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2 t c i&C' AEir ORLEANS. To •nr Churches, Parton, Superintendents, and Sabbath-School*. Dear Brethren :—Tbe building in which the First Baptist church of New Orleans worship is now offered for sale. There is no other building in the city available, in wnich they can meet, and maintain their hold on the congregation and Sabbath school - An intimate acquaintance with the church and ite pastor, enables us to make an appeal to the denomination, without any misgivs <?ur State Mission Board since April 1879, have appropriated to help them maintain services, from fifty to one hundred dollars per month. We believe that ere this, tbe church would have been able to have pur chased, or to have built them a house in which to worship, but for the failure of the bank in which t’-eir accumulations were deposited, and the discouragement con sequent thereon. The great destitution in our own territory, from every portion of which, come cries for help, makes it impos sible for our Slate Mission Board to do much more than we have done, and are now to help the brethren struggling amid vicisi tudes, and embarrassments, in that city, to maintain a pure testimony. The history of the Frst church,a moat faith ful and devoted band of Baptists, is one, with which the denomination at large is not gen erally familiar. It is, however, intensely in teresting, and marked by a fidelity to truth, maintained amid trials and discourage ments. The members are poor; but three of them have homes of their own, which are humble and unpretentious. Nor have they a community, or the denomination a con stituency near, to whom the can appeal for help. “In that great city we have but two “churches. The other, “Coliseum Place, is “burdened with debt,” and this one is home “less—both churches are centrally located in “the midst of a vast Roman Catholic popula tion with churches, priests, ecclesiastical “and literary high schools, male and female “parochial schools, hospitals, orphan asyl “urns, convents, and benevolent and charit “able institutions.” The Southern Baptist Convention at its last meeting, was memorialized by this Board, from which memorial we make the above excerpt, adopted the following resolution unanimously: “Resolved, That we commend to the sympathies ofourbreth ren every where. The First Baptist church of New Orleans, with the request, that that church be aided in securing a house of worship.” It is also passed a resolution in structing the Home Mission Board, to send two or more competent and efficient mis sionaries to the city, as soon as practicable. The legitimate claims of the Theological Seminary, Foreign and Home Missionary Societies which the Convention is in duty bound to recognize, and so far as able to respond to, made it impracticable to give aid directly to the church in New Orleans. It was contemplated however, in adopting the resultion cited above, to make an appeal to the churches, pastors, Sabbath-schools, and superintendents for help. This we now earnestly make. Will not each pastor and superintendent ofour loved Zion,every where ask the members of their respective organ izations for ten cents? This sum will pay tbe cost of a brick, and put it into the walls of the new church home, which the little flock in New Orleans must have. Surely every Baptist brother, and sister, and Sabbath school scholar, will esteem it a privilege to give the sum asked for prompt ly. And where any in the churches and Sabbath schools, are too poor to do so, those that have, will be glad to give for those who have not. We want every Baptist in the land interested in, and identified with the effort, now being made, to establish Baptist ■churches in the city of New Orleans. It is of vital importance to the cause in that city, that the pastor remain with his people during the rummer, the sickly season. Indeed, the pastor of the First church is averse to leaving bis flock at this time, even to collect the money so much needed for the church building. We therefore hope for a prompt and cheerful response, from every church, Sabbath-school, and through them, and their pastors and superintendents, every Baptist in the land. Send yo - r contributions to Deacon F. C. Gregory, No. 14 Oarondelet Street, New ■Orleans, La., who will promptly acknowledge all moneys received. May we not say in closing, to each and to all, that this case is most urgent, and that every plea which may be made of responsib ility, opportunity, priviledge, Christly zeal, sympathy and command, uige to the suc cessor of the cause in New Orleans. John L. Johnson, ' Pres’t State Mission Board, Mississippi. T. J- Wai.ni, Corrresponding Secretary. ■Oxford, Miss., July 14, 1881, MEN AND THINGS.. Invited to deliver the literary address be fore the Georgia Female College, I left the beautiful ■city of “bower and shade’’ July 2d, and reached Madison the same after noon. M. 1 DIBOM. This was my first visit to Madison, but I was greatly pleased with place and people. Hospitality was never more generous. The kina attentions of not a few to the visiting stranger are refreshing still, as “memory holds them near.” President R. T. Asbury, the genial and polished Christian gentleman in charge of the College, won upon my af fections and admiration more and more, from the kindly greeting at the depot until thegood bye was said. He graduated two young ladies, both of -whom followed him from Forsyth, which speaks the same language of appreciation to be heard in the eloquent pleas of Forsyth just now to draw him back. If the College buildings could be speedily relieved of a cer tain pecuniary embarrassment, the possibil ites of this seminary, officered as it is, would be as bright as the brightest. Elder W. H. Norton is the acceptable pas tor of the Baptist church. His sermons are spoken of in the highest terms by the good and appreciative. Dr. Broadus pronounced brother Norton a ‘ natural sermonizer”—a high compliment from one whose homileti -cal eyes are keener and more searching than an “eagle’s ken." Madison is a hard field, cursed with gene ral religious apathy, and abounding in seep ticism of every hue and shade, but the solid mason work being done by brother Norton, under the benediction ofHeaven, is destined to work a revolution, though it ought not to be surprising if the results are slow in ap pearing. The Christian character of brother Norton is beautifully transparent—the beet weapon against infidelity. We were at Mercer together, and then at the Seminary, ■Greenville, S. 0. It was very gratifying to us noth to meet again after some years in termission. HARMONY CHURCH. My humble task performed, I had the (pleasure of a seat in the buggy of brother T. J. Ingram, a fellow graduate of 69 and an old college chum ; and delightful was the ■drive to old Harmony. Harmony church is a remarkable religious body. Since the era of my pedagoguism in that community—one of the best in the land— THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1881. since ten years ago, those noble boys and young mtn that 1 drilled in academic studies nave almost all entered the school of Christ, md what apt learners they are! Their in telligence, religious devotion and pecuniary ability constitute them a battalion of strength. The church is discussing the pro priety of providing a parsonage and settling a pastor, claiming his whole time. They can do it. I believe they will. What dis tinguished honor to lead tbe van of country churches in marching back to the gospel land-mark of weekly service 1 With all my heart, I pray this honor may be theirs. Elder A. M. Marshall, whose name is all unsullied and whose character even a foe must admire, is the pastor. I suppose mem ory never lost the name of that being that acted as one of God's finger boards to point the soul to Christ. How ten derly do we love the "man of God” who aided these bodies of ours in the symbolic declaration of tbe soul's faith and hopes. That question in the Sunday-school class, "Mr. Carswell, will you beamongthe wheat or the tares ?” so earnestly and searchingly asked, compelled an answer that struck the soul dumb, which when the first shock was over, Jed me to pray, to struggle, to trust, to live. His hands, too, buried me with Jesus in the murky waters of the Oconee, and soon after with the arms of laving petitions, he held up my feeble hands as first I talked for Jesus. It was sweet now, alter the lapse of a decade of years, to preach in his pulpit once again, and feel assured that bis warmest prayers were mingled with every effort God bless him and his work 1 God bless those noble young men ! What manna to my soul to see those strong young men of char acter, influence and hope so ztalously en gaged in the Master’s work —the Weavers, tbe Ingrams, the Denhams, the Waltons et id omne genus. Brother Aliston, superin tendent of the Sabbath school, is a prodigy of tact and energy. T. C. B. says he is one of tbe best in the State, and T. C. B. knows. OLD ASSOCIATIONS REVIVED. Ten years, short breathed and full of labor and vicissitude, have elapsed since I gave up Harmony High School, and set out to seek preparation for my great life-work. How pleasant to renew the pleasant friend ships of a decade past. Several were con strained to remark, what all seemed to feel, that the separation bad but strengthened our attachment. Never can I forget the kindness of those people, so generous to my faults, so charitable to my blunders, so len ient in their judgments of my boyish work, and by the moral support they ever lent me, contributing freely to my pleasure and my success Ob! if the world would always lend such aid to young men in their first strug gles in life, what brighter victories might be gained, now much more sunshine would there be in this sin-bedarkened world of ours. Time’s changes wrought here are so sad and so many. Death has claimed tho Wea ver brothers, pillars of the church; Mr. Benj Ingram, one of the most generous spirits in the whole community ; Mother Winchell, whose Christian influence was as broad and deep and strong as it was savory; the Terrell brothers, whose quiet, modest mien was ever a rebuke to rashness and rudeness: and Mrs. Dr. Cogburn, nee Colley, of Washington, Ga, who was tbe idol of her home and the light of society—all, all, and others are gone! Those who, ten years ago, were the movers and spokesmen are now 'mid eternal scenes, and others move and speak. Father Winchel, of some 80 years, still lingers on Time’s border with counsels rich with the wisdom experience brings. Sab bath by Sabbath you might see him in the Sunday-school and his seat in the amen corner is rarely unoccupied. It is a great oversight that a life sketch -of Dr. Weaver has not, ere this, been publish ed. He was certainly one of the most act ive, fruitful, reliable laymen Georgia Bap tists have ever numbered. I believe not so much as an obituary notice was published— certainly not in The Index. Such laymen deserve Reverend before their name while living, and, when dead, the qualities of head and heart which still live in their ef fects. may be delineated to some purpose. I lay down my pen now hoping by the next issue to furnidi a brief sketch of Dr. D. A. Weaver. God bless the dear Index and its host of readers. E. R. Carswell, Jr. GENERAL MEETING, LITHONIA. The General Meeting of the Second District of the Stone Moan tain Association convened on Friday last with Lithonia Bapist church. Introductory sermon preached by brother J. E. Bailey. Brother E. Jewell was ejected moderator’ and R. H. Randle, clerk. A large number of visiting brethren accepted seats with the body, among whom was that effi cient and faithful worker in the Master’s vine yard, Elder J. F. Reeves, of the Flint River Association, and Agent of The Christian Index. A very interesting meeting having been in progress in the church fora week the delegates and visitors joined in hearty co operation with the brethren, and made the interests of the revival meeting more prom inent than those of the General Meeting. Perhaps the most interesting question dis cussed in the General Meeting was, “Is there a model for the Christian Church as there was for the Jewish Tabernacle? If so, what church is built after the Divine Pattern ?" Brother Jewell showed that the Jewish Tabernacle was a type of the Church of Christ and as a type was inferior to the thing typified, so this Tabernacle was inferior to theCLurch of Christ, and so God was so care ful to have all the instructions concerning the building to be carried out to the very letter, 90 men ought to be very careful to carry out the instructions concerning the Church of Christ, and neither add to nor take away therefrom. How then can man put in stones that do not belong to the building? We should follow the plan laid down in the Testament. It was shown very clearly that the Baptist Church was built after the divine pattern. Brother Reeves said that Baptists bad the right foundation, but it was too fre quently the case that they were satisfied with the foundation, and did not build upon it. The older members would go up to the house of God, and content for the faith first delivered to the saints, but would leave their children to take care of themselves. They would feed the old sheep, but let the lambs starve. All the speeches were very fine. Experience and prayer meetings were held daily which together with two sermons each day rendered the meeting one of the most refreshing ofoccasions. All the people seem ed to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and it was truly a Bethel snot with the brethren. While there have been no accessions to the church as yet still many seem to be concerned about the welfare of their souls, and we believe there has been good seed sown which some day will bring forth fruit to the honor and glory of the Father. This church has had no occasions by experience for four years, yet we are not discouraged, but like Simeon of old are yet anxiously waiting for the consolation of Israel. R. H. Randle. Lithonia, Ga., Aug. Ist, 1881. Please let me say to the brethren of Bethel that the remark by brother Frank Johnson, which I published a few weeks age, was not made by him as a rtflection upon them, but as a comment upon a wide spread system of farming, which system some of the good people about Hardup have unfortunately adopted. Nothing was further from brother Johnson than to say an unkind thing, or to do them any injustice. “Love beareth all things.” R. T. Hanks, ON RECEIVING MEMBERS. THREE CASES. 1. I was helping a pastor in Virginia in a meeting, and he, knowing my views on tbe above subject, requested me to open the door of his church at the conclusion of the service one day. I did so. and a lady of middle age came forward. While the con gregation finished the song, I ascertained her name, and that she wanted to relate her ex perience and be baptized. After the song, the following dialogue took place between us: Q. How long have you entertained a hope of salvation ? A. For sixteen years. Q Why did you not j fin the church sooner? A. I did. Q What church ? A. The Methodist. Q Now, why do you want to change from tbe Methodist to the Baptist church ? A. Because it is most convenient to where I live, and nearly all my triends and rela tions belong to this church. Q. But what do you think of the doc trines that divide the two churches? A. I think there are good and bad in all. Q But that is about the people. I ask you about the doctrines. Now, the Method ists believe, there a re three modes of baptism, while the Baptists believe, there is but one baptism, and that is immersion. Which do you believe ? A. I think any will do, so the heart's right. Q The Methodists believe that infants ought to be baptized, while Baptists believe that believers only should be baptized. What do you believe? A. They ought to baptize babies, if they want to. Q. Baptists believe that only baptized be lievers, who are living godly lives ought to commune, while Methodists believethat any one, who has been baptized in any one of the three ways, in any church, ought to commune. What do you believe? A. I believe any Christian ought to com mune. Then I said: “Brethren, yon hear the statement the sister has given of her faith in answer to my questions. What is your plea sure to do with her application for church membership?” One of the deacons arose and said, it was a new case, and he was puzz'ed, and he would like to ask brother H what he thought they ought to do. I then said that my advice was to ask the sister to re main a member of the Methodist church, until her views were in accord with those of the Baptists. Whereupon the deacon that as bis motion, which was seconded, and carried, and the applicant waited. 2. In my present pastorate a lady belong- ing to another denomination, sent for me, and told me that she had decided to j oin my church, and that she had already told her pastor about it. She said he and several of the members of her church bad visited her, and hated to give her up, but that she had made up her mind to tbe change. I asked her why she wanted to change. Her reply was, that her husband bad been a Baptist, and if she would join the Baptists, be would send for a letter and join with her, and she thought it so much better for husband and wife to be together, if they could. I thought so too, and so said. And I had great sym pathy with her in her desire to see her hus band do better. But I asked her if she was prepared to make the profession necessary to join the Baptistchurch. She did not know, and so I proceed privately as I did publicly, in the above case, to show her what such a change involved, and she said in faith she was still a Then I advised her affection- ately not to apply for membership in our church until her faith was changed to that of ours, and she very kindly took my advice. When her pastor told me she was going to join us, and I told him of her last decision, and why she made it, he was somewhat amused and very much gratified, for she was a good woman. 3. Ido not know much of the experience of other pastors, but several times, I suppose a dozen or more, it has taken me weeks to find out how people were living in private, who had asked me to open the door ot the church forthem to join, and when I found out, have been compelled to advise them to seek a better hope, and sometimes a hope. May the Lord add unto the church, daily, the saved. R. T. H. Albany, Ga. JOTTINGS BY THE WAY. Dear Index: While spending a few days of rest and recreation with my family in Louis ville, Georgia, it was my privilege to attend the meeting of the citizens of Jefferson county, held for the purpose of adopting measures upon the prohibition question, and appoint delegates to the Convention held In your city on the 4th of July, etc. The meeting was well attended by repre sentative men from every district In the county. I was more than gratified to see the leading men of this grand old county fully in accord with the movement, aud taking an active part In the proceedings. Such men as Hon. R W. Carswell, Judge of the Middle Cir cuit. Hon. James G. Caln, Hon. J H. Polhlll, Representative In the Legislature; Hon. M. A. Evans and others, whoglvetone and caste to society. A resolution, asking the Legislature to pass a general prohibition law for the State, aud if such a law was not enacted, Instructing the Senatorand Representatives from thfscounty and district to have a local law passed pro hibiting the sale of Intoxicating liquors In the county of Jefferson, was adopted by a unani mous (rising) vote. During the proceedings an Incident transpired that was thrilling. Hon. M. A. Evans requested any one In the audience, who knew of any person ever hav ing been benefited by the liquor traffic In Jefferson county, to make It known by rising to his feet. The speaker paused for some moments to see If there was a response, but none was given. He then repeated the re quest with great earnestness, but notone In that large audience could answer In theaffir mallve. With thrilling volceandgesturethe speaker then exclaimed: "My God I how many have been Injured by It!” Notone benefited but how many Injured eternity alone can reveal. How many once happy hearthstones made desolate; how many hearts crushed, hopes blighted— how many souls sent to hell!— and who did h ? The people of Georgia, by licensing dram-shops. Awful thought! but It Is none the less true. Could all the money that has ever been realized from tbesaleof Intoxicating liquors be placed In the scale against one lost soul, It would not weigh a feathei’s weight! Would It pay that widow for her lost, ruined boy ? I remember when he was regarded as one of the brightest and best boys In the town. I remember when he was po.nted to as a model young man. I have seen the mother’s cheek glow, aud her eye sparkle with parental pride when he came Into her presence. His name was a sweet morsel to her tongue,—and so It was to the good people of the community,—for we all loved him. But the town, or city as It Is now called, licensed a bar-room near the store where he was the trusted and favorite clerk, and the one with whom all who bought goods In that large establishment preferred to trade. The proprietor of the bar-room was polite to all aud quite popular with the young men of the community. He made bls place attractive In every way possible. He kept, too, what Is considered an orderly house. From the store where my young friend clerked could be seen gentlemen—some of them claiming to be Christians —entering Into, and returning from, the bar. Finally, after business hours at night, my young friend would stroll In and Sartake of a glass of lemonade or plate of oys irs. After a time he grappkd the poisonous stuff that makes men drunk. Only a few years have since elapsed, but he Is now a drunken outcast In society, with none so poor as to do him homage. Several times has he made efforts to reform, each time more feeble. The trap still stinds open—licensed by the city—and In be falls more degraded than be fore. His mother and sisters nave Importun ed the bar-tender not to sell him whisky; but did any one ever know such request com piled with when the money was offered t There is no Joy In that household now. The light has all gone out. I remember when It was one of the happiest homes in all Georgia. Could the coffers of every bar-room In the world be emptied at that mother’s feet, and she bld to take her choice between this un told wea'th and her boy as he was without the gold, or as he is with It, she would spurn the millions and cry, “O, give me back my boy 1” And yet Christian men license that and other bar-rooms and vainly try to appease their conscience by appropriating the money to educational purposes. Would to God the facts I have Just given were only fiction ; but alas, alas, every word is true I But thanks be unto God the day of redemp tion is at hand. I have been over a large por tion of our State within the last few months, and I find the people everywhere in favor of prohibition, and some of the most zealous In Its advocacy are tbe poor drunkards. I am satisfied, In my own mind, from personal in tercourse with the people, that If the question of prohibition were to-day submitted to the legal voters of the State, it would be carried by a handsome majority. I resumed mv regular travels on the 4th of July. How different this day with us now to what It once was ! Not that we revere less the noted day of American Independence, but there aie sad memories now associated with the 4th of July that have robbed that once glorious day of Its charms to us, and we care not to celebrate It. En route for Wrightsville I stopped over for a few hours only at Bartow, one ot the best business points on the line of the Central rail road. There are two charming villages here: one at the rallroa I depot and the other south of It about one mile, the latter being called .South Bartow. Each contains quite a num ber of fine business houses and handsome dwellings. Two new churches have been built here within the past few years—Metho dist and Baptist. Mr. Outlaw,one of the lead ing merchants of Bartow, gave me a s at In bls buggy to WrlghtsvHle, some eighteen or twenty miles distant. Judge Carswell had convened an adjourned term of Johnson Superior Court, mainly for the purpose of disposing of cases In which he was of counsel before going upon the bench, and hence could not try. Judge Simmons, of Macon, presided during the trial of these cases. since Wrightsville got rid of the whisky business it has improved, and Is improving rapidly. New dwellings, business houses and a new church have been erected, and busi ness has Increased greatly I spent two days in Wrightsville, the first time I had been there In about four years. Wednesday afternoon brother Curry gave me a seat to Riddleville, Washington county, lu 1857 or ’58,1 am not sure which, tbe Mount Vernon Baptist Association established a high school here, naming It the Mount Vernon In stitute. At the time the site was selected, there was not a building where this neat vil lage now stands. Tne village was named Riddleville lu honor to Messrs. Anderson and W. C. Riddle (father and son) who owned the land, and made liberal donations of real es tate and otherwise to the school. The Insti tute and village prospered greatly up to 1881, when the war commenced. The four years bloody strife was a severe blow to both. After tne close of the war the friends ol the insti tute rallied to Its support as best they could under tbe embarrassed financial condition of the country. A good school basbeen kept up there, and the village hAs grown much. Two new churches have been nullt—Baptist and Methodist. Our excellent brother, Rev. J. J. Hyman, Is now, and lias been for a number of years, Principal of the Institute. J spent a part of two days very pleasantly here with the good brethren and friends of Riddleville, some of whom I had not met tor years. Friday morning I took passage on a wagon loaded with lumber for Davisboro, which is No. 12 on the Central railroad. The day was iniensely warm, but “Charlie” and I got on pretty well. When I was at Davisboro last there were some half a dozen families resid ing here, and I believe but two business houses Since then quite a prosperous village has sprung up. A number of handsome rest dences have been built, business houses erect ed, two new churches, etc., and the improve ment still goes on. The Baptist church here, under the able pastorate of that devoted man of God, Rev. W. L Kilpatrick, has prospered greatly. Ido not know of a better work hav ing been done anywhere But I guess you have no more room for me this week, and I will desist. I regret to say that tbe crops In all the country through which I have traveled for several weeks past, have been fearfully cut oft by drought and tbe Intensely hot weather. Tne prospect Is exceedingly gloomy. Some fear actual suffer ing lor the necessaries of life next year. J. M. G Medlock. ORDINATION. The Baptist church of Christ at Bio, Hart county, Ga , met to day by previous ap pointment for the purpose of ordaining dea cons for the church at the above named place. After prayer,led by brother W. J. Vickery, a most impressive discourse on the duty of deacons was delivered by brother I. H. Goss. Brother J. D. Adams then offered a fervent prayer, after which the church had recess for some forty or fifty minutes. After re cess the church reassembled, and the fol lowing named brethren from sister churches were organized into a presbytery: From Hartwell, Rev. L. W. Stephens; Holly Springs, Rev. W. J. Vickery, pastor, and William Maxwell, deacon; Cedar Springs, Rev. I. H Goss, pastor, Henry F. Hailey, P. C. Cash, deacons; Sardis, J. V. Richard son and Thomas N. McMullan, deacons; Hendrys, R 8. Williford, and E. J. Brown, deacons; Rock Branch, F. P. Thornton, deacon ; Rev. J- D. Adams, by especial re quest. The presbytery then went into the election of moderator and clerk, which resulted in the choice of Rev. L. W. Stephens, Modera tor, and M. J. Lewis, clerk. On motion of brother I H. Goss, brother L. W. Stephens was appointed to propound the usual questions to the church, and brother J. G. McCurry, on motion, was ap pointed to answer on the part of the church. The answers being satisfactory, brother J. G. McCurry then presented the following named brethren for ordination : R A. Cobb, J. L. Thornton, and W. B. W. Higginbot ham. Brother W. J. Vickery was then ap pointed to open the examination of the above named brethren as to their faith and doctrine, followed by brother I. H. Goss. The result ofthis examination being satis factory, and after prayer by brother I. H. Goss, the presbytery then proceeded to the laying on of the hands. The right hand of fellowship was then extended by the church, followed by the charge of brother Stephens to the newly ordained deacons. Rev. L. W. Stephens, Mod. M. J. Lewis, Clerk. THE CHURCH AT COCHRAN. GjL. Some few years ago, in consequence of a difference of opinion as to the best policy to be persued, but not from any difference in faith, some members of the Cochran Baptist church withdrew, and formed a second church. After a recent gracious meeting in the original First church, under the care of brother G. R. McCall as pastor, and during a like gracious meeting'in the Second church under the care of brother P. W. Edge as pastor, the Second church passed a resolu tion, expressing a desire to unite with the members of the First church in constituting but one church for the community. This resulation was presented to the First church, and the offer of union was cordially and unanimously accepted. The twochurches passed resolutions trans ferring all property possessed by them to the new church, when constituted, and the churches then dissolved and the members of each at the appointed time, met in the Methodist house of worship, and requesting brethren G. R McCall, P. W- Edge, M. N. McCall and W. W. Fowler, to act asa Pr.s bytery were regularly constituted into the Cochran Baptist church. The church thus constituted then elected brother J. A. Thomas, Clerk, and recognized the deacons of the former churches as her deacons and unanimously requested brethren G. R. McCall and P. W. Edge to preach upon their respective days as formerly, until the end of the year. The church, as now constituted, numbers 125 members. The meeting above referred to resulted in the addition of 18 by experience, and 1 by letter, and 1 by restor ation. The new constitution took place on Mon day, July 11th. On the following Sabbath, July 17 th, the two Sabbsth schools were re* organized as one, making the union com plete. Jas A- Thomas. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DsVOTIK D.D., REV. C. M IRWIN, D.D., f Mltors, Mission Board ol the Georgia Baptist Conven tion—Officers: Rev. R. B. Headden, President: Rev. J. H. DeVotle, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer; Rev. V. C. Norcross, Recording Secretary. Members—Revs. D. W. Gwin, A. T. Spalding, H. C. Hornady, F. M. Daniel, V. C. Norcross, Dr. Jas. S. Lawton Atlanta; G. A. Nun nally. Rome; D. E. Butler,Madison; J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Cartersville; J. H. DeVote. Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.- Rev. H. A. Tupper, D. D., Corres ponding Secretary, Richmond, Va. II >me Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention—Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor re ponding Secretary, Marlon, Alabama. THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL IN JAPAN. “The isles shall wait for his law."—ls. 42:4. Japan consists of numerous islands in tbe Pacific! Ocean east of China, and has a popu lation of thirty-five millions of people. The Japanese are more intelligent and interesting than their Chinese neighbors, as shown in the wonderful revolution of the last twenty five years, in national policy and religious toleration. Since tbe exclnsion of the Jesuits, who were ance strong in that country for over two hundred and thirty years, this inscrip tion has appeared upon all their notice boards until about twenty vears ago: “ So long as tbe sun shall warm the earth, let no Christian be so bold as to came to Ja pan ; and let all know that the King of Spain himself, or the Christian’s God, or tbe Great God of all, if he violate this command, shall pav for it with his head.” The change has been radical and wonder ful ; startling the Christian world with its suddenness, and the wide door opened for the introduction of the gospel. “The first missionaries went to Japan twenty years ago. At first they did not meet with much success, but during the last eight or ten years Christianity has made rapid progress. Twen- K religious societies are now represented in pan, and they have one hundred and sixty missionaries at work. There are fifty churches, three thousand members, and a Christian community of eight thousand.” The New Testament is translated into the Japanese language, has been printed, and is eagerly sought by t ie people and distributed broadcast without hindrance Rev. J Goble, independent Baptist mis sionary in Japan, says: “There is nothing so free in Japan as the propagation of tbe Christian faith and the sale of Christian Scriptures. All other books, even schools books published by the Department of Edu cation, must pay a tax and secure a license before being put upon sale, and Buddhist and Shinto books are scarcely found in the book-stores at all, because the sales are so small that it does not pay to take out a license for them. “But the Christian Scriptures are sold freely everywhere, and the government will not accept a license fee ever when offered by native dealers for Christian books, as was proved the other day in O'Saka by an old man who repeatedly tendered the fee usually paid on other books. And tbe other day, in the city of Kuana, when I went to tbe n'olice office to ask for a guard to keep order at our evening lectures, I forgot to say that the sub ject of my lectures was the Christian religz ion, and when the officer on duty reported the matter to the chief of police in his office up stairs, he sent baek word that a foreigner could not be allowed to lecture unless some native would be responsible for what might be said. I insisted that I bad been holding similar lecti res ail over the country for near ly two years past, and that I had enjoyed freedom to do so evervwh re, and in the c urse of my r- ma ks I said th. 11 was selling Christian Scriptures. The chief of police, upon hearing this, came down the stairs in a great hurry, and grasping my hand in the most cordial manner, said . ‘lf you lecture upon the Christian faith, you are entirely at liberty to do so as much and as often as you please, and I will send officers to protect you from noise or disturbance.’ “ You see Bible colporteurs and Christian preachers are more’ free and have more of the favor of the government than any other class of people in the country.” As many as four thousand persons met for a whole day, in the open air in Tokoy, to discuss the Christian religion, and a compa ny of educated natives have invited the mis sionary Kobe to give a Christian lecture in the theatre.—Gleanings from Gospel in All Lands. D. V. The Progress of Japan.—The progress of Japan during the last decade is one of the most interesting features of contemporaneous development. The experimentof abolishing a feudal system around which all govern mental institutions had grown, reorganizing a military system, establishing universal education, and introducing modern internal improvements, such as railroads, telegraphs, etc., was certainly the most comprehensive work ever undertaken by a nation. The’ condition of Japan to-day is not wholly sat isfactory, but the advance is marvelous, and, considering the difficulties involved, sub stantial and promising. Education is com pulsory over the whole kingdom, and the school house ie a familiar feature in the vil lages. Universities and scientific institutions have been established in many of the large cities. One hundred and fifty miles of rail roads have been laid, and more lines are in contemplation. Telegraphic lines and cables make easy communication with all impor tant points. The military system has been reorganized, and although the army num bers only 35 000 men, it is said to be well equipped and disciplined. The navy is in an equally sound condition. Toe friendly feeling 6f the Japanese toward this country is more marked than toward any other, and we shall show our wisdom by maintaining it intact. The Japanese school system is al most entirely in the bands of American teachers, and the larger number of Japanese who are sent abroad to be educated come to this country. About three hundred Ameri can missionaries are carrying forward the work of religious instruction throughout the country, while the trade between the two countries is steadily increasing in volume.— Christian Union. Information Wanted—The Minutes of the Stone Mountain Baptist Association show the following churches on the roll at which it is supposed there are Sunday schools. I have no knowledge of the exis tence of Sunday-schools at these churches, and would be thankful to any former mem ber or present member of said churches to inform me of the facts : In Fulton county—Atlanta Third Baptist, Sixth Baptist, Seventh Baptist, Antioch, Sharon. In Clayton county—Tanner’s. In DeKalb county—Beach Spring, Peach tree, Rehoboth, Macedonia, New Providence, South River, Double Springs. In Rockdale county—Rockdale, Salem. In Newton county—Cedar Shoals, Mace donia. In Morgan county—Ratledge. In Jasper county—Rock Creek. W. G. Whidby, Sec’y S S. Conv’n, Atlanta. Proclamation is made from the Eternal Thone, “ A nation shall be born in a day “The nations begin to wheel into line;” “The earth is soon to be the Lords.” Breth ren in Christ, the Redeemer invites us to aid Him in the conquest of the world. Pray, give and work. For you this grand oppor tunity will soon be past. “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the world is risen upon thee." D. "GROWING MISSIONS." Jtei*. J. H. DeVotie, Corresponding Secretary: Dear Brother —At the July Conference of the Decatur Baptist church, a resolution was adopted urging all Baptists in the State en gaged in planting to dedicate a part of their crop (whether corn, cotton, wheat, etc,) to the cause of missions, the yield so dedicated to be sent to you at Atlanta for disposal by tbe State Mission Board, and the proceeds applied to missions. Farmers do not have money at all seasons. It is thought that a much larger amount can be realized this way than any other, and without inconvenience to farmers. It is likewisesuggested that just before the sale of the products, the board should call upon the business men of every town and city in the State to supplement the donations of the farmers by their contributions. The brother who offered the resolution in our church has only five acres, but states that half an acre (one tenth) will be put in sotton and dedicated to missious. His wife proposes to dedicate one tenth of the product of her fowls to the same cause. Let missions be growing every day of the year. A Small Farmer. RECEIPTS OF MISSION~BOARD GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION. From June 28th to July 28th, 1881. STATE MISSIONS. June 28 Previous report $589 52 Long C>ine. M H Hart 2 00 J H DeVotie, for catechisms 5 00 Julyl. Brunswick ch, A C Ward 50 00 • Southern Female College Branch Miss. Soc. at Thomasville, Miss Ella I’ittman, Treas 3 00 2. V A Bell, col. in June report 5 00 11. Geo A Blount, col. June report 4 50 Eatonton ch. J R Reece 1 06 Lone Cane, Jos A Wynne 2 50 G H Washington, col. on field 10 15 Greshamvtlle Sugar Creek, T J Swanson ..... 2 00 G B Mitchell, col. in June 4 40 Frank M Simmons, col. in June .. 5 00 J C Bryan, col. in June 16 90 D G Daniell, col. in June 17 55 Dr W C New, Carrollton 3 CO Col. in Carrollton,Deacon Spurlock 19 40 14. J H DeVotie 5 00 Mrs G L A DeVotie 6 00 Henry M Amos 5 00 15. Fifth ch, Atlanta, V C Norcross 4 16 Pisgah ch, D T Espey ‘ 3 60 Madison ch, S A Burney, Tr 5 50 Ebenezer ch, Thos J A Vallance, by Burney 3 00 W A Pardee, Mercer Association.... 50 00 J P Harrison, Christian Index... 20 CO 27. G R McCall, Hawkinsville 10 00 Newnan ch, P F Cuttlno 27 00 J P Harrison, Index 20 00 D G Daniell, col. on field in May... 26 75 Third ch Atlanta, H C Hornady... 400 Cartersville ch R B Headden.....™. 25 CO Acworth ch, J G Ryals 9 35 Raccoon Creek ch, J G Ryals 11 70 5975 94 INDIAN MISSIONS. June 28. Previous report 5 6 25 Branch Soc. Southern Female Col lege Thomasvill, Miss Ella Pitt man 3 CO July 15. Geo A Blount,Eden 4 50 513 75 SUNDAY SCHOOL EVANGELIST. June 28. Last report $ 44 27 July 11. T C Boykin, col. on field in June. 10 75 Eatonton ch 1 06 556 08 HOME MISSIONS. June 28 Previous report 5 70 48 Julyl. Brunswick ch, ACWari 2 05 So. Female College Branch Miss. Soc, Thomasville Miss Ella Pitt man ..... 300 11. Eatonton ch, J B Reece 1 06 Rec’d at Marion to J une 30th, W H Mclntosh 17 50 14. J H DeVotie 5 00 15. Geo A Blount, Eden „ 5 DO Madison ch, S A Burney 5 50 16. Thomasville ch, 12 50 27. Cartersville ch, RB Headden 8 65 $l3O 74 FOREIGN MISSIONS. June 28 Previous report 524 4 43 Long Cam-, M H Hart ’. 1 25 Brunswick ch, A C Ward 2 05 July 1. So. Female College Miss. Soc., La- Grange. Miss Sallie Cox, Treas., Distribution of Bibles...™- 13 00 So. Female College Branch Miss. Soc., Thomasville, Miss Ella Pitt man 3 00 4. Rec’d at Richmond from May 24 to June 20 ....... 25 25 11. Eatonton ch, T B Reece 1 06 14. J H DeVotie 5 00 Mrs G L A DeVotie 5 00 Il M Amos 5 00 LLD 100 15. Fellowship ch, D T Espey 4 00 Geo A Blount, Eden 5 00 Woman’s Miss. Soc., Augu-ta, Mrs M E Wilson, P C C., for Rev J H Egar 20 00 Madison ch, S A Burney, Tr 5 50 Int. Per. Miss. Fund, Ga. Bap. Con. S A Burney 7 80 16. Thomasville ch, R ddin Smith, Tr. 18 99 T A Gibbs, Social Circle „ 685 17. First ch, Augusta, H H Hickman, Treas 96 50 27. Swap Creek ch, J C Head 3 50 Mill •• •< " 80 Dug Gap ch, “ •• ............... 125 J C Head 45 Cartersville ch, R B Headden 25 25 $495 69 INDIGENT MINISTERS. June 28. Previous report $ 70 83 July 11. Eatonton ch, J B Reece 1 06 s7l 89 RECAPITULATION. State Missions.. $ 975 94 S 8 Evangelist _ 56 08 Home Missions 130 74 Indian Missions 13 75 Foreign Missions 496 69 Indigent Ministers 71 89 $1744 09 J. H. DeVotie, Treasurer. A Chinaman in Australia became a Chris tian and feared the effect of his telling bis relatives at home of his change of faith. A member of his family in California also be came a Christian and had the same fear. Another member of the family, in China, became a Christian and feared to let his ab sent relatives know it. It was an occasion of great joy when they met. The First Baptist church in Liberia went out from Richmond, Virginia, in the year 1821, in the vessel with Rev. Lott Carey and Colin Teague, and was established at Mon rovia. It has now grown to be an Associa tion of twenty churches and more than 1,000 members. Dr. Brown, Baptist missionary in Japan, has received $4,000 recently, soon to be fol lowed by as much more, to be used in cir culating a pure version of the Bible among the Japanese. A society has been organized in Japan each of whose members has to make a solemn pledge never to become a Christian. This is good proof of the rapid spread of Christianity in Japan. Praykr.—Prayer is the highest form of love and trust exercised in the ripest, chief eit and best part of man’s nature, toward the best and sweetest and most loving of beings. The ten million members of evangelical churches in the United States gave, last year, to foreign missions $2,121,731, or about an average of 21 cents each. The recent mobbing of Protestants in Queretaro, Mexico, is found to have been incited by the Roman Catholic Bishop. A native Bassa chief (West Africa) has built a school-house and applied to Baptist missionaries for a teacher.