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2 f -■ LETTER FROM BRUNSWICK. Diab Index: Visiting this city prior to 'leaving the United States, I wish through ■your columns to mention some facta in con nection with it, and especially respecting the work of our dear brother Arthur 0. Ward pastor of the church, and one of the ■missionaries, of the State Mission Board. First. Tbe city being generally known.it needs but little description. Yet I may say 4t is growing rather rapidly. A large hotel is nearly completed, with several stores in the basement. A public hall, 40x100 feet, is in course of construction, together with several tine private residences, ibis seems very natural, as the positi n of Brunswick determines its importance at no distant pe- With this in view, the work of brother Ward seems to me to assume additional im portance. His church numbering about 70 members, eleven ot whom have joined dur ing the past two mouths, seem to be quite enthusiastioin their love and appreciation of-hini. And 1 must give my judgment that ■ this love and appreciation are well earned. .It has been mv privilege to listen to several of iris discourses, texts, “The Lord is my re ifuge and strength." "While we look not upon the things that are seen, but upon the things that are not seen," etc., In these, he seemed not only to give exact ideas of the sacred writers, but applied them to the peo ple, and the times in which we live most fe licitously, and if I may judge by my own feelings, wilh the “unction of the Holy One" sent down from heaven. On yesterday morning, he spoke in con nection with the cause of missions, from 2 Chrou. 14:11. “Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with <them that have no power." This was an Impassioned appeal, in which after proper exeges is of the text, he showed that God is independent of any help from man; and so, is very condescending and gracious to re ceive our efforts in His cause against the en emy. In listening to His words which seemed sent forth by all the forces of his soul, I felt lifted above the cold world, and impelled to live and work more cheerfully, and earnestly for God, and for the souls that Christ died to save. Just before the regular collection for miss ions was taken up, he said, "I will not urge you to think," how much can I afford to give? but rather to do large things, expect ing large things of God. What you do, do for Jesus in view of what he did for you. Your work is not in vain, if connected with > the power of God.” These words seemed to give dignity to our ■ efforts, in that we were made to feel, that ■ Qod and us are engaged in the same work; and that with God we are sure to succeed. I learn with pleasure, that it is the cus tom of brother Ward, to advocate directly the cause of missions, every fifth Sunday af ter which, as intimated above, a collection is always taken up. As to the congregation, they appear to compare favorably with those of the other churches, in the city, and I rejoice to see among them, from time to time, spamen from different parts of the English speaking world. This is a feature of great import tance in our brother's work; one in which he may be envied, if it is proper to do this in a good sense. To the importance of this feature of his work, he seems to be fully alive, so that he becomes acquainted with captains and their crews, wins their confi dence on board their own ships, and indu ees them to attend church and Sunday school. It was a matter of great interest, to see several of the crew of a Nassau ship which was in port a week ago, at c .urcn three times one day. It w4s Uie privilege of your correspondent to sustain the position of Sunday school teacher to them in the af ternoon. This leads me to mention the Sunday school. The pastor was re-elected Superin tendent three weeks ago, with Dr. Macon as assistant The average attendance is seventy, and the school is conducted according to the approved plan, Yesterday afternoon, •Theglory of Israel" was thesubject of some remarks to the school by your corresponds «nt. Bro. Ward preached at the St. Simon's Union church yesterday afternoon, and be ing unable to return until this morning, I filled his pulpit, speaking from John 4:24; “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” I have omitted to mention, that upon Sunday night, the 23d, the ordinance of bap tism was administered to two candidates. A large audience, composed of various de nominations, together with non professors of religion and our own people were pres ent, and an opportunity was afforded me to present the Bible teaching in respect to bap tism. This subject very agreeably surprised me in the interest which it developed. Studying the ideas which tbe sacred writers associate with Baptism, I felt more than ev er convicted that, "the command is not grievous” in this matter, but full of impor tance and truth. And I cannot but think, there is no wisdom in a single objection to the great teaching symbol. Others seem to have felt this too, and we are assured that in Brunswick, “Labor is not in vain in tbe ilorf." It this letter is not too long, I wish to mention a visit this evening (Feb. Ist.) to the Norwegian Ship Skirmer, (Goddess.) Together, on tbe wharf where she is lying we stood remarking upon her pumping ap paratus. Tbe captain stepped upto her port bulwarks, when we addressed him on the subject, were invited on board to inspect it closely. Just what we wanted, for he and his crew are wanted at church during their Sundays spent here. After a few seconds conversation, “come in the cabin and sit down with me awhile," he said. We went in, found him a courteous Norwegian gen tleman. "Tnis is Mr. Ward, pastor of the Baptist ■church captain,” I said. And we soon en gaged him in conversation on the “most im portant subject.” We learned that he is a member of tbe Lutheran church of his coun try, bnt he said: ’“I never did believe in con-substantiation, •yet I am a Lutheran.” He said further. “A priest (by this he intended, as we learned, an English Episcopal .minister) once said to me: “You go your way, and I’ll go mine, we shall both meet together.” Bro. Ward took occasion to say, “all who believe in Jesus, as to be cleaned by the blood that He shed will meet in heaven.” After further conversation of a very inter esting nature to us, and in which we learned to love captain Kratz, we assured him of our pleasure in seeing him and his crew at our church, and being requested to come around to seehim whenever we could we took leave. Feeling how pleasant it is to work for Him who did so much for us. Fraternally yours, B. J. Savage. Our Private Libraries.—The Baptists of Georgia have bought extremly few books in the last twenty years, and had no excess of good ones before. Does religion usually thrive without intelligence? The above statement is true of most of our preachers, as of others. Is a preacher who read scarcely anything apt to be instructive, en tertaining, useful? Dundee. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 188 I. JOTTINGS BY THE WA Y. Dear Index : It has been so long, and I have been to so many places, and through such fearful weather (as well as having been sick) since last I wrote you a letter for pub lication, that I scarcely know where to ba gin. I believe I left off at Wadley—however, while on my way to Jefferson, (the interior of the county), Glascock aud Warren. At Louisville I had the good fortune to meet that beloved brother, Rev. T. J Cum ming. It was just what I most anxiously desired, bnt greatly feared would not occur. Went out to his delightful home that after noon. It was truly a happy time with us all that night. There are special reasons why the bond of brotherly love is so strong between ps, but tbe general reader would not be interested in these ma tars. Spent the next day or two riding around over the neighborhood in this charming por tion of Jefferson, (in . the vicinity of Du iieart's church), looking after the interests of The Index. During the time that. I was here a most estimable lady. Miss Julia Lit tle, died, which caused much sadness in the neighborhood, though her death was not entirely unexpected. She was greatly be loved by a large circle of friends, and her early demise is deeply deplored. Saturday we (brother C and I) went to Gibson, where he is, and has been for a number of years, serving the Baptist chnrch most acceptably and successfully. Since brother Cumming began preaching here, a neat and commodious house of worship has been erected and a strong church built up. It is truly a live church, and has a flourish ing Sabbath-school. Here I was delighted to meet, and find as one of the beet workers in the Master’s cause, another long time friend and brother, Dr. J. L, Kelly. While attending medical lectures in Baltimore some years ago. Dr. K. was so fortunate as to win an accomplished daughter of noble old Mary land, and when he returned to Georgia she came with him as his wife. I could but feel that Providence directed his steps in this matter, for I scarcely see how Gibson church could succeed so well without the services of this excellent lady. While here we were the guest of Dr. K. and family. It was my first visit to Gibson, the county site of Glas cock, and I shall ever remember it as one of the bright incidents along life’s journey. Returned to Jefferson Sunday afternoon, where another pleasure awaited me in meet ing with that jovial and beloved brother, Rev. W. M. Verdery, pastor of Duhearts. Monday brother Verdery gave me a seat in his buggy to Stellavilie. The roads were fearfully bad—almost impassable in some places, owing to heavy -ains, but the jour ney (eight miles) was’ soon accomplished, bringing us to that pleasant village. This village was built up tor educational purpos es. and is admirably adapted to this design. The liberal-hearte’d people have erected a handsome two-story academy, which, with Mays’s church, a commodious building, sets off.he village finely. The school is under the management of Prof. C. H. 8. Jackson, as Principal, (a graduate of Mercer Univer sity), assisted by a lady, whose name, I re gret to say, I have forgotten. Here I had the pleasure of meeting two dear friends and brethren—formerly of Washington county—viz: Prof. Jackson and brother H. C. Smith. It was indeed pleas ant to meet these brethren, whom I have known from their boyhood, after many years separation. Brother J. M. Jordan took charge of me after my arrival at Stellavilie, made me his guest during my stay, and he and his excel lent. family seemed never to weary of doing me acts of kindness. When I hade them adieu, I could not realize that we had met as strangers only a few days previous. The weather was so bad that I could get out. bnt a part of one day while here, greatly to my disappointment. Tuesday brother H. C. Smith took me over the neighborhood as far as we could go in snch weather and in so short, a time. Dined that day with Hon. Noah Smith and family. The sad news had just, been receiv ed that Mrs. Palmer, mother of Mrs. Smith, and a most estimable lady, had died sud denly that morning. The deceased had re tired the night previous in seeming perfect health. About day the next morning a slight noise was heard in Mrs. P.’s room by some of the family, and upon going to see if anything was the matter, the old lady was discovered in a dying condition, and expired almost immediately. I learned she was about seventy years of age. But I find I will have to hasten on, orthis letter will be entirely too long. I bad an engagement to go with brother Cumming to Reedy Creek. Warren county, on Saturday, so brother Jordan carried me back to brother C.’s Thursday, and Friday we took another ride to see other brethren for The Inpex. Saturday off for Warren. The day was very disagreeable, but we found a good Saturday’s congregation at the church. This church is soon to have a new house of worship. The lumber is on the ground, and the building will go up as soon as possible. A large congregation attends the regular monthly meetings at this place, and a good work is being accomplished. Spent Saturday night with brother Hobbs About a month previous he had the misfor tune to have his grist mill, cotton gin and a number of bales of cotton destroyed by fire. He went to work again at once, and now a new house stands where the old one was burned down, with the mill in operation. We called, going and returning, to see that much esteemed brother, Hon. James Stapleton, one of Jefferson county’s able Representatives in the legislature, who has been quite ill ever since bis return from At- I lanta. His case is regarded as critical, but | hopes of his recovery are earnestly enter tained. Brother Stapleton is an excellent minister, the pastor of several churches, and a useful citizen. We hope Providence will restore and long spare him to be a further blessing to the country. J. M. G. Medlock. Tn IRD ANNUALREHOBOTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CON VENTION. Editor Inpex : Plea e give this an earlv insertion for the benefit of many who will be interested in it. The third annual Sunday-school Conven tion of the Rehoboth Association will con vene at Forsyth, on Friday, Feb. 25th, and this notice is given in hopes of drawing a large attendance. We do expect and hope for a large gathering and a very interesting and improving time. All the members of all the churches and Sunday-schools of the Rehoboth Association are solicited to re member this meeting, and as many as can possibly attend should do so. Uncommon efforts have been made to secure the atten dance of good speakers and well informed Sunday-school men, and the following ap pointments have been made, all of whom it is thought will attend. Other experienced Sunday-school men are expected to be pres ent to aid in the discussions. Without going into detail, the following general out line of exercises is given that an idea of the programme may be obtained : Friday. The Bible in the Sunday-school, Dr. S. G. Hillyer. Sunday-school applian ces, Rev. T. C. Boykin. The Internal gov ernment of the Sunday-school, Cuas. B. E Mb. Friday Night. Convention Sermon, Dr. E. W. Warren. Saturday. The claims of Sunday-schools and of our Sunday-school paper, S Boykin. The religious element in the Sunday-school, E. W. Warren. Blackboard illustrations in the Sunday-school. J. C. Wheeler. What is necesary to make the Sunday-rchool a success and a power for good? L. 0. Niles. The best method of impressing spiritual truth on the minds and hearts of children, Dr. K. P. Moore. A teacher's responsibility, A. J. King and G. H. Perdue. Prayer—an important element in the Snnday-abbool work. J. Y. Allen. A pastor's relation to tbe Sunday-school, J. H. Weaver. SundaV. Sunday-school conducted by C. C. Smith, and such assistants as he may select. Sermon in the morning by Dr. A. J. Battle. In the afternoon there will prob ably be a mass meeting, and at night preach ing by appointment. There will be two sessions a day, and time for discussing each subject will be allowed. It is hoped that those attending will be sure to arrive in time tot Friday morning's ser vice. A generous invitation has been given by tbe hospitable brethren at Forsyth, and homes will be provided for all who attend. Those intending to be present should for ward their names in advance to Dr. K. P. Moore, Forsyth, Ga. C. C. Smith, President. 8 Boykin, Secretary. SILVER WEDDING. On the 18th of December, 1880, at the res idence of Rev A. Van Hoose, in Senoia, Ga., a company of friends joined in celebrating, with our beloved pastor and his good lady, their twenty-fifth anniversary of marriage. Upon entering tbe parlor, the appropriate motto in large letters in evergreen, “Hither to hath the Lord helped us," was promi nently displayed in a half circle.• Jsist un der the motto were suspended the portraits of Brother Van Hoose aud wife, taken about twenty-five years ago. Soon after the assembling of the guests, Bro. VanHoose, wife and their children, four in number, came in and were presented to each guest personally, when many congrat ulations were passed. Then in some very feeling and appropriate remarks, Brother VanHoose' recounted ome interesting inci dents of their married life, also thanked his friends for many handsome presents of sil ver donated by the following persons: Mr. T. A. Barnes and lady, Mrs. E. R. Griggs, Mrs. W. U. Barnes, Judge B. F. Cock aud lady, Mr. M. H. Couch and lady, Mr. W. T. Arnall and lady, Dr. F. M. Brantly and lady, Miss Lizzie VanHoose, Mr. Z.J. Dan iel and lady, of Eufaula, Ala. After the conclusion of the remans by Bro. VanHoose, Brother T. A. Barnes, Rev. N. N. Edge and J. 8. s. Gloverand Atkinson offered some perHhent and pleasant remarks, after which the sonl stirring old hymn, “AU hail the power of Jesus’ name” was sung and prayer offered by Bro. Ingraham. Supper was then announced, which was sumptuous and much enjoyed by the guests. The remainder of the evening was spent de lightfully, each one seeming to vie with the others in trying to add most to the happi ness of the occasion. I love these reunions and believe that every family would be happier if they would indulge in them of tener, and, too, they are commendable for communities. They bring us together not only in person, but unite us in our feelings. A Guam. ENON CHURCH. Editor Index : Some time ago I gave you a few notes of progress in the good cause. By mere oversight 1 left out one item that should have been mentioned. I refer-to the rebuilding of Enon church, in Quitman county, of this State. Two or three years ago the brethren resolved (and that word means something among these people) to have a bouse. Last spring it was finished, and on the first Sabbath in May, was dedi cated to the service of God. Rev. Mr. Warn bolt, of Eufaula, Ala-, preaching thesermon. The hou e is, I think, about forty by sixty feet in dimensions, and of good height, well built, is finished aud paid for. It is deci dedly the best country church house that I have see in Southwest Georgia. Among the leading spirits in this good work Brother W. B. McLendon, a A|UinUzTw4y energy, liberality, good taste and piety. He had many other good fellow-laborers, but I cannot just now give their names. Tbe pastor. Rev. W. H, Patterson, of Eufaula, I should not omit to say, rendered valuable aid in building this house of worship. He is comparatively young in the ministry, but is now a good preacher, and is making a good pastor. He was educated at Mercer University, followed teaching till he was ordained to the ministry, but will not, I hope, have need to return to that employ ment again. This church and pastor are doing well. W. M. If. The Sunday-School. International Sunday-School Lessons. [Prepared specially for The Index by Rev. S. H. Mlrick, of Washington, D.C.I Lesson IX. —February 27, 1881. CHRIS! HEALING THE SICK. Luke V. 12 26. A, D. 28. Read Matt. VIII. 2-4. IX. 2-8. Mark I. 40- 45. 11. 1-12. Introduction. Having been rejected at Nazareth, Jesus went to Capernaum and made his home there. He went, however, throughout Gal ilee, preaching in the various synagogues. Just after leaving Nazareth, he healed a de moniac in Capernaum, in the synagogue, and, going thence to Simon’s house, cured his wife’s mother of a revere fever. On the same day he cured many sick and many demoniacs in that city. About the same time also occurred the draught of fishes mentioned in Chap. V. 1-11. And now within three months from his leaving Naza reth occur the two cures of our lesson. outline I. The Leper, v. 12 16. 11. The Paralytic, v. 17-26. NOTES. I. The Leper. V. 12, “A certain city.” In Galilee, but name unknown. “Full of leprosy.” The leprosy was a most loathsome disease having its seat deep in the system, but manifesting itself on the outward skin. No medicine* appear to have been employed for its cure; the sufferer looked for relief to the compas sion of God. It is the Scripture type of sin,- and rendered its victim ceremonially un clean. The leper was excluded from all companionship with others not so alllicted. "Full of leprosy” denotes this to have been a very bad case. “Fell on his face.” Mat thew’says "worshipped,” and Mark “kneel ing down.” Kneeling down and then falling on his face in reverence or worship. “If thou wilt.” He has no doubt of Christ’s ability, but does not feel quite sure of his willingness. “Olean." For the law of ex clusion, see Lev. XIII, 45 46. The leper’s use of this word clean, instead of free from disease indicates that his great desire was to be restored to the companionship of family and friends. V. 13. “Touched him,” being "moved with compassion,” as Mark says. Any other touching him would thereby have been rendered unclean, but his touch cleans ed. "I will.” A direct answer to his "if thou wilt.” “Immediately.” A mighty cure and one in its instantaneousness be yond all human power. ~V. 14. “Charged him to tell no man.” Mark says he "straitly (strictly) charged him and forthwith sent him away.” Evi dently this prohibition is to be understood as extending only to such time as he shall have shown himself to the priest. Why this prohibition? 1. It was the lepers duty to go to the priest before he went elsewhere. Christ would teach the man to obey God's laws immediately. 2. As this man would have to go some sixty miles to reach tbe priest at Jerusalem, unless he hastened, the -eport of his cure might go before him, and the priest, through opposition to Jesus, might pronounce it an imposition. “Ac cording as Moses commanded." See Lev. XIV. 1 32. “A testimony unto them," that is to the people. The priest’s certificate would be the testimony. V. 15. “So much the more.” Disobedi ence. See Mark I. 45 "Great multitudes came together.” The result of the lepers disobedience. V. 16. "And prayed.” Amid Christ's multiplied labors he fund time for personal communion with God. IL The Paralytic. V. 17. This cure occurred according to Mark (11. 1.) in Capernaum. "Doctors.” Teachers of the Old Testament. “Sitting by." Attracted by the fame of tbe words and miracles of Jesus. They were enemies, how ever, and not learners. “Every town of &c.” This shows tbe extent of country over which reports of Jesns bad gone “The power of the Lord was present to heal them.” That is, Jesus at that time exercised divine power in healing in an unusual degree. V. 18. "Men.” *>ur in number. “Bed.” A mattress spreaaßlpon some high frame probably. “Palsy.” A disease which effects the power of motion or the power of sensa tion, or both- Sometimes one side of the body only is affected, and sometimes both. This man’s case was evidently a bad one. V- 19. “House-top.” Oriental houses were usually buiit around an open square, termed the court, and were flat-roofed. A stairway leu from the court to the roof "Tiling." Os which the roof was made. V. 20. “Thy sins are forgiven thee." Je sus saw that the afflicted man was oppressed with a scale of sin. “Their faith." Both bearers and the patient believed that Jesus bad power to heal. V. 21. “Speaketh blasphemies.” By claiming the power of God. V. 22. "When.” As soon as. “'What reason ye!” Matthew says, “Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts ?” thereby show ing that their questions were not those of honest inquirers, but the suggestions of hatred. V. 23." Whether it is easier, &c.” He shows his power to forgive by his power to instant ly remove the palsy. V. 24. He gives the proof which shall have convinced every one of them. V, 25. “Rose up before them.” A visible and wonderful proof. V. 26, "Filled with fear,” because they recognized a superhuman power. “We have seen strange things to day.” They marveled that one apparently like themselves should remove palsy and forgive sins. TEACHING THE LESSON. Both the leper and the paralytic well rep resent the sinner. Both of them were incu rable and helpless. Different ways of reach ing the Savior are presented here. The leper comes quickly but earnestly, with faith yet scarcely daring to hope. The par alytic is brought, he and his bearers expect ing a cure. Both are in earnest, both are prayerful, both confess themselves helpless, both are sensible that no one else can cure them. Bring ont the grace of the Savior to these men. He touches the leper and he is clean. He forgives tbe palsied man and bids him rise and walk. The cure of both is instantaneous and perfect. A word from Jesus will give peace to the most anxious soul. They that want salvation can obtain it at once. The great object of the teacher with this lesson should be to illustrate the sinner’s terrible condition, the Savior’s power and grace, the simplicity of the method of sal vation and the certain reward of faith. A LETTER FROM SA VAN'S AH. 'Editor Index ! For two weeks we nave held meetings daily in our church. Rev. J. E. Hutson, of Virginia, had arranged meet ings for Savannah, Albany and Americus. He promised to be in Savannah on the 23rd of January. The interests of the meeting in the Second Church, Richmond, deman ded another week there. At the end of that week he was sick and in the hands of doctors. Now it is probable that he will give up his contemplated work in this State. I commenced the meeting on the 23rd, and Bro. R. T. Hanks, who had promised to aid me if Bro. Hutson failed to come, came from Atlanta on the 24th, and remained, preaching daily, and with good effect, until yesterday. Last evening four were baptized, two have been received for baptism, and seven by letter. An addition of thirteen, and a majority of them heads of families. The meeting has been profitable and de lightful to Christians. Bro. Hank's labors were constant, instructive and earnest. He leaves us with the high and grateful appre ciation of the church. The Trustees of Mercer University have elected me Financial Secretary and Lecturer on Theology. I have declared my intention to assume the position and its duties, as soon as I can be released from my pastoral obligations here. Sylvanus Landrum. Feb. 5, 1881. AGNOSTICISM. Some one having the leisure, and possess ing the peculiar fitness, might give to his times a very curious and interesting work by writing a history of Doubt. So far as I am informed, such a service has nev r been at tempted. Many have written upon different forms of unbelief—each one speaking of the particular phase of it presented in his time and to his view ; but no one has un ■ dertaken tbe broader and greatest task of ; tracing through the ages the rise and fall of ' the various forms of doubt that have ap I peared in the realms ot unbelieving minds The historian in this wide, metaphysical field would find out, in his researches, the curious fact that unbelief—the same ancient hoary, protean unbelief that has figured against revealed truth—is at the foundation of all the phases of doubt, and also find out the Scriptural truth, that Satan—the same old “father of lies" that has figured against God—is at the bottom ot all unbelief. Then, really we would have in such a work the history, the curious history of Satan as in carnated, and enthroned,’ and reigning in unbelieving men—in the tbe doubt of all ancient and modern thought. And reach ing our time, we would find that the present and culminating phas> of unbelief is in Agnosticism. t'he same ancient, shifting spirit assumes a new form of doubt, and we must have a new name for it, hence the coinage of the new term, agnosticism. The word is formed of “a,” a negative prefix, and "gignosko,” to know. It is applied to the philosophy or religion of those among modern thinkers who hold to the unknowableness of divine and eternal things. Then, an agnostic is a philosophical or religious know-nothing. It is no marvel that we should see this cul mination of unbelief in universal doubt. The unbelieving world has been led on and on by the seducing prince of darkness into bleaker and still bleaker realms, and it is not strange that, at last, its “advanced thinkers” have been led to, and have gone over, the dreadful p e ripice into abysmal doubt! “Working ii the children of disobedience,” “ira lag captive” unbe lieving thought, Satan, the arch agnostic, has engulfed bis followers in trackless, dis mal scepticism I J. H. H. Newnan, Ga. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DeVOTIE, D.D.. I jm.. KEV. C. M. IRWIN, f Edltonl ‘ Minion Board of the Georgia Baptist Conven tion— Officers: Rev. R. B. Hcadden, President; Rev. J. H. De Voile, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer: Rev. V. C. Norcross, Recording Secretary. Members—Revs. D. W. Gwin, A. T. Spalding, H. C. Hornady, F. M. Daniel, V. C. Norcross, Dr. Jas. 8. Lawton Atlanta; G. A. Nun nally, Rome; D. E. Butler,Madison; J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Cartersville; J. H. DeVole. Foreign Mission Board of tbe Southern Baptist Convention.-Rev. H. A. Tupper, D. D., Corres ponding Secretary, Richmond, Va. Home Mission Board of the Southern Bantlst Convention—Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor responding Secretary, Marion, Alabama. WHAT ANSWERS WILL WE MAKE? 1. What more has Jesus done and suffered to save our missionaries than he has endur ed to save our souls ? 2. In your estimaion, do they express too much gratitude and love when, at his com mand, they go to preach his gospel to the heathen, enduring suffering, and sacrificing all for his sake, that the lost of benighted nations may be saved ? 3. They say “the love of Christ constrain eth us.” How is it that his equal love for us does not constrain us to share in that work which is more than anything else pleasing to our Lord and Master ? 4. If our missionaries are in the right, are we not wrong who do so little or nothing for the conversion of the world? Are they under any obligation which is not, in some way, equally binding upon every disciple of Christ? “Lord what wilt thou have me to do, be the prayer of each one of us.” Then, when made wise to know, may we be strong to do our duty without delay. Do something—do it now. D. The following is an extract from the Mis sion Report of the Friendship Association, 1880: "Can we, shall we, hear the wails of the destitute and dying at our own doors, and upon foreign shores, and still allow our hearts to remain untouched by these pathet ic appeals, and our purses unopened by these pressing wants? Shall we. so highly favor ed of God in material and spiritual resources, still refuse to respond promptly and liberal ly to the calls made upon our Christian be nevolence? Will we not, all of us, bestir ourselves to do more than we have ever done for the evangelization of a sin-stricken world? In our own State there are large sections of country where the gospel is sel dom, or never heard, and where feeble churches are struggling for existence. “From Albany to Brunswick, along the line of railroad connecting these two cities, there is only one feeble church. From Eastman to Brunswick there are only a few churches ; and lying almost south of those two roads is a region of 80 by 60 miles where there is scarcely a Baptist church. Let us then commence at Jerusalem, indeed, but let us not stop there—let us not relax our efforts; withhold our contributions, nor restrain our prayers, until ‘every creature’ shall hear the glad tidings of salvation ; un til there is not a spot on God's green earth where the gospel is not proclaimed ; until every human ear has heard, and every hu man heart has felt, the preciousness of a Sa vior’s dying love. “We suggest as some of the causes of our seeming indifference in regard to this mo mentous matter:— “Ist. The absence of an abiding and in tense missionary spirit. “2d. A want of iaith in God’s readiness to give us back what we give to him. “3d. The lack of information in regard to our missionary places and operations. “4th. A failure to realize that the law of Christ requires every one to lay by him in store, every week, as God has prospered, and the consequent neglect of a regular system atic plan of contributions. “We recommend a still more hearty and cordial support of our State Board of Mis sions, and request all of our churches to take up regular monthly or quarterly collections, and forward to Dr. J. H. DeVotie, Corres ponding Secretary and Treasurer of State Mission Board, Atlanta, Georgia, or to Wm. Wells, Treasurer of Friendship Association, Smithville, Georgia. B, W. Bussey, “Chairman.” The Executive Committee of the Associa tion has lately made an appropriation to our State Board of $350 toward tbe support of Rev. P. A. Jessup, our excellent and efficient missionary located at Eastman, and preach ing at several stations in the destitute re gions referred to in the report, along the line of the Macon and Brunswick railroad. D. Report on Missions prepared by Judge J. R. Brown, of Canton, Georgia, and adopted by the Noonday Association, at its annual meeting, 1880. Read, reflect, reduce to prac tice: “The great work and mission of Christ’s Church on earth, is the spread of the gospel. Christ commanded his disciples to ‘go and preach the gospel to all nations,’ and we are taught in his holy word, “That they who preach tbe gospel shall live of the gospel.” The same blessed book which teaches it is the duty of the minister to go and preach, also teaches that it is the duty of the churches to sustain him while he goes. The history of the Church, through all the ages of the past, shows that God has sent bis gospel by means, and he has placed the means in the hands of his people, and pointed them to the field where the labor is to be done; and will hold them responsible, in the great day of his reckoning, for the manner in which they have used the means placed at their command. Thousands and millions of our fellow-men and women are perishing for want of the gospel! The harvest is great and the labor ers are few. The blessed Master commands us to pray that more laborers be sent into the field. But how can we pray for more laborersand, at tbe same time, refuse to con tribute the means to support them? God will not hear our prayers while we thus re fuse to obey’ his commands. “We feel encouraged and profoundly grateful to God for his increased interest manifested in the churches of this Associa tion, in this important work, as shown by the increase of contributions for the present over the amount contributed for last year. But a still more encouraging prospect is the fact that several churches have made con tributions during thisyear which made none heretofore. This shows that our brethren are beginning, more than ever before, to ap preciate the great importance of the work ; and, seeing and understanding their duty, are, like faithful servants, performing it. But, without intending to make the slight est reflection upon either the motives or con duct of those good brethren who have not felt it their duty, in the past, to contribute anything to this great and glorious object, wc suggest, in the utmost kindness and brotherly love, that it is difficult for your committee to understand how it is that a church composed of brethren and sisters who profess to be missionaries can content them selves to let a whole year pass without con tributing anything to the cause they admit it is their duty to sustain I We do not insist that brethren, or churches, should contribute more than they are able, but we think it to be the duty of every church to do something in this work. We pray God to awaken in the minds and hearts of his people a greater zeal and more lively interest in this impor tant work. J. R. Brown, “Chairman.” "DOES IT PAY?" “At the first meeting of the Triennial Convention, $25.00 was raised for Foreign Missions. Now about fifty grand Protestant organizations are engeged in the work, with 11,040 Christian laborers, 761,388 communi cants, 229,058 scholars, and 350,000 adher ents, who have adopted the Chiistian name; and this work is supported at an annual ex penditure of $6,531,930. Tn more than 300 ’alee of Eastern and Southern Polynesia, the gospel has swept heathenism away’, says the Secretary of the London Missionary Society. Os the 1,350,000,000 of the earth, 360,000,000 profess faith in Christ. "You express doubt as to African Evan gelization. Philip bad no doubt when he preached Jesus to the Cushite, or black man, whose people, ruled by Queens called Can dace, according to ancient writers, lived ‘South of Egypt.' Witness African evangeli zation in America. Are Africans more de graded than the Fijis? At a recent Anni versary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, the Governor of Fiji said that of the 120,000 Fijis, 100,000 were regular church-goers; that the natives themselves had built 800 church-houses. "On the progress of the work, Rev- J. H. Boothe, says, in 1879; 'During six years the Protestants of Japan have increased from thirteen to 12,000. The leading paper in Japan, speaking of Christianity, said not loug ago. ‘lt is astonishing how this way is spreading.’ “The Hon, William Ware has lately visi ted the Sandwich Islands, and be reports that no land is now better supplied with schools, And churhes; and says ‘There are in Worcester county, Massachusetts, more persons who can neither read nor write, than in the Sandwich Islands. Sixty years ago these people were cannibals. On the mon ument of Dr John Giddis, who labored as Missionary in one of these Islands, is engra ved the sentence : when he came here there were no Christians; 'when he went away there were no heathen.’ “ The Presbyterians of this country report 600 converts at their missionary stations du ring the past year; the Congregationalists 1,225, while the Baptists report 17,000. The Presbyterians spent $461,668, the Congrega tionalists $482,204, and the Baptists $278,823. “Tbe various Missionaiy Societies of the world have put in circulation one hundred and fifty millions of copies of the Scriptures in heathen lands, and the Bible is now prin ted in 230 modern languages and dialects. “Hear what the Secretary of the Mission ary Union says, ,in his Annual Report of 1879: ‘Especially do we find ground of en couragement in the wonderful success of Christian Missions hitherto. At the close of 1877, British India, including Burmah and Ceylon, contained 500,000 Christian na tives, with a nominally Christian population of at least 2,000,000, or more. And at the same ratio of increase which has prevailed during the last twenty years, fifty,years more will make the whole vast region as really Christian as Great Britain is to-day. Then look at China, with its 14,000 converts, most ly gathered since the opening of the treaty ports. If any one should be inclined to re gard this as a small number to be gathered out of the 350,000,000 or 400,000,000 of Chi na, let us remind him that, if conversions go on in the same ratio in the future as in the past, thirty-five years from to-day will see 26 000,000 of professing Christians in China, with a nominally Christian population of 100,000,000 more. Then look at Africa, with its 180,000 Christians on the Southeastern coast, between the Cape of Good Hope and the Zambesi, besides the thousands on the southern or western coasts, and four, per haps five, of the noblest Missionary Socie ties are pushing on to occupy the region around the great central lakes. See Polyne sia, with 68,000 converts, and a Christian population of more than 100,000. Think of Japan, which stands in the van of heathen civilization, and inquires for the true relig ion, tbe authoritative system of God, and the all sufficient religion for humanity. Though the open converts to Christianity are not numerous, yet the labors bestowed upon the people have resulted in more than the average success in other lands.” —(For- eign Missionary of S. B. Convention, p. 260 and 261.) —St. Louis Baptist. PROGRESS OF MISSIONS. We sometimes hear doubtful or disparag ing remarks on the subject of missions—usu ally to the effect that the results are by no means commensurate with the machinery employed and the expenditure of money. What are the facts? Fifty years ago there was but one Chris tian convert in Burmah; to-day there are more than 20,000. In a recent address Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, D. D., of Detroit, Mich., gave the following figures, which show at a glance the immense development of missionary work during the present century:, Raiieof Number of 1800. 1880. Increase. Translations of Bible. 50 250 5 fold Missionary Societies... 7 70 10 ” Missionariesl7o 2,500 15 " Contributions 8250,000 $8,250,000 25 " Bibles distributeds,ooo,ooo 150,000,000 30 " Converts 50,000 1,800,000 35 " Schools 70 12,003 170 " When the modern missionary work began, it had not only every difficulty in foreign fields to overcome, but it was weak at home, from lack of interest and confidence, and, consequently, from lack of support. If this be duly considered in connection with the result reported, and if, then, we consider the multiplication of agencies, the vastly aug mented resources and facilities, we are justi fied in expecting much greater results from the next half century’s work.—Baptist Fami ly Magazine. No Excuse.—Opportunities for extending the knowledge of the gospel areso abundant that all are without excuse. The work is brought nigh, even at our doors. In it every Christian man and woman can engage, as sured by the blessed Savior that their efforts will not be in vain. Os all the duties to which a Christian can devote himself, there is none that more clearly illustrates the spirit of Jesus and imparts richer spiritual enjoyments, and inspires us with brighter hopes of heaven, than constant, regular, systematic efforts to send the gospel to the nations. If we look for the brightest exam ples of true devotion—for those whose praise is in all the churches—where are we so like ly to find them as among the friends of mis sions ? As you regard the last command of vour Lord and Master—as you value, above all things, his approving smiles—as you de sire to rescue the perishing—if you would promote the glory of God, make no excuse, but enter heartily and liberally in the cause of missions. Will not every Baptist in Georgia respond to the call for help recently made by our Foreign Mission Board? Reader, have you read that appeal ? Have you forwarded your offering? If not, what excuse have you? Are you sure your excuse will be accepted by Him to whom you will have to render your account? I. The Japanese Sunday-schools disapprove of the fictitious tales with which our library books for young people are loaded. They want true stories, or none. A number of American and British Sunday-school libras ry books have been translated into Japa nese, but the youthful Japs refuses to give heed to those which contain fabulous narra tions. Dry biographies and uninteresting “memoirs,” which the American child long ago laid aside as bores, delight the Japanese mind because of their real or supposed his torical accuracy.—Baptist Teacher.