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190 fade* and Jfapttet. J. J. TOOK, .... Proprietor. PUBLICATION BOOMS—4 * 6 SOUTH BROADWAY. Editor: Bov. D. SHAVER, D.D. OOBRKBFONDINO EDITORS: But. J. J. D. RENFROE, Talladega, Ala. Rby. S. HENDERSON. Ala. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1871. *' Prater f<jr Editors. Rev. Charles Voysey, of London (since his separation from the English Establishment, by reason of teach ings too sceptical for even “ Broad Church comprehension”) has established an indepen dent congregation, with a revised prayer book. One petition in its litany runs : ‘‘That it may please Thee to help all literary per sons and editors of the public press, that they may use all their powers in the cause of truth and righteousness, and rise above the praise and blame of men.” This may be conceived in the spirit which led Gen. Sherman, during the war, to consent that the ministers in one of our Southern cities, should pray for Presi dent Davis, “ because he knew no person who needed it more.” (By-the-way, is the story to this effect, which we see in a Northern print, apocryphal ?) But, without conceding the justice of such an estimate of the edito rial fraternity, albeit the “ Rabshaking*’ which its members sometimes give each other when they “ make their teeth meet at every bite,” may seem to warrant it—we like the petition. The thought that our readers remembered us at“ the throne of the heavenly mercy,” would come with cheer to our hearts, in many sea sons of langor and depression. May we ask it? May we hope it? Not as a “ pillow to repose,” but as an incentive to toil and a solace in trouble ? “Laymen” and their Worst. The great need of the age is Christian work, on the part of the members of the churches generally. In practical effect, the idea pre vails that God has many “ dumb sons and daughters,” and the ecclesiastical hive counts its drones by tens of thousands —or might count them, if the fatigue of this process were not too much for the reigning “ spirit of slumber.” Piety is dwarfed, or repressed, for want of appropriate activities; and many a field white to the harvest is trodden under foot of evil, because no reapers enter it. Hence our cities, beneath the very shadow of imposing temples, are honeycombed with haunts of infidelity and vice, —a state of things which led Dr. Livingstone to say that, ‘if ho were not a missionary to Africa, he would be a missionary to London.' Hence, too, in many country neighborhoods, not a day’s journey from large and flourishing churches, the Sabbath comes and goes through the whole year, while no one stands up, to tell there “the old, old story,' Os unseen things aboTe, Os Jesus and His glory. Os Jesus and His lore ” Nay, in some of these neighborhoods, chil dren grow to ripe age, and never once sit in an assembly gathered to hear the gospel—-as if they w'ere members of an outcast race, for whom no Saviour died, or dwelt in “ a world without souls,” and therefore needed no Sa viour ! Now, we cheerfully grant that these voids might be largely filled, by increasing the number of ministers, relieving them from secular employments, and lifting them to a higher plane of zeal. But no remedy can reach the roots of the evil, which does not include the quickening of laymen to activity, enterprise and perseverance in Christian work. This is imperative and indispensable. We remember, therefore, to have hailed with pleasure the action of the Southern Presby terian General Assembly, several years since, empowering Presbyteries to commission in. telligent, godly men among the non-ministe. rial membership of the churches, “to read the Word, and exhort, and hold prayer meet ings ” —thus creating, as it were, a class of lay Evangelists. We are gratified also to learn that this provision does not lie on the records of the denomination, a dead letter; the Augusta Presbytery having, at its recent session, authorized seven laymen to perform these functions within its bounds. Should not all Baptist'churches, under our scriptural polity, take steps to secure just this state of things for themselves? Ought not they to feel that they are centres of Christian influ ence, “ set for ” the evangelization of every community and household within their reach, and that the gifts and graces with which God has endowed their members, should be called into exercise and development for the accom plishment of that hallowed end? Will the world ever be converted without this evan 'fiiiisfnby laymen? Can laymen withhold it? Surely the toil ‘and sacrifice which, it entail 9 should be borne with joyfulness,tbeoause the “Lord of times and seasons” did not ap point us to witness for Him, when Baptists called themselves “ the separated Church of the Cross,” and “The psalm of the martyr soared upward in firel” College for *• Lay ” Training. “It is no more the work of the puipit to convert and save the world,” says Dr. Tal mage, of Brooklyn, “ than it is the wofk of the pew. If men go to ruin, there will be as much blood on lay as on ministerial skirts.” And yet, he alleges that “ in most churches to-day, five or ten men are compelled to do all the work.” To rectify this state of things in his own sphere of labor, he has prevailed with his congregation to open their former house of worship as a Free College for Train ing Christian Men and Women in Practical Work. He has engaged an able corps of lecturers, representing various denominational circles, to impart instruction for the develop ment of the “ laity.” He proposes to offer an opportunity for merchants, mechanics, ar tists, clerks and journey men, and men and women of all occupations, who are engaged in the day time in worldly callings, to study, under these eminent teachers, during two or three nights of each week, the art of doing good. He hopes in this way to prepare them to work a? Bible readers, as tract-distributers, as prayer meeting exhorters,as street-preach ers, as Sabbath school teachers, and, in fine, for all the fields of Christian work. This movement strikes a chord of sympa- THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: ATLANTA. GA., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7,1871. thy in our bosom, as respects its grand cen tral idea—the qualifying of lay-workers, for the labor of “ that love which seeks and fol lows;” and we look for important results from it. The anticipations of Dr. Talmage, as to the degree in which the city of Brook lyn, will, within two winters, “ feel the throb of their Christian energy,” may not be fully realized; but impulse will take the higher form of principle; religious effort will be cast more and more in the mould of common sense and gifted with clearer insight; buried talents will be unearthed, and capabilities running to waste developed; and “ the hard, cold, filthy pavement, beaten by the feet of sin and woe, will be gladdened” for many souls, now astray and neglected, “ by the feet of Him who bringeth good tidings.” One thing, at least, is certain : the experiment is rich in promise, and eminently worthy of fair and patient trial. It cannot fail, if those to whom its execution is entrusted “ Wrap the Saviour’s changeless love, A urautle, round their breast.” “Laymen’s” Institutes. The doctrine that “ Christ’s influence into His church is through its officers,” while true within certain limits, may be pushed to an extreme scarcely less hurtful than the dogma which makes the ordinances the channel of that influence. As regards practical results, there is much less space for choice sjjah might be supposed at first blush, between a merely official and a merely sacramental theory of the administration of grace. Both strike a deadly blow at the root of the vita! principle, that Christian experience is itself an office —a call and an induction into a ministry of ser vioe to souls—a service which rivets its obli gation upon every individual believer, and is, of right, public or private, according to his measure of capability. All renewed souls, in their earliest love, more or less deeply feel this obligation. The strong, impulsive “Why?” of Christian work—gratitude to Christ and compassion for the perishing—stirs within them : it is when they turn to the “ W hat ?” and the “ How ?” that they find themselves like “landsmen newly shipped,” and are embarrassed and restrained for want of acquaintance with the methods of evangelical activity. Not always lack of zeal, but, many times, lack of knowl edge opportunely imparted and duly enforced, leads “ Christians to live uselessly and die with their work undone.” The motive power of the heart is, often, less at fault than the directive power of the head. There is, then, urgent demand for the in struction of our laymen in the department of Practical Theology—for their training in those forms of Christian effort which occupy the sphere of domestic and private life. The pulpit, of course, contributes effectively to this end; for every pastor worthy of the name seeks to gain the help of his flock in winning souls to Christ. But is not some thing further desirable—something which may bring this whole subject, for a season, into marked prominence, and make it felt — something securing that continuity of treat ment without which related topics are never graspecl in full., but which,the multiplicity of themes claiming pulpit discussion hardly allows—that minuteness of detail necessary to thorough practicalness, but exhaustive of patience in the customary Sabbath services— that statement of difficulties and suggestion of expedients, which might be subject to in vidious construction in a promiscuous assem bly—and those free interchanges of thought which have unfortunately dropped away out of Christian convocations for sermon-hear ing? These advantages, with others, might be secured by Laymen’s Institutes. Let our pastors, in cities and towns, arrange a Course of Lectures on Christian Work, which shall point out the opportunities of usefulness that literally “strew the path” of private ohuroh members, and the best methods for the improvement of these opportunities. Let them gather out of their own and adja cent charges, as large a Class as practicable who will pledge themselves to attend the en tire course; and let the Lectures be delivered to this class on one or more nights of each week during the Winter. This is the general idea, as it shapes itself to our mind; and we abstain from specification of particulars, be oause the circumstances of each case must modify details. If this plan were embraced with spirit and executed with fidelity, may we not hope that it would mark an era in the history of our people? Would it not effi ciently conduce to the time when church members shall no longer be matched as the farmer said his two horses were— ‘ one being willing to do all the work,, and the other willing that he should ?’ Who can compute the happy consequences which might follow, if such Institutes ' were held by Warren, Spalding, Daniel and Fuller, at Atlanta—by Gwaltney, Stillwell and King, at Rome—by Browne and-Hamilton, at Cave Spring—by Ryals, Headderr and Mansfield, at Carters ville—by Dixon and Hard, at Augusta—by Davis, Kilpatrick and Carswell, at Hephzi bah—by Atkinson, Preston and Robinson, at Greensboro—by Springer, Butler, Brown and Oliver, at Madison—by DeVotie and Hall, at Griffin and Newnan—by Hardin, Hornady and Callaway, at LaGrange—by Skinner, Wellborn and Willis, at Columbus —by McCall and Coates, at Hawkinsville— by Cooper and Willburn, at Americus—by Wharton, Reeves and Paullin, at Eufaula— by Carroll and Barron, at Union Springs—by Henderson and Renfroe, at Talladega—by Smith and Gw in at Oxford—by Teague, Cleveland, Hardie and Crumpton at Selma— by Mclntosh, Sumner, Freeman and Battle at Marion—by Woodfin, Williams and War ren, at Mobile—and by hosts of others every way as worthy of mention as these? Are there not laymen, too, who would prove most effective helpers in this matter? Where is a Peeples, a Vason, a Clarke, a Lawton, a Wade, an Asbury, a Sanford, a Willet, a Ruther ford, an Awtrey, a Swanson, an Ethridge, a Pierce, a Brown, a Cooper, a Howard, a Pea cock, a Stillwell, a Plumb—where the mul titude of strong men with whom God has blessed our churches in Northern, Central, Eastern, Southern Georgia ? Where a Battle, a Huckabee, a Davis, a Watts, a Shorter, a Headen, a Stone, a Rawlings, a Fannin, a King, a Hudson, and the whole goodly com pany of Alabama Baptist workers ? We beg our brethren to consider this sug gestion, and if it seems expedient and feasi ble, to act on it. Something must be done, to awaken Christians to the practical conviction that “there is not a single member of a sin gle church, male or female, young or old, rich or poor, but should be engaged in personal effort for the conversion of souls.” And if not what we propose—what ? Misrepresentation. We have been pained by an article in a re cent number of the Richmond Herald from some body who had nothing to do but to go to the late session of the Alabama Conven tion and take the post of a mere “ Looker-on,’’ and then had nothing more important to em ploy his time than to write an article in a sort of sport-making style about it. The ob ject of thiswise “Looker-on” seems to rise no higher than an attempt to create the im pression that the Baptists who composed that body were a stingy set, who had not the lib erality to respond to any cause which was brought before them. Our Convention was not all that we wished, nor was there a great deal of money raised for any object; yet it was generally thougnt that in some respects it was an improvement. In justice, it should be known that the body was not composed of monied meu; and our observations during the last few years convince us that the extra efforts made at suoh meetings to raise money have nearly spent their force. There are not a few ministers who feel themselves already greatly embarrassed and crippled in their work by pledges and bonds which they have made at similar meetings for various objects, and whioh have not yet been entirely paid up. Men who attend Conventions frequently complain about the “ much speaking.” They talk about it and write about it, as if it were to be expected that there would be no discus sions at such gatherings. Men who are nearly bursting with a speech themselves,'grow quite impatient in having to hear others. If Alabamians alone had to read “ Looker on’s” letter, we would not complain; but it is published where it is read by thousands in other States, and there it cannot fail to make for us a bad impression. We affirm that the spirit cf the article is a misrepresentation of the spirit of the Convention. R. ■ - ■ ,^.,^..4..^,.,. “ Tlie Spirit of the Age.” Our loose communion censors urge us to abandon the strict practice, which, in their judgment, is “ narrow” and “ exclusive,” and, therefore, “ opposed to the spirit of the age.” But, if we yield to this spirit in that regard, shall we have peace? Notwithstanding the general defection of the denomination in Eng land from our prescriptive strictness, the last Westminster Review alleges that they “ are literally * buried in baptism,’ dead to ideas that are moving the times and" forming the mould of the future, and fighting battles for ideas which are out of tune with the present age.” With all the advantages of loose com munion—whatever these may be—the Re view likens them to “ the Coming Race,” with whom one of the novelists peoples a subter raneap ciyrern, and who have no customs, -or tastes, or prejudices, in common with dwell' ers on the earth! Their reputation could hardly have been worse for absorption in “ antiquated modes of thought” and interest in “ fossils” only, if their communion had been strict. We prefer not to begin the process of complying with “ the spirit of the age,” without knowing beforehand where the process is likely to end. Shall we surrender one thing to it, with no guarantee that its exactions shall not grow and rise until we have surrendered everything? The spirit of Christ is a safer guide ; and this spirit is one of mingling love and strictness. Besides—the Review confirms the appre hension we have felt, as to the annihilation awaiting our distinct denominational exis tence, in case loose communion prevails. Looking at the tendencies in England under the operation of that system (?), as introduced by Robert Hall, whom the Review character izes as “ the most commonplace of theolo gians,” that periodical says : “It is not prob able that the Baptists will continue to in crease ; far more probable that most of the churches will become union churches, that is, churches where immersion is not insisted on as a preliminary to admitting a professor of Christianity to communion.” Now, as the word “communion” is used here in the sense of church membership, we respectfully sub mit that the system which paves the way for such a result cannot be reasonably accepted, unless by those who hold that Baptists have no longer “ a mission” among the nations. And we are not of that number. A Question. —“At the Reformation, a single copy of the Sacred Scriptures cost as much as would now buy sixteen thou* sand.” May we not reverently judge that the hand of the Lord wrought this great change, that His poor saints might be able to furnish themselves with His Word, and have the more money left to send it, and the min istry it accredits, to “ the uttermost parts of the earth ?” Or, shall we persuade ourselves that he has cheapened the Bible, that we may consume what was once its cost on our lusts ? Which was more probably His purpose? And are we using the means that He places at our disposal, in harmony with it ? Let no one answer after the fashion of those whom Bunyan styles “ Saints (?) whose eyes are always in their pocket,” but as {hose in whom is fulfilled afresh what Whittier calls “ Love’s miracle— The giving that is gaining.” Doctrine. —A writer in the Western Chris tian Advocate favors the adoption of a Uniform Lesson Series, in Northern Methodist Sunday schools, embodying the views of doctrine held by that denomination. He would have the 193,979 officers and teachers and the 1,267,* 742 scholars in these schools occupied, for the year, in the study of a complete System of Divinity, “ honestly and squarely Method istic.” We are not sure but the idea is a good one—better, indeed, than the theology to which this writer applies it. One of the cry ing faults of current Sunday school instruc tion is, its doctrinal indefiniteness. The range is too narrow, and the treatment not suffi ciently speoific. Not all the great truths ne cessary to the completeness of the Evangelic Faith are lodged in the minds of ohildren and the clear, sharp, ringing state ments of fordposition and proof, which may imprint tjem lastingly on credence and re membrancer They go forth from the classes illy prepared to withstand plausive errorists, whether df the superstitious, the formalistic or the sceptical type. This is true no less of Baptist spools than of others. They are defective jin the thorough indoctrination of the youngt And we confess to the very great pleasure %ith which we would look forward to the experiment, if we.knew that teachers and schqjars,' through the incoming year, were to 14 engaged in a systematic survey of the of revealed truth as our peo ple hold if—of the reasons why we are Chris tian Thefts and the reasons why we are Baptist (jpristians. “ Learned Titles.” —The profuse growth of “ Doaprs of Divinity” draws after it one practical inconvenience, which had not us until we read a recent state ment by jpr. Talmage. The Circular of his “Free d&lege for Training Christian Men and Wonjien” was delayed beyond expecta tion, because the printer * ran out of “ D’s,” and haciSj go to a neighboring office to bor row a nq# supply of that letter.’ This is a _petty disadvantage, we eoncede; but has the Doctorates any advantages sufficieno.o counterbalance it ? Why incur even ajjE£fi SO =ajxLolecule—of evil, without at least measure of good by way of competition ? NARFjJpVED to a Point. —The Baptist Union, N. Y., b%an its career, if we remember right ly, withfoequent boasts that the “ liberal ele ment” mfour denomination held a pecuniary interest ip its capital, or stock. But at the recent General Conference of Free Will Bap tists, the) fact leaked out that the Board of Corporators composing the “ Baptist Printing Union,“'We all properly regarded as belong ing to denomination, “with the exception of Bro. Malcom,” —C. 11. we presume. Rev. C. H. Malcom, an “ element” of the Baptist denomination! Location. —Rev. T. H. Stout will remove, January Ist, from Lumpkin to ThomastAn, Upson county, where he takes charge ofithe Baptist church and the Thomas ton FeniJale'lnstitute. Correspondents will please acfSress him accordingly. W. H. Mclntosh, D.D. Resolutions of the Siloam Baptist church Mariorii~A?a., on the resignation ot its pastor, Rev. W. 11. Mclntosh, D.D. WhervttS-, The pastor of Siloam Baptist Church, Rev,, William 11. Mclntosh, D.D., having bthtfi polled, in the providence of God, to enter Another field of labor, has felt it his duty to resign the pastorate of this church : be it Resolved by the church in con ference convened—l. That it is with unfeigned regret a«#-yrofound sorrow that we are called upon to contemplate the severance of the fond relation which has so long subsisted be tween odr beloved pastor and ourselves, and that we accept his resignation with unspeak able reluctance and grief. 2. That we recog nize, wits gratitude to God, the steady suc cess of the ministrations of our pastor in our midst, and the eminent usefulness and honor , gr«3t Head of,,the Church has crowned» labors of his faithful servant. 3. That liirpugh the long and eventful pas torate of the past seventeen years—a period fraught With unprecedented vicissitude and disaster to the country and to the cause of religion—this church has been highly privi leged, favored, as it has been, with the minis try of so pious, faithful, zealous and able a standard-bearer of the Cross, wise to discern the times, and “ rightly dividing the word of truth ;” in pastoral watch-eare faithful and preaching the gospel, able, earn est, searching, persuasive and eloquent; in the ministry of consolation, tender, sympa thizing and helpful; in executive office,gentle yet just, moderate yet firm ; in walk and con versation,'pure and upright, “ an ensample to the flock ;” in counsel, sage, judicious and dis creet; iir’manner, modest, courteous, digni fied, the type of the Christian gentleman ; in character and conduct, “ wise as the serpent and harmless as the dove.” 4. That in de parting from us, he bears with him the undi minished'* affection and confidence of this church, alkd the prayers of many who, for themselves and their loved ones, both living and dead, can never forget his wise counsels, his gentle admonitions, his tender consola tions, his" loving sympathy, and his many kind in cheerful scenes and in hours of deepest gloom. 5. That while we feel so deeply our own bereavement, we congratu late the church to which he has been called on the acquisition of so able and useful a min ister, assuring them that our loss is their gain, and commend him trustfully to the fra ternal regard of those among whom his lot may be cast, and especially to the loving kindness of Him who hath said, “ Lo, 1 am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” I. B. Vaiden. The Key Given. In a recent number of your very excellent paper, I the following request: “ Wapte<Dfa key for the use of the 18mo ‘Baptist %mn Book’ in the pulpit, with the ‘ Baptist ymn and Tune Book’ in the pew. Will Dr. (liffith-expjain ?” Certainly, This is the key : Use the re vised 18m , or Pew size : and all will work The firs Mot of the 18mo size was printed before the Tune Book was made, and there fore could not refer to it. As soon as the Hymn and Tune Book was published, then the plates of the 18mo. were altered, and on the right 'hand of each hymn is given, in small figures, the number of the page of the Hymn Book on which that hymn is found. Open, for instance,. to hymn 100 in either tne Pulpit, Pocket, Cheap or Pew edition, (except this first lot,) and you will see on the->ight of the hymn the number 49, meaning th]»t this hymn is found on the 49th page of the Hymn and Tune Book. All the preacher need say, in giving out this hymn in a church where the different editions are used, is, “ Hymn 100, page 49.” Those who have the Hjrmn books—any of them—will open to the 100th hymn in order; while those who h&ve the Tune book will open to page 49, and the eye will immediately rest on hymn 100. This is simple and easy. One great advantage of the Society’s Hymn Book, is, that ail the editions, including the 50 cent, edition, can be used in the same church. The Society still have on hand some of the first lot printed of the Pew size, but they are never sent out now, unless specially ordered. As these can not be used with the Hymn and Tune Book,and as they contain some nineteen hymns that are different from those in ail the later editions of the Hymn Book, and Hymn and Tune Book, we have'reduced the price of these frorrl*sl.2s to 75 cents. For churches that wish to use only the 18mo. size, these are as good as any, and, at this great reduc tion, are only a little over half price. But churches that may wish them should be par ticular to order the “ First edition ■printed , of Pew size.” B. Griffith, Sec. Philadelphia, Penn., 18f 1 Judsou Female Institute. Rev. Dr. Mclntosh writes, Marion, Nov. 29th : The accompanying paper failed to reach the Alabama Bap tist State Convention, at its late session, and, as it is of unusual intert St, I am requested by the Board of Direc tors of the Convention to ask its publication in the In dex and Baptist. It becomes our duty and pleasure to sub mit to the Convention our annual report of the condition aud prospects of the Judson Female Institute. The session of 1870-71, ending in July last, was fully up to the stand ard of previous successes, and the arduous labors of the Principal and teachers, were awarded with the accustomed triumphs at the close. The register shows an attendance of one hundred and sixty-five young ladies, eighty of whom were from a distance. The several departments, Literature, Music and Art, were conducted with signal ability and success. The Principal, Rev. A. J. Battle, was aided by an adequate corps of able and distinguished professors and teachers, whose “ works fol lowed them ” in the interesting and va ried exercises of Commencement. The ex amina ons revealed the thoroughness, accu racy and completeness of the course of in struction and method of teaching. The m> sic and art departments achieved renewed tri umphs, and added lustre to the reputation of the Institution. Diplomas were conferred upon seventeen young ladies who were sent forth on their life mission, crowned with accomplishments, and wearing, as we trust, the “ornaments of grace,” which celestial Wisdom places on the brow of the disciples of Jesus. During the session, a most precious work of grace pervaded the Institution, and more than fifty of the pupils were made its hope ful subjects. We record this manifestation of the divine goodness with humble gratitude. The present session opened in October, un der hopeful auspices. Largely over one hun dred pupils have alreadly entered, and, we trust with the divine blessing, to witness a year of continued prosperity. The Judson has a place in the hearts of the great Baptist brotherhood, and we feel that they will not suffer an Institution in which are garnered so many promises of usefulness, to languish for want of patronage. We earn estly invoke for it your ardent prayers, syms pathies, and support. Respectfully submitted, Porter Kino, Pres. Board of Trustees. November 1, 1871. A Time of Refreshing. I have just closed a meeting here of two weeks, which 1 trust, will be productive of much good. 1 had the ministerial assistance of Elders Wm. Ashcraft and Jas. P. Lee, through the entire meeting. They labored earnestly and solicitously for this people, proving their faith by their untiring efforts. The church became very much awakened and inflamed with Christian zeal, showing that the Holy Spirit was present reviving and blessing His people. We had some refresh ing seasons with the members—their hearts over joyed with the love of God. VVe were made glad to see the professors warmed with the holy fire of God’s grace, and renewed in courage and boldness in the glorious work of our Master here, where had reigned a cold ness and dearth so long. To get a church revived, their hearts enlisted fully and boldly in the cause of Jesus, is an incalculable bless ing. Then the power of their influence will tell. The visible result was, three united with the church by experience, and two or three others made professions. And here, in the administration of baptism, I enjoyed a privilege and blessed pleasure that few ever enjoy, or few ever witness. It was the burial of my owu dear mother and sister in baptism. The whole country, with but few exceptions, around Piekensville, assembled at the desig nated place on the river, to see that scene. It was unusual but not strange. Oh, the feel ings that filled the sou’s heart while leading his aged mother, in obedience to the Saviour, down into the liquid grave, showing that she had died to sin, was buried to the world and raised with Christ. My mother is in her sixty-second year, has been a member of the Methodist church since long before my birth, and raised a large family, all of the Metho dist persuasion. But God had ordained that I become a Baptist minister, and now I, the youngest of seven sons, have been blessed with the glorious privilege of leading that dear and affectionate mother into the true path of obedience. Can I ever fee! grateful enough to my Saviour for this rich pleasure? My sister, the youngest of the family, the last of a large household of eleven living children, had been a member also of the Methodist church, for two years. What a glorious scene ! How mighty is the truth ! They both had become thoroughly convinced that immersion was the mode —that the doc trines of the Baptist church were Scriptural, and that in that church was the way to follow our Savior. will not that day be a bright one in my ministerial life ? A day treasured up in the most sacred precincts of memory, upon which I can ever look with delight and joy. Yes, how oft already have I lived that day over and seen my good and dear mother sinking into the baptismal waters held in my own arms, and the resurrection of her, em blematic of the triumph in Christ over sin, death and the grave. The church at Piekensville is in a pretty good condition—some very devoted workers there, and I believe that the Lord will bless their labors with success. They have a very interesting and improving Sabbath school. Their’s is a fine field for doing good work in this ministry. May God richly bless them and build up His cause there. L. M. Stone, Jr. Piekensville, Oct. VWi, 1871. Birmingham Mission. I promised some time-since in a letter to the Index, that I would give some account of my field of operation in my next. In the first place, to answer a question that arises from an oversight in my last, let me say that, the wonderful town of Birmingham is situated on or very near the central meri dian of Alabama, and about 85 miles North of the central parallel of latitude, 143 miles from Chattanooga, 153 from Meridian, 87 from Montgomery, 93 from Decatur, 150 from Atlanta, 125 from Rome, 98 from Huntsville, 65 from Tuscaloosa, 150 from Opelika. These figures are about correct and I think they about locate the place. My mission work began in Elyton. Since my arrival here, I have been preaching twice a month at Birmingham, once a week at Ely ton, besides several extra occasions when the absence of the Methodist minister left his pulpit vacant. There is no house that the Baptists can use, and our meetings being forced out of the Sabbath, we have a very uncertain gathering of Baptists. I have not been able to get enough force together to constitute a church. I have found a predominance of “Pedo” in fluence and a strong element of Episcopacy. I have been trying to preach the doctrines of regeneration, and vital, heart religion. I have sought no controversy, though 1 have tried to preach the truth. At Birmingham, I have as yet, preached the only sermon that the place has heard. My congregation there is made up of the citizens of the place, the mechanics, the merchants and a few of the citizens from the surrounding county. The female part of my congregation has increased from two on the first Sabbath, up to 25 or 30 on the fourth, and the male part in about the same proportion. We find some store room not quite ready for goods, in which the carpenters are kind enough to fix seats for the accommodation of the audi ence. We need a house of worship. A sub scription list has been opened and we want to collect during the winter, enough money to build a good house. It is very necessary to our ultimate success at Birmingham, that we follow up the labor that have been begun, ac tively. 1 expect to move to Birmingham. It is not worth while to neglect such a field of usefulness as that is, in order that a dead in terest may be rovived, when I fail utterly to get any co-operation from any of the Bap tists of the place. Perhaps, I may be wrong to chargo the place, but it is true and the brethren around may as well know it. I had two successive meetings—one, at which there was not one solitary Baptist, and at none have I had more than three or four. There are only four men among them —two doctors and two merchants; doctors always uncer tain, merchants frequently or otherwise en gaged, and ladies prevented by a thousand and one causes. I despair of a church here, but at Birmingham we have a good prospect. I have preached in the country churches every Sabbath that I have not been employed here or at Birmingham. Last Saturday 1 was at Sulphur Spring church, six miles oft". We had a protracted meeting of four days, that left the Church very much revived and with accessions of two by baptism and one by let ter. Brothers A. J. Waldrop, the Pastor, and J. Grimes, were present. I think my field, brethren, an important one. I like my work. I beg that you will remember to pray for your young brother who tries in his humble way, to set forth the truths of the Gospel with the simple Baptist understanding of them, to a people for the most part ignorant of our tenets, and the true teachings of God’s word. Jno. L. D. Hillyer. Ely ton, Nov. S, 1871. To Alabama Baptist Churelies and Pastors. Dear Brethren: Thegßoard of Education, designed to render aid to the indigent stu dents for the ministry at Howard Colllege and at the Southern Baptist Theological Semi nary, confidently appeal to you to sustain it. If logic and wisdom are displayed in having Boards to distribute our contributions to mis sions, are they not also manifest in the crea tion of a Board, the benevolence of whose design is both Scriptural and all-inclusive? The support of ministers is the chrysalis of all beneficence ; and a wise charity compasses the wants of the superannuated, the employed and the expectant. A denomination neglect ing its young, and especially its young minis ters, has no future, save cf decay. We, therefore, urge immediate collections for this object, which will be forwarded, without re duction, to their destination. Address D. W. Gwin. Montgomery, Ala., Nov. 28 th, 1871. A Few More to Spare. Since the war, from sixteen to twenty of our ablest ministers of Alabama have gone to the East, and the West, the North and the South. During this time, but few have come in to take their places. Now, this is to notify our sagacious brethren of other States that we have a few more, and very few, which we can spare. There is Mclntosh, and Hen derson, and Renfroo, and Teague, and Talia ferro, and 1 had J. A. Battle and Samuel R. Freeman on the list, but before I had time to write this note, they are going—gone. Make application soon. Don’t say we need them here: Alabama has only sixty or seventy thou sand Baptists in the Stale. And then we are poor —very poor, and the Baptists are the poorest of the poor. We can't support them. We don’t need them. We can get cheaper ones—four hundred dollars ones that will do us. Let no one say these are sorry fellows. I know them all. They will do credit to any State or city in the Empire. 1 claim ail in tuitive knowledge of men. I would endorse for them, but they don’t need it. For many Jong they have proved themselves to be able ministers of the New Testament. Jesse A. Collins. Importance os Pastoral Work. The brethren and sisters of County Line Church , Stewart county, Georgia, wishing to protract the meeting in September, services were held for nearly a week. Five young ladies were received by experience; and every one was the result of direct pastoral effort. All were seen and conversed with by the pastor, privately. Not one of them professed conversion during the meeting. Their Christ ian hopes dated back ; one, two months ; the others, two or three years. In every case, I think, their frinds were ignorant of their spiritual condition, till it was manifested in the interviews of the pastor. One dear young lady had wandered in darkness for year after year, until she had well nigh given up in despair. Four of them offered them selves to the church at the same time; and four happier persons it has scarcely ever been my privilege to witness; almost the entire congregation, too, were melted to tears. All felt it was, indeed, good to be there. At the October meeting, services were again protracted. Seven more were added by experience at this meeting. Four or five out of the seven, were the result of pastoral work. Three sisters (in the flesh) were bap tized the same day. Ido not remember that a like occurrence has ever crossed my path before. During the year, I have been permitted to bury thirty happy converts with their pre cious Saviour; and 1 believe, fully have been the result of pastoral work. I claim no credit for it; I have only done my duty ; but I thank God and take courage. I fear I may have neglected this most important work in the past; with God’s help I hope to do more of it in the future. Brethren, may there not be persons in all of our congregations who need our help, to find out their spiritual latitude and longitude ? May we not do them incalculable service by seeking them in pri vate? Then, how happy and grateful they are, when led from their gloomy darkness out into the bright sunshine ! Never shall I forget some green spots lying over the waste of this year. Oh! let us “ sow beside all waters!” A word to Parents. —Offer facilities for your pastors to converse with your children. Throw them in the company of God’s minis ters, that they may inquire after their souls. May the Lord make us wise in “winning souls for Christ.” T. H. S. November 21, 1871. Our Domestic Mission Board. I have made several visits in the interest of the Domestic Mission Hoard, Southern Bap tist Convention, and desire to write a few lines in its behalf. The Board is an institution of our creation, and consequently depends upon us, as Southern Baptists, to make it effective in its operations. Are we supporting it as we ought? or as we even promised to do through our delegates, who organize-’ this plan of operation? Let every reader ponder this question well. We are bound by every consideration of honor, to sustain this Board, until we institute a better way to advance the cause of Missions. I candidly believe the fault rests, to a great extent, with pastors; if the pastors of our churches would urge the brethren to give to this noble work, the condition of things would be quite different. The Board would not be compelled to call so often for help, and send agents out to implore that assistance which is promised. The pastor has an influence over his church, if he is acceptable to them, and we take it for granted he is acceptable, or he would not be pastor; then let him exert his influence in favor our mission cause, and we will soon see the happy effects on the entire field of labor. I recently enjoyed the privi lege of visiting two churohes under the charge of a pastor, who is thoroughly imbued with the Missionary spirit. The result is that my visit was a success. The report to tho Board, which will be published in the Home and Foreign Journal, will tell to whom I refer. This good brother has in a firm and gentle manner, maintained the cause of missionp, and has succeeded in imbuing the church with his spirit. His success can bo reached by any pastor with a like spirit. The reports from portions of the field are very cncourag ing, and should stimulate us to “ask for much, pray for much, and expect much.” Our lit tle church at this place is for the present un der the cloud. Hard times, railroad failures, and an undue amount of worldliness in the church, are the causes. We hope for better things soou. Tru sting that wo may know our privileges, and that we may fully appre ciate them, 1 subsc ribe/njself, Observer. Brunswick, Nov. 24, 1871. Aii Kxplanatory Card, In the Index and Baptist of November 30th, I find a preamble and resolutions, passed by the Springfield Baptist church, slating that “some malicious persona have circulated a report that our pastor, Rev. Levi Thornton, was an adulterer, in that he had two living wives, and that the Moderator, at the last meeting of the Ebenezer Association, treat ed him disrespectfully in consequence of said report.” As I am the Moderator of said Association, and tho resolutions are a reflec tion upon the official character of the Mode rator, I take this method of setting myself right before the public. The church erred in stating that the Moderator treated the said Thornton disrespectfully in any way at all, for at the meeting, when the time had come for the Introductory Sermon to be preached, the Moderator rose and distinctly stated that the time had arrived, and, in absence of Rev. K. Hill, the appointee, it would be preached by Rev. Levi Thornton, the alternate. There upon, some brother—l think, of Augusta— rose, and stated that there were some very bad reports about Rev. Thornton, in that he had two living wives, and that he was unwill ing that he should preach until we should know something of the truth of the matter. Then, the Association appointed Rev. J. C. Bryan, of Americus, Ga., to preach the ser mon. I ask, w hat could the Moderator have done in giving Rev. Thornton prominent posi tion when the Association had refused it themselves? The church has no right to pul the blame on the Moderator for the bad treat ment of their pastor, if bad treatment there was; they should lay it on the Association and Rev. Thornton.. There was a committee appointed on preaching, and they had tho whole control of that matter. Rev. J. A. Preston, in his note, seems to have great fears about losing the good in fluence of Rev. Thornton, and strong confi dence of his entire innocence; declaring that he is not an adulterer—of which I am very glad. But, I only wish he had done it sooner. It would have saved us much trouble and ap prehension. 1 hope the church and Rev. J. A. Preston will set. this matter right. F. Quart.es, Mod. E. A. Atlanta, Ga., Die. 4, 1871. On the Rond. Saturday Nov. 25th, started from LaGrange on the western bound train, for the beautiful little city of Tuskegee, in Ala. In journey ing about, one has excdlent opportunities for studying the genus homo, and it he does not learn something more of human nature it is simply because he fails to keep his eyes open, and take a good, honest look at his surround ings. On the cars, one is often struck with the wonderful amount of ambition displayed by some very modest-appearing people. It is really refreshing to see how they do spread themselves, as if determined to covor -»*• much territory as possible. Usually, a mod est person, of modest pretensions, can manage to get along qpirlfortably with one seat, all I'D himself; but not so with your ambitious travellers. Dido, it is said, practiced a down right cunning dodge on the simple-hearted Africans, in order to get land enough for tho ancient city of Carthage, and, although the story is a tough one, 1, for one, believe it. Truth to say, I have seen similar management on the cars by some as tender, delicate and beautiful as tho founder ot Carthage. Seat No. 1, one person and a bandbox; seat No. 2, a child (rather small) and a poodle; seat No. 3, two chignons, a basket and a cloak or shawl; seat No. 4, a bunch of flowers, (drip ping w ith water), a very small bag, and an umbrella. And then, to see the look of com plaisance with which such ambitious ones sur vey an unlucky passenger whose misfortune it is to be just' one more than can find seat room. Their eyes seem to say : Why didn’t he come sooner? Why don't he go to tho smoking car; albeit tobacco smoke is a dead ly poison, even to some men. Whenever the writer finds one person occupying four seats, and has to take refuge behind a fragrant cloud of tobacco smoke, he finds himself involun tarily repeating the lines : “No pent up Utica contracts our powers, For the whole boundless continent is ours.” At the terminus of the A. & W. P’t R. R., met Rev. S. P. Callaway, who is the bishop of the Baptist church in West Point. lie is one of our best preachers, and is doing a good work in his field of labor. The city is rapidly growing in commercial importance, and, as a consequence, there hits been a con siderable increase in tho population—persons settling there for purposes of trade. After a delay of nearly one hour in West Point, took the Montgomery train, and was soon rattling away towards the setting sun.— “Opelika; passengers for Columbus change cars,” w’as shouted by the conductor, as the train halted in front of a rather imposing hotel, built upon a hill. One man was voci ferating : “The blind man is here; here’s the place to get warm biscuit and fried chicken!” While on the other side, a doubtfully clad, was shouting, as'if rIH an opposition line: “Here’s your ground peas; here’s your biled chestnuts!” One is, to some extent, reminded of Atlanta, as he looks upon the crowd surging around the train, some busily engaged in removing boxes and transferring trunks, while others stand quietly looking on, with both hands thrust into the breeches pockets, while still another saunters about, smoking a cigar, in the utmost abandon, every movement ing to say: “Greai and high, Tho world knows but two, That's Romo and 1." Ilere we were delayed, in consequence of some connecting train failing to come to time. Then the wires were put to work to ascertain the cause of the detention, and when the an swer came the conductor called out: “All aboard for Montgomery,” and as we were twenty five minutes behind time, we were soon running at a pace which seemed to put all nature into a merry mood, for the trees and fences went to dancing “the fisher’s horn pipe,” or some other quick movement. By the way, when running at the rate of twenty - five or thirty miles an hour, 1 would recom mend as a suitable time for reading about steamboat explosions and railroad collisions, the celerity of one’s movements enabling him to appreciate more fully the lively descrip tions of his author. If under such e rcum stances he fails ta see the point, 1 would feel no hesitation in voting him rather dull of comprehension, and obtuse upon tho subject of sentiment and romantic descrip tion. But really, after the first flash of rapid travelling has subsided, how indescribably pleasant is the feeling produced by such dejf* cided locomotion! On, on, we sped, up grade and down grade, having no use for brukes ex cept when we wished to pay our respects to some dainty little town, or to get wood and water, the provender upon which the iron" horse is wont to feed.