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2 snr Cflmspnknte. Horthe Index and Baptist.] NORTHEAST GEORGIA. CJimate— Health—Oainceville—Future of the City—The Religione Outlook—The Baptist Church— The Index in the Mountains. Dear Index —Your request, asking an occasional letter from Grainesville, is cheerfully granted, and while these brief epistles may contain no thrilling intelligence, yet they will he written in the hope that the subject-matter thereof will not be wholly without in terest, to at least a fair proportion of our many readers. Our section of the State, with its towering mountains, its fertile valleys, its rapidly flow'ng and sparkling streams, and withal its pure and salubrious air, unoontamiuatcd with disease, and even health restoring in its quality, is beginning to attract noticeable attention from the less fa vored miasmatic regions of our own and other States. During the summer months, especially, we have almost daily arrivals of persons in quest of health, many of whom are wisely purchasing property in our rapidly growing little city. We have now a thrifty population of about three thousand, which at no dis tant day, at the present rate of increase, will be doubled. The future of Gainesville, whether viewed from a business, educational or religious standpoint, is certainly very flattering. During the year passed, perhaps not less than fifty buildings have been Greeted, varying in cost from two to ten thousand dollars each. But this is not such evidence of real pro gress as we find in the growing educa tional and religious advantages of our community. These are keeping pace with the rapid growth of our town in other respects. Educationally Gaines ville is offering superior inducements to the public. Our school, so ably pre sided ovei formerly by that deservedly popular teacher, George C. Looney, is now under the care of Rev. W. C. Wilkes, who has taught so successful ly in other portions of this State. Wo may say of Gainesville that, re ligiously, the outlook is certainly en couraging. This appears from the growing efficiency of the various Sab bath-schools, the promptness with which the almost entire community at tend upon religious services, and last, but not least, the growing inclination on the part of the people to support the Gospel, which formerly has been sadly neglected. These encouraging evidences of genuine progress have been apparent especially for two years past. On retiring from the pastorship of the church, I confess to a sense of humble gratification I conlrast tike i>resent 'condTllHl of our (which is nothing to boast of now,) with its condition five years ago, when I it. During the past two Crs the liberality of the church has n mainly directed to the erection of a commodious house of worship, which is now nearly complete. My worthy successor, Kev. W. C. Wilkes, enters this field of labor under propitious circumstances, my term of service having been employed mainly „in the removal of the undergrowth and brush wood, and in grubbing the soil, but I shall fondly cherish the hope, while I earnestly pray, that in this case he who has prepared the soil and sown the seed will have occasion, very soon, to rejoice with him who, in God’s rich providence I trust, w ill reap the har vest. We ministers feel very greatly the necessity of the general distribution here of The Index. Our mountain people have never been, as a community, a reading people, hence we find them in blissful ignorance of the great, stir ring, living, religious questions of the day. Asa consequence they are not in sympathy with the denominational movements of the times. Light upon theso questions will beget sympathy, and sympathy will prompt to action. We have an honest-hearted, philan thropic people, who, when they are properly instructed, will act. The In dex is a medium through which much of this instruction may be received. God grant that during the present year it may find its was to many a mountain home, and be proven an Index indeed, of truth to many an honest heart. W. T. Thornton. Gainesville, Feb. 7, 1876. For the Index and Baptist.] “MY IIIIKIU.'' In the earlier days of my ministry I disliked the phrase “ my church,” as often used by some pastors. There was a kind of popish arrogance and ego tism in the expression my church, that was really offensive to me. There is still a manner in which the phrase may be used that is not in harmony with the true spirit of Christian, fraternal equal ity. But there is a sense and manner in which I love that phrase. There is nothing necessarily repulsive about it. It is true no church belongs to the pastor, that he should say my church, but there is a possession of endear ment, as when a father says of an erring son, “ he is my child, I can’t for sake him.” How touching is the lan guage “ I will walk among you, and will he your Ged,andye shall be my people.” Lev. xxvi: 12. This is an ownership of love, in which it is more blessed to be possessed than to possess. So is it with the true pastor, who feels that he is but an undershepherd. There is no dearer tie on earth, and hence when he says “my church,” with that stroag Christ-like attachment that would make him willing to make any sacrifice, even “ lay his life down for the sheep,” the church, there is surely nothing offen sive in the expression, my church. Who knows the strong abiding love a true pastor has for tho people under his care? In sickness, health, poverty, wealth, m all their changes and trials, he is as ready to weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who re joice, as a mother with her own dear children. Yea, he is ever ready to lead them, like the Good Shepherd, into green pastures. When such a pastor of an appreciative church sings the beautiful lines of Dr. Dwight— “ For her my tears shall fall, For her my prayerß ascend; To her my cares and toils be given Till toils and cares shall end. Beyond my highest joy Iprize her heavenly ways, Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love and praise.” It is no fiction, it is the earnest breath ing of his soul. When such a one says “ my church,” it is that possession that claims only the ownership of love. With this spirit, let every pastor say my church. W. M. Howell. Lumpkin, Oa. For the Index and Baptist.] OIK SI A (ON LETTER. Baptist Affairs—Mercer I Diversity—Dr. Skinner —Sabbath-seheol Institute—Colletting Funds —“Kind Words.” Editors Index — l take pleasure in sending you the money for anew sub scriber, and expect to send more. Bap tist affairs in Macon are progressing favorably, with one exception—the bal ance due on the old debt of the Second Baptist church is being pressed legally to a degree, which involves diligent col lections or the sale of property. The church has put brother E. M. Yaughn, lately ordained, in the field to collect the amount, (about $1,200,) in order to save the property. It is to be hoped, for the honor of our cause, that he will fully succeed. In Mercer University all is moving on smoothly and prosperously. Among the students excellent order prevails, and their diligence in study is very marked. About one hundred and thirty are in attendance, and, as a body, are as fine-looking a set of young men as you will see anywhere. Many of them are young men of a high order of intellect, and will not only do credit to their alma mater, but to the State. The president is universally popular, and with the aid of an able faculty, is sus taining the credit of the denomination admirably. Dr. Skinner is moving forward in fine stjle as pastor, making a fine im- Preesvtt and drawing large congrega-* tions. He lectures every Wednesday night on the subject of the Sunday school lesson, and quite a number at tend and appear interested. He has originated aYoung Men’s Prayer-Meet ing Society, with a constitution and in itiation ceremony, which is arousing much zeal and ean estness among the young men. Our Sunday-school has increased largely since his advent, hav ing now thirty-six classes and teach ers. Brethren Fish and T. C. Boykin spent a couple af days with us lately, holding an Institute and affording much instruction and gratification. The latter complimented brother Zet ler’s school very highly. Though very quiet, brother Zetler makes a good su perintendent, and teachers and scholars all love him. The South Baptist Mis sion school is also doing will under the management of brother C. B. Ellib and his assistants. At its last conference the church took anew departure as to the collection of mission funds. It determined to ap point a “mission committee” to be com posed of one male member and six ladies, the pastor to be an ex officio member of the committee, the duty of which shall be to adopt and carry out some plan for collecting all the benev olent funds of the church regularly and systematically. The church is deter mined to collect its own mission funds, and to do this in a way that will secure contributions from each member, and not merely from a few. “ Something from each member” is to be the motto, and it is made the duty of this com mittee to see, and, if possible, secure contributions from each member of the church, which contributions are to be appropriated as the church may see fit to order. It may interest some of your readers to know that the nickel colhetions in onr Sunday-school dur ing January, amounted to $25. Each class has its envelope, and generally something is contributed by each class every Sabbath. Other matters of interest connected with Baptist affairs in Macon must hide their time. I will say this, how ever, before closing, Kind Words is holding its own, in these hard times. I am glad that the Sunday-schools of Georgia geneinlly stem to like the paper and s> 1 ssons ; and I hope all of them w " subscribe for it, and use the lessons in school. It will soon con tain the likenesses of seme of our most popular ministers and missionaries. S. Boxkin. Macon, Ga., Fob. 8, 1876. Bev. Mr. Door, the junior pastor of Dade Circuit Holston Conference, was recently thrown frem a wagon, and fa tally injured. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST. For the Index and Baptist] BIBLE SCENES—A VISION OF FAITH. HO. 111. Go again to the rugged banks of the Jordan. See the Savioar, who has just ascended from its dark waves. Tis the same beautiful morning of His baptism. The pale shafts of light, which shone but softly when the multitude first gathered, have grown stronger and brighter; the waving line of mountain tops, around the horizon, is beginning to redden with the fires of the coming day. Away to the East the walls of Jeru salem, and the windows of the holy temple, are ablaze with the glory of a noonday sun. ■ Far along the North, we usually see a misty line, marking the course of the Jordan ; but now, the bright rays of the golden sun havefcoftened s£e mur ky waters, until it seems as if the shining train of a comet had (fallen between the hills. The multitude that witnessed the descent of that Dove of Light now watch that same Spirit lead the Son of God away. Let us, too, follow in vis sion. Though many are thronging the broad road that leads to the Holy City, ’tis not to this point the Holy Ghost directs our blessed Saviour. Along a meandering path, that is so lonely and narrow it seems to* be used only by the wild beasts of pTey, when they come to drink at the Jordan, is the willing Saviour led. The straining eyes of the multitude are now fixed upon that solitary figure ascending the crags of the rugged way. Slowly, steadfastly, alone, Hs. follows the path along the drearjiy rocky plain ; among bare, desolate hills, and wild ravines, which seem to have been made by rending in pieces the moun tain range, and heaving the mighty fragments like a storm-tossed sea. Not a human dwelling, nor a sign of cultivation ; not a spot of green earth to relieve the desolation. -< Now the path drops down the shelving ridge, and now it is buried in the deep ravine ; here, again, we see it hanging on the very edge of a precipice. Such is the path our Saviour takes af ter His baptism. From this wild mountain pass, we see the holy Son of Mary turn aside to worship God, and pray for Divine strength and guidance in this great temptation that is to come upon Him. He is in His humanity now, and has need of the energy, calmness and self possession which come by prayer. Now, we see Him rise again and re new the march, turning Hisxface to ward the wilderness without a^ear. But at length the goal i^_reached. And now the (b s i > A day’s journey sea of rocky ridges and stony ledges lies the Holy One, to whom, but a few short hours ago, the very gates of Heaven bad been opened when He stood by the baptismal waters. Now, He lies alone, like Jacob of old, with a stone for His pillow, and the sentinel stats, out in all their fiery aimor on the battlement of Heaven, for His canopy. ¥es, the Sen of God, who might command hosts of angels to minister to His wants, “bath not where to lay His head.” The Lord of Heaven, who might command the music of legions of Heavenly harps, hears, now, no foot fall on the hard hills, and no music on the soft night air, save the heavy tramp and the fierce howl of the wild beasts. But He lies down sweetly and peacefully to sleep. Ho threat or peril can make Him fear ; no hardship can exhaust His en durance; no temptation can turn Him aside from His duty, for though human He leans not on himself, his trust is in Heaven. Again, the rosy hues of dawn ap pear in the “ dappled east,” the blue star spangled curtain of night is slow ly lifted from the dark horizon of en compassing mountains. The solitary sleeper is wakened by the Hash of the first beams of the golden robed sun. Again the vision changes. Forty days and nights have passed, and yet no suecor has come to the lonely exile. Now the Heavens are daikened, thick clouds cover the blue skies, and blot out the soft light of the stars. The distant thunders rouse the wild beasts from their lair. The darkness is blacker than the night. Again the morning dawns, but with it no bright rays of light to cheer the lonely watcher. His countenance has changed. Troubled visions seem to have haunted his night hours. The holy countenance, so calm and peaceful when last we saw it, wears a tioubled look, and “ from his eye, flashes the wrath of tempted innocence.” Hunger has seized the fainting Saviour, and, like Elijah of old, he is sitting wrapiped in eouLmplation, but no ravens come to bring him food. Instead thereof appears again the Tempter, this time in visible form, perchance wearing the garb of an angel, and we hear him say, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones he made bread.” But the faint ing Saviour replies, “It is written, man shall not live hy hi end alone, hut by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Again the vision changes. The Saviour of men, he who could, with one look, now wither the wicked being at his side, for our sakes, that he may be made a substitute for us, allows this Angel of Darkness to transport Him to the Holy City. ’Tis the feast of the Tabernacle, and the city is thronged with people from every direction. The temple is filled with praise and hallelujahs to the Lord, and yet He allows Himself car ried to the pinnacle of that Sacred Temple, and put in subjection, for our sakes, to the Evil One. Again we hear the tones of the Tempter, “ If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down, for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee.” And again we hear the sweet voice of the Saviour reply, “It is written, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Again the vision changes. Only one more assault the powers of darkness can make. From the Holy City, away from the temple, the Spirit of Evil, the Spirit of Light permitting, leads the Saviour of men. Quickly, by some power mysterious, they reach Mount Neho’s barren cliffs, and there, on the same lofty summit from whence Moses had viewed the Land of Promise, the Tempter shows to the Builder and Maker of all this grandeur, “ all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.” And again we hear him speak, “ All these things will I give Thee if Thou wilt fall down and wor ship me.” But this time the Lord re plies, “ Get thee hence Satan, it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Oh, Christian! if Christ was led through such a path, from his baptism, shall we expect no further temptation, when we have come out on the Lord’s side. Nay, but let us remember, when temptations come, though Satan is a strong man armed, yet the Cap tain of our salvation is stronger than he. That Christ conquers for us, be ing tempted like as we are, and that we, through Him, are more than con querors. Bunnie. For the Index and Baptist] TOWALIGA ASSOCIATION. Response of E. Duoias to “ ft. S. R.” Editors Index— Dear Brethren: Al low me space in your interesting paper to make a courteous reply to brother H. S. 8., to his article published in the Christian Index, Jan. 27th, 1876. I know who “ H. S. R.” is, and I esteem him as . brother laborer in the vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have studied his courteous essay as to what the Towaliga Association did at its last Associational meeting. The queries he mentioned as sent up to said Asso ciation in 1874, are correct. They were ! re?erred*backko tb4 Humifies for ansuttr as to the integral parts constituting their organization to he answered at the next session, which was done by the churches. Upon their answers the Association answered,as a creature of said churches, in the language my dear brother quotes in his communication. But yhere he got the idea of addressing the Mr. President, in reference to Mr. Irwin’s report on missions, that the Towaliga Association, and four others, wished membership in the Baptist State Con vention of Georgia is something strange to me. The Towaliga Associa tion has never asked for such a record in said Convention, and I do not think she ever will do so, from the fact that the Towaliga Association, from 1842, has believed that the Missionary Bap tists have been drifting into all the isms of the day, since their organiza tion hy Luther Rice, their founder. (See Malcom’s History, etc.) If brother H. S. R. will turn from those isms advocated by Missionary Baptists, and take the Bible, and the Bible alone, then all the Baptists will he a unit, but not until then. Brethren Editors, why is it that Bap tists will preach the Bible and the Bible alone is the creed of Baptists, and then advocate things, in their labor and zeal, that are not found in their Bible ? 0, think, my brothers, before you further go, for you know it is wrong to condemn in others that which vou allow in your own doings. You must know my brothers, that the Bilie is our square, plumb and level. I would like very much, my brothers, for us to agree in the doctrine of the Bible, as har moniously as we can sing together, hut with ycur isms, outside of the teach ings of the Bible, I am sure we never c an. The Primitive Baptists hold that no legal and Scriptural bodies can be fern ed outside of the chuich of Christ, for the extension of His kingdom. If yon can find it in your B’hle, please let me know where it is to be found. E. Dumas. For the Index and BantistJ An Appeal to the Baptist Oimthes and Pastors In the South. Dear Brethren— Without any per sonal or selfish interest in the matter, we feel constrained to call your atten tion to the present pressing wants of our cause iu the city of San Antonio, Texas. Ist. Theie is a small church there— a feeble band, but devotedly pious and true Baptists. They are poor, and can not move forward without help. 2d. Mainly through the liberality of our brethren in Texas, and in other States, and the indomitable zeal and energy of brother J. W. D. Creath, a parsonage has been built, the walls of , the church edifice completed, and the roof put on. The site in the city is well selected; and while the church is being built in a substantial manner, it is be ing done at as little cost as the nature of the case will allow. 3d. The little church has no place in which to meet for worship, except the private houses of the member?, where they are accustomed to meet for prayer. 4. The Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad is now approach ing San Antonio. With its entrance into the city will be a large influx of new population. We ought to have our house of worship ready, and a suit able pastor to take advantage of such a favorable opportunity for organizing and building up the cause of truth. sth. San Antonio is the gateway to the great West beyond, and to Mexico. There is no point, perhaps, in the Union more important as a mission field. 6th. While we fight Romanism in Rome, let us not neglect this cause in our own land. San Antonio is the Rome of Texas. 7th. We ought to secure, at an early dav, one of our strongest ministers for this great city. He should be there the coming spring. Yet, he would he comparatively useless without a house of worship. We can complete it —will we do it ? We wish to make our words few. Our proposition is this: Let every pastor and minister to whom this appeal comes, read it, or state the case to his congregation, at 11 o’clock on Sabbath, and take a public collec tion for this object—to complete the Baptist house of worship in San Anto nio. Send contributions to Elder R. C. Buckner, Dallas ; Elder J. B. Link, Houston, or E. G. Huston, Esq., San Antonio, Texas. Brethren, from our hearts we appeal to you in this cause. May the Lord direct you. Very truly yours, [Signed]—F. M. Law, Bryan ; J. H. Stribling, Tyler; Wm. Howard, Gal veston; B. H. Carroll, Waco; Jonas Johnson, Anderson; S. L. Scruggs, Bremond ; W. H. Dodson, Calvert; C. E. Stephens, Biemond; J. B. Link, Houston ; W. C. Crane, Independence ; R. C. Buckner, Dallas; H. W. Dodge, Austin—J. Beall and E. G. Huston, Building Committe San Antonio church. Texas, 187(5. Jlfrflraa jof pistonr. For the Index and Baptist.] LADY JANE GREY. There is no individual life in the- an nals of history, over whose record we Upgqf .jnjire pityingly and tendqrlj tliAn, that ot Lady Jane Grey. She was the victim of court intrigue, and in her youth and purity met her sad fate through no fault of her own. Born in 1537, the granddaughter of Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, she had some claim to the throne. At sixteen she was married to Guilford Dudley, son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. Living at one of her country seats, she devoted herself to study, caring more for her home life than the admiration and adulation her rank and beauty would have attracted for her at court. Very beautiful, and accomplished to a remarkable degree for one so young ; familiar with eight languages, proficient in music and . “learned beyond the churchmen,” say her historians, she possessed a rare loveliness and modesty of character, seldom seen combined with such mark ed ability. It was said she had a pre sentment that to live a quiet life was her only safeguard against a violent death. Since ,f coming events cast their shadows before,” we will not condemn this feeling as wholly imaginary. At the death of Edward VI, when the throne was contested, her claim was brought forward, though Mary tond Elizebeth were the rightful heirs. The Duke of Northumberland per suaded Edward, in his dying hours, to appoint Lady Jane Grey his successor, and, immediately after his death, pro ceeded to proclaim her queen, much against her own will. She refused the proffered crown, and urged the priority of the claim of the daughters of Henry VIII. When, owing to the persuasions of her husband, she finally yielded, she exclaimed: “If this right he truly mine, O, gracious God, give me strength so to rule as to promote Thy honor and my country’s good!” She was pro claimed queen, hut reigned only a few days. The people pleased with the re ligious toleration which Mary offered them, were eager to do her homage; meanwhile she was gathering her army to oppose the Duke of Northumberland and his party. Gaining strength among nobles and the people, she succeeded in defeating him, and was universally acknowledged queen. Guilford Dudley and his lovely wife were imprisoned and condemed to death. And now comes the proof of woman’s strength and endurance under great trial. Her husband was condemned to be executed before the populace, and begged that he might see her once more and to bid her farewell. In answer to this appeal, which would have unnerv ed most women, she steadily refused to see him, and wrote him the following letter: “Do not let us meet Guilford we must see each other no more, until we are united in a better world. You must now devote yourself to none but serious thoughts. No more love, no more happiness here upon earth ! we must now think of nothing but death. Remember, my Guilford, (he people are waiting for you, to see how a man can die. Show no weakness as you ap proach the scaffold. Your fortitude would be overcome, perhaps, were you to see me; you could not quit your poor Jane without tears, and tears and weakness must be left to us women. Adieu, my Guilford, adieu! Bea man; be firm at the last hour, let me be proud of you.” She watched him from her window on his way to the scaffold, and then prepared to follow him, which she did in a few days. Mary tormented her with Catholic priests, who brought messages of prom ised pardon if she would abjure the reformed faith. But with a firm, sweet Badness she refused, and prepared with calmness and deliberation for her exe cution. Having written her last letter of adieu to her sister, the Countess of Pembroke, accompanied by a Greek Testament, as her last gift, she bade her female attendants to cut off her beautiful hair, changed her mourning for a pure white dress, and then walked with a calm, firm step to the place of execution. When she saw the spark ling of the steel axe, she turned pale; kneeling, she raised her beautiful eyes to heaven and repealed in sweet, clear tones the Miserere, then, placing her head upon the block, in a moment more all was over. Her mire spirit winged its flight to a holier sphere, and there received the crown which was right fully and truly hers. G. W. REST. My feet are wearied, and my hands are fired— My soul oppressed— And with desire have I long deeired Rest—only rest. ’Tis hard to toil—when toil is almost vain In barren ways ; ’Tis hard to sow and never garner grain In harvest days. The burden of my days is hard to bear— But God knows best ; £ And I have prayed, but vain has been my prayer, For rest—sweet rest. ’Tis bard to plant in spring, and never reap The autumn yield ; 'Tis hard to till—and when ’tis tilled to weep O’er fruitless field. And so I cry a weak and human cry, So heart-oppressed ; And so I sigh a weak and human sigh For rest—for rest. My way has wound across the desert years, And cares infest My path ; and through the flowing of hot tears I pined for rest. ’Twas always so; when still a child, I laid On mother's breast My wearied little head ; e’en then I prayed As now, for rest. And lam restless still. ’Twill soon be o'er; For, down the west , I Life’s sun is setting, and I see the shore Where I shall rest. BIBLE STI'DY. The Vermont Chronicle, in urging upon its readers the importance of Bible study, says: A knowledge of how to study the Bible aright is no slight attainment. The first requisite for this is faith in it as the revealed will of God, designed for our individual enlightenment and sanctification. Next, there is needed faith in God’s willingness to reveal himself, His will and our duty, to us, through the Word, accompanied by a spirit of humble waiting upon Him by prayer for His Spirit, to interpret to us His truth. Then, one having a refer ence Bible, a Concordance, and, for dif ficult passages, a Commentary, needs to read it with great deliberation, and with the purpose to get at the meaning of every clause, noticing its connection with what goes before and what fol lows, and comparing it with parallel passages. Sometimes it is well to read chapters and books through by course. At other times one will find great profit in taking particular doctrines or topics, and hunting up everything in the Bible relating to them. In this way one ac quires a familiarity with what is in the Bible, and his knowledge becomes broader and more definite. Gradually there are revelead to him heights and depths, riches and secrets, that cause him to wonder and adore, while they beckon- him on to new study, and qual ify him for higher usefulness. Persons who are busy with cares and secular duties from morning till night, often feel that they have no lime for such study of the Bible. But is not the end sought worth taking the time for, even if we accomplish less in other direc tions ? We have known individuals whose whole time seemed to be needed for the cares of this life, who yet kept their Bibb constantly near them, and, by a determined purpose, found the time to commune with God in His Word, and though in very humble stations, became mighty in the Scrip tures, and had power with G-od and men. The Patrons’ Heljfer truly says: “The church has politicians in it, the Grange has politicians, and in both alike, as everywhere else, the politicians strive, in some way, to help themselves by using their fellows, and to carry out their own base views by log-rolling with other politicians equally base and equally self-seeking. But that does not make either the Grange or the church a political institution, and it never will. The Grange is a social and business organization, not a politi cal one.”