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AN EVANGELISTIC TOUR.
The General Meeting of the Second Dis
trict, Columbae Association, convened with
the church at Valley Grove, Friday. July
Bth. (According to previous appointment,
the writer preached the introductory rar
mon. A strong desire was man [tested
among the membership for a higher state of
spirituality, and as toey came forward ex
tended the band and asked an interest in
prayer. A number of questions looking to
the prosperity of churches were discussed by
both preachers and laymen. Many impor
tant points were brought out, and all felt
benefited. One of the brethren illustrated
the subject under consideration by stating
that he saw. while passing along a road, a
number of boys endeavoring to pull a buggy
through the sand. Those who were .work
ing at the shafts, finding that it was very
difficult to move the buggy, looked back,
and, to their surprise, those tliat pretended
to be pushing, had gotten on the buggy, and
were riding. So it was with our churches
the reason why we are not prosperous is due
to the fact that only a few are leading in
pushing forward the work, while the re
mainder are at ease.
At the close of this meeting, brother Wil
lingham gave the writer a pressing invita
tion to aid him in a meeting commencing at
Thomaston the following Wednesday night.
Upon arriving in town we found the breth
ren ready for the meeting, which continued
for fifteen days, brother Willingham con
ducting the morning service and working up
the cause during the day, and the writer
preaching at night. The congregations
were large and attentive. This meeting re
sulted in seventeen accessions to the church.
It appeared that the entire community was
deeply impressed. It was one of the most
enjoyable meetings which it has ever been
the pleasure of the writer to attend He
will ever hold in grateful remembrance the
many kindnesses shown him by the good
people of Thomaston and especially .the
handsome contribution made to him by the
members of the church as a token of their
appreciation of his services.
Asa card had been received from brother
C. C. Willis to attend the Genera! Meeting,
which was to convene with one of his
churches, the writer arrived at ttie church
Saturday morning. He was notified at once
by the Moderator, brother Willis, that they
were going to discuss the question : “Was a
first-class religious newspaper a necessity,
and did such a paper tend to the spiritual
welfare of Christians?' 1 The writer was
called upon to lead in the discussion, and
endeavored to do so by urging the claims of
the good old Index as being a first-class re
ligious newspaper, furnishing from week to
week a feast of fat things for both head and
heart and a vast fund of valuable informa
tion pertaining to our benevolent enterprises
and the cause of Christ in the world. Stir
ring speeches were made by brother Willis
and others Owing to the scarcity of money
at this time, but few are taking your paper
iti that section, but it is thought a handsome
subscription can be raised there this fall.
Brother G. W Weekly preached a good ser
mon at 11 o’clock, am., followed by the
writer, when an invitation was given to all
Christians who desired the face of God to
shine into their hearts; large numbers came
forward and expressed a desire to live near
er God. The writer was appointed to
preach at 2 o'clock p. m. and also at. 11
o’clock Sabbath morning. The pastor,
brother C. C. Willis, was appointed to preach
at 2 o'clock. Though growing old and en
feebled by recent sickness, yet he manifested
all the zeal and warmth of early manhood.
Having made a previous engagement
with brevier Willingham, the pastor of the
Baptist chnrch at Talbotton to aid him in a
meeting there during the following week,
the writer left immediately after the 2
o'clock service and rode fifteen miles to Tai -
hotter , where the General Meeting of the
district had been in session three days. The
regular services of the protracted meeting
commenced Sabbath night. Though much
fatigued the writer consented to preach. At
the close of the sermon an invitation for
prayer was given, when quite a number
came forward. An old citizen said that be
had not seen so favorable a sign for a good
meeting at that place in many years. Owing
to the incessant rains the services were well
nigh broken up. However, we struggled on
until the rains were over. The interest be
gan Again to increase, but owing to other
appointments, we closed the meeting. Only
two were added to the church, both joining
at the closing services of the meeting. Oth
ers professed conversion and will doubtless
unite with one of the churches soon. Per
haps the greatest benefit enjoyed through
this meeting, was the revival of church
members. Several testified during the
meeting, and at its close that the Lord had
revived the work of grace within their
hearts. Also, several young men who bad
never exercised in public, led in prayer
from time to time. There are but few old
members in this church and its future pros
perity seems to rest upon the y ounger mem
nets. Brother Willingham is leaving no
stone unturned and is pushing forward the
work of the Master with untiring zeal and
energy. He has the confidence, love and
sympathy of his.people, and is one of the
growing preachers and pastors of our coun
try. S.T. Fuller.
Hamilton, Ga.
BAPTIST INCONSISTENCY.
If mj’ faith is correct, then every deviation,
whether in translation, or interpretation, or
practice, tends to give pain, and further dis
tract and unsettle my confidence in a strict
construction of God's word.
The Bible declaration is—if we have a
true Bible-" This is the way. walk yein it."
If any man walk not according to these ora
cles, it is because there is no light in him.
“If we, or an angel preach any other gospel
than that we have preached, let him be ac
cursed.”
The generally accepted Christian hypothe
sis is, No matter what the Christian, or pro
fessing part of the world believes, so they are
the friends of God.
My mind is greatly taxed and worried to
know the true teachingsof inspiration. My
brain is puzzled to know why it is, that so
much stress and emphasis are given to such
words as, Church, baptism, the doctrines of
repentance and faith, as prerequisites to
the former.
The declaration, that believers are the on-
IJy scripturally recognized material for gos
pel churches is all of no consequence, only
as a matter of taste, education, or raising.
Baptists on paper are punctiliously strict,
and with high sounding eclat, declare the
word of God an all-sufficient rule of faith
and practice.
They boldly proclaim against non-essen
tials, and as boldly declare in favor of the
Grand Master's edicts ; and any one, to pass
muster, must come under the Master Over
seer's square. So much for Baptists in
creed.
Butwhatof them in practice? In their
pnlpits, arond their firesides, in their social
convocations, at their Associations and
Conventions, in their religious periodicals,
and magazines, they declare everything in
the way of externals non-essential to one's
salvation and standing with God. The old
doctrines of repentance towards God, and
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are the only
essentials in their creed practically. All the
various shades, characters, and kinds of
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX ARD SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER I, 1881.
Christian religionists on earth sav we may
and can go to heaven just as well without
them as with them. And yet upon a strict
construction and literal interpretation of
Baptist doctrines and practices, they say, no
gospel churches outside their own, no scrip
turally ordained ministers, except such as
come under the imposition of hands preaby
terial, by authority of churches. Turn out
members for heresy, that join other religions
bodies, silence ministers from preaching, if
they proclaim apostasy, or practice sprink
ling for immersion. Refuse to commune
with others at the Lord's table, and will ex-,
pel their members for so doing. Proclaim
loudly against bishops and priests as such,
wherever found, and declare against politi
co-ecclesiastic conferences and synods by
whomsoever held and endorsed. In a word,
disagree with every religious organization
known to man, and oppose with tongue and
pen, to the extent of tbeir ability, all the
cherished and distinguishing peculiarities
that characterize other religious denomina
tions.
Just after saying all the above and more
in close connectios, they proclaim with
tongue unmislakeable, heaven just as ac
cessible to all others as to themselves. Up
on tbeir strict hypothetical creed, they re
fuse Revs. John StoutandT. P. Bell, whose
hearts burn with zeal towards God and
love for souls, ass missionaries to China.
Now, upon the hypothesis, that all held
near and dear to Baptists be true—where is
their consistency, and why will they perse
vere in a course, holding to tenets,that with
tbeir own breath crumble to nothingness be
fore all intelligent, thinking people. I
think, if there is no scriptural signifiesncy
in Baptist doctrines, ordinances and polity,
the sooner we put them to sea the better.
If on the other hand, there be not only
significancy, but right written in blood di
vine, then take the responsibility, and by
the grace of God, and in his fear, stand by
them, though the fires of Smithfield should
be rekindled and the bloody days of Nero
should return.
Somewhere in Baptist teachings and in
consistencies, is to be found their inefficien
cy and non effectiveness, as a denomina
tion of Christians.
Make the denominational tree food, and
its fruits, by consequence, will be good.
May the day be in the near future, when all
Christians will see eye to eye, and walk by
thesame rule, minding the same things.
B. L Ross.
Fort Valley, 1881-
•• the~a VERAGE MINISTER."
Your selected artiole on the above subject,
written by Dr. Babb, is ce tainly a very
good one. It is needless to ask, who is he?
wliatis the order of his talent? or where or
how was he educated? These are minor
considerations. It is enough to say that the
average minister represents a large majority
of our useful—most useful—preachers.
They are not known by name, nor are they
distinguished by honorary titles, yet they
are distinguished, as the burden bearers, as
bold officers leading on the charge in the
“thickest of the fight," and often do some of
the soundest and ablest, (ablest, because
soundest.) preaching there is done in the
land. No lefli-ction is aimed at our more
distinguished brethren. It is simply meant
that the average minister who is faithful in
study, earnest in manner, and fervent in
spirit, often rises to a height in force and
grandeur, which, before an appreciative au
dience, would be called the highest style of
eloquence. To be an average minister does
not imply either ignorance or a want of
cultivation. Such a minister studies to
show himself approved of God, rather than
to be applauded of men- He as much seeks
to avoid degrading the sacred calling by ig
norance ana negligence, as he does to disre
gard mere self aggrandizement. His highest
aim is to be “a good minister of Jesus
Christ.”
“We want these men to be where they
can be most useful,” s'Ays the article referred
to. So should every man want every other
man to be, and not only this, but to be
content and willing to fill as houorably as
possible, the place assigned him. This
humble compliance with present duty is,
and should ever be, an unmistakable char
acteristics, notonlyofthe average minister,
but of all Christians. It simply means, “Thy
will be done," which is the distinguishing
spirit of the Christian. But, after all, do
not these traits of character raise the av
erage preacher above the average?
W. M. Howell.
INGATHERING OF SOULS.
I commenced a meeting at Bethel, Masco--
gee county, Saturday Aug. 6, and continued
it day and night, after the first night, (ex
•cept Thursday,—that I took to rest) until
Friday. The church was greatly revived
and sinners converted, we believe. Nine
persons professed conversion. I baptized
six on Friday, 12th inst., four young ladies
and two men, among them my youngest
child, (a daughter), and a son-in-law.
Don't you know I was happy ? I have now
baptized twenty-two of my family. The
meeting increased in interest to the close ;
many thought it ought to have continued
until Sunday evening, but I had to close to
go to my regular monthly meeting at Beth
esda, Harris county. Dr. Buck, from Gi
rard, Alabama, was with me part of the
time at Bethel, and did some effective
preaching He is a good worker. lamin
my forty - first year in the pastorate at Beth
el, and the pastor and church are united in
their efforts for the salvation of.souls.
I commenced a meeting at Bethesda on
Saturday ; preached Saturday and at night,
again Sunday, rain prevented meeting at
night. Monday I baptized one of the prom
inent, leading men of the community. He
has a lovely Christian wife, and two chil
dren, —one a Mercer boy. ’This was also a
delightful meeting. This church is in the
best state she has been in for s-veral years.
The outlook is flattering I had no minis
terial help at this place. It will, perhaps.be
gratifying to my friends to learn that I stood
the labor of ten days and nights, with the
exception of one day’s rest,.finely, after my
long spell of affliction last winter and
spring. If I had many tongues. I would use
all in giving prise and glory to God through
Christ, for his wonderful works to the chil
dren of men, and for his mercy and loving
kindness to me.
There was no noise or confusion in these
meetings. The work was solemn and deep
C. C. Willis.
August 15, 1881-
GROWTHOFCHURCHES.
In recent meetings, Bethel church res
ceived by baptism eleven, by letter four,
Midway church, by baptism, four; by letter,
tour; Milner church, by baptism two; by
letter three. The churches are greatly re
vived. May this blessed revival influence
continue. God forbid that this innovation
on the old time habits of our churches, of
having his presence only once a year should
continue. There are several who, we be
lieve, found peace in believing, during our
meeting at Milner, but who have not yet
united with the church. But we hope to
gather them in not many days hence
John G. Polhill.
Milner, Ga., August 18, 1881.
All delegates who expect to attend by
railroad the Georgia Association to be held
at Sharon, Columbia, county, will please
notify the committee at Clay Hill, Lincoln
county. They will be met at Thomson on
Wednesday evening, October Sth, and
Thursday morning, October 6th, with con
veyancea to carry them out to the church.
Dr. J. T. Boyd, J. L. Clialt, J. T. Steed,
A. Martin, Committee-
1 ’
A WORK OF ORACE.
A meeting of eight days at Sammer Hill
Stewart county, Ga., has just closed during
which eight persons were received by bap
tism and one by letter Our pastor, Dr. 8 A
Goodwin, of Union Springs, Ala., preached
ahd labored, most faithfully and acceptably,
assisted by our dear brethren Hixon and
Joiner, and we bless the Lord that much
good has been done.
For a long time our church has been cold,
seeming almost lifeless, indeed, many pre>
clous seed has been sown, much good preach
ing had been done, but so much of the work
seemed in vain! The church did not grow,
but rather diminished in number, as many
of our people moved westward. The con
gregation was small, the Sabbath school
thinly attended, the prayer- meeting almost
abandoned. But. thank God, a few faithful
ones never fonoox the assembling of thspi
selves together, and week after week, and
month after month, through these years ot
drought, they perserved, trying to do their
duty in the face of all discouragements;
keeping in mind this promise: "He that
goeth forth weeping and bearing precious
seed, shall return with rejoicing, bringing
many sheavee.”
The first sign of returning life, were seen
in the Sunday-school. And here I would
say, God has blessed the lavors of our good
brother Boykin. He came into our midst
with a heart glowing with the love of God,
and our people caught some of his enthusi
asm. I would say to other churches, when
ever this brother has an appointment, go to
hear him, and take the children with you !
One step made was that an organ was bought
and put in the church, and, as is always the
case, the music was greatly improved. The
children loved to come to join in singing the
beautiful Sunday-school songs, the teachers
were encouraged, and many who had never
connected themselvee with the school began
to come in to hear the music.
Our church, though a handsome building,
and well put up, was getting sadly out of
repair. The inquiry was made, “how shall
the necessary funds be raised ?" Our mem
bership was never so small, and the cry of
“hard times" was urged. But God put it
into the hearts of some to make the effort at
least to put a new roof on ; this was done
and somehow—one step in the right direction
is often followed by others—a beautiful coat
of paint wa- put on, the glass all stained, and
the house that our fathers had built, and. de
dicated to God. stood thoroughly cleaned,
repaired, and beautified. Is there such a
thing as getting ones house set in order for
the Lord? Did any one ever lose by giving
of his substance to the Lord ? Has he not
said, “Give and it shall be given to you,"
—not in stinted measure, and grudgingly as
we often give—but “good measure, pres
sed down, shaken together, and running
over.” Have we not tried this? Our fields
teem with bountiful crops, the have
come in due season, the glorious sunshine
has gladdened the earth, and a bounteous
yield of the labors of our hands, is in im
mediate prospect. And blessed be the name
of the Lord, a richer harvest, even the sal
vation of the souls of some ofourlovedones,
has made our hearts to sing for joy.
Our pastor, Dr. Goodwin, is earnest, zeal
ous, faithful, an eloquent speaker, and a
man who loves his Master's work. He is not
only an able preacher, but an efficient pas
tor, visiting his people, talking in private
houses, in the home circle, of the lov% of
Jesus, holding Him up as a comfort in dlt
tress, a very present help in time of trouble,
and the giver of all good to those who love
and obey Him. God has given him the as
surance that his labors have not been in
vain.
It has been a revival, the long sleep of
winter has given place to the tender growth
of spring, that which seemed almost dead,
has become renewed and invigorated till it
presents the beautiful aspect of a tree whose
leaf is not withered. The work began in the
church, the tear of penitence first ttfT’tgAni
theeyes of those Who had protest;*#
A mouth ago the indications of a work of
grace were visible. Not to outsiders, per
haps, but to those anxious ones walking
sadly over the dry sands, where the waves
had ceased to fl >w, there were unmistakable
evidences that the tide was rising, a fi eshen
ing of the bret z •, deepening sound of mighty
waters, and walking thus sadly, and crying,
"How long, Oh Lord, hew long?" waiting,
hoping, who can tell their joy, when the
mighty waves came rolling in. bearing o.i
their glittering crests the treasures so long
watched and waited for. The little cloud,
not larger than a man's hand, a speck on the
horizon, in answer to prayer rose and spread
over the heavens, and distilled showers of
heavenly rain.
Does some one say, “only eight were ad
ded to the church I" Yes, only eight, and
yet these are ones for whom we have prayed
so often, they are of our own households,
they, after whom our hearts have yearned so
long, in some cases the children that God
had given. Ah, how gracious is- the rain
that falls on drought scorched meads! How
sweet is the harvest song to those who have
long trodden the fruitless fur-ows of barren
fields 1 To God be all the glory.
Some of those who joined are from the
Sunday-school. Is it strange that the tender
hearts of children should open to the knock
ings of the Savior? Their young heads are
not filled with all the cares, and evil desires
l of those who bear the heat and burden of
the day. It is to those who early turn their
feet to wisdom's way, that we must look for
the useful Christian of the future, rather
than to those who come later in life, with
their characters disorted by sin. and so full
of the knotty outgrowth of evil passions un
restrained, as to make it almost impossible
i for them to be developed into symmetrical
proportions. M. E. F.
Florence, Ga.
REMINISCENCES OF MERCER.
No. 5.
On the 4th of April, 1853, there occurred
the most painfully melancholy event in the
whole history of Mercer University. The
evening prayers that closed the exercises of
the day, were over, and a number of the
students had assembled in the front of one
of one of the stores, and began a game ot
marbles- While some were actually engag
ed in tlie game, others were spectators. One
of these, in a meie sportive spirit, stopped a
taw shot by one of the players. An alterca
tion ensued. Both became excited as angry
words passed from one to the other. In
thoughtless bravado one of them drew a pis
tol, and in a scuffl- this went off, and before
any one could interfere, one of the boys lay
mortally wounded, and the other avafced'to
the appalling thought that he was likely to
be considered a murderer. Ten minutes be
fore they had been friends. A freak of boy
ish passion had severed that relation forever.
Littie hope was entertained that the wound
ed boy would survive his hurt. He grew
worse rapidly, and in less than twenty hours
he expired.
Tue event produced a profound sensation
in the College and in the community. The
two young men, though only membejs of
the Freshman class, were so connected as to
be decidely more conspicuous than ordinary
Freshmei . The one wounded was the young
est son of a family of note and weight in the
county. The young man whose thought
lessness in drawing the pistol had now
brought him to a most unfortunate attitude,
was the brother of perhaps the most gener
ally beloved of our professors. Strange to
say. however, there was in our community
but slight diversity of sentiment. All lam
ented the fate of the young man, lately so
strong and vigorous, who now lay cold in
death ; but there was as general a feeling of
sympathy for the more unfortunate one, who
was now to be hurried away from the quiet
scenes of college life to be locked up in the
celli of a priaon. His friends —wisely as the
event proved—restrained his impulse to fly,
and while they retained able counsel for
his defence, did nothing to binder a fair trial.
During the months of that spring and sum
mer be remained in the county jail. How
wearily they passed, none save those who
have known a similar experience can in the
least appreciate. Yet bis friends did every
thing that thoughtful affection could suggest
to lessen the discomforts of his confinement
His little room was comfortably furnished ;
he was supplied with good food, papers,
magazines and book*. No day passed with
out a kind reminder that he was not forgot
ten. His brother visited him punctually
and often, while few students aver passed
through the town without calling to see him.
Still for all these alleviations, the time must
have moved on leaden wings, and when at
his trial, one of his learned counsel's urged
upon the Jury that he had already expiated
sufficiently that act of thoughtlessness, no
one who had thought of the months of tor
tures which that innocent young mind must
have endured, could resist the potency of the
plea. This trial did not occur until Novem -
ber, a special sitting of the Court being call
ed, we believe, for this case. It occupied
more than two whole days. Tne first was
consumed in the examination of witnesses,
though, for the sake of securing the conclu
sion, the defence waived the introduction of
any testimony. This side of the case stood
in need of all the help it could gain by this
movement. For while in the estimation of
us, his partial school-mates, and in the judg
ment ’of a clearly discriminating posterity,
the poor boy was guilty only of a folly,
some of the ablest lawyers in the State were
urging that- he bad committed an outrageous
crime. We well remember, with what sink
ing of the heart we listened to Judge Cone
as for two hours be piled up sentence after
sentence of logical arguments, and there
seemed a death-dealing force in every word.
When Mr. Stephens arose to make the con
cluding speech, we felt that on him hung
the chances of the young man's life. Slowly
be advanced toward the Jury, holding in his
band an < pen Bible, and in his clear, pierc
ing treble read that chapter in which is re
corded God's order for the institution of
cities of refuge, in which the unwitting slay
er might find safety from the avenger of
blood Laying down the book, he proceeded
to argue that the young prisoner stood pre
cisely in the condition of those for whom the
Great Law-, iver had provided a refuge, and
then in a strain of eloquence he urged upon
them the duty of presenting themselves as a
wall of defence against those who were seek
ing his life. It was late in the afternoon
when he began; before he closed, the sun,
which bad all the fore io< n struggled through
clouds and vapors, set amid a blaze of glory.
It was hailed as an omen, and it proved a
true one; for in little more than an hour
after Mr. Stephens uttered his last words, the
Jury returned with the verdict “Not guilty.”
Their finding was generally approved, and
we have never known that it rendered life
any less secure, or served as any encourage
ment to school boys to be more reckless. In
deed, we believe the warning against the in
dulgence of hasty passion was as emphatic
ally enforced as if the story had concluded
with a more tragic scene. We are sure that
every student felt deeply gratified that the
Jury had in the midst of wrath remem
bered mercy, though their joy was submer
ged in a greater excitement which we shall
hereafter speak of more fully. L. LV.
JOTTINGS BY THE R’ltf.
Desr Index —My last letter left me In rout
for Brunswick, with an excussion party.
The party numbering about sixty, was made
up of men from various portions of the State,
but mostly from Middle Georgia. Many of
them had never seen the wiregrass region of
the State before. It was somewhat amusing
to hear the varied expressions in regard to
the country, and I believe all were pleased.
I have before expressed the opinion, and I
still hold to It, that the day Is coming when
the healthy, level, productive, inviting ptney
woods portion of the Slkte will be the garden
spot of Georgia. Not being specially inter
ested in the purchase of land 1 did not leave
the railroad to Inspect the country, and stop
ed only at two places for any length of time
—Eastman and Lumber City. The arrange
ments have now all been completed and the
lot purchased for the entering of a Baptist
church of worship at Eastman, and the work
will soon begin. Brother Jessup has given
up teaching and is now devoting himself
entirely to the ministry. He reports good
meetings at a number of his churches, ac
counts of which you have perhaps bad al
ready. At Lumber City a church was con
stltut d some months ago, and has since had
large accessions to its membership. Brother
H L Williams, formerly of Atlanta, now
resides at Lumber City, and was one of the
fl -st movers in starting this work. He and
bls good wife cared for me most kindly dur
ing the few hours I temalned over here.
Arrived at Brunswick early Thursday mor
ning. Brother A. C Ward, the beloved Pas
tor of the Baptist church at once provided
for my comfort. After refreshments at his
Inviting b rard he took me around town see
Ing Hie brethren and aiding me greatly in
my work But truly I did not have much
to do here, so thoroughly had he canvassed
the fields before The good Lord has greatly
blessed Brother Ward's work In Brunswick,
aii-l how, I understand, the Baptist is the
strongest church In the city. I was quite un
able while here, and the weather belug very
hot I did not see as much of Brunswick as I
desired. A splendid new hotel has been erec
ted, and other Improvements going on. I
hope there is a bright future in store for
Brunswick.
At night, about 8 o'clock we attempted to
leave the city, but Just as the train was get
ting under way, the t njlne ran off the track
and we were detained until after 1 o’clock, a.
m. Some of the passengers slept, others com
plained at the elay, vjille still others re
turned to the hotel, or mßewhere, to wait for
the day train. Os course we did not make
connection at Macon, which was quite adls
appointment to those of us who were bound
for the-up country At Cochran, brother G.
R McCall, wife and daughter had been wait
ing for our delayed train. They, like myself,
were on route for the Noonday Association
to assemble at Acworth that day. Well a kind
Providence favored us and we got aboard a
freight train at Macon, which carried us into
Atlanta in time to reach Acworth late that
afternoon. _ „
Os the Association I gave you full particu
lars at the time and must not repeat. Mon
day after the Association had adjourned, I
accompanied Brother M. B. Tuggle to bls
home in Cherokee, where I spent a pleasant
night, and the next day he carried me to
Canton Superior Court was in session, his
Honor Judge Brown presiding. He Isa broth
i er of our distinguished U. S. Senator, Ex-
I Governor Joseph E. Brown, and an excellent
Judge. He is not only an able Jurist but a
devoted Christian, which to my mind is one
; of the essentials to fl,Hug properly the rc
sponsible position he holds Canton has im
-1 proved greatly since the building of a rail
road to that town, and is now quit" a sum-
I mer resort. I spent a part of two days de
lightfully here, forming many pleasant ac
quaintance and enjoyed the pure air and cold
water. Our good brother J. P. McConnell and
family made made me their guest during
my stay, and right well do they know how
much we love to be at their pleasant home.
From Canton to Noonday church where
Brother J. A. McMurray, the beloved pastor,
was carrying on an interesting serlesof meet
ings. This is a grand old church and has
stood as a beacon light to the world around
for many long years I enjoyed my stay in this
vicinity very much indeed, with one excep
tion ■ I could not get as many to take The
Index as I desired. But I guess I am a little
hard to satisfy in this particular. I shall
never be entirely content, I do not believe,
until The Index is to be found at every Bap
tist fireside. O If it were so now,what an army
of workers tor the Lord we would have! But
the sound of the approac ing train admon
ishes me that I must stop writing or I will be
too late tor the mall to-day
J. M G. Medlock.
Since the Woman s Missionary Societies
were organized in the different evangelical
denominations, they have collected $4 500,-
000 There are fifteen of them, and their
collections last year were about SBOO,OOO
Those of the Methodist and Congregational
ist churches raised some $120,000 each; the
Presbyterian, $179 000. Njw let Baptist
women show the grace that is in them, after
the same goodly pattern.
Missionary Department.
REV. J. H DeVOTIE. D.D., I
REV. C. M. IRWIN, D.D., f Mn °".
MISSIONARIES STATE BOARD.
J.H. DeVotle, Atlanta, Ga. SC. M. Irwin, Mt.
Airy, Habersham, Rabun and White counties;
V. A. Bell, Ringgold. Whitfield and Chattooga
counties; Chas. Edwards, Toccoa, Habersham
county; T. C. Tucker, Caaaandria, Dade and Wal
ker counties; W. J. King. Nannie; P. A. Jessup,
Eastman, Dodge ant Telfair counties; A. C. Ward,
Brunswick: George A. Blount, Eden, Effingham,
Bryan and Liberty counties, D. G. Daniell, Wal
thourville; J. H. Campbell, Columbus, Muscogee
county; Alfred Corn, Blairsville. Towns county ;
T. C Boykin, Atlanta, State of Georgia; Simeon
Maxwell, Talbotton. Talbot county; W. B. Ben
net, Quitman; W. V. Perdue, Valdosta; G. H.
Washington, col., Albany. Mitchell county; J.C.
Biyan, col.. Americus, Schley, Lee and Dough
erty connties; Frank M. Simmons, col., Stone
Mountain ; G. B. Mitchell C<>l. ( Forsyth ; 8. A.
McNeil, col . Quitman ; M Brigman, Augusta,
Georgia; J. M Donaldson, Dublin ; J. A Steph
ens, Battle Ground.
REPORT
Ot Central Committee, for Quarter Ending Aug
ust Ist, 1881.
W M 8., Greshamvllle for Mrs. Gulrey, in
California(lo.oo
W. M. 8., Fishing Creek and New Ford
churches, for Mrs. Gulrey, in California... 12 40
W. M. 8.. Dogwood, Tunnel Hill and Gor-
don Springs churches, For Miss 680
W M. 8 , Albany church, for Rev. J. H.
Eager2o.oo
W. M. 8., 2nd Baptist church, Atlanta, for
Mrs. Gulrey. In Californio 10.00
W. M. 8., Sth Baptist church, Atlanta, for
Chinese boy 0 00
W. M. 8 , Sth Baptist church, Atlanta, In-
dian Orphan Hume 5.25
W. M. 8., Sth Baptist chnrch, Atlanta, State
Missions 4 16
Totala7B 61
We have sent out a number of our last annual
reports, also the appeal of our committee, ano a
portion of the abover funds came in response to
that appeal. Some new societies have been or
ganized and we hope to hear from them by the
end of the next quarter, Nov. Ist.
Mrs. Stainback Wilson, P. C, C.
Mrs. A. C. Kinnoo, Cor. Scc’y.
MISSION OBLIGA TIONS.
If there is anything about which there
should be no difference of opinion, it is this,
that the Church of Christ is a missionary or
ganization, whatever else it may- be besides.
. he gospel of salvation is not for any special
class or people exclusively, but for all men,
and its reigning principle of love is the im
age and superscription of its universal de
sign. Christ made atonement for all men,
and commanded his chosen apostles to pro'
claim the joyful tidings to every creature.
The truth we learned already in our in
fancy—though very imperfectly, no doubt—
when we were taught to say the Lord’s Pray
er. The petition “Thy kingdom come,” is
the prayer of the Church for the salvation of
the world.
The universal Church of Christ is made
up of individual churches, and these again
of individual members. So the command to
evangelize the world reaches out to every
one—to all who have taught by the Church
to say the Lord's Prayer. If you are called
to go in person as a missionary of the cross,
then that is your special vocation. It may
not meet your approval. Like Moses you
may demur against it, and say you are not
a fit person for so great a work; but that is
the Master's busin* ss, not yours. If your
place is within, a narrower sphere, as simply
a lay member of the church, you will be a
good and true member and acceptable to
God, only if you are possessed of the mis
sionary spirit. If you are not called to be
a missionary, you are called to aid the mis
sion cause by your prayers and by your
alms. If you cannot go yourself as a mis
sionary into the great field, if you are not
called to be such, then help to send him
who is called to the place assigned him, and
help to support him in it, and encourage
him in his work. First of all, be a mission
ary at heart. Stir up the gift of God that is
in you, so that the offefings of your hand
may be also offerings of your heart. “The
Lord loveth a cheerful giver"—one who
gives not because impelled by importunity
or any other unworthy motive, but from
love to Christ, to the brethren, and to the
world of humanity. God will surely bless
such givers and their gifts. And such per
sons give, as nearly as possible, according to
their ability. That is the Divine rule; and
if it were carried outby thechurch generally,
what glorious things would soon be witnes
sed 1 The true religion would speedily take
the place of idolatry and superstition in all
parts of the earth. The moral wilderness
would blossom as the rose. The waste and
neglected places in Christian lands would
become flourishing vineyards of the Lord.
China and Japan would soon rejoice in God
the Savior—the darkness which hangs like
the gloom of death over whole continents
would be dispersed by the light of the gospel
—Ethiopia would stretch forth her hands
unto the Lord—and all thenations be joined
in one beneath the universal sway of Christ.
Now, will you do your part as the Lord’s
missionariea by devoting yourselves in pray
er and almsgiving to this blessed work ?
Look not upon it as a grievous burden, but
as the burden of Christ which is light, and
as a privilege that you should not wish to
forego.
Soldiers of the cross, arise! Let not the
banners of your army be trampled under
foot through your unfaithfulness. Sacrifice
wordly ease and self for the sake of the
kingdom of righteousness, for whose com
ing in 'universal power and glory it is your
calling to wait, to labor and to pray.
When a cause like this claims our atten
tion there Is no room, noplace, for excuses
for not falling into line and doing our full
part. None, indeed, unless our hearts are
shrivelled into such mean proportions that
nothing can find lodgement inthem, except
the spirits, the deceitful and lying spirits of
selfishness and the evil world. No soul is
right that is not warm and burning with
love for this holy cause of missions.—The
Messenger.
Rev. E. B. Hallam, an English Baptist
missionary in India, says that a Brahmin
complained to him and his associates at
Miduenpcre.that “since they had come there
preaching Jesus Christ every day, the re
ceipts of the heathen temple under his
charge had been reduced fifty per cent.”
This suggests a thought of some interest.
To give money to Christ, in the form of
contributions to missions, is to withdraw
money from the false systems of pagan reli-
I gion 1 To withhold our money from mis
sions is to make sure, as far as we can, that
the monev of the d.ipesofthesesystemsshall
still go to build up the kingdom of Satan
among men I A wrong decision on our
part perpetuates the wrong practice on theirs;
and we work at once to the double end of
keeping the treasury ot the Lord empty and
the treasury of idols full.
Dr Young J Allen, Methodist missionary
in China, says: "Not many men, but able
men is the call China makes to the churches
of the West.” He hopes the day is past
“when just any sort of a good man wae
considered tit for a missionary” to that
country. The converts, he thinks, will sup
ply “common men” more cheaply than
they can be imported from America.
Rev. Dr. Green, of Princeton Theological
Seminary, laments that the graduating class
for the present year does not include a sin
gle candidate ior the foreign mission field.
Is this result due to any failure to give the
missionary aspect of Christianity its right
fill prominence in the system of instruction?
The faculty ought to lay that question to
heart.
The Children's Record of Scotland, ha,
the following touching and tender accoun
of Livingstone's last hour: “During the
last days of April, 1873, he was very ill. He
had plaintively said to his men, ‘build me
a hut to die in. lam going home.’ In that
hut at Ilala, on the night of the 30th of
April, in great pain and weakness, he bad
been tenderly laid upon the couch by his
faithful followers. About four in the mor
ning, a negro, who was watching beside him,
called out to “Susi," who with five more of
his men, hastened into the hut. A candle,
stuck by its own wax on the top of a box,
gave light enough to see that Dr Living
stone was not in the bed, but kneeling by the
side of it, his body stretched forward, and
his bead buried in bis hands upon the pil
low. Fora minute they watched him. He
did not stir. There was no sign of breath
ing. Then one of them, Matthew, went
softly to him, and laid his hand upon his
cheek Life had been gone some time. The
body was almost cold. Dr. Livingstone was
dead. On his knees at the throne of grace,
that noble spirit had ended his pilgrimage,
and 'entered in through the gates into the
city.’ His poor shrivelled body, preserved
in salt, was carried to the coast, a distance
of more than a thousand miles, by his
bumble but affectionate body-guard of black
men, every one of whom was a liberated
slave. *A grander and more touching mem
orial,' as was well said at the time, ’than
any tomb that can be raised to his honor in
Westminster Abbey’.”
Buddhism and Sbintooism, the rival hea
then religions of Japan, have formed an al
liance, offensive and defensive, against
Christianity, publishing The Two Religion
Magazine for its overthrow. No forms of
error hate each other as they hate the truth.
As the fruit of missionary operations,
twelve Chinese converts have been ordained
to the Chnrch of England ministy ; and
nine of that number are still living and en
gaged in faithful ministerial service.
In China it is believed that evil spirits
move in straight lines ; and for that reason
no canals or roads are made straight, as this
would invite the depredations of these
spirits.
Time of Refreshing —Ou Saturday, Aug.
13th, the church at New Hope. Greshamville,
Greene county, met according to regular ap
pointment. The meeting was protracted
until Friday following The Holy Spirit was
present in His reviving aud regenerating
power. The church, in the main, was much
refreshed, and many sinner convicted. The
preaching from Monday night until the
close of the meeting was done by brother
H. D. D. Straton. of Greensboro, and never
have we heard Jesus preached in greater
beauty, simplicity and power. Fourteen
were received into the church by baptism.
At the close of the meeting the following
was adop ed by the church in conference.
For several consecutive days our souls have
been feasted upon a rich repast of spiritual
food provided by our Father, and spread be
fore us, by his servant, our brother Straton,
and duly appreciating the service he has
rendered to us, for us and ours, we desire to
express that appreciation in a tangible, mat
erial way, by a tender of our carnal things
for his spiritual ministrations. Be it resol
ved therefore, that a committee of two be
appointed to receive such expression of ap
preciation from the church, tendering the
same to our brother, and report at our next
conference. Resolved further, that we as
sure our brother, that bis fidelity in unfold
ing the gospel to us in its purity and simp
licity, has enshrined the memory of himself
and his labors in every Christian heart,
and that they will ever occupy a green spot
in the field of our recollection.
August. 1881. T. J. 8.
Rev. T. H. Stout.—Whereas our beloved
brother, Rev. T. H. Stout has resigned his
pastorate of this church, which resignation
has been accepted, we, therefore, the mem
bers of the First Baptist church, Troy, Ala.,
take great pleasure in testifying to the abil
ity and fidelity of brother Stout in the dis
charge of his pastorial duties during the
whole time he has served us as pastor for
the past three years, and we hereby affec
tionately recommend him as a pious, upright
and faithful Christian minister.
B. W. Starke, Chairm.
E. H. Sockb,
James Yates,
M. N. Carlisle,
Committee.
Done in conference, August 20th, 1881.
Polk Harris, Hail Talbot,
Clerk. Mod. Pro tern.
First Baptist church, Troy, Ala.
August 20th, 1881.
A Revival —At a protracted meeting just
closed at Zion church, Newton county, we
received by baptism, twenty ; restored, two ;
standing over for baptism, four. The Lord
has been gracious to us, and his Spirit has
been poured out in our midst. The church
is thoroughly revived, and the community
seems to have caught the spirit. All of the
young converts, as soon as called on in pray
er meeting, raised their voices to God.
Brother James Kimbell,our pastor, conduct
ed the meeting, assisted by brother George
Moore, of Conyers, and brother J. E. Bailey,
of the church. Brethren, rejoice with us.
D. W. Scott.
Conyers, August 22,1881.
Onward!—We have just closed an interes
ting meeting of a week's continuence. at
Cotton Hill, Clay county. The Shiloh Bap
tist church there enjoyed the services of
brother J. C. Porter, of Tallahassee, Florida,
who preached tach day and night during
the time God greatly blessed his labors.
I baptized on Sunday, Aug 21st, eighteen,
and on Monday six persons. Two were res
tored, and two are awaiting baptism.
Thomas W. Tobey.
Eufaula, Ala., Aug 22nd, 1881.
The Work Moves On.—A good meeting
commenced on Saturday, Aug. 6tb, at Whig
ham, aud continued nine days and nights.
The writer did all the preaching during the
time, except four sermons delivered by
brother J. A. Smith, which were both able
and impressive. Five were received by pro
fession of faith and baptism, three males
and two females. The males were ail beads
of families whose wives had previously join
ed the church. Joshua Martin.
Wigham, Ga., Aug 18th, 1881.
What The Director Said —A Boston re
porter, while in tiie office of the New York
and Boston Despatch Express Company,
had a conversation with Mr. B. F. Larabee,
one of the directors of the company, who
gave the following personal experience: “A
little over a year ago I was taken sick. I did
not know what the trouble was, but I con
tinued to grow worse, and my complaint
baffled the skill of my doctors At last my
symptoms deve'oped'into that terrible com
plaint, Bright's D isease, which has been pro
nounced incurable by all physicians. My
Bufferings at that time were unspeakable. I
was bloated from head to foot; my heart
pained me; my pulse was irregular, and I
was unable to breathe, except in short, con
vulsive gasps. While suffering thus I learn
ed of Warner's Safe Kidney and Liver Cure,
and although I had been given up to die by
the prominent physicians of Boston, I re
solved to try this remedy as a last resort. I
am rejoiced to say, it has effected a perfect
cure in my case, and with many of my
friends, who have been afflicted with kidney
troubles, either of long standing or in their
acute forms, and who under my advice have
used this most wonderful remedy."