The Christian index and southern Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1892, July 28, 1881, Image 1
ft/ * * «.
SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST, Z X THE CHRISTIAN HERALD,
of Alabama. op Tennessee.
ESTABLISHED I 811.
Table of Contents.
First Page.—Alabama Department: A Rem
iniscence of Dr. B. Manty, Sr.; Tbe Ah <•
bama Baptist Convention ; Tbe Religious
Press.
Second Page—Correspondence : To the Re
hobotb Association ; General Meeting; Dr.
A. T. Holmes; From tbe Field; Macon
Items; Light Desired; Jottings By The
Way; Foreign Countries; Dr. 8. G. Hill
yer; A Fact Worthy ol Note. Missionary
Department.
Third Page-Children’s Corner: Bible Ex
plorations ; Enigmas; Correspondence.
The Sunday-school: The Passover—Les
son for August 7th.
Fourth Psge —A Serious Case; Murder Pro*
posed ; Various Things About the Presi
dent; Glimpses and Hints; Georgia Bap
tistNsws; Sunday-school Convention of
the Stone Mountain Baptist Association.
Fifth Page—-AwtbctA; New Books; Notes;
Georgia
Sixth Page—The household: She Hath
Done V 1 hat She Could—poetry ; Without
V ords; Rag Carpet*, etc. Obituaries.
Seventh Page—The Farmers’ Index: The
True Policy}- The Legislature; Clement
Attachment; Periodicals; Topping Cot
ton, etc.
Eighth Page.—Floritui Department: Florida
Facts, Fancies, ant Figures ; Correspond
ence ; Church News; Publishera’ Depart
ment.
Alabama Department.
HY SAMUEL HENDERSON.
Thanks.—We thanlt our brother,
Bev. T. H. Stout, for the able report of
the Alabama Baptist State Convention
proceedings which be has furnished for
our columns. No better reports of our
conventions have ever been furnished
to the press.
A REMINISCENCE OF DR. B.
MANLY, SR.
Our brother, Dr. Teague, we know
will excuse us foi the use we make' of
a private letter he has recently written
us, called out by one of our articles,
“Habit of Prayer.” It was a topic on
which he, in his earlier Christian life,
had heard the doctor speak with great
unction and power, perhaps more than
forty years ago. Referring to some
who knew Dr. M. most intimately, he
says: “Much as he has been, and is,
appreciated by others, but few men
knew what were his wonder
ful gifts of nature and of grace. His
son, B. Manly, jr., once said to me that
his unconscious sayings, in incidental
conversation, often contained his rich
est thoughts, epeapte roouta, (winged
words), as he expressed it. A few days
after I began to cherish hopes of accep
tance with God, he dropped into my
ear another advice I shall never forget
—‘maintain a devotional spirit. It
may be done amid all the engagements
of business.’
“ The half that Dr. Manly did,” con
tinues Dr. T., “under God for his im
mediate acquaintances, was not from
the pulpit, how remarkable soever were
his sermons. No measure can be put
to the bubbling, spontaneous overflow
of pious utterances habitual with him.
Apropos of praying out of sea
son, as well as in season, another emi
nent saint has the following words,
(the reference is to Dr. Wayland, now
deceased): ‘I have found that when
I pray as a duty, not being able to do
so with hearty interest, the reflex effect
upen myself is better than when I seem
to have free excess to the throne.’ I
give not the exact words, being unable
to turn to the passage Who has
tried the utmost efficacy of prayer?
Finney, the revivalist, was wont to say
that ministers failed to win sonls to
Christ because they did not pray
enough.” But we forbear. We only
wanted to extract so much of the letter
as related to Dr. Manly, but have ap
propriated nearly all of it. We can
bear testimony to what Dr. T. says.
Dr. M. was habitually great—in the
pulpit, in social and family circles,
everywhere, one always felt the impress
of his grand intellect and pious heart.
He had away of saying things that
fixed them upon the memory, there to
remain through life.
A July monthly prints a sermon by
a young Southern Baptist minister, and
makes him say that the soul will live
on in eternity, “sounding the rapturous
notes of salvation, or warbling the re
quiem of the lost!” Os course, the
author of the sermon wrote, “wailing
and we are sure that he feels inclined
to cast his vote in the affirmative, on
the question, Are typographical errors
ever properly actionable?
The Dunkards, or River Brethren,
claim in the United States a ministry
of 16,000 and a membership of 200,000.
THE ALABAMA BAPTIST CO>
VENTION.
Troy, Ala., July 15, 1881.
FORENOON SESSION.
Religious exercises were conducted by
Rev. Fred. D. Hale, of North-Port.
The evangelization of the colored race
was presented in an able report. Judge
J. P. Hubbard* of Troy, chairman of the
Committee, made the report.
The Committee offered a resolution,
warmly commending the work to tbe
Baptists of Alabama, which was unan
imously adopted.
Rev. W. U.Wilkes, of Syllacauga, made
an excellent address on the subject.
Rev. C. O. Booth, a colored brother,
was invited to address the body. Brother
Booth is laboring among bis people, un
der appointment of tbe State Mission
Board. He is an educated man, of good
address, stands well; is devoted and ear
nest in his work; and is doubtless, ac
complishing much good among the col
ored people. He was formerly under
appointment of the Home Mission Board
of N. Y. His address gave a detailed
account oi the work ke had done in the
State. He made a gooi
Rev. Pettiford, pastila of the colored
Baptist church of UnWusSprings, being
present, was also invite- *o address tbe
body. He thanked the Convention for
their interest and work in behalf of his
race, and commended the work of brother
Booth.
Several brethren made short addresses
showing their interest in the work. The
report was unanimously adopted.
The body wasdismisted with the bene
diction by Rev. Wm. Pritchett.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention had before them, the
subject of Education.
Pre-. F. B. Moodie, of Eufaula, read
the report of the Committee.
The report was a long and able docu
ment. It presented some interesting
statistics, and brought before the body
the endowment of Howard College. It
also made a plea for the care and edu
cation of the orphan.
Brother E. 8. Shorter.'of Eufaula, ad
dressed the body, on the importance of
mental culture. He presented as an ar
gument for cultivation of the mind, its
good practical results. “Let us also con
sider the religious or spiritual advant
ages derived from education.” The ad
dress was a beautiful one.
Rev. L. R. Gwaltney, D.D., President
of the Judson Female Institute, Marion,
followed with a good speech. He asked
the question, “What shall be the educa
tion of the sons and daughters of Ala
bama?” and addressed himself to an
swering the latter half of the question.
He thought there were mistakes.
There weie two errors to be guarded against.
One class thought that all girls should be edu
cated In the highest degree. A lull classic course
they demanded. This plan floes not receive my
approbation. If all our girls were so educated,
our south-land would be fllh d with ara«eof
feeble, delicate, lank, cadaverouscreatures from
whom all the bloom and beauty has faded.
Another class think that all the girls should be
educated at home, foi merely home duties.
But this system overlocks those facts -, these can
never be laid aside.
1. The capacity of girls to be more useful and
happy.
2. The girl or boy who has been trained can
surpass, for usefulness, those not so trained. Ed
ucated labor is worth more than uneducated
labor. It Is sometimes objected that girls, educat
ed at female seminaries, come home and are un
able to fry a steak or make a biscuit. But I ven
ture to say that, if such a girl comes home edu
cated in ary true sense of the term, she will learn
more easily than if she had not been trained to
battle with difficulties, And I, nor any other
young man, would not be afraid to take such a
girl for a wife, because she could not fry a steak
or make a biscuit.
3. This system oveilookr the farther fact that
the youug men of the country are being more and
better educated, and they will have educated
wives.
Let us seek a golden mean. I start out with the
declaration that the girl ought to go beyond the
home school, the country school, the village
school and the town academy. This she needs
to refine and cultivate- A gentleman brought a
daughter to a lady teacher. ‘What do you wish
her taught?” said the teacher. “Dress and ad
dress I" was the laconic reply. He carried the
idea to extremes.
What are the perplexities in this work? Par
ents expect too much. If a woman is to be edu
cated, there must be time for it. This higher edu
cation is the birth ilghtof every one whose par
ents are able to give It to them.
an impression bad gone out that the Judson
was a very expensive school. He would correct
the mistake. A statement of the cbaiges for next
year showed that the Institution wasaretsonably
cheap school.
Rev. W. N. Reeves then addressed the
Convention.
He announced his subject to be “The
mutual helpfulness of the Bible and Educa
tion.’’
Infidelity and scepticism deny the help given
by the Bible toeducation. But whence comes
civilization ? Is it born of infidelity or Christian
ity ? I will not detain you to reason on it.
The old Testament taught through Judaism,
the orthography of religion. The New Testament
presents Christ saying, "I am come that ye might
have life. 1 ’
The help of education to the Bible.
It has translated the Bible. I would not exag
gerate to say, Luther not only gave a translation,
but a new Bible.
What Christ did for the disciples on the way to
Emmaus, He did for Luther. Luther came to the
Bible as the fountain of life.
Calvinism was a grand system. It rested en the
two foundation stones: Omniscience and Omni
potence. From these sprung all the rest—Election,
Piesdestlnation, Limited Atonement, etc. Calvin
ism did a great work in its day. But the Master
said, “the instructed scribe brings out things
new and old.’’ 1 he pulpit is no place for cowards.
Whatsoever you bring forth new, publish it, if
men gnash their teeth upon it.
Surely something is wrong tn the system that
teaches that before tbe foundation of the world
was laid, the roll call of the saved was com
pleted.
Any system that takes away from thinking men
their future destiny will die.
The point of order was raised, whether
it was in order to discuss doctrines under
the general subject of education. The
President referred the point to thebody,
and brother Reeves was declared to be
out of order.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, THURSDAY, JULY 2*, 1881.
Brother Reeves declared his firm belief
in the Bible, and expressed his hope of
glorious resurrection.
Adjourned with the doxology-‘ - Praise
God from whom all blessing* flow,” etc.,
and benediction by Rev. G. D. Benton.
NIGHT SESSION.
The Convention sung the hymn, “Shall
we gather at the river,” etc.
Prayer by Rev. G. S. Gresham, of
Hayneville.
The subject for consideration to-night
was, “ministerial education.”
Rev. E. T. Winkler, LL.D., addressed
the Convention.
SYNOPSIS OF DR. WINKLER’S ADDRESS.
I would not be here if It were not that the pillar
ol cloud and fire had been seen.
The importance of ministerial education was
strongly presented.
). The great sublimity of the subject commit
ted to minister t shows the Importance of minis
terial education.
2. The importance of the subject is sh >wn by
the dignity of the sphere In which the ministry
is placed.
I. The sublimity of the subject committed to
the ministry. The Bible is the foundation lor
us. •
Men have studied to find out the meaning of
tl is revelation. If the Bible is to be interpretted
by the ministry, how important that they be ed
ucated. '1 he knowledge of the history is Import
ant to shed its light on the word. The Christian
can point to the monument of ancient times, as
proof of truth of revelation.
Then church history i Important. Then the
natural sciences. The old argument at Job from
God’s works is the foundation of modern natural
theology; as Paley and others.
The world in which we live is the solemn
temple, and Christ stands in the midst.
Luther said, three things were necessary to pre
pare for the ministry—lst. Prayer. 2d. Temp
tation. 3d. Meditation.
Better a few prepared than a multitude unpre
pared.
II The minister ought to be educated in view
of the field he occupies.
He is a thinker, he is a leader. The beaten oil
and not the mere juice of the olive, was ancient
ly offered.
He is a counselor. No one except he, who has
tried in a revival, knows how difficult is this.
He is a preacher. He stands up Sabbath after
Sabbath to teach men; not to amuse men, but to
bring them to submit to God. Should he not
educated?
He is a leader of men. How quick the educated
few resents the mistakes of the uneducated min
ister! Then he lays hold on the press. The Cath
olics cl* Im the liberty for all men to be Catholics
and to persecute; the infidel claims liberty, but
it is the liberty to drive God out <4 the universe
He made. / - . -
The apostles were educated by tbe greatest of
all teachers. The reformers precisimeH that ed
ucation was their ally. Luther said, “If you lose
the knowledge of the dead languages, you lose
the Gospel.”
Spnrgeon is a student. He reads the Greek
Testament fluently, and also the Hebrew Bible.
The man who goes into the sanctuary without
preparation, enters the Holy of Holies with un
hallowed supt, and lays sacrilegious hands upon
the ark itself.
The address was very fine:
United in singing, “Work! for the
night is coming,” etc.
Rev. E. B. Teague, D.D., followed in
a pleasant speech.
He congratulated the Convention on
its progress.
Thitty five years ago there were a few men who
would compare with the men of any time; now
there are many men who are the peers of those
passed away. The responsibilities have fallen
iron' the “Old Guard” upon the shoulders of
young men,’able and trained. Let us look out
those to whom God has given talent, and educate
them.
Rev. W. N. Reeves spoke of the im
portance of benevolence. God is raising
up the rich to give for education. Refer
ence was made to Vanderbilt and Pea
body, and Shorter and Gov. Brown. He
commended Howard College in earnest
words.
On motion, Dr. Winkle- was requested
to furnish his address for publication.
On motion of Rev. B. F. Riley, a com
mittee of three men were appointed, to
collect historical data pf the Baptists* of
Alabama. Committee: brethren B. F.
Riley. B. B. Davis, H. D. Mallory.
Adjourned with benediction by Rev.
W. 8. Rogers.
SATURDAY, JULY 16th. —FORENOON-
SESSION.
Religious services, led by Rev. J.
Faulkner.
The next meeting of the Convention
was appointed to take place at H untsville,
beginning on Wednesday before the third
Sabbath in July, 1882.
A resolution was unanimously adopted
condemning the practice of members
traveling on Sabbath in going from the
Convention as being opposed to the sac
red Scripture. The Alabama Baptist was
strongly commended in a resolution,
offered by Rev. S. A. Goodwin, D.D.
Brother M. G. Hudson, of Mobile,
read the report on Foreign Missions. The
report expressed gratitude to God for
the prosperous condition of our Foreign
Missions.
Dr. R. H. Graves, missionary at Can
ton, China, being present, was invited to
address the Convention.
Brother Graves began his address by
exhibiting a chart, showing the relative
numbers of Christians and heathen. The
sad and significant showing of this chart
was as follows:
Protestants in the world number 116 millions
Greeks, etc 85 “
Roman Catholics 190 “
Jews —7 “
Moslems „ 170 “
Heathen - 855 “
After some general remarks on the sub
ject, brother Graves proceeded topreseat
China as a missionary field.
It was the grandest field for the Lord’s work on
the face of the globe. Look at its iuhabi’a-its, six
times as the population oi tbe United States. We
have a special interest in China: they are our
next door neighbors across the P-clflc. The Lord
will hold the churches of the United States re
sponsible for China.
We nei-d more consecration. We need more
self-sacrifice. Let us make progress aa churches
and as individuals. Our work is spiritual work;
carried forward by the Holy Spirit; and He comes
in answer to prayer. If we fail the responsibility
falls upon us.
Brother Graves begged the brtthren
to remember the workers in heathen
lands.
The congregation united in singing,
“From Greenland’s icy mountains,” etc.
ReV. T. W. Tobey, D.D., then addres
sed the body-.'
He said,
Inhejtthen lands sometimes one felt an awe. a
terror, St the feeling that you werenearer satauic
iufluetite. Once I went into a temple in Shane
hai, an< into a room, around the walls of which
were iWed idols it seemed to me that Satan
wss'sclwiing upon me, and saying, “you poor
mortal, you come here to take my subjects from
me, but you shall not have them.”
The idea seems to be more aud more wide spread
among the churches that one has not done fels
duty u -til he has made aa effort to lead some one
to Christ.
Rev Z. D. Roby, of the Tuskegee As
soclgvon, was invited to address tbe
bodk. As a member of the committee
appointed at the last session of that As
sociation, to present the plan of some
special mission field to tbe Alabama
Baptists, through the State Board, and
through them to the Convention, be pro
posed tome arguments in favor of such
plan. Extracts were read from a letter
of Dr. H. A. Tupper, Corresponding Sec
retary,, exhorting the Convention to ac
tion.
A resolution was adopted, appointing
a committee to arrange a piogramm for
the negl Convention, of which Commit
tee Rev. E. T. Winkler was made chair
man. *
A resolution was adopted, requesting
brothei T. M. Bailey, Corresponding
Secretary of the State Mission Board, to
report the details of the contributions of
the d Vpaination in the State, to the
next Gsfivention.
Adjourned with benediction by Rev.
Jas. Shackelford, D.D.
SATURDAY —AFTERNOON- SESSION.
Rev. J. G. Thornton led the Conven
tion in prayer.
The minutes of the session from the
beginning were read and confirmed.
Judge H- W. Cassey, of Hayneville,
read the Report on Aged and Infirm
Ministers. The report was discussed
briefly by brethren J. O. Hixon, W.
Crumpton, J. Faulkner, W. N. Reeves,
B. H, C u.rmon, A. Jay,—and was ad
opt' .
oodwie, D.D., of Union
SpisSe/waß preach the in-
troductory sermon ; Rev. B. F. Riley, of
Opelika alternate; Rev. G.B.Eager, D.D.
of Mobile, to preach the missionary ser
mon ; Rev. W. C. Cleveland, of Selma,
alternate.
Adopted the following Report oi Com
mittee on Religious Services.
SABBATH-SERVICES.
FIKT BAPTIST CHURCH. ,
Sabbath-school at 9.3 C—Rev. H. Graves and M.
G. Hudson.
11—Rev E. T. Winkler.
8.30 Rer. L. R. Gwaltney, D.D.
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
Sabbath-school at 9.3o—Rev. Z. D. Roby, D.D.,
and B. F. Riley.
11—Rev. W. C. Cleveland.
8.30 Jas. Shackelford, D.D.
M X. CHURCH.
Sabbath-school—Rev. H. F. Oliver and Rev. J.
S. Paullin.
11—Rev. M. M. Wamboldt.
8.30 Rev. 8, A. Goodwin,
Adjourned with the benediction by
Rev. H. C. Taul.
SATURDAY —NIGHT-SESSION.
The Convention was opened with pray
er by Rev. D. Rogers.
The Committee on Temperance pre
sented their report, which was read by
Rev. Wash. Crumpton.
The subject was discussed with inter
est by Rev. A. P. Ashurst, of Columbia.
Rev. L. R. Gwaltney. D.D., of Marion,
made a grand speech, filled with signific
ant statistics. He demonstrated that the
liquor traffic was doing untold damage
to the country, as well as producing fear
ful misery and woe in individuals and
families, besides manufacturing hund
reds and thousands of criminals; he also
showed that the traffic in intoxicating
liquor was a legitimate subject for legis
lation. The address made a profound
impression.
Rev. j. 8. Paullin, of Clayton, con
ducted the closing services. Several
brethren expressed their gratitude to
God for the privileges oi tbe present
Convention, and solicited an interest in
the prayer of the brethren.
United in singing, “How firm a found
ation, ye saints of the Lord,’’ etc., gave
the parting hand, brother L. R. Gwalt
ney lead in after which Judge
Haralson, the President, pronounced the
Convention adjourned, to meet in the
city of Huntsville, on Wednesday before
the third Sabbath iu July, 1882.
Thus has passed away another session
oi the Alabama Convention. Peace,
harmony and brotherly love seemed to
possess all; and an unusual spirit of de
votion was manifested. For two sessions
the body has tried the plan of having a
regular programme; the committees
being appointed the year before they
are to report, and the speakers being al
so appointed sufficiently long before the
meeting, to give time for preparation.
It works like a charm.
We regretted the absence of a large
number of brethren, who were expected,
among them brethren, Renfroe, Hender
son, Tichenor, Eager, Kone, Tupper (of
Richmond, Va.), and Chaudoin of Flor
ida. (Why didn’t you come, brother
Chad ?) We missed the brethren so
much.
Rev. R. H. Graves, missionary to Can
ton, China, was present, and imparted
much interest to the session.
SABBATH PREACHING.
We can only report the preaching at
the First Baptist church; though we
understand the other pulpits were filled
to the delight of tbe various congrega
tions. Brother R. H. Graves’ talk to
the Sabbath-school, on the Chinese mis
sion. was made exceedingly interesting
to all present by the objects of curiosity
he had from that dark land. The shoe
that had been worn by a member of his
church, illustrating the smallness of the
foot of a Chinese lady, with the model,
showing how the foot is compressed, the
idol (the goddess of mercy), the family
tablet, etc., were things new to almost
tbe entire congregation.
Rev. E. T. Winkler, D.D., preached
at 11 o’clock. His subject « as, “Christ
as an Example.” He presented four
points; Christ as an example: 1. For
Childhood ; 2. For Youth ; 3. For Man
hood ; 4. For Old Age. It was a grand
sermon.
Brother Graves delivered an interes
ting address to the sisters on Homan’s
Mission to Woman.
At night Rev. L. R. Gwaltney, D.D.,
delivered the bestsermon on temperance
we ever heard, founded on 2. Sam. 18:33.
The entire services of the day were
strikingly interesting, and earnest; and
impressions for good were made, which,
we trust, may last forever.
May the Spirit of God water the good
seed sown to-day, so that it niay bring
forth an abundant harvest to tbe glory
of God, and to the salvation of souls.
Amen and Amen!
The Religious Press.
A Change of Front.—The New
York Independent, speaking of Dr. J.
R. Graves’ book on Intercommunion,
has the following words, which are
very significant and striking :
Tbe Baptists are ill at ease in regard to the
practice of close communion. This is appa
rent from a number of indications. The la
test of these is a work just issued by the
Rev. Dr. Graves, of Tennessee, entitled “In
tercommunion Inconsistent, Unscriptural,
and Productive of Evil.”
The day is now passed by when it will be
in order to denounce Open Communion
Baptists m fools or hypocrites, since Dr.
Graves has nobly come to their relief; and
in effect, commended their course. Those
who declare in favor of this principle will
no longer be, constrained, as hitherto, to
seek refuge iw other denominations, and so
deplete tneir’own ; but tWey can piearf trie
authority of one who is reputed tohe a‘Bap
tist of the Baptists, and by this means reso
lutely hold their ground, fighting the battle
of open-communion within the denomina
tion. For Dr. Graves does not content him
self with frankly asserting that close com
munion as now practiced in “untenable,”
and the arguments by which it is sustained
“sophistical”; but he sets.himself, and with
famous success, we think, to demonstrate
the truth of this assertion. As this is tbe
view or the case we have always professed,
we must beg leave to express our unfeigned
thanks to the author for tbe valuable ser
vice he has rendered.
We trust the agitation now begun by Dr.
Graves will be pushed forward with vigor.
We foresee that it will contribute very large
ly, and as long as it is prosecuted, to unset
tle the minds of Close Communion Baptists,
particularly in the Southern States, and
prepare them for the return to the “Land
mark” of open communion. Dr. Graves has
builded wiser than he knew, and. quite
against his will, no doubt, has become an
ally and promoter (and highly effective too)
ofthe open communion cause.
If the worthy author should not perform
another service, he may end his days well
satisfied with this, assured that he has not
lived in vain ; for tbe Baptists of England
never had any prosperity until they began
to emerge from the close communion into
which they unhappily retrograded a few
years after the death of Mr. Bunyan. It
weighed upon their energies and their pros
pects like an incubus. The Baptists of
America have prospered in spite of close
communion, and, if it were once fairly cast
aside, this would be the signal for their en
trance upon a new and glorious age of suc
cess and usefulness. It should be a consol
ing reflection to Dr. Graves to have done so
much to promote this result.
The Index is happy in the assurance
that it has never uttered one word
calculated to produce the result so
greatly promoted by Dr. Graves, and
so hopefully looked for by the Inde
pendent. We have only to say in re
gard to the prosperity of the English
Baptists who practice open-commu
nion, that it is not to be compared to
that of the American Baptists, who
hold to close communion. We have
greatly prospered because of our close
communion, and the English Baptists
have in a comparatively small degree
prospered in spite of their open com
munion.
We make a grievous mistake if we sup
pose that the mischiefs of party politics are
confined to a Republican government. A
good man said in our hearing not long
since: “I am ready for a change of govern
ment—a king, or an emperor, or even a dic
tator, if we cannot otherwise get rid of these
miserable political parties.” We have heard
similar sentiments expressed by others. As
if tbe form of government were the source
of this crying evil, instead of the character
of the people. If any one thinks that call
ing the chief officer of a government presi
dent instead of king or queen begets this
miserable lust of office from which we are
suffering, let him read the following lan
guage of one who has passed through some
of the troubles of “boycotting” in Ireland.
“I believe party politics are the cause of
half our troubles. Men of both sides are
thinking of their party and the effect this or
that will have on party interests, and for
getting the good old honest principle that
the interests of England are those of truth
and honesty and are immensely above all
party considerations.”
The character of the people! That is
what lies at the bottom of the trouble.
What we want is a higher standard of
VOL. 59.— NO. 29.
morals and religion. We need no king
but Jesus.
A valuable horse had been lost, and no
one could find him. A half witted fellow
finally brought him back, and to the ques
tion, ‘How did you find him when no one
else could?” replied: “Wai, I just 'quired
where the horse was seen last, and I went
thar, and sot on a rock ; and I just axed
ntyselfifl was a horse, whar would Igo,
and what would I do? And then I went
and found him.” It strikes us that the
preacher might learn a valuable lesson from
this half-witted boy. If pastors would put
themselves in the place of the average h car
er in their congregations, and ask themselves
how he looks at the Bible and religious
truth, and fashion their discourses accord
ingly, there would be fewer “great sermons”
preached perhaps, but more saints would
be edified and more sinners converted than
now.—Examiner and Chronicle.
Somebody having expressed fears
that immigration will ruin the coun
try, the National Baptist, with charac
teristic humor, says:
We confess that we do not share these
fears. For one thing, we have so often seen
the country absolutely, hopelessly rained,
pulverised as it. were, reduced to dust and
the dust blown away into the middle of next
week, sunk into an abyss and the abyss falls
ing down on top of it, that we have come
to the conclusion that the country will
stand a vast deal of ruining.
Yes, every four years we are assured
in most alarming terms that unless
this or that party succeeds, the coun
try will be ruined, but we have seen
first one party and then another, in
power for twenty years at a time, and
after all, the country, though so often
ruined, is still getting on pretty well.
Still, in our opinion, it is best for the
country that no party should remain in
power too long. An occasional change
is wholesome. We furthermore think
that it is best for parties to be nearly
equal in strength. This puts each on
its good behavior. \
♦ f / —f __ S- .
Enrichment of The Litcrci, The Ep-f
iscopal church of this country has a com
mittee whose duties are described by the
headline of this article. Rev. Morgan Dix,
D.D., of Triniiy church, New York, has this
to say, that “no light, careless tampering
with the Prayer Book can be permitted. No
doctrinal statement, no dogma can be touch
ed, by adding thereto or taking away. No
concession can be made to the evil spirit of
the age. Apostolic succession, baptismal re
generation, tbe real presence of the Lord i«
the sacrament of the altar, the reception of
His body and blood in the Holy Commun
ion, the office and work of the priest, the
mystery of the sacrament,—all these must
stand as they now do."
We rather like the way that Dr. Dix
talks. He expresses himself clearly;
there is no doubt as to what he means.
He commits himself boldly and like a
man to the doctrines of baptismal re
generation, and the real presence. We
like this much better than we do the
course of those who, while they deny
those conclusions, yet advocate the
principles that lead to them. Infant
baptism is a good thing, if it regener
ates the soul of the infant; but if not,
if indeed it has no effect on the soul
of the infant in any way whatever,
then those who so believe and yet
practice the rite, are in a strange dil
emma. They ought either to go with
Dr. Dix, who is not afraid of the results
of his own logic, or come to us who
are equally fearless on the other side.
Everybody has heard of tbe Rev. and Hon.
J. Hyatt Smith, who walked out of the Bap
tist denomination through the door which
be himself declared to be “ open ’’ at all
times. Most persons, especially Baptists,
have heard it said that but for their practice
of strict—“ close ” —communion at the Lord’s
table, the denomination would increase more
rapidly and exert a greater influence. It is
evident Mr. Smith ence thought this to be
true. He put his idea in practice.. A really
eloquent man and an attractive public speak
er, he, if any one, could succeed in the effort
to establish a “liberal” Baptist church.
He undertook it in a densely populated
portion of Brooklyn, N. Y. The church
erected was a fine building, of iron, in circu
lar form, finely arranged, excellent organ, all
the “ modern improvements, ” together with
a debt—mortgages—to the amount of $28,-
567.80—0n1y a small matter for a liberal
church in a great city. But, the other day,
the house was sold under the Sheriff's ham
mer, and was bid in by a representative of
tbe mortgagee, for $25,000, the first, last and
only bid. Not a man, or company of men,
in all the vast number who admire “liberali
ty,” offered to raise a dollar towards helping
the church out of its difficulty. The pastor
was at home from Congress, and had oppor
tunity to stir up any and all of his friends
and admirers, but all to no purpose. “ The
Lee Avenue Baptist Church, ” of which we
have heard so much, has become the proper
ty of a savings bank for the small sum of
$25,000, probably not more than hall its
original cost. There is a lesson in it.
When any of our men begin to be
what is called (though wrongly called)
“liberal,” the sooner we drop them the
better.
Harvard University received last year
gifts amounting to $500,000; Yale, i 250,000;
Tufts, $l2O 000; Dartmouth. $110,000; Wes
leen, $100,000; Amherst, $75,000.
How much has Mercer University
' received in gifts during the last year?