The Christian index and southern Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1892, June 23, 1881, Image 2

The Christian index and southern Baptist., June 23, 1881, Page 2, Image 2

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Newspaper Page Text2 f - F ' INDIAN MISSIONS OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION. BT S BOYKIN. Xt’UßXk OXK. rBXtI«IN*nY STATkMKNTS. From the very beginning of this century, the Baptists of the South have manifested a deep Interest tn sending the gospel to the In dians. Kentucky and Georgia took the lead. The latter State maintained amission among the Creeks on the borders of Georgia and Alabama, from about 1820 to 1880., For many years thev sustained a mission, through As sociations! co-operation, among the Cherokee Indians In the northern part of the State. When the Indi ms were removed to the In dian Terriforv, between ls&) and 1810, these mlssionarv efforts were Interrupted, buj not discontinued The United States government has al wavs assisted in tbeenlignteumentand reformation of the Indians, and has seen proper to co operate with religious societies, among others the Southern Bip'ists, tvho have thus been kept constantly engaged in this work of education anil Christianization. Previous to the year 1812. however, all the general organlz-d labor of the Soul nern Bap tists was Intrusted to the General Foreign Mission Board, at Philadelphia, organized in 1818 which directed its attention mostly to Foreign Missions. Io the apparent neglect of the Indian Held. Ou this account, many Wes tern and Southern Baptists withheld con tributions that would otherwise have gone Into the treasury of the General Convention ; nud this led to the organlz ition of a Western Baptist Convention, whichmetin Cincinnati in 1811. and ot which Kev Isaac McCoy was Corresponding Secretary. TUB AMERICAN INDIAN MISSION ASSOCIATION. The result of this Convention was the for mation. in 1843, of the American Indian Mis sion Association, at Louisville. Kentucky, with Its Board located In that citv. CHOCTAW MISSIONS. The following y ar the Rev Sidney Dyer was sent, by that Board, as a missionary to the choctaws. He reached bis destination on the 14’.h of June, IM4, but was forced to return to Kentucky In December of the same year, by the ill-healtli of Ills wife. Nevertheless, during the six mouths of his continuance among the Indians, his labors weresoabun dautly blessed that the frtendsof the Assocla tloa were greatly encouraged Rev. Joseph Smedley and Rev. Ramsey Potts were next appointed missionaries to the Choctaws in -eptember, 1814 Within a few years five churches were con stituted In the northeastern part of the Na tion, under the general supervision of Mr. Hmedlev, and to each church the Lord gave a native pastor Tli*lr names were: Peter Fol som, Simon Hancock. Lewis Cass, William Cass and Meahshonubby. Os these the first three still survive (1881). William Cass, afull blood Choctaw’ of noble bearing, was killed in the late war. He was a zealous, sensible preacher, and a faithful soldier, and was brave to a fault. Meahshonubby died about t he close of the war. and his loss was serious ly felt by the churches. A few years after his location at Pleasant Bluff, Mr. Smedley lost his wife, and then re moved to Arkansas, near the Hue of the In dian Territory, but continued his mission work, and baptized many Choctaws, Creeks and negroes After living a most exemplary life he died only two or three years ago. In the southern partof the Choctaw Nation, Mr. Potts labored successfully, and constitu ted one church in Klamichia county. He moved fifty miles lurtlier westward soon after and formed Armstrong Academy, on the Bed river, a Government school, which, fora number of years, was very flourishing Here he baptized a number of Indians, and constituted two Baptist.churches—“Ephesus" and •‘Philadelphia— both of which still exist, and are good, strong churches About 1858. Mr. Potts married bls second wife, a Texas lady, and moved to that State. He was succeeded by Rev. R. G. Moffat, ap pointed by the Domestic and Indian Mission Boarfl of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was a good man, but, by bad manage ment. allowed the Armstrong Academy to pawi out of his hands Into those of the Cum berland Presbyterians. He left, the Nation In 1860, and, soon after, died In Canada. Rev. R J. Hogue was appointed to succeed Mr. Moffat, and reached his field In 1858. He Is still at work In the Nation, an Indefatiga ble missionary; no man standing higher than he, In the estimation of all, White, Red and Colored As a man, he is very useful and greatly belovM. In 1859, Rev. Willis Burns was appointed by the Marlon Board to succeed Mr. Smedley tn the eastern portion ot the Nation, and set tled at Skulleyvllle. Under the care of the native pastors, the churches In that region were very prosperous, and organized an As sociation at Philadelphia in 1860, consisting ot eight churches; but the war put an end to Its existence. Rev. J. S. Murrow, who had been sent out by the Georgia Kehoboth Association la 1857, and labored very successfully among the Creeks, and especially among the Semlnoles. until the war broke out, settled among the Choctaws, after the war, at Atoka He began the work of re-organizing the churches, and collecting the scattered members, and form -1 ng Sunday-s.'bools, organizing an inter-tribal Sunday-school Convention. In 1872, he or ganized an Association among the Choctaw and Chickasaw churches, called ‘TheChoc taw and Chickasaw Baptist Association,” composed of sixteen churches and seven hun dred and seventeen members. It now(i881) contains twenty-elghtchurclies and one thou Hand three hundred members, and Is a mis sionary body In fact as well as In name. PATRIOTIC RESOLUTIONS. The Patriotic Resolutions, adopted by the Convention at Athens in 1861, were not at all analogous to the Memorial proposed at Athens tn 1881. There was nothing In them addressed to an.v Legislative body, referring to making or repealing laws. The nearest approach was a request to the Confederate Government to unite all denominations in the Confederacy, to unite In observing days of fasting and prayer After the declaration of war against Great Britain, in June 1812, every Bap Ist Associa tion tn Georgia passed patriotic resolutions at acme period during the war. The noble oH Georgia took the lead In this, as In most other matters, and her report and resolutions were drawn up by a committee consisting of: Jesse Mercer, Chairman, Wilson Lumpkin, William Rabun and J. N. Brown. It is q noble document, and was sanctioned and adopted anon after by the Sarepta Association. It be gins thus: “That however unusual it may be for us, ns a religious body, to inter-meddle wtth the political concerns of our country ; ?’et at this momentum crisis, when our vital nterests are Jeopardized, to remain silent would Indicate a criminal Indifference. We, therefore, in this public and solemn manner, take the liberty of saying that we have long viewed, with emotions of Indignation and horror, the many lawless aggressions,” etc. After being read several times, It was adopted without dissent, in October 1813. precedents. I was told that Dr. Mell asserted, at Athens, that we had no Convention precedent for pe titioning the Legislature to repeal the laws licensing the liquor traffic. Os course lam Ignorant of the precise expression and mean ing of that distinguished gentleman, and do not presume to contradict him. Strictly speaking. I reckon It Is true that our State Gouventkin has never petitioned the Legisla ture to make or repeal a State law: but, In May 1785, the Georgia Association, which was the only Baptist Association then In the Htate, and which contained, In Its connec tion, perhaps all the churches of our denomi nation lu the State, did send a remonstrance, which may be considered a petition, to the Legislature at Savannah, by the bauds of Si las Mercer and Peter Smith. In February 1755, the Legislature bad enac ted a law •that of the public tax, from time to time paid Into the treasury of the Slate, there be deducted at the rate of tour pence on every hundred pounds valuation of property, and, -n the same proportion, for all other taxable property,which shall be appropriated and set apart for the county from which It wwi received by the Treasurer, for the support of religion within such county." This money WM to pay tne salaries of such ministers of '‘approved ptetv and learning” as the heads oftmrty families might select. Against this the Georgia Baptists remonstra ted successfully, as the law was repealed at the next session, tn the fall of 1786. This was, we see, a petition to repeal a law. In 1781. the Georgia Association, then con taluiug fifty-six churches, and representing oar whale-denomination in the State, to an ex tect greater than the Georgia Baptist Con vention now does, memorialized the Legls lauirc to make a law. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1881. I copy front the Minutes ot 1784—from the only known copy in existence: "A Memorial moving to the Legislature that a law be made to prevent the future importation of slaves was presented, read and approved, aud ordered to be assigned by the Moderator and Clerk Also, brethren Henry Graybill and James 81ms were appointed to present the same to the. next session of the General Assembly.” These acta,—a remonstrance or appeal, and a memorial,—were the formal action of a body, as much a religious body as our Convention; and It was a body which, in each case, represented the entire Baptist denomination in the State. But, whether or not they constitute precedents in contradiction to Dr. Mell's statement at the Con vention, I am unable to say. and should like to have his opinion In the matter I have before me copies of the law alluded to, and also of the remonstrance which Is a very able document, although not entirely complete. It came Into my pore salon among some papers, left by Dr. A. Sherwood, in the hands of Dr. Benedict, which I secured by a piece of good luck, and which Dr. Sherwood copied from pa pers found iu possession of Abraham Marshall's family. TOO MUCH RELIGION. Can it be possible for men to have too much religion? So thought the apostle Paul at Athens when he read the inscription upon a public altar: "To the unknown God.” “I perceive,” said he to those polished and volatile men, “that in all things ye are too religious.” Men are apt to confound religion with godliness, than which nothing is further from the troth. A man may be religious, yes, very religious, who neither knows nor serves the true and living God. In fact, the world is full of religion of one sort and an other, but real godliness is by no means so common as some are wont to conclude A godly man is one born of the Spirit, by which be becomes a child of God and a new creation ; but millions of people doubtless have forms and ceremonies which they re ligiously observe, and yet go further and further from God day by day. Godliness is simply a contraction ot the word god-like ness, and many who profess religion have not the slightest resemblance to the great God, one of whose distinguishing character istics is holiness, a quality which every one must possess who would see the Lord. Everything which professes to be religion cannot be accepted without honest exami nation, and whether we shajl ever be able to distinguish the true from the false, the great Judge will, at the last day, successfully ac complish the w >rk of separation. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall en ter into the Kingdom of heaven,” is the sol emn warning which Jesus gives us—a warn ing to which all should give diligent heed, for it will meet us again in the coming years. Not the quantity, but the quality of a man's religion will determine his destiny at the last day, and this is certified by a divine ut terance, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” What we are can be ascertained with some degree of certainty by what we •io, the tree being good or bad according to its fruitage. The Pharisees had religion, a great deal of religion, but they robbed the fatherless and the widow all the same, and, in the language of geologists, the race is not extinct yet, but has many living examples. Godliness corrects a man’s nature,—puri fies the inner fountains of life, and per con sequence, his actions will correspond to his inward state. The fountain purified, we may confidently expect to find the stream which flows from it conespondingly pure. Forms of godliness without the power are just so many mill-stones about one's neck to drown him in destruction and perdition. Too much religion may be worse than none at all, as you cannot fill a vessel with pure water when it is already full of slush. H. C. H A PLEASANT MEETING. It was my privilege to help brother James F. Elens in a two weeks meeting at Monroe beginning on Tuesday before the fifth Sun day ult. The principle feature in the ser vice was that the church was greatly revived, the brethren and sisters very generally com - ing up to the help of the L »rd, both in the morning and in the evening services I am personally indebted to these preci >us meetings for great comfort and refreshment of heart. Up to the time I left three young men were received for baptism on the pro fession of faith in Christ. Their account of God's dealing with their souls was singular-, ly clear, scriptural and satisfactory. Others are believed to have experienced a change of heart, and will probably present themselves for membership at an earlj' day. The pastor brother Edens is a man greatly beloved by his people and the com munity generally- He preaches the gospel in simplicity and power. His heart is full of the love of Christ, and his people, both in Social Circle and in Monroe hold up his hands, and give him their hearty sympathy and co operation. The Master has blessed him with great success in his ministry. Their appreciation of my poor services W’as not limited to empty compliments, and pa tronizing attendance on the meetings, but was substantially expressed in a contribu tion amounting to over sixty dollars. I speak this to their praise, and to encourage other churches to communicate of their ■‘temporal things” to those who labor among them in word and doctrine. H. D. D. Stbiton. Greenesboro, Ga., June 9th. 1881. FROM BRUNSWICK, GA On last Wednesday night, it was my hap py privilege to bury in the baptismal waters three willti g followers of Jesus. I endeav ored, before administering the ordinance of baptism, to show to the congregation that sprinkling or pouring would do just as well as baptism, but I am afraid I made a signal failure. I will tell you what I did, and then I want you to tell me why I failed. I read aloud, thebaptism of Christ, as recorded in Matthew and Mark, and also the baptism of the euntlch by Philip, mentioned in tne eighth of Acts, and even went so far as to refer to Romans, 6th, but not one of these passages said a word about either sprinkling or pour ing. What made the matter worse for me was, that I happened to remember that it is only those who have been sprinkled or pour ed upon, that have doubts about baptism, I tried to use the strong argument of Conven ience, in favor of sprinkling or pouring, but up walked Duty and knocked Convenience under the table with one blow. I was so frightened after this that I dare not even look to see how much Convenience was hurt. Now, Mr Editor, I want to be “all things to all men,” but since Christ’s example does not teach sprinkling or pouring, and since the titles given by sprinkling or pouring are not satisfactory, ana since Convenience, the warmest friend that sprinkling or pouring has, allows Duty to gain such a grand victo ry at a single blow, I shall be compelled in future to advocate the only initiation to church membership, given in the New Tes tament, baptism. A. C. Ward. MRS J. W. McCALL. Editor Index :—I was called upon last Sunday, June 12ch, to perform the funeral services at the grave of sister Jane Warren McCall, wife of our brother, Rev. Moses N. McCall, of Cochran, Ga. For several reasons she was buried here in Laurel Grove Ceme tery. Her death is said to have been remar kably triumphant. Among the impressive occurrences was the kneeling of her three little boys to receive a mother’s farewell blessing. This affliction is a heavy one, but let us be grateful that we "sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." W. 8, Walker. Savannah, Ga. JOTTINGS BY THE WAY. Editors Index : My last letter closed at Smithville. Continuing on'down the South western railroad, I stopped, for a few hours only, at Americus. Saw brother Bussey, pastor of the Baptist church in that city; arranged such matters as were needing At tention, and then by freight to Dawson Su - perior Court was in session; Judge Hood presiding. Repairing to the court-room I soon met with a number of brethren, and among them Rev. J. H. Corley. As per haps your readers know, brother Corley has been greatly afflicted in his family during the last few years. But the heaviest blow of all came a few days before my visit, in the death of his most excellent and greatly be loved wife. I presume the particulars have been furnished you ere this, and I will not repeat. My recollection is that this devoted husband aud wife had lived happily together for about thirty-six years. I found brother C. oppressed with sorrow such as only those can realize who have buried a loved wife or husband. May the good Lord comfort and strengthen him as He only can do. Brother Corley and his son (the latter a zealous young minister) are serving a number of churches —precisely how many has escaped my memory. During my stay in Dawson, by his kind invitation, I made headquarters at brother Corley’s; dividing my time here and with brother J. A. Ivey, who is delightfully situa ted, boarding with the excellent family of Dr. Paschal. Brother Ivey, as pastor of the Baptist church of Dawson, has a pleasant field of labor truly, and is doing a good work. His church and people love him very much. Providence has blessed him truly with a good wife, who takes great pleasure in aiding him in his pastoral work. My stay in Dawson was exceedingly pleas ant, and my work easy. Thanks to brethren Ivey, Corley and others. This little city has been terribly afflicted with measles, a num ber of deaths having resulted therefrom. My next stopping place was Cuthbert. I was fortunate in arriving at the time I did. Tue fireman’s picnic was being held at the fair grounds, near the depot, a large number of the good people of Cuthbert and surround ing country being present. This enabled me to meet with many whom I could otherwise scarcely have seen on so short a visit. The occasion was an enjoyable one truly. In addition to the “home folks” the Eufaula Light Infantry were there with full ranks and handsome uniform, as the guests of the gallant firemen of Cuthbert. During the afternoon the Cadets, from the Agricultural College, under command of Prof. Newton, enlivened the occasion by prize drill and target shooting. The prize a handsome pickle stand—was awarded to Master Willie Howeli, son of our good brother, Rev. W. M. Howell, and the prize for drill—a gold medal —to Sergeant Han. Cuthbert is one of the most charming little cities in all Georgia. It is famous for its fine schools and churches, aud the culture and refinement of its people. Cuthbert has An drew Female College (Methodist), the Agri cultural College (a branch of the State Uni versity), and the Grange Male and Female Institute. The Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches all have excellent houses of wor ship. Brother W H. Cooper is pastor of the Baptist church, and much beloved, as he is wherever known. My stay in Cuthbert was both pleasant and successful; for which I am largely indebted to brother J. C. Martin, who not only entertained me at his home, but accompanied me in my work through the city. Brother M. lost his wife some years ago, leaving him with four interesting children to train up without a mother’s care. He has never married again, but he deserves, and ought to have, agood wife. (Pardon me brother M). Friday afternoon our good brother, Rev.l W. M. Howell, whose acquaintance I formed in Cuthbert upon mj’ first arrival there, met me at Lyl’s Crossing, on the railroad, and carried me to Stewart county, and to Shady Grove church. On our way thither we spent Friday night with our good brother S. Crumbley. The church had invited a num ber of brethren to be present at this time for the purpose of ordaining two deacons. Brother Howell preached at 11 o’clock on Saturday. It was a very busy season, and the congregation was not large on Saturday. Brother Binion preached Saturday night. A large congregation attended on Sunday. The ordination service, by brother Binion, was an excellent one, and was listened to with profound attention. After the sermon, the Presbytery was organized by electing Rev. B. L. Binion, Chairman, and Rev. J. W. P. Fackler, Secretary. The brethren to be or dained were G. W. Ard and Willis S. Boyett. Rev. W. M. Howell conducted the examina tion, and brother Fackler offered the ordi nation prayer. The ceremony was truly im pressive. One of the brethren ordaine I—G. W. Ard—lost a leg in one of the battles of the late war. He was a gallant soldier in the army of the lost cause, and he is a vali ant soldier of the Cross. For some sixteen years he has been Tax Collector of Stewart county, and can probably continue in office as long as he desires it. Brother Fackler preached Sunday night, after which the church and visiting brethren celebrated the Lord's supper. This is one of the five churches brother Fackler is serving. He preaches for this church one Sunday af-> ternoon in each month, and, I believe, every fifth Sabbath. The church has a good Sab bath-school,—brother Ard, Superintendent. During my stay in this vicinity I spent one night with brother Ard, dined on Sunday at brother Cliatt’s, and spent Sunday night at sister W arrens’. Monday to Lumpkin. This is one of the old tnwns of Georgia, and has contributed a number of excellent citizens to Atlanta. 1 was informed t.iat a late wealthy and promi nent gentleman of Atlanta (he is now de ceased) made his first five dollars in Lump kin topping trees. He earned an honorable reputation, acquired a fortune, and his name would be lamiliar to people all over the country did I feel authorized to give it. Another evidence of what patience, indus try and economy can accomplish. Lumpkin is some distance from any rail road, and most of the business it ever had has been drawn to the different railroad towns and cities. During mj’ stay in Lump kin I was the guest of brother D. W, Sarles and family, to whom I am greatly indebted for their noble hospitality and many acts of kindness. Tuesday night to brother Homes’s, where it is ever pleasant to be. This good brother and devoted minister aided me greatly in my work, and I shall not forget, during’life, the pleasant season we had together. Wed nesday he carried me again to the railroad, where I took the train for Eufaula. Never, in all my travels, have I met with a more cordial welcome than was extended me in the charming little city of Eufaula, in our noble sister State of Alabama. Situated on a bluff of the Chattahoochee, and extend ing back into the hills and valleys adjacent, it is truly a lovely place. The pride of the city is its churches, which, in many respects, surpass those of any city of the same num ber of inhabitants—about 6,ooo—within my knowledge. The Baptist church,—the only one I had the pleasure of visiting,—is a noble superstructure. The design of the building is inspiring, and every department is ar ranged for comfort beauty and utility. An interesting meeting had been in progress in this church for some two or three weeks, and was still continued when I left. Eleven were to be baptized the following Sunday night. One little girl, nine years old, joined while I was there, and no one, I bslieve, doubted that she was a little Christian. Her father, brother Walker, told me he was sab isfied she was converted when she was seven years old. God bless little Annie Walker, and make her a bright light in His cause. Rev. M. M. Wambolat is pastor of this church. He has been greatly assisted in this meeting by brother Porter, an evangelist, formerly of Kentucky. My stay in Eufaula was exceedingly pleas ant. Soon after my arrival our good broth er, Rev. W. H. Patterson, catne to see me, and carried me to his delightful home, and he and family bade me make it home during my stay in the city. From that time forward he and his horse and buggy were ever at my service. May heaven’s sweetest blessings ever attend brother Patterson, his family and all that pertains unto him. But the kindness I received was not con fined to one or two, or a half dozen, or even to Baptists alone, but was from brethren and friends wherever I met them. I am specially indebted to Dr. Hoyle, editor and proprietor of the Eufaula Bulletin, for many courtesies during my stay. I regrdt that I did not have the opportunity of visiting the College. This fine institution of learning was founded and built by the Masons, Odd Fellowsand City Council. Brother T. B. Moodie is President, with that devoted minister, Dr. T. W. Tobie, for some time one of our mis sionaries to China, as principal teacher. I learn from biother Moodie that the atten dance this year is the largest it has ever been, with a fine graduating class. Com mencement the 12th to the 16th inst. Rev. T. 8 Twittie, Methodist minister of Georgia, will preach the Commencement Sermon. With r.'gret I bid adieu to Eufaula and return to Georgia, with brother Patterson, to attend Enon church on Saturday and Sun day. J M. G. Meplock. MINISTERS' AND DE.ICONS MEETING. The Baptist church of Christ at Corinth, Friday, May 17th, 1881. After singing and prayer the meeting was organized by the election of brother E if Bar ret, Moderator, and brother A H Bohannon, Clerk. The introductory sermon was preach ed by brother W W Kelly from Psalms 133:1. The time of meeting and adjournment was fixed as follows: meet at 8:30 a. m. adjourn at 12 m.; meet at 2.30 p. m. adjourn at plea sure. Committee on preaching: the deacons of Corinth church, J C Smith, J B Ware, A H Bohannon, Cleveland and J J Bledsoe. The object of the meeting having been ex plained by Elder W W Kelly, the regular programme was taken up. The first question in order: “What is a New Testament or Christian Church ?” was discussed by brother J C Smith. Pending the discussion of this question the (tour for adjournment arrived. At night there was preaching by brother Sames M Kelly, follow ed by Rev W W Prather. SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 8.30 A. M. The morning hours were devoted to the subjects, “Woman’s work in the church,” by Rev J B Ware, Revs W W Kelly, J F Reeves and other brethren ; and, “History of the church,” by W L McCarty, F J Amis, J P S Davis, B W Hamrich and J F Reeves. Ou meeting in the afternoon the regular programme was suspended, in order that the brethren invited as a presbytery to ordain brother Jas. M. Kelly to the ministry, might proceed with their work. Preaching at night by brother J F Reeves, from Heb. 12:1. SUNDAY MORNING, MAY 29th. The brethren appointed to discuss the re lation of the church to the Sabbath-school being absent, Rev. J.Reeves gave an instruc tive and entertaining discourse on that sub ject. This address closed the work of the oody, and the clerk having been instructed to furnish copies of the proceedings to The Christian Index, the meeting, after an nouncement that brother J F Reeves would preach at 11 o'clock,at the Methodist church, adjourned sine die. E. B. Barret? Mod. A, H. Bohannon, Clerk. THE ORDINATION. The presbytery invited by the church at Corinth, to meet forthe purpose of setting aside to the work of the Master one of her mem bers, brother J M Kelly, assembled at 2 30 p. m. Saturday, May 29th, and having organiz ed by choosing Elder J G Goss as Moderator, Elder I H Pitman was appointed to represent the church, and the examination of thecand idate proceeded: Brother Kelly answered the test questions propounded by the pres bytery promptly and with remarkable clear ness and perspicuity, giving evidence of the genuineness of his call to the work, and of bis fitness for it, that was convincing not only to the minds of an exceptionally able presbytery, but to the entire assembly. The examination concluded, the prebyt ery adjourned to meet at 11 o’clok a. m. on the Sabbath, at which hour the ordination sermon was preached by Elder J B S Davis from Romans 9.11, followed with prayer by Elder W W Kelly, brother of the candidate. Then came the solemn and impressive cer emony of “the laying on of hands.” The charge by Elder E B Barrett, the presenta tion of the Bible by Elder J F Reeves, and the charge to the church by Elder JR T Brown, were alike impressive and indicative of the solemn nature of the bonds under which the young disciple is placed The right hand of fellowship was extended with manifestations of the spirit,stirring the hearts of the brethren; and, with tears ofsympathy and words of encouragement they bade the young brother God speed on his mission of love. Brother Kelly has been called to the ser vice of the church at Holly Springs, Coweta county. This church was represented in the procedings by brethren Braswell and H nesman. The entire ceremony was conducted with a propriety and decorum that inten sified its significance, and cannot fail to elevate the sacred character of the ministry in the minds of the vast concourse of intelli gent witnesses present. SEND A Y-SCHOOL CONVENTION OF THE COOSA ASSOCIATION. The time for the meeting of the Sunday school Convention of the Coosa Baptist As sociation has been changed. It will meet with Macedonia church, Villanow, Walker county, on Friday before the fourth Sunday in July, instead of Friday before the second Sunday in June as heretofored published. The following brethren will be expected to speak during the Convention on the subject annexed to their names : J. Y. Wood—The Christian’s obligation to teach the word of God. J. C. Clements—The end of a good begin ning. E. E. White—How to excite and keep up an interest in the Sunday-school. J. J. 8. Calloway—Sunday-school litera ture. M. C. Jackson—Go to work and keep working. William L. Shattfick—Early training. Dr. Alonzo Park—The importance of good Sunday school music. Mark Landsford—The object of Sunday school instruction. R. H. Blalock—Qualifications of superin tendents and teachers of Sunday schools. J. M. Stansbury—Should Baptists teach their children Baptist doctrines ? Frank Copeland—The Sunday-school en terprise —what it has accomplished and what it will accomplish. H. C. Tucker—Should the Sunday-school be regarded as a meeting of the church or as a meeting independent of, and separate from, the church 1 „ It is further appointed that Elder Wm. L. Shattuck preach an introductory sermon at 11 o’clock Friday, the time the Convention is to meet, and that Dr. H. Y. Hunt, of Mac edonia church,deliveran address of wel come. H. 8. Moore,Oh’n Ex. Com. Chickamauga, Tenn., June 7th, 1881, Missionary Department. REV. J. H BrVOTIE, D D-> I Editors REV. C. M. IRWIN, I Editors, Mission Board of the Georgia Baptist Conven tion-Officers: Rev. R. B, Head den, President: Rev. J. H. DeVotle, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer; Rev. V. C. Norcross, Recording Secretary. Members—Revs. D. W. Gwin, A. T. Spalding, H. C. Horuady, F. M. Daniel, V C. Norcross, Dr. Jas. 8. Lawton Atlanta, G. A.Nun nally. Rome; D. E. Butler,Madison; J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Carteisville; J. H. DeVote. Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.—Rev. H. A. Tupper, D. D., Corres ponding Secretary, Richmond, Va. Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention —Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor responding Secretary, Marion, Alabama. Exhortation —Brother R. B. Headden, the President of our Mission Board, in an article published in the Sun, says the Bap tists of Georgia ought to raise $125,000 this year. We can. Everything else is booming, whv not have a mission boom? Let the contributions for the first quarter be prompt and futl, that we may pay as we go. Georgia gave more to the Southern Bap tist Convention than any other State last year as the reports of their Boards show. We ought to be first. At present figures, there is nothing to boast of in the whole missionary contribution of the Baptists South. What are these few loaves for so many perishing souls? correction. I wrote $25,000, not $125,000. R B. Headden said $25,000.' We can contribute that amount. The Index types "boom” unreasonably. EFFICIENCY AND SPIRITUAL HAPPINESS OR REMEDY FOR SADNESS. Every pastor and every member of the church, who in heart loves the name of Je sus am! devoutly labors for the accomplish ment of His mission into the world, desires to see efficiency and more real spiritual joy in all the churches. Experience as a pastor and as an humble worker in the Lord’s Vineyard for many years, has clearly dem onstrated to us that one of the chief sources of happiness and substantial joy in a church is regular, constant, systematic giving of their means to missions in all its depart ments. It is not unfrequenlly true that the pastor finds it almost impossible to make anv impression upon his people from the pulpit. There seems to be not only an un accountable indifference to. the various church meetings, but there is a sadness, gloom, and absence of all spiritual joy. All the efforts of the pastor to arouse them and enliven their piety and happiness seem to fail. Says this man of God in his great anxiety for his church, “What more can I do or say than I have done and said ? Let us give you a little of the experience of An drew Fuller, whose church had fa’len into this state of gloom and indifference. Mr. Fuller says: "There was a period of my ministry marked by the most pointed sys tematic effort to comfort my serious people ; but the more I tried to comfort them, the more they complained of doubtsand dark ness I knew not what to do, or what to think, for I had done my best to comfort the mourners in Zion. At this time if pleased God to direct my attention to the claims of the perishing heathen in India ; I felt that we had been living for ourielves. and not caring for their souls. I spoke as I felt. My serious people wondered and wept over their past inattention to the subject. They began to talk about a Baptist Mission. The females, especially began to collect mo ney for the spread of the gospel. We met and prayed for the heathen; met and con sidered what could be done among ourselves for them ; met and did what we could. And whilst all this was going on, the lamenta tions ceased The sad became cheerful, and the desponding calm. No one complained of a want of comfort. And I, instead of having to study how to comfort my flock, was myself comforted by them. They were drawn out of themselves. God blessed them while they tried to be a blessing.” Let the pastors, brethren and women of our churches try this, and efficiency and Christian happiness will be the result. Try regular, systematic giving and praying that the gospel my be given to all who have it not, and in this way get out of ourselves, and God’s blessing will follow it. Again we say, Try it! I- TELUG US. •Dr Williams, President of the Telugu Theological Seminary, was present at the Indianapolis Anniversaries. He stated that there were about two hundred students in the Seminary and forty-seven graduated this j ear. Rev. J. E. Clough, writes from Ongole, India, March 18th, 1881: “My evangelistic tour came to an end on the Ist instant. I was absent from home six weeks. We visited and preached in fifty two villages and baptized one thousand and three. We visited the Christians of Ongole in their own hamlets and two villages—Copole, three miles east, and Parnametta, four miles west of Ongole. On the 12th we went to Praver Meeting Hill, and on the spot where’the little band knelt and prayed long years ago, we sang, with the author, “The morning light is breaking, the darkness dis appears,” and then we all bowed whiie Dr. Smith led in a prayer of thanks-giving and praise to God for his many and great bless ings to the Telugus. “On Sunday, the 13th, a good number of preachers, teachers, and brethren from the villages about Ons ole assembled to hear and see‘the friend of the Telugus,’and the au thor of ‘The Lone Star.’ About seven hun dred were present. Dr Smith preached from Romans, 8:28, a very appropriate ser mon, which was translated by brother Mad econda Ezra. At 2p.m. a meeting to exam ine candidates for baptism was held. We did not wish Dr. Smith to attend this meet ing, as the day was hot, and we feared he might be injured ; but when he said, ‘broth er Clough, do not prevent me; do let me go and feast my eyes, and God will take care of me,’ I had to consent. Some one bun dred and ten candidates for baptism were present; ninety six of these were received by the church, and in the evening Dr, Smith baptized them. It was a grand sight, fit closing of a day never to be forgotten-” CHINA. The Mohamedans report a gain in China last year of one hundred thousand converts, while the whole number of Protestant com municants in that mighty empire is about nineteen thousand. Not many years ago there was not one hundred. Introduce the leaven of the gospel, and the whole will be leavened. Nothing can stand against the cause of Jesus when his people move for ward according to his command, and con secrate their money and themselves to his service. This is a period of glorious oppor tunities for thos who love the Redeemer. Seize these golden moments and improve them well. What we do must be done quickly, for the night cometh when no man can work. Our lives will soon be past. There is a crown for Christian conquerors. This year may our Lord help us to strive for it as we have never worked before. Im prove your own opportunities. “Take heed that no man take thy crown” are the words of our beloved Master. Your prayers,contributions, and influence may reach earth’s remotest regions. Have you done all you ought to do ? If not, hasten to finish your work, “for the time is short.” « D. OUR FOREIGN MISSIONS. Young friends, let us talk a little while about the "foreign missions” of the Souths ern Baptists: the words "foreign missions' ’ mean missions in other countries. Now, in what other countries are the Southern Bap tists carrying on missions ? Y’ou must look on the map and find the countries as we tell them to you. The world, you know, is divided into five great continents—Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America. We live on the continent of North America, in the United States—that is home; and there are our "home missions.” Now, on all the other continents we have missions too—they are our “foreign mis sions:” 1. In South America is the great country of Brazil. Near the Atlantic, in the south eastern part of it, is the city of Rio Janeiro. Not far from that city we have two missiona ries—Rev. E. H. Quillin and Rev. W. B, Bagby. Mr. Bagby went there last January, but did not arrive until the 2d of March ; and his wife went with him. Mr. Quillin preaches and teaches school at Santa Barba ra, where there is a church with thirty two members. Mr. Bagby preaches at Station, where there is a church with twelve mem bers. These two brethren live in two miles of each other, and can go to Ro Janeiro by railroad. This, then, is our Brazilian Mis sion. Missionaries and Stations —Rev. E. H. Q tiffin, and Rev. and Mrs. W. B Bagby. Church at Santa Barbara, 32 members; church at Station, 12 members. Total, 44 It is nearly as far south of the equator as we live north of the equator. 2. East from South America is Africa. A very little north of the equator, in the west of Africa, is a seaport called Lagos. There our missionary, Rev. W. J. David, and his ■ wife, live. In the interior of the country there are large cities, and a great many black Africans' We have several mission stations in those cities; and these form our African Missions: Lagos —Rev. and Mrs. W. J David; Abbeokuta —S. Cosby; Ogbo mosho—Moses L. Stone; Gaun—S. L. Mil ton. Baptized, 22 ; church membership, 92; Sunday-school pupils, 180; day school, 93. Os these missionaries Mr. and Mrs. David, only, are white. Abbeokuta and Ogbomo sho are large African cities, and we have had missions there about thirty years; but the work has been greatly hindered and inter rupted. 3 On the eastern coast of the great Em pire of China, which has more than eight times as many people as all the United States, we have three missions : at Tung Chow, in the far north, about on a line with Washington City, or St. Louis; at Shanghai, on a level with Memphis, or Chattanooga; and at Canton, in the far south, nearly on a line with Havana, or the Island of Cuba. These form our China Mission—At Tung Chow—P. O. Chefoo—T. P. Crawford, Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. 8. J Holmes, Miss L. Moon ; at Shanghai— M. T. Yates, Mrs, Yates, Native Pastors— Wong Ping San, and See T’ay San, with four other native assistants; at Canton—R. H. Graves, Mrs. Graves, Miss Lula Whilden, E. Z Simmons, Mrs. Simmons, Miss Sallie Steia, Yong Seen San, and eleven other na tive assistants and Bible women. Statistics —Baptized, 72; Pupils, 190; Con tributions, $474 14; Church-members, 543, Two new missionaries are going to China, Rev. T. P. Bell, of South Carolina, and Rev. John Stout, of Alabama The former will go to Tung Chow, and the latter to Shan ghai. They are bot£ gifted and educated gentlemen. 4. Now turn to Europe and find Italy, in the southern part. Then look for Rome, the Capital of Italy, and once mistress of the world. There the Pope lives, who is at the head of the Catholic religion ; and there lives our own missionary and countryman, Rev. George B. Taylor, of Virginia. He superin tends our mission stations in various parts of Italy ; for you must know that we employ good Baptists to preach at various places in that country, and we must have some one, with his headquarters at Rome, who will look after those missions for the Foreign Board. These form our European Missions—Missionaries : At Rome —G. B. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor, J. H. Eager, Mrs. Eager, and Signor Cocorda; at Torre Pellice—Signor Ferraris ; at Milan— Signor Paschetto; at Modena and Carpi— Signor Martinelli; at Naples—Signor Colom bo; at Bari and at Barletta—Signor Volpi; at Island of Sardinia —Signor Cossu; at Venice—Signor Bellondi; at Bologna—Sig nor Basile, and Signor Torre. Baptisms, 26;-Present membership, say, 175 In Rome we have a fine church building, that cost us over $30,000. 5. Besides all these, we have a mission in Mexico, on this continent. The last Con vention, at Columbus, Mississippi, instructed the Foreign Board to send two missionaries to Mexico, where there are eight Baptist churches and two hundred Baptists. We had a missionary in Mexico, not long ago, Rev. J. 0. Westr’up; but he was killed oy some Mexican brigands and Indians. Mexico is a promising field for Baptist missions; and we believe it right that we should should send missionaries there. Now, we have given you a “bird’s eye view” of our foreign missions. You must keep the paper and study these missions on the map. DEATH OF AN EMPRESS OF CHINA. One of the Empresses Regent, known as the Eastern Empress, died suddenly on April 19th.. The New York Herald of-April 20th says: “The sudden death of one of the two old ladies who have until now governed China in the name of the youthful Emperor will have an important bearing on the fu ture policy of the Empire. The Empress of the East—so called from, the position occupi ed by her palace in the imperial enclosure —was gifted with no great talents for state affairs and was said to have amused herself with abrogating tne treaties formed by her commissioners with foreign governments. The Empress of the West was reputed to be in remarkable contrast to her colleague, and endowed with-much restlessness of purpose. On the death of the Emperor, after a short personal reign of two years, these two old ladies, wives of the imbecile voluptuary Hsien Feng, who died in 1864, were sum moned from their retirement to serve the State by fixing on the member of the im perial family who was entitled to succeed to the throne. What they actually did do was so to order the succession as to reinstate themselves in the position of regents by plac ing on the throne an infant of the same generation as the late Emperor and by get ting the various leading men of the govern ment to take part in a constitutional juggle by yvhich this innovation was justified. Shortly after the accession ofKwangsu, the title of the reign of the present infant, the girl Empress, wife of Tungchih, who should have been regent, was announced as having died—and it was currently reported at the time that her mysterious death was in some way connected with the lust of power which actuated the old women who ruled China, when they withheld, for their own aggrand izement, the adoption of a son to the late Emperor, Tungchih. The whole story, how ever, was brought beiore the country in the most prominent and, indeed, painful man-, ner. One of the secretaries of the Board of Civil Office, an official of the highest rank, named Wu Ko-tu, had for four years been brooding over the misconduct in this matter of the Empress-Regent. Unable to live lon ger and keep silence, he swallowed a draught of opium, and then hanged himself, about two years ago.