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2 PREA CHING VP MORALS. Let it be conceded that the great truth of salvation by gtace ought to be the staple of our preaching. But let us ask whether this ia the only thingtbat ought to be preached ? The conviction has long been deepening in my mind that mere Christian doctrine and spiritual experience have too completely monopolized the attention of a msj irity of pulpits. Not that these subjcts have been treated too much, but that some others have been discussed too little. In short, our preachers do not present the subject of private morals so directly as ought to be ' done. A few reasons in favor of giving more prominence to these neglected topics will serve to support the position here assumed and at the sane time to answer some obj jc lions that may occur to the reader’s mind. 1. The Scriptures give great prominence to private morals. Many are the passages that treat of honesty, truthfulness, s ibriety, economy, industry, and other virtues, as well as the vices that oppose them. With out despising the requirements of modesty and decorum, God's ministers should teach their people what he has accounted of suf ficient importance to be included in his revealed word. 2. Christians need instruction of this character. If they were perfect, their morals would be perfect. But many of God's peo pie are deficient in their theories and more deficient in practice. We sometimes hear of their doing things that impair their stand ing not only as Christians but as citizens and as men. Not unfrequently;they justify such deeds, and find indorsement among their fellow Christians. All looseness of morale is a grievous reproach and hinder ance to the church of Christ, and ought to be corrected by every available means. No means at our command is so effective for the improvement of another’s principles and habits as preaching. 3. Unbelievers would be benefited by such teaching. The natural conscience, without the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, is susceptible to strong impressions on points of morality. If this were not true, wholesome counselsand admonitions would be wholly and invariably wasted on children and grown people who are not Christians. That it is not wholly wasted we can every one testify from observation, and yet more posi tively from our personal experience previous to our regeneration. Intake for granted no one will pretend that it is beneath the offlceX the Christian ministry, or foreign to its ob jects. to strive for the temporal good of ell mankind, while seeking mainly to secure their spiritual salvation. 4. Conviction that leads to repentance is often brought about by convincing men of the wrongfulness of their particular vices. From condemning the outward deed they often proceed, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, to condemn the whole life, and then the depraved heart that produces such fruit; and ultimately to confess their undone condition and fly to the Savior tor salvation. Have you ever noticed how the ancient prophets arraif ned the people for particular abuses? And how John the Baptist, the Savior, and the Apostles charged their hearers with certain sins as evidences that they needed the benefits of divine grace? If our preaching was more on the same order, perhaps we would have less of spuri ous conversions and “fox-fire” revivals. 5. Such preaching would be almost cer tain to attract more general attention to the labors of the pulpit. Da not understand me as advocating any unbecoming sensational ism for the purpose of drawing congrega tions. Coarseness and frivolity always secure a hearing from the class who pay for a ticket to a minstrel show that they may spend an hour in giggling. But I speak for an earnest, solemn dealing with the con sciences of the people. If we give them a reasonable amount of this sort of preaching, they will not say that we deal in abstrac tions, and do not adapt ourselves to the times, and have lost our hold on the masses. Private morals are always a “living issue,” and are felt to be such even by irreligious men. I must not omit to say that an occa sional sermon on this line will give some variety to our preaching; an advantage that most of us sadly lack. It will cause our minds to Gavel new grounds and construct new sermon* a kind of exploit which would quite astonish some of our congrega tions ; and would compel us to form new phases ami use new illustrations, to the wonder and delight of hearers who haven't observed anything fresh in our utterances for many a long day Such a variation will prepare them to listen to sermons on grace and experience with greater interest than formerly, upon the principlethat ajudicious change of diet wheta the appetite for each separate dish. While opposed ' to using questionable means for catching the popular ear, I am only less opposed to preaching to empty benches, or not preaching at all. Now let every preacher prepare a good sermon now and then on some common vice, or some virtue common or uncommon, taking no extreme grounds about it one way or an other; and after preaching on this line occasionally for a year or two, lethim report results for the benefit of his ministering brethren. Very respectfully, Dundee. FROM MACON. That ‘ Baptist in Macon wiose wife is a Methodist, and who gave SSO to aid a young man in going to Vanderbilt,” is now paying the board of two ministerial students in Mercer University. Since he has adopted the plan of giving one-tenth of his income to the Lord, and sets aside that tenth every month, he finds it easy and pleasant to give. The first month he “laid by him” thirty seven dollars; the next month the Lord compelled him, by enlarged prosperity, to set apart two hundred dollars as the Master’s portion. He is a young man, and bids fair to follow in the footsteps of Nathaniel R Cobb, the beneficent Bostonian of years ago His soul prosperity seems to be equal to his worldly success. Are there other Baptists in Georgia who will adopt this scriptural rule, and give soma of their consecrated wealth to aid our min isterial students in Mercer? We cannot, we dare not, turn away earnest, godly young men who desire an education, that they may better serve the Master by preaching the gospel. We need now $175 00 more than we have. What good brother or church will send us a pledge for that amount? Other young ministers are expected, E. W. Warren. Macon, Ga., October 14th, 1881, ~FROM PALMETTO. A church was constituted in Fayette county, near Favor’s Mill, on Saturday be fore the second Sabbath in October, 1881. A presbvtery consisting of Eiders John S. Dodd, b A. Brown, J. G. Speights and G. "W. Colquitt, met at the request of brethren and sisters in the community. Deacons 8. Mitchell, of Line Creek, and John Whit rock, of Flat Creek, were also present and acted with the presbytery. After services the council was organized by electing Elder John S. Dodd, Moderator, and G. W. Colquitt, Clerk, Upon the call for letters, sixteen were presented. The . *Articles of Faith" were read and approved 4 hy the council, and by unanimous consent, the brethren end sistsrs whose name’ were THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1881. read, were recognized as a regular Baptist church, in token of which the right band was extended by the council. After organization, the church held a con ference and elected Rev B L Johnson pas tor for the ensuing year. The church is known as “Sindy freek” and is in the bounds of the Fairburn Association. It is located in a good community and a fine field is open for the brethren to reap a rich harvest in the Baptist cause. G. W. Colquitt. Palmetto, Ga, Oct., 15th, 1881. JOTTINGS BY THE lI'AF. In my last, in regard to the Washington Association and B»thlehem church, there were some facts omitted (unintentionally) that I now Insert. Bethlehem church la one of the old land marks of Washington county. The church was constituted October 3d, 1791, by Elders Jephthah Vining and John Henderson It was moved from Keg Creek to Its present halation In 179 >. Nearly ever since Ils constl tutlon the church has Held Us monthly meet ings on the third Sabbath and Saturday bj* fore in ttie mouth. The last cession of the Washington Asso ciation held here prior to Ihe one Just closed, was in 1801—twenty years ago. Ot the male membersofthechurcn then living only three are left, viz: brethren Mitchell Watkins, Thomas Jordan, and one other, whose name I have forgotten. Brother T. J. Venlzy Is now pastor of this church. Four o’clock Tuesday’ morning found broth er A J Beck aud myself on the cars at Mil ledgeville,bound for the Central Association, to be held at Elim church, Jones county. Got off at Rhodes'Crossing a little after day light and walked a good mile to brother J.W. Slocum b’s (a good Methodist brother), where we enjoved an excellent breakfast, and then sister Slocomb (brother 8. was absent), sent us to the church. a kindness that we were well prepared to appreciate The congregation assembled at 11 o’clock, and the Introductory sermon was preached by brother Sammons. The Association was then called to order by-Rev A. J. Beck, for mer Moderator, the letters read and delegates names enrolled. Took a recess, enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, served la the grove, after which the Association re-assembled and or ganized by re-electing Rev. A. J. Beck, Mod erator, and Rev. I M. Springer, Clerk. This Association embraces the greater nart of the counties of Morgrn, Jasper, Putnam, Jones and, 1 believe, all of the churches in Baldwin (with perhaps one exception), west of the Oconee river. Several of the churches reported gracious revival, with flue auspices The session of the Association was perfectly harmonious aud exceedingly pleasant. The reports of the Committees on the State of Re ligion and on Missions elicited very Interest ing and instructive debates. The Association adopted measures prepara tory to putting au evangelist in the field to preach to weak churc >es without pastors, and other destitute localities Brother T. C. Boykin, our zealous and effi cient Sunday-school Evangelist, was present doing good work for the Sunday-school cause and for missions He preached in Clinton Wednesday night. The Mission sermon was preached Wednes day by brother A. M. Marshall. Brother D. E. Butler preached the closing sermon Thurs day. The time of meeting of the Association was changed from Tuesday before the first Sab bath in October, to Friday before the foarth Kabbath in August. The next session will be held at Oconee church, Putnam county. The good people around Elim church, and for miles distant, vied with each other in hospitality, aud the Association was enter tained most nobly. For myself 1 shall never forget the great kindness shown me on this my first visit in their midst. As 1 bade them adieu, 1 felt as If parting with those I had long known and loved. Some years ago a dispensation of Provi dence occurred at this church which will be i told to generations yet unborn. During a Jirotracted meeting a rain came up. Brother loel W. Butts, tlie then pastor of the church, had walked down to the spring, about 150 yards distant, and while returning was stricken down by lightning, but fortunately only severely stunned Two young men, whose names I canuot now recall, had gone together, under one umbrella, to remove their saddles from their horses, and both were killed at the same instant that brother Butts was struck. In company with brother T. C. Boykin, I left Thursday afternoon (after the Association adjourned) for the Mt. Vernon Association. Arrived at brother T. J. Beck's, at Tennille, about 11 o'clock Thursday night. We were met with a most cordial welcome, and soon were in dreamland. The Association assembled Friday morning, and the Introductory sermon was preached by Rev. J. J. Hyman. Afterdinner andrecess of one hour and a-half, the Association was called to order by brother J J. Hyman, for mer Moderator. After the reading of the let ters and enrolling of names. Rev. T. J. Beck was elected Moderator, Rev. J. M. Smith, Clerk, and brother W. L. Taylor re-elected Treasurer. .The attendance of delegates was large, nearly every church being represented, and two new churches were received as members. The letters, as well as reports, from brethren, show a general growth and improvement in the Association, and the day is not far dis tant when it will rank with the best in the State. Quite a number of correspondents from other Associations were present. I have never seen more perfect or conven ient arrangements made for holding an As sociation. The stand was erected in a shady grove on a beautiful slope, with comfortable seats for a very large crowd; and, by-the-by, all were filled on Sunday by an orderly aud attentive congregation. Friday night brother Bush preached to a good congregation. Saturday, at 11 o’clock a.m., Rev. T J. Adams, of the Washington Association, preached at the stand. Rev. W. J Rogers, of the Hephzibah, preached at the same place at three o’clock. Saturday night was given to Rev. T. C. Boykin 8. 8 Evange list. A large audience filled the house aud gave him undivided attention. Brother C. 1. Davis, Superintendent of the Tennille Sun day-school, was present with the school. The music was fine, led by Mrs. Moffit,and brother Boykin rarely everspoke with grealet power. It was truly a happy occasion. Ou Sunday brother Boykin preached at 10 o'clock, brother H.T. Smith followed with the Missionary sermon. A good collection was taken, all for Stale Board. In the after noon brother G. W. Smith preached, and then the parting hand was extended while the congregation sang “Blest be the Tie that Binds, etc. During the Association pledges were ob tained for between three aud four hundred dollars, for the support of an evangelist to labor in the bounds of the Association. The entire session was exceedingly pleas ant, and more liberal hospitality I neversaw than was extended by the people of Tennille and vicinity. In short, it was a feast, socially and religiously, to the last. The next session will be held with the church at Swainsboro, convening on Friday before the first. Sabbath in October, 1882 1 would like to tell you something of the great Joy I experienced in ming ling with so many dear friends aud brethren with whom I was so long and pleasantly as soc! ited wuen my home was in Sandersville, b it time will not permit. Sunday night I attended church in Sanders vine. I confess my mind was not atall times fixed upon the sermon. It would go b >ck over the long years of the past, aud dwell on lh« happy days of yore. God bless that dear old church, is my earnest prayer J. M. G. Medlock, REV. T. L. HOUCK. The attention of the Baptist church at Cuthbert having been called to the fact that hindrances were thrown in die way of the evangelistic work of our brother, Rev. T. L. Houck, by reports to the effect that be was worth considerable property, and that his wife, sister Houck, was the owner of a large stock of goods. The undersigned were appointed a Com mittee to make a correct statement concern ing our brother. From al the facts in our possession, we are pers 11 ted Uiat one house and lot, in Milburn, Kentucky, worth about $250, isall that brother Houck owns. Sister Houck runs a millinery store in our town The value of her stock will not exceed S2OO. So far as we have had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with brother Houck, we do not hesitate to recommend him as a good man, sound in the faith, and deserves well of the brotherhood. William H. Cooper, V. T. Sanford, Committeee. Cuthbert, G.t 0? 12 1881. THE NEAR APPROACH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. BY BEV. ■ 8. DWIGHT. D D., HADLEY. A brief item appeared not longaioce in the Congregationalism under the heading of missions, asserting, on the authority ot Dr. Legge, lately a missionary to China, now Professor in the University of Oxford, “that if the present rate of conversion of the Chi ■ neee to Christianity continues, by the year 1913 there will be 26 000,000 church-members and 100.000,000 professed (i. e.) nominal Christians in the Chinese Empire.” Such a statement may well attract the attention of die Christian public. The testimony of Dr. Legge on such a point is probably as well entitled to confidence as that of any living man. Tne year 1913 is but one generation dis tant. With the currentyear began the ninth and last decade but o ;e of the nineteenth century. The present seems a favorable point of view for a glance backward over its progress, as bearing on the interests of Christianity, and forward to the probaoilities of the near future. A lifetime of no unusual length covers all that is past of this century. There are those still living whose memories embrace the entire period, if they cannot even com - pare the two extremes together. Thecontrast of these two extremes, viewed from whatever side, is so immense as to be scarcely credible. And the remarkable thing is, that the changes which this brief period have been substantially, and often very positively, in favor of Christian interests. In such a contrast the altered political re lations of the great powers stand out very conspicuously. The cause of Christ has re ceived strong re inforcement in the silent growth of our own country within these years. The recent census shows our present population to be nearly tenfold what it was in 1860, assigning to us a rank among the foremost nations. The little cluster of States, so isolated then as to be almost of no account, is to -day a .touishing the world by its magnificent progress, and unexampled ease with which it bears and throws off its burdens. All this gaiu counts mostly on the side of Protestant Christianity. A’glance, too, beyond our own bounds, northward to ward Canada, and southward toward the present religious condition of Brazil and Chili, is enough to show that real progress in the same direction has not been confined, on this side of the Atlantic, wholly to our owu country. The map of Europe exhibits to day not less surprising dissimilarity to that of eighty years ago. In the place of the reetless empire of the first Napoleon, involving all the neighboring nations in constant war, stands the present peaceful French Republic, es tablished at last on what promises to be firm foundations. This century has witnessed the humbling of the pride of the Austrian throne, the ancient bulwark of the Papacy ; the advance of the kingdom of Sardinia from a petty principality to the sovereignty of united Italy ; the Pope’s complete disiios session of his temporal dominion; the emancipation of Greece from Moslem control; the overthrow of the Turkish gov ernment in Europe, and the union of the German States under the Protestant sceptre of Prussia. Looking further eastward to the results of the century in Asia, the most noticeable are those which have been accomplished by the invasion—often unjustifiable—of the exclu siveness and sluggish inertness of the great continent by the superior forces of the civili zation of the West. In Asia Minor of a better national life, planted amid the Moslem decay, are already springing up with vigorous growth. Hindostau has found deliverance from the scarcely Christian cons trol of the East India Company, and the shadows of its superstitions are beginning to disappear before the light of the gospel. The vast Chinese Empire is avenging the forcing of its long-closed gates by French and En glish violence, by coming forth from its ancient seclusion, and making itself felt and feared in the political movements of the age. Meanwhile its doors stand open for divine truth to enter in, and the missionary goes where he will, carrying with him the en lightenment as the charity of Christendom ; and, beyond the Yellow Sea, the sudden welcome which the lately revolutionized kingdom of Japan has given to the arts and ideas of the Christian world is one of the marvels of the times. If, from this very general glance at the present condition of the principal nations attention is turned to the developments of the century in science and the practical arts, the progress will be found no less striking. Let it be noted that the entire history of the most important applications of the steam engine, to locomotion and navigation, and of the invention of the telegraph, which have brought the continents into close neighborhood, belongs to this brief period. In one most important direction, that, namely, of the art of war. the advance has been such in the device of means both of attack and defence, as to promise to lay some effective check, ere long, upon the bel ligerent spirit of the age, through the very perfection, and at the same time the exces sive cost, of the modern instruments of de struction. As was forcibly remarked in the Yew York Nation the other day : “It may be safely said that we are very near, if we have not reached, the end of all that war can do for Christendom.” Nor ought the improve ment in the most efficient of all instrumen talities for diffusing knowledge, the art of printing, during the period we are consider ing, be overlooked. It has rendered possible the publication of the New Testament at a cost of only two cents a copy. The scholarship, too, and the spirit of his torical and philosophical research of this age of unprecedented mental activity, have kept pace with the march of its invention and material improvement. Much of their labor, as a matter of course, has been actuas ted by a spirit hostile to Christianity, but no intelligent friend to Christian truth fears any untimate barm to its interests from the most thorough testing of its foundations ; and the results thus far arrived at have been unquestionably for the confirmation and furthering of the gospel. If errors of false interpretation have been corrected, if weak theological positions have been turned, and consequently abandoned, the cause of sub stantial truth has only been the gainer. Among the valuable gif-s of the learning of the century to the Church in all English speaking lands is the one now so eagerly welcomed—the new version of the Scrip tures, purged from their present inaccura cies. But the most impressive facts in regard to these important changes for the better (to be especially noted for the encouragement of Christian faith) are the very short space of time in which they have been accomplished, and the increasing rapidity of their progress with the advance of the years. The compass of a single lifetime, as has been noticed, in cludes them all. But the visible advance has been made within a much briefer period, mainly witbin the limits of the past genera tion. The leading missionary and philan thropic associations of our day, as yet only beginning their work, are none of them a century old! Dr. Legge’s prophecy, above quoted, is based on the continuance of con versions in China “at the present rate.” But the history of late evangelical labors make it clear that their onward movement is by no means at a uniform, but (as they become established and trained to their work) at a continually accelerated rate,as thesnow-ball grows faster the longer it is rolled. Bat even on the basis of Dr. Legge’s calculation, how swiftly seems hastening on the spread of the light of Christianity through all lands. Toe lighthouses are building more numerous v ever - rear The resources of the rich are e iming more amply to the support of Chris tian enterprises. The fashion has been se', and it is already apparent that effective help may be expected from this quarter. The world’s awakened intellect gives no sign of growing weary in the pursuit of still new discoveries and contrivances for the benefit of the race. Nor does there appear any good reason for doubting that its advances will still be as auspicious to the interests of God's kingdom as hitherto. In the light of tne last, what may not the brief remnant of this century yet witness of the growth of that kingdom? How fair seems the promise that the twentieth century—so near at hand will behold the diffusion of the gospel throughout the earth 1 God’s day of triumph it drawing nigh! LITTLE~rTvER ASSOCIATION. Last Saturday, September 24th, the eleven churches that withdrew from the Houston Association, met with the church at Zion Hope, Irwin county, and organized a new Association, to be known as the Little River Association. The spirit of this move seemed to be to promote the cause of Christ. The meeting throughout seemed to be pleasant and har monious. Brother G. W. Murry preached the Intro ductory sermon, and was also chosen Mod erator. After a permanent organization the Articles of Faith of the Houston were adopted. Saturday was consumed in adopting of the Constitution, Decorum, Articles of Faith, Order of Business, appointment of Commit tees, etc. SUNDAY’S SERVICE. The brethren met for prayer at 9 o'clock a.m., and at 11 o'clock brother G. W. Tur ner occupied the stand for one hour upon the “Cardinal Doctrines held by Baptists Without any Lean to Controversy,” which was well-timed aud met a hearty approval. Followed by T. J. Adams. Many came for ward for prayer. Brother Thomas Bullington preached at 2 o’clock p m.. followed by R. Pope, though a young minister with ordinary opportuni ties, promises very fair to become a useful minister. The kind and hearty display of the hospi talities of the brethren and citizens in pro viding for the necessities of the outer man, showed them worthy of the Association in their midst. Monday the reports of committees was brief, and the business went on with dis patch. The next meeting is to be held with the church at Pleasant Hill. Wilcox county, on Saturday before the third Sabbath in Octo ber, 1882. G W. Turner to preach the Introductory sermon. After some feeling remarks from the Mod erator, the parting hand was given, which was very affecting, as brotherly love had continued through all the meeting. ULTIMATE SUCCESS OF MISSIONS. Let us form one calculation of the public issue of the agencies now at work in the world, and especially upon the Indian field, with the full understanding that we have time before us. No reflecting person can avoid, whether he takes a religious ground or not, that the world’s future is a striking and wonderful one; we feel morally certain that were even it revealed to us now, it would be inconceivably astonishing; we know that mighty changes must be in store; that things have been on the move since the beginning, and that they will continue to move after we are gone; we know, therefore, in general, that there must be some ultimate stupendous climax of such accumulated motion ; we know that the future of proph ecy is not at all more surprising than some or other result which must take place, and we can repose without distrust in the strength of those deep causes which point to the ultimate overthrow of all false religions and the substitutions of Christianity in their place. On grounds of reason, then, and apart from the argument of Scripture prophecy, a certain mode of speaking of the conversion of India as if it were a simple impossibility, is a mistake. Where does this impossibility lie? Is it that the race is unfitted for Chris tianity ? The Hindoo is a man; nay, the scientific linguist informs us that he is a member of the same human race with our selves. Is it the philosophy of Brahminism? The gospel has conquored philosophy. Is it in philosophy and superstition combined? That was the very combination which en countered Christianity on its first start, and was surmounted. Is it in caste ? Caste can do no more than intimidate, and that is no new thing.—Canon Morley. There is great loss of power and infl nence in half sustained measures and methods by our churches. It is a sad comment upon the prayer meeting and the sabbath evening service as means of grace, when we count the number present. If there is to be a prayer meeting at all —if this is the express ed wish of the church —then every member of that church who can is under covenant obligation to be present and do his part to ensure the efficacy of this means in edifying and saving souls. If the church covenant means anything it means this. Yet where are multitudes of church members during the hour of the prayer meeting, and the hour of the Sabbath evening service? Either these meetings should be given up by the churches, or those who have in the most solemn manner promised God and the brethren to walk in the ordinances of the church should be required to keep their pledge. It will do no harm to call attention often to the church covenant —Christian Secretary. Philosophy lias sometimes forgotten God 1 a great people never did. The skepticism of the eighteenth century could not uproot Christianity, because it lived in the hearts of the millions. Do you think that infl delity is spreading? Christianity never lived in the hearts of so many millions as at this moment. The forms under which it is professed may decay, for they, like all that is the worn of man’s hands, are subject to the changes and chances of mortal being ; but the spirit of truth is incorruptible ; it may be developed, illustrated, and applied ; can never die; it can never decline- No truth can perish. No truth can pass away. The flame is undying, though generations disappear. Whenever moral truth has started into being, humanity claims and guards the bequest. Each generation gathers together the imperishable children of the past, and increases them by the new sons of the light, alike radiant with immor tality. • Os heroes and heroship we hear much. But there isa spiritual heroism.little known; that of a man who resolves to conquor him self-hardest of all conquests. Impatience, envy, rage, selfihness, eager for success or sullen at defeat, passions of the flesh and passions of the spirit—these are his enemies. In the silent depths of the heart he fights his battle. . . What he does and what he suffers no man knoweth; God only knows. Not one bloody day does he fight— at Waterloo or Yorktown—and win fame forever; but all through his life does he wage the war and win no fame. Not to lift himself to honor, but to forget himself, to still the throbs of self-conscious disquiet and all selfish passion—this is his endeavor. In the midnight and in the morning, in the throng and in the silent hour, even is it h’s holy care and prayer to keep all right within him, to keep all just and true, to keep all pure. Loneliness and neglect and sorrow may be upon his path, even as they were upon the path of Christ.—Orville Dewey. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DbVOTIE. D.D., I REV. C. M. IRWIN, D.D., JEnliora, MISSIONARIES STATE BOARD. J. H. DeVotle, Atlanta, Ga.; C. M. Irwin, Mt. Airy, Habersham, Rabun and White counties; V. A. Bell, Ringgold, Whitfield aud Chattooga counties; Chas. Edwards, Toccoa, Habersham county; T. C. Tucker, Cassandrla, Dade and Wal ker counties; W. J. Kins, Nannie; P. A. Jessup, Eastman, Dodgean-lTelfalrcounties; A.C. Ward, Brunswick; George A. Blount, Eden, Effingham, Bryan and Liberty counties, D. G. Daniell, Wal thourville ; J. H. Campbell, Columbus, Muscogee couniy; Alfred Corn, Blairsville. Towns county; T. C. Boykin, At’anta, Slate 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. Bryan, col., Americus, Schley, Lee and Dough erty counties; Frank M. Simmons, col., Stone Mountain; G. B. Mitchell col., Forsyth; 8. A. McNeil, col., Quitman; M. Brigman, Agusta ; FROM CALIFORNIA. Mrs Stainback Wilson : My dear sister: I was very much gratified to receive your letter of September 14th, and to learn from it the interest that is felt by the Georgia ladies in the work among the Chinese here P.ease thank them for me, that they have seen fit to devote part of their benefactions to the work under my charge. Certain churches and individuals in Cali fornia have pledged fuuda to pay the assist ant in my school till the end of April, 1882, and have paid in enough to last till Decem ber 26th, 1881. After April I have nothing definite on which to rely, but my hope and expectation is that California Baptists will continue to sustain one assistant in the school. But when Mrs. Sandford comes, with her and my wife and Mrs. Guirey (if her health permits her to work, and if not, some other suitable lady) in the school, I shall be ob liged to enlarge my quarters. This will in volve an increase of chapel rent of about S3OO per annum, to say nothing of increased incidental expenses, lights, etc., for which there is now absolutely no provision even in prospect. I shall be exceedingly grateful for any help in this direction. I am glad to say the school is in good con dition. The attendance last school night was sixty-seven. I have started off one of our members to day on a mission to which I shall look with a good deal of interest. Rev. Mr. Ludlow, of Seattle, Washington Territory, has built, at his own expense, a missionary steam launch. lam told it was built with funds bequeathed him by an infidel uncle. Brother L. proposes to have all hands employed on the vessel Christians.and if possible, Baptists, to let the vessel do only transportation enough to pay expenses, while he goes with her from port to port along Puget Sound, and up adjacent rivers and other neighbor ing waters, doing missionary work, such as preaching, conversation, colportage, etc. He wanted one Chinaman in his crew of five or six. all told, to serve as cook on the vessel and to do missionary work among the Chinese in the ports vbited, and called upon me to recommend a man for the position. I was glad to be able to recommend Lo Ping Kee, the first man I baptized in California. May God grant him his Spirit and give him power among the Chinese whom he shall visit. Praying God's blessing upon your endeav ors, and craving your assistance, sympathy, and especially your prayers in behalf of our work here, as it is now and as it is to be en larged, I trust, in the direction of the wo men .and children, as well as that of the'men. I am, dear sister, in Christian bond, yours fraternally, J. B. Hartwell. San Francisco, Cal, Oct.JOth, 1881. Only two societies have reported this quarter. We hope to hear from many more by the first of November, which is the close of the second quarter. Mrs Stainback Wilson, P. C. C. Mbs. A. C. Kiddoo, Cor. Sec'ty. THE FIELD IS THE WORLD. Whenever we make an appeal in behalf of the heathen, it is constantly urged that there are enough of heathen at home, that there is enough work to be done at home, and why roam for more distant lands? I strongly suspect that those who are most clamorous in advancing this plea are just the very men who do little and care less either for heathen at home or heathen at a distance. At all events it is a plea far more worthy of a heathen than a Christian. It was not thus that the apostles argued. If it were, they would never have crossed the walls of Jeru salem. There they would have remainel conteuding with the unbelieving Jews till caught by the flames that reduced to ashes the city of their fathers; and if we act on such a plea we may be charged with despi sing the example of the apostles and be found loitering at home till overtaken by the flames of the final conflagration. “The field is the world,” and the more we are like God, the more we reflect his image, themore our nature is assimilated to the divine, the more nearly will we view the world as God has done. “True friendship,” it has been said, “has no localities.” And so it is with the love of God in Christ. The sacrifice on Calvary was designed to embrace the globe in its amplitude. Let us view the subject as God views it, let us view it as denizens of the universe, and we shall not be bounded in our efforts of philanthropy short of the North or South Pole. Wherever there is a human being there must oar sympathies extend.—Dr. Duff. DENYING CHRIST. What Christian would deny Christ ? Peter said he would not; but he did Oh, how many of us practically deny him ! Bishop Heber once said, "It is a fatal mistake to suppose that there can be no apostacy from Christ where we are not absolutely called on to deny His name, or to burn incense to an idol. We deny our Lord whenever, like Demas, we, through love of this present world, forsake the course of duty which Christ has plainly pointed out to us. We deny our Lord whenever we lend the sanc tion of our countenance, our praise, or even our silence to measures or opinions which may be popular and fashionable, but which we ourselves believe to be sinful in them selves, or tending to sin. We deny our Lord whenever we forsake a good man in afllc tion, and refuse to give countenance, en couragement, and support to those who for God's sake and for the faithful discharge of their duty, are exposed to persecutions and Blander.” Seizing OrpOßTUNiriss—A lady once writing to a young man in the navy, who was almost a stranger, thought, “Shall I close this as anybody would, or shall I say a word for my master:’ and lifting up her heart for a moment, she wrote, telling him that his constant change of scene and place was an apt illustration of the word, “Here we have no continuing city,” and asked if he could say, “I seek one to come.” Trembling she folded it, and sent it off. Back came the answer: “Thank you so much for those kind words. lam an orphan, and no one has spoken to me like that since my mother died, long years ago.” The arrow, shot at a venture, hit home; and thq young man shortly after rejoiced in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel peace. How often do we, as Christians, close a letter to those we know have no hope ‘‘as anybody would,” when we might say a word for Jesus! Shall we not. embrace each opportunity in the future? THE END OF THE TURK. BY PBOF. WM. WELLS. All signs indicate the approaching disso lution of the Turk, and he himself is hastening the fatal denouement. His in evitable decline and ruin may seem strange In the face of a victorious career of hundreds of years on European soil; but times have changed and the Turk has not. Two hun dred years ago the Ottomans were a mighty people; and while they were laying siege to Vienna, all Europe trembled at the proba bility of the success of their possible inroad into Europe proper. The very prayers of the pulpit co itamed a clause begging a kind Goa to save them from the barbarous Turk. Now why have the once mighty people thus fallen? Because they have steadily been their own wont enemy, and have kept themselves in the most direct antagonism towards all the other nationalities around them. They have regarded the land as theirs, and have refused to learn any other tongue than their own. A few of the upper classes learn the French in order to enter the higher posts of the administration, where they are forced to have intercourse with foreign offi cials verbally or by letter. But the very men who in Paris have learned the language, as well as the elements of European state craft, have absorbed and brought home the vices of their neighbors ratber than their virtues. The most dissolute and vicious of the Turkish officers are the young men who have learned their evil ways in the French capital, and think the best thing to bring back with them is the French ballet. This disinclination to learn other langu ages, so necessary in all the Levant, is very marked in all the large cities Os the 25 (KK) Turks in Smyrna, for example, among about 200,000 who talk the Greek but few Turks learn the language, although it is that of trade and commerce. Thus the Turk isolates himself through the language that he clings to with obstinacy. As long as the Turk re mains a simple peasant or citizen, he is an honest man in comparison with the Greeks or Armenians with whom he associates. The moment the Turk becomes an officer of the government, be turns into a cunning and heartless ruler whoseonly object is gain through corruption or tyranny. As a dealer, the Turk is not cunning enough lor his Greek competitors, for a common proverb says that a Greek at a bargain is equal to two Jews. For this reason the common Turk is ordinarily poor, and his usual occu pation is agriculture or cattle raising. They were once renowned industrials, but these occupations have gradually slipped out of their hands for want of energy and enter prise. Rugs and carpets are now about all they manufacture, and the half of those now sold in foreign markets are counterfeits. The English and Germans long ago drove them out of the manufacture of cloths, and now the Swiss have conquored them in the line of silks. These, and the cotton goods now found in the Orient, are largely from Swiss houses. The Turks cannot compete witbEuropean machines; about all they have left of a general character are saddle and harness for their horses, copper and iron ware, boxes, boots, and wooden shoes. The weak point of the Turk is that he is no sailor. There the Greeks drive him en tirely to the wall. His delight is to be slowly roaming over the caravan route, squatted dreamily on his camel, indifferent to the sunshine or rain, indifferent to the food or shelter of the morrow if he can satisfy his wants for to day. Thus the Turk is ever poor, and though not actually indolent, he is totally destitute of all spirit of innovation; any new thing is sure to leave him in the rear. His great curse is his religion: heis devo ted to his creed, and his very conscientious ness in this respect shackles Ijim to the past, and introduces into his family and social life its greatest element of weakness, namely the isolation of the women. There is virtu ally no female iefluence in family life, and nowhere, indeed, one may say, except in political intrigues, and palace conspiracies. The Turkish women may be seen unveiled by no man except her own husband and very nearest relatives, and thus for the outer warld she does not exist. One-half of the house, therefore is the harem, devoted to the women and children; and in smaller houses in the country the entire structure is a harem —that is no man dare enterit. In this way women, can in no way be useful to their husbands in their occupations as with other nationalities, and within this seclusion they remain shallow and ignorant; they know nothing, as a rule, and teach the children nothing, and verv few of them can read or write their own language; they seem to be dead-weights on society in an era when else where woman is coming out into fields of influence and usefulness. In the matter of military duty the Turks are the only ones who are drafted into the army. Other nationalities are not accepted. This takes away a large mass of able-bodied Turks from their homes. Most of these men marry at about eighteen, and enter the army at twenty-one for seven years. They thus leave their wives for this long period, and the respective parties can know nothing of each other because neither can read nor write. In case of war the most of them never return, and the wife has but little means of knowing, for a long while, whether her hus band is dead or alive. This is said to lead to a great deal of immorality on the one hand, and childless homes on the other. Thus the Turks are dying out as a people, and nothing in the country is more common than to meet half-depopulated cities and villages. The last war was so fatal to the Mohammedan population that a dead and heavy despair has taken possession of them, notwithstanding the enthusiasm with which they entered the contest. Every intelligent Turk now sees the beginning of the end, and knows that Turkish rule in Europe must soon cease, while the ruling classes are try ing to make the most of what is yet left. God speed the departure of the unwelcome intruder!—Zion’s Herald. A BAKED BIBLE. There is a Bible in Lucas county, Ohio, which at one time contained some very warm Scriptural texts. It belongs to a Mr. Scbeboldt, a native of Bohemia. It was f irmerly the property of his grandmother, who was a very devout Protestant. During one of those very unfortunate periods, when religious persecutions were common in Aus tria, a law was passed at the instance of the Roman Catholics, that every Bible in the hands of the people should be surrendered to the priest to be burned. Mrs. Scheboldt determined to save hers, and when the party came to search her house, she had j ust prepared a huge batch of dough for the oven, ana taking her precious Bible, she wrapped the yielding dough around it, and quickly deposited it in the oven. Here it was thoroughly baked, but saved uninjured from the fiery furnace of the priest. It has passed through several generations as a memorial of the days when men were not allowed to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their own consciences.—C. V. A. in Watch Tower. 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