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Jfidtxjixd Baptist.
* „.
J. J. TOOK, - Proprietor.
PUBLICATION ROOMS ** 6 SOUTH BROADWAY.
Editor: Bov. D. SHAVER, D.D.
OOBBBSrOKDIKG EDITORS :
Rbv. J. J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala.
Rbt. S. HENDERSON, D.D Jacksonville, Ala.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1871.
The Atonement.
The doctrine of atonement, a9 held by
evangelical Christians, is the subject of sin
gular misapprehension, on the part of those
who reject it. They separate the several
parts of the doctrine, and array one part, as
truth held by themselves, against the other,
which, in turn, they often caricature and dis
tort until its advocates can recognize scarcely
a feature of their own real belief. A notable
instance of this misconception and perversion,
is supplied by the reoent work of Dr. Church,
entitled “Seed Truths.” He says, while
attempting “to indicate a few points of dif
ference between an exterior and interior ex
amination of the sacred text:”
“To the exterior, the sacrifice of Christ
upon the cross is a price paid to law and
justice; to the interior, it is power to repro
duce itself in every believer.
To the one, the atonement is an abstraction
of government; to tlie other, it is bruising
the serpent’s head, or killing the nature which
is the head of his power over man, in order
to resurrection to anew and heavenly life.
To the one, the crucifixion was a spectacu
lar scene, like a public execution, to exhibit
to the universe the vengeance of law ; to the
other, it is God on the mercy seat restoring
union between Himself and His mourning
people at the door of the sanctuary, or ‘that
repentance and remission of sins should be
preached in His name among all nations.’
To the one, the blood ot Christ is a wrath
appeaser; to the other, it is spiritual life,
purifying the heart through faith, and perva
ding man’s whole outward life. ‘He that
eateth me shall live by me;’ and all things
are purified by blood.”
Now, we confidently submit, that what is
here stigmatized as the “ exterior ” view
has never been held by orthodox Christians, in
*' t , l
express or implied, in theoretical or practica 1
separation from the view honored as “interi
or.” There is no antagonism between the two,
when stated with precision. The two always,
enter, as necessary and related elements, into
evangelical theology. Take, as proof, the
latest resume of the doctrine which has fallen
under our notice—that presented in the Essay
on the Death of Christ, contributed by Bishop
Thomson to “Aids to Faith.” He says :
“The several points of this mystericus
transaction may be thus roughly described :
1. God sent His Son into the world to
redeem lost and ruined man from sin and
death, and the Son willingly took upon Him
the form of a servant for this purpose; and
thus the Father and the Son manifested their
love for us.
2. God the Father laid upon His Son the
weight of the sins of the whole world, so that
He bare in His own body the wrath which
men must else have borne, because there was
no other way of escape for them; and thus
the Atonement was a manifestation of Divine
justice.
3. The effect of the Atonement thus
wrought is, that man is placed in anew posi
tion, freed from the dominion of sin, and
able to follow holiness ; and thus the doctrine
of the Atonement ought to work in all the
bearers a sense of love, of obedience, and of
self-sacrifice.
In shorter words, the sacrifice of the death
of Christ is a proof of Divine love and of
Divine justice, and is for us a document of
obedience .”
Here the views put in causeless opposition
by Dr. Church, are found in logical and
scriptural unison. They are but the obverse
and reverse sides of the one great truth coined
in the mint of revelation; and he who cuts
away the one, will find that not enough of
the pure gold of inspired teaching remains to
take the impress of the other. As well
might the li/ing child, if “divided in two”
by the sword of Solomon, still live, as the Dr’s
“ interior ” view subsist apart from the “ ex
terior.” This, if opportunity favored at
present, wo should like to show at length;
but we shall have early occasion to discuss
the doctrine of the atonement in a series of
articles—and will bear this point in mind.
Southern Baptists.
The Baptist State Convention of North
Carolina had seventeen domestic missionaries
in the field, the past year, and over twelve
hundred persons were baptized, as the result
of their labors—an average of rather more
than seventy to each. At its recent session,
in Charlotte, “ the Convention felt at liberty
to authorize the enlargement of operations”
by its Board. This is a cheering record, and
reminds us that throughout the South, the
State anniversaries of the denomination have
worn similar aspects of hopefulness and pro
gress. We do not now recall a single excep
tion. There has been a general forward
movement, and a healthy growth, we trust,
under the Divine blessing. Shall we not, as
a
at a higher standard of liberality, zeal and
effectiveness, and attempt still greater things
for God, the coming year? And if there are
pastors and churches that have not shared
this gratifying prosperity, may we not exhort
them to search out the cause and rectify it?
Time flies. Life wanes. Souls pass into
eternity. Opportunity invites. Christ calls
to labor. Evil is rampant and unblushing.
Our sloth is the perdition of others. Who,
then, will forbear to toil and pr.iy and give,
for the glory of the Master and the salvation
of sinners ?
A Discovery.— A writei in the Banner of
Peace makes the surprising discovery, that
* Christ, in person, baptized the original
twelve apostlesand the ludicrous discovery,
that He did it “ by washing their feet, as set
forth in the thirteenth chapter of the evangel
ist John!” Will the discoverer run up his
flag in favor of the administration of baptism
after that manner ? Surely it becomes us to
perform “ the initiatory rite of the church of
God on earth,” —so this writer styles it,—as
the great Head ofj the church Himself per
formed it: and we shall look for innovations
among Cumberland Presbyterians in Tennes
see, transforming baptism into a mere feet
washing. A wide departure, indeed, from
the law of the ordinance ; but is it more wide
than a mere face-sprinkling ?
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA. CA., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1871.
Au Inside View.
At. this distance, Spurgeon looks like a
miracle of success, building the mighty
structure of his church and College, without
a breath of discord to ruffle their harmony.
And yet the Westminster Review alleges, “on
good authority, that some of his own dea
cons describe him as a ‘regular Pope’”—
language which indicates many a collision of
diverse opinions and of wills at variance. Our
knowledge of human nature might have told
us as much ; but his scene of labor lies re
mote, and we lose sight of facts which that
nature renders inevitable every where. Now,
are not frequent changes in the pastoral rela
tion due, in part, to just such forgetfulness
as this? A pastor knows the laults of the
flock he serves, and the annoyances and diffi
culties of his present field ; they enter, as
disturbing elements into his daily experience,
and he cannot wink them away—he must
needs feel them. He desires to escape these
things, and turns a longing eye to other
spheres of labor, as though there the tranquil
current of his life would flqw on, with no ob
struction to stay and no cloud to darken it.
O wild, vain dream! Everywhere trouble
awaits the faithful soldier of the cross. Op
position confronts him, indifference stands
aloof from him, discouragement deals its
unnerving blows against him, everywhere.
Let not a mere outside view of the untried
and the distant, allure from positions which,
it may be, seem less eligible to us only be
cause we know them better.
Which was the Wiser?
A Baptist Association, not long ago, near
Lebanon, Wilson county, Tenn., —a county
with some three thousand members of our
churches among its citizens, —decided that no
collections should be taken up during the
session of the body. Shortly after, a Meth
odist Conference assembled in Lebanon, and,
on a single night, raised $1,300. Our sym
pathy is with the plan that secured the money
for Christian work. We advocate systematic
beneficence, indeed, —the collection of funds
in the churches, and by the churches. But
until this system is brought into effective
operation—until all the churches adopt it,
and it evokes from them contributions bear
ing a reasonable proportion to their ability,—
we favor special efforts toward that end at
our Associations and Conventions. Other
wise, we fear, there are those who will pass
through the year giving nothing, or giving
less than is meet. Why not, in brotherly
kindness, cross their path with facts and pleas
adapted to arouse conscience, to enlist sym*
pathy and to induce action ? All practicable
methods should be adopted, we are sure, to
awaken every Baptist in the South, to the
consideration of the weighty questions re
centlj' discussed by a church in North Caro
lina: “ Who is the greatest creditor of true
Christians and of all others who enjoy the
advantages attached to Christianity and civil
ization ? If we can ascertain who is our chief
creditor, how can we make the nearest ap
proach to a discharge of our indebtedness?”
Pastoral Delinquency.
In the Home and Foreign Journal, Secre
tary Sumner expresses himself as “ more
and more convinced” that “ the churches, in
many instances, are ahead of their pastors in
the spirit of giving.” This opinion, if well
founded, betrays a state of things, in the last
degree, anomalous. In the ideal of his offioe,
the pastor leads his flock, and he cannot work
to the best effect unless he is himself a pat
tern of the virtues and graces which he in
culcates. (By the way, the etymological
sense of the word “ inculcate,” is—“ to stamp
into with the heel;” and is not the ‘ stamp
ing’ effected most surely by the heel that
walks the path commended with the lips to
others?) Some one has said that Julius
Caesar hewed his way to empire because his
summons to the.soldiery was, not “ lie,” but
“ Venite and so the pastor, if he would
teach effectually in this matter of liberality,
and of all Christian excellencies as well, must
say to his people, not “ Go on (without me,)”
but “ Come on (with me.)” We beg every
pastor to make searching inquest into his own
heart and life, to ascertain whether the great
fault pointed out by Secretary Sumner, in
any measure attaches to him. Few things
are more necessary to the higher prosperity
of the denomination, than that we should
abound, more and more, in the spirit of giv
ing. This is peculiarly the demand of the
times upon us—the present, pressing call of
Providence; and to come short of pastoral
obligation in this exigency—to lack that
spirit —is to retard the wheels of progress with
special potency for evil.
Dropping the Mask.
We like “plain Bailing,” and therefore,
learn with pleasure that the American Mis-,
sionary Association, at its late annual meet
ing in Hartford, Conn., decided openly “to
push the organization of churches after the
New England model, throughout the South.”
For our own part, we prefer “churches after
the New ” Testament “ model;” but if Con
gregational missionaries among the Freedmen
have different preferences, it is well for them
to speak out frankly, and let men know pre
cisely what they aim to do. Whether the
avowal made now is really “ anew depart
ure,” or simply the lifting of the veil from a
policy pursued with indirection before, we
shall not attempt to decide; though we must
confess that it would have appealed more
strongly to our faith, had we heard it while
the “Bureau” of Gen. Howard was in its
prime, and rendering lavish aid to educational
enterprises on the plea of their purity from
the stain of sectarianism. Why is it only
when those halcyon days are overpast, that
“the existing church organizations” at the
South are found “inadequate to meet the
exigencies of the case,” and “ the Freedmen
and the poor whites, longing fur something
better,” compel a Congregational ecclesias
ticism here? We hope that Baptists, North
ern and Southern alike, will vigorously main
tain their footing in the field which this Alex
ander comes to conquer for “ New England.”
Corrective. —An exchange quotes nearly
a column from the editorial department of
the Index and Baptist, and ascribes it to
“ the pen” of an esteemed brother in the min
istry. If we had not written it ourselves, we
would have made express statement to that
effect. This department oontains no articles
contribqted by others, without unequivocal
indication of their paternity.
Timely Precaution. —Some writers in the
New York organ of “ Broad-Gauge Baptists,”
propose that our denomination shall embrace
loose communion, to facilitate the
our distinctive principles. We must rid
ourselves, they tell us, of the hindrance, dis
ability and loss of power entailed by strict
communion. There was once in Vermont a
man with ways of thinking similar to theirs.
After living a hundred years in the “Green
Mountain State,” he removed to Miohigan,
on the ground that the climate did not agree
with him, and he must seek more salubrious
quarters if he hoped to reach a ripe old age!
Reviews and Notices.
The Baptist Record. —Our West Virginia
confrere, Charleston, appears on an enlarged
sheet, with new type; Rev. J. B. Ilardwicke,
editor. We are gratified to learn that the
crisis in its affairs is past, and that it stands
on assured footing far the future. The Re
cord does effective service to the Cause, and
has our best wishes. Rev. J. B. Tombes,
D.D., becomes Associate Editor.
For the Young. —The indebtedness of the
young to the Bible and Publication Society,
has been increased by two recent issues
from its press. — “From Nation to Nation,”
by James H. Flint, (pp. 348, with 4«illustra
tions,) is a pleasaut picture of ancient Chris
tian life, when Clement taught at Alexandria,
Tertullian at Carthage, and Montanus in
Phrygia. It aims to point out the unhappy
influences which fostered the inception and
growth of Pedobaptism,—“an error which has
since grown into a mighty tree, the roots of
which stretch themselves throughout Chris
tendom, robbing the ground in the vineyard
of the Lord of half its productiveness, and
making perpetual the rent in the body of
Christ which it originated.” “Eastern
Side, or Missionary Life in Siam,” by Mrs. F.
R. Feudge, (p. 364, with five illustrations,)
sketches a graphic outline of the manners and
customs, the government and social institu
tions, the religion and traditions of that coun"
try, with the history of missionary labor
there by American Baptists, its trials and
joys, its difficulties and successes. We have
marked several passages for our columns, but
want of space shuts them out.
Tiie Baptist Hymn Book. —The B'ble and
Publication Society, Philadelphia, has brought
out two cheap editions of this work—one for
the pew, in sheep, (pp. 590,) at $1.25; an
other, in beautiful agate type, morocco, (pp.
203,) at 50 cents. No difficulty on the score
of price can obstruct the adoption of this col
lection by our churches, and its marked excel
lencies, for the most part, plead strongly in
its favor.
Temperance Publications. —We have re*
eeived from the National Temperance Society
and Publication House, New York, the fifth
in the series of Temperance Sermons, —“ Self
denial for the Promotion of Temperance, a
Duty and a Pleasure, by Rev. J. P. Newman,
D.D.,” (pp. 21;) the National Illustrated
Temperance Almanac for 1872, (pp. 64 ;) and
two of a series of New Temperance Dia
logues, by Mrs. Nellie H. Bradley,—“Wine
as a Medicine, or, Abbie’s Experience,” (pp.
22,) and “The Stumbling-Block, or, Why a
Deacon gave up his Wine,” (pp. 38.) There
is an urgent need for literature of this class,
and we would rejoice to conduce to its gen
era' circulation.
Tobacco. —J. N. Stearns, 58 Reade Street,
New York, sends us the “ Manual of the
Anti-Tobacco Leagues for our Young Peo
ple,” (pp. 16.) Accounting “ the use of to
bacco hurtful to the body, mind and morals,”
sixty-five Leagues have been formed in sixteen
different States, among boys who have not
yet acquired this habit. Those who desire to
further the movement should furnish them
selves with the Manual.
Forgetfulness. — According to the Church
man, the Episcopal Bishops, in their reoent
declaration as to the sense of the word, re
generate, “ probably forgot, for the moment,
that there were such people as Baptists . . .
in the world.” So much worse for the Bish
ops. We were already aware that they had
shown themselves sadly at fault in the defini
tion of a term which stands in the very sun
light of Scripture and Theology—a state of
things unlucky enough, to be sure. But now
we learn that they are oblivious of the only
people whose “faithand practice” can “un
tie the Gordian knot” of the relation be
tween Christian ordinances and the work of
the Holy Spirit—and what shall open for
them a door of escape from their perplexities ?
“The Church,” given over to the influence of
Pedobaptism, is like the princess in the legend
sleeping through a hundred years; while
around her palace sprang up a hedge of briars,
from which no one who entered could come
forth, “for the thorns held them, as if with
hands, and they were unable to release them
selves.” In just that hapless plight the
Bishops stand at present; and who shall bring
them deliverance until they remember the
Baptists—beginning with the apostles?
Fellowship. —A minister, who had passed
over from the Presbyterians to the Congre
gationalists, stated recently that, in making
this change, he was prepared to find the
churches of the latter denomination isolated
from each other, but, on the contrary, he had
found in their polity and methods “ a pecu
liar fitness for the expression of real Chris
tian fellowship, in distinction from that which
is ecclesiastical.” If this distinction were only
as patent to our opponents, when their eyes
turn toward the communion question, as
when, for the time, they lose sight of it!
What is thought by one “without.”—
Moses E. Lard, of “the current Reforma
tion,” says, through the Apostolic limes , that
the “fermentation in the Baptist ranks” on
the question of communion, “is not likely to
lead to any very important results;” and that
the loose tendency among us, whether more
or less, “ is clearly the expression of a sickly
sentimentalism and willingness, without re
gard to the teachings of the word of God, to
accept and treat as orthodox every form of
sectarianism which puts on the appearance of
sincerity.” He detects the true spirit of the
movement, and descries its prospective fail
ure.
Rev. K. M. Crawford, D.D. * A
Resolutions, unanimously adopted at a
meeting of the Faoulty of Georgetown Col
lege, Ky., Nov. 9th, 1871, in regard to the
dealh of Rev. N. M. Crawford, D.D.* late
President of that Institution.,
Resolved, That it is with profound and heart
felt sorrow that we have nward of the death
of Rev. N. M. Crawford, D.8., late Presi
dent of Georgetown College.
Resolved, That in our intercourse of sev
eral years, we ever found in him the high
toned and courteous gentleman, the earnest
and devoted Christian, the man of broad cul
ture and extensive acquirements, and the kind
and genial friend, and that we cherish his
memory with peculiar pleasure.
Resolved, That in his death the church has
lost one of its brightest ornaments, and the
cause of education and sound learning one of
its truest and ablest defenders.
Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved
family our warmest sympathy, and, feeling
ourselves incompetent to impart consolation
in this hour of sadness, we commend them to
that God in whom our departed brother al
ways trusted, and who, while He smites, does
it in mercy.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions
be sent to the family of the deceased, and also
the to Christian Index, Western Recorder and
Georgetown Times for publication.
B. Manly, President.
J. N. Bradley ,Secretary.
Maryland Baptist Anniversaries.
The Maryland and District Sunday School
here, in the E. Street Bap
tist church,”Sn Monday, (6th,) and closed its
session last evening. Without entering into
detail, let it' suffice to say that the ministers
evinced a deep interest in its proceedings —
a good sign—and all the delegates seemed
thoroughly aroused to the essential impor
tance of taking care of the children. Dr.
Brantly delivered a comprehensive and tell
ing address, last evening, upon “ What to
teach, and how to teach it,” which was fol
lowed by several five minutes speeches, fully
endorsing the “ What ,” and the “Hoio,” as
presented by the Doctor.
The Maryland Baptist Union Association
met to-day. Quite a large delegation pres
ent. Reading letters on the improved plan—
i. e., a form of a letter is sent to each church,
and they requested to fill up the blanks.
This plan is a serious hindrance to those gifted
church clerks who have the ability ot essay
ing and winding up with a general lamenta
tion over the “ low state ot our beloved Zion,
assuring us that nothing special was done
daring the year;” but a great saving of lime,
and furnishing all the points and facts of in
terest, without, as the boys says, any curling
to reach the result. The inevitable Dickin
son, the Herald man, is here, with no special
object, of course, though perfectly willing to
receive subscriptions and payments for his
paper. The presence of editors and publish
ers on such occasions, has its effect to stir up
delinquents, and remind those who have not
taken a religious paper, to do so. We feel
more like reading a paper after we have seen
and heard the men who get them up. So
make yourselves circulating mediums as far
as you can. We have Dr. J. M. Pendleton
here also, not an editor, but who writes
almost as much as if he were; and Rev. G. F.
Adams, “ the old war horse of the Associa
tion.”
A. Fuller Crane, of Baltimore, was reflect
ed Moderator. An appropriate return of
thanks, that after having served the Associa
tion twenty nine years as Clerk, he appreci
ates the honor of electing him three years in
succession as the Moderator. E. Calvin
Williams, Esq., of Baltimore, re-elected
Clerk. The Agent of the Maryland State
Bible Sooljty,” addressed the body, when
some discu%ion arose as to the propriety of
commending that Society to the churches, as
we have our own Bible Society. But a reso
lution, recommending a collection in each
church, for Bible purposes, and leaving the
contributors to give direction to their dona
tions, was unanimously adopted.
Two new churches were received into the
Association. The Eutaw Place Baptist
church, Baltimore, and the Baptist church at
Barton, Alleghany county, Md. The report
of the Board is hopeful. The morning light
is breaking in many dark places in Maryland.
Perhaps no region of country in the State is
more destitute of Baptist preaching, than the
territory occupied by this Association. In
South Carolina, the Baptists are as one to
eleven of the inhabitants; in Virginia, as one
to ten ; in Georgia, as one to nine ; while bore,
they are as one to one hundred and eighty
two. Omitting Baltimore, they are as one
to four hundred and eighty-eight. Out of
tweuty-two counties, are twelve that have no
Baptist churches or preaching, while in the
other counties, the churches are very feeble.
And yet the Baptists of Maryland give as
much per member, if not more, than liny
other State in the Union, for mission nnd
other purposes. Three hundred were bap
tized during the year. The Eutaw Place re
ported 12 baptisms, since its organization six
months ago; the Seventh church, Baltimore,
15; the First church, Baltimore, 54; the Lee
Street church, Baltimore, 20.
Dr. Parker, of Calvary ohurch, Washing
ton, preached the introductory sermon. Text:
“We are laborers together with God.” He
discussed it as reading, “We are laborers
together, with God”—that is, we labor with
one another, should labor in unison, then,
with God—that is, according to Ood's plan.
The report on finances drew out a warm dis
cussion, on the duty of each church to con
tribute to the Association an amount equiva
lent to one dollar to each member One of
the features of the apostolic church, ou the
day of Pentecost, was a consecration of their
substance to the Lord, and it was urged that,
ere the Baptist churches could claim complete
resemblance to the original church, they must
imitate this feature morejjthan they now do.
Thursday, 9/A.—Committee on Publica
tion, Colportage aud Bible Distribution,
brought out a discussion on tho importance of
one hymn book throughout the denomination.
The Baptist Ilymn Book, strongly recom
mended as the best. A striking picture,
drawn of a Baptist minister under the neces
sity of carrying about a box or trunk filled
with the multiplicity of hymn books used by
Baptist churches.
The report on Ministerial Education and
Columbian College, brought out Dr. Welling,
the newly inaugurated President of the Col
lege, who assured the Association that the
College was safe as a Baptist institution. Dr.
Welling has entered upon his duties with the
respect and confidence of his brethren. While
we regret the resignation of such an arduous
and faithful President as Dr. Samson, yet we
rejoice in the selection of such a man as Dr.
Welling. A resolution, to authorize the
Committee on Education to form a Clerical
Club in the College, on the Virginia plan, was
adopted. On the report of the Committee
on Colored People, Rev. W. P. Thompson,
pastor of Union Colored church, Baltimore,
made a very sensible speech, showing the
importance of furnishing the colored people
“ with good meeting houses, and the minis
ters with good clothes;” and Rev. Allen,
pastor of the First Colored church, Balti
more, who wished the language of the report
so changed that the Committee look after the
“colored Baptists not after the “colored
people “ for if jou will take care of the
colored Baptists, we will take oare of the
colored people.” He also told us how Meth
odist ministers are made “ Big Preachers;
“ by the people standing at the corners of the
streets crying, “ Behold, here is wisdom and
virtue concentrated in one man,” and thus
tMy puff them op anfftnafn i thein mg preach
ers. Judge Bowie showed very clearly the
power of Baptists with the masses, because
of their church polity ; that his father was a
Catholic, his uncle a Romish Bishop, his
mother an Episcopalian. But he went to a'
Sunday school and learned to reverence the
When God mtrrefted him, he took
the > Bible fqr his guide. He saw that the
Baptists, in their faith and polity, were scrip
tural, and he could not consent to. enslave
himself by becoming subject tq any central
ized power. If Baptists would hold up more
prominently the government of our churches,
thinking men would be drawn to us.
Heretofore the Association had no Foreign
Mission feature in its Constitution, but adopt
ed an amendment to include Home and For
eign Missions. A deep feeling aroused on
this subject. Rev. A. E. Dickinson presented
the claims of the Boards of the Southern
Baptist Convention, and declared that the
Southern Baptist Convention was a necessity,
and urged the churches to sustain its Boards.
Women’s work among women, in China and
Italy, was pressed by Dr. Williams.
An episode—a supper by the Ladies’ As
sociation—in the midst of the business; a
pleasant social time, after which, returned to
business, and continued in session until after
eleven o’clock p.m. After a few appropriate
remarks by the Moderator, calling up touch
ing reminiscences, that of the number pres
ent thirty-five years ago, when tho Associa
tion was organized, oDly three are now
present; viz., Rev. G. F. Adams, Rev.
Mettam and himself, urging all to faithfulness
in the future. Adjourned, with prayer by
Rev. G. F. Adams, to meet with Franklin
Square church, Baltimore, on the last Tuesday
in October —the Sunday School Association
to have the second day of the session—a fact
worthy of State Sunday School Conventions;
thus securing a full attendance of delegates
to this essential part of our work.
J. W. M. W.
Washington City, D. C., Nov. 8,1871.
Some Alabama Notes—A Missionary Tour-
Good Location for a New Clinrch—Eutaula
and Its New Meeting House, etc.
Since your correspondent removed from
Tuskegee to Union Springs, a month ago, he
has irregularly engaged in the work of the
ministry, preaching as opportunity olFered.
The Bishop of Union Springs has passed
through sore trials in the last three months.
For most of that time he has anxiously wait
ed at the bedside of loved ones, who every
moment seemed as if about to fly his em
braces and enter the Great Beyond. First, his
only child, a sweet, sprightly little girl, was
stricken down, and for long, long weeks, the
little spark of life seemed as if fading into the
darkness of death. Ere the child recovered,
the wife and mother was attacked, and for six
weeks her life hung tremblingly in the bal
ance. But thanks to a loving Heavenly kind
ness, the sick are well again, and the pastor’s
heart overflows with gratitude. During the
greater part of these weeks of severe trial,
Bro. Carrol, of course, was unable to attend
to the duties of the pastorate. I was glad to
be favored with the opportunity of serving
him by taking his place frequently in the
services of the sactuary.
On the last Sabbath in October I was en
gaged at Hurtville. This is a small town on
the railroad from Columbus to Troy, and dis
tant about 20 miles from Union Springs,
and 30 from Columbus. It is in the heart of
a good farming country, and enjoys a large
trade from the farmers around. There are
here some extensive and profitable mills.
The Methodists have an organization and
good house of worship, but the Baptists nei
ther. There are, however, quite a number
of Baptist families in the neighborhood, and
some to move—sufficient, it is thought, to
warrant the attempt at organizing a church.
We preached twice on the Sabbath and again
on Monday night. Had good congregations,
and found much interest among the people on
religion, and a general desire for preaching.
A lot is reserved for the Baptists to build on,
and we hope soon to have a good little church
there. An attempt to organize will be made
next 3rd Sabbath.
I am sorry to learn that my former charge,
the Tuskegee church, have been disappointed
in securing Bro. Renfroe as pastor. He was
much pleased, we learned, on his visit, with
the prospect of usefulness there; but Talla
dega would not consent to his removal. It
was thought the new church building and
some other enterprises would suffer greatly
by his removal. We learn, however, they
have the prospect of fixing there, one who
will be of greet benefit to this part of the
State. By the way, “Native Born” cannot
complain of this church, for she certainly has
not ignored the ministers of her own State.
Every call she has made for years has been
placed in the hands ot an Alabamian.
We are sorry to learn of so many pastors
resigning. Among the new names on the
list we notice that of Elder E. Y. \ an Hoose,
who has resigned the pastorate of his two
churches, Mt. Zion and Midway.
Elder J. S. Paullin, of Clayton, has re
cently held a meeting of ten day’s duration
with his church, resulting in the conversion
and baptism of seven persons, and a very
gracious revival of the membership. He de
signs renewing the services a3 soon as he re
turns from the State Convention.
On last Sabbath morning occurred the ded
ication of the new and beautiful Baptist meet
ing house in Eufaula. It is indeed a beauti
ful and well arranged building. The design,
in its main features, corresponds with that of
the First church in Atlanta. The internal
arrangements, above and below, are nearly
perfect. The audience room is a gem, leav
ing little room for improvement. The seats
and choir gallery are circular in form and of
native pine, simply varnished, and with waK
nut trimmings. The pulpit stand is a plat
form, with a neat reading desk and chairs,
fronting a beautiful recess in the wall. The
windows of stained glass ; the ceiling and
walls tastefully and elegantly fiescoed. Ex
ternally, the building is most imposing in
form ; the lofty spire rising gracefully into
the air and becoming a landmark for miles in
the country around. This work has occasion
ed the pastor many anxieties and much labor,
but his flock have faithfully supported him in
his great work and cheered him by many no
ble sacrifices. It was an occasion of great joy
to pastor and people, and many friends from
surrounding towns gathered to rejoice with
them. As announced, Rev. Dr. Burrows, of
Richmond, Va., was present to preach the
dedication sermon, and never have we heard
a more able and appropriate discourse. Ilis
theme, The Strength and Beauty of the Sanctu
ary, was discussed and illustrated as be only
can handle such a theme. His form of dedi
cation was most impressive, and brought tears
to many eyes. Dr. Mclntosh, a former pas
tor, was present, and preached at night. So,
also, were present, brethren Battle, Reevea,
Van Hoose, Cody and Bowen. The interest
was such that pastor Wharton felt.warranted
in protracting the services during the week,
which is being done with success. One thing
impressed us as to the joys of this occasion,
ar.d that was, the wealthier members remem
bered to send gifts to the poor, every one a
portion, so there was joy in the cheerless
abodes of poverty, a9 well as among the more
favored. How pure such joys as these! The
large crowd of visitors was well cared for,
and a collection of $1,400 raised to pay off a
debt. A. C. B.
Revivals. —At Newington church, in
Chatham county, from the fourth Suuday in
October, the meeting continued four days: 8
received by baptism and 1 by letter. W e
feel very thankful to our Heavenly Father for
me blessings bestowed upori us. At Pow
ers* church, Effingham oounty, from the sth
Sunday in October, meeting continued five
days, and the church was much revived ; 2
accessions by baptism. I belieya the Lord is
wSth ns and blesses our efforts in this church.
J. G. Norris, Pastor.
' st3>v m. im,is7Tr'’~** w " r
Southern Georgia: Ebenezer.
Your determination not to permit yourself
to be “ imported” by the Sunday School
Board, meets with the hearty endorsement of
many in the region of upper Southern Geor
gia, and doubtless of all your readers. You
invite contributions to your columns : make
what you can of the following items. Tho
Ebenezer Association held its last session
with the church at Richland, Twiggs county,
about 23 miles below Macon. The body was
appointed to meet with the Antioch church,
but owipg to the prevalence of what was pro
nounced scarlet fever in that community, it
was deemed prudent to change the place, and
by special invitation, the meeting was held
with the Richland church. There is some
little interest attached to the history of this
church. It is located in what has been re
garded by many as among the most desirable
portions of the State. The people have been
wealthy, and are intelligent, thrifty and be
nevolent. Large portions of the land are
held by a few, which necessarily makes the
white membership small. Most of the com*
munity are members of this church. Here
reside brethren Henry Bunn and Thomas
Glover, —men who would make pillars in any
church. They have secured “ a good decree
and great boldness,” and may be relied on
for any “good word and work.” It was with
this church that the Georgia Baptist Oonven
tion held its 18th session in 1839, and its good
impression has not yet been effaced. The
sermons preached by Brii. Dawson, Mercer,
Law and others are spoken of yet with admi
ration. Bro. J. H. Campbell preached here,
as pastor, for 14 years, and after a few years,
during which brethren Sharpe, Bunn, and
Horne were pastors, the present incumbent,
Bro. G. R. McCall, was called, and has been
serving her for the past 17 years. He has
been called now for the 18th time, and a vote
has never been cast against him, while through
all these years his salary has been promptly
paid. If the same unanimity of feeling and
promptness in action exist in his Hayneville
and Hawkinsville churches, (and we hear of
no exception,) the pastor should not be will
ing to be “ imported.”
But to the Association. Bro. W. S. Ram
sey preached the introductory sermon. Ho
was a colonel in the Confederate army, did
good service, and now bids fair to make an
excellent preacher. He deserves a better
field than the one he has, and perhaps might
be “ imported.” The former officers, G. R.
McCall, Moderator, and W. D. Horne, Clerk,
were re-elected. With few exceptions the
churches were represented, some 40 in num
ber, and appeared to be generally in a heal
thy state. Many revivals, with additions by
baptism, were reported. Appropriations were
made to different objects, some of which were
to Simon Hancock, a native Indian, to young
ministers seeking an education, to her own
destitute bounds, and to meet the expenses of
delegates to Georgia Baptist Convention.
Owing to the change of place of meeting,
which was not published, there were no vis
itors from sister Associations, except Bro. E.
B. Barrett, of Brunswick, who represented
the Marion Board.
The preaching was good. Bro. E. J. Coates
preached the missionary sermon, and sustain
ed, in the effort, the character of being a son
of Mercer. What a pity he cannot devote
himself entirely to the work! When will
the churches awake to the duty of supporting
their preachers ? Bro. Barrett melted our
hearts in the evening with some precious re
flections suggested by the resurrection of
Christ and the Christian’s future.
Tno meeting was a delightful one. Perfect
harmony prevailed, and ail felt that it was
good to be there. A prominent Methodist
minister present was struck and delighted
with the perfect equality of all the delegates,
and was constrained to admit that the Bap
tist churches were more nearly patterned after
the apostolic model than any others. The
next meeting will be with the Poplar Spring
ohurch in Laurence county, on the 3rd Satur
day in October, 1872. * *
Doubly Bereaved.
“ Have pity on me, have pity on me, O ye
my friends, for the hand of God hath touched
me.” On the 16th of October, the wife of
my youth and the mother of my children
was taken from me. We had travelled the
journey of life together forty-one years, and
1 find it painful, beyond expression, to part
company with her. “I am desolate and
afflicted ” indeed. Scarcely had my dead
been buried out of my sight, when intelli
gence reached me that the most valued friend
left to me and my family on earth was also
gone. The death of N. M. Crawford is a
loss, not to the church only, but to the coun
try and to the world. If he has left hi? peer
among living ministers, I do not know liim.
He was a giant in intellect, a child in sim
plicity and meekness, a woman in tenderness
and love. But I forbear.
The following Letter is among tho latest,
if not the very last, of his productions that
appeared in the Index. Is it too much to
ask for its re-insertion 1
For “thebeloved physician,” and for all
the members of his stricken family, I ask
leave to record my heartfelt sympathy.
J. H. Campbell.
ThomasvUle, Ga., Nov. 8, 1871.
A Letter from Dr. Crawford.
Bro. Campbell: 1 have noticed your request
in the Index, and in compliance, I send this
letter to the “Index mao,” with instruction,
“if not delivered in ten days,” to forward to
Rev. Jesse 11. Campbell, Thomasville, Ga.
You say that 1 am “getting old.” In all
your preaching you never said a truer
thing. Yet there is one part of me at least
that has not experienced tin* eff ct of age, and
if you could see a faithful photograph of my
heart, you would surely “ recognize” if ; for
its affections are as fresh, full and warm as
“ in childhood’s happy hour.”
I have indeed grown old, and this day week
(22nd) I celebrated my sixtieth anniversary
on a Kentucky dinner of fish, closing with the
favorite desert of the season—pancake and
molasses. But how mistaken are those who
consider age an evil ! “ Length of days is in
her right hand, and in her left hand riches and
honor.” “ With long life will 1 satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.” Yet while
God promises length of days as a blessing,
and most men desire long life, there is with
many a feeling that old age is an evil and a
pity for old people. Now, I know of no rea
son for such feeling, but the undeniable fact
that old age is nearer death than youth. But
does that make old age an evil ? If it is truth
as well as poetry, that
Death ii the gite to endless joys,”
why should its nearness to the old make age
an evil 1
On a delicious May evening ten years ago,
as I was sitting iu my verandah at Penfield,
my colleague and friend, 11. 11. TANARUS., came in.
After he was seated I said, “ I have just been
reflecting that I am now fifty years old, and I
would not be a day younger if 1 could. For
now, even if my life should be extended to
the Psalmist’s three-score and ten, 1 am safely
over two-thirds of the pilgrimage. If I should
die now, I would leave my children a name
which they couid bear without reproach, and
an example which they might fellow without
shame. And I have no fears that the good
Providence, which has hitherto protected me
amid dangers, sustained mo in trials, and
saved me in temptations, will forsake me till
I enter the Blessed Life.”
Such was my feeling and such my trust
then- Sinee that pleasant evening, ten years
have elapsed. Ilow slowly, yet how swiftly
have they passed ! A decade, unsurpassed in
its momentous history by any equal period
since Christ died upon the cross. In this
hemisphere, a territory of near a half million
of square miles, tramplqd by the iron heel of
war forfour years, and sfx millions of people
smitten by the iron hand of despotism for
six years, and all in the name of fraternity;
while on the other hemisphere, the oldest na
tion of Europe, of the proudest history in the
past, atnl which, for eighty years, has done
more lor liberty than any other nation of the
continent, was in six months devastated and
subjugated by the most thoroughly organized
despotism of the Old World. The decade
has brought me to sixty—a decade full of
wretchedness and woe in our national nfl'airs,
yet how tempered, especially to me, with
mercies and blessings! And now that I atn
a presbuteros in y ears as well as in office, this
bleak March day sitting by rny comfurtablo
coal fire in KentucKy, l repeat to you what,
ten years ago, in the shades of' a May evening
breathing the sweet odor of roses, 1 said to
Bro, Tucker : “ 1 would not be a day younger
if 1 could.”
Ten more milestones have been marked off
in my journey of life ; and ten stations neater
to the City above. And if these ten years
of war, and blood, and cruelty, and tyranny
have, after all, by His grace, been years of
so much enjoyment here, what may we not
hopß in the Blessed Hereafter'? We have
not lost, but passed ten years of life here, and
are so much nearer that brighter, purer,
richer, nobler, sweeter, grander, holier, hap
pier life in the Great Beyond. These are
feelings, hopes, confidences common to you
and me, and many others whose forms and
names come rushing to rny eyes and heart.
Can that old age be an evil which fills the
mind and heart with thoughts and emotions
like these ?
But though age is no evil, sickness is; and
I have been sick, and am not well yet. In
December a cold and cough caught me. As
the winter advanced the cough became worse,
and 1 was confined to the house all the month
of February. I am now better. Happily,
the spring has been milder than usual, and
the season is three weeks in advance of what
is common. Every pleasant day improves
my health. “ Doctor’s truck,” as the “ be
loved physician,” Dr. W. B. C , calls it, does
me no good. Instead of cod liver oil, 1 have
been, and am still, taking (for dinner) broiled
middling, (streak of lean and streak of fat.)
Under this regimen, with pretty weather, 1
am regaining strength rapidly, and my cough
does not trouble me at all w hen quiet, though
a little exercise brings it on. It is nearly
four months since I preached, and I have
thought that perhaps my preaching days are
over. I recollect that Dr. 01 in, the greatest
man the Methodist church ever produced in
this country, said that he had two great strug
gles in this life. The first was when he got
his own consent to give up the world to be a
preacher for Christ, and the last when, in oon
sequence of broken health, he could y ield to
the Providence which silenced him in tho
pulpit. 1 hid no such trials in entering tho
ministry, for I glided into it so insensibly that
I was a preacher almost before 1 knew it.
Nor, if it is God’s will to silence me, shall 1
have any struggle in submitting. 1 have
never felt any anxiety or uneasiness about a
field of labor, confident that if the Lord had
work for me to do, He would send me where
it was to be done. Under this conviction 1
have lived and labored. With this conviction
1 shall still labor, if called to labor, or be
still if called to be still. The Lord knowetb.
So, my dear brother, I have complied with
your request. My communication is all
about my self: you will read it with no less
interest on that account. If the “ Index men”
think it unsuitable to their paper, they will
forward it to you.
To all who may read it, I beg leave to sign
it as their friend and brother in Christ
Jesus, N. M. Ouawford.
March 29,1871.
Death of Rev. Win. H. Clarke.
The announcement of the death of this
brother will be fraught with pain to the hearts
of all who knew and loved him. In the
prime of life, in the strength of matured
manhood, with the prospect of a long and
useful life before him, he is taken away so
suddenly that we are barely able to realize
the fact that he is dead.
Bro. Clarke was born in Eatonton, Ga., on
the 13th of April, 1829, graduated at Mercer
University in 1851, commenced preaching in
1853, and feeling that it was his duty to carry
the gospel to the heathen, he accepted, in
1854, an appointment, 1 think, from the Bethel
(Ga.) Association, as missionary to Africa.
Returning, in the Fall of ’SB, after an absence
of four years, he married on the 24th of
October of that year, spent some time in
visiting the churches and awakening an inter
est in the missionary work in Africa, and
with a view to fitting hitnself fully for the
work, and preparing fully for the emergen
cies of a missionary life, he attended n course
of medical lectures in Augusta and Atlanta.
About this time, however, his views were
changed, and his purpose of returning to
Africa was abandoned —for what reasons, 1
do not know, being too young at the time,
to take any particular interest in matters of
that kind.
In 1859, he accepted the pastorate cf the
Bethesda church, in Dougherty county, and
has been preaching ever since, to this and the
neighboring churches. Just a week ago to
day, he came up from his residence in Baker
county, to attend to some important business
matters in Albany, and was taken suddenly
ill, so that he could not return home. Very
little hope of his recovtry was entertained
from the first, and after a few days of great
suffering, he quietly passed away on Sabbath
morning, the 12th inst. Mr. and Mrs. Col->
lier, of the Towns Hou?e, where he was sick,
manifested great interest in him, and gave
him every attention in their power. Many
of his friends called in, from time to time,
during the day, while others took their turn
in watching by night. His remains were
consigned, to-day, to their last resting place,
in tho burial ground of the Bethel church, in
Baker county, near his residence.
He leaves a wife and three children, ar.d
these should receive the sympathies and
prayers of all who have hearts to feel for the
fatherless and widow. Bio. Clark was so
well known as a minister, that it is unneces
sary for me to speak of him in that relation.
Ilis preaching was with power. Truly, “a
great man in Israel hath fallen.” God has
called him away from the church militant to
join the throng of the redeemed in LI is own
home in glory. Wm. H. Cooper.
Albany, Nov. 18, 1871.
Minnies.
As the meetings of all the Associations ar6
now over, and their Minutes are about out of
press, permit me to remind the clerks of those
bodies, and brethren generally, that I am
looking for a copy of their Minutes to fill out
the statistical table of the Minutes of the next
Georgia Baptist Convention. Some deny
that we have as many members in Georgia as
we claim. Will not brethren aid mein gath
ering up the Minutes —Missionary, Anti-mis
sionary, colored and all—so as to demon
strate that there are even more than we have
claimed ? I will thank a brother for a Min
ute of any Association in the State. As yet,
I have received two, the New- Sunbury and
Primitive Ebenezer. G. R. McCall,
Hawlcinsvillv, Ga.