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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