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CHRISTIAN INDEa SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST. VOL. 50—NO. 42 A Religious and Family Paper, PUBLISHED WEEKLY IS ATLANTA, OA., AT Thres Dollars per Annum, Invariably in advance. J. J. TOON, .. Proprietor Wiiat do Baptists Believe? We are not surprised that this question should be asked by many who only have a partial knowledge of the Scripture doc trines which the-Baptists hold, as it is well known that they have been very much misunderstood, or rather, misrepresented. We therefore propose to answer it, as nearly as we can, in the language of Scripture. The Baptists believe— 1. In the Trinity, or the existence of the divine persons of the Father , the Son and Roly Ghost, in one G;dhead. Upon a public profession of iaith, authorized and required in the New Testament Scrip tures, we are baptized into this adorable name according to (Matt, xxviii: 19.) “ Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Sou, and of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Cor. xiii: 14.) “ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and of the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” (1 Pet. i: 2.) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (1 John v: 7.) “ For there are three that bear re cord in heaven, the Father, the Word, and _ T .be Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 2. Baptists believe : The proper Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, —that He i9 the eternal Son of God, and that the divine and human natures are mysteriously uni ted in His glorious person. (Mat. i: 23.) “ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call Ilis name Emanuel, which, being inter preted, is God with us.” (John i: 14.) “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,” etc.) Romans ix : 5.) “Os whom, as concern ing the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever.” (1 Johniii: 10.) ‘‘Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” 3. In the divinity and personality of the Holy Ghost. (Acts v: 34.) “Why hath Satan filled their heart to lie to the Holy Ghost ? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” (1 Cor. iii: 10, 17.) “ Know ye not that ye are the tem ple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ?” (Heb. ix: 14.) “ How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself, without spot, to God.” 4. The supremacy of Christ as King, Law-Giver and Judge; the perfection of the Scriptures of inspiration; the right of private judgment inalienable to every one, in all matters pertaining to the service of God. (Matthew xxiii: 10.) “Neither be ye called masters, for one is your Master, even Christ.” (2 Tim. iii: 14—17.) “But continue thou in the things which thou haft lsurac-ig-t.M K*s» Assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is prof itable for doctrine, for reproof, for cor rection, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may bo perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Pet. i: 21.) “ For the prophesy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of old spake as they Were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Thea. v: 20.) “ Despise not prophesyings.” (Josh, xxiv: 15.) “If it seem evil unto you to servo the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve,” etc. (1 Kings xviii: 21.) “ And Elijah came unto all the people and said, How long halt ye between two opin ions ? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” 5. Sovereign, eternal, personal elec tion. (Rom. viii: 28 —34.) “ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, lie also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren : moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called ; and whom He called, them He also justi fied ; and whom Ho justified, them He also glorified. What shall we, then, say to these things ? If God be for us, who shall be against us ? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things ? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect ? It is God that justifieth : who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for U3.” (Rom. ik: 11.) “ For the children being not yet born, neither having none any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth, it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.” (Rom. xi: 5—7.) “ Even so at this present time also, there is a remnant according to the election of grace; and if by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise, grace is no more grace,” etc. (Eph. i: 4—6.) “ According as He hath chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame be fore Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of Ilis grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.” (2 Tim. i: 9.) “Who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 6. The particular redemption of the Church. (Acts xx: 28.) “ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.” (John x: 15.) “I lay ;s:},oo A YEAR.; down my life for the sheep.” (Eph. 5 : 25.) “Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water through the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Rev. v:9.) “For thou wasfc slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tengne, and people, and nation.” The total depravity of all men by nature. (Geq. vi: 5.) “ And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Ps. li: 5.) “ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother con ceive me. Also, (Rom. iii: 12—18,) Ef fectual calling, through the regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit. (John vi: 37.) “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (1 Thes. i: 5.) “ For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assu rance.” (2 Tim. i : 9.) “ Who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” The perseverance of true be lievers in faith and holiness to the end of life. (John x : 28.) “ And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” Also, (xviii :9 ; 1 Cor. i: 8; Phil, i: 6.) 6. Justification by the righteousness of Jesus imputed to them who believe in Him. (Rom. iii: 24.) “Being justified freely by Ilis grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (and on to the 28th verse.) (Rom. iv : 3—B ; Phil, iii: 9.) 7. That the moral law is still binding, as a rule of life and duty, on believers. (Mat. v: 17—19.) “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the pro phets. lam not come to destroy, but to fulfill,” etc. (Rom. vii : 12.) “ Where fore the law is holy, and the command ment holy, just and good.” (I Tim. i : 8.) 8. That all sinners should be addressed with the gospel message, and freely in vited, without distinction, to look and to come to Jesus for salvation, and all who believe in Him shall be saved. (See the commission, Mark xvi: 15, 10, and Acts xvii: 30.) That a church is a voluntary organization of baptized believers, having for its officers only bishops,- or overseers, and deacons, who are servants of the church / and that bishops, or pastors, and those who preach the gospel, are to be supported by the free-will offerings, or contributions, of those to whom it is preached. (Mat. xviii: 15—20.) “More-| over, if thy brother trespass against thee, | go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone. If he shall" hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother; but if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established; and if ho shall" neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church ; and if he shall neg lect to hear the church , let him be unto thee as a heathen man, and a publican,” etc. (Phil, i : 1.) “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Phil ippi with the bishops and deacons.” (1 Cor. ix : 7.) “ Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges ? Who planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock ? Say I these things as a man, or saith not the law the same also ? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our safes no doubt this is written, that he that ploweth should plow in hope, and he that thresheth in hope, should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing that we shall reap your carnal things ? If others he partakers of this power over you, are not we rather ?” 10. That the baptism of credible be lievers, and them only, by immersion, and the communion of bread and wine in the Lord’s supper, are divine ordinances to be observed till Christ shall come ; and that to have observed the former, is indispensa ble to union with the church, and the ob servance of the latter ordinance. (Mark xvi: 16.) “He that believeth and is bap tized shall be saved,” etc. (Acts ii: 41.) “ Then they that gladly recoived His word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thou sand souls. (Acts viii: 12.) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women, (36 v.); and as they went on their way they came to a certain water, and the Eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest; and he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God ; and he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch, and he baptized him; and when they wero come up out of the w T ater, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the Eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing. (Rom. vi: 4.) “ Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Mat. xxvi: 26—30.) “Jesus took bread and blessed it, and break it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take eat,” etc. (The reader will please turn and read it; also, 1 Cor. xi: 26 ; Acts ii: 41, 42.) “ And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 11. That the members of a Christian church are to be distinguished by their holy walk, and obedience to all Christ’s commandments; that their attention to these is to be quickened, and their growth in grace maintained by public teaching and exhortation. But those who are dis obedient to the plain teachings of the Scriptures, and after godly admonition, continue refractory and obstinate, are to be suspended from church fellowship. (Tit; FRANKLIN PRINTING HOUSE, ATLANTA GA., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1871. ! iii: 8.) “ This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm con stantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works,” etc. (1 Cor. v: 13.) “Therefore, put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1 Thes. v : 14.) “Now, we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, bo patient toward all men.” (2 Thes. iii: 6.) “Now, we com mand you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us ; (14 v.) and if any man obey not our word by this epis tle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed; (15 v.) yet count him not as an enemy, but ad monish him as a brother.” 12. We believe in the everlasting bless edness of the righteous, immediately after death.” (Luke xxiii: 42, 43.) “ And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy kingdom ; and Je3us said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in Par adise.” (2 Cor. v : 6—8.) “ Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; for we walk by faith, not by sight; for we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord, in the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.” (Rev. xx. 12, 13.) “ And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life ; and the dead w'ere judged out of those things written in the books according to their works;” and in the eternal misery of all sinners who die in unbelief. (Mat. xxv : 46.) “ And these shall go away into everlasting punish ment, but the righteous into life eternal.” (John iii: 18.) “He that believeth on Him is not condemned ; but he that be lieveth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” We endeavor to conduct our public wor ship in a plain, simple and spiritual man ner, not seeking the decorations of world ly pomp and grandeur. On the first day in the week, in imitation of the primitive disciples, we meet together for wor ship, and break bread,” (Acts xx : 7,) to sing praises to God, (Col. iii: 16,) to preach the gospel, to read the Scrip tures, (1 Thes. v: 27,) and to engage in prayer. (Acts xii: ,%) From the days of John the Baptist un til now, there have been Baptists, holding the distinctive doctrines here set forth and taught in the New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ. They have waded through bloody seas; but may we not greatly re joice that God has lately given prosperity ? We may take much shame and humiliation to ourselves that we have been so slothful and diffident in propagating the truth as we hold it. May wo thank God and take courage ; for Godjias prospered us in the midst of oqr unworthiness. To Fis name be the praise. A. C. Christ was Weary. He was weary—Christ the Master As the morning met ibe noontide; On His journey, Then, He tarried, Resting Jacob’s well beside. He was weary—Christ Emanuel— As in human form He trod Sunny vales and lonely mountains, Canaan’s consecrated sod. He was weary—Christ the Saviour— As He bore on earth the sin, That the ransomed might with rapture Enter pearly gates within. He wa3 weary—Christ Messiah. Types and shadows, solemn feasts, Haste away, behold the dawning Os the Day-star in the east. He was weary—Lord of glory— Though the angels from on high Would have left the mansions heavbnly Had He bidden them draw nigh. He was weary—Christ Anointed Laid His kingly sceptre down. That the white-robed conquering thousands Might take up a harp and crown. Christ was weary—Christian pilgrims, Will you murmur by the way, Or grow faint, because life’s burdens Are so heavy day by day ? * A few days you may not number, Then among the saints and blest, Yon shall dwuil with Christ the Risen, “ Where the weary are at rest.” Watch, db Ref. Books and the Pulpit. As for those who have full access to. any of the “ Schools of the Prophets,” it might be presumptive in me to offer any instructions. There is another large class that I may serve in some things ; —certain of them have so expressed themselves. Supposing a young preacher to be re spectably acquainted with his own lan guage, with a corresponding knowledge of other things, good common sense, and honest piety, a valuable library may be made of a few books. If he can buy but one, I would recommend, first of all, the Annolated Paragraph Bible, re-published by Sheldon & Go., New York, and cost ing $8 —$12. It is worth to me, in pre paration for the pulpit, more than every thing else put together, that I have been able to accumulate in thirty years. The notes, prefaces, analyses, etc., are very condensed, able, sound and judicious. It makes the Bible its own exposition, in ducing the habit of gathering together the whole mind of the Spirit, on any topic or text desired. Every member of my family, approaching adult years, wants it in the preparation of every Sunday school lesson, insomuch that, in ten years, we entirely wore out the binding, and I have had it re-bound, in stronger style. Next, I would recommend Andrew Fuller’s works. He is, to me, the clear est of all the theological writers with whom I am acquainted, and I regard his views, with very rare exceptions, the most satisfactory I have known. If one is not able to procure the entire works, let him by all means obtain the Gospel Worthy of all Acceptation, published separately. A good Concordance is most valuable. Crudin’s is the best—the unabridged edi tion. There is also an abridged edition, somewhat cheaper. Otherwise, the Pocket Concordance of Brown may answer. I usually carry one in my satchel or pocket, when away from home. If one knows enough of Greek to consult a lexicon in telligibly, the Englishman’s Greek Con cordance is most valuable. hfany brethren know all this, and a great deal more, but some do not; and all parties will excuse me fortsuggesting to our many brethren, who wisih to know the Scriptures, but who have litle opportuni ty to acquaint themselves jwith the best books. A man with fire in jus bones, and no other facilities of study! than I have indicated, may make him%!f mighty in the Scriptures. The ble33td Spirit sup plying holy fervors and persistent earn estness, the humblest man. With studious habits, may become an abl? minister of the New Testament. Only Ernest men can achieve this character. Dr. Howell, alluding to the great, heaven-born impe tus of the ministry, used to say, “ If a man cannot preach before hr is educated, he cannot do it afterwards.’^ E. B. Teague. The Scriptures Interpret Taemselves. The Witnesses —the Spirit, the Wa ter and the Blood. > I John v: 6,7, 8: is He that came by Water and Blood, even Jesus Christ: not by Water only, but by Wa ter and Blood. For there are three that bear record—the Spirit, the Water and the Blood, and these Threfc agree in One. John iii; 5: Except a ma&be born of Water and of the Spirit, hscannot en ter into the kingdom of God . The Water. 1 John iv ; 10, 14: Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou gift of God, thou wouldst have askcV of Him, omin* would have given hjee Living Water. Bat whosoever drinketh of the Water that I shall give him, shall never thirst; but the Water that I shall give him, shall be in him a Well of Wa ter, springing up into everlasting life. Zech. xiv ; 8 : And it sha’ibe in that day, that Living Waters shall go out from Jerusalem. Zech. xiii; 1: In that day, there shall be a Fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitant?'of Jerusa lem, for sin and for uncleanness. John vii; 37: If any mar thirst, let him come unto me and drink. ■ Rev. xxi; 6: I shall give unto him that is athirst, of the Fountain of the Water of Life freely. Rev. vii; 17: For the Lamb shall feed them, and shall lead them unto Living Fountains of-Waters. Rev. xxi; 1: And He showed me a pure River of Water of Life. Is. xii; 3: Therefore with joy shall ye draw Water out of the Wells of Salvation. John vii; 38: He that believeth on Me, out of his belly shall flow Rivers of Liv ing Water. I John v; 1: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God. Gal. iii; 26: For ye are all the children of God, by faith in Jesus Christ. Eph. v; 26: That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the Church) witn the wash ing of Water by the Word. Ez. xxxvi; 25: Tnen wili it sprinkle clean Water upon you, and yo shall be clean : from all your and from all yeur irMUtsdß JLaiM*Ml!j£9Mte I Cor. x; 4: And did all drink the same Spiritual Drink ; for they drank of that Spiritual Rock, and that Spir itual Rock wa3 CHRI3T. I Cor. xii; 13 : For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body—and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Rom. viii; 9 : Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. Rom. viii; 2: The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom. viii; 10: If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness. Col. i; 27 : Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Thk Spirit. John iii; 6: That which is born of the Spirit, is spirit. John vi ; 63: It is the Spirit that quickeneth. I Cor. vi; 11: But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Peter i; 22 : Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth, through the Spirit. Rom. viii; 14: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they Hrre the sons of God. II Cor. iii; 17, 18: Now, the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. < The Blood, i. I John i; 71 And the BiffSVfJ Jesus Christ His Son, cleinseth nsyrom all sin. John v; 6: Whoso eateth wv flesh and drinketh my Blood, halh eve. Masting life. Rev. i; 5: Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own Blood. j- Rev. vii; 14: And have wished their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. Ps. Ii; 2: Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Is. i ; 16: Wash you, make you clean: put away the evil of your doings. Acts xxii; 16: Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins. I Peter i; 2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedi ence and Sprinkling of the Blood of Jc-sus Christ. Heb. xii; 22, 24: But ye are come— to the Blood op Sprinkling. Heb. x; 19, 22: Having, therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the Blood of Jesus—let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an ei>il conscience. Is. liii; 15: So shall He sprinkle many nations. Heb. ix; 14, 15: How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself, with out spot, to God, purge ( cleanse) your conscience from dead works, to serve the living God ? Matt, xxvi; 28 • For this is my Blood of the New. Testament which is shed ( poured out ) for you, for the remission of sins. These Three Agree is One. Tim. iii; 5: According to His mercy, He saved us by the washing ( laver , Wa ter) of regeneration (Water op Lipe) and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed fportred) on us abundant ly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Intkrphbtation. The prepositions employed in I John v; 6: are dia and cn; the first signify ing through, or by means of— the second in, or by means of. Text—“ This is Ho that came in and through the Water and Blood of Suffering, to save by means of the Water and Blood of Life.” Conclusion. The Water with which a man is born again, (John iii : 5,) which Christ “ givei ,” (John iv: 10, 14,) which cleanses from sin, (Ez. xxxvi: 25; Zech. xiii: 1,) is not the water of baptism, but the “Wa ter of Life;” (Rev. xxi: 6,) the “Spir itual Drink,” (I Cor. x: 4,) the “Spir it of Christ,” (Rom. viii: 9,) the “ Spir it of Life in Christ Jesus,” (Rom. viii: 2,) which, with the “Bread of Life,” (John vi: 36,) fills and feeds the soul that “ hungers and thrists after righteousness .” (Matt, v: 6.) It is ever living, ( running ;) and, together with the Blood and the Spirit, washing the souls of the redeemed ones, and cleansing them from all sin. It is all-sufficient, never failing,—in heaven, a “pure River,” proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, —in the believer in Jesus, a “ Well of Water, springing up into everlasiing life." “ Ho! every one that thirsteth, oome ye to the Waters. And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely.” Is. Iv : 1; Rev. xxii : 17. T. B. Cooper. Ston* Mountain, Oct. 14. Christ’s Finished Work. •- Ye are complete to Him.” Rest, weary soul 1 The penalty is borne, the ransom paid, For all thy sins full s&tisfaotion made ; Strive not to do thyself what Christ has done, Claim the free gift, and make the joy thine own ; No more by pangs of gilt and fear distrest, Rest, sweetly rest! Rest, weary heart, From all thy Bileut griefs and seoret pain, Thy profitless regrets and longings rain ; Wisdom and love have ordered all the past, AH shall be blessedness and light at last; Cast off the fears that have so long opprest: Rest, sweetly rest! Rest weary head! Lie down to slumber in the peaoeful tomb ; Light from above has broken through its gloom ; Here, in the place where once thy Saviour lay, Where He shall wake thee on a future day. Like"a tired child upon its mother’s breast, Rest, sweetly rest I • Rest, spirit free! In the greeu pastures of the heavenly shore, Where sin and sorrow can approach no more, With all the flock bv the Good Shepherd fed, Beside the streams of Life eternal led, Forever with thy God and Saviour blest! Rest, sweetly rest! To Moderate Drinkers. That drunkenness is a sin, is settled beyond all dispute by the Divine mandate, “No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God.” I Cor. vi: 10. It is a soul damning sin. It is not, however, gener ally admitted that to tread the road that leads directly to drunkenness, is sin. The argument which, to our way of thinking, establishes this conclusion, i3 concisely presented by an untiring worker in the temperance cause, now gone to his rest. He says, “ It is a principle of the Divine government, that designs that are crimi nal, if consummated, must not be medita ted or commenced. ‘ Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath com mitted adultery with her in his heart.’ Therefore, when it is said, *No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God,’ we have the teachings of the Saviour that a voluntary act that knowingly leads to drunkenness, is, in the Divine mind, drunkenness itself.” Nor will the plea that, friends in whom confidence was placed, lured and tempted one to taste the fatal first glass, avail. Adam pleaded, “ The woman gave to me, and I did eat.” The woman urged, “The serpent beguiled, and I did eat.” They were condemned. Adam was cursed be cause he hearkened to the voice of his wife. And the dram-drinker and the drunkard will be condemned because they yielded to the temptation. Every sin*ls a yielding to temptation ; and God will not be mocked. B. W. I. The New Version. That the new version of the Sacred Scriptures, issued by the Bible Union, is a perfect one, I presume no one will ven ture to affirm. Nothing human is perfect. The original Scriptures were given, we are told, by inspiration of God, and, therefore, were perfect; but the transla tion of them into our language, is the work of men; and must, therefore, nec essarily be imperfect. To expect perfec tion to result from imperfection, would be about as absurd as to expect sweet water to flow from a bitter fount, or to gather sweet oranges from a sour orange-tree. One has said, very truthfully if not poet ically, referring to the productions of men, “ He who expects a faultless work to see, Expects what never was, nor e’er will be.” That the session of the Bible Union is a decided improvement on our commonly received version, has been frankly admit ted by many of the most learned and in fluential opponents of the Union. The English revisers, also, who are bringing out anew version under the auspices of the Bishops and Archbishops of the Church of England, give the preference to the version of the Bible Union, in a vast majority of the instances in which it differs from the commonly received ver sion, As an instance of the superiority of the former to the latter, I would refer the reader to the difference in the render ing of John xi: 89, in the two versions. In the old version we read, “ Lord, by this time he stinketh.” In the new, “ Lord, by this time he is offensive.” Avery learned author, who wrote and published his works long before any idea of forming such an organization as is the Bible Union was entertained,* commenting on the translation of this passage by King James’ translations, says of the verb so differently translated in the two versions, “ How offensively this very decent word, —, is translated in our version, the reader may satisfy himself, by having recourse to it; it being abused by a word which I never wrote, nor remember to have even pronounced.” He adds, “And if they are thus faulty, in a language so well known, I am very apprehensive they may he more so, in one much less studied, "and understood.” (I follow the author’s punc tuation.) Were the columns of thO Index not so much crowded by the interesting commu nications of its correspondents, I would like to refer to many instances in which, in the old version, language exceedingly indelicate and offensive is used, and to others, in which the sense iB obscured, or facts misrepresented, and, consequently, falsified; but I forbear, lest I embarrass the editor, and obstruct others in their efforts to diffuse the light of knowledge. I will take the liberty, however, to pro pound a few questions, to. which I ask the serious, solemn, prayerful attention of th reader. 1. Ought we not to adopt that version which reports most clearly, fully and trul; what God has revealed of His will ? 2. Will the discovery of a few remair ing errors, in a version, justify us in rr jecting it, an<T substituting in its place version containing moro and greater e. rors ? 3. Will the defects in the New Englis : version justify its in refusing to aid in the circulation of the Scriptures in the Span ish language? If the last question be answered in the negative, I would ask of yon, if you would maintain a conscience void of of fence, both toward God and man, to send me a contribution to aid in circulating the Spanish Scriptures. Jos. S. Baker. *This work, tho "Life of Kin;? David,” was dedica ted "To His Grace William. Duke es Devonshire, Loru Lieutenant of Ireland,” and was dated Dublin, July 22nd, A.D., 1740. Work for Every Christian. A great and glorious work rests upon all whom God has called from the world into the kingdom of His dear Son, and none are exempt from doing all that lies in their power. Tho field is as large a< the world, and, the different spheres are as numerous a3 its people. The Careys and the Judson3 have, with their pilgrim staff in their hand, to take their long last look at the land they have loved from their youth, and with hearts filled with nothing but the love of Jesus, endure the cross, despise the shame, and give their life for the salvation of their friends. The pastor at home has his work to per form. The superintendent, the teacher, and the pupil in the Sunday school, have each a part to act in the field of his Lord, and what will be our excuse, when the Master shall come and find their work undone ? No age is exempt, for the aged man whose steps are tottering to the grave, the man of middle years, still looking forward to the meridian of his days, and the youth who has just tasted of the wa ters of eternal life, are called upon to work to-day in the vineyard of his Lord. There’s work for each, there’s work for all, there’s work for every one. Are you not called to go into the broad fields of China, or penetrate the dense jungles of Afric’s sultry plains, stand in the pulpit at home ? If not called to go into the pulpit, take the part of superintendent in the school, or if not easfed to this, take the glorious position of a toacher, or a scholar; but be not inactive while there is so much to be done. Christian you are not too young; Christian, you are not too old; not too rich, or not too poor. If you cannot carry a large load, you can carry a small one; but be not inactive while so many you wili wish to meet in eterni ty, are dying in their sins. Remember, we have not been taken from our once lost condition into this blessed inheritance, to be mere idle spectators upon the bivouac of life, not for our own enjoyment and happiness, but for the glory of Him who has called us. And while we are passing through this world of sin, let us try if we cannot cheer a soul, comfort a downcast heart, and point some to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin3 of the world. Milton on Infant Baptism. —ln his work “ On Christian Doctrine,” this im mortal writer says : Under the gospel, the first of the sacraments , so-called, is bap tism ; wherein believers, who engage themselves to newness of life, are im mersed in water, to signify their regener ation by the Holy Spirit, and their union to Christ in His death, burial and resur rection. Hence, it follows that infants are not to be baptized, inasmuch as they are incompetent to receive instruction, or to answer for themselves, or even to hear the word. It is not that outward baptism which purifies only the filth of the flesh, which saves us, but the answer of a good conscience , as Peter testifies; of which infants are incapable. Baptism is a vow, such as can neither be pronounced by the infants, nor required of them.” Exodus. Where of old the blood was sprinkled, Qod passed by the sinner’s door; He has seen the blood of Jesus, Now he sees my sin no more. God of old brought forth his people From the bondage where they groaned ; He has freed my soul from Satan, Brought me forth to be His own. God of old led on His people, Went before as shade und light; Still He leads me through the desert, Cloud by day and torch by night. God of old the wares divided, Made a pathway through the sea; Now beyond the grave I praise Him; There is no more death for me. God of old sent bread from heaven, That His people might be fed; He has sent Thee down, Lord Jeans, Thou to me art living broad. TTUnm. What to Leave Oot. —A plain-spoken man, but of sound judgment, walking home with a young preacher, at the close of a morning service, in one of our towns, said to him, “ I noticed that you omitted the reading of the Scriptures.” “Yes,” said the young minister; “ I made the introductory services as short as I could, because my sermon was so long.” “ But why,” was the answer, “ didn’t you leave out some of your own stuff?” Sorrow not Conversion,— The late Rev. Baron Stow, P.D., of Boston, said he had never known a single case of seri ous awakening by means of a funeral dis course. CoENTNRFSITa. i - I -Nobody is more like an heneatmanthan* thorough rogue.—i- Spurgeon. ! $3.0(1 A YEAR. J WHOLE NO. 2562. Definition of Baptizo. To hit the nail squarely and with a telling blow is by no means a common art, but the Western Recorder seems to have the knack, as the following paragraph shows: The Christian Observer thus defines baptizo: “It means, to assault; to let fall; to weigh down ; to pierce ; to hurl down; to surround ; to press'down; to rise above; to dip ; to submerge; to thrust; to blow; to strike; to proceed ; to sink ; to im merge; to imbatlie; to plunge; to lower down ; to immerse ; to come on; to over turn ; to bail up ; to flood ; to whelm ; to pour; to‘souse ; to bring down; to de press ;to steep; to drench, and to duck." In the light of the above definition, we would like to ask the editor or writer of the above, in what way he was baptized? Was he assaulted, let fall, weighed down, pierced, hurled down, surrounded, pressed down, risen above , (spare the English,) dipped, (we poor Baptists come in here,) submerged, thrust, blown, struck, pro ceeded, (!) sunk, iramerged, imbathed, plunged, lowered down , (not our fault,) immersed, come on, (don’t feel offended,) overturned, bailed up, flooded, overwhelm ed, poured, soused, brought down, de pressed, steeped, drenched, or ducked? And we wish further to inquire whether any one .of the above modes is equally good? and if so, how he found it out? vVe suggest that the writer of the above to be baptized in several of the way3 above specified, because of having written such a marvelous, not to say ridiculous, definition of a sacred word. Ho ought to be “assaulted” by conscience, “let fall” from the list of acourate definers, “ weigh ed down” with a sense of regret, “ pierced” with the sting of remorse, “ hurled down” from the lofty position of critic, and so on to the end of the chapter. Christian Cheerfulness. —A Meth odist minister preached at the late camp meeting at Sing Sing, on the duty of cultivating the habit of cheerfulness by professing Christians, and in illustration related the case of Luther’s wife, who, when the reformer was one day in a moody State, entered his study robed in the ha biliments of mourning, and paced to and fro in utter dejection, “ What does this mean?” asked the desponding man. “I have come,” responded the wife, “to sympathize with you in your overwhelm ing affliction.” “Affliction! what afflic tion?” inquired the astonished husband. “Why, the death of your Saviour,” re plied the disconsolate wife. “Your man ner indicates something like such a calamity.” Luther saw the point, and resolved never again to give way to despon dency. Wisdom in a Nut-shell. —An old col ored minister at the South once said, .in a sermon, “God Almighty with a crooked stick can strike a straight blow;” by which he meant to say, that God could work by illiterate ministers. But he ut tered a remark which contains more merg ing than he thought. How true it is in God’s government and providedee, in thb State and in the Church, that He often accomplishes His purposes by very un likely instruments. No Dead-heads. —Some railroad con ductor, who has lately been elected a dea con in a New England church, astonished the congregation the first Sabbath, when it became his duty to assist in taking a c Election, by presenting the plate with his habitual ejaculation, “Tickets, gentle men!” This was not absence of mind, lat rare presence of mind. In a well c mducted church, no dead-head3 have a ; lace. Conversions. —The evangelizing efforts ;f Baptist colporteurs and missionaries in 'arious parts of continental Europe, are eaultrng in numerous conversions. In France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Greece, they are meeting with encoura ging success. Missions. —The number of baptisms by Baptist ministers in this country, in a year, averages eight to each of the 8,787 ministers; while there was an average of 30 to each of the 50 missionaries of the Baptist Missionary Union, or II each to all—including native preachers. Ministerial Candidates. —The Ver mont Episcopal bishop, in his last annual message, pointedly condemned “ the prac tice of getting candidates for a vacant parish to preach in succession, in hope of securing a call —a plan which many of the most high-toned and conscientious clergy utterly refuse to have anything to do with. A man who can make the best show on one or two sermons, is not always the one who will wear best in the steady work of the ministry.” A Serious Thought. —Suppose there was a book, in which the whole of your life was recorded, each page of which con tained the events of a day; and at the beginning was written, “ This is the life of a rational, immortal, accountable crea ture, placed in this world to prepare for eternity!” Oh, what an amount of guilt would the record of each day present!—— Dr. Payson. The Right Spirit.—Rov. Mr. Roth well, a preacher of the Established Churoh in Scotland in former days, was, when a young man, very dissipated. After his conversion, he was known as the “ bold Roth well.” His resolute and devoted spirit may bo learned from his reply to some friends, who tried to dissuade him from accepting a call from Ber wick-upon-Tweed, because the people there were very rude and wicked: “Since I knew the grace of God, I and the dovil have been at perpetual variance; and if I thought I should live in peace at Berwick, I would not go there.” A Difference. —Beethoven’s brother used to sign himself “Beethoven, land owner ” Whereupon the great composer adopted, as his own signature, “ Beeth oven, brain owner. True. —“ I never yet found a wholly incorrigible child,” remarked David Wil liams, when he gave up his model acade my at €bel«fe; * but I have found a great many totally incorrigible parents.”