Newspaper Page Text
4
MOhix
HKNR Y H. TUCKER, Kditor.
We yield our editorial space to-day
to our Reporter at the State Conven
tion. We announce also that next
week the editor-in-chief will be absent
from home in attendance at the South
ern Baptist Convention at Columbus,
Miss, but the able staff officers of The
Index will amply smpply his place.
Anonymous.—lt is not onr habit to
pay the least attention to anonymous
letters. We now vary from our custom
so far as to say YES to a note recently
received from an unknown source.
GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION
PROCEEDING!! OF THE FIFTY NINTH
ANNUAL SESSION.
FIRST DAY’S PROCEEDINGS.
Athens, April 21, 1881.
The Baptist Convention of the State
of Georgia met to-day in the Baptist
house of worship at 10 a. m.
Rev. R. B. Headden, of Cartersville,
preached the Convention Sermon,from
Colossians. 3:1:
“If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand
of God.”
The text presented three facts: 1.
That Jesus Christ is risen. 2. We are
risen with him. 3. Christ is seated at
the right hand of God. It sets forth
two grand objects : 1. To be where Je
sus is. 2. To be like Jesus. In this
pursuit we have a perfect Model. Can
a Christian imitate Jesus like Booth
did Hamlet? Yes; study Jesus as
faithfully as Booth did Hamlet.
The Convention was called to order
at 11 a. m. by P. H. Mell, President.
The following were appointed a
Committee on credentials:
G A Nunnally, 8 Landrum, W A Overton, W L
Kilpatrick, C M Irwin, W B J Hardman.
Rev. N. A. Bailey declined re-election
as Assistant Clerk, having removed to
Florida.
Rev. E. R. Carswell, Jr., was sugges
ted for Assistant Clerk.
On motion the following were elected
by acclamation: P. H. Mell, Presi
dent ; G. R. McCall, Clerk; E. R. Cars
well, Jr., Assistant Clerk.
Rev. D. E. Butler submitted the re
port of the Trustees of the Orphan’s
Home, which was referred to a com
mittee consisting of
I) E Butler, R J Willingham, JGM Edwards, J
H Mapp, J H Kilpatrick, T B West, B L Rose, J A
Carswell.
Grishamville Missionary Society was
received as a member of the Conven
tion, and the right hand of fellowship
given to G. C. Davis.
The hours of meeting were fixed at
0 a.m. and 3 :30 p. m.; and of adjourn
ment at 1 p. m. and 5: 30 p. m.
On motion of Rev. D. G. Daniel the
Committee on Preaching was instruct
ed to arrange for preaching at 11:30
a. m. during the week.
Read and accepted the invitation of
the Faculty of the State University to
visit that institution.
Rev. N. A. Bailey was recognized as
correspondent from the Florida Baptist
Convention.
The following were announced as the
Cammittee on Preaching:
C I) Campbell, J 8 Hamilton, 8 CDobbs, Lamar
Cobb, H A Lowrance, B A Blakey, J J Davis, N B
Drewry, J R Cooper, A l> Freeman, J W Asbury,
W L b tan ton, E B Royal.
The following is the
ROLL OF DELEGATES.
Appalachee.—T J Swanson, H K Bernard, B A
Blakey, W A Brooks, H N Rainey, J A Harris, J
F Edens, C G Brooks.
Bethel.—W H Cooper, W M Speight, J L Under
wood, T L Houck.
Bowen.- -R H Harris.
Central.—D E Butler, 8 A Burney, A J Beck, J
K Chile*.
Columbus.—R J Willingham, A B Campbell.
Coosa —T C Tucker. J C Clemente, A McHau.
Cave Sirring.—l B Hamilton, G D Harris, D T
K*py, J C Mc Donald. J F Hlllyer.
Carrollton —W W Roop, W W Morrill, W W
Pitts.
Ebenezcr.—G R McCall, J M Hall, JG M Ed
wards.
Fairburn,—W T Glower, D A Brown, BL John
son.
Flint River.—N B Drewry, W G McMichael.
Friendship.—J H Cawood, B W Bussey, J A
Ivey, W Wells, J F Eden.
Georgia.—P H Mell, J H Kilpatrick. J H Fort
son, B M Callaway, W A Overton, J R Young, J 8
Callaway, L R L Jennings. H M Adams, T B
West, T A Nash. J E Cheney, 8 H Stokeley.
Hephzibah.—E R Carswell, Sr., J J Davis, J A
Carswell, E R Carswell, Jr., W J Rogers, J Thom
as, W W Landrum, W T Cheney, W LKilpatrick.
Houston —E B Royal.
Mercer.—N A Bailey, .1G McCall.
Middle Cherokee.—J G Ryals, W M Dyer, W C
McCall, W M Bridges, J J W Mathis, J J 8 Calla
way, R B Headden. A Baxter.
New Ebenezer.—P A Jessup.
Now Sunbury.—D G Daniel, 8 Landrum, A C
Wall, M M Landrum.
Noonday.—J A McMurray, J Galt, J I’Brook,
W Galt, OR Brown.
Ooatauaula.—M H Sanders.
Rehobeth.—C C Braith, J Y Allen, 8 Boykin, 8
G Hlllyer. A J Battle, B L Ross.
Saiepta.—J G Gibson, I H Gow, W R Goss, C D
Campcell, T B Moss, W C Howard, W Rnlherford,
C A btakely, W F Stalk, W B J Hardman, A J
Kelly, L W Stephens, J P. Deadwller, J L Mize, J
M Chandler.
Btone Mountain.—D W Gwin, V C Norcrew, J
M Brittain, T A Gibbes. W G Whidby, J 8 Law
ton, J W Langford, C M Irwin, F M Haygood, W
L Stanton, D Shaver, T C Boykin.
Washington —A R Cason, fvey W Duggan, W J
Nortlien, 8 I. Patllllo, T J Veazy.
Western.—J B 8 Davis, J H Hall, M B Hardin,
A D Freeman, J F Aw try, A E VanHoose, E B
Barrett, J F Cox.
Middle Association.—J R Cooper, ASCanuet.
Greenesboro Baptist church.—H T Evans. H D
D Straton.
Carrollton Baptist church.—T Spurlock.
Newnan Baptist church.—F M Arnall.
Woman's Missionary Society, Rome Baptist
church.—GA Nunnally.
Gresbamvllle Missionary Society.—George C.
• First Baptist church, Atlanta.—D W Gwin.
Acworth Baptist church.—H 8 Hull.
Cartersville Baptist church.—B J Conyers.
Madison Baptist church.—R T Asbury,
(kinton Baptist church.—J W Jones.
Crawfordville Baptist church.—J W Asbury.
White Plains Baptist church.—J H Mapp.
Camilla Baptist church.—J L Underwood.
Hepzibah Baptist church.—J H Carswell.
Missionary Society Baptist Church, Columbus.
—A B Campbell.
Raccoon Creek Baptist church.—D B Cunyers.
Griffin Baptist church.—J H DeVotie.
Americus Baptist church.—B W Bussey.
Central Baptist church, Atlanta.—FM Daniel.
Second Baptist church, Atlanta.—T C Boykin.
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1881.
8. A. Burney, Treasurer, read his
annual report. Receipts, $32,448.88 ;
disbursements, $32,018.64; balance,
$430.19.
The report of the Board of Trustees
of Mercer University was read. The
report announced the death of W. H.
Davis, and resignation of I. R. Bran
ham, as Trustees, and the election of
B. M. Callaway and T. H. Willingham
to fill their places. Ninety-six students
are in attendance. Rev. S. Landrum
had been elected Financial Secretary
and Professor of Theology. The assets
of the University, in stocks and bonds,
are $98,124.00 ; $171.00 had been re
ceived from the Gray estate.
Rev. N. A. Bailey made a statement
concerning the Baptist church at
Micanopy, Florida.
Rev. G. A. Nunnally offered the fol
lowing preamble and resolutions:
It Is with pleasure that we learn many oom
munltles are striving to rid themzclves of the
evlla that result from the nefarious liquor traffic
—evils which spring irom the manufacture, sale
and use ol strong drink. To all such comtnunl
nitles wc say, ' God speed you in your noble en
ttcavor." But, recognizing theappalling magni
tude of this curse, and feeling the need of co
operation to insure universal and permanent
success in removing it, and claiming tne riglit to
petition the civil government, which belongs to
every citizen, both in his individual and corpo
rate capacities; therefore, be it
Rcsoiwed, Ist. That a commission of five breth
ren be appointed to memorialize and importune
the General Assembly of this State, which meets
in July next, to enact such legislation as may, in
their wisdom, be adequate to abate this nuis
ance, mitigate its evilsand remove the curse of
intemperance from the State; and that this com
mission be authorized to present the petition in
the name of the Baptist Convention of the State
of Georgia, and In the name of the great broth
erhood represented in this body.
2d. That we recommend every church in affili
ation wtih this body to prepare a similar petition
and present it to the immediate Representative
and Senator of the county and district in which
the church is located.
3d. That we invite all religious bodies which
have no organic connection with this Conven •
tion, to co-operate with us in procuring and pre
senting similar petitions from their respective
organizations.
4th. That the commission appointed under the
first resolution be instructed and requested to
put themselves in communication with the rep
resentatives ot other religious bodice, with the
view of securing their compliance with tbe above
recommendations.
Rev. G. A. Nunnally supported them
in a strong speech. Rev. D. E. Butler
was opposed to them. They inclined
to union of Church and State. Bap
tists, as friends and advocates of soul
liberty, could not adopt such resolu
tions. T. A. Gibbes favored the reso
lutions, but suggested an amendment
asking the Legislature to pass a local
option law in each county and militia
district in the State. A motion to lay
the resolutions on the table was lost.
On motion the resolutions were referr
ed to a committee cqpsisting of J. G.
Ryals, J. J. Davis, W. J. Northern,
Ivey W. Duggan, J. A. Carswell, G. A.
Nunnally and J. G. Gibson, with in
structions to report at 10 a. m. Friday.
On motion W. L. Kilpatrick was added
to the committee.
A letter from the Americus Baptist
church, inviting the Convention to
hold its next session with them, was
read.
C. C. Smith, T. A. Gibbes and B. W.
Bussey were appointed Finance Com
mittee.
Rev. W. H. Mclntosh, D. D., was
recognized as correspondent from the
Alabama Baptist Convention.
Rev. R. H. Graves, returned mis
sionary from China, was recognized.
Rev. W. C. Wilkes was recognized as
correspondent from the General Mis
sionary Association of North Georgia.
The following were appointed cor
respondents to—
South Carolina Convention.—E R Carswell, Jr.,
R B Headden, F M Daniel.
Tennessee Convention.—T L Houck, J A Mc-
Murray.
Alabama Convention.—T C Tucker, T C Boy
kin, A B Campbell, W H Cooper, W M Speight.
General Missionary Association,N E Georgia -
C M Irwin, D E Butler, S Landrum, W C Howard,
J H DeVotie.
Colored Baptist Convention.—J H DeVotie, R
H Harris, J L Underwood.
Florida Convention.—F M Haygood, TL Houck,
R H Harris, J G McCall, 8 Landrum, D G Daniel,
J G Gibson, W B J Hardman, W R Goss.
The Convention adjourned, with
prayer by Rev. W. H. Mclntosh.
At night Rev. C. A. Stakely, of El
berton, preached from John, 14th chap
ter 6th verse, “I am the Way.” He
considered Christ as
The way from the bondage of sin;
The way from sorrow, pain and care.
The way to temporal holiness and happiness—
The way to the eternal joys of heaven.
FRIDAY—SECOND DAY.
After singing “How firm a founda
tion,” Rev. D. Shaver led in prayer.
President Mell announced the follow
ing committees:
On Education—Rev R H Harris, T J Swanson,
I F Cox. W H Cooper, A J Beck, T C Tucker, G D
Harris, W W Roop, J M Hall. WT Glower, J R
Young, A A Marshall.
Missions—J C Clements. J H Kilpatrick. E R
Carswell, Sr., W M Dyer, J A McMurray: H R
Bernard, C A btakely, V C Norcross, Ivey W Dug
gan, J S Lawton, E B larrett.
Dr-ceased Ministers—J H Hall, J II Carswell,
J H DeVotie. F M Daniel, B M Callaway, W T
Cheney, W C McCall, 8 A Burney, D B Conyers,
F M Haygood, A B Curtis.
Nominations—J G MFCall, R T Asbury, J C Mc-
Donald, J T Cheuey. W Rutherford, J F Awtrey,
W C Howard, J E Chiles, W W Fitts,J Gait, W W
Sanders, B J Conyers,
State ol Religion—A J Battle, J H Fortson, R B
Headden, I II Goss, W F Stark, J H Cawood, D A
Brown, J F Edens, J W Jones, H M Raney.
Temperance—A Van Hoose, D G Daniel, A J
Kelley, J 8 Callaway, F M Arnall, Geo <■ Davis,
H L Hull, A Baxter, J Y Allen.
Sunday schools—D B Hamilton, 8 Boykin,
L R L Jennings, T Spurlcck, J M Brittain, W G
Whidby, J B 8 Davis, W A Overton, W W Merrill,
T L Houck.
Representation to Southern Baptist Conven
tion—A B Campbell, D Shaver, A McHan, J F
Hlllyer, T A Nash, J J W Mathis, W M Speight,
D T Espy. W A Brooks, J W Langford.
Special Committee on Report of Board of Trus
tees of Mercer University—D W Gwin, W W
Landrum, 8 G Hlllyer, 8 L Pattillo, P A Jessup,
Wm Galt, W R Goss, J A Harris, W G Norton, A
C Wall, J P Brook. „ „
Special Committee Orphans’ Home—D E But
ler, R J Willingham, J U M Edwards, J H Mapp,
J H Kilpatrick, T B West, B L Ross, J. A Cars
well.
Rev. J. M. Wood was recognized as
correspondent from the General Mis
sionary Association of Northeast Geor
gia.
Rev. J. H. DeVotie read the report of
the Board of Missions.
The report showed 1760 sermons
preached by missionaries, 35,190
miles traveled, 109 white and 90 color
ed baptized, 108 received by letter, 600
prayer meetings held, 2838 religious
visits to families paid, 6 white and 5
colored churches organized, 4 white
and 9 colored ministers ordaiued, 44
white and 19 colored Baptist Sunday
scbools organized, 2128 scholars added
to the schools, 67 white and 60 colored
children converted, 8248 worth of Bi
bles distributed.
The special committee on Rev. G. A.
Nunnally’s temperance resolutions re
ported them back slightly amended,
recommending their passage.
Rev. B. L. Ross, and Williams Ruth
erford opposed, and Revs. G. A. Nun
nally, J. B. 8. Davis, W. L. Kilpatrick,
W. C. McCall and 8. G. Hillyer advo
cated them, in strong speeches.
Prof. Williams Rutherford offered
tbe following as a substitute for the
resolutions:
Resolved, That thia Convention regards the
common axle and use of intoxicating drinks as
one of the greatest evils of the land.
Rewlvai, That the members of thia Convention
afTectimiately appeal to every Baptlat in Georgia
to do all In hia power by precept and example to
abate the evil In his immediate neighborhood.
A'cso eof, That we suggest that much might be
done by selecting Representatives to our Legisla
ture wiio feel the importance of suppressing the
evil, and who have the nerve to do it.
Pending action, the hour of 11
o’clock having arrived, Rev. H. D. D.
Straton preached from Acts,2o chapter,
28th verse: “Take heed therefore un
to yourselves and to all the flock over
which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the Church of God,
which he hath purchased with his
own blood." God has a flock. His
flock follow him. They must be fed.
Tbe food must be suitable to their
growth and they must have a relish
for it. The text implies watchfulness
against the invasion of wild beasts, who
will destroy or scatter the flock. The
fences must be looked to. The
Shepherd must carry the symbols of
his office with him—faithfulness and
courage, gentleness and power. Tbe
cross is the symbol of success.
In the afternoon the report of the
committee on the Nunnally resolutions
was taken up. Rev. E. R. Carswell,
in a very conservative speech urged
the passage of the following as a sub
stitute :
Kenolvcd, That, as a body of representative Bap
tiste, we appoint a conimltteeof five to prepare
an address to the Baptists of Georgia on the im
portance of bringing the entire moral force of our
dentunination, white and black, Io bear in abol
ishing the liquor traffic from our State.
He moved that President Mell be
requested to give his views of the mat
ter, which prevailed. President Mell
opposed the resolutions as contrary to
Baptist polity.
B. M. Callaway moved to indefinite
ly postpone the whole matter.
Rev. 8. Landrum and Rev. J. L. Un
derwood were in favor of the resolu
tions. Pending action the Convention
adjourned until Saturday morning.
At night the Mission Mass Meeting
was held, President Mell in the chair.
After prayer by Dr. J. 8. Lawton, Rev.
W. H. Mclntosh, Corresponding Sec
retary of the Home Mission Board, de
livered an instructive address on the
History of the Domestic Mission
Board. It was replete with facts and
figures.
Rev. A. E. Dickinson, editor of tbe
Religious Herald, Richmond, Va., ad
dressed the Convention in a speech
full of enthusing power. He spoke of
the work of the Foreign Mission
Board.
Rev. J. H. DeVotie impressed upon
all the importance of three things—
Pray, Labor, Give.
SATURDAY —THIRD DAY.
Prayer by Rev. J. H. Kilpatrick.
Rev. S. H. Ford, of Missouri, recog
nized.
J. T. 0. Beard was received as a cor
respondent from the Lawrenceville As
sociation, and Rev. J. H. DeVotie, A.
J. Kelly, C. M. Irwin, B. A. Blakey aid
W. C. Howard appointed as corresp
ondents to said Association.
The report of the Executive Con
mittee was read. The 54 shares of
Georgia Railroad stock owned by tie
Convention were sold at 132. Refer
red to M. B. Hardin, C. G. Brooks, Z.
McCord, B. L, Johnson, J. A. Ivor,
H. M. Adams, W. Thomas, W. V.
Landrum, W. M. Bridges, W. Weis,
T. J. Veazy, A. A. Marshall.
C. C. Sanders and J. C. Wingo were
recognized as correspondents from tie
General Missionary Association of
Northeast Georgia.
The report of the Board of Missiois
was referred to the following spec al
committee: S. Landrum, L. W. Steph
ens, 8. H. Stokely, T. C. Boykin, V.
G. McMichael, A. S. Canuet, J. R.
Deadwyler, J. M. Chandler.
J. T. Prior, W. H. Prior and Rev.
A. E. Dickinson, of Virginia, were n
vited to seats.
The following were announced as
having arrived:
Hephzibah Association Z. McCord.
Tugalo “ T. C. Boykin.
Cave Spring “ J. W. Pulleu,
Central “ J. R. Branhal.
Cedartown Baptist church N. M. Wright
Gainesville “ “ A. A. Marshaj.
Young Ladies Mission Society,
Hawkinsville Baptist church G. R. McCall.
The report of the Committee on Nui
nally’s resolutions was again taken tn.
Rev. N. A. Bailey advocated them ii
an earnest speech. Rev. D. B. Han
ilton opposed them on the ground tbit
under the constitution of the Conven
tion they had no power. He offered
as a compromise the following:
Hesolvcd, That it is the sense of thisConventlai
that the sale of alcoholic stimulants should nit
receive the sanction of the law.
Rev. W. C. McCall called the pre
vious question which was sustained
Mr. B. M. Callaway withdrew his mt
tion to indefinitely postpone. The re
solutions were adopted by yeas 61,
nays 45.
Rev. D. E. Butler asked for leave b
enter his dissent to the action of tie
Convention, just had. Dr. B. L. Ro?,
W. C. Howard and T. E. Chiles sub
sequently joined with him in the dis
sent, which reads as fallows:
Liberty of conscience, freedom of speech and
religious liberty are cardinal principles, which
Baptists have maintained tn all ages. When this
Convention, witeout authority on the subject,
aarees to petition the Legislature on the sale of
liquors, it departs Irom the principles and prac
tice of Baptiste in all the past.
Dr. 8. G. Hillyer moved to recon
sider the action had on Nunnally’s re
solutions which did not prevail. By
yeas 52, nays 13, the dissent was en
tered upon the minutes.
Rev. R. H. Graves, missionary to
China for 25 years, addressed the Con
vention, giving interesting facts about
the mission work. The whole popula
tion of the world is 1422 millions, of
which 855 millions are heathen. Rev.
Thomas A. Reed, missionary to China,
also spoke of tbe mission cause.
President Mell announced the fol
lowing as the Committee under Nun
nally’s resolutions: G. A. Nunnally,
VV. L. Kilpatrick, J. G. Ryals, J. G.
Gibson and W. J. Northen. Sub
sequently at his own request Mr. Nor
then was excused from the Committee
and Rev. J. L. Underwood appointed
in his place.
At 11 a. m. Rev. J. G. Ryals preach
ed from Luke, 24th chap. 47th verse :
“And that repentance and remission of sins
might be preached in His name beginning at
Jerusalem.”
Go preach the Gospel to every creature—be
ginning at Jerusalem.
The divine plan to evangelize the world was
to begin at borne. The Gospel must be first pre
sented to the Jew —a proclamation to those who
bed bis blood that through all tbe agea of com
ing time none need despair.
1. God employs natural means—those at borne
are readily accessible Though begun at home
it is not obeyed until preached to every crea
ture.
2. It is an opportunity of presenting the Gospel
by proclamation in tbe concrete—a living em
bodiment of Christian life and example.
3 God has made everything tributary to it.
Love ot country, home and family.
4. Our country seems specially selected by the
Divine wisdom. It is unequalled by anv other
nation in some respects and surpassed ’ey none
in power and influence. The character of our
citizenship is cosmopolitan. All nations are re
presented. Commercial it fluence is a mighty
factor in spreading tho Gospel. The English
language follows commerce, and with it our
modes of thought. The English language is to
be tbe universal tongue.
God has selected our own land as the great
center from which the world is to be evangeilz“d.
5. Notice God’s preparation for the work. The
invention of gunpowder revolutionized the sys
tem of war-fare. Barbarism will no more rule
the world. Civilization once attained is never
.ost. The invention of the mariner's compass
made the oceau the highway of nations. The
application of steam to machinery has brought
the world together. The discovery of printing
has resulted in an open Bible Contemporane
ous with tbe discovery of America the spirit of
missions is revived.
Our country was preserved by the English un
til it became a separate nation. Soul 111 erly was
incorporated in our fundamental law and is
now recognized by kings and emperors and in
treaties.
The African, the Chinese, tbe Asiatic and the
Indian have all been brought under the influ
ence of our civilization that they may carry it
to their benighted fatherlands. The duty is em
phatic upon us—cultivate our home field.
At 3.30 p. m. the service began with
prayer by Rev. D. G. Dani 1. The fol
lowing report was read and ordered
spread upon the minutes:
CBBTRAI. CONMHTEK WOMAN’S MISSIONARY SOCIB
TIKS FOR THE YEAR ESPINO MAY 1, 1881.
Owing to protracted Hless in tbe families of
several members of the Committee, the at
tendance on the monthly meetings have been
very irregular. The correspondence, how
ever, bus been maintained, and has been at
tended wlih good results. We are much en
couraged with the success of our efforts. The
receipts have been almost double those of last
year. Several new societies have been organ
ized, and we hope another year will show a
greater Increase in the work. We give below
the amount contributed and reported by the
various societies of the State through this
committee:
Woman's Missionary Society, First Bap-
tist church, Atlantaß36 00
W. M. 8„ Second Baptist church 78 95
W. M. 8., Fifth Baptist church 27 04
W. M. 8., Quitman Baptist church 42 85
W. M. 8 , Redland Baptist church I 00
W. M. 8 , Albany Baptist church 72 00
W. M.S. High Bhosls Baptist church 10 00
W. M. 8.. Gordon Springs and Tunnel
Hill Baptist churches 17 65
W. M. 8„ Gresham vllle Baptist church... 51 00
W. M. 8., Corinth Baptist church.... r. 16 65
W. M. 8., Fishing Creek aud Penford
Baptist churches 8 00
8372 00
Os this amount 839 35 was contributed to
State Missions and 820 to Home Missions. We
solicited a full report of tbe benevolent work
of the so- idles, but have received reports from
only three, which are appended:
CITY MISSION AND BENEVOLENT WORK OX SOCIETY*
First Baptist church, Atlantaslo2 75
Second Baptist church, Atlanta 571 00
Albany Baptist church 16 70
$690 00
Earnestly asking the prayers and co-opera
tlon of every pastor In the State In our work,
this report is respectfully submitted.
Mrs. Stainback Wilson, P. C, C.
Mrs. A. C. Kipdoo, Cor. Scc’y,
The Committee on the report of the
trustees of the Orphans’ Home, recom
mended the adoption of the following,
which prevailed:
Kcsohvd, That we appoint J. H. James to
wind up the affalrsof the Orphans’ Home, sell
all the property and make deeds as trustee,
provided he incur no liability to this Conven
tion.
Rev. A. J. Battle submitted the fol
lowing report of the Committee on the
State of Religion, which was adopted :
STATE OF RELIGION.
It is impossible to obtain data fora satisfac
tory account of the State of Religion. The
only definite criterion by which your Com
mittee have been enabled to Judge of the piety
and z.eal of our brethren, and the success of
the Gospel in those portions of the State cov
ered by the Convention, is the number of
baptisms reported to the Associations con
nected with this body. From the reports of
thirty-six Associations, which, according to
the minutes of 1880, are constituents of this
Convention, we learn that, during the past
twelve months, there have been 3 965 acces
sions by baptism to the churches connected
with these bodies, a slight Increase over the
report of the previous year. In addition to
these, your Committee have had access to the
statistics ot nine Associations not In affilia
tion with this Convention, which show an
addition of 1,130 persons received Into the
churches by baptism. This should be cause
for encouragement, especially in connection
with the enlarged Interest In Sunday-schools,
the Increase of contributions to the va
rious objects of benevolence cherished by the
Convention. Let us thank God and take
courage, accepting these evidences of advance
as indications that God hns not forsaken us,
and that works of faith and labors of love are
not wanting among our churches. A thor
ough exploration of the field might possibly
bring to light a much larger Ingathering and
show a much greater degree of Christian ac
tivity. Gracious revivals have blessed the
churches In various parts of the State. Let us
gray earnestly that the coming year may
e signalized by abundant refreshings from
the presence of the Lord, many thousands
added to the number of tbe saved, and large
revenues of glory accrue to the kingdom of
the blessed Redeemer.
Rev. R. H. Harris submitted the fol
lowing
REPORT ON EDUCATION.
The cause of education is second only to the
cause of Christianity. Indeed, the former is
probably the most important, as it is certainly
the most efficient auxiliary of the latter. While
pure and loving faith is not incompatible with
Ignorance, it Is nevertheless true that enlighten
ed mental culture elevates the moral faculties
and renders operative and externally effi Clive
the divinely iuaplred principle that otherwise,
with very tare exceptions. Is confined in its influ
ence to Its immediate subject, or to the limited
few, radically affected by the operations ot au
untutored mind.
It is the chief end of man to glorify God, and
God is most g'orifled by that one who most wisely
improves the talents committed to him—mental
as well as moral. Intellectual culture does not,
ot Itself, tit a human being for the atmosphere ot
Par, disc, for there are nut wanting skeptics of
transcendant genius, and dazzling monsters of
iniquity, who, in the brilliancy of mental excel
lence, may rival Lucifer, and, iu common sense,
contest the palm with the “Proud Son of tbe
Morning,“ but he whose blessed experience of
Grace Is supplemented b> a thorough and com
plete development of his intellectual powers, un
doubtedly possesses a vastly enlarged capacity for
reception of the true principle ot spiiltu silty on
earth and appreciation ot the inexpressible joys
that await God a people lu their eternal home.
But It must not be forgotten that, while
"knowlidge" ma>- be “power,” knowledge is not
education. Mero book lore is but the hoarded
gold of the miser, that neither the possessor nor
the world can enjoy.
The educated mind is executive as well as ac
quisitive. Available knowledge i» power; mere
knowledge is powerlew. To cuneate the mind is
to lead it forth; to Hain it to thiuk, to apply, to
adapt, to avail. Eduction, uot adduction, is
what we njost need.
That institution of learning is most truly edu
cational which does most to accomplish the ob
jeclwohavein view without disparagement of
other noble institutions in the grand Common
wealth of Georgia, chief among which is the State
University, most ably aud gracefully conducted
by the distinguished President of this Conven
tion, and which b, lu every respect, worthy of
the earnest support and liberal patronage ol our
citizens.
We can truthfully say thatourown institution,
Mercer University, it without a superior on the
continent, or elsewhere, lu the education and
evolution of the minds ot the young. The ac
complished President, Rev. A. J. Battle, D. D., is
the possessor of very superior qualitlis of mind
and heart, aud in the entire Faculty, there is dis
covered a rare combination of mental aud moral
excellence, that cannot fail to produce a most
marked and salutary effect upon tbe min s and
characters of such young meu as are so fortunate
as to be brought within the sphere of their in
fluence.
The Baptists of Georgia have a precious legacy
In Mercer, and they are called upon, by every
motive oi pride, prudence and propriety, to ren
der unto her their cordial, moral aud practieal
support
And, in addition toour recommendation of the
Literary, Scientific and Law Departments of Mer
cer University, we feel called upon to speak our
endorsement of the Theological Department. Un
der the efficient management ol its learned and
pious conductor, it must result in tbe accomplish
ment of incalculable good for our people and oth
ers throughout the State.
In this connection we must crave permission to
pass beyond the limits of Georgia and call atten
tion to the institution ol inestimable importance
to the Baptists of our whole country. Wo allude
to the Southern Baptist rheological Seminary, at
Louisville, Ky. Iu its perpetuity and permanent
prosperity, we are most deeply, and in one sense,
most vitally interested. If it be true, as we have
maintained, that education is the most important
ally of orthodox Christianity in the world at targe,
how essential it must be that ministers of the
Gospel, the teachers of Christianity, should enjoy
the most ample advantages of a thorough, liberal
and enlightened system of moral training. The
minister must lead the van in repelling or thwart
iug lhe bold aggressions or the insidious encroach
ments of Romanism, ai d every other form of in
fidelity. We feel confident that Dr J. P. Boyce,
distinguished alike for his erudition and his
piity, with his able corps of colleagues, will keep
the seminary up to the highest standard of effi
ciency in the thorough accomplishment and
complete training of young Baptist ministers for
the solemn and important duties before them.
To return to our own State, ft fs due both to
the institutions themselves and to our people in
the indicated sections of the State, that we call
special attention to the Crawford High School, at
Dalton, and the Hearne High School, at Cave
Spring, most efficiently conducted by their res
pective principals, brethren J. H. Bitting and P.
J. Klug, and we must not omit tomention Heph
zibah High School, at Hephzibah, under the able
management of brother J, A. Carswell These
institutions have wrought incalculable good in
their respective sections, aud we heartily com
mend them to the patronage of the people.
Mercer High School, at Penfield, with brother
J, W. Ellington in charge as Principal, is a noble
and flourishing institution, under control of the
Georgfa Association, and it would be difficult to
say too much in its commendation.
But while we are thoughtful of the Interests of
our sons, we must not be unmintilul of the
welfare of our daughters. The education of the
latter is, iu no sense, less important than that of
tbe former. True, the course of training may be,
and ought to be, tn some respects, different, but
the general plan should be the same. And that
such a plan is in successful operation, we do not
hesitate to declare:—at Rome, at Gainesville, at
LaGrange, at Forsyth, and at Madison. Under
the guidance respectively of such men as our
brethren, Rev. R. D. Mallary, Rev. W, C. Wilkes,
I. F. Cox and R. T. Asbury, with their pious and
excellently qualified assistants, our girls may be
instructed in the practical use of their mental
faculties, their moral natures will not be neglec
ted, and they may be prepared to enter upon life
with all those accomplishments of utility and
grace necessary to fit them foi their important
sphere.
Women should neither be staves nor toys. They
are designed, by an all-wise Creator, as helps
meet for man, and they should be educated ae
cordingly.
After a careful and deliberate survey of the
entire field, we have formed the opinion that the
cause of ed ucation in our State is on the advance.
We thiuk more attention is being devoted to
practical education of mind and body. The
young are being more carefully trained in those
departments that will be of practical advantage
to them in mature life, and we are glad to note
that due observance is being given tn many in
stitutions, Colleges and schools to the taws of
physical health, ft Is rarely tbe case that a de
bilitated body ean long sustain the effective
operations of a highly organized miud ; the in
tellectual development, in such cases, generally
resulting in the speedy exhaustion ol the physi
cal powers.
This is a busy, progressive age, and men and
women must be trained to undergo the mental
and physical exertion essential to the mainten
ance ol a place in the front rank of progress.
Indeed, we attribute much of the wonderful
recuperative power and energy of lhe Southern
people to the system of education just noticed ;
aud that principal of determination and purpose,
evolved by conscious necessity, discovered by
Prof. Willett in the post bcUum boys at Mercer, as
intimated in a recent letter to The Index, has
made, is making, and will make, itself
felt for good upon our whole people.
The principle only needs guidance and there are
wise instructors to gulce it. Alter all, however,
we feel called upon to deplore the proneness on
the part of many of our people to obstruct the
cause of education by the employment of incom-i
petent teachers in the common schools, merely
because they are cheap. What a fatal mistake of
economy I The result is the degradation of the
profession, the ruin of pedagogue aud pupil.
The means of education are powerful and dan
gerous instruments. Hence, it is true, with a
double emphasis, that intellectual children
should not handle edged tools. Much of this
evil is, doubtless, attributable to our defective
public school system.
That the system is defective cannot be ques
tioned and Prof. Orr, the worthy and devoted
head of the Bureau, however wisely he may, and
does, administer it, cannot radically cure tne de
fects.
The General Assembly might. We will not
sugge.t how. It is not within our province to
legislate, nor to Indite the text of bills. Let us
sincerely hope that the present inefficient system
may soon be remodelled and rendered available
for the purpose originally contemplated.
Wecannot close tills report without allusion to,
and commendation of, one other most impor
tant Instrument ol mental and moral education,
that is too little appreciated, and we fear, too
generally Ignored. We mean the Kellgious
I’ress.
Our religious papers and Magazines are essen
tial factors in the make-up of a well rounded
life. They are at hand, on every side. Why do
we not avail ourselves ot their advantages ?
The list is long: we cannot particularize at
length. But in our own State, we cannot for
bear to mention The Chbistian Index with that
wonderfully gifted, versatile aud trenchant de
fender of tbe Faith, the venerable Dr. H. H.
Tucker, at the helm : The Baptist Banner, a gem
of a flag, held steadily in tho breeze by tho still
strong arm of the patriarch, Rev. J. M. Wood;
the Baptist Sun, that from the summits of the
Roman hills sheds the light of Nunnally’s bril
liant intellect far and wide, through the land;
and dear Kind B’ords, tent forth by our beloved
brother Samuel Boykin, a gentle missive of love
and peace to heart and mind of young and old,
in Sunday-school and home, all over the fairest
State beneath tbe skies.
Brethren, let us educate.
R. H. Harris, Ch’n.
Remarks were made be Revs. R. H.
Hanis, 8. Landrum, A. E. Dickinson,
W. C. McCall, A. J. Battle, G. B. Mc-
Call and D. E, Butler.
Prayer for the conversion of the stu
dents in Mercer University was offered
by 8. G. Hillyer.
The report was adopted.
Rev. W. C. McCall offered tho fol
lowing, which was adopted:
Reeolved, That the’Convention approves the
wisdom of the **oard of Trustees In the selection
of Rev. 8. Landrum as Financial secretary and
Theological instructor in Mercer University and
that as such he be cordially commended to thede
nomination throughout the State.
The Committee on Nominations re
ported Rev. R. H. Harris to preach
the next Convention sermon, and Rev.
A. J. Beck, alternate, which was adop
ted.
SUNDAY SERVICES.
Sunday, Baptist church, 11 a. m.
Rev. J. H. Hall, D.D. Newnan; Bp.
m. Rev. 8. H. Ford, D.D., St. Louis.
Baptist church at 4 p. m. a Sunday
school mass meeting will be held at
which time addresses will be delivered
by Drs. Dickinson and Graves.
Presbyterian church, 11 a. m. Rev. J.
H. DeVotie, D.D., Griffin; sp. m. Rev.
A. A. Marshal, Gainesville.
First Methodist church, 11 a. m.
Rev. J. H. Fortson, Danburg; Bp. m.
Rev. A. B. Campbell, Columbus.
Oconee Street Methodist church, 11
a. m., Rev. W. M. Dyer, Dalton; 8 p.m.
Rev. J. B. 8. Davis, Newnan.
Watkinsville, 11 a. m., Rev. E. R.
Carswell, Jr.
Floyd Hill’s church, 3 p. m. Rev. L.
R. L. Jennings; 8 p. m. Rev. N. A.
Bailey.
Landrum chapel, 3 p. m. Rev. 8.
Landrum, D.D.; Bp. m. Rev. D. W.
Gwin, D.D.
A. M. E. church, 3 p. m. Rev. 8. G.
Hillyer, D.D.; Bp. m. Rev. W. L. Kil
patrick, D.D.
MONDAY—FIFTH DAY.
The Convention was led in prayer
by Rev. J. W. Pullen.
W. L. Kilpatrick moved to recon
sider the report of the Committee on
Nunnally’s resolution, and Messrs. J. G.
Ryals, D. G. Daniel, E. R. Carswell, Sr.,
J. G. Gibson and N. A. Bailey, indors
ed the motion for the purpose of un
animity. The resolutions were refer
red to a committee consisting of W. L.
Kilpatrick, H. D. D. Straton, J. G. Gib
son, J. G. Ryals, D. E. Butler, E. R.
Carswell, Sr.
The Committee on the report of the
Mission Board submitted their report.
Addresses were delivered by Rev. W.
H. Mclntosh, Rev. J. H. DeVotie, Rev.
C. M. Irwin, Rev. J. G. Ryals, Rev. R.
H. Graves and W. T. Cheney. The
remarks were all full of the spirit of
missions. Dr. DeVotie sold a lamp mat
for $5 and a pair of socks for sl, con
tributed by ladies for that purpose.
S2OO was subscribed to fill out the mis
sion funds. One brother subscribed
$84.80 cents.
The report shows: received for For
eign Missions $5647.73; for Home
Missions $3732.84; for State Missions
$7973.04; Educational $330; Indigent
Ministers $595.55; Church Building
$957.00. Grand Total $19,236.16.
W. L. Kilpatrick submitted the re
port of the Committee on the Nunnally
temperance resolutions and substitutes,
which was adopted unanimously, viz:
It is with pleasure that we learn that
many communities are striving to rid
themselves of the evils from the nefar
ious liquor traffic, evils which spring
from the manufacture, sale and use of
strong drink. To all such communities
we say, “God speed you in your noble
endeavor.” But recognizing the appal
ling magnitude of this curse, and feel
ing the need of co-operation to insure
universal and permanent success in re
moving it, and believing it to be a duty
to throw the whole moral influence of
this Convention in favor of the suppres
sion of the liquor traffic, therefore,
Resolved, That a committee of five brethren bs
appointed, who shall put themselves in commu
nication, by au address through the press, and by
such other means as they may deem best, with
our Baptist brethren throughout the State, and
with all Christian people throughout the State,
and with all good citizens of the State, with a
view to the accomplishment of a result so emi
nently desired.
The Finance Committee reported
$1079.89 received.
The Committee on Representation in
the Southern Baptist Convention re
ported Georgia entitled to 110 delegates
with the names of a large number of
Baptists. Adopted.
The Committee under the new temp
erance resolutions are: W. L. Kil
patrick, J. G. Gibson, H. D. D. Straton,
J. G. Ryals, J. L. Underwood.
The reports of the Committees on
Missions, Temperance, Deceased Minis
ters, Executive Committee, Board of
Trustees of Mercer, Southern Baptist
Convention, were made and adopted.
It is impossible for us to give them in
this issue.
Messrs. W. L. Stanton, VV. T. Cheney
and W. H. Norton were appointed
tellers of the election for Trustees of
Mercer University.
The following were elected for three
years:
David E. Butler, President,
J G Ryals, T G Lawson, W L Kilpatrick, J T
Clarke, G A Nunnally, M B Wharton. J L Under
wood, S Landrum, D Walker, Virgil Powers, A
J Beck, W J Northen, B L Willingham, J C C
Black, C M Irwin, J H DeVotie, J T Wiiigfleld,
G R McCall Secretary and Treasurer, BF Tharp,
W M Sims, W O Tuggle, A T Spalding. W B Ben
nett, A B Campbell, E W Warren, J H James, H
€ Hornady, TH Willingham, B M Callaway, G
S Obear, A D Freeman, J G Gibson, J G McCall.
Elected by acclamation as Executive
Commitee:
Located at Macon.
E W Warren, V Powers. J E Willet, L W Hunt,
M B Wharton, J Mcßride, S P Sanford, Secret
ary.
Elected by acclamation as State
Missionary Board:
Located at Atlant*.
A T Spalding, Chairm in,
J H Hall, D W Gwin, G A Nunnally, HC Horn
ady, R B Headden, F M Daniel, J G Ryals, V G
