The Christian index and southern Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1892, March 03, 1881, Page 2, Image 2
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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-
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Kidney and Liver Cure will invigorate, res
tore, and thus bring you happiness once
more.