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78
llaifex ani jgdpifci
**• Proprietor,
ROOMS —4 l 8 SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Bev. D. SHAVER, D.D.
OOBRKSPONDINO EDITORS:
Rev. J. J. D. RBNFROE, Talladega, Ala.
Ray. S. HENDERSON, D.D., Jacksonville, Ala.
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1871.
Baptisls a Peculiar People.
It Is very clear, from the reading of both his
tory and the New Testament, that when Chris
tianity was introduced into our world, it was re
garded as anew th'ng under the sun. Nothing
like it had ever been seen before. Its peculiari
ties were distinct, bold and prominent, and as
serted to be essential to the very life and exist
ence of the system. Without the peculiarities,
the scheme could have no being; its existence
was suspended upon its distinctive traits. It was
declared to be the “new and living way,” the
“ new cloth" in anew garment, “ the new wine
in new bottles,” a "new commandment,” re
quiring "anew heart,” and making man "a
new creature;” and under its influence, men
"spoke with new tongues,” in such power that
the enemies of their novel religion inquired,
" What new doctrine is this ?” “We never heard
it on this fashion.” "May we know what this
new doctrine whereof tbou speakest, is? for thou
bringest certain strange things to our ears.”
And therefore it is not to be wondered at that
the early Christians were “ the sect everywhere
spoken against,” for they propagated a religion
which protested against every existing plan—
which proposed to supplant Judaism on the one
band, and destroy paganism on the other; and
which “put to foolishness the wisdom of the
wise,” and pronounced the teachings, and altars,
and worship of their most learned schools of
philosophy, “in all things too superstitious.”
Hence, Christianity was revolutionary—it was
declared to be a system which “ turned the world
upside down.”
In the Protestant Christianity of the current
age, there is much of the form and spirit of prim
itive Christianity—and we rejoice at this. There
is, however, to be found among Protestants, some
of the very errors—sacredly and earnestly held—
which the religion of Christ and His apostles was
intended to supplant and destroy; errors, too,
which cannot exist in harmony with the unbro
ken form, or the unmarred spirit of a real New
Testament religion; errors which will destroy
both the form and the spirit of that religion, when
allowed to do their full work and to lead to their
legitimate end.
Now, the Baptists have some distinctive and
peculiar doctrines—we mean, they hold to senti
ments which distinguish them from every other
people under heavfen. And we maintain that the
distinctive principles of the Baptists are among
the peculiarities of the first Christians—that is,
at the very points wherein we differ from all oth
ers, wo are in harmony with the early churches
of Ctirist; and, therefore, our peculiarities are of
such importance as to be essential to the preser
vation of pure gospel churches—essential to the
perpetuity of New Testament Christianity.
And .his is the idea we intended to evolve in
this aiticle— Baptists are a peculiar people.
They are like no other people. And their power
is lodged in their peculiar traits of character—
their sublime moral force and aggressive strength
reside in their singularity. The moral forces of
the denomination are onward and irresistible when
these peculiarities, without bigotry or pomp, and
with meekness and love, are allowed their right
ful prominence, and permitted to assume their
proper importance. On the other hand, fearful
weakness is discovered, and great danger is at the
door when these heaven appointed family marks
are obliterated, or ignored, or for any reason re
tired into obscurity or hushed into silence. For
without their distinctive features, their denomina
tional existence is an absurdity, it cannot be
apologized for; but with these features, no apol
ogy is needed; nay, these distinctive traits move
through the world with such point and angulari
ty, and yet in such symmeteical beauty, and with
such evidence of divinity, as that their right of
existence is asserted as an absolute necessity.
They occupy their own ground and stand upon
their own merit.
Here it may be asked, Wherein are Baptists so
peculiar, and why may their peculiarity be thus
magnified?
We may here mention, as first among these
peculiar views, our own view of the New Testa*
ment as the sole arbiter in matters of faith and
practice. Dr. Wayland says: “ The fundamental
principle on which our difference from other evan~
gelioal denominations depends, is this: we profes3
to take for our guide, in all matters of religious
belief and practice, the Neu> Testament , the whole
New Testament, and nothing but the New Testa
ment. Whatever we find there, we esteem bind
ing on the conscience. What is not there com
manded, is not binding.” To demand “ precept
for, or example of,” is peculiar to the Baptists.
The decisions of ancient councils, the doctrines of
church dignitaries, or traditions from whatever
quarter, without precept or example in the New
Testament, are regarded by us as only the opin
ions of a man who lived a thousand years ago,
than we have for thote who livo to-day. The
Council which made the larger and the shorter
Catechism, or the thirty-nine articles, had no
more authority to bind the consciences of Christ’s
disciples, than had the Ecumenical farce which
met in Rome something over a year ago.
But then it will be asked, Do not all Protestants
take the Holy Bible as the sole authority for their
faith and customs ? We answer, They do not.
It is impossible so to receive the Holy Scriptures
when the “ Prayer Book," or the “ Confession of
Faith," or the "Discipline” is enjoined—creeds
which contain and enforce many things that are
not to be found in the word of God. The learn
ing and candor of the Christian world have as
sumed that infant sprinkling, in precept or exam
ple, is not to be found in the word of God. The
basis for this corrupting institution must there
fore be found somewhere else. In the language of
the celebrated Dr. Woods, an advocate for Infant
bapti>m, “It is plain, there Is no express precept
respecting infant baptism in our sacred writings.
The proof, then, that infant baptism tfl a divine
Institution, must be made out in some-other way.
He then adds, that authority for it “ may be af.
Corded by an unwritten tradition." And upon
41 unwritten tradition" it, with other institutions
rests. The traditions and the institutions we re
ject. The Baptist view of the spirituality of
the church of Christ is peculiar to themselves.
There is no fundamental law lying at the door of
a Baptist church requiring the admission of the
nnregenerate to membership. There is no place
In our churches for the unconverted, whether they
be infants or adults. "lie that believeth and is
baptized.” "Except a man be born again, he
cannot see—lie cannot enter the kingdom of
heaven.” “If thou believest with all thine heart,
thou rnayest” be baptized. “Ya are as lively
atones built up a spiritual house." " Baptism is
the answer of a good conscience toward God," and
therefore it is infinitely absurd to administer it to
unconscious babes. Infant baptism has, in vast
districts of ibe earth, destroyed the spirituality 0/
the existing Christianity, and this it will do
THE CHRISTIAN- INDEX A«D SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA„ THURSDAY, MAY 18,1871.
wherever it reaches the culmination of its ten
dency. It is not supported by the word of (Sod ;
it wrests the Holy Scriptures ; it engrafts Juda
ism upou the Christian system ; it is the basis of
sacramental and ritualistic yeligion; it every
where attaches to the doctrine of baptismal salva
tion, and subverts the doctrine of justification by
faith; and finally, it despoils the church of those
peculiar qualities which are essential to the church
of Christ, and works on until it blots oat every
vestage of true New Testament cburchship, and
supplants the ministry appointed by Christ with
a priesthood appointed by a corrupted “church.’
All these things, with their results and tendencies,
are rejected by Baptists, and, by Baptists alone.
If any one wishes to see the essential impor
tance of Baptist peculiarities, let him witness
how they will, from stern necessity, show
themselves in almost any discussion between
two Protestant denominations. In an instance
which we have just read, a Methodist minister
of distinguished abilities, in to meet the
assumptions of Episcopalians, finds it neces
sary to virtually establish and maintain that prim
itive churches were independent. Another, in
order to controvert babtismal salvation as held by
the Episcopals, finds it necessary to plead for the
spirituality of the church of Christ and for a con
verted membership in a manner which sets infant
baptism at nought. Another, in meeting the
Popish doctrine that the Pope, and the Councils,
and the church are to be received as the ultimate
arbiter instead of the word of God, finds it necessary
to contend that whatever is not written in the Bi
ble is of no authority, and that the councils of no
church can bind the consciences of men. Another,
in order to show that this sect or that one started
wrong, at the wrong time, under wrong circum
stances, with improper motives and false doctrines,
virtually sils in judgment upon the origin of every
Protestant church, and comes near rejecting the
whole. How often, in such discussions, are the
leaders of these denominations found asserting
the old Baptist doctrines of soul liberty and in
dividual responsibility in matters of religion, al
though these doctrines are destructive of the
whole system of Pedobaptism. We wish we could
convince the Baptists that they are a peculiar
people; that they are like nobody else, and that
they cannot be like others; that their principles
require them to go forward as a novel —singular
people; and that in so far as they abandon their
peculiarities, they destroy their strength and mar
the beauty of their Scriptural individuality as
the church of God.
Let it not be understood that we are pleading
for personal odities in habits of thought and ac
tion. Assumed idiocrasy in the manners of per
sonal life is little better than downright idiocy. A
man's own eccentricities are not the things for
which we are pleading. We are contending for the
divine distinctive trials of faith and practice given
in the New Testament, and which are to be found
in a well ordered Baptist church. In the New
Testament and in a Baptist church these traits
may be seen, and there alone !
Let us not be ashamed of our ecclesiastical pe
culiarities. In many important respects, God has
separated us into an elevated plane of solitary
grandeur, and here is the scat of our power and
the lease of our operations in efforts to subdue
the world to the reign of the holy Jesus. Let us
cheerfully admit—nay, let us contend that we are
a peculiar people. "A glorious future awaits the
Baptists,” and that future awaits them as Baptists,
and because they are Baptists. Our denomina
tional origin was peculiar. Our history has been
peculiar. Our church construction, faith, ordi
nances and ministry are peculiar. And a pecu
liar future awaits us. Let us be zealous of good
works. R. *
Consistency. —A writer in the Southern Chris
tian Advocate states that, on communion occa
sions, Methodist presiding elders, after reading
the invitation contained in the Discipline, are ac
customed to add, that brethren “in good stand
ing in other orthodox churches are also invited.”
On the supposition that " this addendum ” is and»
signed "to limit the invitation to baptized per
sons, because only such are properly members of
the church,” so that “ men of the world, even
though they do repent, are not invited,” he says :
“ We sometimes speak of our Baptist brethren
as close communionists ; but in point of principle,
are we not precisely as close as they, if we hold
that only baptized persons may approach the
table ? Since upon this supposition our rule of
exclusion is just the same with theirs, our practi
cal difference arising from our difference in opin
ion as to who are properly baptized. Nor, if bap
tism be an indispensable prerequisite, are we con
sistent in commending the open communion of
the English Baptists, while they still hold that
immersion is the only scriptural mode of baptism ;
for our doctrine, as above stated, would deny the
principle upon which their doors are thrown open
to other churches. That principle is that, while
it would be more regular for baptism to come
first, yet this is not indispensable, as it is no
where enjoined by the word of God. But the
doctrine in question contradicts that principle and
proclaims it unsound.” This writer objects to the
limitation, on the ground that two or three, met
together to worship God, are (as Mr. Wesley
held) a church, in the broad sense," "though
neither baptized nor enrolled with any organized
body of Christians and on the further ground
that, as " persons are sometimes converted out of
the church,” we should not ‘ withhold one insti
tuted means of grace from God’s children because
they lack another.’ He preserves his own con
sistency, of course ; but It is only consistent loose
ness and disorder which be can claim for himself;
and it remains to be seen whether his brethren
will follow him to such lengths, in order to secure
a logical basis for their opposition to Baptist
usage. We do not believe that they will. They
will bold to the principle on which that usage
rests, yet inconsistently cry out against it.
"At Rest.”—A correspondent of the Richmond
Religious Herald is "much obliged to” the edi
tors of that paper “ for setting at rest the old
story about Patrick Henry's speech.” The letter
of Dr. Peck, avowing the authorship of the speech,
did this work far mGre effectually, within less
than a score of years; and yet even that has
failed to prevent the intrusion of the speech afresh
into polemic and historic works, of more than
average respectability. In due season, we doubt
not, it will appear again and again, without hint
or dream of its apochryphal character. No ghost
of myth, or legend, or tradition, was ever laid so
easily as that writer seems to imagine. They are
like the Dutchman’s hen, which he wished to
"set” against her will, which, for that purpose,
he placed under a box, and which, even there, to
use the language of his chagrin, plaguily, " set
a-standing 1”
Encouraging Statement.—A to
Georgia Baptists.
Rear Brethren and Slaters: With gratitude to
God, a heart encouraged and purposes strength*
ened and enlarged, Ihasten to give you the fol
lowing statement, received from our laborious
Secretary, of the labors of our Domestic and In
dian Mission Board, for past Conventional year.
Receipts $81,828.17. Missionaries for the year,
181. Baptisms, 882. Receipts from Georgia,
$8,799.50. Good for Georgia!
Let every heart respond “ Good for Georgia!”
thank God and take courage. But, brethren, left
go upward from good to better. From a little over
87,000 last, to nearly $9,000 this year, is surely
good. My proposition is that we adopt as our
motto, “ for Domestic and Indian Missions $12,000
brethren, ministers, on# and all, bow easy
we can raise the above amount, if we go to work,
every one , ao even a little, and work with system.
We have 24 missionaries in Georgia, and the
Board paid for labor to Georgia missionaries the
past .year, sß,l77.47—nearly as much as Georgia
contributed, and if the amount expended had
been given up to the date of the above statement
of receipts, it might have been equal to it. Now
brethren and churches, pass the word on, on’
down the line, $12,000 for Home and Indian
Missions by next May I "You hear the motion;
all in favor of the proposition” pray for the
cause, and send money to me at Atlanta, care of
J. J. Toon. W N Chaudoin.
Southern Baptist Convention.
St. Louis, Mo. r Mat 11th, 1871.
At 10 o’clock a. at., the delegates to the sixteenth
meeting of the Convention assembled in the Third
Baptist church, (W, P. Yeaman, pastor,) and were
called to order bsmP. H. Mell, President of the
body during six preceding annual sessions.
Prayer was offered by H. McDonald, of Ky, The
names of the delegates were reported as follows:
Maryland. —J W M Williams, J B Thomas,
Sr., E C Williams, R H Graves, G W Samson, E
D Jones, A F Crane, J Levering, G W Sanderlin,
G F Manning.
Virginia.— W F Broaddus, A M Poindexter, J
L Burrows, A E Dickinson, T S Dunnaway, J VV
Jones, C H Ryland, J L Johnson, J R Garlick, J
F Deans, J A Barnes, C C Bitting, E D Starke
W E Hatcher, W W Davis, W P Snead, M Moore’
J H Gwathmey, J M Bradley, N W Willson, E B
Branch, T Herndon, J B Taylor, Jr., R Marshall,
J H Kerfoot, G P Prescott, W S Pilcher, R N
Pollard, B Taylor.
N. Carolina.— J Mitchell.
S. Carolina.— E T Winkler, J P Boyce, W
Williams, W D Thomas, C H Judson, T P Lide
W H Webb.
Arkansas.— W R Rock, J K Murphy, W M
Lea, W D Mayfield.
Missouri— J E Welch, R S Duncan, T W Bar
rett, W C Busby, D II Selph, H C Wallace, J W
Waddell, J C Maples, A C Rafferty, X X Buck
ner, N Flood, J M Robinson, W H Burnham, W
R Rothwell, Y R Pitts, J D Murphy, L B Ely, J
M C Breaker, T Rambaut, J H Lanneau, 0 P
Moss, A G Mitchell, J T Smith, M M Modesett, R
Hollman, E G Garnett, W M Bell, J Jones, J T
Latimer, J C Hamner, G W Rogers, N J Smith,
C W Pendleton, W P Yeaman, J H Luller, A
Sherwood, S W Marston, A H Burlingham, T
Montgomery, W B Lawler, L M Berry, J Tavner,
J W Warder, A 0 Avery, J F Cook, J McPike, S
Sheppard, S E DePacker, A Beauchamp, G W
Hyde, M L Laws, G W Smith, M Williams, B
Stark, G W Robey, L B Deaton, M F Williams,
J B Womack, A C Kendrick, D T Morrill W
Johnson, W W Mitchell, B F Hardesty.
Tennessee.— C C Conner, M Ilillsman, J M
Chambers, L Sainge, L H Milliken, J C Spinks, J
M Senter, W T Bennett, A Hatchett, W S Taylor
B May, M W Phillips. R G Craig, D C McDorgle’
J M Beathe, J R Graves, J H Borum, G W Young,
J B Duncan, S H Ford, B Kimbrough, W A
Nelson, J Shackelford, W G Inman, J D .Martin,
T T Eaton, W F Jordan, F H Beard, T G Jones,
W A Montgomery, J R Chestnutt, D M Mcßey
nolds, S J Norton, T Posted,
Kentucky.— C Lewis, J A Kirtlev, J S Cole
man, W H Felix, T M Vaughan, D B Ray, J 0
Kirk, J W Brown, G W.Gwin, J D Biggs, H Mc-
Donald, J C Freeman, H Johnson, C Keyes, A T
Spalding, R M Dudley, S L Helm, G T Bagby, N
Long, R H Caldwell, B W Caldwell, T S Gardner,
A W Chambliss, W E Chambliss, W M Burr, C B
Pruet, J M Weaver, C C Chaplin, J L Smith, H
D D Stratton, R Ryland, H Talbird, E B Stratton,
S C Long, W B Smith, W M Pratt, S F Thomson,
J S Long, A S Woodruff, J J Collier, W J Dun
can, G W Burton.
Georgia.— P II Mcll, T E Skinner, J H DeVo
tie, D Shaver, J II Kilpatrick, J G Ryals, II A
Tupper, F M II ay good, R B Headden," A R Cal
laway, J F Awlry, J J Toon, W II Strickland, W
H Howard, W J Lawton, J E Amos, J W Fears,
N J Bussey, Jr., G A Lofton.
Alabama. —E B Teague, P T Warren, W C
Cleaveland, S R Freeman, T M Bailey, B H
Crumpton, W M Davis, E T Smyth, J Shackel
ford, I T Tichenor, 0 W Buck, W Hudson, I Put
man, W H Mclntosh, M T Sumner, T S Sumner,
D VV Gwin, R Weaver, P T Warren, J W Steel.
Mississippi.— J L Pettigrew, W S Webb, T J
Walne, J W Bozeman, B G Manard, E Dupree, R
II Whitehead, J W Stein, R G Hewlett, N T By
ars, E W Henderson, J H Oaslins, J H Cason, A
D Brown, L A Burruss, W II Carothers, T C
Teasdale, W D Burge, R H Hoshad.
Louisiana. —W E Paxton, B W Biakewoods, A
E Clemmons, T J Aden, J N Howell, J H Tucker,
T H Morgan, E G Taylor, J N Howell, J M
Lewis.
Texas— W W Mitchell, E Dodson, J B Link,
0 H P Garrett.
The Convention proceeded to the election of
officers. P H Meli was chosen President; E C
Williams, of Md., Secretary, T S Sumner, of Ala.,
Assistant Secretary; J S Coleman, of Ky., A
Sherwood, of Mo., J L Burrows, of Ya., and J
W M Williams, of Md, Vice Presidents.
W F Broaddus, of Va., led in prayer, during
the delay of reports from the tellers.
J W M Williams, of Md., offered a resolution,
calling for the appointment of a committee of
two from each State represented in the Conven
tion, to nominate members of the Boards for the
next year, which was adopted.
The hours of meeting and adjournment were
fixed, and Pastor Yeaman, in behalf of the Bap
tists of the city, gave the Convention a hearty wel
come to St. Louis —which he characterized as not
a Baptist city, not a Protestant city, not a Chris
tian city. There are eight American Baptist
churches in a population of nearly a third of a
million. He hoped that the session of the Con
vention might be blessed, to give an impetus to
our cause, in this great political and commercial
centre, where only a small proportion of the citi
zens attend the worship of God—less, indeed,
than frequent the beer gardens, theatres, etc., on
Lord's day. J L Burrows responded in behalf,
especially, of the Atlantic States. He pictured
St. Louis, as it was in his boyhood, and expressed
the hope that the Convention would leave behind
it a salutary influence for Jesus. J E Welch, of
Mo., alluded to the fact that fifty-four years ago,
it was a common thing, to kill wild game—squir
rels, turkeys, deers, —in “the woods," on the
spot where the Third Church now stands.
Adjourned with prayer by W M Davis, of Ala.
The Convention re assembled at 2 o’clock, p.ji.,
and prayer was offered by D T Morrall, of Mo.
On motion of A Sherwood, it was decided to
raise a Committee to examine the Constitution of
the Convention, to ascertain what amendments
may bo necessary or expedient.
A communication was read from J B Taylor, of
Ya., Cor. SBC. of the Foreign Mission Board, la
menting his unavoidable detention at home by
sickness. Prayer was made for his restoration;
T G Jones, of Tenn., leading. Communications
were read, also, from AY CCrane, of Texas, and
from the Secretary of the St. Louis Mercantile
Library Association; the latter, inviting members
of the Convention to visit the rooms of the As
sociation, was recognized with thanks.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats: JD
Fulton, of Mass., G W Anderson, of Pa., M J
Knowlton, missionary Ningpo, China, G S Mer
riam, agent of the American Bible Union, etc.
The pastors and deacons of the Baptist churches
in the city, were appointed a Committee on reli
gious services.
The reports of the Board of Foreign Missions
and of the Treasurer, were read by J B Taylor,
Jr., of Va. The receipts for the year (including
a balance in the treasury at the beginning of the
year ol $1,505.21,) have been $27,25451 ; ex
penditures, $24,293.84; the balance, $2,958.67,
is oalled for by appropriations for the year. The
increase of receipts over those of last year was
$5,244.98. Os the contributions to the Board
during the year, only $2,527.68 came from Geor
gia, and $1,720.79 from Alabama. The Report
of the Board was referred to Committees on
Agencies, Chinese Mission, African Mission, Eu
ropean Mission, Enlargement of the Work, etc.
The Report of the Treasurer was also referred to
a Committee.
M T Sumner, Cor. Sec., read the Report of
tbO Board of Domestic Missions. B W Whilden
has devoted one-fourth of‘his time, since Novem-
ber last, to the Chinese laborers in the South.
Including a balance in the Treasury at the begin
ning of the year of $219.03, the receipts have been
$31,442.2^—an advance on those of the previous
year of $9,673.44: Expenditures, $31,078.87:
Indebtedness for missionary labor up to April
Ist, $8,963 The Board has had 181 mission
aries in its employ, (against 64 the year before,)
who report 862 baptisms (against 343 the year be
fore.) Expenses in the-collection of. funds 16 per
cent, (against 22 per cent, the year before.) The
contribntiofft-from Georgia amounted to 8,799.50 ;
for Alabama, $5,482.22. The Report of the Board
was referred to Committees on the Religious Con
dition of Colored People at the South, on Orphan
Asylum injhe Creek Nation, on the Religious In
terests of Ctonese in the South, and on the Duty
of our Chqjshes in regard to Home Evangeliza
i tion and the best means of its Performance. The
Report of thp Treasurer was referred to the same
Committee wjth the Report of the Treasurer of
the Foreign Board.
Adjourned with prayer by E G Taylor, of La.
At night, jjjjre Introductory Sermon was preach
ed by W Williams, of S. C. (We shad give it to
our readers hereafter.)
Friday, May 12 th, 1871.
At 9 o’clock, am., the Convention opened its
morning session, with prayer by J E Welch. De
votional were conducted by J S Cole
man, who offered prayer ; as did G W Samson,
and W II Felix.
A communication was read from North Street
Baptist Tung Chau, China, commission
ing its pastor, J B Hartwell, to represent it in this
body, whd'was introduced to the Convention and
received the hlhnd of fellowship from the members
generally. HiTaddressed his brethren in thanks
for their cordial welcome to his native land. Thir
teen years ago, at the session of the Convention,
he was ordained to the ministry and designated
as a missionary. Providence directed him to the
North of China, and privileged him to establish
the first Christian mission in Tung Chau Foo.
The church raised up by him has been taught to
proclaim the gospel in the regions beyond, and
prosecutes effective missionary labor. He urged
the responsibility of the churches for the exten
sion of Christianity.
It was voted to print in the minutes of the Con.
vention the historical sketch contained in the ser
mon of W Williams last night.
The resolution of the Georgia Baptist Conven
tion deprecatory of agitation as to the abolition or
removal of any of the Boards of this Convention
was read and referred to the Committee on Nomi
nation of New Boards.
The President announced the following Com
mittees :
To Nominate Boards.—J W M Williams, A F
Crane, C H RyJj»nd, M Moore, D D Johnson, J
Mitchell, J B Boyce, C H Judson, W D Mayfield,
W M Lea, J II Luther, A C Avery, M Hillsman,
A Hatchett, S L Helm, N Long, H A Tupper, J
F Awtry, E B Teaguo, I Putnam, E Dupree, W
S Webb, B W Bfakewood, A E Clemmons, W W
Mitchell, E Dodson, II B McCallum.
On Credentials. —J S Coleman, G F Manning,
J W Jones, D 4) Johnson, J Mitchell, W D
Thomas, W R Rock, X X Buckner, W A Mont
gomery, J H Kilpatrick,Sß Freeman, J W Stein,
J M Lewis, A E Clemmons.
Constitutional Changes. —A Sherwood, D Sha
ver, W Williams, J K Murphy, T C Teasdale, J
R Howell, J M Weaver.
Treasurers' Reports. —W F Broaddus, A F
Crane, W J Lawton, W C Cleaveland, M W Phil
lips, II C Wallace, W M Pratt.
Agencies. —S L Heltn, A E Dickinson, C C Con
nor, S F Thompson, P T Warren, R.S Duncan, F
M II ay good.
China Mission.'—J E Welch, R Ryland, TE
Skinner, R Weav(j|, B Kimbrough, R H Graves,
J L Johnson. •
African Mission^ —E T Winkler, C Lewis, D
H Selph, II B HeaoJen, E T Smyth, G W Young,
J L Pettigrew.
European Mission. —G W Samsop, A T Spal
ding, A H Burlingham, J B Taylor, Jr., T T
Eaton, M T Sumner, N T Byars.
Enlargement of Work. W H Mclntosh, J B
Hartwell, S W Sanderlin, O C Betting, T Ram
bant,*W II Felix, J W Bozeman.
Colored People. —A M Poindexter, J AY Steel,
C C Chaplin, J AY Bozeman, AY E Paxton, AY A
Nelson, R Holman.
Orphan Asylum in Creek Nation. —S H Ford,
II Tulbird, J M C Breaker, B G Manard, J H
Gwalthiney, C H Judson, J B Thomas.
Religious Interests of Chinese in the South. —
R II Graves, J A Kirtley, L H Milliken, T G
Jones, M M Modisett, B Taylor, AY M Davis.
Duty of Churches, Home Evangelization. —E
G Taylor, T M Vaughan, S J Norton, G AY Rogers,
T Herndon, I T Tichenor, G A Lofton.
A resolution was offered by G AY Samson, pro
posing to raise a Committee to consider whether
any plan can be devised to secure greater co-ope
ration between our Boards on the one part and
State Boards and General Organizations devoted
to foreign and domestic missions, ministerial edu
cation and the publication of religious literature,
on the other. He wished no change in organiza
tion : but held that co-operation is necessary in
the performance of the work of the churches be
yond their own limits, and the great problem is—
how to secure it. . S H Ford, of Tenn., desired
co-operation, but believed that discussion checks
it. It must be the spontaneous outgrowth of
Christian love and zeal. On his motfon, the reso
lution was laid on the table.
The Report of the Sunday School Board was
read by T C Teasdale, Cor. Sec. The receipts
during the year, $19,198.71: expenditures, $lB,-
808.09: liabilities, $5, 972.59 : assets, $18,776.40.
Os the receipts, $7,850.26 were by contributions
from the several States : of which sum, $1,514.47
came from Georgia, and $694.53 from Alabama.
The expenses of managing the affairs of the Board
for the year were 25 per cent, on its gross receipts.
The report was referred to three Committees : on
its publications, on its missionary work, and on
the claim of Mrs. Cooper. The treasurer’s report
was referred to the committee charged with the
reports of the treasurers of the other Boards.
Adjourned with prayer by C R Blackall, of 111.
At 2 o’clock, P. 11., after prayer by W II Strick
land, of Ga., the report of the Treasurer of tbe
Convention was read and ordered to be printed
in the Minutes; and the Convention proceeded to
the election of Treasurer and Auditor. G W
Norton, of Ky , was elected Treasurer, and N
Long, of Ky., Auditor.
A communication was received from 0 R Black
all, inviting the members of the Convention to
attend the Northern Baptist Anniversaries, next
week, in Chicago. The thanks of the body were
returned for this courtesy.
The President announced the following Com
mittees :
Publications of the Sunday School Board. —
J R Graves, A R Callaway, N Flood, J L Burruss,
W H Caruthers, D B Ray, T P Walne.
Mission Work of the S. S. Board. —J H De-
Yotie, A W Chambliss, E S Dulid, T S Dunna
way, J R Chestnutt, C W Buck, J C Maple.
Mrs. Cooper's Claim. —M Hillsman, J G Ryals,
E Dodson, W H Barksdale, E D Starke, W B
Lawler, T M Vaughan.
The Gommittee on African Missions reported;
recommending the Foreign Mission Board to train
colored preachers for that field, in view of the
increased enquiry in Central Africa, respecting
Christianity. J L Burrows stated that tbe sub
ject had attracted the attention of the Board, and
was shaping its policy. G W Samson felt that
the providence of God was leading the way to
such efficient Baptist labor In Africa, as might
parallel the work that made us the originators of
the first modern Christian church in Rome. J D
Fulton, of Boston, spoke by invitation. He had
been for years engaged in the education of Freed,
men, and is now President of the National Theo
logical Institute; but be did not believe that tbe
North alone could perform this work. The ques
tion of the near future is, whether America shall
be Romish or Baptist; If Southern and North
ern Baptists will unite to educate all classes of
our population, that question will receive a hap
py solution. S H Ford held that the Baptists of
the South felt for the Freedmon as no other peo
ple on the earth did—or could. The speech of
the Boston brother raised the enquiry, whether
our Northern brethren were unlearning the be
lief that our past relations to the colored race un
fitted us for the woik of educating them. He
thought that if the Baptists of the North in this
work showed singleness of aim, an eye to reli
gious ends alone, the union which this brother
desired, would come in due season. A M Poin
dexter spoke of his personal interest in the col
ored race from boyhood, and of his solicitude for
their spiritual interests throughout his student
and ministerial life. He believed that the way
was opening for more hopeful missionary labor
in Africa than ever before; and we have growing
up around us all the missionaries that South and
North alike can support. The report was adopt
ed.
The Committee on the subject recommended
that the question of agencies be referred to the
Boards; which was done.
G W Burkton, J W Fears, J M Bradley, L
Wilson, B W Blakewood, J Levering, and A
Hatchett were appointed a Committee to fix the
place of the next session, and to nominate the
preacher of the Introductory Sermon.
Adjourned with prayer by E S Dulin.
[Thursday, p.ii.— We have delayed publication a day
beyond the usual time, hoping to be able to lay full
proceedings of the Convention before onr readers. The
mails have, however, failed to supply us in regular or
der. We are, therefore, compelled to forego that pleas
ure this week. In our next issue, complete proceed
ings will appear.]
—. 9
Front Alabama,
Our " District Meeting” closed last Sab
bath, and every one who attended must feel
conscious of moral elevation. It was held
with the “ Pleasant Hill church, 1 ’ in Dallas
county. We had several of those convincing,
life inspiring speeches from Dr. Freeman, of
which acquaintances know him to be capable.
He also gave us three sermons, the effects of
which will be felt until the judgment. He is
surely where he belongs—at the head of the
Institution, of which Alabama Baptists ought
to be proud. I wish it were expedient in this
article, to say more of Dr. F. and Howard
College; but I promised, ins*my last, a de
scription of Elder F. M. Baily’s field and
work. By the way, this indefatigable
pastor, with Dr. W. C. Cleveland—both be-,
longing to our “ District”—gave us two of
the best addresses in our meeting, just closed,
I ever heard. We all feel thankful for such
earnest and able co-laborers. These breth
ren were the getters-up of this style of meet
ing in our country, which has done more in
sixteen months for indoctrinating and devel
oping practical Christianity than the preach
ing of twelve years.
Bro. T. M. Baily was once a Moravian mis
sionary to the West Indies. There he be.
came convinced of error with regiird to bap
tism, married an excellent wife, and came to
America and attached himself to the Baptists.
Since that time, (above fifteen years,) he has
loved them and labored for them. He is now
the esleemed pastor of “ Old Town church.”
in Dallas, and “ Ash Creek” and “ Mt. Gil
ead” churches, in Lowndes county. Ileris a
wonderful Sabbath school man, and in those
churches of his charge where they have failed
to have a Sabbath school, it would be useless
for another to try. He is a near neighbor of
mine, and his post office Pleasant Hill. I
hope his modesty will not blush so minute,
yet real description of the man.
“ Old Town church” is situated between
Benton and Pleasant Hill—eight miles from
each—on gravelly soil, and “ much water” is
near by. It is in the midst of a fine farming
neighborhood, with every character and qual
ity of soil. The aspect of the country is very
inviting for several miles in either direction.
The church numbers about sixty, and the
greater part very efficient members. They
have the most thoroughly organized and un
precedentedly interesting Sabbath schbol in
this land. Nearly all of the church belong
to it, and they meet punctually every “Lord’s
day.” The church is thoroughly baptistic.
They have regular preaching once a month,
but several of them are desiring it twice.
They, however, have had considerable repair
ing to be done, which afforded a legitimate
excuse for preaching once this year. Too
much could scarcely be said of this noble body
of disciples. The next session of the Alabama
Association will be held with this church. If
any one believes I speak in extravagant terms
of it, let him visit it during the session of that
body, beginning on Friday before second Sab
bath in October. ”
The “ Ash Creek church” is located about
twelve miles southeast of Benton, in Lowndes
county, in the prairies, where the rich soil
comes up to the very door. The country is
beautiful in summer, but sickly, and scarce of
water. This church is not so strong, numeri
cally nor financially, as the first; and they
have no regular Sabbath school, on account
of bad roads in winter and the distance of
some members from the church ; but they
have preaching twice a month, and contribute
liberally to missions.
Mt. Gilead is situated between the last
mentioned church and Benton, in Lowndes
county, upon sandy soil, surrounded by
prairie and Creek lands. This is a beautiful,
level country, well watered, and only tolera
bly healthy. There is a good deal of wealth
in that section, but very little in the church.
This church is very weak, having lost its two
deacons last year; yet they pay their pastor
three hundred dollars for one Sabbath service
a month. Bro. P. H. Lundy served this
people for a number of years. They need
the sympathies and prayers of God’s children,
and I trust they will have them. Bro. Pro
prietor, visit these churches next fall, and I
think it will be profitable to you and them.
In my next, I will give an account of Dr.
W, C. Cleveland’s field and work. Some of
your Georgia churches are after this brother,
but I trust Alabama will not be so soundly
asleep as they were when they allowed Dr.
Tatbird and several others of worth to leave
them. B. H. Cbumpton.
Pleasant Hill, Ala., April ZOth, 1871.
Ebenezer Sabbath School Convention.
The Second District Ebenezer Sabbath
School Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, April 29th, 1871, with the Blue Water
Sunday school at Pine Hill Academy, Lau
rens county, Ga.
After preaching by Rev. W. L. Geiger,
from Ps. xxxiv: 11— “ Come, ye children,
hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of
the Lord ” —a subject so befitting, and so beau
tifully, and so clearly demonstrated by our
worthy brother—and prayer by Rev. J. J.
Morgan, the Convention proceeded to a per*
mnnent organization, which resulted in the
re-election of Bro. J. Rivers, President, and
M. L. Burch, Clerk.
Proceeded to the appointment of various
Committees.
On motion of Dr. H. Fisher, Rev. W. S.
Ramsay was requested to address the Con
vention on the “ One Universal Lesson Sys
tem” of teaching, which he did in a most in
structive and impressive manner; and, upon
a vote being taken, it wa9 found that this Con
vention did most heartily concur with Bro. R.
in setting this down as thb mode, and, on
motion, again recommended it as such to all
the Sabbath schools in the district.
Applications were made from various Sab
bath schools for the next annual session of this
Convention, but it was finally agreed that it
be held with the school at Bethlehem, Lau
rens county, four miles east of Dublin, on
Friday at 2 o’clock p.m., before the sth Sun
day in April, 1872. Brethren are requested
to bear this in mind, and to send on their dele
gates, as we sincerely desire a representation
of each Sabbath School in the district at our
next annual meeting.
1 can scarcely close this communication
without saying something of the flourishihg
Sabbath school at Pine Hill, with which this
Convection had the pleasure of Convening.
It was organized about one year ago, under
the superintendency of Bro. H. M. Burch.
Bro. 8., though a hearty supporter of the pro
ject, was loth to accept the position as super
intendent ; but, making it an object of special
prayer, finally resolved that he would not
"bury his Lord’s money/’and, with his corps
of faithful teachers, aided by the prayers of
the good people around there, went to work ;
and surely a most delightful season have they
in reflecting upon the good works they have
been instrumental in doing. The Holy Spirit
ssems to smile upon their efforts; for, already
many of their number have been received
into the church of the living God, and others,
as we learn, are now laboring under deep con
viction. The school now numbers—including
teachers—nearly one hundred regular attend
ants, and is yet under the superintendtnoy of
Bro. 8., with the faithful and efficient services
of Bro. L. ,1. Rivers, as Assistant Superin
tendent. Sunday School Scholar'.
Publin, Oa., Hay bth, 1871.
Friendship Association.
The District General Meeting of the Friend
ship Association convened with the Baptist
Church at Eilaville, Friday, the 28th of
April 1871, at 11 o’clock, a. m. Elder Isaac
Hart preached the introductory sermon, Ist
John, iii: 1, and Elder G. W. Weekly closed
‘the services with prayer.
The meeting was organized by electing
Elder Isaac Hart, Moderator, and S E Eason,
Clerk.
The Moderator appointed the following
committee on preaching : Brethren Sears,
Battle and Epps. The meeting adjourned
until 2 o’clock, p. m.
The afternoon session was opened by sing
ing and prayer by Elder Keath. On motion
of Bro. G. F. Cooper, the reading of the
Essays was postponed until to morrow. The
questions for debate were also deferred until
Saturday.
Bro. Cooper moved that the meeting now
spend some half hour in devotional exerci
ses. Bro. G. T. Wilburn moved to amend
by adding, that the meeting debate any vol
untary question which may be submitted,
and that after the discussion this body spend
half an hour in devotional exercises. The
resolution as amended was passed, and Bro.
Wilburn submitted the question, "Should
members of the church permit their children
to attend dancing schools—and what action
should the cliuich take in reference to such
members '!
Brethren Wilburn, Keath and Hart spoke
warmly upon this question; after which Bro.
Cooper offered the following resolution which
was adopted; " Resoloed, That it is unwise in
Christian parents to patronize dancing schools,
as it is inconsistent with Christian character,
and should receive the condemnation of ail
the churches of Christ.
The body now proceeded to spend some
time in devotional exercises. Singing and
prayer by brethren Battle and Epps.
After which the Moderator appointed the
following Business Committee; G. T. Wil
burn, G. F. Cooper and G. W. Weekley.
On motion, adjourned until 9 o’clock on to
morrow. Bro. Keath preached at night.
Saturday Morning, April 29, 8 a. m.
Singing and prayer by Elder Keath. The
minutes of the previous day were read and
confirmed. Elder B. Hinton then read an
essay on the subject which had been assigned
him by the General Meeting when convened
at Buena Vista: “ Was the commission given
by the Saviour to the Apostles, limited to
them'?” If so, by what authority do minis
ters now preach the gospel ?” The essay was
commented on by brethren G. F. Cooper, J.
Cay wood, G. T. Wilburn and Keath. On
motion, by brother Cooper, the essay was
adopted, and Bro. Hinton requested to fur
nish a copy for the press. The body ad
journed until 11 2 o’clock. Elder B. Hinton
preached at 11 o’clock : Eccle. xii: 13.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Opened with singing and prayer by Elder
G. F. Cooper. Attended to the reading of
the essay assigned to Elder G. T. Wilburn,
at the last general meeting, on the following
questions :
Ist. Are the terms Elder and Bishop used
interchangeably in the New Testament, as
applicable to the same officer in the churches
of Jesus Christ ?
2nd. If they are so used, are all Rishops
Elders, and are all Elders Rishops?
3d. Do all Elders in the churches of Jesus
Christ labor in word and doctrine?
4th. If all do not, what i3 the work of
those who do not, and if these have a script
ural title other than that of Elder, what is it?
Bro. Hinton moved that the thanks of this
body be tendered to Bro. Wilburn for the
very ajde essay which he hasjust read. The
motion passed unanimously.
Bro. Mott moved that Bro. Wilburn be
requested to furnish a copy of the essay for
publication. Bro Wilburn objected on the
ground that he did not have time to prepare
the essay for the press. Bro. Cooper moved
“That Bro. Wilburn be requested to furnish
at least the argument from the New Testa
ment.” Passed.
After the reading of the essays, the meet
ing proceeded to consider the questions pro
posed at the last general meeting.
Ist. Has a church the scriptural right to
require the attendance of her members on
her conference or business days ?
This question was discussed in an interest
ing manner by Elders G. T. Wilburn, G. F.
Cooper and R. Keath.
The decision of the body was that a church
has the scriptural right to require the mem
bers to attend on Conference days.
2nd. Is there any secular business to which
we can attend on the Sabbath, without viola
ting the law which requires us to keep it holy ?
Discussed ably by Elders G. T. Wilburn,
R. Keath and G. F. Cooper. Bro.
offered the following substitute, and moved
that it lie over until the next general meet
ing. Passed.
What secular work does the New Testa
ment forbid to be performed on the Sabbath ?
The 3rd question proposed at the last
meeting was postponed until the next meet
ing.
(The Committee on Business submitted
the following questions for essays and dis
cussion at the next general meeting:)
Ist Essay. Does scripture require that feet
washing should be perpetually observed by
the members of Christ’s church ?
If scripture does so require, when and where
should it be observed 1 Elder J. 11. Cay
wood to write.
2nd Essay. What is the import of the
word baptism, as found In the New Testa
ment 1 ? Elders G. F. Cooper and J. 11.
Corley to write.
Ist Question for Discussion. What means
can be adopted to induce God s people to
study more carefully the Scriptures, and to
place a higher estimate upon their teachings 1
2nd. What are the scriptural prerequisites
/for admission to the Lord’s Supper 1
Bd. Are there any circumstances under
which one called of God to preach the Gos
pel may decline the work and give himself
to secular employment 1
4th. What secular work docs the New
Testament forbid to be done on the Sabbath ?
On motion, Elder Wm. Duncan was ap
pointed to preach the Introductory Sermon at
the next general meeting. Elder J. H. Cay
wood, alternate. The thanks of the body was
extended to the citizens for their kindness
and hospitality. The body then adjourned.
Sunday Morning, April 30.
The members of the body attended the
Sabbath School, but by some misunderstand
ing, very few children were present. The
Sabbath School exercises were, opened by
Elder G. T. Wilburn. The teachers then
proceeded to hear their several classes.
Elder G. F. Cooper preached at II o’clock,
after which a small collection was made for
brother Buckner.
Elder G. T. Wilburn preached at 3 o’clock,
and Elder G. W. Weekly at night.
The entire exercises were interesting and
impressive.
The next general meeting is at Sharon
church, near Brown s Sta ion, the sth Sab
bath in July.
Isaac Hart, Moderator.
S. E. Eason 1 , Clerk.
EllavilU, Scldy Cos., Ou., April 28, 1871.
A Suggestion.
In future let the Georgia Baptist Conven
tion elect its President at the close of each
session. This arrangement will give the
President elect a year in which to acquaint
himself with the rules which will enable him
to preside with ease, and dispatch business.
Let us remember that it is understood that
the Presidency of the Convention confers
power, and that it may bo “ wielded” and
“ laid down.”
Let us remember that the power which
some think has been “ wielded for harmony
and union,” may be wielded for unsauctified
purposes, and the attainment of the ends of
personal ambition.
Let us remember that Baptists are no
more than men—are subject to like passions
as others, and therefore love power, and rare
ly reach the point where they—when invest
ed with it—would decline to use it. Let. us
be careful, then, how we clothe even Bap
tists with power.
Let all Baptists read the 15th chapter of
Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman
Empire, and learn from a disinterested wit'
ness that the churches of the 21 and 3d cen
turies opened the path w hich Baptists for the
last half century have been treading—that
error and power—which in religion go hand
in hand and refuse to be divorced—distracted
aud rent the churches of those times, and
culminated in seating the Pope upou his
throne-—the head of Babylon»the great—the
mother of harlots; who has made all “na
tions drunk with the wine of the wrath of
her fornication, with whom the kings of the
earth have committed fornication,” and of
whose “golden cup”—in which are hid her
“abominations and imparities”—even Bap
tists have tasted. Wickuffe.
Meeting of Third District Central Associa
tion.
Quite a respectable delegation from several
churches in the district, met at Ramoth church,
on Friday before the filth Sabbath tilt. The
Introductory Sermon was preached by Bro.
G. W. Smith, in the absence of Bro. E. Jew
el'i. The Committee on Business reported
two very interesting queries, which were dis
cussed with great earnestness. The first had
reference to an increased knowledge of the
Scriptures among church members, and the
method that pastors should adopt to enlist a
more careful reading and study of the Scrip
tures. After the discussion, led off" and sus
tained with spirit to the end, the following
resolution wafc adopted: We recommend to
pastors to assign certain portions of Scrip
ture for careful reading, each month, and
pastors .to make it a part of their duty, at
their regular or occasional visits, to make
such Scripture the subject of conversation.
The other question had reference to the
want of knowledge among our members re
specting missions, and consequent want of
sympathy with this important church work;
and what method should pastors adopt to
create more efficiency in mission work, among
their members'? After a pleasant discussion,
this resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That we recommend to pastors
to appoint agents from among their female
members, to collect funds for our various be
nevolent projects, and report to them monthly,
and further recommend that these agents in
form themselves respecting their individual
agencies, and converse frequently on said
subjects, and thus endeavor to infuse in others
a greater interest in missions.
Just after the passage of this resolution, a
collection was taken up for the deficit in our
State Mission, and $25 was seut to Bro.
Chaudoin. Our pastors’ private meeting, on
Saturday afternoon, for mutual sympathy,
advice and encouragement, was very pleasant
and profitable. We had faithful and earnest
preaching during the session. Our next meet
ing is to be held with Carmel church, in the
Ist district, on Friday before the fifth Sab
bath in July.
Did brethren know how pleasant and prof
itable these meetings have become, they would
allow no ordinary business to prevent their
attendance. v S.
VVaynmanvillc Church, da.
hou may be surprised to receive a com
munication from me at this place; but I am
teaching a school near Waynmanville, and
have charge of the Baptist church at that
place, reorganized by Rev. W. 11. Richard
son and myself, in honor of the late lamented
Rev. Jacob King, under the name of “ King’s
Chapel.” lam also preaching two Sundays
a month in Thomaston. This church is im
proving, under the efficient labors of Bro. A.
J. King, in the Sunday school. He Is bring
ing it up to a high standard of usefulness.
The aged and the young are all enlisted. The
Adult Bible Class is a popular feature, whilst
every child is made to feel that he or she can do
something besides studying the lesson. We
have been recently presented with a fine or
gan, by the New ork Merchants, through
the instrumentality of Col. Mart.
We are just introducing the envelope sys
tem, and with the future cooperation of our
female members and the united prayers of
every member, accompanied by the Holy
Spirit, we hope for glorious things.
W. J. Morcock.
Thomaston, Ga.
Letter from East Tennessee.
It i9 sometimes an exceedingly difficult
matter to get something to fill up a news let
ter. This is particularly true with your cor
respondent at this time. Many things which
are quite interesting to us, would not be so
to your readers, and when I cull over the
counts that have transpired since my last
letter, 1 find that there is really so little to
present that I am half-inclined to abandon the
task of writing, for the present.
Our churches arc enjoying the usual quiet
between the “revivals,” and we need not
expect much news from them until the sea
son of protracted meetings returns. It will,
doubtless, be difficult for some of your read
ers to understand this, and it may be neces
sary for me to remark, that there is a sort of
periodicity in these matters, in East Tennes
see. During the Fall and Winter, it is cus
tomary to hold meetings and put forth extra
ordinary efforts, w hich are generally attended
with results corresponding to the means em
ployed. When these meetings are over, in
the large majority of cases, no effort is made
beyond that of keeping up monthly preaching,
until the next “revival”—a sort of Bethesda
arrangement. We are now quietly awaiting