Newspaper Page Text
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t.
a OLI.EGE EDUCATION IN GEORGIA—FREE
TUITION-REPLY TO "A BAPTIST."
The writing of the following article has
been unavoidably delayed by unutual de
wands upon my time.
Several weeks ago I announced through
The Index the proposition of a generous
brother to lead off iu an effort to raise one
hundred thousand dollars for the purpose
of cheapening tuition in Mercer University.
The brother was prompted to make this
proposition by the apprehension that Mercer,
charging sixty dollars tuition annually,
would find it bard to compete with the State
University, charging no tuition at all.
In The Index of Sept., 15th, “A Baptist"
publishes two columns of small print, not
only in opposition to the proposed course of
the State University, but also in opposition
io any steps being taken by the friends of
Mercer towards diminishing the present cost
of education in her balls. Let us see
whether his counsel on the latter point is
•wise.
The article of “A Baptist” contains many
Interesting items of information. But it is
well known that such items are not always
conclusive reasons, or even relevant to the
the question under discussion. It is inter
eeting to know at about what time free tui*
tion first made its appearance in the South,
and in Mercer University ; and the number
-of free scholarships there are at Brown Uni
versify ; and that the rates of tuition among
our rich Northern brethren are so high as to
be‘ bewildering" to us poor Southerners;
and that (eo lie says) a skilled botanist or
entomologist is not to be found in Georgia
(a want, by the bye, existing in spite of reg
ular charges for tuition in al! our colleges
down to a recent date): and that nobody
in these parts could tell “A Baptist” the
name of a new grass recently found on his
place; and that a lady was paid one thous
and dollars by the United States Government
last year for arranging a cabinet of insects at
the National Capital. But all these, and
many more interesting facts that might have
been collected on various subjects, do not
solve the problem as to how Mercer Univer
sity, with its limited exchequer, and obliged
to charge students sixty dollars per annum,
is to compete with the State University,
which offers tree tuition, or nearly that, and
pays its faculty handsomely out of the pub
■lie treasury.
Others of his statements which are in
point, are evidently unsupported by facts.
For instance lie confidently assumes that
tuition fees are "no barrier” to those who
desire a college education. Did “A Baptist”
reflect seriously before making that asser
tion? Does he doubt that there are students
now at Athens who have been diverted
from Mercer and Emory by this very differ
ence ? and others who would be at home but
for the same reason ? Some of these are the
sons of "well-to do” parents; and it the
tuition fee is a consideration with them,
how much more with others whose circum
stances are yet more straightened.
Such an assertion suggests doubts as to
whether the author of it is acquainted with
the habits and circumstances ofthe masses
of his tellow'-citizens. Never a year passes
but what 1 am asked whether such and such
a young man can get a free scholarship at
Mercer, and the matter of his going or not
going to college, and particularly to that col
lege, often turns upon the answer given to
that one inquiry. The lack of sixty dollars
more money has debarred many a fond
father from procuring for his family com
forts and privileges they not only would ap
preciate, but do inordinately covet. Nay,
one-sixth of this amount to each son and
daughter would be a huge consideration to
ninety-nine hundredths of the fathers of this
State whose households are well adorned
With olive plants. Does ‘‘A Baptist” doubt
this declaration? Ifso, I only hope it is be
cause he has never experienced the pinch
ings of real poverty.
Our brother also says the colleges “must
become beggars in order that they may be
liberal givers.” At first glance that state
ment looks like an argument. But let us see
what it is worth.
If it were allowed to prevail it would an -
nibiliate every benevolent institution on
earth. Mercer solicits donations, and has
always done so from the beginning of her
history. Is Mercer therefore a beggar? Has
she been one from the first? All institutions
of learning have solicited an increase of
learning have solicited an increase of re
sources. Are they all beggats? Isitrespect
ful or just to call them by that reproachful
name because they seek to enlarge their
capacity for usefulness? The servants of
Him whose name is above every name
solicits contributions for the support of mis
sions, and sometimes this is done in an un
becoming manner. Is the Kingdom of
Christ, or He who reigns over it, a beggar ?
Does “A Baptist" object to giving away
what came to him as a gift? Let him con
sider whether it be less creditable to give
what has been thus received, than it is to
sell it for a price. "Freely ye have received. j
freely give,’ are the words of him who spake
as never man spake. It will doubtless be ;
admitted that it is much more agreeable to
accept a gill that is voluntarily tendered by i
the donor, than one that a State Legislature
offers at the expense, but without the con- |
sent, of the tax-payers
If I understood "A Baptist,” he thinks
right high-minded people would feel a little
humiliated at the thought of accepting a
college education as a gratuity. If he was
ever a college student, I venture the asser
tion that he is indebted to one or more
strangers for this advantage. Tuition fees
rarely pay the full cost of a college course.
A part of it, and in well established
colleges the larger part, is paid by the
endowment fund. To that endowment fund,
whether voluntarily contributed by citizens
or, to use no harsher word, appropriated by
legislative enactment, the student is a
beneficiary. Such is “A Baptist," as sure as
he ever studied iu an endowed institution
of learning. Let us have no more criticisms
on those who, for good reasons, avail th :m
selves of the proffered generosity of large
hearted philauthiopists.
The question whether the State Legis
lature ought to tax the people for tl e
purpose of furnishing a small per cent, ol
young men a college course almost free of
charge, is not the issue betwten “A Baptist” j
and myself If, as it seems, he hoped by bis .
communication to dissuade the Legislature j
from making the appropriation, which givis
■the State University this enormous advan
tage over our denominational institutions, I |
only regret that he faded of bis object. The ;
appropriation has been made, the State Uni I
versity has proclaimed tuition nearly free, |
the press is exultantly claiming that the '
measure has ushered in a new era of unpre
cedented prosperity for that institution. (If !
this measure should fail to raise a boom for
the State University, what experiment will,
be next in order?) Now, what shall the j
Baptists do for Mercer? This is the question ;
about which we are disagreed. The devel [
opments of a session or a year will not de
termine the effect of the experiment now
being made. Mercer is reported as having
■opened finely. Will this continue with her
■tuition at the present figures? Are we to
wait till our present vantage ground is taken
from us before providing against the danger
of such an event? When a popular aud
reliable dry goods house announces that they
are selling out a large and valuable stock of
goods at cost, it never fails to attract a rush ;
•of customers, to the serious detriment of
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1881.
other houses in the same line of business
still charging the usual profits. In like
manner I am afraid that cheapness will out
weigh. in the popular mind, many other
valuable considerations connected with a
college education. Does "A Baptist" really
think otherwise? Or does he think we ought
to sit down and persuade one another of the
reasonableness of paying a fair price for a
cohege education, even though tne spiders
and roacbee and bats are threatening to take
possession of our University buildings? I
susjiect the Legislature did not deign to
consult him, as it did not me, concerning
what they should do in this matter. That
body 1 as acted. Now, what is the best course
for us ? I shall hope to hear again from our
brother. Fie'ing sure he cannot think a
college education is of such doubtful utility
that it ought to be confined to as few persons
as possible by increasing its expensiveness,
or by the imposition of a special license fee;
and that be cannot wish Baptists to have
only the least possible agency in training the
future leaders of the people; I hope he will
not oppose the design of cheapening educa
tion as an evil in itself, especially if the
friends of Mercer should be convinced that
such a thing is needful, and should desire to
accomplish it by no other means than the
voluntary contributions of those who are
blessed with both wealth and a liberal heart
Our denomination cannot afford to be driven
from their high position as educators of the
young men ot Georgia.
One thousand dollars is still offered as the
beginningof a fund of one hundred thousand
for cheapening education at Mercer.
Very truly. Trustee
[The editor of The Index does not propose
to take any part in the argument on either
side of the question discussed, but will sim
ply make two or three statements, which
may go for what they are worth:
1. He is familiar with the management of
both the institutions whose names are men
tioned in the foregoing article.
2. He is of the opinion that no student,
applying for admission to either of these in-,
stitutions, has ever been refused for want of
ability to pay the tuition fees.
3. He is profoundly convinced that no
good interest has stronger claims on the
Baptists of Georgia than Mercer University.]
GOOD TIDINGS.
Brother William H. Cooper, our pastor,
has been laboring with and for us for some
two years, with great faithfulness and with
marked and constantly increasing ability.
His sermons have been well analyzed and
happily expressed. They have been charac
terized by invariable soundness of doctrine
and great zeal for the cause; and by deep
solicitude for the spiritual growth of the
church and the salvation of souls. His con
duct and character have been unimpeachable
f< r uprightness—conservative and devoted.
Yes, for a long time, we had not realized
much of the conscious—so manifest—pres
ence of the Spirit of the Lord in our midst.
Our membership were orderly and at peace,
hut cold and lacking “the joys of salvation.”
Very few additions had occurred during h'is
pastorate, and of known conversions there
were almost none. How strange such a
state in a Christian church I Yet, alas how
common 1
But, for several weeks past, brother Cooper
had been most profoundly concerned about
the low state of Zion here, and ha 1 been
preaching with renewed zeal and increased
ability and tenderness to all classes. A few
ofthe members bad deeply sympathized and
w-rmly cooperated with him. We spent
nearly two weeks in nightly prayer-meet
ings, and received many strong and effecting
exhortations from our pastor.
Then, upon invitation, came our brother,
E R. Carswell, Jr., late of Augusta, to labor
with us in the ministry. It is with much
satisfaction that I write of his "work and
labor of love” among us. He preached
twice daily, for dver a week, tq large and
attentive audiences. Hirsermons were rare
specimens of analysis and solemn argument
upon the great truths of the gospel, and
stirring and eloquent appeals to the hearts
o'"the people.
As the result of all these efforts—but alto
gether front the gracious goodness of our
Heavenly Father —we have enjoyed a re
freshing from on high. Thirteen or fourteen
additions have been made to the church.
Others are expected to unite with us soon
The Loid's people have been reclaimed from
their backslidiugs and had “tbe joys of sal
vation” restored to them ; and we trust that
lasting impressions forgood have been made
upon our community.
Brother Carswell is a man of rare talents
and resources for ministerial work. He is
among our readiest, best furnished, most
courageous and powerful preachers. His
age considered (for he is close about the fig
ure thirty, I suppose), the writer knows few
equals and no superiors to him in all the
outfit for the pulpit We were deeply im
pressed with his piety and spirituality, and
he leaves in Cuthbert many who remember
him with pleasure and Christian affection,
and whose prayers will follow him in his
labors and t ials. May the blessed Lord
j secure him, by heavenly wisdom and pro
dence, from all the errors to which we are
so much exposed, and preserve and develop
' him into that fullness of Christian and min
isteria l character, usefulness and happiness,
which are promised by his late manifesta-
I tions among us. John T. Clabke.
Cuthbert, Ga.. October sth, 1881.
DR. J. H. CAMPBELL.
Last Sunday, in Columbus, Georgia. I
participated in the enjoyment of an open air
meeting On the river bank, under the
shade of the trees, at 4 p. m., brignt sunny
sky, and everything still save the songs of
the worshipers and the clear, ringing voice
of the venerable man of God, who spoke of
the "Rest that remaineth for the people of
God,” made a scene and occasion not to be
forgotten.
It is cause for thanksgiving that all classes
of people in the city go there and receive
instruction from the old servant of Jesus
Christ There is but one sentiment in
reference to this service, and the “old man
eloquent” who originated and keeps it going.
All Christians sanction it, wicked people
respect it, and in answer to prayer, the Holy
Spirit is present and sanctifies the truth.
The many friends of brother Jesse H.
Campbell, everywhere in Georgia, are hereby
informed that the last days of his life, as
were those of his youth and manhood, are
devoted willingly and joyously to the cause
of the Savior in the salvation of men.
E.
A PLEASANT SABBATH.
On the fourth Sabbath of last month, we
were favored with a visit from our esteemed
brother Elder A. C. Ward, of Brunswick.
He preached in the morning to a very large
congregation, all of whom were well pleased
so far as we have been aole to learn. At
four p. m , we met in Sabbath-school;
brother W. preached to the children, which
was interesting to all present. We met
again at half past seven. A large turnout
and another splendid sermon, to the gratifi
cation of all. Just after the services we took
up a collection for missions. $5 70 was
raised and turned over to brother Ward as
missionary of tbe board. Our church has
not yet called a preacher. Our Sunday-,
school is still prosperous,.improving in every ,
respect. We are in hopes that brother Ward
will be our pastor for another year.
A. A. Andrews,
Blackshear, Ga., Oct., 6th, 1881.
TWO THINGS NEEDFUL STILL.
We read, in the holy Scriptures, that one
thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that
good part which shall not be taken from her.
But may we not adopt the heading above in
view of two considerations in which all
should feel a deep personal concern :
1. That each one secure, by the obedience
of faith in Jeeusas the Sou of the living God.
his own salvation. Every one in unbeliefis
condemned already to spiritual death and
misery, from which there is no escape but
by the faith of obedience in Christ. For
Christ said "he that believes not is condemn
ed already, because he bath not believed in
the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Elsewhere He showed that the believer does
pass from this death to life through faith in
Him, and shall not come into this condem
nation again, but remains passed from death
unto life. And Paul said to such believers
as he recognized at ancient Rome, of Europe,
that they had passed from this condemns
tion by faith, in the exercise of which they
were not only justified, but actually had, at
that time, peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ
Now, this is the one thing personally
needful on the part of each, and secures
everlasting life to every one who thus be
lieves and obeys the gospel. For if, when
they had been in unbelief the condemned
enemies of God, they, in bearing, believing
and obeying the gospel, had become the
friends of God, how much more should
they continue to live this life of faith in the
Son of God, since they have become His
friends through faith in the virtue of His
blood as that which cleanseth from all sin
those who stand justified in Him, and since
He lives and intercedes for them ?
2 If one realizes such deliverance for
himself, the next thing is to be instrumen
tai, under God, in the salvation, to the same
extent, of others—all others, if possible.
This is manifest from the scripturally recor
ded examples of others on this subject. No
sooner had some individual found Christ as
the true Messiah, than a brother or some
other, must be hunted up and invited J.o
Christ. No sooner had the sinful woman at
a certain well found Jesus precious, and all
animating to her now living heart and re
joicing soul, than she left her water vessel
and went into the town and told the men to
come and see a man who had told her of all
the things of her past life The men heard,
believed, stirred, and after hearing Christ for
themselves, believed on Him, and through
faith could have all the blessings promised
to such. Paul, when through faith he had
been justified freely by grace from all his
sins, and found peace with God, not only
showed this justifying faith by holy obedi
ence in being baptized as commanded, but
also had a heart's desire and prayer to God
tor his kindred according to the flesh, that
they might be saved, ahd felt it his duty and
privilege to carry the gospel, with all Jps
hope and prospects, to the Gentiles, that
they thereby might be turned from idols to
the true God of heaven aud earth.
Now, iu view of these two needful points,
let all of us examine ourselves, to see if we
have faith of obedience to the Son of God
that brings to us peace with God in a deliv
erance from condemnation to the justifies
tion of grace; to see if we are feeling for
others, that they mav be saved, and that we
are working by prayer and otherwise as God
ass ,rds us opportunity as never before for
the salvation of others; and let us determine
thus that we have passed from death to life,
and that we do love and obey Jesus, and not
be always saying—
'Tis a point I long to know ;
Oft it causes anxious thought:
Do I love the’Lord or no?.
Am I His or am I not ?
But say —
I now can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
And bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes.
I. H. Goss.
Bowman, Ga-
' JOLTINGS BY THE WAY.
My last letter left me at Sparta. From
thence I went to Linton, twelve miles distant,
in the same good old county of Hancock. A
brief sketch of tbe past history of this pleasant
village may not be uninterestlug to some of
your readers.
In the year 1857, I believe, the Washington
Baptist Association determined to establish a
High School at some point within the bounds
of t hat Association. After a thorough inves
tigation of the subject, and weighing well the
advantages presented by different localities,
they selected the spot where Linton now
stands as the one most to be desired for the
purposes intended. It Issltuated in a high,
dry, undulating country, noted for good
health, pure ait and excellent water. It is
about fifteen miles from Sandersville, twelve
from Sparta and sixteen from Milledgeville.
A number of the best families bought lots as
soon as the locality was agreed upon, built
nice dwellings there, erected a school build
ing, commodious boarding house, etc. The
school whs called the Washington Institute,
it being the child of the Washington Associa
tion, and Hon. Liuton Stephens, of Hancock,
having been the most liberal contributor, (as
well as being one of the most popular citizens
of tills uart ot the State), the village was
named Linton, in honor ot that distinguished
Georgian, now dead.
Bev. Carlos W. Stephens, one of the purest
men and best educators that ever blessed our
State, was elected the first Principal, with
Rev. T. J Adams assistant. There were com
petent teachers chosen for each department.
The school was a success from the beginning,
and a charming village grew up as if by
magic Feeble health prompted brother
SU pliens to resign as Principal, and he died
not very long alter. Rev. T. J. Adams and
Ivy W. Duggan, (both excellent teachers),
were elected Joint Principals.
The Spring Term of 1861 opened with an ex
traordinarily large attendance, but the
clarion of war sounded, and many of the
young men, with nearly all the teachers,
caught the spirit of patriotism and left the
sc -00 l room for the tented field. Some of
those noble boys now fill honored graves in
soil hallowed by deedsof valor ueverexcelled
by the soldiery of any country.
But to return. It would take more space
titan you have to spare lor tne to follow tlie
history of the Washington Institute through
the long years that have since intervened.
At the late session of the Association, an ex
cellent Board of Trustees was chosen, who in
turn elected Prof. Ivy W Duggan Principal.
Much of the Interest of '6 > aud '6l seems to be
re-kindled in the hearts of the brethren, and
1 trust a brignt future is in store for tlie Wash
ington Institute. As an educator, Prof Dug
gan has but few equals in our State, and
although he will not take charge until Janua
ry next, parties are already making arrange
ments to patronize the school next year
My stay in Linton was exceedingly pleas
ant. The guest of my good brother Duggan
and family, whom I have known and loved
so long aitd well, only the presence of my
own dear family was wanting to make our
joy complete.
One afternoon brother D. and I rode out
some four or five miles to a neighborhood
burylng-ground. where rest the mortal re
mains ot that loved father in Israel Rev.
Benjamin Roberts. A neat stone (erected by
the brother who accompanied me on this visit
to the grave) marks the spot where he sleeps.
The stone contains the following:
Rev. BENJAMIN ROBERTS.
Born July 21, 1794
Died April 23, 1876.
For fifty years a faithful minister of the
Gospel.
For about forty years Clerk of the Washing
ton Baptist Association.
A model of Patience,Meekness and Chris
tian Humility.
Friday morning brother Duggan carried me,
in his buggy, to the Washington Association,
at Bethlehem church. The Introductory ser
mon was preached by Rev. T. A. Holmes to a
large congregation. After an Intermission,—
during which time a sumptuous dinner for
all was served in the beautiful grove of grand
old oaks that surround the church,—the Asso
ciation was called to order by Rev. T. J.
Adams, former Moderator. The letters from
the different churches composing the Asso
ciation—all of which were represented save
one—gave evidence of prosperity True, not
all had been blessed with largely increased ,
numbers, (many had, however), but all were
at peace and in a healthy condition. By a
unanimous vote brother Adams was re-elect
ed Moderator, brother Ivy W. Duggan, Clerk,
and brother G. W. Bass. Treasurer.
The business of the session was transacted
throughout with perfect unanimity. I have
never seen anything like it before, either in
church or State. There was not a “no” vote
cast during the session, except one time, and
then upon a question to reconsider
Saturday evening was devoted to the Sun
day-school. A large audience filled the
spacious academy, every seat being occupied.
Brother C. J. Davis, Superintendent of Ten
nille Sunday-school, acted as master of cere
monies. The exercises were opened with
vocal music—one or two sweet songs—led by
Mrs Mollit, and sung by the school and au
dience The music was good. After prayer
and another song, brother W. W. Chisholm,
of Savannah, was Introduced, and delivered
a plain, practicable address. Brother T. C.
Boykin, Sunday-aobool Evangelist, followed
In one of his happiest efforts. It was truly a
refreshing time. n
Among the visiting brethren were Rev. Dr
Landrum, representing Mercer University;
Rev. M. B. L Binion, of Weston; Rev. Moses
P. Cain, of Jefferson ; Rev. T. C. Boykin, Sun
day-school Evangelist.
Mercer University was ably represented, in
a speech before the body, by Dr. Landrum,
who also preached the Missionary sermon on
Sunday
Brother Binion preached at 11 o’clock on
Saturday, brother Caln at three p.m Sunday
morning a Sunday-school mass meeting was
held at 9.30 o’clock. A large audience was in
attendance, and gave undivided attention to
an impressive address from brother Boykin,
who also preached at 11 o’clock in the acade
my. It was supposed by the church that the
large house of worship and the academy
would accommodate the crowd on Sunday,
but this was a mistake. I suppose 1 here were
two hundred people who could not find room
In either house at the eleven o'clock service.
The Association throughout was as pleas
ant as possibly could be desired. The good
people ot the surrounding country know just
how to entertain an Association, and nobly
did they do so on this occasion. Better din
ners I never saw set as were served each day.
My borne during the session was at the de
lightful residence of brother Zach. Culver,
and never did I fare better. But my letter is
already too long, and the train will be along
directly.
The next session of the Washington Associa
tion will beheld at Sandeisvllle, commenc
ing on Friday before the fourth Sabbath In
September, 11-82.
I go from here to tbe Central Association,
which convenes on Tuesday next.
J. M. G. Medlock,
October 4th, 1881.
THE DEATH OF GARFIELD.
BY W. C. RICHARDS, PH. D.
Bells at midnight woke the city,
With their tolling, tolling!
As the sudden portent rang,
With a dissonant, harsh clang.
Not in terror, but in pity—
Men thronged the pavements doling,
They could not mistake the tolling:
Every brazen tongue said—“ Death
And they held their sobbing breath,
Ruth and wrath with strife controlling.
Ah, the flags this doleful morning,
Half-masted, half masted;
How they shive* in the cold mist—
By no daring sunbeam kisst;
And the crowds their business scorning—
Thinking of the woe long-lasted,
Drooping, with the flags half-mastid,
Utter, though as dumb as they—
Words Impossible to say,
’ Burn of love and hope, crime-blasted.
At Elberon, the sad sea’s sorrow—
Voiced in moaning, moaning,
Typed last night a nation’s woe;
Aud her tides of tears to flow—
All her land to whelm to-morrow.
In the surges we are owning—
The true portent of that moaning,
Spent the tempest of our grief,
Death has lent us strange relief—
Ending dread suspense in groaning.
Death insatiate! Death unsparing!
Victorious I victorious,
Over hopes and skill and care,
♦ w -Pv er and oqr prayer;
While reluctant visage wearing—
Overcoming courage glorious,
In his strategy victorious—
Takes tbe red assassin's part,
Strikes and rends the people’s heart,
League immeritorious 1
Dead—the people’s king, though crownless;
Factions fusing, fusing;
Northland, Southland, two no more;
All the land from shore to shore,
Look’ng on him proud and frowuless,
He, his state so nobly using—
Party feuds in friendship fusing ;
Just in spirit, just in deed—
Seemed God’s angel for our need,
Less our choice and more God's choosing.
At an hour supreme in moment,
Strong hearts fearing, fearing
Perils from men's lust of power,
Honor’s fruit and Virtue’s flower
Blighted In stiife’s foment:
Odious oligarchy nearing,
Danger to our freedom fearing—
Then the Hand that Moses led,
Garfield brought and distrust fie 1,
Fled with his appearing.
Is it marvel, that we mourn him,
Sadly weeping, weeping;
That we count the day as night,
That we shut joy from our sight,
Till to his grave they’ve borne him ?
That with him we lie a-sleeping,
Or, awake, with those are weeping,
Who when we, in time forget—
Will their dole remember yet,
Locked in Love’s close keeping,
And what marvel if Hate’s clamor
Pity spurning, spurning—
Out of place with such a grief—
Calls on vengeance for relief,
(Vengeance seen through duty’s glamour),
Nothing but his crime discerning
All its specious glosses spurning,
Asks, with universal breath,
Asks of law, the murderer’s death—
Barren wage for boundless earning 1
Oh, the horror of (hat slaughter 1
Wotld-wide wounding, wounding!
Half the globe reeled with its blow,
With our tears the nations’ flow,
Weeps the Mother-land with Daughter:
From each dirge the lands are founding,
Drops a balm to soothe our wounding;
But to Christ, those all-bereft,
For His healing love are ’eft—
Fountain evermoie abounding.
FROM FORT VALLEY.
Again in the good providence of God, we
have bad refreshings in the Fort Valley
Baptist church, such as the Holy Spirit alone
can render. We began our meeting Wed
nesday night, 7th of September and con
tinued it until the 23rd. Result of meeting:
twelve baptized and six by letter. We have
had the able ministrations of Mercer’s loved
and distinguished President, which the
Holy Spirit sanctified to the good of His
cause, and at the same time gave the Doctor
a prominent place in the affections of the
people. We had two effective sermons
preached by brethren E. H- McGee and N f
B. Ousley, Methodist ministers. Brother
James Mcßryde, of Macon, gave us two most
excellent sermons near the conclusion of
our meeting. We feel greatly encouraged
and are satisfied that the means ordained
of God are competent to accomplish all
gospel and church ends.
I have resigned my pastorate of the Mar
shallville Baptist church.
B. L, Ross.
Fort Valley, Ga., Oct., 4th, 1881.
Missionary Department.
REV. J. H DeVOTIK, D.D., I
BEV. C. M. IRWIN, D.D., f Editors,
MISSIONARIES STATE BOARD.
J, 11. DeVotie, Atlanta, Ga.; C. 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, Cassandrla, Dade and Wal
ker counties; W. J. King, Nannie; P. A. Jessup,
Eastman, Dodge anl Telfair counties; A. C. Ward,
Brunswick; George*. Blount, Eden, Efilngham,
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, co!., Albany Mitchell county; J. C.
Bryan, col.. Americus, Schley, Lee and Dough
erty comities; Frank M. Simmons, col., Stone
Mountain ; G. B. Mitchell col., Forsyth ; H. A.
McNeil, 001., Quitman; M. Brigman, Agusta ;
DIED ON THE FIELD OF HONOR.
Eight months ago—the Bth of January of
this year—an imposing and touching meet
ing took place at the Temple ofthe Oratory;
a number of Christians of Paris, assembled
by invitation of the Committee of Missions
to give and receive tbe farewells of a young
missionary. Mons. Golaz, who was about
to depart, with the young companion re
cently associated with his life, for our colony
of Senegal.
We had the pleasure of attending his fare
well meeting, and rarely have we been more
moved. We did not know the young mis
sionary before that day, but the manner, at
once simple and strong, with which he tes
tified his desire to serve the Lord, and dis
closed tbe motives of his decision for Senegal
in preference to any other field of missions,
drew our hearts immediately to this young
man and to his enterprise.
“Two years ago,” said he, “when I heard
Mons. Taylor plead with so much earnestness
the cause of Senegal, I felt that it was an
imperative duty for France, to make every
possible effort to spread in abundance the
light of the gospel in that country, and I
determined to consecrate my life to the work
of discharging my part of that great duty.”
And he added, “There are in those regions
which extend from the sources of the Sene
gal and of the Niger to the ocean millions of
inhabitants who, sooner or later, will claim
tor themselves (we have reason to hope that
it will be with joy) the title of French citi
zens, and who until now have never heard
the gospel. And it is only the Christians of
France who can think of evangelizing them;
the government would not permit any other
missionary to establish himself there. It is
a gate which is opened only to us
"In the space of a few years our Missionary
Society has sent six men there; ot that num
ber two are dead and two others have re
turned with health seriously impaired. Since
then, little has been done. Whv ? People
are frightened by the bad climate. But sup
posing one died there as quickly as they say,
is that a reason for removing the work?
Whatever be the sacrifices which the Senegal
mission imposes, our duty is all the sam. ; .
The graves of the pioneers will serve as land
marks for the journey of their successors.
Such beginnings have often paved the way
for the greatest successes.”
Valiant young man ! Noble young wo
man, who, far from discouraging her hus
band, chose to share-in his fatigues aud dan
gers and chances of death. Both are dead
carried off by yellow fever, died the same
day, the 18th of August—with only two
hours’ interval. Thesame tomb hasreceived
them; together, with hands joined, they
have ascended to heaven. God, ii calling to
himself these kindred spirits, has doubtless
answered the prayers of both; that if one of
the two succumbed, the other might not
survive.
Thus the dispensations of the Lord are
al ways full of goodness, even in their appar
ent severity.
******
Behold, then, twp names added to that
martyrology of our Senegal mission which
included already the names of Langa and of
Guindet. Four dead out of six sent 1 And
Taylor—the only one who remains—firm at
his post, and—though having obtained, on
account of failing health and exhausted
strength, leave to qu’t Senegal—refusing to
depart as soon as he learns that yellow fever
is raging in thecountry ! Who, then, would
say that there is no more faith on the earth,
or no more heroism among Christians? Who
would pretend that the Romish missionaries
were superior in self sacrifice to the mission
aries of the gospel ?
Our missionaries behold them! They
depart with the sole object of making known
to poor negroes the good news which gives
peace and joy of heart; they depart like Golaz
to Senegal and Coillard to Zambesi—know
ing that they go in the face of death, but
having made iu advance the sacrifice of their
life, and, if necessary, of lives which are
dearer to them than their own.
What impels theri ?. The hope of earthly
glory? They know that such glory belongs
to conquerors, to the slayers of men, to the
war plots of politics, but not to the humble
martyrs of the faith.
Is it their desire to insure their safety in
the other life? They have been taught, and
they themselves believe that this salvation
is not by works, that Jesus alone has per
fectly accomplished it, and that in France
salvation is as near to them as in the country
of the yellow fever
They go because they love Christ and love
the souls whom Christ came to save. They
preach to these souls the unspeakable gift of
God, the free salvation that is in Jesus. Then
thev die on any obscure field of honor joyful
and blessing God with all their heart. "Be
yond a little group of friends, no one will be
grieved by this death.
But, as our brother now in glory predicted,
their graves will serve as land-marks to point
out the way for others. Senegal will be
Christian, since its valley is already enriched
by the blood of these martyrs And thus,
our French race, our little Protestant family,
will have contributed its part toward the
accomplishment of that prophecy of the
Master: that thegospel of the kingdom shall
be preached for a witness to all nations.—
From the French of Mons. Reveillaud.
DR. YATES.
This mail takes Mrs. S. J. Holmes, of the
Tung Chow mission, to the United States.
Her health broke down to such a degreethat
the doctor and the mission voted that it was
necessary for her to have a long rest in her
native air in order to recuperate her strength.
She had somewhat revived by the time she
reached Shanghai. She greatly needs rest of
body and mind. After two days with us she
left for Yokohama, where she will wait a
week for the "City of Peking ” Shetbought
it would be cooler at Yokohama than it is
in Shanghai just now. lam sorry to hear
from brother Crawfoid and from Mrs.
Holmes, that Mrs. Crawford's health is fail
ing, and that it is thought she will have to
leave in the spring of 1882 Dr. C. may have
written you all the particulars.
I am happy to say my general health is
very good. I am, however, still troubled by
my thorn in the flesh. It seems much bet
ter just now. I preach Sundays and Thurs
days at my home chapel, and have some en
couragement.
August Ist.—Mrs. Yates and Annie are
well, and join in loving regards to you and
your dear family.
The weather is very warm. When I left
church yesterday—dressed in white—l pre
sented the appearance of a man who had just
waded a river quite up to his neck. The
skirts of my coat only were dry.
It is well for the Board and the churches
interested in missions, to realize that the
van guard of their missions in China is
breaking up, and that soon their places must
be supplied by raw recruits. Men and wo
men are needed to occupy interior stations—
cities from which many of our church
members come; and who greatly need in
struction and guidance. These members
might, under favorable circumstances, be
come the nucleus of new interests in new
fields. Thus the natural growth of our
work demands a constant increase of labor
ers, without which it is impossible to reap
tbe full benefit of labors already performed.
The’Lord give men and means, wisdom and
grace, to accomplish his will among the
heathen! —M. T. Yates, in Foreign Mission
Journal.
FROM A NATIVE PREACHER.
Our readers are aware that the mission
aries of the American Baptist Missionary
Union are training up native preachers to ■
preach the gospel to their countrymen. Per
haps they would like to see a copy of a letter
recently sent by one of these native preach
ers to the writer. It was written in the
Chinese language, and looks like an elegant
piece of penmanship, as neat as the printed
characters you see on tea chests. It was
translated by Rev. W. Dean, D. D., of Bang
kok, Siam. Here is the letter :
“To Rev. Wm. Hurlin, Antrim, N, H.
Tie Sun, the servant of Jesus Christ,responds
to the letter from the illustrious shepherd of
the Great Kingdom, wishing grace mercy
and peace from the glorious God to be with
all tbe bishops and elders, the brethren and
and sisters in that excellent country.
“Tie Sun believed in Jesus Christ and
entered the church in the year of our Lord
1871- First studying the sacred Books and
preaching the gospel for some years, and
then in 1876 1 was ordained as a shepherd to
the flock, and an evangelist to preach the
gospel in all places- Now the Lord knows
tnat my strength is not adequate to the
work, but I entirely depend on God’s mercy,
and pray the Lord to increase my power as
tbe sacred Paul has said, ‘I can do all things
through Christ which strengtbeneth me ’
Phil. 4:13.
“In Siam are six baptized Chinese churches.
At Bangkok, one; at Leng Kia Chu, one;
at Banplasoi, one ; at Ku Buang, one; at
Sin Buang, one ;at Petrew, one- Some of
these churches have some tens of members,
aud one more than a hundred members,
and yearly some believers are added to their
numbers.
“We are looking toward the great country,
and thinking that the elders and the
churches there will send us another teacher
and teacheress to help to teac i oar people.
Jesus says, ‘The harvest is great and the
laborers few ; pray ye therefore the Lord of
the harvest to send more laborers into his
harvest.’ Matt. 9 37.
“The year of our Lord,(1881; in China, the
year Kwang Su, 6th year, sth month, 19;h
day, and second after the Sabbath.”
Whom Christ calls not to go, he calls to
send. And tbe one class is as much bound
as the other. If we are not called to go, it is
plain enough that we are called to minister
to those who do go. “Who goeth,’ says St.
Paul, “a warfare any time at his own
charges ?’ An eminent writer says: “As all
the disciples of Christ are required to take
part in the propagation of his gospel
throughout the world—those who remain
at home are bound to sustain and minister
to those who go abroad, just as much
as citizens in civil life are bound to
support their fellow-countrymen who go
forth as soldiers to fight their country’s bat
tles. Therefore, let every servant of Christ
cheerfully aud heartily perform that part of
the work which may be assigned to him in
the providence and grace of God, that they
who sow and they who reap mav rejoice to
gether.” Nothing is plainer. Christ com
mands the church to evangelize the world.
We must go—or send."
THE WORM AT THE ROOT OF HOPE.
After Jonah had delivered his message to
the Ninevites, you remember, he went out
of the city to wait and see the result. While
waiting, there sprang up a gourd which
Jonah hoped would remain and shade him
during his stay at Nineveh. But, alas
alas for poor Jonah, there was a worm
gnawing at the root of hope: it cut his
gourd. Hundreds of thousands of people
to-day are in thesame condition. There is
something in the world that has raised their
hopes to the highest pitch; they are looking
to the time when these hopes will be realized;
but that fatal worm is gnawing at the rook
And when our hopes are at their highest,
the worm cuts the root, the gourd dies, and
all is lost.
Perhaps you have some young man in
your city that has fine talent. Your whole
city is looking forward to the time when he
will be one of your leading statesmen. He
is loved of all. His parents feel proud of
him ; they have spared neither money nor
pains. They think him, perhaps, as near
perfection as man can be, but when expecta
tion is at its highest pitch, he reels, he
staggers, he falls; all is lost; he fills a drunk
ard’s grave. The worm has cut him down.
We have hundreds and thousands ofcases of
voung men, in all conditions of life, that
h ive raised the hopes of kind parents and
friends, that were calculated to be an orna
ment to their country, a blessing to society
a pillar and support to aged and kind
parents; but where are they? Alas, the
oar-keepers and rum dealers have sown the
seeds of ruin broadcast through the land:
the germs of evil have sprung into life and
growth at the root of hope; they have cut it
down and all is lost.
Suppose we could fix a panorama that
would represent all the suffering, all the
crime, and vice of every kind, just for one
month, that is committed under influence
of drink, just in the limits of tbe United
States, and make it plain as God has to see
it- Do you suppose there is a human being
'Tin earth that could bear the sight ? No ; if
atrue picturehad been shown to the Georgia
Legislature 1 do not think there would have
been a single vote in favor of free whiskey.
And I think, if such a picture would not
convince one, that if Satan were to take
them to the door of the pit, and show them
all the victims of alcohol, and their minds
were capable of comprehending ail the
misery that has been and yet is to be suf
fered from the effects of alcohol, they would
still say, “Let us have more rum.” They
would go on fostering the worm of the still,
to poison our children and our children’s
children. They would put the worm in
every glass that they sell to cut the root of
hope, just at the time when we begin to look
for fruit. Finally, if a man will vote in
favor of free whiskey after taking the abovs
view, which I think is a correct view, doee
he not virtually encourage and indorse every
crime that grows out of it? I think he does;
at any rate it would not be amiss for him
to remember the worm that lies at the root
of hope. B. E. Strickland.
Putnam Hall, Fla,, Sept., 16th, 1881.
A BAPTIST WITNESS.
“Andrew Dudith,”says Robinson,"among
the Baptists at the beginning of the Refor
mation, wss the greatest man; a man to be
held in everlasting remembrance, much for
his rank, more for Disabilities and virtues,
most of all for bis love of liberty. In this
he was altogether in advance of his age.
Persecution he abhorred. To Bezi he says:
You try to justify the banishment of Ochin
and the execution of others, and you seem
to wish Poland would follow your example.
God forbid.” Surely when there was one
such man in Poland in the 16th century
many other Baptists might have been found
glorifying God in minor places bv bearing
much gospel fruit. I. H. Goss.