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2 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."