Newspaper Page Text
2
fc WW '
•. ** JK
A LETTER FROM S. LANDRUM,
MEMPHIS.
» 11 •
I passed the Fourth of July in what the
inhabitants call the Athena of Aiueric*—
Cinc.nnati. For several evenings previous
display of fire works foreshadowed the ap
proach of the anniversary ofAnieriean inde
pendence. The fourth was a holiday and
nothing more. No public gathering for
reading the declaration of independence and
hearing the great oration as in the olden
times, but a day when families and pic-nic
parties hurried from th# hot streets of the
city to some quiet place in the suburbs, or
up the ‘‘inclined planes” to the “Hill Toils"
wnere are located great houses for restau
rants and lieer-ganlens. The street-cars run
from Covington across the river on the
graceful suspension bridge, through Cincin
nati to the "inclines." Up the inclines pas
sengers are carried by steam to take the llill
cars for Eden Park, Walnut Hill, or die
zoological garden.
In company with my hospitable friend
and Mr. 8. Wi Hampton and his
wife and children, I went from Covington to
the zoological garden. The claim is made
that this garden contains the best collection
of animals, birds and reptiles on this conti
nent. As to that, I cannot affirm, but it
certainly contains a large and varied collec
tion'and should be visited by all who have the
opportunity The ground's are extensive,
ami abound in rugged hills and deep ra
vines. . I greatly enjoyed the visit and felt
instructed by considering new displays of
the Creative Power and goodness of Jeho
vah. It is an incalculable advantage to the
people and especially the children of the
city. Here, as on the “Hill Tops,” was a
large restaurant and beer-garden No place
seems to be complete about Cencinnati with
out the conveniences of beer drinking while
a band discourses sweet music. Cincinnati
is German.
The topography of Cincinnati is unlike
any city I have seen and to me it is charm
ing. To stand at the Highland house or
Lookout bouse, and look down upon the city,
and off to the hills which encircle the three
cities of Covington, New Port and Cincin
nati, with the Ohio river passing through the
centre of the circle from east to west; and
especially as I looked upon the scene, when
for miles the streets were illuminated with
variagated fire-works, and the full moon
was pouring her silver rays upon the waters
of the river; is to be impressed with the
grandeur and lieauty of the place. The pic
ture will remain upon the mind as a thing of
beauty and pleasure.
At the Highland house, the famous
“Thomas concerts" are held in the o]>en air
twice a week. Here I saw perhaps two
thousand people assembled to listen to the
melodie. and normonies of the great orches
tra of fifty instruments. There is quite an
effort being made to make the
musical centre of the nation. A great mu
sic hall has been constructed and a college of
music established. In itself music is refin
ing and ennobling, but alas 1 for poor fallen,
mat! it is constantly perverted to bad pur- -
poses. It is used t > allure tot all places of
vice and iniquity. I
These places around Cincinnati, so
charming in themselves are used agains* re
ligion and purity. The pastors and churches
speak sadly of the Sunday night concerts on
the hills, as, influencing the people to aban
don church.
The first thing on arriving in Cincinnati
was to find my brethren, the pastors. In
Dr. Duncan, of the Ninth street, I found a
man whom to knew is to love. At his re
quest] 1 preached in his pulpit on Sunday
morning. He took great pains Sunday and
Monday to present me and my mission most
favorably to his people. The’ Lord reward
him for his Christian kindness 1 The Ninth
Street church is the leading Baptist church
in the city. The Firstchurch is in the West
end and has property, but the membership is
poor. I had a pleasant evening with the
pastor's family of this church, and in their
covenant meeting. The pastor, Bro. Lea
vitt, has been seven years with the church
and the prospect is he may remain many
years longer. His wife hasbeen very active
tn Christian association work, and in the
temperance crusade. In the covenant meet
ing the members spoke, male and female, of
the personal benefit they had received during
the past month from the preaching of the
pastor. The Mount Auburn church is small
but contains much wealth. The new pastor,
Bro. Robert, has made a good beginning.
In this church arc the well-known Baptists,
Thane Miller, Geo. F. Davis, W. H. Doane
and I. J. White. Mr. Doane, I was sur
prised to find, is a most successful business
man as well as the famous musician.
On Sunday night I preached at the First
Baptist church, Covington, Rev. W. H.
Felix, pastdr.
The congregation was good for an evening
congregation. They have as good a house
as is to be found in the city, but are worry
ing over a debt of seven or eight thousand
dollars. Brother Felix has given no'ice of
resignation, but will probably be induced
to withdraw the notice, and continue his re
lation to the church, though he resides some
fifteen miles from the city. He is the au- i
thorofa little book, “True Womanhood,"
designed to meet the wild demands of the
Women’s Rights movement. He tells his
sisters: “Your workship is at home.” Again
he says: "Woman’s work is foundation work
for society, for the State, for the kingdom of
heaven.” The book is timely, scriptural, I
and useful.
On Wednesday night I had the pleasure
of lecturing for the Madison Street church,
Covington, Rev. Bro. Bent, pastor. The
meeting was small, but the pastor thinks his
church was never in a better condition.
Dr. vl ise, who has resided in Covington
for forty years, and is perfectly acquainted
with Baptist affairs of the city from the be
ginning insisted on giving me’tlie hospitali
ties of his elegant home, and imparted to me
interesting but saddening, facta concerning
the great advantages which our people once
|xnse«sed, and which they lost bv divisions
and strife. He gave me a ride b’v which he
might show metho two hundred and forty
acres of land and the massive buildings, in
the city of Covington, which formerly’be
longed to the Baptist Theological Seminary.
This land is now covered with buildings and
is an iu>i>ortant part of the city. The build- ;
ings where Drs. Campbell and Lynd taught
Baptist theologues arc now owned and used
by the Roman Catholics for a school. The
property would now bring perhaps five mil
lions of dollars. It makes one's heart sick
to think of such a loss I About one hundred
and ten thousand dollars went to George
town ; the remainder of the sale has been, 1
believe, whittled away.
It is not worth while to linger over tliede*
tails of a journey by steamboat on the
The Christian Index and South-western Baptist: Thursday July 31, 1879.
Ohio in mid summer. With the kindest
captain, (for such is Rob rt Wise) the draw
backs to comfort are many; as musquitos,
hot nights, delays on sand-bars and many
other smaller matters. But as a place for
satisfactory thinking and planning commend
me to a steamboat.
It is necessary often to measure the depth
of the water and report to the pilot. So we
should often examine ourselves, and report
in prayer to Christ, our pilot.
As passengers of all ages, children and
adults, are leaving the boat at the various
landings, some going a shorter and others
longer distance: so on the voyage of life, we
are landing on the shores of eternity, some
going a little way in this life others farther
on, but all must land.
I would notjudge partially or from preju
dice, but in some things I think the Baptist
of the South have the advantage of their
brethren of the Northwest.
1. In relation to population the Baptists of
the .South are more numerous than those of
the North.
2. Their social standing is better. Os
course there are many exceptions of in
dividuals and localities. The churches of
the North gather their members more ex
clusively from the poor.
3. The position of Southern pastors is
more settled and independent. The frequent
changes of pastors diminishes their dignity,
self-respect and happiness
4. Our social meetings are very defective
in life and spiritual profit. The Northern
churches substitute social meetings in the
church building for family visiting. They
have frequent festivals; they have young
people’s meetings, literary societies, young
men’s unions, besides the general prayer
meetings and covenant meeting. In all
these meetings everybody is to take part ;
that is the theory, but of course there are
some who always speak and generally say
about the same things. It seems to me that
this promiscuous ami unmeditated speaking
becomes stale and unprofitable. I think
tliey carry the social meeting to extremes,
and we do not go far enough.
As a constant thing I like our methods
best.
EXCITING NEWS FROM THE
FIELD OF INDIAN MISSIONS.
Dear Brethren :—All the time of
my absence while attending the 8. B.
Convention in Atlanta, the general as
sociation of Kentucky, and other
Southern points, I was receiving let
ters from my wife giving me informa
tion of her lack of health. She was able
to meet me at the depot and welcome me
and our daughters homoon our arrival,
June 22d ; but since then her symp
toms have become much worse, and 1
am watching by her bedside with pain
ful anxiety. She is perfectly rational
and resigned, but talks of nothing hut
leaving us to be with Jesus. The doc
tor who attends her is confident of her
recovery ; but I am painfully fearful
that she will not stay with us.
Oh I how I desire your prayers.
There is another tidal wave of white
intruders, threatening to override all
treaties, the Supreme law of the land,
the President’s message, and to break
like an avalanche over the Indian
country. Our country has lost all
public conscience, and the Indians
have no rights that the present race of
tramps will respect.
There is an inter-tribal council now
in session at Eufaula, composed of del
egates from various tribes,'having for its
object the earnest protest of all the In
dians against such flagrant injustice.
Hon. Ward Coachman, Prin. Chief
of all the Creeks was baptized last
Sunday by John Mclntosh, our native
Creek Missionary to the Wild tribes.
I had the pleasure this day of giving
him the right hand of fellowship.
Among the delegates that I took by
the hand at council this morning were
five Baptists from the Wild tribes,
whom our native Creek missionary had
baptized. O 1 brethren, this is a luxu
ry that you know not of, to take these
Baptist Indians of the plains by the
right hand, and to feel the warm pres
ure of brotherly greeting, given by
those who, a little while ago, were sav
ages ; but now brethren beloved.
My soul pants to go out in the field
and work for Christ ; but duty, sacred
duty, bids me yet remain by the sick
bed of my wife. Igo each morning to
get ice, from the train, to cool her
burning thirst; but I cannot remain
at council. The Lord be gracious un
to us, and spare us.
H. F. Buckner. ,
Eufaula, Indian Territory, July 15t,1879.
LETTER FROM I. J. BLACK.
Ministers and Deacons meeting and Mission
ary Institute at Bethlehem church in
Wayne county. Rev. W. D. Atkinson
and his labors.
It has seldom, if ever, been my priv
ilege to attend a meeting of so much
interest as the one mentioned in the
heading of this article. It was appoint
ed as a ministers and deacons meeting.
The committee on religious exercises,
reported brother Atkinson to preach
the introductory sermon, which he did,
from Rev. 8d chap, and 2d verse, “ Be
watchful and strengthen the things
which remain, that an 1 ready to die,
for I have not found thy works perfect
l>eforo God. ” In the place of the usu
al programme of subjects discussed at
such meetings our brother A. suggest
ed that but two subjects be discussed.
For the afternoon, on Friday, and the
forenoon on Saturday, the subject of
missions in its various departments
was ably considered, participated in by
brethren Atkinson, Bennett. Harper,
Barber, and others, brother A. leading
in the discussion.
All the ministers present promised
to take up semi-annual collections for
missions, and all the brethren and sis
ters promised, by a rising vote, to con
tribute to the object, and encourage
their pastors in the work of collecting.
After which brother Atkinson took a
large subscription for our new mission
and Sunday-school paper, edited by
brother G. A. Nunnally.
The Sunday-school was next taken
up in connection with the discussion
of the subject of missions. On Satur
day afternoon, the subject of revivals
was considered, breteren Atkinson,
Bennett, Barber, and Harper participa
ting. Before the discussion closed, the
spirit of the Lord was manifest, many
were moved to tears and quite a num
ber came forward for prayer. It was
discovered that the spirit of revival
was present, some have, already, been
received for baptism, and a large fruit
age is anticipated from this meeting.
Discourses were also delivered by
brother Atkinson, Barber, Gibson and
Harper.
We believe that light is breaking
upon this benighted region, but what
is to be done in reference to our broth
er Atkinson, our missionary ? Shall he
be sustained, or shall we loose him ?
Through "his labors churches have
sprung up where none existed before,
churches dying and almost dead have
been revived. Sunday-schools have
sprung up in almost every church, and
in some congregations, from two to
three. We see also, from the publish
ed account of brother J. H. DeVotie,
in The Index, that the amount he re
ceived during the conventional yfear, is
entirely inadequate for the support of
his family. He is now in debt for pro
visions. If there is any man living
who sacrifices more for the cause of
Christ, than brother A. he has not
come within reach of my knowledge.
Will not the brethren and sisters in
upper and middle Georgia, where our
brother is so favorably known, send
help to Dr. J. H. DeVotie, Atlanta,
Ga., or if you prefer it, send directly to
Rev. W. D. Atkinson, Blackshear, Ga.
We who enjoy his valuable labors will
still do what we can ; for to lose his
services, would be a sad calamity to
this section. His work extends across
a section of the country for one hund
red and twenty-five miles. If he leaves
who will take his place ? Brethren of
The Index pray for us.
Yours in the patience and work of
| Jesus. I. J. Black.
Jesup, Ga., July 3d 1879.
A GENCIES.
(
EmfCft Lniiex ; Iu an editorial in
your issue of 29tE ult., occurs this, as
it seems to the writer, very sensible
and timely remark : “Only let ue be
careful, in discussing the general sub
ject of agencies, that we do not create
a prejudice that may blight
objects which are almost entityj ’7-
pendent upon them for their
and perpetuity.” Perhaps anoKr
caution may not be out of place. Let
us be careful in discussing the subject
of agencies and agents, that we do not
create a distaste and disgust in the
bosoms of our brethren for agency
work, so that when agents are wanted,
suitable ones cannot be procured. The
writer’s flesh quivered in sympathy for
agents under some remarks made in
1 convention at Columbus. This sym
pathy may have been misplaced and
| uncalled for, but it did seem to him
I not in human nature, not in Christian
I nature either, to be nude to feel, with
i out pain, that they were regarded as
1 useless, expensive appendages to our
; Missionary machinery. And this too,
| when they themselves know that they
i travel more, and are more exposed
1 night and day to all weather than any
pastor—preach and visit quite as much
—talk more, publicly and privately,
for the cause of Christ, than one pas
tor in twenty. They are obliged to
know that tliey are themselves hard
working Missionaries, and if the pas
tor s work is worth his salary- so is
theirs. If they did not, and do not,
feel sad under this, it is simply surpri
sing. The right of the Convention to
dispense with agents is unquestionable.
The wisdom of doing so has been dis
cussed and settled for the present at
least. But the manner of doing it
might have been just a leetle more con
siderate and kind.
Your editorial further says—“ That
these agencies have involved a good
deal of friction is true.” We are not
sure that these agencies are responsible
for the friction. It was not so years
ago, as the writer knows from a pleas
ant experience. When the receipts of
the Home Board were fifty to seventy
thousand per annum, four or five thou
sand was a modest expense (no rec
ords before me). No friction—no
complaint then. But when good br. th
ren cut loose from the Board and sev
eral strong and liberal Associations
with them, of course the receipts of the
Board were diminished. Other causes
operated hi reduce the receipts say to
$16,000. Then $4,000, or ss,ooo,’ap
peared a terrible expense. The Board
was obliged to diminish the number of
its Missionaries in Georgia. Then came
the clamor for a State Board and the
clamor created and helped on the ne
cessity for it. We have the State
Board, and have dismissed agents, nnd
thereby reduced our Missionary force
to the extent of their number. Let us
hope that wo have, nt last, found the
best plan, and let us test it by faithful
efforts to carry it out.
Ex-Agent.
The above article has been long de
layed and we hhve forgotten the edito
rial alluded to. But the Ex-Agent who
writes the article is one of our most be
loved brethren, and one of the most ef
ficient porkers we ever know.
LETTER FROM MADISON.
Dear Index : Thinking that some
account of a series of meetings, begun
in cur church during the second week j
in May and now- progressing, would be ■
of interest to your readers, I write you
these lines. I have conducted many
meetings, but I have never known one
so free from excitement as this one.
From the very- beginning there have
been clearly apparent the presence and
power of the Spirit. Night after night
our house has been thronged—
many not being able to enter, or
even to stand within. All classes have
been convicted and led to Christ—the
young, the middle-aged and those ad
vancing in life, have bowed together
before God, crying : “Sirs, what shall
we do to be saved?”
I tried, as best I was able, to preach
the blessed Gospel, so exactly suited to
every sinner’s case. Brethren Gladden,
of Washington, and Baker, of Coving
ton, aided me for several days; besides
our white brethren, Crawford of the
Baptists, and Wadsworth, of the Meth
odists, preached for us. The Lord has
been with his people in saving power;
the church has been stirred and re
vived as I have never known it before,
and as it will alway-s be under similar
circumstances.
Sinners have been convicted and led
to Christ. We have baptized, so far,
one hundred and fifty-eight, and more
are awaiting the ordinance. Last Sab
bath, in the presence of a vast multi
tude estimated at three thousand per
sons, it was my happy privilege to
bury- with Christ by baptism, more than
one hundred converts. Some remarked
the similarity of the occasion with what
the Bible says of the Baptist in Matt.Sd
ch. and sth v. What wonders God
hath wrought. To His blessed name
let all praise be given.
In 1866 we withdrew from the Mad
ison Baptist Church and organized a
church among ourselves. We have
received many kindnesses at the hands
of our white brethren. On the site of
the old Madison Baptist Church, we
have a new brick house coming on
(brick work nearly half finished),which
we hope to complete this fall. We
now number, to the best of my infor
mation, over six hundred members.
The Lord's people can easily obey- the
Lord's command in baptism, in Madi
son. Beautifully*situated in the limits
of the city are two fish-ponds orna
mented with trees, grasses and flowers.
One of these ponds is owned by Mr.
E. Heyser, who is a Baptist minister;
here we baptized our converts. The
other is owned by Mr. C. B. Atkinson,
a warm friend of the Baptists. JJe has
provided a place for baptisms and has
a standing oflbr to use his pond) when
we desire. >
In conclusion, let me say that if you
will set apart in The Index a column
for “News from Colored Churches,” I
think it will add both to the interest of
the paper and the number of its sub
scribers. Your brother in Christ,
Allen Clark,
Pastor of Calvary (col d) Bap. Ch.
Madison, Ga., July 11. 1879.
PUT THESE TOGETHER.
The Bible student loves to read “ the
signs of the times,” and mark the prog
ress of Christianity. The errors and
notable remarkable events
and kheir effects; all serve as mile
posts and finger boards along the path
way of time, to indicate the direction,
as well as the progress of the traveler.
As the astronomer must get a parallax
before he can calculate the distance or
magnitude of a heavenly body, so
must the Christian philosopher get
events or objects in a mentally angu
lar position in order to see what is the
progress, distance, and position of
things belonging to his field of thought.
Questions like these, “ When shall
these things be ? What shall be the
sign of thy coming ? and of the end of
the worlds ? ” —are not confined to one
age of the world. They are in your
mind, dear reader, if you are a Chris
tian. What is said above was said
with reference to these great questions.
Now let us put two objects in position.
First, the Lord says ; “ This gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in all
the world for a witness unto all na
tions ; and then shall the end come.”
Now read this from the Index : “ The
whole Bible has been translated into
the Turkish language, which transla
tion gives it to 150.000,000 people. It
will not be long before the Word of
Life Eternal will be accessible to every
creature on earth.” Now, what is the
ergo, the conclusion ? Simply this;
The Gospel must first be preached, or
taught, in all the world, then shall the
end come. But the gospel, “ the whole
Bible," will soon be preached to every
creature, therefore the end will soon
come.
Surely this is visible progress. But
this is not all. The world is not only
accessible to the gospel, or the gospel
to it, but the world may bo said to be
seeking the gospel. There are scarcely
any barriers to its progress anywhere,
except the want of money, and the
hardness of the individual heart. The
gospel will soon have made the circuit
of the earth, “ the fulness of the Gen
tiles ”is evidently near at band. We
need not expect to see them converted
by nations. “ There are few that he
saved ”in Gentile lands as well as in
the land of Isrtel. The promise is not
that every creature shall be converted, j
but that the gospel be preached to eve- 1
ry creature. i
Still another feature. The blind
ness of the Jews is giving way. “ Blind
ness in part is happiness to Israel, until
the fulness of t(ie Gentiles come in, ”
Rom. xi 25. As time passes and the
gospel goes forward, idol temples fall
and Jewish darkness recedes as night
before the dawn of day. Turkish walls
will not much longer keep the Jew
from his ancient land and city. The
tide of Jewish emigration is moving
now in the direction of Jerusalem.
That people cannot much longer re
sist Christianity. The scepter was not
to depart from Judah till Shiloh come,
but the scepter has departed long ago
from Judah, therefore, Shiloh has come.
This argument is taking effect. The
result is nigh, even at the door. What
then is the Christian’s duty now?
Why, work, pray, give his money, and
rejoice, as has been his duty all the
time. Yes, the night will soon be over,
the day- is at hand. Let every Christ
ian rejoice and be glad. W. M. H
UNSCRIPTURAL METHODS.
The question propounded in a late
number of The Index, —“Are balls
and raffles, and entertainments, in the
name of Christ, calculated to remind
one of cross-bearing and crucifixion of
the flesh?”—can scarcely receive other
than a negative answer from any sen
sible and consecrated mind. Whether
or not a larger amount of funds may
by these methods be secured for a de
sired end, it certainly- cannot be claim
ed that we may thus make to ourselves
friends of the mammon of unrighteous
ness ; that when we fail they may- re
ceive us into everlasting habitations.”
Not thus can we cultivate the grace of
Christian benevolence, in obedience to
the Divine injunction : “Sell that ye
have and give alms; provide your
selves bags which wax not old, a treas
ure in the heavens that faileth not,
where no thief approacheth, neither
moth corrupteth.
THE CROSS AS AN ORNAMENT.
But there is yet another practice
prevalent among nominal Christians
which seems to us quite as much to de
gradethe “cross of Christ,” and neutral
ize its sacred efficacy over human hearts.
We allude to the employment of pictori
al cresses wreathed in flowers, for the
decoration of our dwellings; the wear
ing of crosses of gold and gems, sus
pended to the ears or resting on the
neck of beauty; simply to enhance its
charms.
In those who are wholly obljvious
of all religion, this may not appear so
inconsistent. But that a Christian,
who sincerely exclaims: "God forbid
that I should glory save in the Cross
of our Lord Jetfus Christ, whereby the
world is crucified unto me, and I unto
the world,” should so far forget the
rugged heavy tree their Savior so weari
ly bore for them to Calvary’s summit;
and to which his hands and feet were
nailed in agonizing pain, while he of
fered up himself in expiation for the
sins of the race, —that they could be
willing to adopt this symbol for house
decoration or personal adornment is
inexplicable. C.
We fully agree with our correspond
ent on unscriptural methods ; but as to
the impropriety of wearing crosses we
are not so sure.—Ed. Index.
REV. J. B. HARTWELL, AND THE
MISSION TO THE CHINESE IN
CALIFORNIA.
At the meeting of Southern Baptist
Convention in Atlanta, the following
resolution was adopted with the sug
gestion, that “if possible the Board send
Bro. Hartwell to his field at once.”
“Resolved, that this Convention
heartily approve the appointment by
the Home Mission Board of Rev. J. B.
Hartwell to labor among’the Chinese
in California, and earnestly call upon
the Baptists of the South to sustain
the Board in their efforts to give the
Gospel to these people, providentially
brought into close proximity to us.”
It is not only desirable, but very im
portant, that this field l»e occupied with
as little delay as possible. Nothing
but the lack of the necessary means
has prevented Bro. Hartwell’s depar
ture. He is now dilligently engaged
in solicting them. The Board asks a
a prompt response to his calls, that he
may leave for his destination, at far
thest, by October Ist. Those having
made subscriptions for this Mission arc
earnestly requested to pay them by the
first of September, so that there may
lie no disappointment in carrying out
the purpose of Bro. Hartwell’and the
Board, to have him leave at the time
designated.
W. H. Mclntosh,
Cor. Sec. H. M. 8., 8. B. C.
Marion, Ala., July 4. 1879.
Editor Index :—ln the Bainbridge
Democrat of this date, I find a letter
from “ West Side Flint River,” contain
ing the following paragraph;
The Bowen Association has been
split. We will have an association of
our own this fall. The time and place
for holding it, I have not learned yet.
G. W. P.
Now the question with me is, who
split it ? Who is G. W. P., and what
does he mean by “ having an associa
tion of our own ?
I hope some reader of The Index, 1
who is acquainted with whatever gave
rise to that paragraph, will give the
Baptists of the Bowen Association some ,
light upon the matter of this wonder
ful "split.” Truly,
Robt. H. Harris,
Cair?, Ga , July 18th, 1879.
The Sunday-School.
International Sunday-School Lessons.
Lesson Vl—August 10, 1879.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.
Gal. v. 22-26. vi. 1-9.
Jewish teachers in Galatia had taught
it was necessary for Christians to keep the
Jewish law as a means of justification con
trary to the doctrine of Paul that the essen
tial condition was faith. On this account
the apostle wrote this epistle, and in the
veises before us shows that the Christian
character consists not in outward observance
but in a manifestation of the graces
wrought in the believer by the Holy Spirit
outline.
I. The fruit of the Spirit—v. 22-24.
11. Exhortions—v. 25-26.1—9.
I. The fruit of the spirit.
V. 22. “But." This fruit of the Spirit is
contrasted with the fearful list of the works
of the flesh inverses 19-21. “Fruit of the
Spirit.” Produced by the indwelling Spirit,
like fruit from the juices of a tree. “Love,"
to God especially, and to man for his sake.
"Joy,” produced by a consciouness of the
divine love. “Peace,” of conscience. "Long
suffering.” Patience under injuries. “Gen
tleness.” A kindly disposition. “Good
ness.” Doing good. "Faith.” Faithfulness
to both God and man.
V. 23. “Meekness." An humble teach
able dispostion. “Temperanoe.” Self-con
trol over all passion, not simply that for
drink. “Against such” things. Compare
“such things” in v. 21. ‘‘There is no law.”
Such things fullfil the law, and therefore,
the law can find nothing to oppose in them.
V. 24. "They that are Christs.” They
that belong to him. Believers, who have
received the Spirit into their hearts. “ Cruci
fied the flesh.” Flesh stands for the wicked
nature of man. Believers have, as it were,
nailed this to the cross, determined to put it
to death. "Affections and lusts.” The for
mer the passions, and the latter the desires
resulting from them.
11. Exhortions. •
V. 25. "If we live in the Spirit ” If we
are controlled and guided by the Spirit, and
the flesh is crucified. "Walk in the Spirit.”
Let us so live day by day, as to show that
the Spirit of God dwells in us.
V- 26. “Be.” Become. “Desirous of
vain glory.” Seeking after worldly honor.
"Provokingone another.” This is the effect
which the more successful in obtaining
worldly honor, would have on the less suc
cessful. “Enoyingone another.” This the
less successful would do. Both clauses ex
hibited the manner in which a desire of vain
glory would show itself.
V. 1. “Brethren.” In this word the lov
ing heart of the apostle shines forth. “If.”
Rather even if. "Overtaken,” by sudden
surprise. “A fault.” Any acknowledged
sin. Some translate the even with overtaken,
thus • If a man be even overtaken, i. e.
caught in the very act. The former view is
the better. “Ye, which are spiritual.”
Christians,led and taughtbvthe Holy Spirit.
“Restore." Set right. The Greek word is
a surgical term used to denote the reducing
a dislocated limb to its place. So tenderly
should an erring brother be treated, if we
wish to restore him to a spiritual state.
“Spirit of meekness,” which ready to bear
with and help the fallen one. “Consider
thyself.” Each one was in danger of being
overtaken in some fault and should willing
ly attempt to restore his brother.
V. 2. “Bear” by sympathy, praver,coun
sel, help. “One anothers’ burdens’.” What
ever is oppressive or burdensome to a fellow-
Christian. “Fulfil the law of Christ." The
law of Christ emphatically the law of love-
See John xiii. 34. Rom. xv. 3.
V. 3. “If a man.” Literally, if any one.
"Thinks himself to be something.” Thinks
he has a superior Christian character.
“When is nothing.” When he has not the
character he thinks he has. “He deceiveth
himself.” While he may impose on others
he will sooner or later find that he has im
pose on himself. Such self-conceit would
lead one to censure his brother rather than
to bear his burdens.
V. 4. “Every (eachjjnan” “Prove.", Test.
His own work,” an d not that of his neigh
bor. By “work" is meant the practical re
sult of one’s faith on his own life. And
then” if he finds in himself the fruit of the
Spirit. “Rejoicing.” Literally, boasting,
i.e. ground of boasting. “In himself." In
what the Spirit has wrought in him. “Not
in another.” In the defects of another,
which, in his opinion, set his own pietv in a
clear light. The Christian should rejoice in
what he really is, not in what he is in con
trast with another.
V. 5. This verse gives the reader why no
man has ground for rejoicing by bis contrast
with another. "Shall’bear.” When he
tests his own work, he will find he has sin
enough of his own to bear, and therefore,
will be convinced he has no ground of boast
ing as compared with another. “Burden."
This verse does not contradict verse 2. In
that the apostle tells them to bear with
others' burdens, with sympathy and help.
In this the apostle declares that self-exami
nation will lead a man to see that he has
his own burden of sin, and thus lead him to
sympathize with, rather than contrast him
self with his brother.
V. 6. The apostle having used the term
burden in a general sense, and having spo
ken of bearing one anothers’ burdens,is now
led to make a special application of his rule
to providing for the temporal wants of
their Christian teachers. "Taught in the
word.” Instructed in the gospel. "Com
municate unto.” Share with. “In all good
things/’ Connect with communicate.
V. 7. "Be not deceived,” as to God’s law
of recompense. “Mocked." Trifled with.
"That shall he also Each kind of
grain produces grain like itself. Our har
vest will be a harvest of what we sow.
V. 8. "His flesh.” His depraved nature.
“Corruption.” Ruin in body and soul. It
takes in death spiritual eternal. “Soweth to
the Spirit.” Follows the influences of the
Spirit. “Life everlasting.” endless spiritual
life blessed because endless.
V. 9. “Welldoing.” Equivalent hereto
“sowing to the Spirit." “In due time.”
When the harvest shall be due.
REMARKS.
They who are spiritually alive will be
spiritually active. We should sympathize
with and help up those who have fallen.
Our character is not what we fancy it, but
what our actions prove it. The law of Christ
binds Christians to love one another. Every
man's work will be tested at last of what
sort it is. Every man has his own burden,
and should therefore help his brother. Our
present time is our seedtime ; in the future
world there will be a harvest. There are
two kinds of seed, and two kinds of harvest;
which is ours?
A teacher described to her class the
crown of thorns that was put upon the
brow of Jesus in His mock trial.
Shortly after one of the class was seen
twining a wreath of rose flowers. Be
ing asked what she was doing. She re
plied : “Long ago, Jesus wore a crown
thorns, and even died for me; and now
I am making Him a wreath, to show
how much I love Him.”
“Earnestness of conviction works
upon the character with a moulding
and irresistable efficacy.”