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2 Our Pulpit. SYSTEM A TIO BENEFICENCE. f An idlres- delivered J*nu«ry 2M, 1881, before the Home Mlmloii liirtilute. couveuejl In the Second Baptist chinch. Allan.a, Ua., aridreqneet ed br the edltoi for publication in Tint Indxx. By Bev. 8. P. Callaway, We.t Point, Ua.] Mr. President and Brethren : In epeaking no this subject, I am con fronted by some embarrassments which may neutralize the t ff-ct of whatever enthusiasm I may feel in so good a cause In the first place, I have been unable to participate in discussions which. I am sure, have been both edifying and inspiring tn those who have had ears to hear. Hence, I cannot enter into the spir.t of this occasion as others. Secondly, as I am to discourre on the best method of raising funds for the Home Mission Board, it will naturally be expected that any plan recommended by me shall have received the sanction of a person al experience of its efficiency. But my sphere of labor is narrow ; I am simply a “country curate," and realize my inability to enlighten more advanced pastors on a subject of which they have had a much wider observation. A •‘rush-light’' will scarcely be appreciable amid the blaz 1 of electricity. I have no new thing to oiler. My humble vehicle of thought must follow the much* traveled highway of ordinary discourse— “the old paths" of Scripture and common sense. OauAnization must precede every great popular movement. It might be called the economy of power—the harmony of forces— Che dynamics of success. Let us refer to some past and present examples which verify the correctness of our definition : Hardly had Napoleon's victorious eagles been with drawn from the trampled and parceled king dom of Prussia, ere the word went forth from the lately prostrate throne : Discipline the intellect, organize the arms of the na tion. That almost despairing beginning had its consummation at Sedan, when the once proud conqueror passed under the yoke and his own fairest provinces were incoqiorated into the German Empire. That feeble note is now a trumpet tongue which proclaims united Germany the greatest military power of Europe, if not of earth. When our own Southern land emerged from a disastrous civil war, there was ‘confusion worse con founded.” There was scarcely a nucleus around which capital, re in forced by labor, might rally to rebuild our ruined industries; th'e heart of our substance was eaten out by human birds of prey ; political chaos capped the whole What has given us the three P's —Peace, Plenty, Prosperity? What Peri has opened to us the gates of gold to the palace of wealth, not far off? The answer is one word —Organization ! Systematic labor in the factory, in the field, at the forge, in the forum, has brought forth this beautiful cos mos. And. si ', what is it that, without the firing of a gun or the flashing of a sword without a show of armed resistance—has enabled Erin—the fairest gem of the seas— to defy British power, bidding fair to banish the relics of feudalism from her soil, and to restore her degraded people to their lost lib erties and manhood ? The Land League— a peaceful but puissant organization of pa triot farmers—is doing that great work. Standing in this beautiful temple of wor-, ship, in this giant centre of the new South— ao lately the smoking site of Sherman's bro ken encampment—shall 1 say more to em phasize the power of organized labor ? Need I add that, in the sinews of our Zion, is strength to move the world ? Prophecy proclaims the exaltation of Christ's King dom above ail others ‘ The mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountain, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.” How is litis heavenly vision to be realized? How is the Lord's house to be elevated to the highestplace, and the stream •of the nations, now flowing downward, turned up-hill ? He who used a mixture of spittle and clay to open blind eyes, never disdained the use of means These are or dained as well as the end. God’s people may dream of a converted world, but it willnever be until they organize to convert it. Yet even then the excellency of the power must be of God. We are to "do everything as if God did nothing: depend upon God as if he did everything ” The great problem is, how to turn the mighty current of the church's prayers, en ergies and contributions into the race that leads to the water-wheel of our Boards. (I trust I will be pardoned for using the word in the dual number. The inter-dependence of our great missionary enterprises, nt home and abroad, must never be ignored. They are “twinn’d as horse’s eye and ear,” The Home Board is made possible by the fact th it Judson toiled in Burmah, and that Crawford and Yates are consecrating tbeir lives to China. There are no geographical lines in the kingdom of Christ. In all lands —in Lapland and in New Zealand—God's children have the same impulse of love and, under its mighty influence, they would im part their own souls to one another. I can not sj>eiik to missions without including all —those who are afar off as well as those who are nigh. When Paul, the great first missionary, wrote that sublime sentiment, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved,” he was thinking upon his own people, but he was, at the same time, in a distant heathen city, proclaiming all the words of this life to those who were sitting in the region and shadow of death. In order to show the inconsistency,' not to say the impossibility of geographically di viding our love, 1 will cite a single illustra tion : I once presented the cause of Foreign Missions to a self indulgent, gouty Baptist. He answered me, that “charity began at home," I afterwards handed him a sub scription for an afflicted, hungry family in his neighborhood. He contributed a shake of the head I The frequency of that plea would pour Baptist munificence into Mcln tosh's lap, if it had any other significance than us “a cloak of covetousness." The brother who rushes to the help of Tupper, in his momentous work, will also be ready to respond to the pleading of our Home Secretary, and vice versa). But to return from this digression : That so little is done for either Board, is not be cause there is lack of lesources, but because there is want of system, both in our con tributions to, and collections for, the Boards. “A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull alto gether" would lift the wheels out of the slough ; periodical jerks and starts only sink them deeper, snap the harness, and worry and exhaust us. The Lord's grist must be ground not by wind, but by water power; “the old ship of Zion” must be driven not by the uncertain gales of spasmodic effort, lest she be becalmed in treacherous seas; but she must be piopelled by engines whose regular strokes measure a steady progress over the waves. I believe that the majority of our mem bers may be educated up to the standard of systematic giving. “The priest's lips should keep knowledge 1 ' on this great point. Every rtor should see to it that his congregation “well instructed unto the kingdom of heaven,” as to the duty of constant benefi cence ; that the crying needs of the spiritual ly destitute are often and urgently present ed, and that his church or chnrches shall adopt some plan which shall regularly bring into the treasury of the Lord the hearty of ferings of His people. The responsibility of the meagre, mean, insufflcient, uncertain contributions of many of our churches to the missionary cause is a terrible one, upon whomsoever it may rest. Let the leader of Che flock agitate, agitate, agitate, until lib eral! ty and frequency areattained. Let him take no rest until the duty is acknowledged and the tribute rendered. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1881. I have personally known a wealthy Bap tist, after the annual pulpit appeal, to donate the whole amount of rirrv cents to send the gospel to the benighted—possibly, halving it for the Boards I And be was a type of thousands who are among us—but are they of us ? This is not benevolence—it is mock ery. There are other Baptista (let us hope they are the Lord's, though only a “smoking flax'*), who are incurably ignorant, parsimo nious and selfish in their offerings. I knew one, liberal to a degree where the sympathies were touched by the sight of suffering, and who would also respond where assistance was required to make a needed improvement in the house of God—but from whom not a dime could be wrung for missionary work. This is a low grade of benevolence, bicause it never allows a dollar to get out of sight, and ministers only to that misery which can be seen and touched. Content with the beam which comes to it through the narrow aperture of the senses, it isolates itself from the broad sun-glare of universal Christian love and refuses to believe that, there is a world of light beyond. It closes and clinches its pur.-e against a necessity as high as the heaven from which the heathen have fallen, as deep as the hell toawinch they are sink ing, and as wide as the theatre upon which they are acting out their rebellion against the God and Father of all. It is ignoble ig norance, pitiful prejudice, which may the merciful Lord pardon in so many of His own 1 We Baptists believe in the supremacy ot the Scriptures—that they embody a wisdom which comprehends all the varying circum stances and conditions of the church —that its precedents are intended to be of perma nent authority. If the Spirit urges aud points beyond the letter, in the matter of organization, we step oft the platform not at a right angle to. but in a line with, the literal direction, and keep on in that way. The Spirit never goes counter to the word. Paul inculcates the duty of systematic be nevolence, both by precept and example. His injunction to the Corinthian Church is still of force: "Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God bath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." Tnere is a world of organization in this Scripture. Ist. Unity of alms and prayers. There is a beautiful appropriateness in letting them ascend together. That is a cheap religion which offers only words of mouth and med itations of heart unweighted by others' woes. The blending of these in bis worship commended Cornelius to the favor of God. and secured for him the saving influence ot the Holy Ghost. Jesus, in giving instruc tion as to prayer, did not omit to mention, in the same connection, its twin act of devo tion—alms—showing that He regarded it as an essential religious obligation. As pas tors, we should reiterate the admonitions of the Great Teacher on this vital point, i and, as we urge our brethren to pray always, likewe beseech them not to refrain their gifts. 2nd. There is, also, uniformity as to time —the first day of the week—divinely appro priate. humanly convenient. In the third place, this apostolic plan pos sesses tlie element of comprehensiveness— • every one of you.” When you come to gether, let every one of you bring toe offer ing which you have laid by for the specific object ot that day, “As God has prospered him.” This method will so regulate and distribute our gifts as to cure spasms of be nevolence, which are always the result of morbid conditions. It places our bemfi cetice upon a solid foundation of reason and religion—converts it into a principle and into worship by making it depend upon the providence of our heavenly Father. It is thus a rendering unto the Lord of Ins own. It proportions benevolent demands to our means, and it recognizes the ability as front the Lord. If God requires a large contribu tion from any one of His servants. Hu will bestow upon that servant a sufficiency to enable him to meet the requisition There is an implied, if not a direct, promise here in that, if we are faithful stewards of the divine bounty, we shall be prospered in the temporal things. This apostolic plan brings us into union with God as workers together with Him—the almoners of His benefaction. I have referred to it as an anti spasmodic. I do not, however, mean to intimate that there will not arise emergencies when it will not be needful for us to supplement our weekly offerings by putting forth all our strength and “travailing in the greatness of it,” in order to supply some great necessity of the church or the world. An intercalary donation may be sometimes required to complete the calender of our beneficience— to keep "the years of the right hand of the Most High” up with the march ot secular time. But the evil effects of ‘‘emotional insanity” in giving are manifest. It re-acts fearfully upon the religious character of the temporarily demented one, who feels, when the excitement has passed, tliat be has been guilty of sheer folly in bleediug himself for a cause that did not demand blood-letting. The probability is that a long period of withholding will ensue—one extreme pro ducing another. I once witnessed a scene in a Baptist gathering which is indelibly impressed on my memory. One of oursec retaries had made an appeal for his board, which elicited but an indifferent response. In tiiis crisis, a distinguished minister ar se, and after a.i impetuous and fervid spe<ch, took his watch from his pocket and laid it on the table as his contribution. He had hardly taken his seat ere a younger and more mercurial brother sprang to his feet, and in a lew glowing remarks, presented his watch—possibly a gift and very valuable. When the gale of enthusiasm had blown over, and he had bad a night's repose upon the matter, I noticed the despairing look of the latter, and heard bis lament over his precipitate generosity. Now, the Lord lov eth a cheerful giver, but this impulsive brother did not count the cost of parting with so precious a treasure, and was filled with regrets because he could not recall it. But this caution is scarcely necessary.— There are few Baptists who are so liable to i be swept off their feet. Indeed, the more they are ballasted with dollars, the less their ' danger. The first day method, commanded by the apostle, is “worthy of all acceptation,” not alone for the reason already cited, viz.: that it combines union of alms and prayers, uni formity as to time, comprehensiveness as to persons, living from and giving to the Lord, and is an anti-periodic, but, also, because it is adapted to the pecuniary condition of that class of persons who, for the most part, con stitute our churches. They comprise the salaried classes and those possessed of mod erate estates. By giving small amounts weekly, these will add to the treasury of the Lord a large aggregate, besides cultivating a habit of benevolence, while not diminish' ing their own comforts. This they will yield cheerfully, ungrudgingly, whereas if it is bestowed only quarterly or semi-annu ally, the heart will be heavier in proportion as tbe purse will be lighter, thus losing the otherwise blessed effects upon their own spirituality. Paul evidently profoundly felt that God is not the God of confusion, but the God of peace. Hence bis suggestion of system method—in our donations, and of this par ticular one as the best possible. It is tbe grand solvent of our financial difficulties. “That there be no gatherings when I come” —no labored efforts, no high pressure. “Let everything be done decently and in order.” Just as the minister is in the habit of saying to his congregation, “Let us pray,” or “Let us sing." so let him invoke the spirit of de votion in that which is a more exalted act of worship than uplifted hands or uttered prayers—the giving unto the Lord of our subitanoe— that which represent* toll of brain and sweat of brawn. Paul says, in effect: Have the money ready to liquidate the claim on my arrival; do not theu have to levy a forced loan, at a high rate of inter est, upon an unwilling people. I must think that the Lord sometimes disowns the man ner of the labors of our contribution gath erers. While I wouldn't utterly banish from our congregations the living voice and the S leading tongue of these zealous servants of od, I am convinced that to depend wholly upon these agencies for the stirring up ot our pure minds byway of remembrance of our pecuniary obligations, is foreign to the order of the gospel, to that method which is everywhere taught in the Scriptures, is an unnecessary expense, and will fail to accom plish permanent results. It were better that our boards should sutler a temporary priva tion in order that they might, in the end, reap a continuous and constantly increasing harvest of beneficence. If it be objected that the system of weekly contributions is impracticable in the coun try, where divine services is held only once a month, we answer that the “laying by” may be done at home every Sabbath, and the aggregate brought to the sanctuary on the meeting day. if the transfer is only mad«-from one pocket to another, or depos ited in any appointed receptacle—just so the setting apart of the Lord's money from com mon to sacred uses is effected—that will be an act of worship. This habit will encour age thrift in small things by ever keeping in view the duty and privilege of a Sabbath donation. A more serious barrier to the success of this plau is the fact that our rural members usually have but one source of in come—that from cotton -which matures in the fall, and, must, therefore, estimate their incomes only by the year. Doubtless, this difficulty will diminish as farming in the South becomes more diverse au i other in dustries spring up. In the more populous districts, it will not obtain. But a consci entious Christian, under proper instruction, will be able, with the b easing of God, to save something for the Master, even in the period of greatest monetary depression; and as the returns from the main crop conies in, may add largely thereto. Where there is a will to work and to give, the wav will be opened tor the turning of an honest penny. Let us make a small calculation here, in order to bring out more startlingly the pow er of organization in the work of raising funds for our boards : There are in Georgia. 150,000 Baptisis, more or less. Say that 50,000 are able to give ten cents each per month to missions. That will foot up SOO 000 per year—one naif of which would go to the Marion Board. This is a low esti mate of our financial ability. That amount might be doubled or quadrupled. If only a nickel per month should be contributed by each, the aggregate would be sls 000 for home field. That this amount can be raised, with the inauguration of method in our en deavors, there is not the shadow of a doubt. Will the children i.f -ight ever t e as wise in tbeir generation as the children of this world? Brethren of the ministry, we are captains of tens and fifths and hundreds in this vast undril ed army. The com mander of the Lord's hosts has given us an important work to do in bringing our respective divisions up to the highest degree of efficiency. It will not do to bad a mob, however brave, against tha strongholds of Satan. Let us so train them to a prompt and regular discharge of their duty in contributing—let us so impress the obligation upon heart and conscience—let us so form the habit i.f benevolence in them, bv the help of the Holy Spirit, that when the bugle blast of our departmental com manders rings over the land, trumpeting tbe cry of a dying world, they will quickly form and auvance, with the tread ot vete rans, to the rescue. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouses, that there may be meat in mine hou e.aud prove me now herewith, saitli the Lord of hosts, if I will not opeET you the wi idows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." Mai. 3. the de mand is for a tenth ; the reward of restitu tion is overflowing fulness of temporal and spiritual blessings. “I cave my life for thee. My precious blood I shed. That tbou migh'st ran-omed bo And quickened Irom the dead— I gave my life for thee — What hast thou given for me f “And I brought down to ihee, Down from my home above, Salvation full and free, My pardon aud my love; Great gifts 1 brought to thee, What hast thou brought to met “0, let thy life be given, Thy years for me be spent, World-fetters all be r iven, And joy with suffering blent ; Give thou thyself to me And I will welcome thee!" The Sunday-School. International Sunday-School Leosono. [Prepared specially for The Index by Rev. 8. H. Mirick, of Washington, D.C.] Lesson VIII. —February 20,1881. THE PREACHING OF JESUS. Luke IV. U 21. A. D. 27. The events in the life of our Lord which occurred subsequent to the time of our last lesson are these, viz: His baptism, his temp tation, gathering his first disciples, his first miracle, driving the traders out of the tem ple at the pass over, the conversation with Nicodemus, his conversation with the Sama ritan woman at Jacob's well, and his second miracle. Then followed his preaching and rejection at Nazareth, where our present les son finds him. Ver es 14 and 16 refer to his preaching in various places in Galilee before he came to Nazareth. OUTLINE. I. The preacher, vs. 14-16. 11. The text, vs. 17-19. 111. The sermon, vs. 20, 21. NOTES. I. The preacher. V. 14. “Jesus,” now over thirty years of age. Ch. 3:23. “Returned” from Judea. “In the power of the Spirit.” Fully guided by the Holy Spirit. This guidance began at his baptism. “Into Galilee,” where Jesus began his ministry. See Acts x. 37. The most of the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are taken up with our Lord’s ministrations in Galilee, while that of John dwells more upon those in Judea. “A fame of him.” His preaching attracted attention everywhere, and reports of it preceded him wherever he W V. 15. “Taught.” Read and explained the Scriptures as we learn from the succeeding ve-ses of the lesson. This was his manner of making known the great salvation. The preacher of to day cannot be wiser than tbe Great Teacher. "Synagogues.” Places of public worship where the people assembled to read God s word, and unitedly to praise and pray. There was at least one in every town. It was placed, if possible, on the highest ground in or near the town. If the highest ground could not be obtained, then a tall pole rose from the roof to render it conspicuous. As the worshippers entered, and as they prayed, they looked toward Je rusalem. The building was set apart by a special prayer of dedication. At the end toward Jerusalem stood the Ark, in which the rolls of the sacred books were kept. In front of the Ark and towards the middle of the building was a raised platform, on which several persons could stand at once- On this platform, and in the middle of it was a pulpit, at which the Reader stood to read the lesson, or sat to teach. On one side of the room sat the men, and on the other the wo men, a low partition, five or six feet high, running between them. "Glorified of all.” Highly esteemed. He was not despised at first as he simply announced a coming king dom. but universally esteemed. At a later period he declared his kingdom to be a spir itual kingdom, and intended for the whole race of man, and on this account became un popular with the Jews. V. 16. "As bis custom was ” In bis child hood and opening manhood. “On the Sab bath day.” Thia shows that it was custom ary for the Jews to meet for worship in the synagogues on their Sabbath (our Saturday "Stood up,” and by so doing indicated his de-ire to read the Scriptures. The exercises of the synagogue were under the direction of one styled the ruler of the synagogue. The presiding officer might permit any one to read whom he should think qualified The great fame ot Jesus amo g the people would secure him this privilege. 11. The text. V. 17. “Delivered unto him," by the min ister mentioned in verse 20. Chis man opened the doors and got the buildin z ready for service. It was his duty to take from the Ark sucli rolls as were wanted, and take them to the reader at the pulpit, nturning them when no longer needed. "The books.” A roll, across which in columns was the writing, and which was fastened to a roller at either end. “Esaias." Greek for the Hebrew Isaiah. “Opened " Unrolled. This would seem to indicate that the prophetic rolls were kept separate and not together, or in one book, as with us. “He found the place." Whether it was a part of the regu lar lesson of the day, or a passage selected by Jesus for the occasion, is not c*ear- Proba bly the former is the correct view. V. 18 This passage is quoted from the Septuagint or Greek t-anslation of the He brew Scriptures. This will account for its variation from Isa 1:1, 2. The language was used by Isaiah prophetically of the Messiah, and as such Jesus quotesit. The assertions here are to be taken both literally and spiritually, but chiefly in the latter sense. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because.” It is in consequence of his being anointed and sent, that the Spirit abides upon him. ‘‘Anointed.’’ Priests, kings and prophets were anointed with oil to represent their divine appointment. “The poor.” In purse and in spirit. See Matt 5.3 115. “The broken-hearted.” Those of a contrite spirit. “Captives" to sin. ‘ Sight to the blind.” Spiritual sight to the spiritually b'ind. "Them that are bruised.” By the yoke of conscience and the law. V. 19. “To preach the acceptable year.” The lime appointed by the Lord. It is era rather thaii year, and includes the whole period from the advent of Christ to his sec ond coming. 111. The sermon. V. 20. "Closed.” Rolled up. The book was written only on tbeimide. “Satdown " Indicating his desire to speak. This, we may suppose, was the first time he ever read or spake in that synagogue. “The eyes of all.” Universal attention. “Were fastened on him.” The word denote gazing intent ly. V. 21. “He began to say unto them ” We have only the opening words of the sermon recorded here. "Ibis day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears ” That is. you hear, in my preaching to-day, the fulfillment of this Scripture. The sermon was an exposi tory one. So Peter and Paul preached Some of us to- day are constrained to cry out, more Bible, more Bible in your ser mons. REMARKS. 1. There is in the expression, ‘‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” a remarkable tes timony to the Trinity, the Spirit, the Father and Jesus 2. The Nazirenes. as we learn from subse quent verses, at first were charmed with the words of Jesus, but soon became so enraged with him as to reject him and drive him from their city. 3. Learn from the example of Jesus, regu larly to attend the public worship of God. 4. The Sunday school teacher should seek to be able not "only to explain, but also to apply Scripture. 5. The great work of Jesus was to save men from sin. which brings sorrow and bondage and blindness. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DkVOTIE, D.D., I Pf ,,. REV. C. M IRWIN, jmanors, Mission Board of the Georgia Baptist Conven tion— Offices: Rev. R. B. Hendden, President: Rev. J. H. DeVotie, Corresponding Secretary and Tressuicr; Rev. V, C. Norcross, Corresponding Secretary. Members— Revs. D. W. Gwin, A. T. Spalding, H. C. Hornady, Ft M. Daniel, V. C. Norcross, Dr. J-s. S. Lawion Atlanta; G. A. Nun nally, Rome; D. E. Butler, Madison: J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Carteisville; J. H. De Vole. Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.- Rev. H. A. Tupper, D. D., Corres ponding Secretary, Richmond, Va. Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention —Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor reapondlng Secretary, Marion, Alabama. Rev. W- B. Bagby and wife, Missionaries of the Southern Baptist Convention to Bra zil, sailed from Baltimore, in the “Bark Yaraoyden,” on the 13th of January, 1881, for Rio de Janeiro. Their field of labor is Santa Barbara, in the Province of San Pau lo, Brazil. The Emperor ot Brazil, though a Catholic at the head of a Catholic government, cordi ally invites Protestant Missionaries to his country, with assurance of protection, and offers of pecuniary aid. This mission is, in many respects, pecu liarly inviting, and gives promise of a boun tiful harvest. Dr. Tupper, in Journal, says: “Their field is the controlling empire of South America, whose ruler is the onlyman in the Western Hemisphere who wears a crown, and whose territory, lying on both sides of the equator, contains an area of three and a-halt millions of square miles, with an average elevation of seven hundred feet above the level of the sea, and a geniali ty of climate and capacity for productiveness which are literally unsurpassed. Brazil em bosoms mines of gold and diamonds, tbe richest in the world; is traversed, through its whole extent from west to east, by the “Father of Waters,” which contributes every second five hundred and fifty thousand cu bic feet of water to the volume of the Atlan tic ; has the second navy of the world, and boasts a capital city. Rio de Janeiro, older than any city of the United States, and hav ing a harbor only rivalled in beauty by the Bay of Naples and the Golden Horn of Con stantinople. The people are Portuguese, Spaniards, Negroes and native Indians. The Portuguese language prevails. The State religion is Romanism, which is completely broken down, as to the respect entertained for it, by the open wickedness of the priest hood—so that “the great need of the coun try,” in the language of one who is thorv oughly informed on the subject, "is a pious, self denying ministry, who, like the great apostle to the Gentiles, will not count their life dear unto themselves that they may win souls unto Christ.” "Texas has contributed for this mission $848.32. and Missouri, $156.55, making a to tal of $1004.87.” “Sway thy ceptre Savior, all the world around." Let us follow these missionaries with our contributions and prayers. Cor. See. TBE NEW MISSIONARIES TO BRAZIL. Just twenty-five tears ago wss born, in Corvelle county, Texas, a little boy, Wm. M. Bagby, who, at thirteen years of age was converted, and was baptized by Dr. Burleson at Waco, Texas. Mr. Bagby graduated at college, became editor of a magazine, then taught school, then conducted a farm, began to preach, was ordained, then solemnly consecrated bis life to the work of Foreign Missions. About twenty-two years ago a little girl was born in Kansas City, in the family of Rev. J. H. Luther. When a very little child, Annie Luther, during a whole year, would go into a room alone to read the word of God, and to pray to God for the salvation of her soul. At eleven years of age she was converted, and was baptized by her father in the Mississippi river at St. Louis, Mo. At seventeen years of age, while at college at Lexington, Mo , she became convinced that it was the will of God that she should labor for tbe heathen in some foreign land. It was a great struggle to yield to what she believed to be tbe divine requirement, but she finally made an entire aud irrevocable surrender. Five years passed on. She was now asso ciate principal in Baylor Female College, Independence, Texas. Reseiving the ad dresses of R.-v. Mr Bagby, she accepted his baud in marriage, and on tbe 21st day of October, 1880—her father officiating—she and Mr. Bagby doubly pledged tbeir lives, each to tire other, and both to the service of the Lord Jems in some foreign land. The merry ringing of the marriage bell at Baylor Chapel, brought keen and sorrowful regret to many a heart that day, for church and school and community were losing one —'heir “crown jewel,” —the fragrance of whose hallowed life had sweetened all the associations clustering about her. On the first Sunday of this year thisyonng couple—having been appointed Missionaries of rue 8. B. Convention—were publicly set apart to this work in the Second Baptist church, Richmond, Va. They had chose a Brazil as their field of labor, and to this land they are now sailing, unless, indeed, tbeir feet already press its soil. General Hawthorne, of Alabama, who is now au able Baptist minister in Texas, was, at the close of the war, one of those who left his native land and went to 8 >uth America, seeking for a new home. The knowledge of that south-land, obtained at that time, caused him to urge the claims of Brazil as a mission fie.d, upon tbe hearts of these two disciples of Jesus as they were Itbout to unite their lives together. It was all the more pleasant, therefore, that the last sweetly-sad parting words, commending them to the grace of God, should be spoken in the church where Rev. J. B. Hawthorne —brother of Gen. Hawthorne—is pastor. May many prayers accompany them in their work. May tbe blessings of our most gracious God aud Savior rest upon their pathway. A. T. 8. BAY OF PRAYER FOR COLLEGES HOW IT WAS KEPT AT THE SEMI NARY. Editor Index : The February meeting of our Missionary Society was moved back to tbe last Thursday in January, so as to coin cide with tbe day of prayer for colleges. So our meeting to-day had reference both to colleges and to missions. One attractive feature of our meetings are the letters from tbe missionaries. To-day an interesting letter was read from Dr. Tay lor, our Missionary in Rome, Italy. He gave us his impressions of the principles upon which a minister should choose his field of labor. Brother David, of Africa, gave us a letter in “a free and easy style” about real life, an incident tn his missionary labors. A letter was also read trom brother E. H- Quillin, our Missionary in Brazil. Tbe essay for the meeting to-day was pre pared by brother E. E Folk, of Tennessee. His subject was “Religion in Colleges and its Relation to Missions.” Most of the mis sionaries, as well as other men of influence, come from colleges. After the essay came the lecture, by Dr. R. H. Graves, of Canton, China. Dr. G. is delivering a series of fine lectures on “Mis sions” for the benefit of the students of the Seminary. Our hearts responded gladly when he announced as his subject to-day, “Who Should Become Missionaries?” This is a question which every young minister must consider, at least to some extent. Brother G. called attention to the etymol ogy of the word ‘love,’ which is the same as ‘leave.’ Love is the affections leaving one's self and going out to others. The word ‘live’ has the same meaning. A living church or Christian is one who maintains the idea of self denial for others. The commission contains two ideas—make disciples and train them. Most ministers only train, are pastors. We are waiting for sinners to come to us. We need more men to ’‘make disciples.” When a man enlists in the army he expects to be sent to the front. Every man who enters the ministry should hold himself in readiness to go to the front, and should go unless there is some special reason for his not going. In our own land all can be saved if they will- In foreign lands many millions have never heard of the gospel. God's ministers are heralds to announce the terms ot recon ciliation to all people. When thirty millions of heathen perish every year, it is not right to spend so much time in beseeching men who have repeatedly refused the gospel. Then brother G. spoke of qualifications, physical, mental and moral, for a foreign missionary. He would not say anything about spiritual qualifications, for all minis ters need qualifications of that kind. But he ought to be a man of good health. Some times, however, persons who are not stout, but who have no organic disease, find it benefichl to change climates. As to intel lectual qualifications, a college education is to be desired, but character is to be preferred to culture. A missionary impresses his character on the converts more than a min ister at home. Men of strong character will develop on the field. The missionary must have facilty in acquiring a foreign language. Other qualifications were quickness of ap prehension, cheerfulness, perseverance, sound common sense, and a quiet enthusi asm. The address produced a good effect. We look forward with interest to tha remaining lectures, which will be delivered this week and next. C. W. Pruitt. Louisville, Ky., Jan. 27, 1881. “Where There is a Will There is a Way."—Here is an apt illustration, says S. A. Burney: “Please put in The Index re ceipt column “Sausage for Missions,” as above, from Mrs. Cocroft. It may show some how to get mission money.” There it is in the receipt list, “Sausage for Missions, $1.00.” This kind of giving is on the increase. Does it not strikingly resem ble the gift of the two mites by the widow of the gospel ? Those who have an abundance sometimes say, when a few dimes are contributed, “we have given our mites.” How mistaken they are I A little from well-to-do Christians, without sacrifice, and soon forgotten, can never bear comparison with the widow-gift of all. The motive—love for Jesus—makes the mites of equal value with thousands of dollars with God. Cor. Sec. - . I I W.I aw»«aa»- • I Appropriate Appointment.—The Mission Board has appointed Rev. 0. M. Irwin Evan gelist for Northeast Georgia. He has com menced his work. Air Enviable Epitaph.—Somewhere la the world there is a monument sacred to the memory of Thomae Williams. He was Missionary to the Island of Raratonga, where six thousand persons who, a little while ago, were barbarous savages, now worship God in tbeir sanctuaries, and read tbe Testament in their own wriiten language. Mr. Wil liams is dead now, and upon bis monument are these words: “When he came there were no Christians: when he went away there were no heathen.” A Calcutta missionary says that Idolatry in that city is rapidly becoming an irksome thing. Tbe number of images made for worship is constantly diminishing, and wor shipers are growing indifferent. The census of missions is to be taken next year, audit is estimated that it will show an increase of 200 000 native Christians in India, Ceylon and Burmah for the last ten years. Is not this wonderful success? Valuable Discovery.- Dr. Crawford, our Missionary to Tung Chow, says: “I have recently found the two tables of Gene sis, chapters 5 and 10, in their entirety, in the ancient History of China- It is tbe most valuable discovery of the age, as it will set tle or clear up many difficulties io history, theology, and chronology. I shall bring it to light.” __________ Sad News.—The sad news has been re ceived that o ir Missionary at Musqius, Coa huela, J. 0. Westrop, was murdered between Santa Rosa and Montesry, Mexico, by the Mexicans and Indians, only a few day* since. God “holdeth back the face of his throne and spreadetb his cloud upon it.” Cor. Seo. In a letter from Rev. Thomas H. Bttrruss, of Hartsville, 8. C., he says: “Darlington county raises more cotton than any other county in this State. This section of the county is beautiful —the lands are level, and some are in a high state of cultivation and improvement. The people are hospitable, enterprising and religious. The churches are flourishing. Preachers are justly appre ciated and amply provided for. lam serv ing the Hartsville and Mt. Elon churches.” Rev. J. H- Eager and Mrs. Eager, who have gone to Rome to assist Dr. G. B. Tay lor. reached their destination November 18, 1880. Cor. Sec. RECEIPTS OP Mission BOARD GEORGIA. BAPTIST CONVENTION. From Jan. Ist, to Feb. Ist, 1861. STATE MISSIONS. Jan. 1. Previous report....™-..™™ 84,115 23 7 J. 11. D. V 5 CO 15 Madison church through 8. A. Burney Tr #75 Mrs. W. H. Cowart in sausages— “A will and way” 100 Crawfordville church, 8. A. Bur- ney, Tr 1 9® G- M. Campbell from 2 churches 2 41 18 Bartow church, Deacon Salter...™ 14 30 24 Newnan church, P. H. Culling, Tr ™. 18 08 Savannah church, S. Landrum, D.D 40 08 Hopeful church, J. 8. Patterson, 420 Eatonton church, J. B. Reese, Tr, 2 "0 Antioch church, J. H. Kilpatrick 660 Union Point church, J. H. Kilpat- rick 7 30 White Plains church, J. H. Kil- patrick ™ 27 10 New hope, T. J. Swanson- 3 86 Sugar Creek church, T. J. Swan- son .. 2 I® Central church, Atlanta, J. A. Z. Stanford 7 40 Raccoon Creek church, J. G. Ryals, D. D 5 29 Acwoilh church, J. G. Ryals, D.D - 2 00 Athens church, H. A. Lowianee . U Tr H 60 Lady at 2d Baptist church Atlanta 23 Missionary Society of Southern F' male Col ege. Miss 8. Cox, for Bible distribution iu Georgia.™ 5 00 Prof. I. F. Cox, La Grange, 5 00 25 P. A. Jessup collected ou Held-™ 25 00 80 A. C. Ward, Brunswick church... 50 00 J. C. Brvau, A. B. H. M. 8 75 00 G. B. Mitchell, A. B. H. 8 45 00 C. H. Lyons, A. B. H. M. 8 60 00 Joshua Gonackey, A .B. H. M. 8™ 52 00 84,6 481 SUNDAY SCHOOL EVANGEL-IST. Jan. 1. Last report - 8851 71 15 Madison church, S. A. Burney, Tr 1 45 24 Cedar Town church, G. D. Harris, 16 40 Eatonton church, J. B. Reece, Tr, 2 00 High Shoals church J. A. Harris. 1 00 White Plains church, J. H. Kil patrick 15 0J Bowen Association, Robert R. Terrell 8 00 28 T. C. Boykin, collected on field... 88 00 $738 96 HOME MISSIONS. Jan. 1. Last report ......81,718 25 15 Madison church, 8. A. Burney™ 5 00 Crawfordville church ™ 8 50 G. M. Campbell, 2 churches 2 42 24 Eatonton church, J B. Reece, Tr, 2 00 High Shoals, church.J, A. Harris, 100 Antioch church, J. H. Kilpatrick, 5 00 White Plains, J. H. Kilpatrick.™ 20 00 81,752 17 INDIGENT MINISTERS. Jan. 1. Former report ™ $464 10 24 Eatonton church, J. B. Reese, Tr, 2 00 8496 10 FOREIGN MISSIONS. Jan. 1. Previous report .. 83A89 47 7 H. M. Amoss - 5 00 Mrs. G. L. A. DeVotie ™ 5 00 15 Madison church, 8. A. Burney.... 10 25 Crawfordville church, 8 A. i ur- ney, African M. 2 10; F. M, 2 50, 4 60 G. M. Campbell, from2churches, 2 42 24 Newnan church, P. H. Cutling, Tr 16 07 Eatonton church, J. B. Reese, Tr, 80 High Shoals, J. A. Harris 8 00 Antioch church, J. H. Kilpatrick, 10 00 White Plains church, J. H. Kil- patrick 40 50 Sugar Valley church, W. M. Bridges 20 06 Bowen Association, Robert R. Terrell 13 99 Central church, Atlanta, J. A. Z. Stanford 7 40 Raccoon Creek church, J. G. Ryals, D. D 6 29 Acworth church, J. G. Ryals, D.D 2 00 Athens church, H. A. Lowrance, 20 00 Missionary Society Soulhem Fe male College, Miss Sallie Cox President, for Foreign Mission Bible distribution 10 00 25 Received at Richmond from Dec. 14 to Jan. 11, formal .. 77 15 31 Canton cbuich, J. A. McMurry™ 10 25 Dividend 2 shares Ga. R. R. stock, 8. A. Burney, Tr 7 00 $8,660 10 RECAPITULATION. State Missions ™....$ 4694 81 8 8 Evangelist 733 96 Home Missions ™..~. 1762 17 Indian Missions ......™ 602 46 Foreign Missions 3660 16 Educational 64 60 Indigent Ministers -.. 466 10 $ll7BB 68 J. H.DeVotib, Treasurer. Hurrah! For Our Side. ■ Many people have lost their interest In politics and in amusements because they are so out of sorts and run down that they can not enjoy anything. If such persons would only be wise enough to try that celebrated remedy Kidney-Wort ana experience its tonic and renovating effects they would soon be hurrahing with the loudest. In either Dry or Liquid Form it is a perfect remedy for torpid Liver, Kidney’s or Bowels. -Kx.