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2 r A TRIP IX SOUTHERN ITALY. LETTER FROM DR 0. B. TA YLOR. (Continued.) Brkthbß* Editors —While ini Bari. we were frequently visited by some ofthe breth ren One day. one of these took care fully from his pocket-book, and showed us. wit*’ evident pleasure, tho certificate of his baptism which was written upon a sliest stamped with the church seal, namely, an open Bible from winch therays of lieht issued in every direction. Seeing "nr interest, he said, “I wi 1 show you something else," and presented another doc x'’'*. bearing his signature and setting forth that, he declared himself an evangelic al Christian, and desired in his dying hours to he assisted by his brethren, and after his de~ea»e to be buried by them. It was then explained tons that every member of the Bari church carries on his person a similar paper the duplicate being with the church, so that in case the Roman Catholic friends and the priest wish to exclude the minister and evangelical friends from any member in hislsst hours, It cannot he dine This is a necessary precaution, as sometimes the priests by means of clerical members of the family have managed to install themselves in the chamber of death, excluding persons ofPr testant faith, and the dying man has been tormented in his last hours, and after ward declared to have abjured Protestant ism and died in the bosom of the Roman Catholic church. The brother above mentioned and the col porter accompanied us to visit one of the families of the church, which had recently been afflicted It was in "Old Bari," where the streets are almost as narrow as in Venice and where many of the people live as their forefathers have done for generations. Our entrance into the apartment excited some interest, and several neighbors followed us, I suppose, out of sheer curiosity. But the opportunity seemed too good to be lost, so I extemporized a little gospel meeting, read ing the word ofGod. praying and sneaking of the great love ofGod toward sinners. My heart was enlarged A u for the brother who had accompanied us thither, he was filled with enthusiasm, and said, "I am sorry you are to leave to morrow. I would be so hap py if von could come and speak to my fami ly who are Catholics, but who are becoming more favorable to the Evangelic* . ’ We as sured him we would be glad to go, so the hour was fixed for him to come and conduct us to his house the next morning The pro_ gramme was carried out, and never have I passed a more interesting season. The old gentleman had a not uncomfortable apart ment tho back window of which looked right out into the sea He had - chered his entire family, wife, three grown o >s grown daughter and son in-law, sev > d children, and a servant; and the women Torn the ad joining apartments. I read > 1 explained the third chapter of John. i'lie colporter and I each lead in prayer, and we sung "Safe in the arms of Jesus." Then we had some pleasant social oonversation with dis ferent members ofthe family all of whom were cordial and intelligent, and a few kind words were addressed to two or three women who were not unfriendly but de c’ared themselves in favor of going to mass. On our way back to our lodgings, we were regarded with much interest by the people in their shops, oron the streets the nature of our errand being shrewdly guessed Oar at tention was attracted by a large bakery, which was literally filled, and the floor cov cred, with loaves of bread, just out of the oven,’t being the baking for a week. We paused to look at it as several women were alreadv doing “ What a quantity of bread!" I exclaimed, adding, “but not more abund ant than the bread of eternal life which erne down from eaven foroursouls' food." “O" said one ofthe women, "we are Chris tians and worship God as well as you.” “Well." replied I, “then we are brethren,for all true worshipers of God are such." As we left Bari, the hr ther whose family we had just visited together with one of his sons, met us at the station, and lavished every at tention upon us He also assured us that the impression made by the visit had been ex cellent. From B tri. we went, two hours by rail, to Acqna Viva the whole name being "Acqna Viva delle Fonti," or “Living Water ofthe Fountains,.’ from the abundance and excel lence of the water. The air is also remarks bly fresh and bracing, as the town is situated on a nizh table land Thecountry around is rolling and beautifnl, and I could have itn agined myself in the Valley of Virginia. As we Ind arrived some time before the hour o' service, and a< our room in the tower of the old ducal palace was not. specially inviting, we (i e brother Eager, Sig Volpi. and one ofthe brethren of the place, and I) took a walk into the campagna. and met whole troops of peasants returning from their work in the fields to their homes in the town. In Italy, the people generally livei . towns, and the farming population have to go every day to their place of labor, often several miles We met men and women and boys and girls. Some were mounted on donkeys, but they wore all men. All the women were walking Italy is, in this respect, not a highly civil ized lan 1. The hardest part is always given to the woman A heavy load is called “a woman’s load." I never lose a chance tosay, “In our country we treat the other sex bet ter than you do here .” At dark we returned to the town—a rock-built, ancient city, with some fine edifices specially the Cathedral and the Episcopal palace—and found the population swarming like bees in the great Piazza, They were only preparing to enjoy the fire works, for it was a saint’s day and a "festa,” but to us the hum of voices and the mass of dark faces suggested the idea of a mob, which could so easily tear us to pieces. Our meeting, however, was held in peace. The locale was crowded, mostly with men, who listened with an apparent earnestness that I have never seen surpassed, and the fire works, some of them sounding like the heaviest artillery, did not at all interfere with our service I found it natural to speak on the offer of Jes s to the Samaritan wo man to give ‘ living water," and of his words “oil the great day of the feast” (festa), “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink," and certainly never did I moreen joy speaking, for it was not to gospel hard ened people, nor to cavilling unbelievers, but to simple hearted people, to whom this gospel was as good news from a far country, as cold w.-iter to the thirslv I cannot be lieve it was in vain After service we were most cordially saluted by nearly all present, and some told of the persecutionsand annoy ances to which they ba 1 been subjected, since Sig. Volpi’s last visit Only two persons have been baptized, going to Bari for the purpose, but there are more than twenty who openly avow themselves as friends of the gospei. some of whom, at least, we trust have truly accepted it. Bro Volpi pointed •out to us the spot where he was arrested, more than two years ago, and we slept in the room where he passed the night, bound hand and foot. But his arre-t was due lar gely to the caprice of a drunken officer. The sentiment in Acqua Viva is not strong against the Protestants, even on the part of the clergv. who, by the way, are very rich and therefore rather indifferent as to what the people do Most of the fine land seen by ue in our walk belongs to them We were even told that some of the clergy in that neigbb rhood were at heart rather favorable to the Evangelicals. The next morning, THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1881. Bro. Eager and I, guided by one of the bap tlzed brethren, took a long walk, and visited the district academy or college, situated in a fine, commanding position The rector, a priest, of noble presence, treated us with great courtesy, showing us over the edifice, and introducing ns to every teacher aud class in the instltudon. Altogether, our visit to Acqua Viva was a pleasant and. we trust, useful one. and will be pleasantly remember ed by us. On the train I made a distribution of tracts to the passengers in our compart ment, who after r- ading them carefully put them away, and when they left,some of them shook me heartily by the hand thanking me warmly. Our next half, was at Barletta also about 40 miles from Bari, on another road and in another direction. Here, “there was no room for us at the inn," as a theatrical com pany, and those drawn thither bv them, ab sorb, during carnival season, all the accom modations. Accordingly, though we had written beforehand, we procured with dif ficulty a paor bed, in a dark, damp room. But our stay was short, and occupied most ly by intercourse with the brethren and hv an evening service. Here we have had for a year a very good locale rent free. There are about a score of brethren, ’most of them converted under the ministry of Giannini, in the epoch of the massacre In 1866 These remain faithful, as Christians, but only a small proportion have been baptized, the other eithers refusing it. or neglecting it, and while tne meetings have been maintained but litle has been done in adding new ele ments I urged the brethren, both in public and in private, to study the word of God on the subject of baptism, and also to adopt a more ag resive course in the wav of evan gelization, hnt. there is in the minds ofsome of them a bad leaven, which if. is difficult to describe, but which produces its natural re sults. Our short stay in Barletta closed nur work of visitation, and we turned onr faces home ward, with joyful hearts. Though w u had enjoyed our work, and meeting Christian brethren, much phvsicial discomfort had been suffered, specially during a spell of un wonted cold weather, when we had no fire and could have none. It is also very trying to be almost all the time with other people and with people of another race, and we could appreciate the oft apparent desire of Jesus to get awav from the crowd, and he e'ther alone on the mountain or in his Beth any home We would, however, gladly have sacrificed our feelings, spending yet other days in visiting Gioca and Grumo, the other out stations of Sig. Volpi. but it was impos sible, from causes not depending on us. Bro. Eager found tbe trip quite useful to him, giving him his first insight of work outside of Rome. We were also brought close to gether during a long journey. and learned better to know and love each other. Pray for us. Gko. B. Taylor Rome, Italy, March 12th, 1881 FROM BOWMAN Editor Inpex : In reading your issue of tbe 7th inst, I did not see you as having already turned the world upside down, as the apostles were accused by some as doing ; but if you keep on in the path of gospel truth, you will do, under God, your share of it. I noticed, however, that some one had turned a letter of a Greek verb, in that article from the writer, upside down. That letter “u,” in the Greek word “louo ” is upside down, making an “n,” and giving a new sound to the whole word. Greek scholars will know what letter is wrong, but your English readers might not; and as such in conversation, might give an improper pro nunciation. Some one, when this is done, might, say. Why. there is not such a word as that in all the Greek language! Therefore, while writing this time, let me add, fltom M r Hinton, what he said in remarking upon Breko, as used to express what the loving woman did when she washed the Savior’s feet with her tears, viz : "Now there is such a manifest analogy between the dropping of tears and the method now adopted in the consecration of babes, that I cannot but think if such had been the design of the great Legislator, instead of immersion, that this term would have been employed instead of one doomed forever to signify to im merse," page 42, etc. My “a” in the word looked so much like “n,” that you are very excusable. But there is such a marked difference in meaning be tween those Greek verbs, that I doubt God’s excusing any who say “I baptize thee,” and then only sprinkle or moisture the forehead instead of immersing, as the word means. Go I may forgive such. Yours in Jesus, I. H Goss Bowman, Ga. [Our brother probably <lid not mean as much as he said in his last sentence. The blood of the atonement has power enough to Wash away any sin, and so we suppose our brother has declared a thousand times. We have all committed sins without number, (and all sins are inexcusable), yet we hope, through riches of grace, to be accepted of God; and multitudes of those who have substituted sprinkling fir baptism, will ex perience the same mercy; while many who have been obedient in the external act of baptism, will fail of the Kingdom. We are sure that the writer of the above note agrees with us in these views, (his closing prayer intimates as much), and we take it for grant ed that he will thank us for taking the point from his unguarded expression.—Ed. Index ] ALONE WlTlTaOI). There are times when the soul becomes so entirely detached from sympathy with visible and surrounding objects that a feeling of lone liness steals over it, as if a wave from dark oblivion had engulphed it. Human forms and faces fade from its memory and there is nothing left but the thought of self and God, to identify it with the boundless universe around and above it. If the friendships and joys of life are re membered at all, they cime as tbe faint echoes from some far away land, shrouded in impenetrable darkness, and borne on the wings of some hollow breeze which died thousands of years ago. The soul may stretch its arms in every direction as if to touch, something which may respond to its earnest longings, but all is empty and vacant and silent as a city of the dead. Alone, all alone, in a boundless desert it stands, longing, swelling, palpitating, assert ing its immortality, and defying destruction, until a voice comes softer than“ Lydian meas ures", “as I live, ye shall live also." Then, as the prophet wrapped his mantle about him when he heard the still, small voice of his God, so, the soul when it recognizes tbe divine presence, bows in humble conscious ness that however far removed from human companionship, it is not "alone.” But to be alone with God is to have all the companionship and sympathy that the soul can desire; for it realizes the sentiment of the Psalmist, “In thy presence is full ness of joy, and at thy right band are pleas ures forevermore.” It bathes in a sea of love, and drinks from the crystal fountain of everlasting joy. Alone with God, and this is not to be alone. Blessed are they whoareoften alone with God in the seclusion of the closet. H. C. H. CHRIST TBE WAY. Editor Index : He who would go from one place to another, must find the way. In such cases there may be a choice of ways-* more than one leading to the objective point. But, even where there are several ways which - may lead to the same place, it is de* sirable to take the best, and a wise man will be apt to exercise prudence in bis choice. Again, when we would go from one state or condition to another, it is necessary to find the way. In passing from death to life, there can be no choice of ways, because there is but one. There is but one Mediator be* tween God and man. the man Christ Jesus, and no man cometh to the Father but by Him. He is the true and living way, and tbe soul intent upon eternal life, will seek unto God through Jesus Christ the Lord. 1. This is a plain way. Il is marked so distinctly upon the divine chart that no one need have difficulty in finding it, if he is really intent upon ob'aining eternal life. Prophets, apostles and martyrs found it be cause they honestly sought it. They looked for it where it is to be found -in the word of God. Indeed, men can find it more easily than they can get their consent to travel it. It is the king s highway of holiness, and is so plain that a wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. 2. It is a narrow and difficult way. It is not inviting to tbe carnal man because it is a spiritual wav, and spiritual things are spir itually discerned. To the natural man tbe way is foolishness, violating, in his judg ment, the eternal fitness of things He likes a broad way, in which he can gratify all his carnal desires, and the broader the better. The way is so narrow and difficult that only one class of people can travel it: they who are born of the Spirit. To them the way is attractive, despite all its diffi julties, because their faith enables them to see its blessed end Gleaming a r ar they descry the shining turrets ofthe New Jerusalem, and are so en raptured by the sight that they lose all con cern about the roughness of the way, while contemplating the glory to be revealed But the way is purposely narrow, as God will have none but those who follow Jesus in the regeneration as citizens of His Heavenly Kingdom. 3. The way is safe. The vulture’s eye hath not seen it. nor have tbe lion's whelps gone upon it. Lions, and beasts of prey, may be found alongside tbe way, but this blessed road is inaccessible to them. Upon this way Apolyon himself is no match for the child r.f God who goes armed with tbe sword of the Spirit—that two-edged sword, which pierces to the dividing of tbe joints and mar row, and which is adiscerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart No traveler has ever yet been lost who took this way, because all such “are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, ready to be re vealed in the last times.” Christ is the way, and they are in Christ Jesus “They are dead, and their life is bid with Christ in God, to that when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, they (we) shall also appear with Him in glory ” Would you find the way to eternal life, reader? “Then, as ye have received Christ Jesus the L >rd, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." This blessed way has but one ending, for Jesus hath said, ‘I go and prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am there may ye be also.’’ Reader, it ends in the mansions above. A’ill you choose it? H. C. H CLOUDS CREEK CHURCH. Having recently met that old triend and worthy brother, Washington Hartsfield, who was long a member of tbe church at Cloud's creek, he related many things in the past history of that mo lei church that are desirvinj of record The church was constituted in the year 1786 This was a frontier country The Indians were then roving about, frequently killing and sea p ing the whites. Forts or stockades were dotted about in convenient places, that at tbe first alarm the inhabitants fled to, in order to escape the tomahawks and scalping knives of the blood-thirsty savages. The place at which tbe church was consti. tuted was at Olive’s Fort, at Big Cloud's creek, near the road leading from Lexington to Danielsville Three of the constituent members were Robinton Hendon. Anthony Olive and his wife, Keren Happuch Olive. The following remarkable incidents occur red in relation to the two last named per sons : Some time previous to the constitu tion of the Cloud's creek church, Mrs. Olive embraced religion, but. without mentioning tbe fact to her husband, or in any way re* vealing to him her intention, she took htr child in her arms and walked from the fort to Millstone, a distance of fourteen miles, j lined the church and wes baptized. An thony Olive, her husband, was to go down on Sabbath morning and bring her home in the evening on horseback. On bis arrival at Millstone, lie saw his wife going down into the water to be baptiz’d. He was so out raged that he determined to leave her and never to recognize her as his wife again ; but concluded that be would go up to the church and stay until after preaching, still deter mined to abandon his wife. While in the church yard he was convicted and saw him self a lost sinner, professed religion and joined the church some two months after wards The first pastor of the newly constituted church at Cloud's creek was Isaiah Hale. The next pastor was Wm. Davis, then Wm. Hendon, who removed to lhe State of Ten* nessee, and the church called Malachi Rivers to the pastorate. The church was prosper ous and growing during his ministry. He was succeeded by that man of blessed mem ory, Francis Callaway, who in four years baptized about three hundred members. Francis Callaway then moved to the State Alabama, and was succeeded by P. P. But ler, who served the church as pastor over twenty years, and hundreds were added to the church while he was pastor Its next pastor was L W. Stephens, and he was suc ceeded by the beloved, lamented Asa Chan dler, who contined the pastor ten or twelve years, until his death, with the exception of one or two years, when A, J. Kelley was pastor. The present pastor is Mr. B. M. Callaway. From the year 1828 to the present time it is believed that between 1,000 and 1.500 have been baptized into the fellowship of this church. This church has been blessed with many glorious revivals of pure and genuine religion, and contained in its membership some of the purest and best men that ever lived—we will Lot personate them. What a career of usefulness, and what a blessing has this church been to the thousands that have been in her folds, many of whom are scattered foom Georgia to Texas, through all the intervening States.—L, in Oglethorpe Echo. From our valued exchange, The Watchman, published in Boston, Mass., we copy the following item of “Georgia Baptist news,” which had not reached us until we found it in the columns of the paper just named : Miss Sophia B. Packard and Miss H. Giles have been appointed by the Board of the Woman’s Home Mission Society as mis sionary teachers to freedwomen, stationed at Atlanta, Ga. Miss Packard brings to the work a well-earned repntatiion as an educa tor in the past, —some of our first men hav ing been her pupils,—and a record also of faithful missionary work of several years as pastor's assistant at Tremont Temple (under the Rev. Dr. Lorimer's pastorate). This field of labor she left to become Correspond - ing Secretary of the Women's American Baptist Home Mission Society. Mies Giles, Miss Packard's life-long friend, who will be associated with her in her labors, has had some experience in teaching, and is emi* nently qualified for faithful missionary ser vice. Both will bear with them the esteem and good wishes of a large number ol fiends. The Sunday-School. International Sunday-School Leeeone. Lesson V. —May 1,1881. LOST AND FOUND. Luke XV. 1-10—A D. 29 INTRODUCTION. The object of the three parables of this chapter is to show how different from tbe exclusive spirit of the self-righteous Jew is the spirit of heaven. The first two illustrate seeking and saving the lost, and the third welcoming the penitent. There is a pro gression in the series. In the first, a shepherd misses one out of an hundred sheep, and persistently searches for it. In the second a woman loses one-tenth of her money, and looks for it with greater anxiety. In the third, the father of two sons mourns with untold grief over a son who has left the par ental roof and wandered into a dissipated life. OUTLINE. I. The occasion, v. 1, 2 11. The lost sheep, v. 3-7. 111. The lost money, v. 8-10 NOTES. I The occasion. V 1 Then drew new him all tbe pnbli cans,” etc. The meaning is not so much a specific gathering at any one time and place, as the prevailing feature of Christ’s ministry at this time. He was an attractive preacher, and those rejected by Scribe and Pharisee, crowded to hear him. "Publicans." The Jnlerior tax-gatherers who did the lower w irk of the collection. They were com nionly stationed at frontiers, at gates of cities, on rivers, and at havens, to collect customs on wares brought into the country. Jewish publicans were accounted traitors to their nation and apostates from God, and were far more abhorred than the heathen themselves. “Sinners ” Not merely sueb as disregarded ceremonial regulations, but those, also, who were notoriously wicked, and outcast in consequence. V 2 "The Pharisees,” who held them selves peculiarly orthodox. "Scribes.” Pri marily, writers, then copyists of the Scrip tures, and commentators therein. They, too, -esteemed themselves peculiarly righteous. "Murmured” among themselves so loudly as to be heard by others. "This man receiveth sinners.” This is the general accusation. This was so opposed to all their ideas of righteousness that they could not. consent to it Tbe Old Testament form of righteousness was separation from sinners, and they could not understand how Jesus could receive sin tiers and not be polluted. "Eateth with them” This was the special grievance. This was worse than simply receiving them, for this was an intimate mingling with them at their homes We must suppose that it was not a single case of eating with sinners to which the publicans took exception, but i bat it was the Savior’s custom thus to do- So some of the apostles and brethren found fault with Peter for eating with Gentiles. Acts 11:3 II The lost sheep V 3 'This parable .” Showing the solici tude and joy which Jesus feels for his sheep. V 4 "Whatman of you?" A personal M»al to their own g ><*i sense and humane ngS. -- ls he lose one of ttren." Adorn* paratively small loss, which the shepherd would scarcely miss. But a good shepherd does not easily let even one sheep go. “In the wilderness.” The customary pasturing place of the sheep. They are provided for, and the shepherd is not concerned about leaving them for a time. Ke is anxious about the wanderer. That ‘wilderness’ is such a place is evident from Matt. 14: 15, 19, where we learn that in the desert place (in the original wilderness place) the multitude sat down on the grass. "Go after." He does not send another, but goes himself. "'After that which is lost.” He has a definite in tention, and that is to bring it back. ‘ Until he fi d it.” He continues his search with no idea of giving up the lost o'ne, nor ceases till be finds it. No weariness stops him, no difficulty in his pathway turns him aside. V. 5. "He layeth it on his (his own) shoulders." He does not punish it. He does not drive it back. He does not even give it into the bands of an hireling. “Rejoicing.” It is a delightful task. V. 6 “Calleth together his friends and neighbors,” who have known of his loss, and whose joyful sympathy he now desires. This joy exceeds his thankfulness for the undisturbed pos-ession of that which is not lost. "I have found." This was the cause of his joy. and this it was which he would have his fellow-shepherds rejoice over. "My sheep.” Still his, though having wandered. ‘Which was lost.” This increased his joy in tbe present possession. V. 7- "I,” who came from heaven, and therefore know. “Unto you 1 ’ murmuring, Pharisees and Scribes. A majestic utterance. "Joy,” not murmuring; joy such as the shepherd feels. “Shall be." Here equiva lent to "is.” "More than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repent ance." Christ here takes the Pharisees and Scribes at their own estimate of themselves, and tells them there would be more joy in heaven over one penitent publican or sinner than over ninety-nine of them. 111. The lost money. V. 8. “Either what woman." The illus tration of the lost sheep shows more clearly, perhaps, the self-sacrifice of Christ, and this of the lost money the thoroughness of hie search. "Pieces of silver." The drachma, a Greek coin then in circulation among the Jews. Its value was about 17j cents of onr money. The ten would, therefore, be $1.75. Its worth then, however, was at least ten times its present value. "One piece.” One tenth ofher all. "Light a candle,” etc Pre senting a scene natural to the life, and one setting forth the persistent and careful search of an earnest woman. V, 9 “Calleth’ immediately. “Rejoice with we.” Her joy is so great she would have others sympathize with her. V. 10 "Joy in the presence of the angels of God.” What a wonderful fact is here stated ! God and angels rejoicing over a penitent sinner. Surely the Pharisees and Scribes should have been convinced that that their spirit, as exhibited in their mur muring against Jesus, was utterly wicked. The teacher should take pains, so to set fortn these parables of redeeming love, as to present Christ, the great Redeemer. He seeks and saves that which is lost. He per serves till he finds it He rejoices in the labor and weariness necessary in the work. Such, too, should bs the character of every redeemed soul Such a soul should go out after the lost; should labor patiently and persistently for the conversion of others and then lead them into the fold. REMARKS. Jesus seeks sinners ever before they come to him. There is no loss so great as the loss of a soul. No labor is too great if only the soul be saved. There is no sinner so great a wanderer from God that he may not become an object of joy in heaven. been said that, in the first parable of this chapter, the Savior employs a figure which addresses itself to the minds of men ; in the second one, which addresses itself to women ; and in the third one, which addresses itself to the uni versal heart. Missionary Department. REV J. H DeVOTIE D.D., REV. C. M IRWIN, fEUltore, Mission 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. Ti Spalding, H. C. Hornady, F. M. Daniel, V. C. Norcross, Dr. Jas. S. Lawton Atlanta; G. A. Nun nally. Rome; D. K. Buller, Madison; J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Cartersville; J. H. DeVule. Foreign Mtorlon Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.—Rev. H. A. Tupper, D. D., Corres ponding Secretary. Richmond, Va. Home Mission Board of the Southern Bantist Convention—Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor responding Secretary, Marlon, Alabama. Contributions. —The churches must send, in the next month, $13,239 41 to equal their last years’ contributions, and meet the deficit of that year. The above statement is made in the last issue of the Foreign Mission Journal. We trust Georgia will make a liberal response and without delay. No time to be lost. Southern Baptist Convention. —The fol lowing bodies are entitled to representati in in the Southern Baptist Convention agreea ble to Art. 3d of the Constitution, allowing one representative for every SSOO 00 expend ed by them in missionary and Sunday school work in their own bounds, viz ; Baptist G< n’l Ass'n of Kentucky, 13 del. Alabama Baptist Convention, 15 " Mississippi " “ 14 “ S. Carolina " “ 16 “ Georgia “ “ 18 “ Louisiana “ “ 6 “ Texas “ “ 8 “ Biptist Gen’l Ass’n of Texas, 3 “ Missouri Bapt. Gen’l Association, 14 “ Wm H. Mclntosh, Cor Sec H. M. B.ofS. B. C. Marion, Ala., April sth, 1881. Dr DeVotie: At the request of Miss Lottie Moon, I send you the following short sketch of tbe Womans’ Missionary Society of the Cartersville Baptist church. R. B. Headden. “The Society was organized August 17th, 1873 with a membership of ten or twelve. The object of the Society is to aid Mi s Lot tie Moon in her efforts to elevate fallen wo* man in heathen lands, which object it seeks to accomplish by contributions and prayer. “Feeling that there can be no efficient aid in money given without God’s blessing, this Society has always depended solely on the 1 berafity of its members for contributions. It meets regularly once a month to make its offerings, and to implore the blessing of Him who alone giveth the increase. “The contributions are sent quarterly to Dr. H. A. Tupper, Corresponding Secretary F M. B. Amount contributed in 1873, $ 54 10 “ “ 1874, 72 70 “ “ 1875, 80 50 “ “ 1876, 61 70 “ “ 1877, 65 80 “ “ 1878, 65 70 “ " 1879, 68 55 “ “ 1880 - 114 95 1 Under God's blessing the Society is gradu ally increasing in zeal and interest, and its membership now numbers fifty six. "In November, 1880, eight little girls or ganized a Mission Band, to co-operate with the Ladies' Society. Meeting twice a month, and throwing in their mites, they have sue* needed in raising $5 10, which they have forwarded to Dr. Tupper. “Tbe children of the Bap‘i t Sunday school have been, for three years, supporting a little girl in Miss Moons's school, con t ibu’ing thereto fl teen dollars per year. "Miss Moon, you remember was, for nearly two years, a member of our church previous to going to China, and hence all our gifts are for her support. Isa Williams, “Secretary.” THE GOSPEL ADAPTED TO ALL. The following extract f om a letter we have received from Miss Whilden, since our arri val In this country, will show howtbegospel is suited to all. The same precious parables and glorious miracles of the Lord Jenus that carry balm and consolation, warning and encouragement, to the hearts of men and women in gospel lands, perform the same blessed mission to the heathen. Miss W. says: “My work among the wo men is at times encouraging, and at other times discouraging Since my letter was commenced, T have laid it down to visit among the women. I was reading about tbe raising of the widow’s son, when I no ticed tears running down the cheeks of a woman who sat in front of me- ‘Does He raise the dead now ?' she asked anxiously. No,’l replied, 'that was long ago when He lived on earth.’ ‘Alas! that it was long ago,’ she said sadly, ‘that He cannot now raise the dead.’ I explained that His power to-day was as great as it was then, but when as a tuan He mingled with men, He wrought these miracles in proof of His Divinity, and that now we could read of His wonderful works and know that He was truly God. “‘Had you a son that died?’ I asked. ‘Yes,’ she said, an only son, and I am a widow ; he died last year, and I have been sad ever since. I made offerings, and prayed half the night to the idols to save his life, but they would not hear me, and they let him die.' 'They could not help,’ I said,‘but Jesus can. He will not bring back your dead son to life, but He can comfort you and bring peace to your heart. He pitied the widow, knowing how sad and lonely she was after her son died, and He pities you, too, and wants to make ou happy—to give you a home with Him, where you will be happy forever.’ "When I spoke of Christ’s forgiveness, she said, as tbe tears rolled down her cheeks, ‘I fear it is too late for me.’ I read her the parable of the Prodigal son, find as I explain ed it she said : ‘As soon as that son confessed his sin, his father forgave him ; and if I now confess my sins, God will forgive them all; it is not too late !' And as I read on she re peated, every now and then to herself, those words, ‘lt is not too late! She seemed so much interested that I spent nearly three hours there. ‘lt reaches my heart,’ shesaid, 'it comforts me j even the most wicked could scarcely hear without being made better by it.’ "She wished me to go to her village, which is ou the other side of the river, to tell her relatives and friends about Jesus, and I hope to go next week. "Buch days as to-day make me feel that it is a joy to labor here, but I have had some days lately when it seemed as if the glad message were being spoken to deaf ears—as if the eyes were so blind that ttey could not see how far they had wandered from heaven and from God. Pray for me often, that I may be kept near to Jesus, and taught by Him to speak to these who are so much needing His salvation.” —“R. H. G.,” in Mission Journal. Eid you ever stop to think what ■“immor tal means, and what shall be the existence of your own soul, in comparison with that marble building, that pyramid of Egypt, or the sun and moon themselves? Even in our poor short lives here on earth, we can see how a personality outlasts a kingdom or a city ; what shall we not see perish in the eternal rears which lie before the immortal soul! Said the late W. B. O. Peabody, a man whose poetic nature opened before him long vistas to which duller eyes were blind : “Christ meant that his religion should en dure; and therefore be would not write it with an iron pen in the rock forever; he chose rather to have it engraven on the only immortal thing in this world; and that is the heart of man.”—S 8 Times. A ftITE SONgT Only a drop in tbe bucket, But every drop will tell; The bucket would soon be empty Without the drops in the well, Only a poor little penny, It was all I had to give; But as pennies make the dollars, It may help some cause to live. A few little bits of ribbon, And some toys: they were not new; But they made the sick child happy, Which made me happy too. Only some outgrown garments, They were all I hai. to spaie, But they’ll help to clothe the needy, And the poor are everywhere. A word, now and then, of comfort, That cost me nothing to say, But the poor old man died happy, And it helped him on the way. God loveth the cheerful giver, Though the gift be poor and small; What doth he thi. k of his children When they never give at all. — Selected. RECEIPTS OF MISSION BOARD GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION. From March 12th, to April 12th, 1881. STATE MISSIONS. Meh. 11. Previous ReportJs 323 96 18 Bethel ch, J J Hyman 2 00 Riddleville ch, J J Hyman 2 00 Pleasant Hill, J j Hyman 50 Cuitis ch, Augusta, W T Cheney 2 50 Mt. Vernon As-oclation 17 18 Tanner’s ch, J M Defoor 2 40 Ladies Missionary Society, Fifth ch, Atlanta. V C Norcross 2 00 19 Franklin ch, J A Wynne 2 On Bethany ch, 8 A Burney, Tr 5 60 Antioch ch, J M Defoor 4 00 Index J P Harrison 20 00 24 Miss M E Porter, Griffin 1 00 25 J J Hyman, Ch'm Ex. Com. Mt. Vernon Association 6 67 B C Randall,Griffin 50 S H Wilson, “ 10 00 Brunswick ch, A C Waid 15 00 27 T J E lis, Griffin 100 C F Newton, Griffin 150 E R vnthouy, Griffin i (0 J P Nichols, Griffin 1 00 Dr N B Drewry, Griffin 5 00 M O Bowdoiu, G iffin 1 00 29 u A Blount, received on Field... 23 00 April lAM B H Society, G B Mitchell... 45 00 J C Bryan 75 00 “ " " Joshua Gonkaey 52 50 6 Noonday ch, J A McMurray...... 7 00 Salem ch, George R Moor 2 40 Woman’s Miss. Soc. Gresham- Ville, Mrs M E Wilson 22 00 Woman’s Miss. Soc., Rome, Mrs Carver 10 00 Ebenczerch J U Camp 2 67 Rome ch, G A Nunnally 1 3i 7 Mrs F A Stocks, C A Davis 50 00 9 ethel ch, W J King 1 57 ‘ Unknown," Index office 14 50 J A shank, Thomson 3 00 11 Abiline ch, W H J. ties, Clerk 5 00 Index Co., Jas P Harrison 20 Oo Baihabara ch. T J Swanson 4 <0 Burning Bush ch, W L Shattuck 5 05 Tryon ch, W L Shattuck 6 95 Kingston ch, has H Mayson 5 00 Little Horse Creek ch, H . Eden- field 6 70 Oak Hill ch, H G Edenfield 35 Sharon, Columbia co., J H fort- son 16 35 Friendship, Wilkes county. J II Fortson 5 <,5 Fishing Creek ch, J H Fort-on.. 4 50 12 Newford ch, J H Fortson 1 t 5 V A Bell, collected on field 8 66 M J Patrick, Giiffln 1 00 American and Foreign B. Soc donation 8 70 American Bible Society 16 93 15 863 97 SUNDAY’ SCHOOL EVANGELIST. Mar, 12. Last reports 746 46 18 Ml. Ver.-ion Association 22 50 April 9 J A ShaiiK, Thomson 2 00 11 Abilene ch, W H Jones, Clerk 5 00 $775 96 HOME MISSIONS. Mar. 13. Last reports 2 241 70 18 Mt. Vernon Association 52 28 19 Bethany ch, Morgan county, S A Burney, Tr 3 60 28 C & A J Sweat, Savannah. 5 00 April 6 ZI m ch, Newtou county, J W Estes, Tr 2 86 Received at Marioo, W H Mcln- tosh 9 60 Rec’d at Marion in March, W H Mclntosh 9 70 8 Rec'd at Marion to April Bth . 594 Powelton ch,B N Chapman... . 7 00 McDonald Branch ch 176 82 399 43 INDIAN MISSIONS. Mar 13 Previous reports 816 24 19 Franklin ch, J A Wynne 2 00 Bethany eh, S A Burney, Tr 2 00 April 1 Friendship Association, for Jas. Williams, Choctaw 75 00 6 Ladies’Working Union, Mariet- ta, A W York 5 00 Womans’ Miss. Soc.. Gresham- ville, Mrs M E Wilson 11 00 s9ll 24 FOREIGN MISSIONS. Mar. 13. Last Report $4 182 22 Curtis ch, Augusta 2 50 Mt. Vernon Association 73 18 Ladies' Miss. Soc., Fifth ch, for Chinese boy, V C Norcross 6 00 19 Franklin ch, J A Wynne 2 00 Bethany ch, S A Burney, Tr 3 55 Antioch ch, G G Woolsey, C T Newton.... 6 00 28 C A J Sweat, Savannah 500 April 6 Rec'd at Richmond to Meh. 16th, H A Tupper 67 25 Ladies’ Working Union, A W York . 5 00 Womans’ Miss. Soc., Quitman, L Whilden.S 8 00 Womans’ Miss. Soc., Quitman, for Miss L Whildeu 4 65 Pine Grove ch, J 51 Wilson 6 50 7 P ecious One 40 00 Womans’ Miss. Soc., Dogwo l d Valley, P B Callaway, Mrs Holmes'School 4 00 Kingston ch, C H Mayson 5 00 Douglass Branch ch, H G Eden field 1 95 New Hope ch, T J Swanson 2 15 $4 424 95 EDUCATIONAL Mar. 13. Last reportß 152 25 April 1 Friendship Association, for J F Edens 82 75 8235 00 INDIGENT MINISTERS. Mar. 1» Last reports 558 75 April 9 ‘ Unknown,” Index office 3 00 $561 75 RECAPITULATION. State Missions..B 5863 97 S 8 Evangelist 775 96 Home Missions-.... 2399 43 Indian Missions 911 24 Foreign Missions 4424 95 Educational 235 00 Indigent Ministers; 561 75 $15172 80 J. H.DkVotib, Treasurer. • Miss Abigail Judson, sister to Rev. Dr. Adoniram Judson, celebrated her ninetieth birthday on the 30th ult. She was the sec ond child of her parents (her brother Adoni ram being the first) and was nearly twentys or.e years of age when, in 1812, her brother departed for India. Thus her life covers the whole period of modern missions, she hav ing been born one year before the Baptist Missionary Society at Nottingham, October 2, 1792.