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The Christian Index.
BY JAS. t. HARRISON A CO.
AN OLD SOUBEK fgOWYMi.
Vt’it lo the Northers Baptist Anniversaries—
Removal.
I received a few days ago from your house
some blauk paj>er and envelopes. This, I sup
pose, may be construed into a hint to write for
The Index. You see I am taking the hint.
There is always something to write about for a
piper published in a State with which I was
identified for so many years, and which now con
tains so many friends whom I love in the Lord.
The latter, however, are rapidly passing away.
In almost every Georgia paper I opeu is the
obituuy notice of the beloved of other days
The most recent is that of deacon Eli Mustio, of
the Greene Street Baptist church, Augusta.
There were few men who had been longer in the
Baptist family than was he at the time of his
death. He joined the church in Augusta, under
the pastoral care of my father, in 1822, tho year
after the erection of tho present building on
Greene street. When I became pastor in 1840, I
found him the Clerk, Chorister, Treasurer, and
Buuday-school Superintendent. Though holding
this full quartette of offices, he performed the
duties of all faithfully aud acceptably. Full of
good humor, he had a pleasant word for every
body, whilst he was always prompt in co-oper
atiug with every work which was proposed for
the interests of the church. He was industrious
aud economical, but ho was never able to do
more thau provide a frugal support for his fam
ily, aud at times the good man was sorely har
assed by his temporal troubles. Nothing, how
ever, depressed him long. He would pass from
smiles to tears with all the fitfnlness of an April
day. Though nearly eighty-four years of age at
the time of his death, he retained to the last his
cheerful temperament and his activity in the
church. He has joined, I have no doubt, the
noble company of saints who preceded him to
the skies from tke same church, and thoy now
worship On High that Lamb whom they loved
once to worship in the church militant.
I line! the pleasure of spending last week in the
beautiful city of Cleveland, Ohio. The occasion
of my visit to this city on the Lake was, in con
nection with Drs J. A. Broadus and Dobbs, of
Kentucky, and B. and A. Tapper, of Virginia, to
represent the Southern Baptist Convention in
the Northern Baptist anniversaries, which were
held in this place at the time to which I have
roferred. Never were delegates more cordially
received or more hospitably entertained. The
war- is at length over. It began a great many
years ago, and it was concluded last November,
when President Hayes withdrew the Federal
troops from South Carolina and Louisiana, and
the last Southern State was rehabilitated. We
are now politically and patrotically one people ;
and God grant that we may so continue for many
a year to come ! These Northern Baptists are
fellow-eijristiana of whom we may now bo proud,
doapite the bitterness of the past. They are in
telligent, cultivated, pious and consecrated.
Their large and flourishing churches, well en
dowed colleges and seminaries, their powerful
Publication Society, attest their liberality at
home ; whilst their missions in the far-off East,
embracing churchoe containing scores of thous
ands members, exhibit most impressively their
interest in the final command of oar blessed
Lord. At home they are assisting numbers of
feeble churches in various partß of the country—
not forgetting our brethren of the South in then
important work among the liberated slaves.
When Dr. Cutting reported that the Home Mis
sion Board in New York in conjunction with
your Georgia State Board was co-operating in
the support of one of our brethren in your Btate,
I said this is the union of the North and South
already begun. It may not be best to unite
the whole denomination in one organic union—
our extended territory may require more than
oue organization—but it is pleasant to behove,
as I do, that the relations between Northern and
Southern Baptists are more fraternal to-day than
they were in 1841 and 1844, anterior to the forma
tion of the Southern Baptist Convention. Then,
though nominally united, we were far from
dwelling together in unity, and our anniversary
occasions were sometimes marred by an acerbity
and vituperation more befitting a political coun
cil than an assembly of the disciples of the
Prince of Peace.
The day after the delegates had been received,
Secretary Tupper announced that our Foreign
Mission Board had purchased a house of worship
at Borne, at a cost of some *26,000, and that
there were still *6,000 due on the purchase. He
then made an eloquent appeal to the Missionary
Uu on to assist us in paying this deficiency. On
taking his seat, Dr. Lorimer, of Boston, offered
a resolution commending our Secretary’s appeal
to the Northern churches, and appoint tug Bev.
\\m. Hayne, D.D., to visit the churches for the
purpose of raisiog the amount needed. The
resolution was passed unanimously and cor
dially, and thus we had another example of
practical union before us of the North and
South in mission w-ork.
When I took up my pen, I was thinking of a
beloved brother who has recently gone to his re
ward. His translation reminds me of a transfer
which has recently occurred. I allnde to the
removal of my esteemed brother, Sidney Boot,
Esq , to your city. When I became pastor of
the church in Atlanta, early in the late war, I
found this brother the Superintendent of the
Sunday-school, the leader of the music, and the
clerk of the church. When the pastor was ab
sent from the devotional meetings, he could
take the chair and conduct the exercises so prof
itably that the absentee was not missed. W hen
the sexton was not in place, he would open the
church, ring the bell, light the gas, and in
general perform his duties so admirably that the
sexton was not missed. And when money was
wanting to meet the current expenses of the
church, or to sustain good enterprises, no hand
was plunged more deeply and promptly into the
pocket, and brought up more, than that of our
brother. X do not wonder that his friends in
Fifth Avenue Baptist church, New York, parted
with him so reluctantly. I congratulate you on
such an accession.
We have also been favored in Baltimore with
one of your active workers dunug the past
season, aud we like him so well that we are
anxious to install the young man permanently
with us. W. T. B.
June 6, 1878.
INDEX AND BAPTIST.
Publication Rooms—27 and iSSoutn-Brian street
Editorials.
Transactions of the Georgia
State Agricultural Society. —We
are indebted to Col. Malcom Johnston,
Secretary of the Georgia State Ag
ricultural Society, for a copy of the
book bearing the above title. We
have glanced over us pages, and feel
warranted in saying that it is the most
interesting and valuable work on ag
culture which has ever enaenated from
the press of Georgia. It is replete
with the practical experiences and
observations of our most intelligent
and enterprising agriculturists—men
who have earnestly labored for years
to elevate the standard of this funda
mental pursuit and enlarge the re
wards of agricultural industry. With
in this book will be found light on
every subject germain to the cultiva
tion of the soil,'and he who reads and
ponders well can scarcely fail to be
come an intelligent farmer.
Every man in Georgia should have a
copy of this work, and keep it by him as
a Text Book of Agriculture. Besides
its virtues as a guide in practical agri
cultural industry it treats of auxiliary
subjects, such as bee-raising, sheep
husbandry, fruit culture, stock, etc.,
etc., and thus it is a book with which
the reader may be edified, even if not
engaged in the great pursuit of agricul
ture.
It covers the transactions of the So
ciety from August, 1876, to .February,
1878, inclusive of both dates, and
the essays, discussions and experiences
of our semi-annual sessions are theres
in embraced. These essays are from
the pens of many of our most pro
found thinkeis, and are based on sub
jects of practical utility germain to
agriculture and its associate industries.
There is scarcely any subject which
affects the interests of the farming
class that has not received proper at
tention, and the farmer who is willing
to profit by the knowledge and expe
rience of others, can here find the
light to guide him.
Shorter College— This institution,
designed for the education of females,
ows its existence to the benevolence
of Col. Alfred Shorter, of Rome, Ga.
It is under the supervision of the
Baptist State Convention. The fol
lowing description of its buildings is
from the Rome Courier .-
Two immense buildings—one 05 by 90
feet, part one story, the balance two and
three stories high, the other 50 by 117 is four
stories high. Both edifices, when comple
ted, will b- finished specimens of architecture,
which for beauty of design and adaptability of
purpose are not excelled in the whole land.
They are warmed by steam and lighted with
gas, every room supplied with water.
*******
Nature with her climate and scenery, la
bor with its taste and skill, and money with
abundant liberality, have all combined to
make Shorter College one of the grandest
institutions in the land.
St. Nicholas is printing a series of
practical articles sure to be of great
benefit to all its young readers, Last
month it gave a simple, clear and well
illustrated description of Bell’s Tele
phone and Edison’s Ph.onograph, and
it now announces for the July num
ber, an article entitled “How the
Weather is Foretold.” This paper
will describe in the same clear and
simple way, the practical workings and
results of the Signal Service—and is
especially timely in view of the recent
death of the founder ot the Weather
Bureau, Prof. Joseph Henry.
The tenth annual meeting of the
Young Men’s Christian Association
will meet in Gainesville, Ga., June
26th. We have received a circular from
the Secretary calling attention to this
meeting. It will be a large gathering,
and full of enthusiasm. We cannot
attend. Our obligations are to Mer
cer University at that time. The citß
zens of the Queen City of the Moun
tains will give the Association a cordial
welcome.
Ex-Gov. Jos. E. Brown and lady
and Hon. Jas. Jackson and lady, have
taken leave of the city on a western
tour, during which they will visit the
Literature Secular Editorials— Current Notes and News.
ATLANTA, THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1878.
various cities of the Northwest, the
terminus of their trip being the great
city of San Francisco. They expect to
be absent about six weeks.
DELIVERANCE IX SIGHT.
It is a source of true gratification
to learn from the report of Hon. Thos.
P. Janes, State Commissioner of Agri
culture, that the condition of the farm
ing population of Georgia has so far
improved as to justify the statement
that few will he under the necessity
the next year of purchasing their sup
plies on credit. This improvement is
due to the persistent industry of our
agricultural people, the more intelli
gent culture of the soil, and tho adop
tion of the policy of diversifying in
dustries.
There is no greater drawback to the
farmer in his effort to arrive at a state
of independence thau the necessity of
purchasing supplies on time. In every
instance of this character tho vendor
proceeds upon the hypothesis that in
extending a needed accommodation, he
is playing the part of a philanthropist
who, strange to say, must be rewarded
for his act by an advance of from 25
to 75 per cent, on ruling cash pricos.
This is sought to be justified upon the
idea of risk assumed in the sale, but
whether justified or not, it loads down
the farmer with a debt from which he
will fiud it difficult to escape. Our
people have toiled under this weight
since the war, and we rejoice that they
are now, after a long and tedious period,
about to emerge from the cloud which
has impended, and enjoy a condition
of independence essential to their hap.
piness and welfare.
Dp.. Janes Re-Appointed. —We
learn 'with much gratification, that
Governor Colquitt has re-appointed
Dr. T. P. Janes to the position of
State Commissioner of Agriculture.
The present term of this gentleman
does not expire until August, and his
re-appointment is, therefore, an un
doubted compliment. This act of the
Governor will meet with the general
approval of Georgians, and especially
the agricultural class, who have expe
rienced more directly the benefits of
the Doctor’s splendid administrative
policy. Under his control, the De
partment of Agriculture, which he took
at its birth, has proved a real blessing
to the fundamental industry of the
State. He has manifested an earnest
and intelligent zeal.whic hhas brought
forth results highly beneficial, ■ and
has, by constant watchfulness and
sleepless vigilance, made the Depart
ment under his control, in all its de
tails, a powerful auxiliary to the suc
cessful prosecution of agriculture in
Georgia. Indeed, that which in the
beginning was simply an experiment
has been proven a necessity, and its
duration, which was once a question
of doubt, has been assured. The De
partment in his hands is a success,
because he has labored with assiduity to
make it such. It is, also, a fact that he
has called to his aid a corps of intelli
gent and consciencious assistants, who
have co-operated with him faithfully
in all his plans.
We congratulate the people in view
of the re-appointment of Dr. Janes,
and predict that during his second
term Georgia will make grand ad
vances in agriculture and kindred in
terests. “The right man is in the right
place.”
Personal. —Rev. W. L. Kilpatrick,
one of our ablest and most zealous
ministers and Secretary of the Georgia
Baptist Historical Society, gave us a
pleasant call last week.
We acknowledge a pleasant visit from
Mr. Cunningham, of the Chattanooga
Daily Times.
Col. Win. J. Lawton brought us un*
der obligations for an agreeable visit
last week.
Commencement of North Georgia
Agricultural College. —We are un
der obligations for an invitation to be
present at the commencement of the
North Georgia Agricultural College,
which will begin on Sunday, the 30th
instant, and end Wednesday, the 3d of
July.
A VALUABLE PRODUCT.
A wonderful product, known as beg
gars weed, orbeggars-lice, has engaged
the attention of agriculturists in por
tions of Florida and Southwestern
Georgia. Experiments made with this
plant are said to have demonstrated
its great value as a fertilizer of the
soil, as pasturage and as forage. It is
found, by analysis, to contain proper
ties which render it palatable and nu
tricious. Stock of every species feed
upon it in preference to any other pro
duct, and fatten rapidly from its use.
Asa milk producer it is said to be su
perior to all other plants. It grows
luxuriantly on even ordinary soil,
reaching frequently to a height of eight
feet, completely covering the land
with dense shade. It grows so rapidly
that three full crops of hay are fre
quently produced during the same
season. When once set on land, there
is no necessity for resowing, or re
planting, except in instances where the
object of culture is its extermination.
From eight to ten thousand pounds of
hay at each cutting are the estimated
product of one acre sown in this plant.
It is indigenous to the State of Florida,
but those who have experimented with
it in Georgia are of the opinion that
it -will prove a success as far North as
Atlanta, and probably may grow to
perfection in any portions of the State.
We have seen reports, in detail, of
many experiments made with this pro
duct, and must regard its introduc
tion into Georgia a subject of very
great importance—especially to that
section in which clover and the grasses
will not prove successful. Gentlemen
of undoubted veracity declare that as
a fertilizer and renovator of poor or
exhausted soils it has no equal, and
that land which will not produce five
bushels of corn per acre, will in two
years after the beggars weed is first
set upon it, yield four times that quan
matter to infuse new energy into the
immense acreage of the State which
has been given up as absolutely ex
hausted. Besides, it may, in many
instances, be substituted for the com
mercial fertilizers on lands now in
cultivation, thus saving large annual
outlays. Whenever a sufficiency of
land is possessed to allow a portion to
be devoted to pasturage, this plant
may be sown, and do its work of re
cuperation in addition to its immense
contributions in the way of grazing
and forage.
Persons desirous of information on
this subject, or who may feel disposed
to give the plant a trial, may be ad
vised of its habits, its character, value,
etc., and we presume obtain seed, by
addressing Captain E. T. Davis, Thom
asville, Ga.
*—♦—*—
Praiseworthy Enterprise.— A few
gentlemen engaged in farming in the
county of Jackson, have started a cot
ton factory for the purpose of convert
ing the cotton product of their own
fields into thread. At a cost of about
§2,500 they have put this little factory
into operation, and are now, at very
small expense for hands, spinning from
§25 to S3O worth of thread per day.
There is little doubt that this is a prof
itable experiment, and we see no reason
why it should not find many successful
imitations in Georgia. It is certainly
easier to slart small factories with
small capital than such as inquire
§50,000 and upwards. It maybe that
those who are so zealous to see manu
facturing instituted at home have over
looked small beginnings, and that if
they would urge such as these, the end
might be sooner realized.
Freshman Bro.’s Advertising
Manual. —We have before us The
Advertiser's Manual , compiled and
published by Messrs. E. N. Freshman
& Bros., Adveitising Agents, of Cincin
nati, Ohio. It contains a complete
report of newspapers published in the
United States and Canada, and a state
ment of the circulation of each. Also,
special lists with circulation and terms
on which, through this agency, adver
tisers may be accommodated. We
have had considerable business expe
rience with the above firm, and can
speak only in terms of commendation,
having found them correct in their
dealings and pleasant in business re
lations.
A Worthy Officer.— We were pleased
with the politeness and cleverness of the rail
road conductors, and two gentlemen so im
pressed the newspaper fraternity that they
were presented with gold-headed canes. But
we never saw a more clever or polite conduc
tor anywhere than Mr. Reneau of our own
road, the Central. It is a pleasure to travel
with him.
Mr. H. H. Cabaniss, editor of that
splendid weekly, The Monroe Adver
tiser, in noting the pleasures of the re
cent Press Convention, among other
good things, has had to tell the truth
in this way. Mr. Reneau is connected
with one of the most important rail
road lines in Georgia, from Atlanta to
Macon. He ha3 been with it for a
great number of years, and time has
only added, if possible, to his urbanity
and gentleness of disposition. He
has no superior as a conductor, on any
road,and it would be a befitting act were
Col. Rogers, of the Central, to cane
Bro. Reneau for fidelity to the trusts
he has so long and efficiently dis
charged.
Buford, Ga. — Thirty miles travel on the
Air-Line Railroad brings one to this little
town. High and healthy, new and not com
plete, it offers some inducements to preach
ers and visitors. The churches are two—
Methodist and Baptist. The first and third
Sundays belong to the Methodist, and the
second aud fourth to the Baptist. Preachers
who want recreation will do well to preach
here and rest a while. Rev. T. E. Ken
nedy, the Baptist pastor, will be glad to en
tertain his brethren who may come and
preach for his people on either the second or
fourth Sunday. Any of our good, tired
brethren in Middle Georgia can stop here
from Friday or Saturday to Monday, and do
a good work for others and themselves. The
congregations are good, and a preacher will
be well treated. Inform brother T. E. Ken
nedy, by postal card, of your coming, and
he, or some of the brethren, will give you a
Christian reception.
It is a place also, where board is cheap
and living good. Visitors for a week, or a
month, may recuperate here as well as else
where. Gold mines, mineral springs, etc.,
are here, but undeveloped. The people are
orderly and without enterprise. There are
no novelties, such as billiards, ten-pins and
saloons. The town council will tolerate
none of these modern pastimes, for they
have cashiered the chief of police for drink
ing while off duty, and enjoying the luxuries
of a picnic in the city of Atlanta, and on the
train. Quiet reigns supreme, save when the
passing cars call attendance upon their daily
arrival at the depot.
The busiest places are the post-oflice, a
saddle and harness factory, and the railroad
pump, which last necessity is in the center
of the town. Visitors can enjoy the attrac
tions presented every day with perfect ease
and comfort. There is not a lively stable,
hack or other means of transportation, ex
cept the engine and cars, which are here so
often that none need to stay when they
would go.
T his is the place for the nervous and
weary business man. Such ladies as are
worn out with noise, stir and confusion may
come and sleep, rest and be refreshed. For
a whole month, if need be, one may sleep a
nap like old Hip Van Winkle, and then
arouse to anew state of existence for anoth
er campaign in life.
Buford is a point which has been too
much overlooked. We beraid its quiet, or
der, heal ih, beauty, people, air, water, and
living to the reader. Go there, slay a while,
if not longer, and you will fair better than
in the exciting, noisy and fatiguiug great
hotels elsewhere.
Femai.k School in Perry,Ga.—This In
stitution will soon need a head to consist of
a Christian (B iptist) gentleman and his wife.
None need to apply who are not well quali
fied and well endorsed by such testimonials
as will convince brethren Tharp, Warren
and others, that the applicant is the man aud
woman for the place aud work.
The place, circumstances and work pre
sent very strong inducements to an indus
trious aud well qualified man and woman
Hev. B. P. Tharp, D.D., Perry, Houston
county, Ga.,will inform applicants of the
facts and requirements.
Mercer University Commencement.
The Board of Trustees will meet on Satur
day, June29th, 1878. On Sunday, June 30th,
the Commencement Sermon will be preached
by the Rev. Dr. Hawthorne, of Montgomery
Ala.
The Georgia railroad and Macon and Au*
gusta railroad will carry visitors and others
to Macon for one fare. Get your return
ticket when you start, at the depot where
you enter the train.
—The Courier of the 12tb instant,
reports new wheat dull in Rome at $1
per bushel.
$l6O A YEAR IN ADVANCE.
GEORGIA NEATS.
—From all portions of the State the
most encouraging reports are received
of the wheat and oats harvest, and the
prospect of large crops of cereals and
fruits. The cotton is likewise farther
advanced than usual at this season, and
a good stand is reported.
—Good rains have fallen generally
in the State within the last few days.
—The experiments in the cultivation
of the tea plant in Georgia are said to
be numerous, and that they will soon
enable tlie people to decide whether its
production in this State can be made
profitable. Some are of opinion that
cheaper labor is all that is needed to
enable us to compete with China in this
industry.
—Rev. Dr. Gwin, of this city, will
preach the commencement sermon at
Clayton Institute, on the fifth Sabbath
in June.
—Some of our exchanges think that
a dog law ought to be passed by the
next General Assembly as a necessary
auxiliary to the successful raising of
sheep. According to the present num
ber of dogs, there is no assurance of
profit from this industry, We have
just seen a report of sixty head of
sheep having been killed by dogs from
one flock in this State.
—Mr. Henry J. Holliman has been
appointed agent of the Georgia rail*
road at Thomson.
—We learn that the expenses of the
Georgia railroad are being reduced by
a reduction of the number of employes.
—A Mr. Player, of Wilcox county,
is said to have reyiyed after being for
six hours supposed to be dead, and
conversed in his grave clothes with his
family and then permanently expired.
—The commencement sermon of the
Southern Masonic Female College will
be delivered on the 22 and instant, by Rev,
H. H. Parks of this city.
—A terrific hail storm passed over
Dooly county last week. The hail
stones are reported to have been in
some places over two feet deep. The crop
on several plantations was totally de-*
stroyed.
Mr. J. G. Parks, of Dawson, will
deliver the literary address at the
approaching commencement of Furlow
Masonic Female College of Americus.
—Prospecting for gold and other
minerals, within the mining belts of
this State, is again becoming common.
No doubt there are many valuable dis*
coveries yet to be made.
—The old building of Cherokee Bap.
tist Female College was taken down
last week, and the students now occupy
shorter College building, which is only
I partially complete.
The commencement sermon of
Borne Female College was preached in
the Presbyterian church of that city,
by Bev. S. E. Axson, on the 9th inst.,
to a very large and appreciative audi
ence, embracing the pastors of the
other churches of Borne.
The Atlanta Cadets, under command
of their gallant and talented Captain,
w’H leave on tho 10th of July, for the
city of Richmond. Captain Henry
Jackson will see to it that the occasion
shall be one long remembered for its
pleasures.
Shorter College Commencement.
V\ e are in receipt of an invitation to
the commencement exercises of Shorter
College, Rome, Georgia, which begin
ning June 23J, will close 011 the night
of the 2(ith by a graud festival. The
occasion will be one of great interest.
The commencement sermon will be
preached by Rev. L. R. Gwaltney, D.D.,
of Marion, Alabama. Addresses will
be delivered by Rev. G. W. Yarbrough
and Judge John T. Clarke, of Cuths
bert.
Missionary Meeting in the Chattahoo
chee Association, July 18,1878.—This event
will take place at Hopewell church, 8 or 10
miles from Gainesville. Brother J. E. Riv
ers, the Moderator of the Association, and
with whom this Convention originated, de
sires the attendance of a large number of
brethren.
We hope many will be present. The
meeting is an important one, and great good
may be effected. May the Spirit of our Lord
Jesus pervade every heart—all be guided in
to the way of the truth—then, God will be
glorified and the Gospel go forward.