgia. All that
we need is to avail ourselves of it. Cannot this
be done? Will our brethren go to work, and
combine this material, and bring together at our
next Convention a body of men worthy of our
vast numbers, piety and talent ? Dear brethren,
let us begin now. If we do not do something to
increase the influence of our Convention, we had
almost said we might as well disband. Is our
Convention, as at present attended, anything like
a respectable representation of the seventy thou
sand Baptists of our State? In days past, Ala
bama was the banner State in her contributions,
at least to the Domestic Mission Board. Now,
Georgia very nearly doubles us, and that, too, in
the face of the fact that that Board is located in
our State, doubtless from the presumption that
Alabama Baptists are worthy of so sacred a trust.
Wo cannot, we must not forfeit this high confi
dence. We call upon our pastors and evangelists
to bestir themselves as they have never done be
fore. We beseech our deacons and private mem
bers to ccme up to the rescue. We must all
work , work, WORK, or we shall die out and be
come a hissing and a by-word. All the recollec
tions of the past, all the stern demands of the
present, and all the prospects of the future, con
centrate upon us a measure of responsibility
which we cannot evade. Let us meet this re
sponsibility as becometh those who must give ac
count of our stewardship, and God will bless us.
Now, this is the provocation, that Georgia
Baptists have taken the banner from us, and have
gone so far ahead of us in every good work, that
the humiliation has become intolerable. We had
a good mind to give those Georgia brethren a
piece of our mind right in their faces; but on
reflection, concluded that we had better come
home and state our grievance to our own brethrehy.
not doubting that they would apply the correc
tive. On the whole, it is better for Alabama to
spell up, than for Georgia to spell back—we had
better retake the banner on an advance, than on
u retreat. Let this be done, and our brethren
shall hear no more of provocations from us.
__________ H.
Jottings by the Way.
After leaving Cartersville, the night that the
Convention adjourned, we reached Atlanta a little
after day-dawo, and, although we were charmed
with the splendid Kimball House, yet we were
astonished at the want of the usual bawling and
squalling at the car-shed, by hotel porters and
drummers. We only saw a few of these impor
tant characters, and they approached us one at a
time, with genteel politeness, and spoke to us in
rather a subdued tone, offering to serve us. We
did not understand this new order of things, but
it struck our fancy. Whoever manages this mat
ter in the Gate City, has fine sense.
We spent two days and nights most pleasantly
in Warren county, among our ralations—tirstrate
people, although they are kin to us. We were
delighted to find that one of them (Thos. J.
Pilcher) has become a useful minister of the gos
pel since we last visited them, and that he is do
ing a good work in the churches—having charge
of three. At old Elam church, at 11 o’clock, on
Wednesday, and at Warrenton at night, we had well
filled houses to hear us. Preaching an hour and
a half at one place, and over an hour at. the other,
was too much for one day. It wrenched us, and
for a day or two we felt like becoming an advo
cate for short metre sermons.
The reclining seats on the railroads from Au
gusta to Columbia, are quite superior, in our es
timation, to sleeping cars. We have never yet
been in a sleeping car that was not nearly hot
enough to hatch a nest of eggs. If any man
needs to undergo a sweat, we recommend him to
take a night’s ride this spring or summer, in one
of these institutions. But the reclining seats in
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA., THURSDAY, MAY 11,1871.
coaches properly ventilated, are about equal to
<6e invalid’s easy chair; and then the passenger
bias the comfortable advantage of pleasant sleep
ing without extra charges, and is in a room that
he stands some chance to get out of, if difficul
ties should arise.
Our visit to the “ School of the Prophets,” at
Greenville, has been exceedingly pleasant. Green
ville ia a delightful little city, composed largely of
a truly refined and, cultivated people, who are
looking forward with deep interest to the comple
tion of the Air-Line Railroad from Atlanta, which
will make Greenville as accessible as any other
place.
Old Dr. Curtis once said that it takes three B’s
to make a College: Bricks, Books and Brains,
and that they generally unwisely begin with
bricks, then books, and after awhile they conclude
to try to get some brains. The Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary reversed this order; having
as yet but few bricks and few books, but a large
amount of consecrated heart and brain. The
most attractive feature of the Institution is, that
while it has the intellect, learning, culture and
piety which all the way through its organization
put the right man in the right place, still it has
notone “learned fool” connected with it. And
the young brethren in attendance on the recent
session, are men of decided merit and great prom
ise. We felt an uncommon thrill of gratitude as
we saw these young men, on Monday night, come
forward to receive from the hands of Dr. Boyce,
their diplomas of graduation in their respective
classes.
On Saturday night the “Andrew Puller Deba
ting Society” was addressed by Bro. J. 0. B.
Lowery, one of the students. His subject was,
“ The Truly Grand : in its Physical, in its Intel
lectual and in its Moral Aspects.” The address
was full of fine thought, well arranged, and deliv
ered in an easy and graceful style. Bro. Lowery
is a brother of the accomplished pastor of the
Presbyterian church in Selma, Ala., and we think
he will become fully the equal of his distinguished
elder brother, and in some regards will of course
surpass him—in that he is precisely on the right
track: he has been baptized. Our very best
wishes go with the young brother.
Dr. Toy’s Commencement Sermon, Sabbath
morning, was a model discourse. Some of the
great ideas which lie at the foundation of, and
vitalize the whole system of spiritual Christianity,
were managed as if passing through a master
hand: it was God’s plan of elevating—lifting up
—fallen man.
The services with “ the Society of Missionary
Inquire" cam# off on Sabbath night. And on
Monday night we had an interesting variety. 1.
Diplomas wero presented to the young brethren
who had succeeded in their respective depart,
ments. 2. Then we had the address of Bro.
Oliver, the only full graduate of this session. His
subject was, “The formation of ministerial Char
acter.” It was an able and well put address. Bro.
Oliver—only 19 years old—is a youth of rare pro
mise. He now takes charge of the Baptist church
in Madison, Ga., and we earnestly wish that his
church may take good care of him while he works
and watches for them. 3. Then we had the an
nual Seminary address, by Rev. J. C. Furman,
D.D., President of Furman University. His sub
ject : “ The Historical Relation of the Baptists of
South Carolina to Ministerial Education in the
South.” The address was most chaste and inter
esting, and full of very important and thrilling
historical matter bearing on the topic in hand. 4.
Then came the delivery of the diploma of a full
graduate to Bro. Oliver and an impressive and
very appropriate parting charge to this young
Bro. by Dr. Boyce. The choir sung beautifully
and in fine taste.
“ I gave nay self for thee;
What hast thou done for me?”
was sung in musio set to it by Dr. Manly. It was
delightful.
Our first night in Greenville was made most
pleasant by a concert of artistic music, given in
the interest, not of the Seminary, but of some
enterprise connected with the church. It was a
decided success. We have never heard voices
superior to those of some of the young ladies who
sung on this occasion.
We had a most pleasant home in Greenville
with Bishop Thomas and his accomplished family.
We shall not forget our stay in that lovely house,
hold. On Sabbath morning we had the pleasure
of seeing Bro. Thomas baptize four young ladies
in the river, and yet in the town. We also at
tended in the Baptist church, on Sabbath evening
a large Sabbath school mass meeting, or celebra
tion. The church and Sabbath school are doing
well. R
Salvation through Baptism.
More than one of “ the seven schools of
thought” which the Church Quarterly recog
nizes as marring the unity of Episcopalians, will
find the echo of their views in the recent declara
tion of the Church Journal, on the use of the
burial service in the case of persons unbaptized :
“The want of baptism is a fact that no mantle
of charity can cover. The party has died with
out that sacrament appointed for his regeneration.
The Church in her Catechism, teaches the neces
sity of this sacrament to salvation. The party
has died unregenerate. For the Church to use
this service in his case, then, would be to stultify
itself by contradicting its own teaching.”
How far does this sentiment obtain currency at
the South, where, according to a writer in the
Christian Witness, “the High-Church party
takes the lead ” in that sect? How far, especial
ly, “at St. Luke’s, Baltimore, and in Georgia,
Florida and Tennessee,” where, according to this
writer, “the nearest (Southern) approach to’’
Ritualism is found ? How far, still more espe
cially, in that “Southern city,” where, as a cor
respondent of the American Churchman alleges,
“bowing in the Gloria Patri and making obei
sance to the altar” have been “introduced late
ly?” (By the way, the Churchman “suspects”
that these two “ observances ’’ are adopted by a
great many people, ‘without any other notion
than that they are a pretty sort of thing to do.’
Os the first itjsays: “One would naturally sup
pose that in ascribing glory to God, a man would
hold himself up like a man, and do the act as if
he were not ashamed of it. Why in that act of
worship he should get his head out of sight, as if
he were doing something disgraceful, we entirely
fail to understand.” Os the second: “ The log
ical and consistent reason of obeisances to the
altar is, that God is locally there under the spe
cies of bread and wine, or at least, is in the habit
of being there present.’’)
We would fain hope that this dogma of bap
tismal salvation has not secured the measure
of acceptance in the Southern wing of the Epis
copal communion, which its incipient Ritualism
and its maturer High Churchism seem to indicate.
How is it ?
Written Sermons.— The Philadelphia Method
ist Episcopal Conference, at its recent session,
tabled by a decisive majority a resolution con
demnatory of “the practice, growing among min
isters of that denomination, of preaching from
manuscript.” There was a time when no such
resolution was needed—and a later time when
such a resolution would have commanded an over
wheming vote. Is there not room for the ques
tion, whether the changes indicated by this action
are altogether salutary? The majority was
probably right; but may not the minority have
been, in great part, right also ? We should have
found ourselves leaning both ways, if we had
been present.
Looking, Forward.
The Report of Hon. Samuel B. Ruggles, dele
gate from the United States to the International
Congress at the Hague in 1869, recently trans
mitted to the Senate, contains a computation,
based upon the careful study of statistics, which
Baptists may wisely ponder. “At the present rate
of increase, the population of this country will
number, at the close of the present century, sev
enty-five millions; and by the middle of the next
century, even at a greatly reduced rate, over one
hundred and twenty, but more probably one hun
dred and seventy-nine, millions.”
These are the hosts who are to enter into our
labors. We live now to provide, in our measure,
for their spiritual welfare—to set in operation the
agencies and influences which may exert the most
salutary power over them. The short-sighted
ness which neglects this “near future,” is as
culpable morally, as it is intellectually weak.
The light of such a prospect ought to shine on all
questions of “ machinery :” we cannot see these
questions rightly with that light shut off.
Looking forward, then, how visionary appears
the idea of compressing the preparatory work
which Baptists ought to do towards Home Evan
gelization, or the Diffusion of Religious Litera
ture, within the limits of a single Society ? Shall
we blend our separate organizations into one, only
to have it broken up, as must inevitably be the
case, into many? Let us move, rather, in the
line of Providence—and stand on the alert for
the hour, by no means distant, which shall call
for even less “centralization” than seems expe
dient for the present. That is the direction in
which the Guiding Finger points! Shall we fol
low it ?
And then, again, what an inspiration should
such a prospect breathe into the organizations
which are destined to affect a people so multitu
dinous! How the sphere of our labors rises in
importance, as we look forward! How these la
bors take more and more an aspect of moral sub
limity, to fire the soul, to quicken zeal, to make
toil tireless, to evoke a liberality without stint,
to nerve faith and prayer for holy and prevailing
wrestling with Godl Oh, if we would but see,
with the vision of simple trust, the fruit of the
work wrought by us now, as it shall unfold itself
before the eyes of children already bom into the
world! What would we not do—and bear—and
sacrifice—to augment the harvest which shall
ripen from the seed we sow ?
A Threatening Crevass.
The levees which “Disciples” have built up,
to keep “the current Reformation” within its
original channel, seem likely to give way. A cor
respondent of the American Christian Review la
ments the sad degeneracy which has overtaken
certain churches of that faith, who will “ have no
fighting" against “orthodox” denominations by
visiting ministers, and who even join with these
denominations in union prayer meetings! The
times have changed wonderfully when adherents
of Alexander Campbell can form first a truce and
then a league with “Babylon !”
But there are still more ominous signs of the
times. The editor of th v Review bewails the “de
moralizing, disconcerting and confusing” “move
ment toward apostacy” in which “distinguished
men” among them are engaged—‘ throwing open
as unsettled ’ and even rejecting “ ground long
maintained against all odds from without,” “rela
tive to induction into the Kingdom, or (which is
the same) into Christ, on first principles.” Os
the instances which he gives we cite two, as ex
emplifying the wide departure from “the primi
tive Christianity restored” of the “ Refor
mation : ”
“ 1. Baptism for the remission of sins is square
ly denied and repudiated, and long articles full of
the same subtleties, sophistries and misrepresen
tations characterizing the articles of our opponents
thirty or forty years ago, are found in support of
the denial and repudiation.”
It is squarely and stoutly maintained that the
evidence of pardon is in us and not without— that
is, that the evidence of pardon is in our feelings,
or sensations in us produced by the Spirit, not
arising from any promise of God made by the
Spirit, nor any testimony of the Spirit found in
Scripture, but an impression of the Spirit pro
duced in us in some other way than through the
Scriptures. This amounts to a new revelation from
God in every case of the pardon of a sinner, to
make known to him his pardon."
Surely, if the mantle of Alexander Campbell
has descended to any one of his followers, he has
need to clothe himself with it and stand in the
breach, if possible to stem this tide of “distin
guished" defection. But can it be done ?
Reviews and Notices.
T»a Psalms. The Common Version Revised for the
American Bible Union, with an Introduction and Oc
casional Notes. By Thos. J. Conant. New York:
American Bible Union. Pp. 210.
Dr. Conant, in a private letter to a friend, says:
“ I have not the power to describe roy experiences
in this work. I have passsd through no such
spiritual and intellectual state since I completed
my translation of the Book of Job. The cases are
not entirely similar. In Job the tone of spiritual
feeling is pretty uniform. But almost every
Psalm has its peculiar element and phase of
spiritual life; and the constant study of these
varying tones of feeling, in order to give them a
true and adequate expression, was an experience
that I have never had before, and shall probably
never have again." May we, without immodesty,
say,that in the (interrupted and occasional) exami
nation of this version, we have in some measure
shared the experience of Dr. Conant ? We had
marked quit# a number of improved renderings
—renderings clearing up ambiguities, or bringing
out shades of thought and meaning with greater
precision—but we cannot now put them before
our readers. We hope to do so hereafter; and
meanwhile, we commend the work to all thought
ful readers of the one Inspired Liturgy of the
Saints.
Questions op Modern Thought ; or, Lectures on the
Bible and lufidelity. Philadelphia: Zeieler <k Mc-
Curdy.
This is a course of Lectures delivered, the past
season, ;n Philadelphia, by eminent divines. It
contains, “ The Life of our Lord a Reality, and
not a Romance—with special reference to Renan’s
Life of Christ,” by Rev. J. McCorsk, D.D., LL D.,
President of Princeton College; “ The Unity of
the Bible,” by Rev. J. P. Thompson, D.D., LL.D.,
Pastor Tabernacle church, N. Y. ; “ The Advan
tages of a Written Revelation,” by Rev. Wm.
Adams, D.D., Pastor Madison Square church, N.
Y.; “ Christ’s Testimony to Christianity,” by P.
Schaff, D.D., Professor in Union Theological Sem
inary, N. Y.; “The Self-Witnessing Character of
the New Testament Christianity,” by Rev. W.
Hague, D.D., formerly Professor in the Baptist
Theological Seminary, Chicago ; “ Soul, a Posi
tive Entity,” by Rev. E. O. Haven, D.D., LL.D.,
President Northwestern University, Evanstonj
111. Such themes, in the hands of such men’
could not fail of masterly treatment, and the pub
lishers have brought out the volume in admirable
style. It is a timely issue, and deals stalwart
blows against the boastful scepticism in high and
low quarters—especially low.
By the way, is not Dr. Haven’s “thought” pre
eminently “ modern,” when he ventures to say :
“ Man yet may be able to create. Being in the
image of God, why should we not be permitted in
a limited degree to exercise God’s highest prerog
ative and actually create out of no existing mate
rial ?” Is he one of the “ men whose foible is om
niscience,” that he should declare, “ man may yet
perhaps foreknow ? ”
Has Dr. Hague, too, already taken his staDd
“ among the prophets ” of that prospective fore-
knowing ? Is this the reason why he affects to
“read the page of" political “ destiny ” for our
country ? In referencg to the doctrine of “ One
Humanity—the whole race occupying one broad
level of moral equality, with no recognized dis
tinction in the sight of Heaven but that of per
sonal character”—hesays: “Uponthis enduring
rock American nationality now rests, and ‘ the
Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it* This
broad Christian principle, in a form adjusted to
political relations, set from the beginning as the
corner stone of our Republic, is the one grand dis
tinction which thqjpfegton of the Divine Messiah
has conferred upon us as a people, enfolding the
guarantee of our national immortality.” Is it
really true, then, that the Putter-down of all au
thority and rule except His own, the Overturner
of every institution but the one of which He is
the Builder, will spare “ the best Government the
world ever saw,” and perpetuate it until the Mil
lennium dawns—and closes ?
American Baptist Year-Book, 1871. Philadelphia:
American Baptist Publication Society.' Pp. 187.
Price 50 cents.
This Manual improves yearly, both in fullness
and accuracy. The Proceedings of General So
cieties, the Action>«f State Conventions and Gen
eral Associations, the Statistics of Associations,
Churches and Sunday Schools for 1870, the List
of Ordained Ministers with their Post Office Ad
dresses, of Periodicals, and of Colleges and Theo
logical Seminaries,present a mass of interesting
and valuable information, nowhere else so group
ed together, whighWo do not see how any intelli
gent Baptist can willingly forego. There are in
accuracies—but thetee are excused by the difficulty
of the work of compilation, and they diminish
with each annual issue of the Year-Bock.
Scriptural Communion. By J. B. Jeter, D.D., Rich
mond, Va. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publi
cation Society. Pp. 70.
This is a suceir.eA but clear and forcible pre
sentation of the argument for strict communion
and of the inconsistencies attaching to a looser
practice. The name of the author, however, is a
sufficient assurance of its merit, and leaves scarce
ly necessity forsay*ng that its general circulation
must exert a salutary influence.
The Evil Beast : A -Sermon by Rev. T. DeWitt Tal
inage, Brooklyn Tabernacle. New York: National
Temperance Society, Pp. 33. Price 15 cents.
The Good Samaritan: A Sermon by Rev. J. B. Dunn,
Beach street Presbyterian church, Boston. Pp. 29.
Price 15 cents.
The first of third in the Series of
Temperance Sermons, now passing through the
press of the Sociefy— thrilled us, in the hasty
reading we were able to give it. The second—
the fourth in that Series—gives even a more ablo
and more profoundly impressive view of theTem.
perance question.
Illustrated Christian Weeklt.
The reader will find on our third page, an ad
vertisement of this new weekly, from the press of
the American Tract Society, New York. The two
numbers on our table are attractive in tastefulness
and beauty, and fraught with pious interest. We
may safely coinmend it.
Kind Words: Anew Collection of Hymns and Tunes
for Sunday Schools and the Social Circle; by G. W.
Linton and Howard M. Teasdale. Memphis, Tenn.:
Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Con
vention. Pp. 96.
This book contains 59 tunes, of which 45 are
new, and 121 hymns, many of which are origi
nal. We have heard it commended by competent
judges ; but we are jiot qualified to pass upon its
merits ourselves. All adepts in music amoDg us,
will send for a copy* we hope, and give it a fair
trial.
An Unwilling Bk?W—The call of the Baptist
Union for a coalitioi mtween f’ree Will Baptists
and other small loo:(8 communion organizations
on the one part, and loose coimnunionists among
“ Regular Baptists ” on the other, has encoun
tered unexpected resistance. That paper says:
“Some Free Will Baptists are so blinded by sec
tarian prejudices, that they absolutely oppose any
steps towards union with other Baptists, on their
own avowed platform of liberty.” We call this
resistance unexpected, simply because the Union
seems not to have looked for it. It strikes us as
a thing which a thousand precedents must have
led thoughtful minds to anticipate. As regards
communion with each other, Pedobaptist sects
stand on an “avowed platform of liberty but
has that “liberty” ever operated to merge their
separate organizations into one? Has it ever
availed to exorcise the odium theologieurn from
their bosoms —to prevent the outburst, on occa
sion, of “envy, hatred, malice and all uncharita
bleness,” in their mutual rivalries? On the con
trary, this loose communion “ sectarianism ” has
been among the bitterest types of the ecclesiasti
cal “war-spirit” We are not at all surprised
that Free Will Baptists betray its influence over
them : the wonder would have been, to find them
free of it. We are quite sure, too, that the
Union greatly mistakes the matter, in deeming
the number “ blinded ” by it small. There are
many more of this class than our contemporary
asks us to think. Would it not be well for that
paper to make its own people willing, before it
plies ours with solicitation to an alliance which
the event may show, even the party in whose
name we are wooed does not desire ? Shall w«
be urged to say, Yes, to those who, after all, may
say, No?
“ How not to do it.” —The English Revisers of
the Scriptures have issued a circular to the Bish
ops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this
country, “ proposing to send them proofs of the
amended version for criticism by themselves and
such other scholars as they may see fit to submit
them to.” We would not disparage the attain
ments of the Bishops, or of the Professors in
their institutions of learning ; but does not the
idea of reaching the highest and most cultured
American scholarship by this process savor (at
least slightly) of the ludicrous ? jSuch petty ex
clusivism is saved from the aspect of arrogance
only by the stronger aspect of absurdity. We
lose the insulting pretension in the puling weak
ness of it.
Corrcctiou.
Brother Tupper, referring to some remarks
he made in our late Convention at Carters
ville, requests that we publish the following
extract of a letter, which he wrote on the
25th of April, to Dr, A. M. Poindexter,
Richmond, Va.:
“ Why did you not correct me, when 1 said
on the floor, [of the Convention,] by your
side, that you had written me that, in 1869,
the Georgia Association gave nothing to For
eign Missions 1 I intended it for your ear ;
but I suppose the greenbacked harvest of
your eloquent appeal was absorbing your at
tention. Monday I stated to the Convention
that, as brethren assured me, it was a mis
take— that the Georgia Association had never
neglected that duty. 1 also said that, whether
I had misunderstood your letter, or it was a
mistake of yours, I could not say. Immedi
ately on coming home to day, I looked at
your letter; and find that the mistake was
mine, and a singulrr one, too. 1 can hardly
account for it, except on the principle that,
the short coming of my own church, which
is only an humble member of the Asso~
ciation, swallowed up my view of the rest
of the Association; which is very muoh
like Jonah swallowing the whale. Under
date of 10th February, 1871,y0u wrote me:
“ The Georgia Association has been one
of the best helpers of the Board, but in
the minutes of 1869—the last we have—
twenty-three churches are reported as giving
nothing to Foreign Missions, and among them
your own church.” The fact is, that what l
said was under the spur of the moment, and
of your speech, and of the words ; “ Associa
tions have too much to do to give to Foreign
Missions !” which words suggested your let
ter and the reference to the Georgia Associa
tion, which had not been lately and particu
larly thought of, and was imperfectly remem
bered. I write these lines at once, and hur
riedly, in justice to the truth, and give you,
of course, the liberty to make any use of them
which you please. I repeat, for your satisfac
tion, that I told the Convention that the mis
take might be mine.”
Letter from Alabama.
For the accommodation, as well as the in
struction of your readers, residing at a distance,
you have solicited information iii regard to
churches, South, and the character of their re
spective localities.
• The Baptist church at this place i3 a living,
active organization. The Sunday school con
nected with it, is full and vigorous; the
prayer meeting—the pulse of the church—
does not, at present, indicate so high a degree
of spirituality as that manifested through the
body and school. The locality is eligible,
immediately on the “Selma, Rome and Dal
ton Railroad,” situate in Choccolocco Valley,
one hundred and thirty miles north east ot
Selina. High, well watered, possessing most
salubrious and healthful climate. Scenery in
variety, picturesqueness and beauty, rivals
that of East Tennessee. The principal pursuit
of the people, is agriculture. Trade in mer
chandise and cotton, however, is very good,
with growing tendency. Schools very fine.
“The Oxford (Male and Female) Collegiate
Institute,” though young in years, has taken
a position among the prominent institutions
of learning in the State. It is founded on
the principle that the sexes should be educa
ted together. So far the experiment has sat
isfactorily verified the wisdom of its found
ers.
The Methodists and Presbyterians have
houses of worship, and respectable member
ship. The “South Alabama Presbytery”
has just closed its sittings here, in which the
talent of the Presbyterian church of this
State was fairly represented. Rev. Dr. Bur
gett, of Mobile, presided as Moderator;
Rev. Mr. Reymond, of Marion, as Clerk.
Revs. Lowry, of Selma. MeCorkle, of Talla
dega, Smith, of Centreville, Palmer, of Mo
bile, Watson, of Tennessee, were among the
delegates and v-isitors. The meeting was
pleasant and edify ing.
Oxford throws open her doors to bodies of
so fine influence, and gives a hearty welcome
to one and all who come in their interests.
She, too, gives a warm reception to all, of
whatever name, who come to cast their lot
with that of her citizens, prompted with de
sire to discharge their duty as faithful and
honorable men and women. Come, then,
with your industry, honesty, good intentions,
and you will be received. Paul.
Oxford, Ala, April 24, 1871,
Mercer University and its Agent.
Rev. Henry C. llornady,the zealous agent
of Mprcer University, preached for us, on
last Sabbath, an earnest, spiritual sermon on
Jesus, the Abolisher of Death and Author of
Life. The congregation were deeply moved ;
and when, at the close of the sermon, he gave
an invitation to ail who desired to re conse
crate themselves to the service of the Re
deemer, to come forward, nearly every pro
lessor in the house responded. A sick fami
ly and the interests of Mercer took him from
us the same day, with a promise to come
again.
Bro. H. certainly possesses one principal
element of power as an agent, and that is, a
pray erful spirit. lie looks to God for suc
cess in his arduous undertaking. The Uni
versity is remembered in all his petitions.
He has no doubt that the recent amicable
settlement of difficulties, at Cartersville, are
the result of prayer.
Bro. Hornady’s shoulders are broad, his
spirit is strong. But shall he bear the At
lantean burden alone? Have we not all an
abiding interest in the success of the Univer
sity in its new location? Let all dissensions
be hushed—let all strife cease. Tho letter of
Dr. Mell breathes a magnanimous, Christian
spirit. Georgia Baptists would not have him
retire from the position he has so long adorned
—they only desire the aid of his comprehen
sive intellect, and the influence of his high
character in shaping the future of their great
denominational enterprises. He has touched
a chord in the hearts of bis brethren that will
give forth no uncertain sound,
I make a proposition to the ministers of
the State. Let us invariably mention Mer
cer University in our public prayers. It is a
public interest. Let us keep it before God
and the people. S. P. <U.
West Point, Ga., May sth.
The Howard—The Jndsou.
Howard College is doing well. Its Presi
dent, Rev. Dr. Freeman, is a man of strong
faith, a warm heart, a clear head and firm
purpose. The other members of the faculty
are at their posts and in their duty. Upwards
of 140 boys and young men are in attend
ance, full of life and energy, fun and wit.
Some five or six, I believe, of these young
men are studying with a view to the gospel
ministry. The quiet and order which are
observable in the College buildings and cam
pus, both by day and by night, speak well
for students and for teachers. The old How
ard is living, and I believe will continue to
live. Let all the Baptists of Alabama be
lieve this, and accompany their confidence
with their prayers.
Os the Judson, nothing need be said here,
only that Rev. A. J. Battle is still its accom
plished President, and A. B. Goodhue—than
whom a riper mathematician and more suc
cessful teacher is not to be found in the State
—is Professor of Mathematics. I was glad,
too, to meet my friend, Prof. Sulzner, here,
as full of life and music as ever. There are
about 175 girls and misses in attendance, rev
eling in the charms of music, and flowers,
and paintings, while pursuing the prescribed
curriculum of their more useful studies. The
friends and patropsof these Institutions should
be thankfnl for the past—for the future, rpore,
Hopeful.
The Foreign Mission Agency.
My agency for Foreign Missions closed,
by contract, on the 15th ultimo. Its history
has been that of agent's generally. See R.
W. F-’-s “Chapter on Agents,” Bro. Chau
doin’s many “ Lights and Shadow’s,” Bro.
Haygood’s “ definition,” etc.
It is not a small matter to be an agent of
a great enterprise, like that conducted by a
Sunday School, or Educational, or a Mission
ary Board. The sacrifice of home’s privi
leges and pleasures, though very great, is the
least offering it requires. It is to be a David
or a Goliath, fighting for an army in anxious
suspense; -or to lead a host through shot and
shell to victory or defeat; for all enterprises
succeed or fail by the efficiency or inefficiency
of their agents.
It is not pleasant to a good heart to try to
do well, and yet be suspected of selfishness,
or accused of lawless waste. It is gall, min
gled with vinegar, to seek to please a master,
and then obtain the seal oT his disapproba
tion. This is written, in part, from experi
ence—in part from suggestion and observa
tion. Let him who doubts it, try the expe
riment.
There is one thing that has been to me a
constantsourceof pleasure—thegood will and
hospitality of the Christian people of this coun
try, especially of the Baptists. 1 cannot now
remember but one of their houses, in which
I felt that 1 was not a welcome guest, to ro-
main and make myself at home, as long as I
wished. Many of them have almost persua
ded me to remain with them longer than du
ty permitted. If some agents are not angels,
and their visits not so few and far between,
yet they represent interests that are dear to
the angels, and they ought to be entertained
for their work’s sake. Baptists know how to
entertain them, and their knowledge is prac.
tical—a blessing on them all !
I have received, during a seven months’
agency,sl,Bl3.sß for Foreign Missions; $122
for the Index and Baptist , obtained 203
subscribers for the Home and Foreign Jour
nal; travelled 7,530 miles, and preached,
lectured and talked as occasions required.
And now, brethren and sisters, don’t forget
the Foreign Mission cause. Whatever may
be said as to the comparative importance of
our great benevolent enterprises, we cannot
overestimate one; for it contemplates the
salvation of more than half the human fami
ly, who arc, to-day, not far away from us,
perishing, without God, without hope, with
out the Bible, without the living preacher to
tell them that Jesus died to save their pre
cious, priceless souls from the ever-gnawing
worm, the endless, devouring flame, and the
dreadful, ceaseless, poured-out wrath ! May
God help us to help them !
T. B. Cooper.
MilledgeviUe, Ga., May Ist, 1871.
Statenville Church, Ga.
The Baptist church at this place has se
cured the services of Elder L. C. Tebean, as
pastor for the present Associational year, and
I regard the choice as an admirable one.
Brother Tebean is a zealous, devoted minis
ter of the gospel, and 1 believe his labors
will be greatly blessed. Like many of our
promising advocates of truth, he spent the
early part of his life in secular employments,
believing that an entire consecration woulJ
result in starvation; but now he seems to
exercise more faith, and has, after a long
struggle, resolved to buckle on the whole ar
mor and make a clean breast of the world,
the flesh and the devil. It is a matter of re
gret —and there is a fearful responsibility
resting upon the churches on account of it —
that some of our ablest young clergymen,
who would be of great service in the cause oi
our Master, are driven into secular engage
ments in order to support themselves and
their families, but the love of money is the
root of all evil, and so great is its influence
over the church, that the members will not
even deal with a brother who is guilty of
covetousness, but treat him as though he was
innocent, orderly, pious and thoroughly de
voted to Christ. Brother Shaver, can you
not dip your pen in fire and kindle a flame
that will warm up the hearts of the brethren
upon this subject, that all of our ministers
may be rescued from the thraldom of earth
ly employments ? We need the services of
the laborers already called ; for the work of
the field, the sound ol the gospel, should be
heard in all the land ; but many of our watch
men have been driven from their posts, de
spised, persecuted, rejected, until they feel
more like hanging their harps upon the wil
lows, than singing the songs of Zion. Oh.
let the heavens be moved l Elijah’s God is
our God, and lie is able to shake the church
and arouse 11 is people to a sense of their
every duty. The sound of the gospel should
wax louder and louder, until it echoes and
reechoes o’er all the earth. 11. W. P.
Statenville, Echols county, Ga., April 25, 1871.
Alabama News and Notes,
As you request information, especially as
to the churches and organizations of our col
ored brethren, perhaps it would be acceptable
to give some items as to their church at this
place, 'Three or four years ago, while yet
under the pastorate of that firm friend of their
race, Rev. Dr. Henderson, the colored breth
ren withdrew from our church and formed a
separate organization for themselves, The old
frame church—still a neat and substantial
building, situate in the rear of the new church,
and in a magnificent grove of oaks—was given
them in which to worship. They then or
dained one of their number—Doc Philips—
and called him to the pastorate. lie is intel
ligent and faithful as a man, active and ener
getic as a pastor, and a firm, steadfast Chris
tian., Altogether unlike most of the preach
ers belonging to this race, he is not conceited,
never takes on fine airs, and has little or no
thing to do with politics. He is a colcfred
brother and preacher of the old type. In a
conversation, he stated to us that he felt
called to preach the gospel, not to dabble in
politics; that he attended but one of the many
fjonyentions held by the so called friends of
his race; thqt Jie returned thoroughly dis
gusted, and if the Cord’s forgiveness was
vouchsafed for that misdeed, should never
again be guilty. And as an evidence of his
faithfulness to his one work, we can state that
during all our troubles with the colored peo
ple last year, we never heard a harsh word
uttered against him, and never knew a single
political meeting to be held at his church. In
fact, the principal men of this congregation
seemed to have no connection with the riotous
proceedings then transpiring. This is more
than we can say of Aon Methodist church and
its pastor and congregation. This brother
seems to have been the prirno mover and
leader in all the “ late unpleasantness,” and
his church the headquarters of the league.
About a year ago, we induced them to re
move their house of worship to a more iso
lated locality. This was done, not through
any ill feeling or indisposition to have them
near us and to assist them, but from the fact
so well known, that they are too noisy and
boisterous in their worship. They frequently
protracted their services late in the night,
und, with loucf exhortatjoi) and still louder
shouting and cfies of rejoicing, proved a very
great annoyance to the communiiy. They
secured a very pleasant site, on a hill, a short
way from the railroad depot, and now are
flourishing. The pastor frequently baptizes,
and has some Very worthy members. The
deacons seem to be sensible men, and zealous
for the glory of God. They are pretty strict
jn discipline, frequently excluding from their
fellowship the unworthy. They attend well
to business, do a good deal for their pastor,
keep a regular Sunday school, two prayer
meetings, and preaching three times each Sab
bath. Os course everything of business, dis-
cipline and order, is not done “according to
Mellbut still, they seem to have a very
fair conception of the right, and evince pretty
strong determination to pursue it. Neither
are they above asking advice, for frequently
we have been called on ; and we know that
brethren Taliaferro and Morgan are invited
over both to preach and give advice. Bro.
T. is very often with them on the Sabbath,
and they are delighted with his ministrations.
Jn fact, he is somewhat of a Bishop, or gen.
eral superintendent, among all the colored
churches lie visits, and not without much of
the reverence due to his “ venerable and godly
office.” Bro. Philips complains that they
suffer from an influx of newly fledged preaoli
ers—almost every other male member want
ing license. Altogether, though, we think
our colored brethren are well to
pering, and withal faithful to the gospel of our
common Lord. Their pastor we regard an
uncommonly sensible and earnest preacher,
a good man; and we wish very much that in
his younger days he had enjoyed good educa
tional advantages. Then he would have ex
cised a widespread and wholesome influence
over his people in this State.
It may perhaps please many who feel some
interest in our place and schools here, to
know that work was recently begun on our
railroad to Chehaw. As the bed is already
made, nothing remains but to build anew the
bridges, repair the bed, lay the cross-ties and
iron ; and we confidently expect the trains to
be running in a few months—by the fall at
furthest. A general revival of business ins
terests, etc., is now very manifest: several
►new stores opened; a bank, telegraph and
other enterprises projected. The College,
under Bro. Rawling’s able management, is
doing well the students making remarkable
progress, and its fame rapidly extending
among the friends of education.
As to our church and Sunday school, wo
feel that the faculty have proved an invalu
able acquisition all but one being members
and most zealous, faithful workers in every
department of Christian labor. Indeed, they
are a great moral power for good, in both
church and community. We do not see how
wo could possibly part with them. They cer
tainly are giving us a school unsurpassed in
the land, with advantages equal, if not supe
rior, to any we know of. Why, then, with
such splendid Colleges for young ladies as
East Alabama, in this part of the State, and
the Jiidson in the Western portion, should
our brethren and people send their daughters
off to other States, and often to Pedobaplist
and Roman Catholic institutions? We know
no better advantages can be enjoyed anywhere
than in these two Colleges. The able Presi
dents have assisting them Faculties equal to
any in the land. Certainly, then, it is ruin
ous to home institutions, and often ruinous to
the young ladies. We constantly hear of
Baptist girls who desert the faith and com
munion of their parents for these innovations
upon gospel simplicity.
Rev. Dr. Morgan, of this place, has just
returned from a tour of three months in
Louisiana and some portions of Texas, in be
half of our S. S. Board. He reports consid
erable interest in the work of this Board
among the churches.
We are expecting Rev. G. C. Needham
with us this veek, and to hold a series of
meetings, lie has enjoyed remarkable suc
cess in Montgomery.
Bro. Geo. E. Brewer has regularly entered
upon his work as pastor at Tallassee, and is
doing well.
Four men, good citizens of this county,have
been arrested by the military of Montgom
ery, charged with ku kluxing a negro, and
carried to that city to be tried by court mar
tial. Getting ready for the election. 13.
Taskegee, Ala.
The Lord is in it.
The communications in the last number of
the Index and Baptist , from brethren Moll,
Hornady and citizens of Penfield, breathe the
same spirit and are in harmony with the sen
timents of an article headed, “ The Olive
Branch and the Healing Waters,” which I
suppose reached Atlanta too late to appear in
company with those other communications.
So far as I am concerned—and no doubt it is
so with the other writers—they are striotly
coincidents, neither knowing that others
would write. The Lord is in these peace
offerings. Let us rejoice and take courage.
May the good Lord guide our people in all
they attempt and do. J. M. Wood.
May. Sth, 187 b
Notes of Travel.
Cuthbert is a beautiful forest town, on the
Southwestern Railroad, and is the Capital of
Randolph county. It contains about three or
four thousand persons, and is constantly in
creasing in population and commercial im
portance. There are three churches in this
delightful city,—Methodist, Presbyterian and
Baptist. Rev. R. E. Lester is the loved
pastor of the Methodist flock, and is building
up his congregation. Rev. Mr. Cosby is pas
tor of the Presbyterian church ; is a man of
fine talents, and thoroughly devoted to his
work. Rev. F. M. Daniel is the earnest, la
borious, methodical and successful pastor of
the Baptist church, and, under God, is doing
a great work for our Zion. lie is a rising
man. The writer had the privilege of preach
ing for this congregation for nine consecutive
nights, and will long remember the dear ones
who assembled from time to time to listen to
the good news of the kingdom. During the
last night of the meeting one precious con
vert was baptized and four were received by
letter. The seeds of Divine truth were sown
in many hearts, and I can but hope that they
will yet spring up and bring forth fruit to the
honor of the Lord.
There are fine Colleges in Cuthbert. An
drew Female College, under the Presidency
of Dr. A. L. Hamilton, is rapidly becoming
one of the most flourishing institutions of
the land. The Doctor and his corps of val
uable teachers are well qualified to train the
young ladies placed under their charge for
the duties and responsibilities of life. One
striking feature in this school is the system
of physical trailing whjch flas loqg been q
desideratum in the South. Out youth should
be fully developed, physically, intellectually
and morally.
The Baptist Female College is under the
Presidency of that talented, amiable and suc
cessful educator, W. B. Seals. He is a grad
uate of Mercer University, and well does he
sustain the reputation of his alma inaler. He
has been in Cuthbert for only a few months,
and yet he is gathering quite a considerable
number of students into his Institution, and
his success is already assured.
While in Cuthbert, the writer enjoyed the
hospitalities of Dr. Robertson. Thai reus
home — headquarters —and the Doctor and his
family will always have a warm plaoe in the
heart of the traveller. The writer also en
joyed the hospitality of Bro. Davis, Bro.
Mitchell, Bro. Jackson, Judge Kiddoo, and
Judge John T. Clark. “ Uncle Tommy
Muse,” as Bro. Chiudoin would say, also
opened his doors and bade me welcome to the
hospitalities of his house. This visit to Cuth
bert is green spot—an qasis .-in the waste
of metqory,and,as the Eastern traveller ti|ri]s
to look again and again at the green island in
“ the sea the desert,” so will I turn to sur
vey the bright and happy faces which smiled
upon me and bade me God speed in my mis
sion of love. H. C. 11.
yarieties.
In varieties, we sometirrjes get things vye
do not relish. I was told that one brother
said, “ Brother Toon ought to publish an ex
tra for the benefit of Chaudoin and Haygood.”
Now, tflat was like oniqn in the variety, (jut
here is the cake: “ I look fur your pieces the
first thing, when I get the paper,” said a lady
in a letter, just before I heard about the extra.
That is variety. Application : bro
ther did not mean for me to quit writjng, but
be short. That is the charitable construction.
J do pot subscribe to all said by my Bro.
F. in his “ Chapter on Agents.” When a man
has a chill, he thinks it is very cold ; and,
with green glasses over our eyes, things look
green.. Wait for my chapter.
Ifyjjat brother qgent in Tejfas calls me that
sort of agent any more, “ he better not now,”
“ I hope no one will let him know how many
ladies —young and old —hunted for me as
soon as I got to the Convention, and another
asked for me to be assigned to her house. Ho
will feel more jealous of me than he does
now. “Sour grapes,” Bro. John. “Bro.
C., this was little Eddie B.’s piece of money,
who I hope is in heaven. Rut it afloat and
let it be doing good for Jesus. Motiieb.”
This short note inolosed a piece of silver
money, with other funds handed me by a
young sister at Cartersvflie. How touching j
A keepsake—2i mother mother’s
keepsake of her angel boy, Where will she
Beep it safely * In a trunk, or drawer, securely
locked ? “ Put it afloat and let it be doing
good for Jesus.” Wise mother! Christ
loving missionary! Sister, Jesus is better
pleased with you than if you had kept it
locked up. If “little Eddie” knows what