The Christian index and southern Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1892, March 03, 1881, Page 2, Image 2

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2 r JOTTINGS BY THE WAY. Editor Index : My last letter left me in Jefferson county. Monday morning took a nine miles ride through the severest snow atorm I ever experienced in Georgia. Ar rived at the depot in Ixiuisville and found the ware-house closed, and all hands gone to a wash-up in the road. No train that day. My ride through the snow storm for noth ing. The next day made a flying visit to Scriven, Superior Court being in session in that county. Stopped at Scarboro, No. 7, C. R. R , on my return trip and spent a half a day and until 12 o’clock at night most pleas antly with brethren at that joint. Dined with brother Zac. Moore, and took tea with brother Phillips—two brethren and their families, who it is ever pleasant to visit. Scarboro is a nice village indeed. Has two neat churches, Baptist and Methodist, and constructed very much alike. Bro. J. M. Cross has long been the pastor of the Bap tistchurch, and likely to continue for many years to come. The church and comuunity are very much attached to him, and lie to them. My next stopping place was Augusta Bro- E. R. Carswell, Jr., pastor of Caliary Baptist church took charge of me upon my arrival, made me bis guest, and rendered me most efficient services in procuring new subscribers to Tua Index. The large list sent up from Calvary church attests the truth of this statement. In a short paragraph sent up from Augusta, you had an account of the ordination service held in this church during my stay in Augusta, so I will not re peat. To brethren Cheney, pastor of Kal- Joch street, and Landrum, pastor of Green street churches, I am indebted for courtesies received. All the Baptist churches in Au gusta are served by young ministers, and faithful preachers they are. I left brother Cheney in the midst of a protracted meeting, assisted by brothers Landrum and Carswell Stopped over at Warrenton and went with brother J. A. Shivers to one of his churches, Little Briar Creeek. This is one of the oldest churches in Georgia. Was constituted considerably over an Hundred years ago. It has a pood membership, and very large congregation. A new, substan tial and commodious house of worship was erected by the church not long since. Spent Saturday night with brother D.G. Story, one of the deacons. I found this good brother and his excellent family in deen sorrow over the recent sad death of their oldest son, Tommie, on the 30th ult. Tommie, aged about 12 years, and other children were playing with tne rear wheels of a wagon, from wnich the front part had been detached. Tommie was pulling the wheels by the hounds, and walking backwards, when in going down grade the wheels became t x> fast for him, the hounds striking him in the ab domen and crushing him against a tree with so much force that injuries were inflicted from which be died in a few hours. He was a very bright boy. and hi -death is a sad blow to his doting parents. Dined with brother Adam Ivey on Sibbath, one of the staunch members of the church, and then back to Warrenton. Went to the colored church that night Rev. Lewis Williams Porter, (and bj’ the bye a w-arm friend to The Index) and had the pleasure of receiving several names among the colored brethren as subscribers to The Index. Monday, off for Maco 1. Called on broth er Warren, the much beloved pastor of the First church, who put me in away- to work successfully for The Index. Went out with brother T.’K Youngblood Tuesday nipht, and attended the social prayer meeting, which is held every night in the week, save Wednesday and Sunday, at some private house, and met brother Evans, the zealous Sastor of South Macon church. Brother Ivans is a theological student at Mercer, is serving this church and doing a vast amount of pastoral work How be keeps up under sucn a pressure of work is a mystery to all. 1 hope the good Lord will continue to give him health and strength of body and mind to jierform the great work before him. Wednesday I overworked myself in the cold rain, and Wednesday was taken very sick. The kind Father provided good friends to care for me and nurse me, and after three days of suffering I was on my feet again. Called at Milledgeville Tuesday on busi ness forTHE Index,but my time was so short that I bad only opportunity to transact it, and then off again. Wednesday went to Jewells. Here resides one cf the remarkable men in Georgia. I fear to say that which my heart dictates lest it be distasteful to one of the best friends I ever had, or shall ever have. But I cannot refrain from saying that Georgia was greatly blessed when many years ago—lß47l believe —Daniel A. Jewell came from New Hamp shire to be a citizen of our grand old Com monwealth. For many years be resided in Milledgeville, where I first knew him, and then came to reside here, eventually becom ing the sole proprietor of what was then known a’ Rock Mills Factory, now Jew ell’s. Possessed of indomitable energy and untiring integrity, he steadily ro>e higher and higner, until the once humble factory boy is now one of the wealthy men of Georgia. And as Providence has prospered him, so he has been a blessing to his coun try. A handsome brick cnurch, built and donated by him to the Baptists, and standing on a beautiful site not far from his own commodious residence, is but one of the evidences of his large hearted liberality. I need scarcely say that be and his household —wife, children, all—are devoted Christians, members of this same Baptist church which his own beneficent hand erected. With scores, vea I might write hundreds of others, I can say, and do say, God bless brother Jewell, his family and all that pertains unto him. Brother N. B. Binion is the beloved pastor of Jewell’s church. Thursday, back to Mayfield, and thence to Washington. This is one of the noble old towns of Georgia, noted for the great men it has given to the world. 1 was sur prised to find the Baptist church here with out a pastor. I hope it will not be so long. Met quite a number of the brethren living in town and country, and several of the noble sisters, who are ever foremost in every good work. Spent a part c-f two days and a night here very pleasantly, and had the pleasure of adding several names to the subscription lists of The Index My next stopping place was Penfield, but I have so much to say abort that grand old place, where so many of the great and good of Georgia have been educated, that I will defer it to another letter, J. M. G. Medlock. p, B.—l have just learned that brother Ellington, father of Rev. J. W. Ellington, died after a brief illness at his home in Taliaferro county, on Friday last Bairdstown church has also lost one of its most efficient members in the death of brother Thomas Callahan some two weeks since. A great loea to the church and com munity. •• “• “ THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1881. PEN DkpPPINGS. By l. l. v. Will not the curse pronounced upon thoee who add to or take from the written Word fall also upon those who, for the purpose of bolstering up preconceived opinions, wilful ly jiervert its meaning? But what shall be said of those who wres; the Scriptures with the best of intentions? This is frequently done. We have heard ministers preach ser mons, and very forcible ones, too, from texts which were designed to teach no such doctrine as that which they evolved from them. For instance there is a fine passage in which the poet personifies wisdom, and represents her as being so importqnate with men to heed her teachings that she even stands at the corners of streets and makes appeals to the passers by. Then growing indignant at their indifference, she warns them that a day approaches when they will vainly seek her aid. Then says she, “I will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh.” We have heard preach era quote this passage as the words of God himself addressed to the impenitent sinner, and deduce therefrom the doctrine that there comesa time in life when there is no hope for the penitent sinner, and further more, that Goo will rejoice in his final over throw. There are perversions sometimes made worse even than this. We have ob served that several of the published sermons of Dr. Talmage purport to be founded on texts that have not the most remote connec tion with the subject which he discusses. All such liberties with the sacred Word are to be condemned. Even when the intent is the best, passages cannot be wrested from their connection and made to serve purposes for whtch they were not designed, without attacking the sacredness of the word. Be sides, there is no need for any perversions. If one jrroposes to preach from a text, he should proclaim the d-ictrine taught by the text; and for that time he need preach noth ing more. him guard agunst the am bition to seem ingenious by educing unex pected trains of thought. There are passa ges of Scripture so large in their scope that they maj’ be said to cover the whole gospel. When the preacher selects one of these as his theme, he cannot depart from his sub-, ject unless hr gets off on something else than man’s fall and the chances of his recovery. But there are other passages which enunci ate perhaps but a single truth, and when he chooses one of these, be should aim at noth ing more than to set it distinctly and im pressively before his hearers FROM HEMPHILL, TEXAS. Editor Index : The reading of this will tell your readers my location, and I will just make a few notes of my surronadings. Prof. W. M. Reese, one of Mercer's noble sons, is President of the Sabine Valley University, as well as President ofthe Board of Trustees. He is an educator of skill and eminence, and, for this section of country, possesses great influence. The patronage of the University average) over one hundred, and has reached one hundred and twenty. We have pupils from the different counties of Texas ; have several from Louisiana, and one from Geor gia, and one from Mexico. Our school was named for the Sabine river, from whose valley it draws its main support. There is a Sabine Parish in Louis iana, and a Sabine county in Texas, and these are divided by the river which bears tbe same name. We are in the piney region of Texas, and fine fires are very common and easy of access in cold weather. Our Trustees have just secured an eligible lot of thirty acres here, on which they pro pose erecting a plain, neat and commodious building. Thej’ have already advertised for bids, and expect to have the building ready for occupation by the opening of the Fall session I have charge of the Mathematical Depart ment of the school, and Mrs. Robert has tbe Primary Department, with the reading and spoiling, geography and writing of tbe whole school. (We have in attendance a noble set of students). Hemphill, being away from any railroad, and ten miles from the river, we have none ot those temptations to extravagance and dissipation which trouble too many of our school communities. This is the county site. There is not a single prisoner in jail, and, in fact, there has been so little use for that building for years, that it has been allowed to rot in the midst of tbe law-abiding peo ple. We hope to do good here and in the coun try around, in forwarding the Sunday-school and missionary interests of tbe denomina tion, as it was once our lot to do at Griffin, Cassville, Marietta and LiGranj e, Georgia. With many good wishes for The Index, and its projirietors and readers and friends everywhere, I am, yours in the go°pcl, W. H. Robert. •‘LETNOT YOUR GOOD BE EVIL SPOKEN Os. There is a right way to do everything, and this is sometimes almost as important as tbe doing. There are many sincere and earnest work ers for Jesus, who are often in danger of let ting their zeal out rnn their judgment, It is possible to go wrong in our most faith ful efforts to save men, and instead of con ciliating, to prejudice them against the gos pel which alone is able to recover them from the way of death. Christian effort should be the out-come of well-matured plans, of ways and means thoroughly considered, but when we rush into new and untried schemes for doing good, failure is very likely to ensue, and the cause to suffer. Careful consideration for the feelings and rights of others will save us from commit ting many grievous mistakes; and when we succeed in doing good, we shall receive the approval of all right minded people. There is a permanent obligation resting upon us to be wise and prudent in dealing with the souls of men so that we may not mar our work by some indiscretion in the manner of its performance. In working for Jesus, the heart, the head and the hands should co-operate, and in this event the end proposed will be likely to suc ceed. The heart must control, working through the brain, and what these arrange, the hands should be ready to do It is useless to attempt the salvation of men by the aid of cold, frigid and correct logic alone, for men will give no heed to such efforts. There is a demand made for hearty love if one come to me as the bearer ot salvation; and unless he can bring this diploma from the Lord Christ, I cannot really decide whether he seeks my salvation, or destruc tion. But when the heart reveals itself in my behalf, then I can afford to trust both the head and the hands; for under such guid ance, the right way will surely be found. Nothing can barm us when we do right, by right means and proper methods. H. C. H. A Worthy Cause Needing Help.—The First African Baptist church of this city, Rev. Greene McArther, pastor, had their bouse of worship burned two years ago. They have built another and better one, at a cost of $5,000, on which they still owe about $1,400. They have a large but poor membership, who make weekly contribu tions toward current expenses and the liqui - d ation of this debt. The past jr, a most ex emplary brother, who enjoys the confidence of all classes of our citizens, will apply to some of our Geoigia churches, through their castors, for assistance. I take pleasure in bespeaking for his application a favorable 1 Lonrideration. The church stands well for the good order of its members, and the soundness of its talth. The white brethren here have already assisted tin's object liber ally. By publishing the foregoing, The Index will greatly oblige. Very truly, A. B. Campbell. Columbus. Ga. REY. T. J. PILCHER. » The following preamble and resolutions were adopted by tne Baptist church at Ljttle Brier Creek, Warren county, on the resigna tion of their beloved jiastor: / Whereas, In the oroer of Providence, our beloved pastor, R jv. T. J. Pilcher hair felt constrained to resign the pastoral charge 0f our church, and Whebeas, be has for ten years made us a most efficient pastor and minister of the gospel, the church greatly prospering under his ministration, and Whebeas, we cannot permit this separation without giving expressions to our gratitude to him for the great service rendered us, the unbounded couti fence we have in him as a Christian minister, and the sorrow we feel in parting with hi n ; therefore be it Resolved. That we unhesitatingly ex press the highest appreciation of the effi‘ cieut services of our beloved pastor, and that we are sensible of great prosperity under his ministrations, Reolved That we are Junder increasing obligations to him for his labors during the ten years of faithful ministration rendered us as pastor and preacher of the Gospel, ana that we part with him with heart-felt sor row and tenderly commend him to the brethren everywhere, especially our Heavenly Father may call call him To labor, our prayers of love follow him and nis family, invoking the spiritual amftem fioral blessing of heaven upon them through tfe, aqd the triumph of the faithful in the life to come. Resolved, That this preamble and these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the churchs, and that a copy of the same be furnished The Christian Index and the Warrenton Clipper, with the request for publication. D. G. Story, J. H, Cason, J. M. Norris, A. J. Adkins, R. J. Ricketson, Committee. BEAD THAT SERMON. Editor Index : Will you allow me through the columns of The Index, to say a few words concerning the sermon of Brother James Albert Smith, of Bainbrilge? It is on the subject, "The True Faith." I have read it through carefully, although it is long, and I am sure it will pay any one who loves gospel truth to read it. If the readers of The Index have thrown that article uide because of Its length, they have made alnis take. They should all read it and file it away for future use. Notwithstanding I have often read the same truths, both gospel and historical, still there is an interest in the sermon that will well repay the time of perusing it. See The Index of Nov. 18th. W. M. Howell. Questions for Inquirers After Truth.— If when God had made a covenant with Abraham, in which the definite act of cir cumcision was enjoined upon him and all males of the whole nation ot his offspring, and of those males bought of surrounding nations with money, errorrists had called several other acts circumcision, and had taught the people according y and practiced thus would God have b en well-pleased ? Again, if God had required every believer to be baptized by the use of a verb which means to immerse, and errorrists have named the actions of several other verbs euch baptism, and teach and practice accord ingly, may we consider God well-pleased under such departures from divide ments ? Aff'ectionatelyjk*', I. If dbss ' The Sunday-School. International Sunday-School Lecsom. [Prepared specially for The Index by Rev. 8. H. Mirick, of Washington, D.C.] Lesson XL —March 13,1881. THE SINNER'S FRIEND. Luke VII 36 50. A. D. 28. INTRODUCTION. Two instances of anointing by women are related, and we must distinguish between them. One instance is this of our lesson re lated by Luke. The other is that related by Matthew (26:6 13), Mark (14:3 9) and John (12.2 8). The former occurred in Galilee, probably in Capernaum or Nain, more than two years before the death of Jesus; the lat ter in Bethany during the last week of his life. In the one case the woman was ano table sinner; in the other, Mary, the sister of Lazarus. In Galilee the complaint was made by the host, on the ground of tbe wo man’s sinful character; in Bethany by a dis ciple, on the ground of extravagance. These and other differences show us that the ac counts refer to two distinct occasions. OUTLINE. I. The penitent sinner, v. 36 38. 11. The doubting host, v. 39. 111. The loving rebuke, v. 40-46. IV. The forgiven woman, v. 47-50. NOTES. I. The penitent sinner. V. 36. “Pharisees.” Generally wealthy and intelligent men. "Desired.” Asked. 'This invitation was given while Jesus was yet a popular and honored preacher. This Phari see seems to have been favorably disposed towards Jesus, and was perhaps thinking of becoming one of his followers "He went." Accepted the invitation. So Jesus enters the heart that invites him "Sat down.” Re clined. Tables, at that time, were so con structed that they occupied three sides of a rectangle. The fourth side was entirely open, and admitted the servants between the tables. Ou the outside of the tables were couches, on which the eaters lay at full length, rest ing on the left elbow. V. 37. “A woman.” Name not given. There is not a particle of evidence that she was Mary Magdalene. “A sinner.” Gener ally known to be an abandoned woman. “When she knew.” She had been seeking such an opportunity. "Brought.” To us, with our customs, it s ’ems strange that this woman should have entered the house un bidden, and much more the banqueting room. But it was not a strange thing there. Meals were eaten in many houses in rooms which were open to the court-yards, into which the public might enter. Into the yard this woman went, and then, in the free life of the East, into the guest room. “An alabaster box.” Literally, an alabaster. It was most probably a vase. Alabaster resem bles marble, but is softer and more easily worked. “Ointment.” Perfume. V. 38. "Stood." Reverentially. “At his feet behind him."- This she could easily do as he lay upon tbe couch. “ Weeping.’’ Be cause of her sins. “To wash." Rather, to wet. As she stood there her tears fell upon his bare feet, not in a flood, as some think, but in drops. “With the hairs of her head.” Dishevelled as in mourning, and showing thus her entire devotion to him. "Anointed them” with the anointing of a pure and grateful love. 11. The doubting host. V- 39. “Bidden. Invited. “Spake within himself,” but did not utter his though 1 . "If he were a prophet." The people had called him so. V. 16 Evidently this Pharisee had thought him to be so, and as such had invi ted him. ■ The thought in his mind was tbh: If this man were an inspired man he would know the character of this women, and if be were a holy mao he would not receive her gift or allow her to touch him. Supposing that he did not know her character, his faith in him as a prophet is shaken, perhaps des troyed, “Who and what." Her name and characte*. HI. The loving rebuke. V. 40. “Answering." The Pharisee's un expressed thought. A proof of his divine power. "Simon.” Addressing him famili arly and kindly. All have probably risen from their inclined position, and are gazing in wonder on Christ and the woman. Jesus tenderly calls the attention of his host in the words, “I have something to say unto thee.” " Master." Teacher. "Say on." A ready response, indicating a sincere and earnest intention to listen. V. 41. "Creditor.” Literally, money-len der. A supposed case. "Pence " Denarii, a Roman silver coin worth about fourteen cents of our money. If this were the exact amount then one would owe S7O, and tbe other $7. There is nothing specially denoted by these amounts. Tbe simple assertion is. that one owed ten times as much as the other. The idea is that of greaterand smaller obligation. V. 42. “They had nothing to pay.” Both were in the same condition. "Frankly.” Out of pure kindness. “Forgavethem both.” Discharged them from dsbt. "Therefore.” As both were treated alike. "Love him most? ’ Be most grateful. V. 43. "I suppose.” A full response, as if there was no other answer to be given ; just as we say, “Os course ” Simon, no doubt, perceived’ something of tbe design of Jesus. V. 44 "Turned to the woman" from Si mon. "Seest thou this womai?” How di rectly the words of Christ go to Simon’s thought. Seest thou, said he, this woman, whom you look on as such a sinner, and with whom you would have nothing to do; this woman, for whose sake, ypu are mis judging me; this woman, of whose real feel ings you are so ignorant? “I entered.” By invitation, and therefore had a right to ex pect the usual tokens of hospitality. "Thou gave it me no water for my feet.” It was a part of hospitality to see that the sandals were removed and the feet washed. Th s Simon bad neglected. "She," on whom there was no demand of hospitality. Notice the contrast between "water" and “tears,” a towel and “the hairs.” V. 45, 46. Still other contrasts. “No kiss.” The kiss was customary with men. "Since the time I came in." She must have entered there soon after he did. “To kiss my feet." The word here used denotes a frequest kiss ing. “My head with oil.” A universal cus tom among the Jews. The oil used was sweet oil or oil ot olives perfumed. “My feet with ointment.” Real perfume, not fragrant oil. How little he did 1 How much she didl IV. The forgiven woman. V. 47. "Wherefore." Because she has done so. “I say unto you.” An emphatic decla ration. "Are forgiven.” Her condition. “For she loved much.” Not the reason for her forgiveness, but the evidence of it. It was her great love for Jesus which brought her with perfume to the Pharisee’s house, to tears, and to the anointing. "Lovetb little.” One who loves little, shows by that very thing that be is not sensible of great sin nor of much forgiveness. An indirect but per sonal appeal to Simon, which tended to give him a kindly disposition toward the woman, and to make him thoughtful about himself. V. 48 “Phy sins are forgiven." Now, in the presence of Simon and of all the rest, he declares to the woman that her sins have been forgiven. V. 49. “Who Is this that forgiveth sins also?” Whether a sincere inquiry or a con temptuous, unbelieving thought, the cir cumstances do not enable us to say. V. 50. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” Not ' her coming, not her weeping, not her per fume, but that which prompted each of these, her faith in Jesus as a Savior. Faith is not an intellectual opinion, nor an act of obedi ence, but a trust that accepts Christ. “Go in j>eace.” She need fear no evil results from her past life, no Pharisaic repulse, no penalty from God. LETTER FROM ALBANY, GA. Editor Inpex : I received on the 14!h ult. a surprise “Valentine” from my church, consisting of a dray-load of valuables for the pantry and for family wear. It would take up too much of your space to enumerate the articles. The thing was kept a profound secret until the dray was stand ing at my gate. As these testimonials come in addition to a good salary, they indicate that love and appreciation which are prized above the gifts. If other churches could know how much these testimonials do to lighten t ie pastor’s burdens, and gladden his heart, they might be induced to do like wise. I have recently enjoyed the privilege of preaching for the church in Savannah for ten days. They are now in grief at Dr. Landrum’s resignation. My opinion is, Mercer could not have gotten a better "Pro fessor of Theology and Financial Secretary” than the Savannah Bishop will make them, but that makes it but very little easier for our church there to give up their beloved shepherd. However, the work which Dr. Landrum has set his heart on doing, will appear in a few years, as it is the most im portant of all our enterprises within the State. Will we not rally around him in this important mission ? I am indebted to our brethren in Savan nah for two week'- of princely hospitality, and of the most blessed of all favors—the privilege of preaching the glorious gospel of Christ. R T. Hanks. FROM THE INDIAN TERRITORY Editor Index : Through the kindness of brother W. O. Tuggle, of LaGrange, I be came a reader of The Index, and have been reading it now about fourteen months. I like your valuable paper for its sound Bible doctrines ; have read every page of it with much interest and information. The Bible and The Index is the only library I have. It has been a source of much information to me and I can’t dispense with it. You will please continue to send me The Index until I hear from Bro. Tuggle, who is now in Washington city. Toe great work of our Lord and Master is progressing encouragingly among tbe Creeks and Seminole people. We have had to con tend with unusual severe cold weather, yet we have witnessed encouraging results at our meeting. Asking an interest in your prayers, and that of the brethren, I remain Your brother in Christ. Wm. McComb. Eufaula,“Feb 13th. REV. C. C. WILLIS. Editor Index : It would perhaps be some satisfaction to my friends and brethren who read the dear old Index, to be informed that I have recovered from my long and severe spell of sickness of neatly four months con tinuance, so that I was able to attend my churches the two first Sabbaths. lam still ?uite feeble, lost much in flesh and strength. have been near the river of death, but death had no terrors to me. Christ was all to me. I think I could trust Him as my only hope. I thank my brethren for their prayers on my behalf. Thank God for Christian friends. Yonrs in Christ, our common Lord, C. C. Willis. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DzVOTIE, D.D., 1 REV. C. M IRWIN. f Editors, Minton Board ot the Georgia Baptist Conven tion—Officers: Rev. R. B. Beaddeu, Preaident; Rev. J. H. DeVotie, 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. Buller,Madison; J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Cartersville; J. H. DeVote. 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 Bantlst Convention—Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor responding Secretary, Marlon, Alabama. MISSIONS! MISSIONS! A Mission Institute, in the interest of all the Boards connected with the Georgia Bap tist Convention, will be held in the First Baptist church, Dalton, Georgia, from Thurs day night, March 10th, to the Sunday night succeeding; Rev. R. B. Headden, Chairman 8. M. 8., of the Georgia Baptist Convention, presiding. The order of exercises will be about as follows: Thursday night, 7:39 o'clock.—Subject: "Missionary Work the Work of the Church.” Address by Rev. J. H. DeVotie, of Griffin, Ga., followed by Dr. A. T. Spalding, of At lanta, Ga. Friday morning, 10 o’clock. —Subject: "The Source of the Obligation upon us to do Missionary Work,” Address by Rev, G. A. Nunnally, of Rome, Ga., followed by Revs. W. M. Bridges, J. M. McMurry and others. Friday afternoon, 2:30 o'clock.—Subject: “History of the First Efforts of Missionary Labor." Address by Rev. R B. Headden, of Cartersville, Ga., followed by Revs. W. P. Drer, J. J. S. Callaway and others. Friday night, 7.30 o’clock —Sermon by Rev. G. A. Nunnally. Saturday morning, 10 o’clock. —Subject: “How Shall we Continue the Work?" Ad dress b • Rev. A.T. Spalding, D. D., followed by Dr. DeVotie and others. Saturday night, 7:30 o'clock. —Sermon by Rev. R B Headden. Sunday morning, 10 o’clock. —Address to the Sunday-school, by Dr. Spalding and R. B Headden. Sunday morning, 11 o’clock. —Sermon by Dr. DeVotie. Sunday night, 7:30 o’clock.—Sermon by Dr. Spalding. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TBE CHURCHES. In speaking of the responsibilities of the churches to give the gospel to the world, we do not propose to say anything upon the general subject of missions. Most of the churches admit the obligation, still they do but little. One reason why the gatherings aie so small is want of some plan for raising mission funds. We have concluded that it might do good just now to reproduce a part of the report ot Rev. 8. G. Hillyer on Mis sions, made to the Rehoboth Association in October, 1877. He suggests a plan which, if adopted and worked, might largely increase contributions to missions now so much need ed by our Boards. Dr. Hillyer says: “1. Let each church appoint a standing Committee on Missions. “2. Let said Committee take the list of all the members, and divide the names into as many parts as there are members on the Committee. Then let each take one of these divisions, and every month make a personal application to each person on his list for a contribution to missions. “3 Let each contributor designate the ob ject to which his donation shall be applied. “4. The Chairman should enter in a book each donation under its appropriate head, so that no mistake may be made in the final distribution. "5. The Committee should meet once a month to ascertain the result of each mem ber’s work, and for consultation, that all may be benefited by the experience of each. “By this method every church-member can be reached, and opportunity given him to make just the donation which his feelings may prompt. The spirit of missions will be encouraged, and the people will give, even if it be but little. The aggregate of our col lections will be largely increased by making available these small sums. The ‘widow’s mite’ must not be despised. Only let all give something and much will be collected.” If the churches could be constantly im ■ pressed with the fact that Missionary Socie ties and Boards never were intended to take the work of sending the gospel to those who have it not out of tneir hands, but only the agents of the churches, they would be more diligent in devising plans to raise the money nec.ssary to carry on the work. I. ITEMS FROM BROTHER MIN TOSH. —Rev. J. B. Hartwell has recently bap tized a Chinese woman, the first baptized in California, and the second in America. —We take the following from the “Herald of Truth,” published in Oakland, Cal.:— “Our Chinese Church and Mission in San Fbancibco. —The Southern Baptist Mis sion Board have a missionary in San Fran cisco who devotes his entire time to labor among the Chinese. Rev. J. B, Hartwell has now been in this field about one year, and has already proved himself a faithful and energetic missionary. A church has been organized; preaching regularly sus tained, and classes of Chinese pupils regu ■ larly and daily taught in the rooms, on Washington street. This is an important movement on the part of our Southern breth - ren, and one which we believe will result in great blessing. They could not have sent a more worthy, devoted and efficient man than brother Hartwell. His knowledge of the Chinese language and people fit him es pecially for this work. Brother Hartwell is surrounded by an extensive field of labor. For him or any other one man, to do j ustice to the extensive Chinese population in the immediate vicinity of his mission, is impos sible. He needs at least three helpers in his classes, but could he have immediately one assistant teacher, it would greatly aid him, and would be of much advantage to the cause. Twenty dollars j>er month will se cure a good female assistant for evening classes. Now, cannot, will not twenty of our California churches give one dollar a month this year for this work ? Brooklyn church will be one. Who savs ay ? S. B. M. —And this is from the same paper:— “‘G, S. A.’ in tbe Examiner and Cbronß cle, says that the coming of Rev. J. B, Hart well saved the Chinese Baptist church in San Francisco. Put that to the credit of our Home Mission Board at Marion, Alabama, and send Dr. Mclntosh a contribution to aid in saving some other church." —Religious Herald. —“ ‘G. S A.’ said it saved the mission. Brother Hartwell had the honor of organiz - ingout of it the First Chinese Baptist church in San Francisco. He needs the assistance urged by brother Morse in this number, and should have it. The ‘Herald of Truth’ will publish all the ayes to brother Morse’s prop osition from churches or individuals." —At the last meeting of the Board the following new appointments were made: Rev- W. F. Woods, Key West, Fla.; Rev. T. E. Porter, Tallahassee, Fla.: Rev. J. A. Howard, Auburn, Ala.; Rev. H. A. Horna dy, Third church, Atlanta, Ga. Rev. J. H. Campbell was re-appointed at Columbus, Ga. Rev. J. A. Trenchard, formerly of Geor gia, now living at McAllister, Indian Terri tory, was appointed Superintendent of the Mechanical Labor Mission School in the Creek Nation. Applications for assistance, exceeding the means in the treasury, are multiplied. What shall we do? The best answer is a remit-, tance to help on the good work. Who will' resjxmd? W.«H. Mclntosh, Marlon, Ala. Oor. Sec. DUTY OF PAS ft) RS RESPECTING MISSIONS Some seven or eight years ago, Rev. M. J. Knowlton, missionary to China, prepared and put to press a most interesting and in structive volume, called, “The Foreign Mis sionary." The second chapter is upon the “Duty of pastors respecting missions." We submit brief extracts hoping they will be carefully real and that good to the cause of missions will be the result. The author says "That there is a great deficiency of interest in missions among the churches, is generally admitted. This lack of interest is manilested chiefly in disrelish for mis sionary reading ; neglect of earnest prayer for missions. •••••• This apa thy appears in striking contrast with the increasing ability, means and appliances that God is putting into the bands of Chris tians. The deficiency of missionary spirit and action suggests tbe inquiry, How may the defect be remedied? How may Chris tians be induced to obev Christ's last com mand ? How may the churches be brought up to the stand that they should occupy in tbe work ot evangelizing the nations? The accomplishment of this work evidently lies chiefly in the province of pastors. The ac knowledged teachers and leaders of the churches must, with the blessing of God, raise them if they ever attain to that state of missionary devotion and consecration that it is their duty to occupy. What then is the duty of pastors respecting missions? The pastor should himself possess a true missionary spirit. The old adage, “Like priest, like people,” holds as true respecting missions, as other matters. If a pastor does not himself possess an earnest missionary spirit, he cannot infuse one into his church ; the law of human influence will forbid. A heart deeply moved will move others, and vice versa. The pastor's heart must be all aglow with missionary zeal, and bis flock will instinctively catch the same spirit. And if he is a missionary worker, ready to engage, heartily, in every effort to advance Christ’s Kingdom, whether at home or abroad, his example also in this direction will be more effective than his words in inducing mis sionary action among tbe members of his church." There is a church in Middle Georgia with a membership of some one hundred and twenty-five or more, whose annual contribu tions per member exceed any other church in tbe State known to the writer. Why is this ? The answer is, the pastor is abundant in missionary zeal, infuses his people with the same spirit, and never hesitates to de clare unto them that to give their money to the cause of missions is not only a duty, but a Christian grace that each one of them should constantly and regularly cultivate. Such fidelity in a pastor to his flock will not likely fail in its rewards and results. We would be glad to extend this article, but the space allowed us will not permit. We must, however, ask to be allowed to in troduce one or two more extracts from this valuable book. Mr. Knowlton goes on to say : "There can be no doubt that much, and perhaps most, of the apathy in the churches respecting missions, is attributable to the lack of interest and the inactivity of pastors. Take an instance: A few years since the pastors left most of the instruction of their churches on benevolence, and the taking of collections for missions to agents. As was natural the churches came to consider the appeals of the agents as merely begging for money, and not as earnest exhortations to the performance of a Christian duty and the cultivation of a Christian ‘grace.’ Hence, agents were virtually voted a nuisance, and their labors were, to a large extent, dispensed with. What was the consequence ? Many churches at once ceased to take collections, and to this day have done nothing, or very little, for either Foreign >or Home missions. When inquired of why they do nothing, the answer usually is, “Our pastor has not brought the subject before us,” We take great pleasure in stating that there are now, more than ever before, a greater number of pastors who, at least occasionally, and some regularly, bring the subject of missions before their churches and urge lib eral contributions ; and that the number of givers has been increased. We may refer again to this valuable author upon some other points which he has dis cussed. I. The mission report of the Ajjpalachee As sociation is worthy of a careful reading and to be reduced to practice. The statement that their adoption of the plan of tae Convention for raising mission funds has increased their contribution thirty per cent, beyond the proceeding year is specially encouraging. Increase is the re sult everywhere if faithfully administered. The suggestions, resolutions and rules and motives of giving are wise and Scriptural. Carry them into execution, and a blessed work will be done. Let us say and do. It says: We have carefully compared the contribu tions for the cause of missions for the past year with tbe year before, in our bounds, and find that there has been an increase of about 30 per cent. This is indeed refresh ing. Let us take courageand press on. The inquiry naturallv arises, how comes this about? From what we are able to see and learn, it is not because we have in our midst a new gospel, nor that the membership of our churches has grown wealtny in this world's goods, but we think the reason is to be found in this tbat the churches have en deavored to practically indorse the action of the Georgia Baptist Convention in with drawing from the field all agents for the col lection of funds for missions. It is a truth, brethren, worthy of reflection, that while Grace is free, the Gospel is not—the Gospel operative. The gospel as a plan to be work ed by man for the salvation of the lost is not free. It costs money to operate the gospel. It cannot be preached and spread without sacrifice. We earnestly recommend that all the churches within our bounds promptly adopt some suitable plan and operate it in the interests of missions. The plan adopted ought to be Scriptural, and consequently will include the following particulars: Ist. It will look to the collection of funds from every single individual member of the church. 2nd. It ought to ba systematic, characterized by regularity as to the time of making contributions. 3rd. It ought to be operated upon the Scriptural principle that giving does not impoverish. 4th. Teach that giving must be as the Lord prospers. sth. It should look to the truth that only cheerful giving is acceptable to God. The highest success can never be reached if we despise God's method, prescribed in His word. We call attention to the fact that the State Board is located at Atlanta, and is the proper medium through which to make dis tribution of our money. This Board has the supervision of all missionaries in the State. It is much in need of funds now to meet destitution in our own Georgia. H. R. Bernard, Chairman- If You Feel Despondent, and weary of life, do not rive up: it is not trouble that causes such feelings, but disor dered kidneys or liver, which Warner’s Safe Kidney and Liver Cure will invigorate, res tore, and thus bring you happiness once more.