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THE PILGRIM’S BANNER. A. V. SIMMS, Valdosta, Ga., v.ijtnrs LEE HANKS, Boston Ga. PUBLISHED SUBSCRIPTION RATES IN AD VANCE. FOB TUB VNITRD STATES. CANADA AND MEXICO. Single copy one year SI.OO Single copy six months. 50 single copy three months 25 Sample copies sent free on applicant n SPECIAL NOTICE! In writing communications for the Pilgrim’s Banner, please observe the following rules: 1. Do not write on but one side of ynur paper. 2. Write plain and distinct, so that it can be easily read. 3. Above all things, do not write with a LEAD PENCIL. Strictly adhere to the above rules, and you will confer a great favor on us; and a special favor to the Printer. Entered at the Post Office at Val dosta, Ga., as second class mail matter Valdosta, Ga., June 1,1895. EDITORIAL. Conflicts m the Ministry. CHAPTER IV. After I had been speaking some time in public, I wanted to go to Little Blue Stone Church in W. Va., (where I use to live) to try to preach, and I wanted them to think I was a preacher; hepce 1 selected a text and studied up a pretty good sermon, as I thought, to preach to them, I paid all the money I had to get a horse to ride, and on my way, I would make the woods ring preaching my fine sermon ; and when I arrived at the place,. I was ready to go forward; but when ! arose it was taken from me, and there I stood in gross darkness and.-could not. utter a word. I had to be seated, and oh, how I did wish that I could get away from there! I felt like they had all lost confidence, in me. say that as gpod a sign -wantthM--aT7?ancan’t preach never will preach is to see liim always ready and angry with the bretSwp if they set him apart or see the.qualifications in him that he can see in himself. The next day I.went there, and oh, what a task it was! The brethren solicite.d me for quite awhile before J could , make the offering. I arose feeling blank and thought that it was impossible to preach ; but I was brought low and he helped me, and I had a sweet time indeed,, and I felt that the Lord was with me,. _ .1 was now willing to go and bear darkness and sore afflictions, for His. sake, for He has taught me that all my help must come from Him, and T will now be submissive to. His will.-' How sweet, and pleasant to feel His gracious presence,.J went oir speaking from time to ..time,. and my evidences seemed to increase, that my efforts were of, the.. Lord. I had invitations to go far and near, and I did not miss: any.. Saturday t or Sundays but what I was atmeet ingatsome placq, Ip the spring of ..1882,1, got in gross darkness and fe.lt th at I '.had never preached and would never try it again,. My troubles increased.. I wrote to, .Missouri. and made, arrangements ,tq hire ,to. a man in. a section where there were no I Primitive Baptists,, for .< thought if, I would get. away from them my impressions wpuld leave, mo, and I could get. rid of.; trying to preach. I hated tp leave thedear saints, bu t I will not impose, upon them any longer. ,1 wept on this way till a dear brother told me he was fearful I would Ipse my mind. I got so that I .could.hardly find the way to a neighbor’s house. I would often stop and ask myself “Where am 1?”.; Everything seem ed so strange. I concluded, that I would visit my brother near. Dan sville, Va,, before I went ,to .Mis souri, so I made ready and started out afoot to walk to his place from I had now quit. preach ing. I staid the first night with.. a brother in W. Va., and the second day I went over into Giles county, Va., where there were.no old Bap tists. I got very tired, the road being muddy, and near night I asked if I could stay over night, and they said not. I went to an other place and offered all the money 1 had, which was fifty cents, but they would not let me stay I went to another place and beg ged them to let me just lie on the fl >or out of the rain and mud, for I was tired and feeble, but they would nut. I went on wondering if I could find a barn to sleep in, but could not. 1 began to pray to the Lord to put it into the heart of the first one I asked to let me stay. I plead in earnest with the Lord for help, and at the next place, a lady was milking, and I asked her if I could stay, and she said I could. They treated me kindly, and I shall always love them. The next day I went out in Pu laski county, Va., where the New River Association was to convene on the next day. I went as near the meeting house as possible to spend the night, as I wanted to see the old Baptists once more. I spent the night with a Campbell lite, and next morning I went to the meeting house early and felt thankful that I had gotten to see where the old Baptists worshiped God once more. I did not know whether the old Baptists would be kind like they are in W. Va., or not, as I was not acquainted with any others. I sat there waiting and soon saw two men come walk ing; I went to them and made my self known to them and learned that they were old Baptist preach ers. I did feel so good to find the Lord’s people once more, and to see they were one family. I felt at home, but I did not want them to know that I ever tried to preach. Elder Moore of NorthCarplina was at this meeting and he lived near mv brother and had appointments on back home. So I went on walking to his appointments, and the second day he tookjne off and said : “Brother Hanks;J want you to preach to-day.” MyTFepiy' was, “Brother Moore, I can’t,‘l am such a poor excuse.” He says, “I want you to go forward, and don’t take me on your back, for I have, been young myself and know how hard.it is to carry old preachers.” [ went forward and had sweet lib erty, and Elder Moore encouraged me greatly. I went on with him and spoke every day, and he would' often tell them of the prophecies of the world, that the»old Baptists would soon be dead, but that God was raising- up young boys to preach and that the- church would stand;* ““ I went to my brother’s home and soon had several appointments that I tried to fill and had sweet liberty. I was ' taken sick of mumps and took cold, which re sulted in a severe cough, neuralgia and sore lungs, but in this condi tion, filled several appointments, coughing almost nearly eyery breath, I heard of a Union rrteet ingjn Franklin county, Va.*, about fifty miles away, and I started to attend. IJiad no way to go but to. walk. . I went on suffering with my head and lungs and Boughing. I was. sa feeble, but. J .wanted to go audbe with these dear children of God and hear them talk of Jesus; for i was cut loose from the world, -On my way I fell in company with an old Baptist preaeherKnd' deacon, who were gohlg to the meeting, but they treated me very indifferently; and seemed to regard mens a tramp. But I followed* them to where they stopped over for the niglit and spent the night with them. The next morning the rain was pouring and they mounted their homes and the fam ily, preacherand deacon left hur riedly, paying no attention to me, but seemed anxious to get rid of me. I went on through the rain suffering greatly. I felt like I wa’s friendless and I am no Christian, or they would not treat me as they do. I was so feeble I could hardly go, but I walked eight miles that morning and would frequently have to stop and rest. I got per fectly wet and felt I could not live and endure such expos ure. I tried to ask the Lord to restore me to health and give me light to speak at the meeting. I prayed all the way. When I ar rived no one paid any attention to the poor little tramp. I sat back in the congregation while they had meeting. When meeting ad journed a gentleman who was not a member, invited me to his house which I appreciated greatly. I went to his house and was treated kindly. Next day I was found out and appointed to speak, which I did with some degree of liberty”, but was still suffering. That night quite a crowd came to I%'ftr the lit tle tramp again; and again I en joyed liberty. On Sunday there was an immense congregation of the aristocrisy from the cities pres ent, and I was appointed to speak again. O, my soul! He-w I dread ed it;, Iwent to the woods and begged for mercy and liberty to speak, but thought it was impossi ble for me. I went back with fear and trembling and stood before that large audience witmmy clothes ragged and shoes and hardly able to stand? But my cough was soon gone, ahd the pain left my head, and the w »k of Rev elations seemed to be unfolded and I never had such a sweet sea son in my life. When I was through there were about five hun dred persons shouting praise to God. The man with whom I staid on my way there came to me and made acknowledgements for the way he had treated me. Ho said he could have conveyed me, but thought I was a tramp, and did wish to show me any respect. I was now perfectly happy and felt like I could praise the Lord all my life for his tender love and mercy had been so great to me» I travel ed on and walked from May ’till November; over hills and mqun tains and begged that is, of nights—l had nomcjney to pay time often in getting tb traveled on, and mv clothes got so ragged till I did not know what to do. I wanted to keep on preach ing Jesus jhe Way, the Truth and the Life, and did not want to stop, but I can’t travel—l am so bare of clothes. At Southampton, Va t , I told a merchant of my condition, . and he sold me a cheap suit of clothes on a credit, and the next winter I worked and paid him for them. I went, on to the Staunton River and Country Line Associa tions, and met many dear saints. At the Country Line I laet Elder Isaac. Jones, of North*.'Carolina, aud I traveled with him, but could have no liberty in his presence, for L would go first ami he would tell them to watch these young preachers, tod said if one was.called he would rhave lib erty, and oh,how cast down.l felt. I left him one mgbt aud staid with Elder Via, of Va., and he Ws so tender .with me, and told so much of his sore, trials till I h?id liberty, and an old sister feeing I .was almost barefooted, <ave me five dollars, with which fought a pair of boots and .was ready to go on again. . But one night: I spoke | and Elder Jones followed in his usual manner of using harsh ex pressions against young pfeaehers, .and.lgot so badly in, the dark I coulff not.sleep, and.next morning I sat down to eat and. broke down in .tears. I left and stat in the woods till nearly time for meeting.. I was in Egyptian darkness, and was troubled till I thought f my peo ple were dead, or some great ca lamity would soon befall me. Oh; that I never had Deen born! Oh, that I .had given up the ghost when I was a child. - My troubles seemed unbearable and I could see no deliverance for me, but I found him a present help in trouble. I was soon delivered and had a glo rious feast again. I soon returned to my brother’s,. near Cascade, Va., but was not satisfied to re main there, so I made some ap pointments on to the Smith’s River Association, which I attend ed and met many dear brethren and had some liberty in speaking I went on filling appointments and had to travel all the time afoot and inquire the way from one Ap pointment to another. I always tried to find an old Baptist home to stay at of nights for I knew I would be cared for if I did. I remember going to a church one morning in a strange country and no one knew me and I was such a young boy, none suspected that I was the poor excuse that was to preach there that day. Many questions were asked about the preacher, and whether he was on the way or would be there, but hone could tell, as they had never seen him. The time came and no preacher, I went into the house and tried to preach which seemed to greatly surprise the people. After meeting r young man came to me and said, “I want you to go to my house, and I will furnish you a horse to ride to fill the remainder of youi appointments. I have never had any confidence in preachers be fore, but any man that will sacri fice his life and (ravel on foot to preach as you have done, I be lieved he is called of the Lord.” J thanked him and went to his home to ride to fill my appointments. The way would often seem dark, but I found Him a present help in trouble. “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” When we are ready to perish and feel that our case is hopeless the Lord de livers ,us. The Lord has been good to me and blessed me tem porally and spiritually. His lov ing hand has gently afflicted we with bodily infirmities of life and a minu beclouded with doubts, fears and unbelief. I can say with David. “It is good to be afflicted.” Every conflict brings us nearer to Jesus. It is always out of the very belly of hell that I am made to cry for deliverance (To be con- , Scraps. We yield our editorial space in this issue to pur correspondents.. * * * 1 The Lord willing I will be at . Bethlehem and Bethany (Brooks Countv) at their regular meetings in June. . - *#.* Brethren are reporting good and prosperous times among our church es from all parte of. the country. Many are being added to the dif ferent churches.- ' • , ■* , * -Elder J. M. Caldwell'of Jas per, Fla;, who'was recently exclud ed from the fellowship of the Prim itive Baptists at Bethel, Hamilton County, Fla., has again returned to the Missionary Baptists. . * * .. -* - The Annual Meeting at Cat Creek church will convene on Friday be fore the first Sunday in July. El der Hanks of Boston, and Elder Jennings of Dawson'have promised to attend • ■ * * The Atfniial Meeting as Mount Horeb church, Madison County Fla., will commence on Friday be fore the third Sunday in July. The church is hoping that our ministers will not forget the time. ..Several of the brethren . have expressed a desire to.have Elders T; W. Stal lings and P. G. McDonald with them at that time. We attended the regular meeting at Harmony, Brooks County, Ga., on the fourth Saturday and Sun day in last month, It was ,a very pleasant meetmg. On Sunday as the last sound.of the parting hymn was dying away, a poor trembling . .. woman came up, and as she extend-: 1 ed her hand to the pastor (Elder Barwick) said in tears and broken accents “I can bear it no longer.” She told a good experience and the church recived her with tears t joy. Under the faithful service of Elder Barwick tins cl fl.'ch has prospered and done well. * w Ty Ty, Ga., May 27 1895. Elder A. V. Simms. Dear Bro: As I suppose my subscription has about expired, I thought I would write you and let you know that I have not forgotten you. The Banner is highly apprecia ted by myself and family. We are always glad when it comes. The editorials are so rich, and savor? of the spirit of the monk and !owi\ Jesus. I.am often made te rejuic. and forget my poverty while read ing the precious letters from the dear saints scattered abroad. Brother Simms you and brother Moore promised me you would visit us at our church. This has been near a year ago. How much long er will we have to wait? (Not long I hope, dear brother) Come to see ns; I would be so glhd to have you visit my family; you would be sure to comfort at least, one poor old sinner. I hope God will continue to bless , you and Elder Hanks and that you may live long to comfort the dear children of God and mayrthey not forget your temporal necessi ties is the prayer of a poor old afflicted Sinner W.W. Williams. Experience. Summit, Fla., October 1894. , As-Lhave been requested to write my experience, I will make * an attempt to do so. I wfrs raised ! an old school Presbyterian of the J strictest order;l was taught to read | my youngest brother (whfchHW'wß four or five years older than I) would get the Bible, sit down by me, , and have me to read aloud to him, he pronouncing the hard words, and explaining their mean ings. I always attended our church regular (which was real.close by) W e had preaching every other Sun day and sometimes through the' week. I felt that I was a sinnei before God,and that I desired to be saved and go to that better world above when my last days ’were ended here below;, that it was my duty to join the church, keep God’s commandments, do all the good that was m my powei to do,and as little bar m,I believed that I must live a strict and pure life and follow inChrist’s footsteps, or else when I died Christ would I say I gave you the holy book,(the Bible) gave you my command me.nts.and all my..teachings;- you kept them not, you are not - wor thy of me and have no room here in Gods kingdom for those who do not strictly keep my teachings. Then of course I should be turned away to that terrible place “hell” and I felt that would.gneve me most terribly,for I loved God and tried to keep his holy will J joined the old school ♦ Presbyterians at Dudley. Edgar, Co, Illlinois (for there Was where I lived at that time) at about twelve'years of age was baptized by sprinkling, and of course believeing sprinkling to be right, for I had been taught so. I I loved the Presbyterians as a de nomination, and believed them to be the only true church of Christ. ’ I often prayed God to forgive my sins for I ielt I was a great sinner in the sight of God, but I did not feel so confident God had answered my prayers until a year or so afte’* I had joined the Church, s which was about sixteen years ago. (I always felt a dread for any 8 one to see mo praying, thought 1 they would think I thought I was h trying to get goodj.Then I would remember Christ says“ Whosoever J therefore shall confess me before ? men, him will I confess also before * . I my Father which is in Heaven | Mat. 10 chapter. 9. verse, One I night alter retiring I commenced topray and ask God to forgive my Uli sins and as I prayed God’s burning love commenced to fill my heart, getting stronger and stronger un- j till my heart was filled with his 4 burning love, and I kept trying to 1 pray, but was so rejoiced I could f not pray for praising Gofi. - I seemed Jesus was right at my bed side, standing so close, but I could f not see him. I felt and wanted to go to him then, for I was so hap- | py. I thought I should always I be just as happy as then. That j lod had forgive my sins, I was so t inppyl did not want to go to sleep. ] [L seemed I should never get tired | praising him, but after awhile I fell asleep, and on wakeing m the morning, I felt that burning love | still in my heart, but not so strong. j and my first thought was of J<... but I told no one what Jesus had j done for me.By the next night that burning love had so ’t me, I gneved I over it, and then I began to d< ■ thinking what had been the : ter with me. I had never felt such burning love before and what else could it be. But as I had never heard any ones experience, it came to me that Jesus surely had heard and answered my prayer, but I was still sorrowful because Gods burn ing love had gone out of my j heart and I prayed that he would fill my heart with burning love’ ' again, for I thought I should al ways feel his great love unless he • had turned against me, and since then at times I have felt very | sorrowful and sinful feeling that' . I God had deserted me, never to re turn to me again, I was so filled with doubts, that in my I would ask God why he had for sakeri me and thinking as I grew - older ! would be better, and d< pome thing that would be ptetr-: God. Tlioughaff ofltfTdife i have heard of the I’iiinitive Baptist, and was taught to believe jg| that they were wicked people and SB many times have I said almost see them killed. But like Paul, when ( }od had struck me blind, “as it were,” and had brought me from death unto life, and made me to see my sinful na- ; ture. I knew then that if I was .i ever saved it would be by the 3 sovereign grace ofGod,the doctrine which no other people preached but the 'Primitive Baptist, and | agaiif I know that they are the true f Church, for I never received.it of 'J man, neither was! taught it but i If never lie&ixl the ir ■ heart so stabrig, that I loved thm as I had never loved before, nei-- thef was I satisfied until I was taken into the church and Bap tised in the fall of 1894, atAntioch church Altoona, Fla., by brother < ~~~ M. L. Gilbert. May the Lord M bless all of those who are in the A Wilderness a» I was; and'bring « them to a knowledge of the I truth as it is in Christ Jesus ij now dear Brother if you think this worth printing you may do so if not lay it away in remem berance of your unworthy sister in wfeß the Lord Mrs Belle Reavea. -I Dear Brother part of .this was I written on her death bed. • ■- j Yr ca\es. ■ — Remember ~, .. That during these dull summer months our expenses are just., the”® same, and any who are - m arrears fBBB wdl do us a kindness by'remitting wBI what is due and renewing for other yean