The Christian index and southern Baptist. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1892, August 18, 1881, Page 2, Image 2

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2 M>, NOONDAY ASSOCIATION. The above Association a*»qmble<l with the Baptist church at Acworth on Friday last. The Introductory sermon was sreached5 reached by R"v. J. A. McMurray from latthew 9 n—3Btb: "Pray ye therefore, the Lord of the har eat that he willnend laborers into His harvest,” and an ex cellent sermon it was. The audience was one of the Urgent ever seen at the opening services of an Association in this portion of the Country. In the «f ernoon the delegates assem bled in the church and the A-a-cMion was cal led together bv Rev. W. H. Dean, former Moderator. Every church eave one (Shady Grove) whs represented, and one new church (Olive Spring, Cobb county♦ wts received. 'PheKtters shown healthy state of the churchea with tijarkr, ed prosperity and large increase of conN tributions to our various benevolent en terprises, missions, etc. The number baptized during the associations! year is 106. Dr. Dean having served faithfully as Moderator for fifteen or tw -nty years, earnestly asked the Association not to re-elect him to that posidon. The body was organized by el c ing Rev. J. A. Me- Wuiray, Moderator, Rev. M. B. Tugvle, Clerk. Brother Tuggle has been clerk of this Association for a number of years, his re-election was a well merited tribute to his efficencv. On retiring from the Moderator’s chair, Dr. Dean made some very appropriate and beautifully touch fog' remarks, reviewing the history of the Ass' c ation. There were quite a number r f visiting brethren present, 'among them R :v. Dr. DeVotie, Rev. G. R. McCall, Rev. G. A. Nunnally, Rev. R. B.Headden, Rev.T.W. Springer, Rev. Dr. A. T. Spalding, Rev. W. M. Dyer, Rev. Dr. J. G. Ryals, Hon. J. C. Clemen'S. Rev. W. N. Cbaudoin, Rev. G. F. Howard, Rev. G. 8. Tumlin, Rev. P. C. Hawkins, A. McHan, Rev. James Barrow, and a number of other wood brethren whose names the writer does not now remember. Friday after noon was spent in perfecting the organi zation, appointing committees, etc. Friday night Rev. W. N. Cbaudoin preached an excellent sermon to a large congregation in the Baptist church. Rev. J. Cantrell pretched at Mount Zion, and Rev. D. J. Maddcx at Flint Hill, two churches in the C m t . The most important item of business Saturday forenoon was the adoption of a strong resolution Commending Mercer University to the patronage of the breth ren, approving the action of the Board of Trustees in their efforts to increase the endowment of the University, suggesting io the churches that they accept Mercer ■a aaßibieet worthy of their benevolence, the hope that they will, make greater contributions to SBnient, etc. Pending the adop- J flk resolution, the Associ'ition eloquently addressed by M< Ca i lt.vi 1 ,''"ui.ally - W n ß'- Mother Nunnally, also, t ''t'J- , Hye cCinnection presented >lioiter -|»h()Wting that it was one of the ■ jBK and; cheapest colleges for our ■era. R>r. Spalding appealed to yyyXyMfies, in behalf of young men pre- UK for the (ministry. ' 11 o’clock 4>y special arrangement XMle commitfoe on preaching, and at thWequest of the regular appointee, Dr. Dean, Rev. G. A. Nunnally preached ihe Missionary sermon, from the text: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” It was truly a grand sermon, and lis tened to by the crowded house with un tiring interest to the last. At the same hour Rev. W. M. Dyer preached an ex cellent sermon in the Presbyterian church. In the afternoon the subject of educa tion was resumed and Rev. G. F. How ard, who had the floor at the conclusion of this mornings session, concluded an impressive address in favor of the Bible as a text book in our schools. The report of Committee on Missions had been made the special order. The committee submitted their re port, and then began a season of re freshing long to be remembered. After a number of brethren had addressed the body on the subject of missions and mis sion work, Rev. R. B Headdeu, Presi dent of the Slate Board, took the floor, and for forty-five minutes spoke truly as if his lips had been touched with a live coal from off the altar of the Lord. At the conclusion, brethren clasped hands and rejoiced together. But this was not enough—they Drought their volunteer offerings and laid them upon the altar (the Bible) and the contributions '.were larger then those raised by solicitation in either house at the former service. It was a precious time. Brother S. A. Earl read an excellent essay on missions which will be published in The Index. The remainder of the afternoon was de voted to hearing reports, appointments, etc. The committee on deceased minis ters reported the cheering intelligence that the good Lord had spared their lives of all the ministers of the Association during this year. Sunday was a great day for the Lord, it is humbly hoped. The people came from far and near by rail and private conveyance. Services began in the Bap tist church at 9 a. m., with a sermon from Rev. P. E. Hawkins. Before he was through, the house was filled to its utmost capacity and crowds at the door. At 11 a. m. service was held in all the churches in the town, Bev. R. B. Head den preached in the BaptistchurcL, Rev. Dr. DeVotie in the Presbyterian, Rev. J. M. Springer in the Methodist, Rev. G. 8. Tumlin. Tn the Christian, Rev. J. J. Newton in the colored Baptist. At 2:30 p. m., Rev. M. B. Tuggle preached in the Presbyterian church. At 3:30a Sun day school meeting was held at the Bap tist church. Rev. Dr. J. G. Ryals, the beloved pastor of the church preached, and a grand, a glorious time it was. Every available seat was occupied and the greatest interest manifested. The speaking was opened by Hon. J. C. Clements, followed by brother M. N. Dyer, of Arkansas, Rev- G. R. McCall, and concluded by an address to the young men by Rev. Dr. DeVotie. At night Rev. G. R. McCall preached an able ser mon in the Baptist church. Monday morning the Association re sumed the regular order of business, which wastransacted harmoniously to the THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1881. end. In fact the whojp session was said by all to have Been' one of the most pleasant they had evorfcttended. Not withstanding the large congregations 'hat assembled from day to day and from hour to hour* the very beat order prevailed. Not one case of disorder came to the knowledge of the writer, but each seemed to vie with the other in acting well their part. If the Devil was a'on the camp, be did not seem to havu much chance to show himself. Too ■ i u lictnnot be said in praise of the brethren and ent n» people of Acworth. They had evidently been preparing in heart as well as In store, for the coining Association. Their hospitality was hnundles Their doors weye thrown wide open, and every visitor bid to en ter. Dinnet—a regular feast was served every day in the grove iKtir the church. But best of all wa’ the spirittfal feast enjoyed at each houi’,. service. The ser vants of God preached with great power and effect throughout. Not a worjHvas heard of a poor serinon, but it was good and better. . Xha Association adjourned Mondav to ’ meet at Roswell, Cobb county, on Fri J dav before the first Sabbath in August, 1882. J. M. G. M. MINISTERS' AXD DEACONS MEETING, The Ministers' and Deacons' Meeting of the Georgia Association met of Clarite's Sta tion, July 26.fi. The introductory sermon, preached by the regular appointee, Elder J. 8. Callaway, from Ephesians, 6.19, was 'nought to be timely and well reasoned out. In the afternoon, the meeting organized by electing Deacon William R Callaway, Mod erator and Elder J. H. Kalpatrick, clerk. On enrolling the names of those present, the meeting was found to be unusually well at tended. Ou Wednesday morning the first thing was a clear and forcible exegesis of I. Peter 3.9 and 4 6 by H. D D. Straton, of Greens boro. Then followed the discussion on ‘ The Scripture Plan of Promoting the Prosperity of Christ’s Cause,” opened in a brilliant and energetic manner by Elder W. A. Overton. Brethren P. H Mell and J. H. Kilpatrick j nned in this debate in a very interesting manner, taking up the time until 11 o’clock, when H. D. D. Straton lectured on the doc trines and practices of the “Plymouth Brethren ’ Iu a most forcible and fearless manner he vindicated the truths we bold as Baptists from the Holy Scriptures, and set aside the numerous vagaries and errors of the so-called Evangelists. The large con gregation was held during the whole hour in rapt attention. Alter dinner brother D. Jones, of the fifth district, led in prayer. Dr. Hillyer, our ven erable Christian brother, whose praise is in all the churches, led in the discussion, “On the Duty of Caution in Receiving Members into our Churches.” Who that has ever heard this fervid and earnest man of God. does not desire again to sit under the sound of his voice? Pending the consideration of the above subject, instructive speeches were made by P- H Mell, J H. Fortson, J, H. Kilpatrick and B. M. Callaway The very fact that these brethren argued this import ant subject, is sufficient proof that the con gregation was impressed and edified to a nigh degree. "The Scripture Doctrine of Christian Per faction," which was assigned to brother J. M. Dill, was introduced by Elder J. A. Shank, who said that there was no such thing as absolute perfection of believers while remaining in their present state. He read from the New Testament many script ures to substantiate this view,and followed it by an able speech, as er which brother T. A. Nash led in prayer, and the body adjourned. On Thursday morning, the body met and spent one half hour in devotional exercises, after which the last subject of the previous day was resumed, brother Straton leading, showing by quotations of Scriptures and the nature of man, th al there is no such thing as absolute perfection while remaining upon earth. He said, “There is, however, this subjective duty incumbent upon all,—to mortify the deeds of the body. The believer must maintain the conflict. He will ulti mately come off more than conqueror. By this means the Caristian grows in grace,” Dr. Htllyer next spokiyaying, “Baptists do not believe in sinless perfection upon earth, yet everywhere in the Bible, we are exhort ed to be holy. We must not soothe our selves with the thought that human beings cannot be perfect. This would be a great evil. Let us rather feel as the apostle ex- Cresses it, “Forgetting the things which are ebind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ ” The Doctor then spoke eloquently and feelingly of the rich provisions which God had made for us, that we might grow iu grace. A throne of grace is here, this side the grave, the throne of judgment beyond. The hour for the special order having ar rived, Dr. Mell, the Nestor of the Georgia Association, introduced a subject previously assigned him, “The Relation of Recent Scientific Discoveries to Revealed Truth.” He said, “You have assigned me a ponder ous theme. To discuss this I must go over a very wide range.” He showed us in what ways God had revealed truth. In nature and revelation. By revealed truth we mean the Bible. He said there was a perfect har mony between science and revealed truth. This he showed in a style and language comprehensive to all. He said it does not follow, however, that the theories of all scientists are in harmony with revealed truth. The reverse is evidently true. It is impossible for us to give you a correct out line of this admirable lecture upon this liv ing question. The intelligent congregation can never forget the earnest exhortation, given in conclusion, to the ministers pres ent to preach the gospel The afternoon session was spent in hear ing timely and earnest addresses by differ ent members of this grand old body of Christian men. The time having come to close, the body was adjourned,the last pray er being made by Dr. Mell. Thus euded a most profitable and inter esting meeting. The only drawback, if in deed there be any, is that many of our in telligent and wise ministers and deacons take no interest iu this fathering together of some of our oldest and wisest men. We would that all should take an interest and attend once. Then there would never again be any need of any pressure to get them to come again. Witness. The eighth annual session of the Georgia State Suudiy-scbool Association will be held at Griffin, Ga., Wednesday and Thursday, August 241 h and 25th, 1881. Willi a view of a more perfect organiza tion, it is earnestly desired that every county in the State be represented. “The Association shall be composed of one delegate lor every three hundred or fraction of three hundred membersof Sunday-schools composing the County Association, and in couuiles where no Association exists, two delegates for every representlve to which the couuty is entitled in the General Assembly of the State.” Will you not Interest yourself and others In this Convention at Grltnu, and see that your county Is represented ? Please do so, and have the names of the delegates elect forwarded at once to the State Secretary. Railroad rates as follows to delegates: Western * Atlantic Railroad 2 1-2 cents per mhe. Atlanta A Charlotte Railroad 2 3-4 cents per mile. Central, West Pol nt.and Georgia Railroads, 3 cents per mile. J. C. Couantzv, Milton A Candlxk, State Secretary, Chairman Ex. Com. Atlanta, Ga , July 35,1881. TRANSLATING THE SCRIPTURES. Paul, In I Cor. 14:19. says that he in the chusch had rather apeak five words, with an understanding that by his voice he might teach Others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Here we may see the advantage of a rail translation of God's Word of inspiration as found in the Hebrew and Greek tongues, which are now unxnown to our English reading people. For God’s word, to be profitable, most be known, be lieved and obeyed. Hence, Jesus said. "My sheep hear my voice, and follow me." The nature of this obedience is such that it includes the doing of the very things Jesus commands without any substitution, addition or diminution. Tills is the nature of obedience to all law, human and divine, to which as well no law a» no penalty annexed, and as well no pen alty as no execution of the same where no exemption or exception is made or ransom 'band. * ’ , H nee, again, all laws, human and divine, have either expressed or else understood or implied, rewards on the one band or pun i-lime ts on the other. There may be sins of omission or of direct transgression, sins of ignorance and sins of knowledge, owing u> taught or untaught perver-e human na lure, which is the same in all countries and i|> all ages., No fvotider Jesus made a differ ence Between those who knew their duty to Him, and yet did it not, and those who were ignorant of duly and also failed to do it. As wbed he said, “ He that knoweth his mas ter’s will and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes; and he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few." Now, what I want further to say is, that God's word or is supreme among all his intelligent moral creatures or the subjects of nis moral government, whether in heaven or in earth; so that an apostle could say, when joined by others iu the testimony, “ We ought to obey God rather than men and that, as God has given this wordjn now dead languages to mankind, from which we have only a greater part translated, we ought to, and must have, the whole wo’d of God translated to aiot and to a tittle, if possible, into our own English tongue, if we would please God well, and accord well with Paul's sentiment above. I have thought this for a long time, and that God will hold learned Baptist men accountable if they fail to do this work for him and for the welfare of souls to whom we are required to preach, in their own tongue, the truth of God, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, according to the ability which God has given, and may still give, in answer to prayer, and for his own glory. I differ from any of my dear Baptist breth ren who think the late revisers ot Kb g James's translation were competent to do the work assigned them. They were too much divided; some having obeyed Christ on personal profession of faith in him when bapt'Zed (immersed), or, as the Greek lan guage and the Greek Church have it, dipped, and others, even if they had professed such faith, had rendered no such obedience, and perhaps never will; some were under New Testament church government and discip line ; others were not, perhaps, all under some wrong restrictions besides. And, if not competent to the work of revision, how much less so to the great work of giving us a full translation into English of the whole word of God? Such competency, in my judgment, will include the unity of the translators in a thorough knowledge of our English lan guage, and also of Hebrew and Greek; in the thorough, plain, and powerful work of God's Spirit upon themselves in their pas sage by grace and through faith out of the kingdom of the wicked one into the Spiritu al Kingdom of God’s dear Sou. and in pos sessing full measure of the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Ghost, with a faithful submission to Christ on their part, that crowns Him Lord of all by submitting per sonally and individually to his government, church ordinances, baptism, and the lord's Can we not find men of these qualifica tions in our day ? Men thus qualified would have nothing but the cause of truth and righteousness to serve for the honor and glory of God, and to the good of mankind of all present denominations, and nations utder heaven, and alway, even to the end of the world. They would have no axe to grind, no merely one party, or many parties, to serve, but Jesus to serve as the One high over all. God blessed forevermore. Let all lovers of gospel truth rally now to this greatest of all religious works, devolv ing upon this generation. I pray God that the little improvement found in this revised New Testament, which I and others are reading, will result in this great work of a full translation of God’s holy word. . I. H. Goss RESOLUTIONS Adopted at a Conference of the Savannah Baptist Church, July 28, 1881. Whereas, in the providence of God, at the time this church was without a minister, and we were anxiously looking for some one to fill our pulpit, until our chosen pas tor should come, our young brother—Rev. W. 8., Walker—was selected, and has for several months performed the duties devolv ing upon him, and is now about to leave us to resume his studies at the Southern Bap tist Theological Seminary, and, whereas, we now desire to express onr appreciation of his services, therefore, Resolved, That we recognize in our broth er an earnest and faithful worker in the cause he has espoused, who, having put his hand to the plough has no thought of turn ing back, but desires to devote all his ener gies, and spend and be spent in the service of his Heavenly Master. Resolved, That we hereby assure our brother of our entire satisfaction of the ser vices performed and trust and believe that his labors among us have not been in vain, but will bring forth fruit to the honor and glory of God. We bid our brother god-speed, and pray that he who giveth liberally and upbraideth not may bestow upon him his richest bless ings. and endow his mind and heart with wisdom and knowledge,tenderness and love, that he may persuade many from the dark ness of sin to the glorious light of the gos pel. REVIVAL AT MT. ZION. A meeting held with Mt. Zion church, Tatnal county, Ga , continued three days, commencing on Saturday July 23rd, and ending on Monday following. Our hearts •were made to rejoice indeed,in consequence of a glorious outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit among us. The meeting was conducted by Rev W. M. Cawart, assisted by Rev. Isaac J. Ether idge. Brother Cowart is greatly beloved by the brethren at Mt. Z on ami all of the con gregation’ Nine were added to the church, eight by baptism and one by reception under the watch-care of the church. There was a remarkable contrast in the ages of the can didates, the youngest being sixteen and the oldest eighty-five years old. The latter is a lady who has been a consistent member of the’Metbodist Episcopal Church for forty years. She related in connection with her experience a very remarkable incident: About three*weeks previous to the meeting and during a period of illness she dreamed that she was at the gate of heaven where she could behold all its beauty, grandeur and glory, but was prevented from entering by a man who was standing in the gate and would not admit her. It was revealed to her that this man should administer the or dinance of baptism to her, She related the dream to her son-in-law on the following morning, and spoke confidently of her ablL Ity to recognize the mao if she ever saw him, by the features which were so indeli bly impressed upon her mind. Accordingly on Sunday morning of the meeting she saw brother Cowart for the first time and imme diately recognized him as the man by whom she was to be baptized She accordingly availed herself of the first opportunity to come forward for baptism, and was baptized by brother Cowart on Monday after divine services, in the water* of the Ohooppie in company with six others. In conclusion, let me address a few words to you, fellow sinners. Remember the shortness of time, the length of eternity, the uncertainty of life, the certainty of death and a judgment to come, the necessity of a preparati on of heart and mind, and a copse quent obfdienceto thecommand of Godin order to stand acquitted in his presence. Think of all these things and turn to God before it is forever too la'e. I. J. E. HINTS TO THE ASSOCIATIONS Our Assoclatlonal meetings will soon begin throughout the Blate, and I beg leave to make a few suggestions, which 1 hope the brotherhood will take tn good part, and, If possible, acquiesce In them 1. Please let there me made to each Asso ciation an accurate report on "State of Religion" in the Amociation, and also let It be stated what methods are adopted In the Association for the promotion of religion. The allusion, of course, Is to evangelical labor, by missiona ries and others, In the church and Bunday school. Snob a report Is of great historical value, and the only means by which a general report of the State of Religion, In all the Asso ciations, can be made to our State Conven tion; and yet these f acts are omitted In many of our Minutes Horne thoughtful and well informed brother should carry up such a re port, already written, for the use of the Asso elation. 2 Please let It be stated If there Is a standing committee In the Association, lor sustaining Mlssionsand Sunday-school work, and wbat has been done within the past year. In mis s'onary and Sunday-school labor, in the bounds of tne Association. 3 The practice of appending a short corres ponding letter to the churches, stating what sort or a meeting tire Association had, what were the chief subjects of interest, and In wnat objects the Association Is chiefly en gaged and how the churches should oonrld er and treat tboseobjeols, Is, in my apprehen sion, admirable. While It affords Informa tion that all desire to have, It promotes unity ot alm and effort, and produces sympathy, co-operation and good-will; and, yet, the practice has almost fallen into desuetude. Ido not allude to a general Circular Letter, but to a letter by the Moderator and ClerK to the churches In regard to Associations! mat ters. 4. Please let each Association Instruct or request some brotherfto draw up a brief histo ry of the Association, from the Minutes, to be printed In the next annual Proceedings: and every Association should take Immedi ate steps to secure a short history of each church within Us bounds, to appear In the Minutes. Several might be published each year until all are thus put on record. The Clerk should keep standing in the Minutes the year ot the Association’s formation or organization ; and he suould give the num ber of the session, every year. 5. P ease let the clerk ot each Association be formally Instructed to send two copies ot tne Association Minutes to tne clerk of the State Convention, and also, two copies to the Georgia Baptist Historical Society : to the former for the collection and compilation of denominational statistics; and to the latter lor preservation as a state historical recoid. Andi will say further, that ihe brethren, generally, should make it a point to mall the Minutes of every Assoc.atlou in the State, to the Historical society, as soon as they get possession of such Minutes. Especially snould this he done with reference to all those Asso ciations not in connection with the Conven tion. It would be a matter lor rejoicing, If every Baptist In the State would send the Hlstotlcai society, at Macon, ail the Associa tion Minutes In bls possession. 6 It would be very desirable If every Asso elation would cause it to he stated plainly, In the Minutes, the objects to which Its churches are expected to contribute their luuds; or wnatobjects they have agreed to sustain. Thus State Missions, Indian Mis sions, Foreign Missions, Assoclallonal Mis sions and Sunday school add educational enterprises will be kept prominently before our church-members; and, especially would this b the case with the particular religious 'enterprises or- the AsaoolkMon Hsel|> d'l/us Mercer University should Ce Hept constantly before every church In the Convention bounds as an object of benevolence ; aud our churches ought,every one,to make It a regular pract'Ce to give Mercer University one of two collections a year. It is high time our de nomination, assuch, had taken bold of this matter of endowing Mercer University In the best and only really feasible way. The life of the Cherokee Baptist Conven tion was snort, but zealous and useful, and one thing, among many that I admire In Its history, was that It took steps to induce eve ry church to take up collections lor their College. This was stated plainly, and the churches were reminded of this duty, Just as the Kehoboth Association reminds its con stituent churches to contribute to the sup port of brother Murrow. 8. Boykin, Ass’tSect’y, Ga. Bap. Hist. Soc'y. Macon, Ga. VOICE FROM MACEDONIA. Macedonia Baptist church is situated nealy six miles North of Covington, Newton county, Ga. The regular meeting of this church began Friday before the fourth Sun day in July last. Some interest was mani fested, and" we continued for six days At the expiration of that time, receiving no ad dition, and thinking the little interest we had at first was about gone, we discontin ued the meeting. Both pastor and church went home with heavy hearts. But we were all mistaken about the close of the meeting. It did not close when we retired, sad and disappointed. Some one in the congregation had found Christ, and be gm to tell others about it. and close by the the church, in an hi ruble cottage, a most precious meeting was held. The neighbors soon heard the glad tidings,and were moved far and near. The consequence was, the pastor was notified by two brethren, whose faces were all ligthed up with hope, and we resumed the meeting after only oue day’s intermission. We could hardly talk when we met in the church again, for our hearts were overflow ing. Before, we were cold, now, all hearts seemed warmed by the Spirit Then the meeting began in earnest.and I have seldom experienced such a refreshing time. For several days and nights the meeting was continued, with good congregations and most excellent order. I had to return home, sick and weary, before the end came. The church, without any minister, but with some live deacons and the membership full in the harness, continued the service until the first Sunday in August. It was tuen my happy privilege to return and baptize those awaiting the ordinance. This meeting will be long remembered by the church and community. Oh, that by an earnest consecration, a faithful devout living, these favored disciples, both old and young, might never recede from the vantage ground to which they have been led by the Spirit, but rather press forward to richer joys and grander triumphs in the Lord. By the meeting the church has had thirty-four additions—thirty already baptized, three re stored and one awaiting baptism. For brother T. C. Boykin's information, twenty out of the thirty one came from the Sunday school. A new impetus has been given to church work. To our precious Redeemer, the Head of the Church, we ascribe all the honor and praise. J. M. Bbittain, Pastor. Covington, Ga., August 8, 1881. Stone Mountain Association. —As there is already some misunderstanding abroad as to the time when our Association meets, I take this occasion to notify all concerned that the Stone Mountain Association con venes with the church at Rockdale, two miles south of Conyers, commencing on Saturday before the second Sunday in Sep tember next. B. Missionary Department. Mission Board of the Georgia Baptist Conven tion—Officers: Rev. R. B. Headden, President: Rev. J. H. DeVotie, 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. 8. Lawton Atlant*; G. A. Nun nally. Rome; D. E. Butler, Madison; J. G. Ryais and R. B. Headden, Carteisvllle; 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. I THE WAY TO ADVANCE THE MISSION CA USE Dr. Judson in 1837 said, “I am persuaded that the only reason why all the dear friends of Jesus in America do not come forward in support of Missions, is mere want of inform ation.” This is evidently truest this present time, for where the friends of Jesus are instructed by their pastors, we see them embracing every opportunity to contribute for the furtherance of the Mission work. We have at least 50,0 0 white Baptist communicants in Geoigia, who do not con tribute—many of them are very poor, but they are the friends of Jesus, anti his will would be their pleasure, if they had the nec essary information. ' Many have enjoyed no advantages of ed ucation, their minds have had but little in tellectual enlargement. They have no know ledge of geography, without which experi ence shows little of distinct forcible impres sion can be made of the extent of the Mis sionary field, and the demand for laborers." They are too numerous, and scattered to be reached by agents, they do not take or read Mission papers. Is there no remedy? Surely there ought to be, there is away to reach these masses. They can be enlighten ed through the faithful labors of their pas tors. Our duty at the present is, to influ ence and provide the ministers of our de nomination with the information we wish the people to possess, in order to engage them to give, aud pray, aud work as the friends ot Jesus fur the triumph of His gospel >n all the earth. Brother pastor, be entreated to take the lead of your flock in this grand work. “Get your people to read the Bible in its Mission ary teachings. Preach often upon the pre dieted triumphs of Jesus, His command, commission, and promises, to those who are his friends, in striving to give the news of salvation to every creiture. Every pastor, who desires it, should be furnished gratis by the Boards with the most correct current Missionary intelligence money spent in this way would be well and profitably invested in giving the lovers of Jesus adequate information. DeVotie UNION MEETINGS. The Union Meeting appointed by Liberty Association to meet with the Antioch church, Habersham county, convened on Friday before the fifth Sunday in July. The introductory sermon by brother Ramsey, was very appropriate and the impression made upon the messengers, visitors and con gregation, by the discourse was good. Sev eral important subjects were presented, and among them the question which The Index has so often asked, "Why is it that our effi ciency as a denomination is not commensu rate with our numerical strength.” This question was not definitely answered nor intended to be, but the messengers were re quested to submit it to their churches, and wake it a matter of special thought and prayer. T t is proper to state that the ministers' meetings of this county was held in connection with this, and it is hoped that a deeper sense of Christian obligation was aroused tn each one present to consecrate ttiiemseives without reserve to the cause of Christ. Brother Sisk, formerly of this coun ty, but now living in South Carolina, was present and contributed largely to the in terest of the meeting by his timely and emi nently judicious counsels. The union meeting at Bethlehem, Clarkes ville Association, was held the following week, beginning on Friday before the first Sunday in August. This meeting was one of good religious interest from its com mencement to its close. A number of min isters were present, some venerable in age, distinguished for their piety, great usefulness and their fidelity to truth, others just enter ing on their ministerial life, who gave evi dence that if the churches would only do their duty in supporting them, and thus afford th eta time and opportunity for the study of the Scriptures aud some of the re ligious work already published, and reading religious papers now issued each week, they might rise to a point of usefulness in the pulpit, that even the best preachers of this section could not reach for lack of these means. The congregations at each of these meetings were large, and seemed to listen at tentively to the word of the Lord. The writer asks that special prayer be made for the prosperity of all the churches of this sec tion—tor Sunday schools, and increased activities in every department of Christian work. Brethren pray for us. C. M. I. WELL SPOKEN. Dr. Francis Wayland, more than twenty years ago. said in the pulpit and afterwards published, “When a man becomes a member of Christ’s society, by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, he has apprehensions by faith of the sacrifice which Christ has made lor his redemption. The incarnate Son of God gave himself up without any reservation for him, and bore his sins in his own body on the tree. What can he do to testify his gratitude for love such as this? Instinctive ly he surrenders himself, all that he has, for time and for eternity to his Redeemer. He yields himself up to Christ that he may be wholly formed in his likeness. His ambi’ tion henceforth is to obey every command of Christ, and in his bumble manner do as Christ did and live as Christ lived. The object for which Christ lived and died and rose again, is the object for which he lives. He has become a member of that body of which Christ is the head, and the vitality which animates the head, animates the remotest extremity. Christ dwells in his heart by faith, a soul within his soul, incit’ ing him to copy the example which he set before us when he was manifest in the flesh. Such is the mold into which the believer is cast.” Reader is this the mold into which you have been cast ? I. A correspondent of the Boston Watchman writes from Rome, Italy, of our church there: “The church numbers something more than twenty, mostly all converts from Romanism, and is slowly, but I judge surely increasing. Dr. Taylor, very wisely and judiciously, deems it best to be duly careful in the admission of new members. I was at once struck with the personal appearance of the congregation ; their marked intelligence, the resources for strength for the church in the future, in the Christian young men pres ent. Such singing I have never heard as came from these Italian voices, blending to gether in perfect harmony and unison. On one occasion I tried to sing with them, but was obliged to stop, close my eyes, and say in my inner soul, Is this ‘the song of Moses and the Lamb’ Dr. Marshman was sixteen years in trans lating and publishing the first entire version of the Bible in China. It was printed nt Serampore in the year 1822. Twenty eight years ago, Hawaiian Chris tians raised a considerable sum of money, and sent it to Japan to build a place of wor ship for Japanese converts to Christianity. Nineteen years afterward a church was gathered, aud in July, 1875, they dedicated their place of worship to the service of God. Ou the 10th of March last this church of nativs believers celebrated the ninth anni versary of its organization, and gsve a greet ing to his majesty the King ot Kalakaua, who was present by its invitation. After exercises of prayer and praise, the Rev. Okuno Masatsuma read an address to the king, recognizing the obligations which the people felt to his lubjects, and presenting to him, as a trifling token of their high respect a copy of the New Testament in the Japan ese language. The king made response in excellent English, and promised to carry the book with him as a memento of his visit, which would be very gratifying to the Chris tians of his kingdom. The first church in Japan, though but nine years old, now re presents more than seventy churches and lour thousand believers in Christ.—Bible Society Record. Nine years ago the first church was built in Japan, and the native Christians of the Sandwich Islands sent the first thousand dollars to build it. The first missionary to the Sandwich Is lands wentout in 1820. Fifty years afterward, native Christia. s send SIOOO to native Chris tians to build their first church in Japan. Rkv J. H. DeVotie My Dear Brother Our General Meetings are the places to discuss the mission question aud to give a practical enforcement to all our fine spun theories, on the question. Money at last is wbat the missionaries need. One brother has been so much troubled about the tobacco he uses, has felt for so long a time that he was committing sin to use on nis flesh, what should be given to the Lo-d, that under a faithful, honest and loving ex pose of the tobacco question, he determined, as long as he lived, to give to missions a sum equal to that spent iu tobacco. Like many other slaves of the weed, he could not give it up, but he has the satisfaction now of feeling that he is doing his duty in giving to missions. He loved tobacco before, but he chews it now with fewer rebukes of con science. If Baptist chewers would follow this brothers example, brother DeVotie, you might employ all the missionaries you need ed in Georgia. May the relation of this in cident lead others to like conduct. “I be seech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies ot God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to him, which is your reasonable service." 8. A. Burnet. A Royal Missionary.—Princess Eugenie, sis ter to the king of Sweden, like the queen who has just quitted our shores, takes a personal Interest In the spiritual welfare of the Lap landers Quite recently the princess was in strumental in organizing a society of ladles who devote their time and substance to the spread of Christianity in Sweden. Tblssocle ty, which transacts its business in Stock I olm, owes its existence to a letter which the prin cess penned with her own hand, and for warded to theSweedlsh ladles of her acquain tance. In this letter the princess mentions that five centuries have now elapsed since Ma.garetha, a Lapp woman, impelled by an enthusiastic desire to see the glorious sunlight of the gospel shining on the snow-covered FJells ot Lapland, traveled all the way to the South to obtain assistance from the queen. Margaretba was, however,unsuccessful In her efforts, although the queen sympathised with her desire to secure tue sending of Christian missionaries to the Laplanders. Another lapp woman, Marla Mattsdotter, of whom the princess speaks, was more successful. Inspired with the soli It of Christ, sixteen years ago she traveled on foot to Stockholm to obtain spiritual and temporal assistance for her much-needed race. Even to-day the Laplanders aremalnly destituteofthegospel, although not a little has been done to Chris tianize them since the time of King Adol £lius 11, who had young men brought from upland to be educated as missionaries. Tnanks,to the zeal or the princess, brighter days ini store? for the inhabitants of these noathern regions. Princess Eugenie Is said to possess childlike faith fervent love, and unassuming manners. She takes a de light in aiding the Lord’s cause, and is never weary In well doing Al her residence a sew ing-class Is held fortnightly, the proceeds be ing devoted to missionary efforts She pro motes bazaars, not a few of the articles dis posed of on these occasions—such, for In stance, as paintings and fancy needlework being the labor of her own hands. Princess Eugenie has a summer residence on the Island of Gottland, and during her sojourn here she personally assists In various kinds of mission work for the benefit of the islanders, by whom she Is regarded with something akin to veneration. It’s Never Gone. —‘‘Mother.” said a little boy, “I m going to give this three-cent piece to God." “How are you going to give it to him ?” asked his mother. “Give it to his poor people, or put it in the missionary box, he’ll tell me which. Sam Fisher wanted me to buy an orange and give him a suck. I’d give him a suck, if I had one; but I told him I hated to suck up a three-cent piece, for then ’tis all gone. If I give it to God, it s never gone.” “Never gone!” said his mother; “how so?” "Why, if it only goes to buy one leaf ot a Bible for a poor Hindoo, that tells him about Christ, and saves his soul, why, mo ther, the good done lasts through eternity; it’s never gone. And oughtn’t we sometimes to give up our good things for that?” How did her child’s faith rebuke this mother, who too seldom gave up her good things for other’s good—the seen for the un seen. JAPAN. Rev Dr. Murray Mitchell says of Japan : "Its rush into the forms of Western civiliza tion has been almost too rapid. Still, Chris tianity steadily advances, and I trust there will be no serious reaction in civil govern ment. I was never more moved in my life than when I addressed fully two thousand Japanese in a building connected with one of their great temples at Tokio. Every utter ance, even the most distinctively Christian, was respectfully listened to.” Mr. DeForest, of Japan, has been giving a series ot lectures upon the Ten Command ments to the heathen, and the audiences have been large and attentive. An Indian fakir, having been converted to the gospel, still occupies a position by the side of a great thorough-fare, but instead of standing on one foot, and holding his hand above his head for hours at a time, as before, he has built a little chapel, and dug a well, where he entertains passers by with a cooling draught, while he discourses to them of the waters of eternal lite. There is scarcely a nation, not yet Chris tian, of which it is not true that the remain ing twenty years seem to be the very pivot of its destiny. The missionaries of the American Baptist Missionary Union baptized, last year, 8,000 converts. A missionary native worker, near Gaboon, Africa, was recently caught and eaten by cannibals. The whole Chinese Bible is now printed in China for about four shillings. The public are finding out that Philadeh phia has a truly first class hotel, at a fixed moderate rate. '‘Plumer’s" American, op posite Independence Hall, is first-class in every respect. None better. Comfort, luxus ry and bounty, and all at one uniform price, $2.50 per day I