Georgia Historic Newspapers

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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.