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THE PILGRIM’S BANNER. A. V.SIMMS, - - VALDOSTA, CA. LfK HANKS, • • BOSTON GA., EDITORS. ■ Bjhtered at the Post Office at Val dosta, Ga., as second class mail m atter PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY Subscriptoin Rates. —The subscrip tion price of the Pilgrim’s Banner is $13)0 per annum, in advance; 50 cts for six months. Sample copies sent tree on application. Valdosta, Ga., April 15,1895. A TOUR. At the request of a great many brethren we have visited and tried *to preach at some of the churches in the Harmony Association in this state, and at the request of many dear ones with whom it was our good fortune to meet —we now undertake to let them hear from us “through the Banner.” We were blessed to fill all the ap pointments that had been made except the one at Ohickasaw hatchie church near Dawson, —we were pi esent on Saturday and as sisted in the ordination of a dear brother to the office of deacon, but Sunday was a rainy day and there was no preaching. We found the churches, for the most part in a healthy state, having the faithful services of good humble ministers. The at tendance was good considering the busy season of the year, and we were treated with every courtesy that one could desire, for which we return thanks to our dear brethren sisters and friends and, to our Heavenly Father. Besides the many kind words of encouragement and cheer from loving brethren and sisters, we re ceived ' many tokens of love in a more substantial M But these iinej are penfreA,*the ques tipn arises: “Ara t worthy of such friends?” But whether lam "for not, 1 apa sure they done these things as unto the Lord*, and if so, they are sure of their reward. Elder R. H* Jennings gave up and loved ones, and .ac companied us to all our appoint ments except two or three. He is a good traveling companion. While traveling along the lone some roads we had a good time in rehearsing to each our woes, con flicts and trials,'and shed tears of love and sympathy for each other. Sometimes when we had talked about everything, and nothing more could be thought of, our voices might have been heard quite a distance, singing some of the sweet songs of Zion. Oh, what would become of the poor preacher if he could not find sympathy Even to hear one say at certain times “I am sorry for you” is worth hun dreds to him, if he can believe the speaker is sincere. We enjoyed fair liberty in preaching except at one or two appointments, one of these, no tably was at Louvale, Ga. Our ef forts there was without life, and we fear no good can come of it. True many of our brethren and iriends spoke complimentary of our efforts even there, but if we could know they would not re receive this issue of the Banner we would say that they knew we needed helpful words, and they only felt inclined to help arid pity us in our dark and cast down con edition. 11 was astonishing to note the number of gleaningJßuths that attended) arid followed us along to our appointments; their tearful faces telling of their love for Jesms and his people’ while their tonguW were unwilling to make the con fession. Oh! how our poor heart goes out in loving -fellowship to (hose doubtful trembling ones, and how we desired to help them, but could not. Truly it is a sad sweet sight to hear them on part ing, say with tears of contrition “Please pray for me.” May the Lord bless them, and lead them ’ in the way everlasting. We arrived home safely on the morning of the 10th inst, and found all well, —for which we return thanks to the ever blessed Lord. S. First Shall be Last. i “And, behold, there are last which . shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” Luke 13:30. 1 Sister M. M. Sellers, of Alabama, desires my views on the above. The Jews were the first to enter the kingdom and the Gentiles last, but the children of the kingdom (Jews) shall be last out; hence the Gentiles are now first in the kingdom of Christ. Jews which . were first shall be last and the Gentiles which were last are now first. This will also apply to our ex perience in the case of the home i and prodigal son. Some children of God get in disobedience, and leave the father’s house, and get off to swine-feeding; and when they are so famished and are ready to perish, they re turn confessing their sins; but there are some obstinate brethren , who are-not willing to bear with the infirmities of erring ones, and hence are being rebellious. But he that thinketh he standeth should take heed lest he fall We often see the spirit of the home son manifested in reclaiming an erring brother, The comes firstand e last. ' error iLid wa.by a godly deportment WWfmld forgive him and treat him as kindly aS if he neverhad liave sinned. Tne Spirit of Jesus is a forgiving Spirit and suffers long, beareth all things, endureth all things. The fleshl} spirit of the home son is obsti nate, unforgiving, full of envy, evil speaking, fault finding and strains at ghats and swallows camels, and is more tenacious for customs and the traditions of the fathers than for the the commandments of God, Mat 15: 12, -He does not feel prized according to his worth, and can see more fitness jn himself, as a preacher or deacon, than others can see in him. The one who is first put himself forward as a preacher, and so anxious to get to preach, shall be last in .the affec tions and estimation of the* breth ren ; and that one who feels poor and is last in his ow.n estimation shall bo first in the estimation of his brethren. ’ Whenever God calls a roan to preach the brethren will feel im pressed with him, for the mind of the Lord is with his people, That bother who feels poor, humble and the very last shall be first as a bright and shining in Zion. That one who feels that he is a wonderful gift, and that the Lord’s people could not get along without him, and that he has clearer view's on the Scriptures than the rest oi his brethren, will surely be last in Zion. The other sheep (Gentiles) spoken of by Jesus was then last, but they are now first in the king dom. May we not possess that seMiraiportant spirit of the/-home son,” but may we possess the spirit of th'e prodigal to say, “Father, I have sinned etc,”—-H. All who feel impressed, will write for the Banner for we love to hear from the dear saints scat tered abroad. Send us church news. —H. To The Beaders of The Banner It is with a feeling of much un ’’worthiness that I attempt to ex press a few of my thoughts pertain ing to the present condition of the minds and views of the Primitive Baptists in some localities. I find that (he Baptists are not united on some things as they should be. The subject of minis terial support has caused much coldness in the ranks of Zion, which is very destructive to the peace of the church. Seemingly, some ad vocate ministerial support too much, while I believe some are too careless and remiss in their duties toward their pastor’s welfare, and really ought to do more for him; and at the same time, and in the same church there are others who, no doubt do their full duty in this particular. Now, the great puzzle among many, is, what is the reme dy to annul the strife among the people of God, and restore brother ly love in its purity. I 4esire to offer some of my thoughts, and if I am wrong, I ask the brethren and sisters to charge it all to ignorance and forgive me; and if I have ever had your fellowship, please do not throw me away, but forbear with me in my weakness. We will go back and consider what has been. My dear old father, who passed away last August, in his 84th year, and who had a name fifty years among the Baptists, of ten said he never heard a sermon preached from the sacred stand by m Old Baptist on the subject of ministerial support until very re cently; besides, I have some recol lection myself on this subject, and there is evidently, a wrong some where,or th.ere would be less dissat isfaction on the subject; for when Zion has the mind of Christ there exists a oneness; but on the other hand, and pertaining this subject, there is much bitterness among us. One dear and precious brother with whom I was and I hope I love, said in March 15th, that ’hose remi33 1,1 ,heir . .hose who complained of, ana cppised the same, and of it's being 'preached from the pulpit. I have to dis agree with the brother’s views. I know brethren wlio have always been cheerful givers, but who are opposed to having it preached from the pulpit, and they, are so disgust ed with it, they say; until they canqpt> nor will not tolerate it by giving anyonore to those who ad vocate it, in order that they may hear it publicly proclaimed from the pulpit; and I believe they are true and worthy Baptists Such assertions as this, tend . to to mar the peace and love of the brethren, rather than unite** them in perfect harmony as they should be. In fact, there seems tq bq, a great majority.of the Baptists op posed to its being so publicly pro claimed. My judgement is that less ministerial aid will be donated because of it# being so much preached of arid written about. As far as my own weak self is concerned, I feel it to be quite a barrier. I want to lieip our preachers to the extent 1 feel it to be my duty and no more. I have given aid wheh I feel it as a and I dont believe that the preacher or I either were benefitted thereby; or at the true cause of Zion was not-benefit ed. I know bf many Ihumble Baptists that are in the same state of mind as I have herein Now I do not believe tlmt all the bretheren, who opphs* minis terial aid being publicly pro claimed and preached in the pul pit, are exercising enbngh for bearance; some, I fear, arb too lios tile and have too much to say against those who do advocate it— I do not try to exonerate myself in this, particular. Sometimes my mind is wrought up to snch a point that I say too much, and am af terwards sorry for it So brethren let us say less about it on both sides and I feel sure there will then be less dissensions, and each will have more forbearance que with another. Let us endeaver to obey our Captain (Jesus Christ) In all humbleness and meekness, and we will move onward in this low ground of sorrow with more light and life; I desire to offer one more thought. I. believe when our ministery loses sight of their morn ing star they lose their faith to some extent and begin to look too much to the brethren for sup port and not altogether to their Captain. Then too, some of the brethren do, I fear, begin’to bite at and try to devour them too soon, and not exercise, patience enough. I believe that the ab sence of the Lord on both sides prompts brethren to act with each other in such away that brotherly love will cease, or grow cold and if it continues there will be; in my oppinion a division among the Baptist soon. According to the Scriptures there is a woe pronoun ced on all who cause trouble within the ranks of Zion. So brethren, would it not be good for each brother and sister to try to dodge this woo by trying to be conserva tive and consistant in all his or her spiritual acts, and conversation; let us move on in more peace and re verence to our Captain. The poor Israelite cannot withstand the storms of life without the aid and direction of their meek and hum ble Captain. Now brethren, if any one takes offence at this and wants to reply in a harsh way, they need not think they can or will get up a quarrel with me, for I will not quarrel through the columns of gny paper. I hope I have written this through love for the cause of Zion. In conclusion, I again, beg for bearance of all who may oppose my views, for lam very little and weak, not worthy of the atten tion of God’s dear people. Yours in much weakness, G. G. Register. Jasper, Fla., Mar. 29, ’95; .Bemakks. . We give the foregoing letter to our readers, not because we agree with brother Register in |^ er y thing contained therein, but because of our love for, and confidence in him, and knowing that he would not knowingly do a thing that would hinder the love, or bring discord among the brethren. We have known brother Register for many years; was present when he joined the church, these unwothy hands baptised him, and we have served the .church- of his membership con tinuously ever since; during which time we have been the recipient of some material help from brother Register’s hands, which we hope has been duly appreciated. He is not therefore opposed to “ministe rial support”. But although he admits it to be the duty of the church to take care of her pastor, yet he does not seem to think this duty should be preached as other duties are. We are inclined to think that if more was done and less said about it in- certain local ities. it might be better. But how can brother Register admit it to be a duty, and objects to hearing it preached as other duties are. this seems inconsistent. If brother Register had given some scriptur al proof for his opinion it would have stengthend his argument very much, and Baptists wo ild have re garded his position with more fa vor than they are likely to do. The only reason he gives why he thinks preachers should keep si lent on this portion of the word of God, is that his father never heard it until near the close of his life. If what the fathers did should be a sufficient “rule of faith and prac tice”, for the church, then the brother’s argument would be enti- tied to some consideration. But we do not think brother Register himself would be w’iliing to give up his Bible, and be governed by what the fathers have done in oth , er things. It seems strange that • anyone would be willing to admit that the scriptures teach a certain 1 thing, and then object to hearing it preached. We think the Lord’s ministers should preach on this, and all other Bible subjects as the Spirit may impress them, but not , otherwise. It should be preached j not simply for the preacher’s ben- ■ efit, but for the general, lasting i good of the church. For a preach -1 er and his family to suffer for the necessaries of life, is a very small thing compared to the whole , church swallowed up of covetuous , ness, and suffering under the/wrath and indignation of God for rebell i ion r.gainst His law. We have » some reason to fear that many 1 good brethren have never been able to see this point. And worse, still it is-often the case when the poor grief-bearing minister would under take to show it to them, his mo- ■ tives are impugned, and he is charg i ed with selfishness. But brother Register knows of some brethren who have hitherto been dutiful and true, who say they “cannot, and will not” help anoth er preacher who preaches on this subject. Now that’s bad. Brethren , ought not to talk that way; they might Impress others with the idea that they were not very bad about helping at first, and thereby cause people to form wrong conclusions about them. Wonder how a preacher would have to wait and keep silent on the subject before such brethren would be induced to resume their former liberal spirit, and do their duty as before? Such talk as this will not be likely to i a preacher! tlfe Lord. lie can better afford to do without the help of his breth ren than to refuse to deliver the message his Master bids him. He cannot, he dare not undertake to. please men. When he does- he ceases to be the servant of Christ, and becomes the servant of men, and also becomes accessory to the sins of his brethren, which brings down upon himself the wrath and indignation of the Lord. The church has, as history teach es, ever maintained her independ ence, even before kings and rulers, who assayed to take away her Bi ble -her only code of laws and sub stitute another. Millions of devoted Christians have gone to the stake and scaffold, while others have laid their heads on the block, and surrendered their lives, rather than surrender their Bibles. But that God who has always /ought the battles of His people, has given the church victory and rest. Sa tan has been foiled in his efforts, so that he dare not come against her with the sword anymore; and now will he change hjs tactics and creep into the church, and possess the hearts of good brethren, and raise the same complaint there? God forbid, I pray. But he never had a better opportunity to effect his pernicious purposes, and wreck the faith, and destroy the peace of many of the dear children of God on this subject than ut this pres ent time. It is one portion of God’s holy word that has been sad ly neglected; and as a result of such neglect, satan may be found in almost, if not quits all of oar churches, whispering in the ears of some brethren, “It is something new. Your Father never heard it.” Never does he tell them what God has said about it. He goes ; further. He may try to get them to promise him if he can, that they will never again help another 1 preacher who preaches it. ■ In conclusion we desire to beg ' the dear brethren everywhere to study the scriptrfras with a prayer ful desire to know the truth, and* God will surely guide us all aright. Meanwhile, and until the mints have cleared away, and above all things, let us have fervent charity among ourselves. May we learn ' how to bear with each other’s weak nesses,and pray for each other.—g. , Evidences of the Newborn Soul. I will try to give you some of them in as short and plam a • as I can if I know anything about them. 1 st. Internal evidences are love to God and the Christians or them w r e believe to bo Christians. This Jove surpasses all other ' love. It is the love of God. He is love, and wo love him because •he first loved us. Now a person | . that has not been born of God don’t know anything about this love. He may think he loves God, and if he is asked if he loves God he will say yes; but wo know by experience that he does DQt' know what the Joys of God' is. This love is different from natur al love. This love to God causes one to hate evil wherever he sees it and more especially in one’s self. To love God and to hate evil, I think, are too strong evidences.of the new-born soul. The love of God causes a desire to follow him in his ordinances. Though one may feel ever so unworthy, this, also, is.an evidence. The yoke of disobedience and the burden of unworthiness becomes very heavy K and one becomes weary and heavy laden with his yoke and burden : but Christ says:” Take my '■ voke upon you, and learn of me; for I am'meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto v f) «TrCtu"i IS 111 F. yit tn , 29,30. . ; • 2nd. What are soine of the tern al evidences? The oxter 'evidences are to’make mini! the internal evidences by foil ‘--ing Christ in his ordinances; > going'to the church. an*d to b tism: by uniting with the peo so dearly loved ; and to ’ He leads to follow ;»and shljh.pl es of vice and k 1 one’s self unspotted froht • -world; have a well ordered w and godly conversation ; and 1 sake not the preaching days, es cially Saturdays. It seems to that there are people that woi ’ not go to preaching at all if th were no Sundays. When walk ■ in all the commandments of 1 Lord in peace and union, love , God and each other, each one 1 t { ting his light shine in all of his < ties, bearing each other’s burde in administering to the needy, a when there is a little contributi to he made up, each one coming and giving his ’amount fre without having to be called c and thus walking, what strong evidences are needed? * Joshua Mewborn Snow Hill, N. C. The fear of the Lord is the 1 ginning of knowledge. 1 cannot go beyond the beginnii We know of nothing anterior that! The fear that procei from the Lord is the pafent true knowledge, is the begining wisdom. Here is the true Fat! whose instruction a wise son w hear, and he makes a glad fatl here is a true Mother whose law not forsaken will be an ornamc of grace unto the head, and chai about the neck. Will the pastors of Churcl act as agents tor the Banner a thus aid us to put it in the hou of many lovers of truth?—H.