The Christian index and southern Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1892, March 17, 1881, Page 2, Image 2

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2 e - - 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.