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-' ■<•*■*'* •
r r W?<‘’ :
BE TH EL A SSOCIA TION.
Thursday morning, October 30th, I
boarded the train at Quitman for the
purpose of attending the Bethel Asso
ciation, to convene that day in the city
of Albany.
We should have reached our desti
nation at about 10 o'clock ; but after
coming almost in sight of Pelham Sta
tion, the train was brought to an un
timely halt by a cow attempting to
cross the track just ahead of the en
gine. So near was she to the engine
when she ran upon the track, there
was no time given for the engineer to
put on brakes before the cow was un
der the train, instantly killed. One
set of trucks of the baggage car was
thrown off the track, which delayed
the train nearly an hour and-a-half.
No material da nage was done to the
train or track, but considerable to the
cow. By increasing the rate of speed
we reached Albany a few minutes af
ter 11 o'clock, a. M., in time to make
connection with S. W. R. R.
At Camilla I hail the pleasure of
greeting a number of brethren from
that church, and two others on their
way to the Association.
These churches withdrew from the
Bowen at its recent session, ami were
received as constituents of the Bethel.
The addition of the four churches at
this sitting of the body increased the
number of churches to about forty
eight,—making it one of the largest
Associations in the State.
By hurrying from the depot to the
Baptist church we were in time to
hear a very entertaining introductory
sermon, preached by Elder W. H. Nor
ton, from the text, “We preach Christ
crucified," Ist Cor. 1 :23.
At 2:30 p. M. the messengers, who
had arrived, reassembled and the let
ters from the churches were read.
Letters were then presented from those
churches applying for membership,
and their messengers welcomed by the
Modcratdr. The Association comple
ted its organization by re-electing El
der Thomas Morse Moderator, and B
C. Mitchell, Clerk.
Correspondents were received from
Bowen, Mercer, Friendship, and Fowl
Town (col’d) Associations.
At night your correspondent
preached in the Baptist church to a
large and attentive audience. It
seemed quite natural for him to stand
in the pulpit occupied by him for
three years, constituting one of the
most pleasant pastorates of his life.
During his connection with thischurch,
it was his privilege to baptize more
than fifty converts. With many of
those tie had the 'pleasure of meeting
again, at this time.
On Friday morning Brother Irwin
presented the claims of The Chris
tian Index, and Dr. De Votie ad
dressed the body on the subject of
foreign missions. It was a matter of
universal regret that Dr. De Votie was
too unwell to preach during the entire
session of the Association. It was
with great difficulty that he presented
the claims of the Board which he so ac
ceptably represents.
Elder J. L. Underwood preached a
most excellent missionary sermon at
11 o’clock.
The afternoon session was chiefly
occupied in the discussion of the report
of the President of the 8. S. Conven
tion of the Association. The discus
sion was ably participated in by Elders
Cooper, Boykin, Underwood, and How
ell.
Drs. Hillyer,Battle, Butler,and Whar
ton arrived on the 4 o’clock train, and
were cordially invited to seats.
At night Elder J. H. Corley
preached an able sermon on the ‘•lm
mortality of Christ,’’ taking as his text
the words “Jesus Christ, the same yes
terday, to-day, and forever.”
Saturday morning was entirely oc
cupied by brothers De Votie, Wharton,
Hillyer, Battle and Butler in present
ing the claims of the various objects
represented by them. These discus
sions bearing upon missions, ministeri
al education, male and female col
legiate education, were highly edifying.
Some very interesting facts were sta
ted by the different speakers, which I
would like to present to your readers,
but space will not allow of it.
The afternoon was crowded with
business, and dispatched with rapidity,
in order to leave nothing for a session
Monday morning. All but one or two
items of business were transacted and
an adjournment was had until Sun
day night, after preaching service.
Sunday morning and night the pul
pits of the different churches were
filled by ministers in attendance on
the Association. At the close of the
night sermon in the Baptist church
the Moderator called the Awociation
to order, and the remaining business
was finished, and the Association ad
journed sine dt'r.
The representation from the church
es was much smaller than usual, there
not being more than fifty messengers
present. The recent rains, it was sup
posed, bad much to do in diminishing
the attendance. The weather was
fine, and altogether it was a delightful
session. Next year this body, like the
Mercer, will meet on Tuesday instead .
of on Thursday, and will convene with ,
the church at Cuthbert. B. I
The Christian Index and South-western Baptist: Thursday, November 20, 1879.
ROCHESTER NOTES.
Editor Index: The Baptist Mission
ary Convention of the State of New
York has just held a session in this
city. This body represents much
wealth, cultivation and piety. It is
quite thoroughly Baptistic and emi
nently progressive.
One day before the Convention met,
the Pastor’s Conference convened,
when Dr. Bright made a ringing
speech for country pastors and country
pastorates. He said : “Country churches
are not ‘shaky.’ They furnish the
strength of the churches”. Dr. Dodge,
President of the Madison University
spoke in the same line, intimating
that some preachers did not like to go to
the country and come in contact with
“homey-handed” farmers. Prof. Wilkin
son,of Rochester Theological Seminary
set forth the “Minister’s Ideal of the
Ministry," showing that its embodi
ment is self-sacrifice. He thought
Jeremiah came nearer up to this ideal
than many “Serio-Comic Pulpiteers,”
who deride him. Said he : “Hold this
thought. Let it hold you with a
pierced hand.” R. S MacArthur,
of the Calvary church, New York
City and Rev. Mr. Burton, of Fairport,
made the Wednesday meeting of the
Convention enjoyable. They spoke
on the obligation of New York Baptists
to do their Missionary work. He cer
tainly knows how to make an ad cap
tandum speech. He is very graceful
and easy in his elocution. Mr. Bur
ton is a younger man than Mr. Mac
Arthur, and not so distinguished, yet
his speech was characterized by more
pith, point and pathos,than that of the
latter. Dr. Osgood, of Rochester
Theological Seminary, read Thurs
day morning, an essay on “Doc
trine in the New Testament,” which
will be published by the Publication
Society. It has the ring of true metal.
Many interesting speeches were called
forth by it. The fact was patent to
me that New York Baptists believe in
the strong doctrines, and have no sym
pathies with liberalism. Their Theologi
cal Seminaries arc in the right track. Dr.
Osgood is a great believer in Augus
tine and Calvin. Thinks this century
has produced but one or two theolo
gians. Dr. Corney, a venerable
pastor of Utica, advocated strong
doctrine, and spoke against open
communion. After several speech-
Rev. Mr. Crewel, a Free Will
Baptist, asked leave to speak.
Among other things he said he had
often received the communion at the
hands of Dr. Corey. Imagine the sen
sation, the clapping of hands, and the
cries of Corey! Corey!! After some
time he arose and said: “What do
you want me to say? If Mr. Crewel
came to my communion table, 1 hope
ho had a good time. I invite the re
generated and baptized to ihy com
munion.” With these words the mat
ter ended. What do Georgia Baptists
say of it?
[Well, we think that Dr. Corey is
on thesame line with the Second Bap
tist church of St. Louis, which pub
lishes sound articles and indulges in’
unsound practices. Ed. Index.]
Rev. Mr. Sloan, pastor at Al
bion, New York, arose to a ques
tion of privilege. Read a par
agraph in a Rochester paper accusing
him of plagiarizing a sermon of Dr:
Parker, of London, the same one Dr.
Lorimer, of Chicago, made use of, and
■ said : “I’m happy to be found in the
j company of so great a man as Dr. Lor
imer, stealing so great a sermon from
so great a man as Dr. Parker. But,
sorry that I have not equal facility in
explaining away my guilt that Dr. Lor
imer has.” lie confessed that he did
appropriate the major part of Dr. Park
er’s sermon. ,Xn exaggeration of his
guilt seems to be that he re
ceived the applaudits of his brethren
for the sermon, and, at their request,
published it in pamphlet form, stating
in his card that he was sorry it was not
more worthy of their favor.
It really seems that our Star preach
ers are “put to it” to meet the demands
of their exacting congregations.
[ Rev. Mr. Sloan confesses to steal
ing : by publishing the stolen sermon
as his own, with his regrets that it was
not more worthy, etc., he was guilty of
j lying; by attempting to drag Dr. Lori
' tner into the same disgrace, he was
guilty of ineffable meanness; and by
professing to be “happy” in having
stolen a great sermon from a great
man, he was guilty of an offence for
1 which our Anglo-Saxon ancestors have
1 invented no appropriate name or epi
' thet. If his people can bear all this,
I we must say that they are by no means
! “exacting.”—Ed. Index.]
Dr. M. B. Anderson, President
of Rochester University, not of
the Theological Seminary, whom
Rev. Mr. Mae Arthur characterized as
the Prince of Presidents and the Presi
dent of Princes, with others, advocated
the cause of education. This was on
Thursday afternoon, the last meeting
of the Convention. Dr. Anderson cer
tainly has the most imposing presence
of any man I have met, and most sen
atorial dignity.
The ways of this |>eople are not as
our ways. They applaud their speak
ers at all times. 1 heard but one ter-■
mon during the Convention. Every
thing goes by programme. Their
speakers have not the glow and force
of Southern orators. Their cultivation
may be greater. C. K. H. i
FROM THE INDIANS*'*
The following extract from a letter
of brother Murrow, to a lady of this
city, will interest many of our readers :
“Our work here is very encouraging.
We are full of work—overworked—but
then you know that is a good thing.
It would be fearful to be idle, or not to
have enough to do. I thank God for
work, and lots of jt.
“Our Indian churches are hard at
work also. They fully realize that
there is no idle time for a Christian.
They are active in church work, pray
ing, visiting, talking for Christ, giving
of their little means to their pastors,
and to the poor, and a little to the
spread of the Gospel in the destitute
parts of their own jiations, and to the
wild tribes beyond. They are helping
themselves and somebody else tefa very
encouraging extent, thus moving on to
a time when they will be self-support
ing.
And yet there is very great need for
help from abroad among these Indians.
You ask if you can do anything to aid
here. For a month past, I have been
greatly troubled about the prospects
for the winter for the families of some
of our native preachers, and have made
it a subject of anxious prayer. Ido
not remember whether Uncle -‘Peter
Folsom was with me or not at the time
I visited your home. He is in a very
destitute and needy condition? At
that time he was supported by the
Western Association, at a salary of
S4OO a year; but from some cause,
about two years ago they droppedAhim
from their employment, and he has
not received anything since. He used
to have some property of his own ; now
he has none; not from bad manage
ment, but from misfortune.
could get up some clothing for him
and his family, it would be a great
blessing. He is a tall, thin man, about
six feet high, and seventy years old.
His wife is truly a mother in Israel.
Oh, I wish I had time and space to tell
you something about this blessed, old
Indian woman! She too is talljsnd
also thin ; that is, she is well propor
tioned, but lean. I fear they often
have a short amount of food, 'they
have one grandson with them—a fjftie
boy eight years old—father and moth
er both dead.
If you could kindly make up a box
for Uncle Peter and his wife, and SCtui
to my care, I will see that it gets to
him as soon as possible after arrival.
He lives away off from the railroad,
but I will contrive to send it to him.
Again, brother Lewis Cass is equally
poor and needy with Uncle Peter. He
Is nominally on the roll of the Board
at Marion as one of their missionaries,
but if he gets any salary, I have not
heard of it. He is a low, thin man,
about five feet seven inches highs
-wife is tkll, arid also q'uite lean.’
We have suffered from a fearful
drouth herflßall this year. The crops
are cut off—scarcely enough to last
half the winter. I know not what
hundreds of the poorer Indians will do
for broad ; they will certainly suffer; it
is inevitable; but if you can get up a
box of clothing to keep a few of them
warm, it will indeed be a great bless
ing.
O, yes; Sunday-school papers,tracts,
books, etc., I care not how old, can l»e
distributed here with good effect.
Yours in Christ,
J. L. Murrow.
I*. S.— Second-hand clothing will be
1 just as acceptable as new. In our
I present extremity, we are in no dispo
sition to be choice, but will thank God
and the donors for anything to keep
out the cold, and the wolf from the
door. I think surely God must have
directed you to write me this letter,
i O, may lie incline and enable your
i "class of young men,” the “Ladies’ So
, ciety,” or others, to help us.
Yours, J. L. M.
A-tok-a Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory,
I October 27, 1879.
REV. Jl'. D. ATKINSON.
\ Editor Index : The death of such
a man as brother Atkinson demands,
as it seems to me, more than a brief
■ obituary. And whatever others may
think proper to say of him, I feel that
| something is due from me. I knew
j him in his college days—have known
him more or less ever since, and for
the last seven or eight years quite in
timately. While he was pastor, and
afterwards a missionary, as well as my
self, in this section, we often met at
each other's homes and in our mission
fields, worked and prayed together
consulted in regard to the interest of
Zion around us. I think I knew him.
He was a sincere lover of Jesus and
his cause—an educated, intelligent,
sound preacher of the gospel—a hard
working, self-denying servant of Jesus,
ready always to work, and a pleasant
co-Jaborer in meetings. Such I always
found him. He loved the work. Candid
even to brusqueness sometimes, when
he thought it right to lie so, but pos
sessing a good stock of prudence and
caution for use, when these graces were
in demand. He was patient, persever-1
ing and hopeful. Nothing but such
graces could have borne him, or any
other man, up in the labors and hard
ships of the field he worked ; hardships
and discomforts which brethren in
Middle Georgia can know little of with
out trying it as he did. All this on
his part, while from others he received
a wholly inadequate support for him
self and dependent family. But he
has done his work, made his mark,
fallen on the field, and is now receiving
at the hand of his Savior his reward.
And now, brother Editor, let me add,
at the risk of being censured, that I
have a very painful impression that
our departed brother has riot received
at the hands of some churches, nor,
shall Isay it? from the hands of the
denomination that sent him into that
field, due appreciation. With talents,
natural and acquired, that fitted him
for almost any station, either in litera
ry or professional ranks, yet such was
his love for his chosen work that he
endured the hardships of one of the
hardest fields in the United States, in
expectation of pecuniary support not
half so ample as the skilled laborer
gets, with this difference : the skilled
laborer realizes his expectations—
brother Atkinson did not realize his.
The results of this are that he and his
family lived hard—too hard— entirely
too hard. Well might he “want the
saint’s rest.” And now that he is gone
his family is left in utter destitution,
without a home. They were not able
even to bury him. It may—it must—
pain his widow for me to say this, but
it is only too true, and I think
it should be said. Should this thing
be so? Should it remain so? He is
beyond reparation, but his widow and
orphan children are in reach. Shall
nothing be done for them? While the
world is careing for departed statesmen
and warriors, and the orphan children
of its fallen heroes, shall not Chris
tians —Baptists—care for the widow
and orphan children of their fallen
heroes in the cause of Christ—a cause
infinitely more important than all
other causes ever lost or won. I must
believe they will, and therefore take
the liberty to suggest to any and all,
who feel inclined to help, to send their
contributions to brother J. H. DeVotie,
or The Index office, Atlanta, Georgia,
who will, no doubt, receive and dis
burse with pleasure.
The last meeting brother Atkinson
attended on earth was New Sunbury
Association in Walthourville. His last
public exercise was the closing prayer
of the Association. He remained two
days and nights at my house after the
adjournment of the Association in
great pain, went home and died. “I
am distressed for thee, my brother
Jonathan.” D. G. Daniell.
[The Editor of The Index has
already volunteered to receive such con
tributions as may be sent to brother
Atkinson’s family, It is hoped that
many will respon.]
PROGRAMME
Os Sunday school and Missionary Conven
tion to bo held with the Summer Hill
church, Stewart county, Ga.. commencing
ton Friday before the Fiftbffiabbata in Nd
’vember. 1879.
1. Introductory sermon, by Rev.
Wm. H. Norton
2. Reading letters ami enrolling del
egates.
3. Reports from the field by super
intendents and teachers.
4. Disscussion of subjects :
(1.) The Sunday-school as an aux
iliary to other means of grace. Rev.
Wm. M. Howell.
(2.) Are the present plans of con
ducting Sunday-schools the most effi
cient that can be adopted? D. B.
Fitzgerald.
(3.) The Sunday-school as a field
for the training of Christian workers.
Rev. T. C. Boykin.
(4.) What is the true theory of
| Sunday-school work? Rev. R. T.
j Hanks.
(5.) The obsacles to Sunday-school
work in the country, and how to over
come them. G. W. Ard.
In connection with the Sunday
school "Convention, the Committee on
I Missions lately appointed by the Asso
-1 ciation, propose for discussion the fol
lowing subjects bearing on the min
■ sionary work :
Ist. Is the doctrine of missions
taught in the Bible? Rev. Wm. M.
1 Howell.
2nd. What is the best method of
I collecting funds for the spread of the
| Gospel? Rev. R. T. Hanks.
3rd. Obligation of the churches to
spread the Gospel. Rev. T. C. Boykin,
The schools of all the northern por
tion of the Bethel Association are re
quested to send delegates. Let the
delegates bring letters containing the
statistics of their schools
If they have not recently contribu
ted to our'State Sunday-school Evan
gelist, let the Sunday-schools send a
contribution for him to the Conven
tion. ,
A meeting "for the children at 9 :30
o'clock, Sabbath morning, will be con
ducted by Rev. T. C. Boykin. Din
ner will be had on the ground each
day. Wm. H. Cooper, Pres’t
8. 8. Conv’t’n of Bethel Association.
Ordination.—On the second Sab
bath in November, 1879, the LaGrange
Baptist church (colored) met at 2
o’clock P. M. for the purpose of ordain
ing Alexander Swanson to the Gospel
ministry. The presbytery was com
posed of Revs. M. B. Hardin, A. R.
Callaway, A. DeLamotta and Mack
Culberson. After examination of the
candidate, Rev. M. B. Hardin preached
the sermon, Rev. A. DeLamotta offered
prayer, Rev. Mack Culberson present
ed the Bible, and Rev. A. R. Callaway
gave the charge from the text, ‘‘Feed
the flock.”
RECEIPTS OF MISSION BOARD
OF GEORGIA BAPTIST CON
VENTION, FROM OCTOBER 20th,
TO NOVEMBERS.
STATE MISSIONS.
Oct. 21. Previous reports 82014 07
Thomasville Ladies Mission So
ciety, C H Stilwell 8 25 I
American Baptist Publishing
Society, Books for Freedmen.. 100 00 ,
Oct. 28. Sparta Baptist church, W J
Northern 0 25
George W Sass, Tr,Washington
Association 51 80
W W Groom, Mercer Associa-
tion „ 4 50 |
J H Spann, Mercer Association 50 co
S Boykin, for Atkinson 4 00!
N A Bailey, Missionary, Mercer
Association 75 00 I
Union Grove church, A B
Vaughn 3 00
Kingston church, C N May son,
Tr 4 10
Nov. 3.Concord Association 14 15 I
Nov O.Kev D<» Daniel’s collections....... 140 03 I
Letie' 1 received at Index office
Unkown 8 00
Second Baptist church, Atlanta 200
Second Baptist church, Atlanta 500 i
Mrs. Z Van Hoose, Sunday
school class 5O
Rev J H Corley’s collections 37 00 I
Rome church. Rev G A Nunnal
ly , 27 20
Appaiactiee Association, J W
Butts for Burney • 5 00
G B Mitchell’s collections, se
cond quarter ....... 6 55
C H Lyons' collections, second
quarter 45 Oo
E L Vaughn's collections, se
cond quarter fl 30
James Mcßride, Mscon 5 00
Bummer Hill church, W L
Joiner. 10 00
Carrollton Association, W W
Roop 19 25 I
Bethel Assocla’n, W M Speight
IT 39 95
Bethel Assocla’n, W M Speight
Tr., for J H Corley 8 25
Falling Creek ch’h, <4 N Camp
bell 4 21
Bethel Association’s collection,
Albany church 6 10
Flint River Association, C T
Newton 14 00
Mt. Zion church, Monroe coun-
ty, C F Newton. Tr 5 00
Nov.7. A. B H.M. Society, J H Cor-
ley 75 00
A. B. HM. Society. G B Mitch
ell 45 00
A B. A. M. Society, for C H
Lyons - 52 50
Columbus Baptist church. A
Kirvin, Tr 50 00
Nov.B. W J White, Tr .Missionary Con-
vention for E P Johnson 26 25
W J White, Tr. Missionary Con-
vention for C II Lyons. 3 75
W J White, Tr.. Missionary Con
vention forG B Mitchell 19 22
Laoles Missionary Society, Val
dosta, Miss Nettle Gate 3 00
3012 64
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
I Oct. 21. Previous reports $2584 16
, Oct. 28. Washington Association, Geo.
W Bass, 1 r 118 30
Houston Association, G K Mc-
Call 10 00
Mercer Association, W W
Groom 45 91
Middle Association, T C Boy
kin 34 97
Kingston church. C N Maysoil.. 4 lu
Received at Richmond. H A
• Tupper (lu Oct.) 141 75
Nov. 3. Concord Association 14 58
Nov.fl. Bethel church. D G Daniel 1 00
Jones Creek church, D G Dan-
iel 2 50
Letter received at Index office,
Unknown 3 00
Second Baptist church, Atlanta 200
Second Baptist church, Atlanta
for Lottie Moon 1 00
Mrs Van Hoose, Sunday-school
class 50
Rev John A Sh'vers 5 00
Noonday church, J T McMurray 10 43
Woman’s Missionary Society,
Guyton, Mrs L A Eaton 7 00
Canton church, J T McMurray.. 9 00
Appalachee Association, J T
Butts for Burney 8 05
James Mcßride. Macon 5 00
E W Amos, Tr.,Rehoboth Asso
ciation 19 00
Summer Hill church, W D
Joiner lB 67
Carrollton Association, W W
Roop 25 00
Bethel As'ciatlon.W M Speights
for Miss Lottie Moon 50
Bethel Association, William M
Speights 131 95
Falling Creek c’h, G W Camp-
I bell „ 5 00
Bethel Association’s collection
Albany church. 6 10
Mt. Zion church, C F Newton,
Tr 2 00
Ladles Missionary Society, Val-
dosta, Miss Nettle Gale 5 70
3120 17
INDIAN MISSIONS.
. 0ct.21. Previous reports $ 210 23
28 Washington Association, Geo.
W Hass _ . 43 15
Middle Association, T C Boy-
kin 5 00
I Nov.B. Concord Association 10 00
6. Bethel Baptist church, D G Dan
iell 1 00
Joses’ Creek church, D G Dan
iell _ 2 50
Letter received at Index office.
Unknown 3 00
Second BaptisLchurch, Atlanta 2 00
J B llorsely, by Chaudolu for.
Hogue 1 00
Summer Hlfi .church, W D
Jones 10 00
Bethel Association, for Hogue... 108 <0
Falling Creek, G N Campbell... 421
400 09
HOME MISSIONS.
0ct.21. Previous reports $ 681 50
28 Queen street Baptist church,Au
gusta, H H Hickman, Tr 75 00
Washington Association, G W
Bass. IT „ 57 93
Mercer as’clalion, W W Groom 9 21
Middle Association, by T C Boy
kin 27 27
Nov. 3. Concord Association 3 65
6. Letter received at Index office
Unknown 3 i)0
Second Baptist church, Atlanta 20>
Rev John A Shivers 5 00
Appalachee Association, J W
Butts, by Hurney 5 00
Summer Hill church, By W D
Joiner Hi 87
Qultmmi church,N A Bailey for
Hartwell 1 20
Carrollton Association, ,W W
Koop 45 15
Bethel As'ciatlon.W M Speights 50 05
Bethel Association, collection
Albany church fl 10
Ladles Missionary, Society Val
dosta, Miss Nettie Gale 3 00
« 991 75
SUNDAY-SCHOOL EVANGELIST.
0ct.21. Previous reports 246 94
28. W W Groom, Mercer Association lu 17 I
Nov. 3. Concord Association 2 42 [
fl. Rev T C Boykin’s collections se
cond quarter 108 99
Carrollton Association, W W
Roop I 50
Bethel As’clatlon, W M Speights 57 25
Bethel Association, collection
Albany church 3 11
433 38 1
INDIGENT MINISTERS’ FUND.
0ct.21. Previous reports $ 166 28
28. Washington Association, Geo.
W Bass, Tr 17 45
Mercer As’clatlon, W W Groom 47 11 .
Nov. 3. Concord Association 2 43
6. Bethel church, D G Daniell 1 00
Letter received at Index office
Unknown 3 00
Second Baptist church, Atlanta 166 i
Lady of Atlanta, for Mrs Atkin-
1 00
Bethel Association, for Mrs At
kinson isl 20
Bethel Assocl tlon, col. Albanj
church...... 3 12 j
258 59 I
RECAPITULATORY.
State Missions $3012 64
Sunday-school Evangelist ffl 38
Home Missions H9l 75
Indian Missions...... 400 09
Foreign Missions 3120 17
Indigent ministers- 258 59
8216 82
J. H. DbVotib. Tress, M. B. G. B. C
Nov. 9, 1879. I
The Sunday-School.
ZnternaHonai Sunday-School Leotono.
Leeson X—December 7, 1879.
THE HEAVENLY SONG.
Rev. v. 1-14.
Read Chapter iv.
INTRODUCTION.
I After the Apostle bad received the message
to the Churches, he was transported in vision
I into heaven. God was seen on a throne.
Around the throne were seated twenty-four
elders, clothed in white, and wearing crowns
i of gold. Before it were seven burning lamps,
and from it came lightnings, thunderings
and voices. Upon the throne, one on either
side, were four living creatures, while before
the whole was a pavement, like a sea of
glass. The living creatures were continually
I paying homage to God, and the elders echoed
their strains, adoring and praising the Maker
of heaven and earth. Then follows our les
son, of which the following is an
OUTLINE.
i I. The sealed book, v. 1.
11. The summons, v, 2-4.
111. The lamb, v. 5-7.
IV. The song, v. 8-14.
EXPOSITION.
I. The sealed book.
j V. 1. “In the right hand.” Rather, upon
the open hand- God was himself ready to
givethebook. “Him that sat on the throne.”
| God. "A book.” A roll. The roll was of
skin, and generally fastened to a roller at
i each end. The writing upon it was in col
umns, which extended across the skin, so
that if tlie roll was held one roller in each
hand, it could easily be read. “Written
within and on the backside.” Usually rolls
had the writing on one side only. It is
mentioned t.iat this was written on both
i sides to denote the fulness of the matter.
“Sealed.” A thread or cord was passed
around the roll, the ends of which were
sealed. "With seven seals." Completely
secret. The book contained the counsels of
■ God's providence, as yet unrevealed.
11. The summons.
V. 2. “A mighty angel.” Strong enough
to make himself Heard afar off. “Wortny.”
Os sufficient worth to be thus honored of
God. "To open the book.” To disclose its
. contents. "To loose the seals.” To disclose
the secretthings.
V 3. ’ No man.” Literally, no one, no
created being. “In heaven,” etc. Nowhere
. in the universe, neither in heaven, nor
among the living on earth, nor among the
dead. "Was able." Possessed of sufficient
worth. The expression seems to intimate
that the attempt was made to open the book.
! "To look thereon.” On its contents.
V. 4. "I wept much.” Grieved that the
book must remain sealed. It seemed to him
as though the promise made in chapter iv. 1,
j must fail. He had teen so much, he was
' eager to see more.
' 111. The lamb.
i V. 5. “One of the elders.” The elders in
, | this vision are generally regarded as symbol
izing the redeemed sons of men. "Wept
not.” Great knowledge comforting the
I troubled Apostle. The elders knew more of
Christ than John did. -‘The lion." The
i strong one. “Os the tribe ofJuda.” Because
: j Christ was of this tribe. "The root of David.”
He was to David what the root is to the
' stock or branch, furnishing support and
nourishment. "Hath prevailed.” Literally,
, has conquered. The meaning is, that by a
i' victorious struggle with sin and Satan, as
tlie atoning Lamb of God, he has acquired
' the right to open the book, and reveal com
[ ing events to his people, and to the angelic
host.
II V. 6. “In the midst.” Between the throne
j and the elders. "Beasts.” Better, living
1 ! ones. They represent all created agencies.
, "Stood” in its natural position. "As it bad
been slain.” With the scars of its death-
• wounds visible. “Seven horns.” A horn is
the common emblem of power. Ps. Ixxxix.
' 17,18. Seven denote omnipotence. “Seven
i eves.” Omniscience. “Seven Spirits.” The
Holj- Spirit in his fulness of wisdom. "Bent
' forth,” by the Father and the Son.
V. 7. "Took the book.” We need not be
troubled by the incongruousness of a lamb
taking a book. The Apostle attempts no
: explanation. We need not. Christ Jesus is
unquestionably symbolized here, who, by
his victory over sin and death, has received
authority to disclose the grand events to
occur in the history of his people.
IV- The song.
V. 8. “Had taken." Took. Then the song
began. “Fell down before the Lamb.”
They offer to him the worship they had
oflered to him on the throne. See chapter
iv. 10, "Having” refers to elders. “Harps."
I Symbolizing their praise. “Vials.” Bowls
in which incense could be burned. “Odors.”
i Incense. “Which are the prayers of saints.”
In Psalmscxli. 2, incense represents prayer.
Here tlie vials full of incense represent the
same, that is, the prayers offerea by the el
ders themselves.
V. 9. “A new song," As it was a new oc
casion. Compare Ps. xl. 3 ; xcviii. 1. In
heaven new occasions call for new songs.
This new song is concerning the Redeemer
and his work. His taking the book to reveal
the purposes of God was a new exhibition of
his authority as Redeemer. “Kindred."
Tribe. “Tongue.” Dialect. “People.” Na
tion. "Nation.” Race. Os course it is here
implied that redemption has been extended
to Gentiles as well as Jews.
V. 10. “Kings and priests.” Glorious ex
altation. All the honor of kings, and the
holy intimacy of priests. "We shall reign
on the earth." That is, the redeemed of
every race shall participate in thegloriestond
; exaltation of the Redeemer.
V. 11. “Many angels.” An exceedingly
great number, as the last part of the verse
shows. "The circular arrangement of this
, celestial army first demands our notice ; all
of the vast army are related to the little inner
circle, that centre of the history of sa vation.
Observe next their infinite’ number.”—
I Lange-
V. 12. “Worthy to receive,” i. e., to have
! all things ascribed to him, “Power.” Offi-
I cial authority. “Riches." Abundance at
his disposal. “Wisdom,” ability to discern
the best ends, and the best means to accom
i plish them. “Strength.” Ability to complete
what he undertakes. “Honor and glory
and blessing,” from his creatures. Seven
terms. A complete doxology. The angels'
1 estimate of the crucified Ch; Ist.
V. 13. "Every creature.” The whole num
ber of created intelligences. A universal
chorus of praise.
V. 14. As the echo of the grand doxology
came back to the throne, the living creatures
said Amen (Truth,) and the elders bowed in
adoring love. The worus, “Him that liveth
forever and ever," are not found in the ma
| jority of the most important manuscripts.
Without thetn the verse would read, "And
the four beasts said Amen, anil the elders
j fell down and worshipped." We understand
the adoration here to be adoration of God
and the lAimb.
REMARKS.
God's purposes are a sealed book till he
chooses to reveal them. Christ is the great
Revealer; angels, as well as men, learn from
him. The more one learns of God’s grace,
the more he wishes to know. The song of
redemption will lie ever new. The same
doxology, “Unto Him that sitteth upon the
t throne, and unto the Can Jesus be
I less than God then ?