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2 •..'■if . „«*v* -- '-,-;■ a,- .; COLLEGE ED VC A TION IN GEORGIA—FREE TUITION—REJOINDER TO REPLY OF " TRUSTEE" In This Index of September 15th, appeared an article with the caption above, signed “A Baptist.” In the number of the same paper of October 20th,, this article is criticised at some length by “Trustee.” The relation of “Trustee” to Mercer University, and his distinction as the bearer of a liberal proposi tion of aid to her, demand a respectful reply. Before noticing the criticisms seriatim, I will call attention to the dates of the two articles, that of "A Baptist” September 15th, and that of “Trustee,” October 20th. Be' tween the two dates occurred a notable event, viz: the passage of acts by the General As s embly, by which the State University was empowered to grant free tuition. I wrote before those acts, and only in reference to their subject matter, free tuition, and its relations to Mercer. If “Trustee” will care ully re-read the article, I am persuaded that he will see, that writing after the passage of those acts, be has unwittingly weighed my article as if it also had been written subse quently to them. The first criticism is that my article was written “notably in opposition to the pro posed couse of the State University, but also i n opposition to any steps being taken by the friends of Mercer towards diminishing the present cost of education in her balls.” Free tuition in the State University was the subject mainly discussed, and that Mercer could not now enter on free tuition. Not a word can I find against a sum of money be ng raised specifically to defray tuition in whole or in part, or to ch.a.ien tuition, or in f act against any plan to lessen the cost of education at Mercer. Plans were not in order. The question of the hour was. shall the State University abolish its fees for tui ion? No plan had even been hint, d at, ex cept that of the generous friend of "Trustee,” and that was contingent on free tuition at the State University, which had not then become-an accomplished fact. It would have been an anachronism to discuss plans before the necessity for any was apparent. “Trustee," in the next paragraph, refers to my citation of wants, such as skilled teach ers, in science and theology, museums, etc., which future progress in the State University and Mercer, will impose upon them. He says t “these ... do not solve the promlem as to how Mercer University . , . . . is to compete with the State University, which oilers free tui tion, etc.” This problem, as said above was not under discussion. The State Uni versify bad not then offered free tuition. The object was to show that free tuition in the State University or Mercer would cut off their future growth and progress; by remov ing the only source of income, viz: tuition, which was flexible enough to adapt itself to an increased number of students, and to in* creased expenses. No lover of education desires that Mercer University shall remain at her present status. All say, let her be come equal to the largest and best in the land in every appliance of education! Tui tion is a more sure reliat c • fortius growth, than uncertain benefactions. The one is the hird in the hand, the other the bird in he bush. The next point of criticism is contained in this sentence: "Our brother also says the colleges must become beggars in order that they may be liberal givers.” After stating that the State University had applied for State aid to inaugurate free tuition, and that a brother had made a generous proposition to Mercer, in case of free tuition at Athens, I said, “Both Universities must have imme diate present aid, in order to inaugurate free tuition- That is a bad foundation to start from- They must become beggars, in order that they may be liberal givers.” Os course, the word beggars was used in a good sense, as when we say, “brother So-and so is here at the convention, begging for the Seminary, or Mercer, or missions, etc.” Ajain, “If I understood ‘A Baptist,’ he thinks right,highminded people would feel a little humiliated at the thought of accepting a college education as a gratuity ” I find nothing in the article conveying that un qualified principle. “A Baptist,” however,, is free to say, that he thinks that, as a gene ral rule, one who is able to pay for his tuition should pay for that as for every other neces - sary or comfort of life. If unable to pay, lie may accept tuition, without humiliation, from one who is able to give it without crip pling himself, and who has a right to be stow it. If a college is able to give free tui tion to all alike, all may accept alike. Others may entertain a different opinion. I do not question their right to their opin ons. They may be much wiser than mine. Again, “Trustee” says, “he confidently assumes that tuition fees are ‘no barrier’ to those who desire a college education.”] The paragraph reads thus: “Did a deserving poor boy ever fail to enter college because he could not pay tuition fees? A common sympathy provides for him everywhere. And are tuition fees a serious barrier? Board, washing, books, and the loss of ser vice at home, on the farm, or in business,are the determining elements.” The qualifying word, "serious, before barrier, changes the bought. In the last paragraph, “Trustee” asks, “Now what shall the Baptists do for Mercer? This is the question about which we are dis agreed.” Not disagreed, my brother. I dis cussed no plans whatever in my article, ex cept that of hee tuition. I do not know what your plan is. except it be that of the generous brother, whom you represent. We are not disagreed, unless you advocate un mitigated free tuition; which I do not think. Only one single plan has been pro posed, and ail the details of that are not yet known, because they are unnecessary as yet. Finally, my brother says, “Now what is the best course for us ? I shall hope to hear again from our brother.” The writer has no matured plan, it is wise, always, in an emergency, to seek light from those who have experience in the subject in hand. I have in my possession catalogues from the leading denominational colleges. I hope soon to present an abstract of their methods of aid to students needing help, etc. We may rind some good in their various plans. Other brethren may offer and advocate other methods still. And, and when the Trustees of Mercer meet, they will develop that sys tem, which, we hope, will be best for the University, to meet the present wants and embarrassments. A word on the subject of the apprehended njury to Mercer, from the adoption of free tuition at the State University, 1. Almost every State has one or more free colleges. The Congressional land grant act requires free tuition in all institutions par taking of its provisions. All purely agricul tural colleges then are free. Several State Universities,which, like ours, have received the agricultural fund, have also declared free tuition. Having a common origin from the State or United States, a common mo tive probably has brought them to a like system of tuition. It should be remarked, however, that though tuition is free, all of them impose charges of from $lO to S2O per annum. 2. The free State colleges, so far aa the writer has learned, have not seriously em barrassed neighboring colleges. In New York, Cornell University has a munificent endowment from the land grant and from donations from Mr. Cornell. But Roches- THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST : THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1881. ter, Hamilton, Columbia and other colleges in the State have scarcely felt its presence. The Tennessee University likewise has been free for some years. Yet Vanderbilt lias grown up right under its noee and eclipsed it in every respect, and charges pretty roundly for its work. So, in our neighbor ing State. Alabama, the agricultural college at Auburn, with a distinguished Baptist at its head, gives free tuition; the State Univer sity at Tuscaloosa has moderate tuition, if we are rightly informed, and yet Col. Mur phy, undismayed, has kept the Howard on her feet with tuilion alone without endow ment. We shall lose Some students. The State University has three able Baptist ofH cers. They will intluence some, and should do so. Free tuition will take some. But the history of free tuition in other States shows that there is no ground for panic. 3. State Universities are heterogeneous both in the faculty and the students. The former are from the various religious denom inations. The latter are mainly the sous of men in public life, State or national, the sons of men with loose denominational ties, the sons of alumni, and young men drawn by relations of friendship to members of the faculty. There can be no unity. The Christian men of the faculty may and do use all their religious influence. But a Baptist boy 'istens with impatience to the religious teaching of a Methodist or Presbyterian. There is no warm Baptist family of officers and students, no twilight prayer meeting, no missionary society, no young ministers, as at Mercer A Baptist boy cannot feel at home, so well,as in a Baptist college. There all is unity, all is sympathy. 4- Mercer is not going to die. She has been dying, so they said, for thirty years past. Some said she always languished under the shadow of Athens But that shadow has changed now. They cannot now becompared With free tuition, with classical and agricultural blended, with many branch?', leaching from A B C. to the highest branches, the State University will do her work for her legitimate constit uency. But Mercer, with her straight, plain curriculum, has lest her likeness and will not be required to play the part of rival How bard the Baptists labored to found her! how they sacrificed that they might have a Baptist school for their sous I Their spirit lingers in tbeir children. The writer has known for years of Baptist boys going to Mercer with tickets of free scholarships from Athens in their pockets. He has known ot them leaving the free school at Auburn and going to Mercer and paying tuition. He has known of Baptist mothers, when* their husbands were indifferent or inclined to the State University, working day and night until their boys went to Mercer. Dr. Tucker never saida truer thing than, that colleges, with the backing of a strong de nomination, never die. Mercer then had about ninety students, and the State Uni versity two hundred. And she is not dead yet. They' will both live, both do great things for Georgia, each in her own sphere. A Baptist. VIRGINIA AND GEORGIA. During the latter part of September and the first part of October, 1 assisted the pastor of the Manchester, Virginia, church in a meeting. The meeting resulted in some seventy-five proft ssions of faith and restora tions together, lua can! just received from the pastor, Rev. VV. T. Deßi ux, be states, "54 received, with 10 or twelve yet to come in.” Os course some will join other de nominalions. The meeting was aa old* fashio: e I one, where T: i tnee was upon the Spirit's work through songs, and prayers, and the preaching ot the Word. One de ligtrtful feature ol the meeting was more than half of the converts were adults, and many of them heads ol families. I heard a thoughtful man say, recently; “Men have stopped being converted.” It was not so in Manchester. 1 learned while in Richmond that Dr. J. B. Hawthorne was preaching to the largest white Baptist congregation in America. His house bolds fifteen hundred, and is well filled morning ahd night, and often it is packed. He is not sensational, either, but in plainness, and sometimes in severity, preaches the truth. My people in Albany gave me new tokens of their thoughtful kindness, on my return. They moved me from where 1 was living to a better place, which they had thoroughly refitted, etc I make this public mention of it because such kindness deserves to be published. Now, Doctor Editor, I want to thank you from my heart for your editorial, “Side Lights on Inspiration.” It is the best thing I have seen on the subject, and I hear some who have lost the paper, saying they would be delighted to have it republished. I gave away one copy containing it, but have procured another. R. T. Hanks. SIMPLE DRESS. Some allusion in a late Index to the friv olousnees apparent in the attire of so many professed Christians, inclines me to say that, a few years since, desiring to obtain at the rooms of the Baptist Publication Society in this city, a quantity of the valuable tract of Dr. Judson upon the subject of simplicity of apparel, I was kept-so long waiting for it that I queried of the attendant what was the occasion of the delay. He replied that it was no longer on their regular list of tracts, and that he had consequently had some* thing of a hunt for it. I regretted to hear him say so, as it is a favorite with Friends, who have largely distributed it, and who I doubt not would gladly reprint it if neces sary. Now, if The . Index finger was mildly raised in proUst against casting aside those Christian advices of a good man (needed now not less than then) perhaps it would be heeded. Thy friend, Josiah W. Leeds. Philadelphia, Oct. 10th, 1881. A WORD OF CORRECTION. In the notice you were so kind as to pub lish, of my marriage, you got the name of my bride wrong. She was Miss Anna C. daughter of Janies A. Rives, of Petersburg, Virginia, not Janies A. River. lam a first rate Baptist, but I am not quite married to a whole River. The Mississippi Central Association closed its session last Monday, the 10th of October. The meeting was exceedingly profitable. This Association will challenge the best ex hibits of any in the South. They give an average of $2,00 per capita, to missions and ministerial education, besides personal sup port and other benefactions, and half of the churches fall far short of the average at that. What Association can beat it ? W hat will it do when fully developed ? J. L. D. Hillyer, Vicksburg, October 11th, 1881, A WORK OF GRACE.' The Talbotton Baptist church has recently been blessed with a fine meeting, the pastor being assisted by Rev. A. B. Campbell, of Columbus. This is tbe second protracted meeting th s church has enjojed this year. Among uu.ir additions in the meeting were five men hi ween thirty and fifty years old, by experieiue, certainly a very unusual occurrence. Brother Campbell was power ful in his discourses. Some say they never heard, through one continuous week, such preaching in their lives- He is doing a great work not only in Columbus, but in his Association, of which he is the acknowl edged leader. R. J. W. The Burman Baptists are preparing to organize a mission to carry the gospel to Siam. JOTTINGS BY THE WA Y. The Middle Association convened at Corinth church, ffilngham county, Friday, October 7th. Tbe Introductory sermon waspreacned hy Rev. T. B. Cooper, subject: "The Church." After recess and dinner the Association was called to order by Rev. W. J. Murrow, former Moderator. Every church, save one. (Bcarboro), In the Association was represented. The letters reported 142 bap tisms during the year. Also two new houses of worship erected (Oak Hill and Big Horse''reek), and only one church in the Association without a preacher. (Brother Bnrefleld having resigned the restoral care of Springfield, that church U without a pastor). During the year there have been twenty-two death* In the Association. Twenty-one out of the twenty-six churches rep resented reported good meetings during the year, and all at peace. After the reading of the letters and completing the roll of delegates, the Association re-elected Rev. W. J. Murrow, Moderator, Rev.H. J. Arnett, Cierk, and brother J. R. Cooper, Treasurer. Saturday was devoted exclusively to the Sun day-school Convention. That body was called to order by the former President, brother H. P. Brewer, at 10 o’clock. Niue churches were rep resented by letters and delegates These reported 292 pupils, with 34 teachers. The Convention re elected brethren H. P. Brewer, President. H, J. Arnett, Secretary, and J. R Cooper, Treasurer. I regret to say that the Sunday si bool cause seems to be languishing in this Association, all owing to the fact that many of the churches do not take an active interest In it. As is generally the c-se in many of our churches, this important work is left to be done by s few, or not at all. However I would not have the reader to b. lieve that the Middle Association is in wor.-e condition in this respect than many others, for such is not the case. But this Association has been noted for its zeal in the Sunday school work, and 1 re gret to see, apparently, lessinterest than formerly The truth of the matter is. our churches generally are cursed with idlers. My observation is, that the “donothiug" members largely outnumber the workers But lam digressing. The Convention recom mended the holding of District (four) Conven tions during the year. On Sunday the exercises were as follows; Sun day-school mass meeting at 10 a. ni : at 11 a m. the annual missionary sermon was preached hy R<-v. T. W. Lanier, after which a collection for iniss.ons was taken, the amount received being about $52. At 2p. m. Rev. J. H. Allen preaene.i u plain, practical sermon on the support of the ministry. Sunday night Rev. T. B. Cooper preached at the residence of Rev. J. C. Edwards, and Rev. G. J. Thompson at Turkey Branch church. The Association met at 9 o’clock a. m. Monday and concluded the business early in the after noon. Brother Thompson preached at 11 o'clock. The time for the assembling of the Association was changed from Friday to Saturday before the second Sunday in October, and the next session will be held at Oak Hill church, Scriven county. The business throughout was transacted in harmony and brotherly love. Strange to say, there were no visiting ministers present from other Associations. The gen- ral attendance was good, and a more orderly assembly no one need desire to see If there was any disorder at any time, I did not see or hear of it. The hospitality of the people was lavish indeed. Each day an excellent dianer was served in the grove near the church, and the tables were truly loaded with good things. Every house in the vicinity of the church, and for several miles distant, was thrown open to visitors. My “better half” (that is just what she is) and I spent one night at Maj. O. C. Smith's, one at brother J. C. Edwards’, and one atCapt. Wilson’s. On our way down, we also spent a night nt brother David Lee’s, and on our return we stopped for dinner and an nour’s rest at brother Eli N. McGee’s. I am glad to find that the com crop in Scriven and Eflingham counties is much better than it is in my portion of the State. In Scriven I learn that, with proper economy, the majority of farm ers have made enough to do them. The cotton crop is nearly picked out, and is short. I have seen a number of fields where all has been gath ered, and the cattle are now grazing where the cotton grew. I go next to Hephzibah and Union Associations, if I can possibly reach bo'.h—one in Burke and the other in Bullock county. J. M. G. Medlock. P. S. —I regret to learn that Master Claude B’ Overstreet, aged about sixteen years, he being the eldest sou of brother J. C. Overstreet, of Scriven County, had his right hand and arm, nearly to the shoulder, fearfully lacerated in a gin a few days -Ince. The attending physicians believe they will be able to save the hand and arm without serious injury. M. MISSIONARY DOCTOR. Several years ago Miss Howard went as a Missionary Physician to China, where a man is not admitted to tbe sick room of female members of the family. The wife of the Viceroy, who is the second in authority and influence in the Empire, was desperately ill. After the best native skill was exhausted, Miss Howard was) called in. and by the blessing of God, the royal sufferer was res tored to health. The result of this was that, when Miss Howard walked the streets, the people made obeisance to her, as they do to a Mandarin ; and the Viceroy established a Dispensary, where, under the superintend ence of Evangelical Missionaries, medicine and medical treatment are dispensed to all who apply, atthe expense of the Viceroy. When Mrs. M. T, Yates was in this country, she urged that a woman Missionary Physician be sent to Shanghai by the South ern Baptist Convention. After correspond ence with several young women on this sub ject, the Board of Foreign Mission has ac cepted for this service, the daughter of an eminent Baptist minister. The acceptance was on the condition, however, that the medical education of the appointee should not tax the treasury of the Board. The ex pense of a two-years course of medicine in Philadelphia will be some four hundred dollars. Relying on the assurance that the needed funds would be raised by a special effort, the young lady has gone to Philadel phia, and entered upon her studies. Sev eral friends have signified their willingness to give each ten dollars or more for this good object. Are there not forty who will send us, at once, ten dollars for our medi cal student? Few missionaries have the prospect of doing so much good as this thoughtful, cultivated, and pious young woman, who prepares herself to go as her Master went, administering first to the body that she may get more effectual access to the souls of the perishing heathen. H. A. Topper, Cor. Sec’y. Richmond, Va. BIBLE AND PR A YER UNION. It is now about a year and a half since the American branch of the Bible and Prayer Union was organized, notice of which was quite widely given in the religious newspa pers. The number of its members has been steadily increasing, until there are now more than seven thousand. The Bible and Prayer Union was com menced in London in the year 1876, and according to the latest accounts there are more than 126,000 members enrolled. These are found in all countries where English Christians have gone, besides branches which have been organized in nearly every country of Europe, and in many parts of Asia, Africa and Oceanics. The rules of the Union are very simple. Each person receives a card of member ship, indicating the chapter which is to be read for each day of the year. The chapter appointed for that day should be read, and on Sunday morning each member should engage in prayer for the blessing ofGod upon all the members of the Union. The chapters are read in regular order from the beginning of the Bible to the end. It is not intended that the readings should be confined to the chapter appointed; but it is thought very important that no part of the Bible should be passed over, and that all should be read in the order of the Sacred Book. The experience of many persons is that in these readings there is a very special bless ing, in answer to the united prayer of so many earnest Christians. As we have nearly completed the reading of the Cid Testament, the present seems an appropriate time to give a further notice of Union, as many persons may be. glad to join with us upon beginning the New Testament. Cards of membership, or circulars contain ing fuller information, may be obtained by addressing Rev. T. S. Wynkoop, Washing ton, D. C., enclosing three cents in postage stamps, one cent stamps preferred. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DxVOTIE. D.D., l M ~„_ REV. C. M. IRWIN, D.D., (Editors, MISSIONARIES STATE BOARD. J. H. 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, Caasandria, Dade and Wal ker counties; W. J. King. Nannie; P. A. Jessup, Eastman, Dodge and 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, Towne 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 counties; Frank M. Simmons, col., Stone Mountain; G. B. Mitchell col., Forsyth; 8. A. McNeil, col., Quitman; M. Brjgman, Agusta ; TO THE BAPTIST PASTORS OF THE SOUTH. Dear Brethren: At the last meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention it was "Resolved, That the Secretaries of the Boards of the Convention be instructed to secure frequent distribution of information relating to their work, by means of news papers, tracts, leaflets, and otherwise, as may be found expedient, among the masses of the people; and, further, that each of the Secretaries be required to prepare, or to se cure without cost to their Boards, the prepa ration of a suitable address, containing such tacts and points as they would prefer to make in a speech, could they catch the ear of all the people They shall have a suffi cient number of such addresses printed, and with whatever aid may beob’ained from the agencies at their command, they shall send a copy to every pastor within the bounds of the Convention, and request him to em body such facts and points in a sermon at. bis people, ai-d to take a collection at or near as possible to some specified time." In conformity with the foregoing and with the sincere desire to give you such fact* as may enable you more effectually to bring before your people the work assigned to the Home Mission Board, I submit the follow ing MISSIONARY ADDRESS. It is in harmony with the exalted concep tions which the Apostle Paul had of the gospel its nature, its designs, and its obliga tions, that he should mention it as "the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which is committed to my trust.” Do we comprehend the meaning of these words? Do the blood-bought churches of the living God, do the individual members who compose them, grasp the thought that added to salvation there is a moral dignity as a eo-worker with God in accomplishing the world's redemption, higher than the thrones and principalities of earth, that coexistent with salvation there is a responsibility that makes conversion awful? The moment one ( becomes, by the new birth, the heir of God, he becomes the bearer of a trust affecting the eternal interests of other immortal beings like himself; how many, how nearly allied to him, or how remote in relationship of blood, or time, or place, he cannot know until he shall read the history of bis Own life in the records, and in the light of eternity. A trust implies value in that which is confided to another, and involves responsibility for its safe keeping and its uses according to the instructionsjgiven. A dying manappointabv will an executor who shall receive his and carry out his wishes; who shall act for him when he shall be no longer able to act for himself. The testator makes the executor or trustee the custodian, or keeper of property that shall be used for the benefit of his heirs. A trust is a sacred thing—so sacred that the law of '-the land assumes to see its conditions en forced, and surrounds it with its protection, by penalties and forfeitures covering the property of the executor to the value of the trust. The Apostle, speaking of his relation to the gospel, describes it as a trust commit ted to him, to be preserved in its divine purity, without change or modification, and for the benefit of others. He was made the executor of the last will and testament of his departed, not deceased, but ascended Lord, to apply that which was entrusted to him, for the use and benefit of those em braced in the great commission of our Lord, to “preach the gospel to every creature,” to seek the guilty and the lost wherever they wander, and proclaim the gracious news that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever be lievethin Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” to preach to them “Jesus and the resurrection.” If, like Paul, we hail Jesus as our Master, and aspire to Heaven as our home with Him, we must accept tbe cross and the trust that precede the crown and the rest that await the righ teous. I come before you toplead for that depart ment of Christian labor that has a claim peculiar to itself, to the sympathy, co-oper ation and liberality of every lover cf Jesus and the souls of men. It is made the duty of the|Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention to seek out and supply with the preached word those places in our own country, especially growing centres of population, that are destitute of the means of grace, and ignorant of the truth as held by Baptists. The Held open to the Board is vast in ex tent. To occupy it by a living ministry and an open Bible, giving aid to feeble churches, gathering the scattered sheep into the fold of trie Good Shepherd, preaching the gospel to the destitute in towns and cities, by the way side, and in the cottage, organizing churches where none exist in the new and growing settlements of our great country, is in part the work eommitted to this Board. To provide for the evangelization of the Indian tribes, “holding forth the word of liie” to those to whom American civiliza tion has been a ministry of death, is another duty laid upon us. These people, driven from their homes, oppressed by the domi nant race upon this continent, turn their pleading eyes to us, and ask if Christianity offers no compensation for the wrongs that they have received at our hands. That they are willing to receive the gospel from their hereditary foes, presents our obligations in a light too clear for doubt or evasion. They are accessible to the truth, and multitudes of them are our brethren by a common faith in Christ. In addition to the missionaries employed to preach the gospel to them, a school in the Creek Nation has been estab lished and is now in operation with one hundred pupils. Upon our Western shores a people of strange habits, and language, and religion, have landed. If not to rebuke our apathy in failing to send the gospel to the heathen, to enlarge the opportunity to reach them God has brought the heathen to our shores. Rev. J. B. Hartwell, who spent twenty years in missionary labors In China, is our missionary to the Chinese in California. The Board have also accepted Mrs. Janie L. Sandford, of Mississippi, to labor among the Chinese women and children, in connection with Dr. Hartwell’s work. But the funds necessary to send and support her are lack ing. The Board earnestly appeal to the Christ-loving women in our churches to furnish the means whereby this beloved silter may enter at once upon this service of her Lord. The Southern Baptist Convention at their last meeting instructed the Board "to send two or more competent and efficient mission eries to the city of New Orleans as soon as practicable.” With a population of 225,000, and rapidly increasing, the white Baptists have two organized churches; one without a house of worship, and the other burdened with a debt that paralyzes their energies Both need assistance now, and must have it, if we would rescue our cause from ruin in that city. To say nothing of other States, Florida. Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, California and the Indian Territory are pleading for help. Shall they plead in vain? Our kindred by blood are in many of these destitute communities. Others are follow ing them every day. These fields so inviting to the young and enterprising, will be, if they are not already the homes of our child ren. Shall we not to the extent of our ahil ity fill those homes with the blessed influ ences of the gospel ? A report on this subject, adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention at Columbus, says: “This field of prrcticable mission opera tion, which is but partially occupied, pre sents the most inviting area for missionary labors and triumphs beneath the sun. Florida, rapidly peopling with intelligent settlers, will be soon the Italy of America, and a center of it fluence throughout the Gulf States. “The Mississippi Valley, from New Mad rid to Algiers, presents, with two or three green units, a scene of religious desolation Nota single Baptist minister that we know of gives himself to the work of the ministry from Helena to Port Eads, on the west side of the river. While on the east side the rich bottom lands, peopled by thousands of money-making planters, are (with the ex ception of Friar's Point, Baton Rouge, Vicksburg, and a few other places), a moral waste. • "New Orleans, destined to be the center point of the great Mississippi Valley, has special claims upon the benevolent activities of the Home Mission Board. "Arkansas is especially a missionary field, and beyond it is the young empire of Texas, into whose fertile territories an incessant stream of families is pouring at the rate, it is said, of a thousand people a week, with its railroads piercing its most distant points and nearing the Rio Grande. Texas is the grandest and most inviting field in America, if not the world. There should be a bun dred missionaries of this Board sowing the seeds ot truth throughout that broad domain. "Your committee conclude their report by appealing to this Convention and those whom it represents, to double their contribu tions to the Home Mission work. Fifty thousand dollars ought to-be, can be, and we wish we could emphatically say, will be raised for our Mission Board the coming year. Will this Convention say it? Will the Board say it ? Will the pastors, the churches, the denomination say, with in spiring and practical emphasis, fifty thous and dollars shall be raised for Home Mis sions the coming conventional year?” The Negro race, including millions of the population of the South and Southwest,have claims nj on us that should be recognized by active labors for their salvation. They are with us, readily accessible, needing instruc tion in “the truth as it is in Jesus,” and largely dependent for it upon the benevo lence of more favored Christians. In no other denomination are such numbers to be found as with us. Is not our duty to them by this fact increased and intensified ? We have every encouragement frtm the successes of the past, and the openings before us to pray, to labor, to give for this cause. The sun never shone upon fields that promised a richer harvest than our own country. The heavens never wept over destitution more appalling than is to be found in many portions of it. Obligations to give the bread of life to the famishing were never more solemn than those which press upon us to-day. If an Apostle’s heart was stirred as he contemplated ttie impend | ing ruin of his own people, so that in the anguish of his soul the cry was extorted from him, "I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,” how should we feel for our country men,ignorant,blindly, fatally ignorant of Christ and His salvation, | with none to teach them the way of life, I and lead them to the cross? By tens of thousands may they be counted who have not a leaf of God's blessed word, to whom no Sabbath bears its message of divine love, and no sanctuary extends its welcome to the altars of the living God, while neglected children of godless parents reach manhood and womanhood without once hearing a gospel sermon. This is no exaggeration. It is but too sadly true. And then America is the ideal country of the world, and hither come the multitudes of every nation and kindred and tongue. They bring tbeir superstition*, their false re ligions, their infidelity. They come to re main, to possess every right inherited by us and our children, to elect our rulers, to make our laws, and to mould public opin ion; and public opinion with many of them is to scoff at Christianity, and trample upon its ordinances. Policy, patriotism, above all other considerations the love of Jesus should prompt us to meet them, not as invaders, with the sword, but as those for whom Christ died, and whom he sends to these shores that they may learn of Him—meet them with the gospel, the power of God, and the wisdom of God unto salvation. It is to-day as it was when Christ said to His disciples, "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to the harvest.” To enter these fields, and bind their golden sheaves for God’s granary in the skies, this Board was appointed. If this agency was needed in 1845, it is more imperatively de manded now. Our population has more than doubled in that time, and is growing with marvelous rapidity. Let us remember that the tide of human life which flows in upon us, bearing upon its bosom the multi tudes that people this land, has also its ebb, hurrying them on the mysterious future, its glorious or awful revelations, bearing them to heaven or hell, and that what wo do for them must be done quickly. Let it be an ever present thought without faith in Christ there is no salvation. “How can they be lieve in Him of whom they have not heard, andhow shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach except they be sent?” Think "how beautiful” to the eyes that have been opened to see their danger and their deliverance "are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” If I could reach the ear of every Baptist in the land, I would ask, Wbatare you doing, my dear friend, to let these perishing ones know that Jesus is the world’s redeemer? What thought do you give to the cause that Christ has committed to you? What prayers do you offer for it? How much do you con trib ute to it of the substance that God has given you? We know what Jesus has done for them and for us. He gave Himself, His blood, His life. "He was rich, but for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His pov* ertv might be rich.” May we learn the lesson that His love and self denial teach, and that other gracious lesson of His life, and of His lips, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” missionaries of the home mission board, AND THEIR FIELDS OF LABOR. Florida'—Rev. H. M. King, Waldo, Melrose, Hawthorne; Rev. W. N. C’baudoin, State; Rev. M. W. Sams, Ocala; Rev. J. W. Hughes, Alachua Association : Rev. N. A. Bailey, Micanopy : Rev. J. C. Porter, Tallahassee; Rev. W. F. Wood, Key West. Georgia.— Rev. J. H. Campbell, Columbus and suburbs; Rev. H. C. Hornady, Third Baptist church, Atlanta. Louisiana. — Rev. W. A. Mason, Monroe. Arkansas.—Rev. B. W. Harmon, State. Alabama.—Rev. J. 8. Dill, Auburn ; Rev. M. T. Sumner, Athens; Rev. J. H. Hendon, Birming ham; Rev. W. H. Mclntosh. Corresponding Sec retary, Marion. Virginia.—Rev. C. H. Nash. Petersburg. North Carolina.—Rev. E. Dodson, Missionary Agent. Kentucky.— Rev. V. E. Klrtley, Missionary Agent. California.— Rev. J. B. Hxrtwell, San Francisco; Mrs. J. L. Sandford, San Francisco, appointed, not yet upon her field. Indian Territory.—Rev. H. F Buckner. Creek I'atlon; Rev. Wm. McComb, Creek Nation, Su perintendent Mission School; Rev. Willis Burns, Choctaw Nation ; Rev. A. F. Roes, Choctaw Na tion : Rev. Tulse Micco, wild tribes. In consequence of death and the expira tion of tbeir commissions, eight of our mis sionaries, whose names appear in our report to the Convention, are not mentioned here. To carry out the objects of the Convention the Corresponding Secretary respectfully and earntly requests you on the first Lord's day in December, or as soon thereafter as possible, to preach a sermon to your people, embodying the facts herein given, and take a collection for the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Secretary further asks you io report the result of your efforts as soon after you shall have complied with the request as practicable, forwarding the funds raised, by postoffice order or registered letter, to Wm H. Mclntosh, Cor. Sec’y H. M. B’d, 8. B. C. Marion. Perrv county, Alabama. RECEIPTS OF MISSION BOARD GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION. From September 15ih to October 17th, 1881. STATE MISSIONS. Sep. 15. Previous report $2 048 89 22. Eatonton ch, J B Reese 1 79 Appalachee Ass’n, T J Swans m.. 6 90 “ undirected, T J Swanson 10 28 Collections Frank Simmons, Aug. 4 60 28. Flint River Ass’n, C F Newton, Tr , 200 00 Oct. 1, Friendship Association 183 50 P A Jessup, col’s in September... 6 00 5. Sarepta Ass’n, Thos B Moss, Tr... 38 15 6. J C Bryan, col’s September 7 00 T C Tucker, “ “ 3 00 Geo A Blount 75 Geo H Washington, September collections 7 65 D G Daniell, Sept- col’s 28 85 W W Landrum, for Bri/man 8 50 Rome ch, W N Chaudoin 8 00 Wotnau’s Miss Soc, Rome, for Mrs N A Bai ey 15 00 G B Mitchell, col’s Sept 12 70 8. Brunswick ch, AC Ward 50 CO 10 W J Northern Spaitach 13 00 F M Sammons, col’s on sal 5 95 Dr E R Anthony 1 00 11. Central ch, A Q Stanford, Atlanta 5 65 W II Bell 2 00 Georgia Association 335 70 "equest of J M Peek for Bibles.... 50 00 12. Western Association 71 30 Washington- “ 53 38 Central “ 29 28 W.J Wiesen, Rutledge 25 S A McNeil, col’s Sept 9 90 17. Madison ch. S A Burney 3 10 Miss Mary Lou Carter, Mission hen 1 50 Houston Association, G R McCall 33 70 Fairburn “ Index office 11 95 S 3 269 28 SUNDAY-SCHOOL EVANGELIST. Sep. 22. Previous report $ 172 16 Eatonton eh, J B Reese 1 79 Appalachee Ass’ n, T J Swanson. 3 25 Oct. 5. Sarepta Ass’n, Thos B Moss, Tr... 16 32 11. Georgia Association 126 80 12. Western “ 8 00 Washington “ 10 65 Central “ 4 05 I C Boykin, col’s on salary 20 00 , $ 363 02 HOME MISSIONS. Sep. 22. Previous report $ 309 91 Eatonton ch, J B Reese 1 79 A ppalachee Ass’n, T J Swanson.. 7 55 “ “ undirected, P J Swanson 10 28 28. Flint River Association 5 00 Oct. 1. Jno L Underwood, for Hartwell. 2 00 5. Sarepta Ass’n, TB Moss 61 97 11. Georgia “ 519 55 Bequest of John M Peek 100 00 12. W esteru Association 9 00 Washington “ 89 65 “ “ for Hartwell 3 25 Central " 34 66 17. Woman's MissSoc,Greshamyille, Mrs Wilson 10 00 Madison ch, S A Burney „ 3 10 Fairburn Ass’n, Index office 31 43 W J Wiesen, Rutledge.. 25 $1 199 89 INDIAN MISSIONS. Sep. 18. Previous report $ 66 55 22. Appalachee Ass’n, T J Swanson... 1 25 27. High Shoals, J A Harris 1 00 Powell's Mills, “ “ 2 00 Oct. 1. Friendship Ass’n, for Williams. .. 150 00 11. Georgia Association 39 75 Washington “ 48 86 W J Wieson, Rutledge 25 17. Woman’s Miss Soc sth ch. S S, In- dian orphan 2 56 Houston Ass’n, G R McCall 11 75 Fairburn Ass’n, Index office 41 17 8 364 64 FOREIGN MISSIONS. Sep. 18. Previous report $ 958 83 Received at Richmond to Aug. 16. 75 CO 22. Eatonton ch, J B Reese 1 79 Appalachee Ass’n, T J Swanson... 44 05 “ «< It $4 undirected 10 29 27. High Shoals, J A Harris 215 Powell’s Mills ch, “ " 4 50 Osceola ch, “ “ 80 28. Flint River Ass’n, C FNewton.Tr. 84 35 Oct. 1. Friendship “ 19 60 5. Sarepta " Thos B Moss, Tr 136 58 11. Georgia Association 608 15 Bequest of John M Peek for Afri- can Missions 100 CO 12. Washington Association 117 70 Central “ 58 80 Ellijay Ass’n, J C Allen 12 40 Tallapoosa Ass’n, J MHuey.. 5 50 W J Wiesen 25 17. Woman’s Miss Soc sth ch, for V C Norcross, China 8 50 Madison ch, S A Burney 3 10 Miss Mayy Lou Carter, Miss’ll hen 150 Houston Ass’n, G R McCall 33 40 Fairburn Association 63 00 Rec’d at Richmond to Sept. 24th... 39 75 S 2 425 30 EDUCATIONAL. Sep. 22. Previous report S 31 50 Appalachee Ass’n, T J S., for Mer- cer University 20 00 J H D., Mercer University 5 00 Oct. 11. Georgia Ass’n, Mercer University. 650 $ 63 00 INDIGENT MINISTERS, Sep. 22. Previous report $ 86 14 Eatonton ch, J B Reese 2 79 28. Flint River Association 11 50 Friendship " n 00 Sarepta Ass’n, Thos B Moss, Tr.... 50 Oct. 12. Washington Association 5 06 8 116 99 RECAPITULATION. State Missions 83269 28 SS Evangelist 363 Oz Home Missions 11 <,9 89 Indian Missions 364 64 Foreign Missions 2425 30 Educational 63 00 Indigent Ministers 116 99 $7802 12 J. H. DeVotie, Treasurer M B. G. B. C. REPORT CENTRAL COMMITTEE WOMAN’S MISSIONS. W M S Fifth Baptist ch, Atlanta, for Chinese boy, Virgil Norcross 8 8 50 W M S Fifth Baptist ch, Atlanta, for Indian Orphan Home 2 56 W MS Greshamville, for Home Board 10 50 821 56 Hope to send you more soon. . Very trnly, Mas. Stainback Wilson, P. C. C. 11 East Cain St., Atlanta, Ga. Miss Mary Lou Carter, aged eleven years, of Monticello, Ga., has been able to pay three dol lars for missions this year by setting apart one hen for missions. This shows what can be done when there is a will to do. Let us have more missionary hens I S. A. Bubney. Look out for sudden changes of weather, and guard against them by using Warner's Safe Kidney and Liver Cure.