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JOTTINGS Sr the wa y.
Editor Index : My last letter closed with
my approach to good old Penfield. At
Woodville, the nearest railroad station, it
was my good fortune to meet Dr. Thomas P.
Janes, late Commissioner of Agriculture of
Georgia, who resides a short distance (two
miles, I believe) from Penfield. His road
home lay through Penfield, and he kindly
offered me a seat in bis buggy to that point.
As we journeyed on, we approached a farm
house that, from some cause, I know not
what, (except that it bad the appearance of
of having been built many years ago) at
tracted my attention, and led me to make
some inquiry concerning it. The Doctor in
formed me that here once resided the par
ents of Mrs. Gen. John B. Gordon, and here
that noble and accomplished lady was born
and reared. Time, and the results of the
late war, have doubtless greatly changed the
appearance of the farm and building from
what they were in the happy days of South
ern wealth and independence, but still it is
far from being unattractive now.
As we ascend the bills, Penfield appears
in the distance. I could not resist the feel
ing of reverence and solemnity that came
over me as I beheld this, to every Georgia
Baptist, one of the most sacred spots in all
our State and country. Here was founded
beloved Mercer University. Here still re
main many—nearly all the University buil
dings, as they were left when the University
was removed to Macon. In the afternoon
Rev. J. W. Ellington, Principal of Mercer
High School, took me to the noble old chap
el where so many of the distinguished of
Georgia received their diplomas. From
there we strolled through the grove of noble
old oaks, and on out to the cemetery. Here
for the first time I stood by the grave of old
father Mercer. Beneath an unassuming slab
of Georgia marble, with granite base, rest
the mortal remains of this truly great and
good man. The inscription upon the slab
is simply,
JESSE MERCER,
Bora 16th of December 1769;
Died 6th of September 1841.
This is all, the punctuation just as I have
given it. Yet he has left a monument to
his memory so tall, so bright that the world
can see and admire, and more imperishable
than brass or marble.
Brother Ellington and I spent the afternoon
(after his school was dismissed) in visiting
points of interest, and talking over the past.
A more interesting season I have rarely ever
spent. Thanks to this good brother.
He has a fine school here, and permit me
to say that I do not know a better place to
tend a boy or girl to have their thoughts
prepared for a college or university educa
lion. Penfield is free from the vices and
temptations of town or city, the society of
the village is the very best, and health un
surpassed. But I must desist although I
have not said half I wished to concerning
Penfield and surroundings. I spent a de
lightful time socially with brother Ellington
and his excellent family, and left next morn
ing for Union Point to spend Sabbath. Ar
rived at Union Point, Dr. Landrum soquj
had me in charge, and quartered at Jm|
pleasant home. I had never met
before. but I soon found him a *1 .s.
deed, and be and his good
fee! at om <■ that I was not antidfl-
Attended Hniieh mi "b-Xjjh
■■.mon from brother
noon and night. Also
in the Irnen ,oiu 1
an .-’lie Su| '
His
.<■*s '.2 »P s**'
■I *’ r * - v
-'z
? a'
...I Hl' illlhri no ethMg
next day with a v*Bn
the meeting.
My next stopping place wa!R!MH
This is one of the most
little towns I have visited any where/ajß
according to population, is not surpassed
the number of warm-hearted Baptists. Mw
baggage was soon deposited at Rev. J. G.j
Gibson’s. Brother Gibson was out looking
after his farming interests, but his noble.wite
gave me a cordial welcome, and made me
feel at home at once. The day was far spent,
and I deferred beginning work until the next
day, when I would have brother G’s. help,
and I was truly glad afterwards that I did.
Brother G. is an excellent pastor, having the
love and entire confidence of his people, and
by his help it was my privilege so enroll a
large list of new subscribers at Crawford, as
well as to renew quite a number, all have
renewed, save two, (and they were not in
town) whose time had expired.
From Crawford, ran up to Athens, but fin
ding brother Campbell had just canvassed
that city and sent olf a large list of new sub
scribers, and, being pressed for time. I came
back to Stephens. Here I expected the assis
tance of brother C. J. Landrum, but was
grieved to learn, upon my arrival, that by a
fall from a horse a day or two previous, he
had broken the small bone in one of his an
kles, and dislocated the ankle joint. Went
to see him, and lound him suffering from
these injuries. I remained with him and in
the village until the next day; received a
few new subscriptions, and then went back to
Bairdstown. Brother Callaway was there
and took me out home with him for the
night. This good brother truly has his hands
full. He is serving three churches several
miles apart, has charge of the Academy with
a good school, and has considerable farming
interests to look after. The Fedara) soldiers
did their best during the war to put an end
to brother Callaway's usefulness. He was a
captain in the Confederate army, and com
manded his company in many of the heaviest
battles of the war. At Chicamauga he was
fearfully wounded in the thigh by a Sharp’s
rifle. The ball remained in his person until
some time last year, when, having come so
near the surface as to be very troublesome,
he bad it cut out. He is in the fu.l vigor of
health and usefulness yet, has a charming
home and a happy family—one of the most
pleasant I have visited.
Attended Baird’s church Saturday and
Sunday. This is one of the old churches of
Georgia, having been constituted in 1802.
Rev. P- H. Mell was pastor for thirty-three
years, resigning after his election as Cnancel
lor of the State University in consequence of
his inability to serve the church longer and
fill the responsible position as Chancellor.
He is still a member of this church, and al
most idolized by the membership. The
church was truly fortunate in procuring the
services ol Rev. D. D. Straton as his succes
sor. Brother S. is truly an able minister and
a most excellent pastor. The church would
scarcely exchange him for any one, unless it
be Dr. Mell. The membership of the church
numbers about 360. The church recently
sustained a heavy loss in the death of brother
Thomas Callahan. It was my privilege while
here to receive quite a number of new sub
scribers to The Index, to be followed, I hope,
by a still larger number soon. During my stay
here I was kindly entertained by Brethren
Cheney, Davant, Wilson, Edmondson and
McWhorter. Spent Saturday night at brother
Edmondson’S. Our aged brother, Wm. Ed
mondson, is quite feeble, and expects to fol
low brother Callahan very soon. He is now
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1881.
eighty-six years of age, and feels that his
work on earth is done. Brother Straton held
touching services with him on Sunday.
He feels the waters of death laving his feet,
but a Savior's love bas removed the cnillineea
from them. Took tea with brother W. P.
McWhorter and family Sunday night, spent
a delightful evening, and at 9 o'clock left for
other fields of labor. Truly do I thank these
good brethren for the many pleasures they
afforded me during my stay in their midst.
J. M. G. Medlock.
LETTER FROM A UG ÜBTA.
Editor Index: While resting, I have
thought pleasantly to employ myself in
scribbling down a few items for The Index.
I have come to believe, brother Editor, that
some men have considerable more expe
dience than others—none more than an
editor or a pastor. I cannot speak for the
former, but the
DIVERSITY OF PASTORAL EXPERIENCES
grows more marvelous to me everyday I five.
Some of the sweetest, some of the bitterest
cups are drained by the pastor's lips ; some
of the brightest, some of the darkest scenes
he is called upon to witness, and even to act
io ; some of the most joy-inspiring, some of
the most heart depressin g experiences are his.
And then, too, these diverse experiences
are oftentimes so strangely mingled, or suc
ceed each other with such abruptness. One
day. at a wedding; another, at a funeral;
one hour, in blissful communion with a true
saint of God, all mellow and rich with
Christian hope and joy and peace; the next,
engagedin a hand to hand encounter with
one who boldly denies the authenticity of
the Scriptures and the divinity of Jesus; this
Lord’s day, extending the hand of fellowship
and welcome to a new disciple of Jesus, fresh
with love and zeal for God and truth , the
next, declaring in tones of solemn rebuke
the order of the church which excludes from
her fellowship an ungedly member.
And, having served in both fields, lam
inclined to the opinion that the diversity is
greater and the alternative of opposite ex
periences more abrupt, in a city than in a
country field. But, I only thought to men
tion the subject, thinking it might be of some
consolation to not a tew pastors to know that
another is going up and down, down and
up, as they.
•‘CAMPBELLISM EXAMINED AND RE EXAMINED.”
Having studiously read the work thus en
titled from the pen of the late Dr. Jeter, I
must say I have been newly and increasingly
impressed » ith the rare gifts of head and
heart possessed by this prince among English
writers.
It is evident that he was not moved by
what the Latins called "caccethes scribendi,”
not the simple desire to make a book, as in
sinuated by Mr. Campbell in his review; but
every line assures you that he wrote as one
deeply conscious that be had something to
write which Truth demanded should be
written.
His candor, fairness, generosity towards
an opponent; his power of penetration,
comprehension, analysis; his fearlessness,
conscientiousness,noble .self control; his mas
tery of his subject, knowledge of his oppo
nent, and the lucid, forcible style in which
every proposition is clothed, are marks of
genius not often harmonized in a single
writer. I laid down the book with this
strong conviction: Tlugothe author of
“Campbellism
.riase-sed 11:<.re umfli
'•‘,.‘l < WTpie A. -i.i ini-aii-
f -■Pbi. iilurii, but
adopted explanation from the
standpoint of logic and Biblical hermanen
tics, it must be pronounced a failure. It is
thought not a difficult task to show that Mr.
Campbell could have been repulsed at thia
point of attack without the adoption of an
interpretation, to say the least, fanciful and
assumptive. Abating this much, it is but
just to remark, that in th is volume as a whole,
the author exposes himself, and his positions
to the attacks of his antagonist, less than
any polemic the traces of whose pen my
eyes have ever followed.
HOPE FOR MERCER.
The writer feels that he is not alone in the
conviction that a new era is about to dawn
upon our noble University. The work it
has done in the past, has, I doubt not, been
commensuarate with the investment made
therein, and the attention paid it by our
Baptist hosts.
Dr. Landrum, qualified as he is known to
be, and loved as he is throughout the State,
will measur..bly perhaps, on account oft! e
difficulties to be overcome, but safely build
up the material interests of Mercer. These
secund, it is believed and hoped that other
necessities will not long be wanting. With
the cooperation, prayers, and practical en
dorsement of his brethren, Dr. Landrum
will succeed in making Meicer all that the
pride of Georgia Baptists demands for it.
Fraternally,
E' K. Carswell, Jr.
TO TBE ~COLUMBUS ASSOCIATION.
Editor Index : Please allow me to make
the following appeal to to the churches and
Sabbath schools of the Columbus Associa
tion :
Dear Brethren : Spring is approaching.
Let me urge and beg you to resorganize all
your Sunday-schools, and let every church
that has had no school, organize one at an
early day, and let our fixed purpose be to
lead the young people and tae children to
Jesus, by the use of God’s word, which is the
sword of the Spirit. Let all the Vice-Presi
dents of our Sunday-school Convention see
that a school is organized in every church.
Let every Christian go to work for Jesus, for
the night will come when none of us can
work.
Our Sabbath-school Convention is to meet
in Hamilton, on Friday before the fifth Sab
bath in May. Let us be prepared to go up
filled with the Spirit of the Master, prepared
to make encouraging reports. We hope
more will be done this year by Christian
workers than in any year in the past. If we
love Jesus, let us work for Him. The Sab
bath-school is a line field for Christian use
fulness. Who would live here and be of no
use to any one? Die, and not be missed
Dreadful thought! Jesus lived, worked, suf
fered and died for the world. Shall we, who
profess to love Him, fail to live and work
tor Him? Be faithful, Christians, and your
reward will be great and glorious.
C. C. Willis, Presr. 8. 8. Convention.
—The British and Foreign Bible Society
of England have distributed 7,000,090 copies
of the Scriptures in France. -
SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONVENTION.
The Sunday-school Convention of the
Hephzibah Association convened with
Way’s church. Jefferson county, Friday
morning, the 4th instant. The Introductory
sermon was preached by Rev. W. T. Cheney,
pastor of Curtis church, Augusta. The ser
mon was exceedingly appropriate, impress
ive and well delivered. The day was so un
?leasant that the attendance was not large,
n the afternoon the Convention was called
to order by Rev. J. M. Cross, Moderator of
the Association, and also Chairman of ithe
Committee of Arrangements. Brother J! M.
Jord* was elected Secretary. The roll of
churches was called and the delegates’ names
enrolled. Quite a number of cburcbee were
not represented, doubtless due, in part, to the
exceedingly busy time with farmers, and to
the fact that the day previous was so stormy
that many were deterred from leaving home.
Yet, a good delegation was present, number
ing some of the Best Sunday-school workers
of the Association. Also, Rev. T. C. Boykin,
State Sunday-school Evangelist.
I shall not attempt to give a synopsis of
the proceedings, as the minutes are ordered
to be published in full fordistribution. Three
sessions were held each day—forenoon, after
noon and at nigLt, and I believe every sub
ject pertaining to Sabbath.school work ably
and ihoroughly discussed. Several of the
regularly aj pointed speakers were abseut,
but their places were supplied. "The regret
of all was, that Rev. W. L. Kilpatrick, the
able and greatly beloved, pastor of this
(Way’s) church, though present, was so un
well that he could not fill the position as
signed him, or take part in any of the dis
cussions.
A Constitution, almost identical with thfise
adopted by other Sunday-school ('bn ventions
in Georgia, was adopted, and the following
permanent cfficers elected : President, F. J.
Lockhart, Augusta; Vice-President, first
District, Rev. M. P. Cain; Vice-President
second District. J. J. Davis; Vice-President
third District, T J. Dickson ; Vice-President
fourth District, J. A. Carswell; Secretary, C.
Z. McCord; Treasurer, W. C. Palmer; Ex
ecutive Committee —G. H. Barton, J. 0. She
cut, 0. Z. McCord.
A large audience was in attendance on
Sunday, and the day's exercises were very
interesting and impressive. At 11 o’clock,
Rev. T. C. Boykin preached an able sernipn
on the training of children. The exercises
closed Sabbath afternoon with a Sunday
school Mass Meeting, during which short
speeches were delivered by a number of
brethren. At 11 o’clock on Saturday, Rev.
E R. Carswell, Jr., preached an able sermon
on the study of the Scriptures.
The Convention throughout was charac
terized by an earnest Christian spirit, and
the burden of every one’s desires seemed to
be, how best to promote the cause of Christ.
The best of feeling prevailed, and some pre
cious seasons were experienced.
The good people of Stellaville and vicinity
were boundless in their hospitality, render
ing every possible making pleas
ant the slay of When mid
i- liehl.
t In-
Jfß . HL
jjjfe
s
I
L ■
' '' ■ ' A'A't; .-V-iRRi -i?
■■ .:i .in-.-'
IHTI-. I or-1 ran
i..i 2.A eut-s ami ill di r p.wWBK.A
I er hundred ai the farms,
few cents higher to cover expenses
ing. A poor fellow had put 1,200
hay on his frame, and hauled it 13 miles afffl
sold it to me for four dollars, and said he had
over a hundred tons at home for tale. Cot
ton and barley bring the best prices. They
are certain crops. Well now about the Bap
tists. I learn the church numbers over 200
members, with a good brick house for
worship, and one of tfie best sermonizers,
preachers and pastors that I have ever met.
I think he fills all the positions named. Bro.
Gillespie is his name, and if you were to
confront him suddenly in Atlanta, without
very close observations, you would take him
for Senator J. E. Brown. This is going to
be a great educational and manufacturing
city. Tue ranches and farms are occupied
by white labor almost exclusively, and
there is hope of prosperity.
Wm. G. Horsley.
southern~baptist conven
tion
COLUMBUS, MISS, MAY STB, 1881.
All who expect to attend the con
vention are earnestly requested to for
ward their names and post-office address
to the Committee at once.
The citizens of Columbus will open
their hearts and homes to our guests
on that occasion, but it will be impos
sible to avoid confusion and consequent
discomfort unless all comply with these
requests.
c l)o not embarrass the Committee by
sending word to your friends here that
you are coming to their homes; write
us that you desire to be assigned to
such friends and we will comply with
your wishes if possible.
Those who wish to stop at hotels and
prefer to pay at a reduced rate, will be
accommodated on conferring with the
Committee; no reduction can be had
except through this channel. Cards
of assignment and replies to applica
tions will be sent out about April loth.
Application has been made for Ex
cursion Rates by rail etc. to Columbus.
Full particulars will be given through
the press as soon as possible.
Address: H. W. Battle, Box 51,
Columbus, Miss.
The Philadelphia Baptist church,
Tatnall county, are building a new
house of worship.
RESOLUTIONS OF BETHEL CBURCB,
BEARD COUNTY.
Whereas the afflictions of our much be
loved pastor, Rev. J. G. Goss, of Troup coun
ty, Ga., are such as to cause bis resignation
of the care Os Bethel church. Heard county,
Ga., the pastoral care of which be has so
faithfully performed for four years, to the
edification of the church and the good of the
cause of religion;
Whereas, the churoh and congregation are
unanimous in lamenting the necessity of
his resignation, and feel that he bas labored
faithfully for us as a church and congrega
tion :
Resolved Ist. That we tender brother Goss
our prayerful sympathy in the affliction of
bis family, regretting the necessity of his
resignation, hoping it to be the ruling of
Providence, and recommend him to the
Christian world as a faithful pastor, of the
highest ability, worthy to fill the most ex
alted and responsible positions of life
Resolved 2nd. That a copy of these reso
lutions be forwarded to The Christian In
dex, and the Franklin News, with request
to publish the same, and a copy be furnished
brother Goss and spread on the minutes of
the church.
Done bv order of Conference, November
13th, 1880.'
The Sunday-School.
International Sunday-School Lesson*.
t Prepared specially for The Index by Rev. 8. H.
Mirick. of Washington, D.C.]
Lesson XIII. —March 27, 1881.
PREACHING ~THE KINGDOM.
Luke IX. L=6. A. D. 29.
Read Matt. X. and Mark VI. 7—13.
Jesus had long preached the glad tidings
of the kingdom of God in the cities and vil
lages of Judea. The twelve disciples had
accompanied him in his various journeys.
The time had now come when the twelve
could be sent forth to preach themselves and
a more active movement be made to spread
the knowledge of his kingdom. These
preachers were to confine themselves to their
own nation and to the province of Galilee.
They were therefore Home Missionaries, and
our lesson is an account of the first mission
aries and their commission.
OUTLINE.
I. The missionaries, v. 1.
11. The commission, v. 2 3.
111. The instructions, v. 4 5.
IV- The work, v. 6.
NOTES.
I. The missionaries.
V. 1. ‘ Called.” Jesus now called the twelve
together that he might give them all need
ful preparation for the work which he was
about to assign to them and instructions
how to proceed. “His twelve disciples.”
For names see Ch. VI. 14—16. These men
were called disciples or learners, which they
had been for not less than eighteen months,
bfotice that these were not learned men, nor
Knen of wealth, nor men of rank. They were
LjMßurii , men of good sense and of honesty.
P” wer and amhority.” The
■*> own. ami wa- now c miniun
liny might by n-imrit.
’ Hul, ami g.iin tin'attention
‘- i-
■kmut*. a;..
My. will'll 111- III'-.' 11l
1.-'? siiiue I‘iiJ not. 1"
sV'i ■Rioiiad, he did not say, that tiny
‘.■kid throw them away, as the instructions
■Fwas giving might seem to require, but
buffered them to take them (Mark); to those
who had not, he said they should not spend
time in procuring them (Matthew), but all
go just as they were. “Barnes.” Scrip. A
leather bag, used to carry food on ajourney,
and slung over the shoulders, “Neither
bread, neither money.” They should de
pend for all their necessary provisions on
the people to whom they went, trusting
Christ’s care for them. “Neither have two
coats a piece.” These coats or tunics were
the inner garment and closely fitting, made
without sleeves and reaching to the knee.
Gi.ing out thus, depending for their suppliis
upon those whom they visited, they lacked
nothing, but according to their own state
nieut afterwards (Lu. XX11.35) had an abun
dance.
HI. The instructions.
V- 4. For the full instructions see Matt,
and Mark. “Whatsoever house ye enter.”
"They were not vagrants or beggars, but
workmen worthy of their meat’ (Matt. X.
10). They had a right to the hospitalities
of the people, and having entered a town,
they were not to ‘board around,’ butto'abide'
with the host inviting them, until ready to
leave that village. They were to avoid the
laborous formalities and the consuming of
time, which frequent changes of quarters
would involve. They were to keep directly
at their work. No mention is made of
their going into synagogues to preach. It
was rather a colporteur work, or house to
house mission.” . aylor.
V. 5. “Will not receive you.” Not re
ceiving them would be not receiving Christ.
“Shake off the very dust from your feet” etc.
The Jews taught that the dust of the Gen
tiles defiled them and was to be shaken off.
Such an act on the part of the apostles would
denote that they regarded those who did not
receive them as uuworthy of their instruc
tions. This Paul and Barnabas did. Acts
XIII. 51.
IV. The work.
V. 6. “Departed.” Prompt obedience.
“Through the towns.” As planned by the
Savior. “Preaching the Gospel,” The glad
tidings of the coming kingdom of God
“Everywhere-” They worked zealously, not
stopping till they had completed the journey
assigned.
Let the teacher make this lesson a text for
teaching his class what Home Mission work
is, and our duty to engage in it.
REMARKS.
1. The 8. S. Teacher is engaged in Home
Mission work and especially so, if he goes
out and gathers into bis class those that are
without religious instruction at home.
2. Some received the apostles and some
did not. So some listen to the instructions
of the Christian teacher, and some do not.
Unlike the apostles, we are commanded to
teach whether our scholars will hear or not.
3. If we are sent of Jesus to teach, we may
be sure that some will receive our message
and believe unto life eternal. __
Missionary Department.
REV. J. H DBVOTIE, D.D., I Mlt
REV. C. M. IRWIN, I Ealtorg -
Mtalon Board of the Georgia Baptist Conven
tion-Officers: Rev. R. B. Headden, President:
Rev. J. H. DeVotle, 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. S. Lawton Atlanta; G. A.Nun
nally, Rome; D. E. Butler,Madison: J. G. Ryals
and R. B. Headden, Carter svllle; 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 Baotigt
Convention—Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor
responding Secretary, Marlon, Alabama.
APPEAL TO TBE WOMEN ON RE
SALE OF ROME MISSIONS.
Mrs. Isabella C. Bunyon, a Baptist of ac
knowledged piety, having spent two months
in the city of Rome, Italy, acquainting her
self with the wants of that mission, and im
pressed with the magnitude of the work,
makes an earnest appeal to the Baptist wo
men of this country in its behalf. We give
some extracts from this interesting paper,
hoping they will be read with interest and
profit. We would be glad to print the whole
of it, but our limited space will not allow.
After speaking of her interest in the Baptist
mission under the charge of that consecra
ted man, Rev. Geo. B. Taylor, and the prom
ise she made to Dr. Taylor and his wife, on
her return home “to do all in her power to
interest her friends in America in this
work," and the manner in which the services
of the chapel and Sunday- school were con
ducted—the purchase of the mission property
by brother Taylor, and the poverty of the
membership of the Rome church, Mrs. Bun
yon says:
“My object, therefore, in addressing you
at this time, is the hope that by our united
efforts we may enable them (the missiona
ries) to carry on their work. Do you ask
in what way we can best accomplish this ?
I would answer in the first place, not by
curtailing, by one dime, what we are now
giving to our other misssions. I would sug
gest that each church start a separate fund,
to be called “The Bank of Rome,” and that
each individual look well to it that it never
becomes bankrupt. I also recommend that
we commence a missionary box for the same
object, in which may be put any articles
that may be useful in a family.
"That you, my dear sisters, who have not
visited Rome may have so.ue idea of the im
portance of this mission, permit me to cite
one or two instances, showing the imposi
tions practiced upon the credulity of the ig
norant ones in this city, and the power exer
cised over their minds.
“I will first describe a scene in the church
of Ara Coeli, where the Sanctissimoa Bambi
no may be seen representing the child Jesus.
It is supposed to have the miraculous power
of healing all diseases, and is taken in great
pomp to attend the sick and dying. It is a
painted wooden doll, wrapped in satin and
literally covered with a variety of very ele
gant and precious stones—the thank-offer
ings of those who believe they have been
brought back to life and health by its super
natural powers. The anniversary of this
idol is celebrated on the sixth of January,
when it is carried with great solemnity, in
the gloved hand of a priest, who at the head
} of a number of others, clothed in elaborately
; embroidered robes, walk several times the
i whole lengeh of the church, a large number
LofciliMMialso following in procession. ER
: tlre*|
■ 1
I your
operation in this work of
take.”
Will this appeal of Mrs. Bunyon be heeded
by all, specially the women of our churches
in Georgia? “Whatsoever thy hand findeth
to do, do it with thy might.” I.
GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION.
This large and influential body of Chris
tians meets with the church in Athens
Thursday before the third Sunday in April.
Now is the time when special effort should
be made to get money for each of our mis
sion Boards. Pastors in city, town and
country will allow us most respectfully to
suggest that special effort be made by them,
so that a much larger amount be raised and
foi warded to the Convention than has been
heretofore done. It can be done, and
ought to be done. Georgia is said to be be
hind in contributions up to this date, and
specially so in Foreign Missions. Shall we
be called the great Baptist State of the South,
and lag behind in the support of the benev
olent enterprises in which we are engaged? If
the membership of the churches connected
with the Convention will resolve to raise at
least $2,500. for Foreign Missions, and the
same amount for the Home Department, it
will be done. Let no one -ay it cannot be
done. Try—make the effort to secure some
thing from each brother and sister. The
cause of Jesus needs now a liberal, generous
giving, and the opening of the world to the
gospel is a providence that calls with ems
pbasis upon us to stir ourselves more than
ever before. Brethren, sisters, send a liberal,
cheerful gift for the cause of the Savior to
the next Convention. I.
Missionary Duty.—“My views of what
is missionary duty are not so contracted as
those whose ideal is a dumpy sort of man
with a Bible under his arm. I have labored
in bricks and mortar, at the forge and car
penter’s bench, as well as in preaching and
medical practice. I feel that lam ‘not my
own.’ lam serving Christ when shooting
a buffalo for my men, or taking an astronom
ical observation, or writing to one of his
children who forget, during the little mom
ent of penning a note, that charity which is
eulogized as thinking no evil;’ and after
having by his help got information, which
I hope will lead to more abundant blessings
being bestowed on Africa than heretofore,
am I to hide the light under a bushel merely
because some will consider it not sufficient
ly, or even at all missionary?”—Personal
Life of David Livingstone. Blakie.
—There are only about 15,000 natives in
the Island of Australia, which is about as
large as the United States. The European
races number about 1,500,000. The natives
have no priests, temples, or religious rites,
and believe that after death they are changed
into Europeans.
The Methodist Episcopal church South
has a successful mission station in the city
of Mexico, with thirty missionaries and as
sistants, and twelve hundred communicants.
FROM TBE SEMINARY.
Our hearts were put into a devotional and
missionary spirit this morning by singing
“From Greenland’s icy mountains.”
After prayer by Bro. W. F. Harris, of
Virginia, Dr. Manly, the vice-president of
our missionary society, read a part of the Bth
chapter of 2nd Cor.
Several letters were now read. Bro. E.
H. Quillen in a letter from his field in Brazil
thinks that now is the time to attack Cath
olicism in that country. Miss Lottie Moon
gave us some interesting information re
lative to the war which threatened to pre
vail between China and Russia a few weeks
ago. Then was read a letter from Miss Stein;
also one from Rev. D. G. Lyon giving an ac
count of the rise and progress of the Baptists
in Germany.
The essay for this meeting was entitled,
"Popular Objections to Missions,” and was
t repared by Bro. F. P. Robertson,< f Virginia
The first of these objections was that of the
Old School Baptists, or Hardshells. They
assure us that God can do his work without
us. But the question is not whether God
can do without us, but whether he chooses
to do v ithout us.
Again, God is too just to punish the heath
en when for no fault of theirs they are with
out God. The essayist answered this objec
tion by several declarations of Scripture, es
pecially Rom. 10:11-15.
Others say, that if the heathen live up to
the best of their knowledge they will be
saved. If we admit that there comes another
question, who lives up to the best of his
knowledge?
Still others say that it is a bad investment
of money and men. The entire history of
missions proves the contrary to be true.
Several other objections were stated and ■
answered by the essayist, after which he
classified the causes which underlie these
objections as ignorance, unbelief and selfish
ness. These objections are ‘popular" here;
but will they be when we come to stand be
fore our Judge at the last day ?
This last question demands earnest at>
tention. “Go ye therefore and teach all na
tions.” Who can neglect this and not be
guilty? C. W. Pbuitt.
Louisville, Ky., Mar. Ist, 1881.
From the annual report of the Southern
China Mission for 1880 we learn that there
are 28 out stations, 19 native preacherk, 20
Bible women, 77 were baptized, making a
total membership of 715. Their missionary
contributions amounted to $234. After
speaking of the work of each missionary,
the modes of labor and the difficulties over
come, the report says : "Our opportunities
for spreading the Gospel were never better,
our prospects were never brighter
Our field, one hundred and fifty miles in
length and sixty miles in breadth, and its
4,9W),000 or 5,000,000 of inhabitants, all speak
ing one tongue, are accessible to us. The
spiritual condition of onr church is im
proving It is slow work, washing
off the clay of the brick kilns of Egypt, but
real progress has been made. A higher tone
of Christian sentiment is slowly pervading
the rank and file of our membership, and
there is reason to hope that at no remote
period we may have here a native Christian
community that is sound in faith and potent
in works.”
It might help us to pray, if we understood
more exactly the relative magnitude of the
work abroad. Lay upon China the United
States and Territories, and you will need to
fringe the borders six times with Great Brit
ain in order to coverthat vast empire. Look
at a single province of China, not larger
Mkan one of our States, yet having a popula-
These figures are decep
k Igrow to such enormous mag-
BLi" draw a line, say one inch
parallel with it, twenty
WasgOts,
- - apv
IP,I
* &
M
S'
® fly
S, 1"
the highe-'
manhood. The sacrifii-e
--t?* ami greater tha::
in the regular pastorate on
■ i BBwc missions. These are generally
people of their own race, and are
Wrrounded by a Christion civilization. It
takes a certain order of capacity, and a cer
tain greatness of character, as well as varied
and manifold attainments to make a good
foreign missionary. It may not be necessary
that he be in every respect equal to a Coke,
or a Judson, or a Carey, but he must be a
Christian man of great force of character,
of abundant resources in himself, well train
ed and cultivated in learning and science,
and above all, a man wholly devoted to the
work of Christ. —N. 0. Advocate'
“I shall never forget.” writes a missionary J
“the first night I landed in New Guinea,
and I should like to compare it with the last
night before I left. I remember the feeling
that came across me that night. I could see
the fires through the grove of cocoanut
trees; I could hear the drums beating; and
I heard, at timis, the shrieks of women. I
knew that there was heathenism and can
nibalism all round.' But as I sat on the ver->
andah of my little house, seven years after
ward, you must imagine, if you can, what
my feelings were then, I saw a fire in the
cocoanut grove, just as I had done on that
night when I landed. A sound came warb
ling up the hill, but it was not the shrieks
of women, it was one of Moody and San
key’s hymns. These people were engaged
in. their evening worship.”
—M. Monod recently stated that in nine
cases out of ten, where a Protestant church
has been organized in France, of late, it has
had its beginning in Roman Catholics seek
ing a Protestant teacher to explain the
Bible.
—ln Jerusalem there are 7,000 Moham-»
medans, 5,000 Christians, and 13,500 Jews.
—When Bosnia was under Mohammedan
rule the Scriptures were sold freely, but since
Catholic Austria has come in it is forbid*
den.
The population of Spain is about 17,000,-
000, and is almost wholly Catholic.
—The work of the Congregationalists in
Papal lands is confined to sections unoccu*
pied by other Prostestant missionaries. They
appropriate $34,000 to Austria for 1881.
—The English Wesleyans and American
Baptists have prosperous missions among
the French.
—The French Protestants are Presbyterian
in their polity, and have little sympathy
with Methodist and Baptist missionaries.
Union Point local Greensboro Herald:
Mr. J. M. G. Medlock, general traveling
agent for that sterling Baptist paper,
The Christian Index, spent a couple
of days at Union Point this week in
the interest of his paper. Mr. Medlock
is an energetic ane genial gentleman,
an old brother of the fourth estate, and
is just the man to work up a paper.
Ir. Harter’s Elixir of Wild Cherry is a
purely vegetable combination that supplies
a want long sought. In its use no change
of diet or surroundings is necessary, and
ladies or invalids may use it freely to restore
their wasting strength.
