Newspaper Page Text
j fpsiFTH')is soul
ce, which
-■'JPWqu to engender. He had
to beguile him, practically, into
persuasion, that his industry, enter
prise and skill would reap their harvest of gain,
even if the hand of God were shut against him.
These are the two great evils from which Chris
tians need to purge the bosom, as regards the ac
quisition of temporal things. We must not suf
fer desire to transcend the bounds of moderation,
nor success to make us unmindful of our absolute
dependence on the providence of God. In this
spirit, let us labor in the sphere of worldly busi
ness, and give in the sphere of Christian Work.
“ Napping.”
A week or two since, we expressed ourselves
as “ altogether willing to have ‘adult baptisms’
wirirerous among Southern Methodists than
infant baptisms.” The Western Recorder , while
complimenting us as “usually so wakeful and
accurate,” thinks that we “ must have been nap
ping” when we said so. Our contemporary
asks: “Wherein is Methodist adult baptism
preferable to infant baptism ?” At the risk of
talking in our sleep again, under the delusion
that our eyes are wide open—we answer: Meth
odist ‘adult baptism’ in many cases, recognizes
the true baptismal act, immersion, as against all
human substitutes for it—in most cases, is based
on a credible profession of “faith, conversion or
regeneration,” which is the true warrant for
admission to the ordinance —and in all cases,
proceeds upon conscious, free activity of soul
in iho suhjjct, which is the true fundamental
'principle underlying every duty of the Chris
tian and every institution of the church. There
fore, while for all ecclesiastical purposes, we must,
as Bap ists hold it, for other defects, null and
void, in these three points it is a marked advance,
beyond Methodist infant baptism, toward the per
fect “way of the Lord” as the New Testament
slakes it out. It betokens one stage of progress
in the direction of the ultimate pievalence of the
views, (or the defence of which the Recorder and
the Index are set.
Allow God supplies cs.—When the oil of thfe
Wphet’s'Widow wasWtfpfiea b'y TsivairpoweP,
t'f release her from debt and to support her house
hold, the supply was poured, not merely into
vessels of her own, but into vessels which she
was instructed to ’borrow of all her neighbors,
and scant not.’ So, as regards the gift of light
and grace from God, not our own study and prayer
alone serve as vessels to receive it: the prayer
and study of other saints are vessels into which
lie puts it for us. We receive from Him by
‘borrowing’ from them—not forgetful, however,
that their vessels and ours must alike remain
empty, except as they are filled from on high.
Let us not be too negligent, or proud, to learn
according to His methods, who often teaches one
servant and son by what another has been taught ,
and privileges us “as little childien” to hear
from each other’s lips, His word of guidance, of
comfort, and of purification. Oh Lord, withhold
not instruction and strengthening from us, but
instruct and strengthen us by whose lips Thou
wilt! And put into our lips a testimony by
w hich souls, such souls as Thou choosest, may
be instructed and strengthened from Thee!
A “ Means of Grace” (?)
A lady, “ regardless of her own salvation,” “a
thoughtless, trifling sinner,” heard that a Metho
dist cucuit-rider “ would be in the neighborhood
in a few weeks and baptize the children.” She
4 conclui<jl4o- present her child for baptism, as
not wish to appear odd.’ “Determined
to make a show, and to have it said by the con
giegation that her child was the sweetest, pret
tiest and finest dressed of all,” she “ started to
cuui ch,” on the appointed Sabbath, “ for a frolic."
“ When the invitation was given, she hastened to
be the first to go lorward, that her child might be
seen.” During the performance of the service,
however, she was smitten with pungent convic
tion, under the thought that while surrendering
her off-pring to Christ, she bad failed to surren
der to God her heart; and the train of feeling
thus awakened led to her conversion. Speaking
ot this incident, years afterward, she said that
“ inlant baptism had been used by the Holy Spirit
to lead her to Jesus and salvatiorp” A writer, iju
one of our exchanges, whose narrative we are con
densing, exclaims: “ Precious testimony in favor
of baptism, as a means of grace !” And he joins
with the lady in * urging every servant of Jesus
to do all in his power to persuade parents, profes
sors or non-professors, to give their children to
Const, by attending to this beautiful ordinance
of the Christian church.’
It is a most unsafe thing, to make whatever
God has overruled as the occasion of awakening,
a guide to Christian duty. Take one example.
A Swedish infidel once fell in with pirates on the
Baltic Sea. Mistaking him for a priest, they com
pelled him, as the price of his life, to preach to
them. The sermon, not only melted bis savage
audience to tears, but led him to repentance and
faith. Shall we say, “ Precious testimony in favor
of infidel preaching, as a means of grace ?” No:
the preaching of the infidel, and the baptism of
her child by the ungodly mother under mere
constraint of custom,’ were both sins ; and God,
da His sovereignty, graciously deigned to bring
good out of evil. Besides; what kindled her com
punction, has only served to confirm thousands of
parents in thoughtlessness and irreligion—smooth
ing their way to eternal death: a consideration,
surely, which, with potent ypice, warns all not to
tread in her steps J
Here is a case which puts before us gag of the
countless Variations of Pedobaptism. This lad j,
on the ground of her experience, advises “parents
svbo are not members of the church, to make a
public consecration of their children to Christ p”
and the correspondent of an excellent Methodist
paper, echoes her counsel. But, on the other
hand, the Presbyterian standards peremptorily
set their face against it. They repel children
from baptism, where at least one j>r the other of
the parents does not “ profess faith in Christ and
, ■ tv flfthe . touch and
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% , ’ V Aml again •
if ? *•; "• K f.r n-fisiru l
M £*-• - flHko th hui i.’h
V i' n it is a con,
P-pV : | » parties is in
\ ' £' * t |iwio a« bvidc-s
•l.Hpcry-.TfiHn rtf a
■ soul:- How
' rally, since
■h relation to infant
Hpjny cir-umstanct/*'
Mpes at St. Louis and
BPeago,
■juries of our denomination,
HKccurrng, as they did, in close
* have developed some
VEp\ must exercise a controlling influ
■K: future history of the Baptists in each
Unu A sufficient number of representative
JKn were present at each of the meetings to test
and decide many practical questions that will
shape the policy of the two organizations. A few
good brethre»An each section had somehow taken
it into their that a union of the two bodies
was “consummation devoutly to be wished,” and
would be the prelude to a prosperity that would
throw into the shade all the achievements of the
past. We are persuaded that all this class of
our brethren are now satisfied to “ let well enough
alone.”
We had been tsught years before the late war,
by this great party of “ moral ideas," that South
ern slavery was “ the sum of all villainies,” (an
expression coined, originally, we believe, by John
Wesley,) and that any sort of connection with a
people guilty of it, was not to be tolerated by
“the saints.” But now we are informed that
there is another sin of a still deeper dye than this,
of which we must furnish evidences of repent
ance and reformation, or we never can share the
priceless boon of their Christian fellowship! And
what is that sin whose moral magnitude darkens
the whole horizon of so many of our Northern
brethren ? Why, that we stubbornly refuse to
change the Ethiopian’s skin—that we will not re
cognize him as the equal of the white race in
every respect —that we still persist in saying that
all the laws, constitutional and statutory, both by
General and State Governments, leave him just
where they found him. This is, at present, our
offence. What it will be twelve months hence,
depends upon the fluctuating tide of public sen
timent in the “land of steady habits(!)” We
are gratified to state, however, that these views
did not receive the final endorsement of the
meeting at Chicago.
And then, as to “free speech,” how strikingly
the views of our Northern brethren must concili
ate the confidence and admiration of the poor be
nighted South ! We, simple souls, had supposed
that the laws of politeness demanded that when
we invited a stranger to address us, we should pa
tiently hear what he had to say—certainly that
we should not show any marks of indignity to
the speaker during the utterance of even unwel
come sentiments. But how mistaken ! as witness
the treatment of Dr. Tichenob, who was invited
to address the Home Mission Society at Chicago at
its late meeting, on the, great question of improving
tnontf arid n&ntaf character of the negro.
The Doctor 100 k occasion to remind the assem
bled wisdom of the North, that a degree of sub
jective capacity was essential to vitalize any
agencies employed to civilize any people; and we
have reason to believe that notwithstanding the
hisses to which he was subjected, not a few
thoughtful men appreciated his views.
But, we repeat, we are gratified at this mutual
interchange of sentiment on this vexed question.
The colored people will be civilized, if they are
ever civilized, as all others have been. The An
glo-Saxon race is to-day just what the Christian
izing and civilizing processes of eighteen centuries
have made it. These processes have increased in
volume and power with every succeeding genera
tion, and yet much remains to be done. Whether
the negro has better capacities on which to begin
than our race had, it is not lor us to say; or
whether the present superior influences and ap
pliances over those of antiquity will produce a
more rapid growth his in civilization, will appear
in due time. We cannot but believe that the views
of Northern and Southern Christians will, at no
distant day, so nearly approximate as to make
harmonious co operation, through our own or
ganizations, possible and practicable.
But we only took up our pen to express our
gratification at the final results of the recent in
terchange of views on this question, from North
ern and Southern Baptists. Let each section op
erate through its own agencies, and after we have
all done what we can, North, South, East and
West, we shall have affecting cause to account
ourselves as “ unprofitable servants.” May the
good time soon come “ when Ephraim shall no
more vex Judab, nor Judah vex Ephraim.”
H.
Reviews and Notices.
The Baptist Htmn Book. Philadelphia: American
Baptist Publication Society. Pp. 690: Djjnna JoOO.
A hymn book, like a school book, needs to be
used in order to be known. We pronounce with
some hesitation, therefore, upon the claims of this
new candidate for the favor of the denomination.
Our examination indeed, impresses us with a
sense of its genera Wnerit. But we doubt whether
the merit is so marked, as probably to displace
“ the Psalmist” or “ the Psalmody,” where these
are already in use. There are old hymns wanting,
which it is no gain, certainly, to lose; and their
place is occupied, in some instances, by new
hymns, which it is a loss, perhaps, to gain. The
work of abridgement is not always wisely per
formed —is even performed, here and there, most
unwelcomely. The pages are marred, now and
then, by verses which hardly meet the require
ments of a cultivated taste, and which do not
strike us as necessary to the expression of devo
tional sentiment The arrangement is satisfactory
on the whole; but occasionally we feel that a
hymn is assigned to one department rather than
another, by an arbitrary or even fanciful process.
The doctrinal soundness of the volume is beyond
question ; and yet there is one hymn which ad
mits of an Antinomian construction, and more
than one which, in the most natural sense, convey
lltllenamn ideas. :To sum up :we incline tp
say .that, with Judicious revision, the Baptist Hymn
Book may he made probably tbe best of its class.
Th* Saw Tmtaxwt Test-Book. Compiled from tbe
Works of tbe moat eminent Biblical' Writers. By
Stephen Hawes, Author of “ Syncbronolvgy of Sa
cred and Profane History." Boston; Lee 4 Shep- '
arc. Pp. 176. For salt, Atlanta, by J. J. <£■ tS. P.
Biehards.
This Manual embraces s historical tabular view
of the Qospels—tables of the parables, discourses
&n<? miracles of Christ—a summary of the pre
dictions in jti?e pid Testament with their fulfill
ment in the .classification of the books of
the New Testament with observations on each
sketches of the principal persons .descrip
tions of the principal places mentioned in the
New Testament—a synchronology of tbe princi
pal events in sacred and profane history from B.
C. 100 to A.D. 10Q, —maps showing the journeys
INDEX AND SOOTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA, GA„ THORSDAT, JONE 29, 1871.
Mt ■ l ' 3 ii W;. * r __ i : f IP ■ m 1
of Jesus and Paul, —etc. It contains, in a con
densed form and at a cheap price, much valuable
informal!"", as an introduction to' the intelligent
the Christian Scriptures; and Sunday
[school teachers who are not able to supply them
selves with the larger works of which this is a
compendium, will find it a useful aid in their
work. '
Histort oe the First Baptist Church, Chicago : With
toe Articles of Faith and Covenant, a Catalogue of
its Members, April 1. 1871, and a Compendof Chris
tian Doctrines held by Baptists, in Catechism. Chi
cago: Lakeside Publishing Company. Pp. 96.
The Baptists of Chicago, in numbers, largely
lead any other Protestant denomination in the
city. Their growth is due in great degree to the
wise and liberal policy of the First church, and
its present gifted and efficient pastor, Rev. W. W.
Everts, D.D. We could wish that a sketch
of the methods of our brethren in Chicago for
Church Extension, could be furnished to all the
papers of the denomination, as a spur to activity
and enterprise everywhere. At not a few points,
we fear, opportunities for the firm establishment
and stead)' advance of the Baptist cause, are pass
ing from us unimproved, for want of an eye to
discern and a hand to grasp them.
Thb McAllisters. By Mrs. E. J. Richmond. New
York: National Temperance Society and Publica
tion House. Pp. 211.
Quite an interesting story, putting in clear
lights various mischiefs of strong drink and ben
efits of total abstinence. The power of the nar
rative, for good, is not at all increased by the
four or five references to “holy baptism” as
performed upon infants—in one of which a mother
is made to say, “In my darkest hours, 1 have
remembered with gladness that you were all con
secrated to Jesus, and my faith in His promises
has never wavered.” The proselytism of such
allusions to sectarian usage, in a work avowedly
intended to serve the interests of a moral reform
in which all evangelical Christians feel a concern,
calls for correction.
Our Zion—in Our Exchanges, etc.
Georgia. —The newspapers state that our
church at Columbus has granted an indefinite
leave of absence to its pastor, Rev. T. E. Skinner,
D.D., on account of the ill-health of his wife.
Alabama. —Rev. N. B. Williams, of Wetump
ka, a graduate of our Seminary, Greenville, S. C.,
has been accepted by our Board at Richmond as
missionary to China. Moses Wright has been
ordained to the ministry, at Brush Creek church,
Lauderdale county. Anew Association, to be
known as the Colbert Shoals Association, has
been formed to embrace the counties of Colbert
and Lauderdale. Brush Creek, Bluff Creek, Chick
asaw, Cane Creek, Mt. Oarinel and Newsome
Springs churches were represented iu the Con
vention forming it. Rev. C. A. Kendrick writes
to us from Greenville, June 21st: “The Index is
extensively patronized here, and is considered by
all as high authority in denominational ethics. I
am happy to report a favorable condition of things
in our Zion here. There seems to be a good spirit
in our church, and a generally expressed desire
that the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon us
in abundance.”
Arkansas.—“A solitary Baptist lady, of Hot
Springs, some time ago, determined to have a
Baptist church in that place. She accordingly
went to work and built a neat and commodious
meeting house, and arranged with a missionary
to preach in it once a month. The result is a
church of thirty or forty members, with a Sunday
school nearly as large.” Several weeks since,
at Chocoville, Rev. Mr. DeChamp, a Baptist min
ister, was shot ddfed in the pulpit, without provo
cation, by a young man whom he offended sev
eral years since, by a reproof for most disorderly
and profane conduct during the administration of
the ordinance of baptism.
Kentcckt. — We have heretofore omitted to say
that Rev. J. B. Hawthorne has accepted the pas
toral care of Broadway church, Louisville.
The Baptist General Association of this State, at
its late session, passed a resolution forbidding
public collections to be taken up in the body, be
cause “ the churches are the places for such col.
lections,” and “ the repeated appeals for money
on such occasions tend to keep brethren from at
tending.” Rev. Jno. F. White, pastor of Rocky
Ridge church for nearly thirty years, has resigned
on account of “ local affliction,” and is succeeded
by Rev. R. W. Morehead. In the graduating
class of Georgetown College are five young men
who will enter the ministry. Rev. J. L. M.
Curry, LL.D., of Richmond, Va., has been elected
to the Presidency of Georgetown College, to suc
ceed Rev. N. M. Crawford, D.D., who has return
ed to Georgia. Hardin Shively has been or
dained to the ministry atMt. Tabor church, Larue
county. Rev. G. Yarden, Ph.D., has become
an Associate Editor of the Western Recorder,
Louisville. The General Association adopted
the following resolutions : “1. That it is desira
ble that the ministers of our churches should en
deavor, whenever practicable, to pieach to the
colored people and tG cultivate such kindly rela
tions with our colored brethren in their public
worship, as will strengthen the bonds of Christian
fellowship. 2. That our desire to have an effi
cient, educated ministry among this people, should
take some practical shape, and that some effort
should be made to secure that end in the estab
lishment of a school for colored preachers. 3.
That it would be desirable also, to have located in
Kentucky, the school which Bro. A. D. Phillips
is to establish for the training of colored preach
ers for Ceptral 4fr‘ ca -” I* ev - A- T. Spalding,
D.D., of Walnwt sfre,et church, Louisville, has
leave of absence for a month or two to recuperate
his health; in the mountains of Virginia. Rev.
W. H. Felix, pastor of the First church, Coving
ton, has been bereaved by the death of his wife.
A meeting of Kentucky Baptists has been
called at Walnut Street church, July 12th, to con
sider the feasibility of the removal of the Southern
Baptist Theological Seminary to the State. A
chyrph has been constituted at Minter’s School
House, Hardin county,——Rev. J. D. Black, born
in 1794, and baptizing during his ministry over
8,000 converts, died, near Frankfort, May 81st
The Western Recorder , in reference to the
return of Dr. Crawford to Georgia, says: “We
hope his residence in the South may soon restore
his wonted vigor and health. It is with many
and sincere regrets that we part with Dr. C. A
more thorough, manly, upright and independent
Christian gentleman we have not known or met.
He will carry with him, wherever he may go, the
sincere affection and good wishes of a host of
Kentucky friends.”
Maryland. —On the Eastern Shore of this State,
comprising nine counties and a population of
200,000 at least, there is not a Baptist pastor,
though two or three churches have temporary
supplies for their pulpits. Our Board of Domestic
Missions, Marion, would do well to look to this
field.——Rev. M. T. Watkinson has entered on
bi3 labors as pastor of High Street church, Balti
more.
Mjssoprl—The Texas Baptist fferalt} says, o/
the Central Baptist , St Louis, that “ about $20,-
000 was sunk in this enterprise, to getit on foot. 1 '
Prof. B. F. Blewett, of Jiy., has been elected
President of the Baptist Young Ladies’ Seminary,
St. Louis. Our church at Cameron has had 60
accessions, 45 by baptism. At the Commence
ment of Win. Jewell College, the degree of D.D.
was conferred on Jievs. Duncan H. Selph, of Co
lumbia, J. W. Warder, of Clinton, and J, H. Lu
ther, of tbe Central Baptist, St. Louis.
— -■ ■ “ • ■■ • ■ ■
North Carolina.— Rev. J. D. Hufham, Cor.
Sec. of the State Mission Board, says that “ our
pastors in this State are the most industrious and
contented ciasY*of men he has ever seen.”
Rev. J. L. M. Curry, LL D., is announced to de
liver the Literary Address, and Rev. J. D. Huf
ham to preach the Sermon, at the Commencement
of Wake Forest College. Anew house of wor
ship has been-4»dicated by our church at Ashe
ville.
Socth Carolina. —Rev. E. T. Winkler, D.D.,
of Charleston, delivered the Address before the
Society ol Alumni, at the Commencement of New
ton Theological Seminary, Mass. Rev. J. P.
Boyce, D.D., of Gieenville, is announced to preach
the Commencement Sermon at Brown University,
R. I. Rev.jpaarles Small, pastor of Calvary
(colored) church, Charleston, has baptized 127
persons in three months. Rev. C. A. Barnard,
missionary of Savannah River Association, has
reorganized -fSillionsville and Great Swamp
churches. Our house of worship at Ajken has
undergone thorough repairs, and the interior view
is elegantly and tastefully arranged. Rev. John
Stout of Newberry, formerly of Ala., has been
married to Miss Fannie Coker of Society Hill.— t -
Philip J. Elmore was ordained to the ministry, at
Elim church, May 28th : sermon by Rev. S. B.
Wilkins. fiev. J. B. Hartwell, our missionary
to China, who is spending several weeks among
his friends in this State, is at present with his
sister, of Society Hill, and will
preach at DWlington the first Sunday in July.
A new \Wprk on Church Government by Rev.
W. William?Jfc.D., of our Seminary at Green
ville, is callei for by a writer in the Working
Christian ; we hope Dr. W. will “ hear” the call.
Texas. —A # church has been organized on the
San Jacinto, Harris county, and 8 converts bap
tized. Through the labors principally of Rev.
W. W. HarilC missionary of Waco Association,
10 have been baptized at Bosqueville. Rev.
W. W. Gwin, recently of this State, has been
called to the pastoral care of our church at Can
ton, Miss. 1 0f the visit of Rev. A. B. Earle to
this State, the Texas Baptist Herald says : “ His
meetings in Texas have been greatly blest. A
precious revival resulted in Houston, Brenham,
Independence; -Huntsville, Waco, Marlin, Bre
mond, Bryan # Navasota and Columbus, and much
interest whearer he preached."
Tennessee. —The new house of worship of our
church at Clarksville will be, when completed,this
summer or fall, the finest in the State, it is said.
There is a revival, of marked power, at that point.
Rev. J. W. Weaver, of Fellowship church,
recently baptized an ex-Confederate-colonel, a
member-elect of the Legislature, who avows his
intention to preach the gospel. Rev. J. R.
Graves, Memphis, in relation to his efforts to se
cure an endowment of SIOO,OOO for the Southern
Baptist Publication Socitety, says: “We have
already declined half as much as we have had sub
scribed, because offered in too large amounts. Ij,
should be defused generally.” Dr. J. M. Pen
dleton, Pa., writes to the Richmond Herald:
“ The ‘ Southwestern Publishing Company’ has
perhaps made the worst failure of modern times ;
for its President writes me that he does not ‘re
gard its stock worth a cent.’ It is amazing that
sixty thousand dollars have been hopelessly lost,
by bad management, in so short a time.” Rev.
Silas Casteel, a preacher for a number of years,
in several States, without connection with any
church, was recently baptized by Rev. J. Ellidge,
at Mar’s Ililjt- Rev. T. T. Eaton recently bap
tized 5 ladigs at Murfreesboro, and Rev W. G.
Impkoar church, Nashville.
had 20 accessions. The Board of Trustees of
Union University has appointed a committee, con
sisting of Rev. T. G. Jones, D.D., Nashville, Eld.
J. M. D. Cates, Readyvilie, and E. L. Jordan,
Esq., Murfreesboro, to correspond with the
Faculty and Trustees of the Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary, Greenville, S. C., on the
removal of that Institution to Murfreesboro.
“ Joel D. Millard, of Blountville, is engaged in
bee culture, and proposes to give the honey made
by every ten(b hive to the cause of missions.”
The resignation of Rev. S. H. Ford, LL.D.,
as pastor of the Central church, Memphis, was on
the ground of his physical inability to discharge
pastoral duties since his fall two years ago. The
church is nov* about the largest in the State, has
the largest Sunday school, in proportion to its
membership, in the State, and is well able to sus
tain an experienced pastor. Anew church,
recently organized at Makam’s School House,
nine miles wett of Maryville, besides ordaining
two deacons, appointed two deaconesses. Is not
this a movemeat on the right line ?
Virginia. The Religious Herald has a let
ter from J. M. Pendleton, D.D., of Up
land, Pa., in which he says that the American
Baptist Publication Society will probably publish
Dr. Dagg’s “Church Order,” also, “ifthe vener
able author will revise a chapter or two.” Is the
Society, then, moie sound than Dr. Dagg ? Or is
it less so ? Lev. J. L. Yass has been ordained
to the ministrj, at the First church, Richmond,
and takes charge of our church at Spartanburg,
S. C. At tbe recent session of the General
Association, Petersburg, there were reported up
wards of 400 Baptist Sunday schools in the State,
with 4,481 officers and teachers, 61,121 scholars,
and about 1,000 baptisms during the year from
their number. Twenty missionaries had been
employed, who had baptized 342, constituted 3
churches and organized 17 Sunday schools. For
the work of tit Association, $5,343 were sub
scribed. ThvjPirst African church, Richmond,
with a Sunday school es 3,500, has recently re
quested the Firjf. church (white) to send them
teachers.— —4TVonfederate General, who goes
limping to his work from wountjs received in the
army, is now superintending a most successful col
ored Sunday school. Ninety colored persons
were baptized, oh a late Sabbath, at Charlottes
ville.
West Virginia —Rev. A. H. Sands, of Rich
mond, Ya., has become one of the Associate Edi
tors of tbe Baptist Record, Charleston. He Is a
valuable accession to the fraternity. At the
recent session of our State Convention, a collec
tion was taken up, in the Baptist church, Sabbath
night, for the American Baptist Publication So
ciety, Philadelphia.——Rev. P. Murray takes
charge of our cbSWh at Buckhannon. In some
portions of the State, our churches are abandon
ing tbe old custom of annual elections to the
pastorat§; wisely, we think.
Final ixauunatioj)' Mercer.
The final examination of the graduating
class of Mercer College took place recently,
and the following young gentlemen were
graduated and received their diplomas : John
J. Brantlv, Jr., \V. T. Brantly, Jr., John P.
Callaway, Willie Denham, Calvin A. George,
fsaac Jackson, J. Pope Jones, Samuel Garri
son, A. 11. Newman, W. H. Norton, Furman
Tapper, Kef Tupper. George S. Obear re
ceives certificate. We'understand'that the
examination was quite creditable to the class.
The Baccalaureate' Address was delivered by
Pr. Tucker, and was fall of feeling, as Che
class, through all the recent troubles of the
College, had remained constant in its attach
ment.. The affair was conducted free from
all publicity.
The regular Spring Term closes on the sth
of July, and the Fall Term will begin jn
October, when we hope to see a large attend
ance.
Indian Mission Items.
Why is it 1 In all the newspaper reports
of the proceedings of the Southern Baptist
Convention at St. Louis, there is (almost)
nothing said of the Indians, while the f. m.c's
take up much space. At both St. Louis and
Chicago, the North and South, spake
“muchly” of the pobr Negro, but the very
name, Indian, seems to have been studiously
avoided. One editOT goes even so far as to
call our Board at Marion “ The Domestic and
Home Mission Board !” Why is this? We
greatly fear we are Ku Kluxed , and that the
brethren, North and South, have made Lo the
servant of Canaan, in express violation of
Genesis xix: 25. Speak out, and let us know
if we have any Indian Mission Board, for we
are anxious to hear.
The Creek Orphan Asylum was turned
over to the “ Home and Domestic” Mission
Board by the Southern Baptist Convention at
St. Louis. This is all we can learn from the
reports, and we are thankful for that much.
We wrote to Bro. Sumner at St. Louis,
urging this step, and did hope that the Con
vention would instruct the Board to establish
the Asylum. Our peference is, that the Ma
rion Board should have charge of this busi
ness, but if we receive a negative answer, the
work must be done.
A difficult position. How hird for one man
to stand between the Creeks and all the Bap
tists of the States ! The Creek Baptists look
to me to plead their cause, because I am the
only Baptist missionary here, and the only
one ora.iy denomination that travels over the
■nation. Four native brethren have been pro
mised salaries that have been due for some
time, (at least the first quarter,) and they
look tome for that which 1 have not received.
Four additional appointments have been
piomised long, but not made yet. The na
tive preachers are in want —so much so that
1 have given them a part of my scanty means.
“ Who is sufficient fur these tilings ?” Breth
ren, help.
An omen for good is the fact that all the
Creek Indiaus who were led astray by the
influences of the late war, have penitently
returned to the church but one, and he is
returning.
The Oklahoma Grand Council adjourned
yesterday, after a harmonious session of two
weeks at Okmulgee, Creek Nation. Many
tribes—wild and semi-wild—met with the
civilized Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws, Chick
asaws and Seminoles. At the commencement
they w'ere all Shermanized, as that big pale
faced war chief made them a speech en pas
sunt.
To the churches of the Friendship Associa
tion; Dear Brethren, —Though all others for
sake the Indians, let us forsake them never.
God made them, Christ died for them, and
Heaven is blessing our poor efforts to Chris
tianize them. We confidently challenge the
world to .show, in the w hole history of mis
sions in modern times, where more Baptists
have been made with as small means.
11. F. Buckner.
J iieeo. Creek Ration, June 17 th, 1971.
Ker. F. M. Daniel.
The following resolutions,offered by Judge
John T. Clarke, were unanimously adopted
by the Cuthbert Baptist church, May 14ih :
“ Whereas, Our pastor, Bro. F. M. Dan
iel, has, after muen deliberation, tendered his
unconditional resignation :
Resolved , 1. That we accept the same, re
questing that he will remain with us, at least,
until the second Sabbath in July.
2. That our relations with Bro. Daniel
throughout his service among us, have been
distinguished by uninterrupted harmony and
brotherly loye ; his ministerial labors
and personal qualities havs been highly es
teemed by us, and by the Community of
Cuthbert, and have been attended with pre
cious indications of success in the great gos
pel work, the full extent of which eternity
only can levenl.
3. That, in severing the ties which bind us
to him, as our faithful pastor and beloved as
sociate, we feel the pain of breaking heart
bonds, but submit to what seems indicated
by Divine Providence; and we earnestly and
unanimously recommend him to the full
esteem and affectionate confidence of the
brethren elsewhere as an able minister of
Christ, a jealous and efficient worker in the
pastorate, a meek, tender and consistent bro?
ther, whose way we pray that the Lord will
make straight before him unto more abun
dant labors in the future, and still more
abounding success and Christian enjoyment.
4. To our private assurances in this behalf
we would add this public and united expres
sion of our deep sympathy for him ai)d his
family, whose painful affliction has led to this
result.
5. That the Clerk furnish Bro. Daniel with
a copy of these resolutions, and that the
Christian Index be requested to copy them.
Permit me to add, as an individual, my
testimony to the above resolutions. Bro.
Daniel is a growing man, of remarkably stu
dious habits. Asa W'orker in the Sunday
school, he, in my opinion, has no superior in
the State. He possesses decided talent for
music, with 9 practical knowledge of the
science, and great skill in training others in
the art. I regard him as combining those
elements of strength which will* secure suc
cess to his ministry wherever the Lord, in
His providence, may direct Him; and may
He open some large field of usefulness, that
his worth may not be lost to the good cause
and the denomination.
A. E. McGarity, Clerk.
Crozer Theological Seminary.
I have just returned from Upland, Dela
ware county, Pa., about one mile from the
famous Borough of Chester —the spot where
William Penn first landed. The third anni
versary of our School of the Prophets was
celebrated in due form, and with the examin
ations Occupied three days.
On Friday','l3th inst, the Trustees held
their annual meeting, arid elected the follow
ing officers for ' vifc.: fresident,
Samuel 4. Crozer; Secretary, fjoriftib Qates
Jones; Treasurer, J. Lewis Crozer. The
condition of the Treasury is very satisfacto
ry. The income during the year, was $16,-
447.03, and, in addition, the Seminary has
received donations in cash from several mem
bers of the Crozer family, amounting to
sl4 103.777, so that the total sum received
for the year is $33,129.47, of which $14,000
were expended in r pairs and improvements
The Endowment Fund, all of which is safely
invested, now amounts to $225,527 47. The
Librarian announced in his report, that the
Bucknell Library consists of 5,850 volumes,
of which 491 have been added during the
past year. The reports of the Professors
show a very favorable condition of things —
the students being devoted to their studies,
and all happy in ttfeijr position.
The Address before the Literary
was delivered, on Tuesday - afternoon, by-
Martin B. Anderson, LL.D., Presidfeut of
Rochester University. His theme was,
“Method of Theological Thought,” and his
object was to give some hints and suggestions
regarding the aims, the ends and the mode
which should limit the thinking of the theo
logical stpdent, It was a most able and mas
terlv production, grappling wits) some of the
greatest errors of the dajr, aiid holding tfiem
pp to the gaze of his kudTtors in! all their
jpjeopg deformities,’and’boldly proclaiming
the great, grflhd o}d doctrine of tlje Cross as
the underlying gtrijtyrn qp whjel) wss based
everything that was good and just and true,
aud maintaining that even what truth there
might happen to be in the theories of seeps
tics and so-called philosophers, owed its ex
istence to the principles of Divine Revela-
tion. It was one of Dr. Anderson’s ablest
efforts, so.we heard many say, and although
he occupied an hour and a half in its delive
ry, yet he enchained the attention of the large
audience during the whole time. Rev. G.
W. Samson, D.D., addressed the Society for
Missionary Inquiry in the evening, at the
Baptist Chapel, near the Upland Church.
11 is subject was—“ Providence as Interpret
ing the Great Commission.”
Wednesday was Commencement day, and
the exercises were held in Pearl Hall, the
new library building, recently erected by
William Buckuell, Esq., of Philadelphia.
The hall was crowded in every part, the au
dience comprising visitors, ladies and gentle
men from Philadelphia, Wilmington, Chester,
New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. The
Trustees of the Seminary, Professors, and a
number of clergymen occupied the platform.
Rev. Dr. Weston presided. Addresses were
delivered by eleven young gentltmen, and on
the f dlowing themes, viz.: 1. Bigotry—John
Sexton James, Lewisburg, Pa. 2. Christ
Precedes the Church—Won. Russell Wright,
Roadsiown, N. J. 3. The Relation of the
Holy Spirit to Ministerial Efficiency—Spen
cer Fisher, French Creek, N. Y. 4. Ministry
of the Beautiful—Harvey Linsley, Hartford,
Cotin. 5. Public Opinion—Owen Griffith,
Mmersville, Pa. 0. Mystery no Obstacle to
Faith—Charles Auiasa Mott, Wuverly, N.
Y. 7. Orthodoxy, True Liberality—Leroy
Stephens, Blacksville, W. Va. 8. Priestcraft
—William Sheridan, N. Y. 1). Christ, the
Centre of Hope—Davis Gray Sturdevant,
LaceviUe,
agination to Sacred Oratory—lsaac Denison
Newell, Upper Alton, 111. 11. The Pulpit
and its Traducers—Joseph Phillips Phillips,
Malden, 111. In addition to the above, Jesse
M. Fulghum, of Sandersville, Ga., was ex
cused (loin speaking, having been compelled
to return home before the session closed.
His theme was Loyalty to Christ. The usu
al certificates were then presented to the
graduates by Rev. Dr. Weston, and an ad
dress to the Class was delivered by Rev. Dr.
Pepper.
At one o’clock the visitors, numbering
several hundred, were invited to the Gymna
sium, where a sumptuous repast was furn
ished them by the liberal generosity of Mrs.
John P. Crozer. This most estimable lady
could be seen, aided by a large retinue ol
servants, presiding at a side table, from which
she dispensed tea and coffee; and thus, year
after year, lias sho in the manner at
tended to the comfort of the crowds of vis
itors. Long may she live to witness the con
tinued success of the Seminary founded by
herself and children.
The Library Building was formally opeped
at 3 o’clock i*.m. It was expected that Rev.
William I{. Williams, D.D , of New York,
would deliver the opening address; but a
severe cold has deprived him, within a few
weeks, of the ability to speak; and, upon
short nrtice, Rev, Prof. Howard Osgood,
I) D., was compelled to supply his place.
The ability of Dr. O. is unquestioned, and
his address was well received. His theme
was “The claims of Jesus on the Ministry
of the Baptists for the highest, soundest sa
cred learning possible to each one.” At its
close, Mr. Horatio Gates Juries, Secretary of
the Board of Trustees, read a letter from Mr.
William Bucknell, written last February, to
the Trustees, in which he announced that the
Libruy Building was completed, and that he
thereby passed it into their hands. At this
meeting, the following record was made by
the Trustees: Resolved, That this Board ac
cept, with feelings of gratitude, the beautiful
edifice erected for the library, and that the
sincere thajiks of this Board be tendered to
brother Bucknell for his munificent gift.
The Library Building has been erected on a
lot 200 feet square, set apart by the Trustees
for this special purpose. The design is en
tirely unique, and has been prepared by Mr.
David S. Gendeli, of Philadelphia, architect
and builder, whose reputation and good judg
ment as the architect of this building will be
permanently established, and by whom also
the building was erected.
The Library will be open to rising young
men of Delaware county, for their use upon
such days and under such rules as may be
imposed by the Faculty of Crozer Seminary,
to which Institution it will belong.
The Rjinisters’ Institute commenced its
session on Thursday) at 9 an d will con
tinue for several days. All the visitors nrc
entertained, either Rt the Seminary or at the
houses of the Professors, or the families liv
ing near by. We have several students from
the South, and shall be happy to receive
irjany more. Th ere b fJ charge, except for
board, and this is cheap, as t|;e students have
formed a club, ArWQS-
Philadelphia, June 10, IST 1.
The Revival at Selma.
The religious interest in this city continues,
if not so intense in its manifestations at any
point, yet widely diffused.
Services are in progress with good atten
tion at the Presb)terian church, and also in
East Selma. That part of the city has been
less under the influence of the work, than
West Selma; and yet I think a harvest is to
be gathered there. A large part of that pop
ulation is of mechanics antj machinists, ma
ny of these quite intelligent, used elsewhere
“ to the best,” as one of them onoe said to me,
in the way of preaching. We have baptized
5 persons, one remaining over since I wrote. 1
know not the number of additions to other
denominations since, but quite a number.
There will perhaps be the usual discounts
in so great an ingathering and yet I think
the work largely reliable. The Young
Men’s Christian Association is active,
and hsa been so a good while. It con
sists of the tkbst earnest/ elements of sev
eral churches^ —Baptist, Presbyterian, Cum
berland Presbyterian, and Methodist, 1 be
lieve also of “Disciples.” The denomination
where the meetings are held, is responsible
for the conduct of the services—all invited
freely to participate. E. B. Teague.
' Selma, June 16.
Aja
Ip a repept visit qf Ufo. AfasoPi of Qka
lona, Miss., to his home and friends it) Tus
kegee, we protracted our services a week,
with good results to the membership, but
no additions. Bro. M., we were delighted to
learn from, certain friends, is doing a good
work in his church and the community, and
esteemed, as evinced by a singular
custom —they pay his salary promptly in ad
vance. HoW wonderfully tree from care and
cheerful this seems to make him !
Two items of great interest to our people
here, are : First, the early completion of our
little railroad to Chehaw, on Western Rail
road, five miles, by August, probably. Al
ready, cross-ties are laid, and rolling stock
arriving. By the Ist of September, all vis
jfors rpsy oqrqe jto our attractive and healthy
town in- the cars. r J:he spirit of improve
ment is already manifesting itself in business
and real estate.
The next item of interest is the approach
ing anniversaries of our College. The Meth
odist College is now having its
ment exercises, and considerable interest is
manifested by visitors and citizens. The
Nineteenth Annqal Anniversary of the |Jast
Alabama Female pollege begips on the £<3th
of June—ithe examination beginning on that
day (Monday) and continuing through the
wepk. Qn Sfunday following, the §ud at «[uiy,
a sermot) will be preached % •
Gw in, pwtor' ofjst Baptjst church, *font>
gomery. Then on each day of the nr»t week
iu July will occur the Commencement exer
cises; such as the literary address, the art
levee, the grand concert, the graduating exer
rises, and the fnnle, a grand party, by the
"President and his lady, Prof. Raw lings. A
splendid programme is arranged, and it look
ed forward to with deepest interest by the
friends of the Institute.
It is a matter of profound gratitude u> God,
that notwithstanding the burning of the Col
lege building, ami many other discourage
ments, the school has held on its way and en
joyed fair success. The perseverance, and en
ergy of the President and his talented (acuity
has carried it through its difficulties, and a
line prospect awaits it in the future. Large
and convenient buildings, new furniture, etc.,
together with a faculty of gentlemen and
ladies uusurpas&ed, are Advantages lhat will
command the patronage or our people in all
Alabama next year. The boarding departs
merit is ample and elegantly furnished, and
under the President’s personal supervision.
With two such noble Institutions as our own
East Alabama, and ‘the Judson, at Marion,
our people ought to feel proud of the advan
tages their daughters oi j »•, and not go seek-,
ing inferior advantages at institutions of other
denominations.
Our farmers are very gloomy over their
prospects for this year. Cotton and corn
have both been seriously damaged by the
continued rain, and cut short by one-half.
Many very rich bottom plantation* are not
yet planted. Desolation and gloom over-*
spreads the laud. “How long, oh Lord?”
A. C. B.
Ministers’ Institute.
The Ministers’ Institute of Southern Geor
gia, convened June oth, in the Bqvd.st !, ase
of worship, Cuthbert. The following minis
ters’ names were enrolled as members of the
body: Thomas Muse, W. L. Crawford, G.
F. Cooper, J. 11. Cawood, W. N. Chaudoin,
•J. T. Clark, F. M. Daniel, A B Campbell,
11. C. llornady, and N. A. Bailey. The
meeting was organized by the election of
Elder Tnos. Muse, Moderator, and Elder N.
A. Bailey, Secretary. On motion of Elder
Hornady, the pastor and deacons of the chut oh
were appointed a Committee on devotional
exercises.
Elder Hailey then road his essay on “ Fio
lines*, or Practical Sanctification,” which was
taken up and discussed by the meeting. The
discussion was participated in by the follow
ing brethren : Elder#Clark, llornady, Cooper
and Chaudoin. The following resolutions
were then offered by Eldtri llrrnaiy : “Jib
solved, 1. That the essay real* by Pro. Wa'
ley, be published in the Christian Index, as
containing much important truth, to which
the attention of our people should be direct
ed. 2. That wo will all labor for a greater
degree of personal consecration to God, in
Christ.” The meeting then adjourned. Prayer
by Elder Chaudoin.
At 8 p.m , prayer by Elder Cawood. The
resolutions offered in the forenoon were again
read, and adopted. Elder Cooper then read
his essay on “The Difficulties of the Minis
try.” Elder llornady offered a resolution,
That the essay read by Pro. Cooper be pub
lished in the Christian Index, as containing
much matter of interest to the ministry.
After a discussion of the subject, participated
in by Elders Hornady, Bailey and Chaudoin,
the resolution was adopted. Adjourned, with
proyer by Elder Hornady.
On Saturday, at 10 a m , after devotional
service of half hour, the Institute was culled
to order. Elder Chaudoin read some extracts
from a book on the subject of Systematic
Benevolence, in lieu of his essay, which
called forth quite an animated discussion, en
gaged in by Elders Campbell, Claik, llorna
dy, Bailey and Chaudoin. Pending the dis
cussion, ndjourned to 3 o’clock p.m., at wlnch
hour opened with prayer by Eldiir Cno|gJ|
On motion by Elder Clark, the lustdjj
up the following question lor
what considerations, and with
are we authorized to urge oontributiomHß
religious purposes'? The question was dis
cussed by Elders llornady and Clark.
The next meeting ot the Institute was ap*
pointed to be held with the church in Alba
ny, Ga., commencing on Thursday before the
second Sabbath in June, 1872. Elder Bai
ley was authorized to make the necessary
arrangements for the meeting, by correspond
ing with biethren and securing essayists, etc.
Adjourned sine die.
You will pleaso give the above a place in
your excellent paper, anc| allow tn£ tQ st,/
this in addition. Although we were disap
pointed in not meeting several brethren whom
we had expected to be with us, the Institute
was very pleasant and profitable, and, in the
opinion of all present, a complete success.
The different pulpits of the city were occu
pied on Sabbath, by the brethren of the In
stitute, who preqohed to srnqll but apprecia
tive congregations. My stay in Ouihbert
was rendered doubly pleasant by Deacon R.
S. Jackson and his interesting family, whose
generous hospitality it was my privilege to
enjoy. They will ever be held in grateful
remembrance. N. A. Bailet.
Baylor University.
The examination commenced June Ist, and
ended June Gth, In absence of Rev. F. M.
Law, M.D., of Bryan, President Crane de
livered the Commencement Sermon, June
4th. Col. P. 11. Swearinger, ot Breuham,
delivered the annual Literary Address. Sub
ject: “The Ideal.” Five young gentlemen
delivered orat'ons on “Public Day,” (9ih.)
The degree of A.B. was conferred on Red dm
Andrews, Jr., Fayetteville; B.P. on Joel A-
Lipscomb, Gay Hill; LL.D. on Rev. J. F.
Cooke, President of LaGrange College, Mo.;
and D.D., on Rev. James 11. Stribliug, An
derson, Texas. The President delivered a
Baccalaureate Address on “ Moral Honor.”
The Junior Exhibition was a decided success.
The whole series of exercises gave unusual
satisfaction. _____
Penfleld, Ga.
Under the head of" News from the Field,”
1 thought a line from Penfield might not be
amiss. We have preaching once a month
regularly in the chapel, besides a treat from
Bro. Me!!, occasionally; we have a flourish
ing Sabbath school; and last, though not
jeast, we liave a amj in‘ell{gent
of Qood Templars. The more discreet of
oi|r citizens are determined remove the
foul blot that has so long attached to this
community in so far as drunkenness is con
corned, prepiring the way for the success of
“The Mercer High School” to be inaugu
rated here, provided old animosities are ruled
out. In that event, we confidently expect
over 100 students the first year, and if judi
ciously managed, it would become the very
life-blood of our University" at Macon But
one sentiment pervades this whole commu
nity, and that is, that we may have a first
class school upon the basis agreed upon at
our last Convention. I would to God that
we, as a denomination of brethren, could see
“ eye to eye and speak the same thing.” “ Let;
us have peace.!? &
i |: S ! r- tC*
CoBSTITDTIoN OS’ X CjUURCU.—A chuicti,
called Enon Baptist church, was constituted
on the 81st ult, in Mclntosh county, some
ten miles south of Walthourville. Presby
tery, Rev. S. Landrum and the writer.
I). G. Danibll.
Ordin t 4T|on of Djucqns.—Ou the secopj
Sabbath In May, brethren Durham Bowen 1
and Benjamiti Kendrick wero ordained as
deacons for the Baptist church in Henderson
ville, Ga. Ministers present: brothron \V.
j. Collins and B. VV. Vyiiilden.
AiCantx.—lnteresting sjemces baye been hel<)
in the Second church, (Dr. Brandy’s) before and
since the two sermons of Rev. A. B. Eirle hst
week: C or 8 received for baptism.