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Preaching Tour Editors PilgiuM’s Banner Dear Brethren: According to promise I will give the readers of the Banner a short sketch of my preseat tour. I gan at Ocala Fla. last week in De cember last. We (wife and self)ar rivod at Ocala on the 20th of De cember and stopped with our high ly esteemed brother Z. C. Cham bliss, and enjoyed the hospitality of his elegant home for several days. I had an appointment also at Stanton some twenty miles south of Ocala, where w e had the pleasure of stopping with brother McKinney, old partner in business once with brother Chambliss. We have no church at Ocala or Stan ton, and these brethren with their wives are Georgians and their membership is still in that State. We had the use of the Missionary Baptist house of worship at Ocala and of the Presbyterians, I believe it is at Stanton. A small but atten tive audience met me at each place As we arrived in Fla. before the first freeze that did such great in jury to the orange groves and veg etable farms, we saw every thing in beauty and prosperity. An orange grove loaded down with ripe oranges is a lovely sight. I have seen ladies clap their hands with delight as they wit nessed it for the first time, and ex claim with rapture “Lovely lovely’ We were made to feel too, and that with a feeling of relief and satis faction, that for once we were where the cry of hard times would not be beard. But the freeze came. We witnessed both of them, and sure enough real hard times took the plabe of loveliness, ease and prosperity. If money was my object in traveling preaching, I would have left Fla. immediately after the first freeze. I had three months appointments already out in South Fla. so I told the brethren I would stay and suf fer with them. If they had only bread and water to live on I could live on it too. Very lew had any AM!}, Lnge -Jppb ‘ provision on hand. Many had not «old an orange, waiting for better prices, usually offered after Christmas and later on. And but few vegetables were ready to ship. Hard as the times were I heard but •little complaint. The people stood the shock of their great niisibr tune with comendable fortitude and composure. They learned by it that they cannot depend ou oranges and vegetables alone for money or a living and they seemed determined in the future to raise more corn and meat. So necessity theie, as in the cotton states, is compelling the people to raise more corn and meat. I attended the Clay Bank Association last fall Covington County Ala. which is looked upon as one of the poorest Counties in the state, an audience of about two thousand people at tended it. The brethren with a basket-dinner fed that crowd, and then there were provisions left un touched. I never saw the like of home raised pork, mutton and beef and then chicken-pies. The flour that was used for that occasion was the only thing of note that they had to buy. Necessity is competing our people to a solid foundation for the success and prosperity of coming generations, if not for their own prosperity in temporal things. I filled all my appointments in Florida. I met With a hearty welcome among the brethren, and they were more liberal with me than I thought they could be in their crippled condition. Cheerfully and willingly they divided the little they had with me. Were I to go into detail I could fill several columns of the Banner with personal mention of kindness, hospitality and liberali ty shown by the Baptists of Flori da, where my appointments brought me in direct contact with them. I greatly loved then: before, as that was not my firsi tour among them, but t|ieir greal kindness to us in their poverty- stricken condition has made them dearer and more precious to me than ever. With loving romem berence I delight to think of them, and pfay God to bless them both spiritually and temporally. After leaving Florida I filled ap pointments next in Georgia on my way to Alabama, I did not have many appointments in either state, but had a very pleasant time with the brethren all along. Had many good meetings, and saw some join the church and heard them tell the groat things the Lord had done for them. At Bulah church, (Troy,) three were received for Baptism. I have been ijn Misissippi a month, filling ap pointments, and will be here a month longer, the Lord willing. I began in the bounds of the Zion’s Rest and will end in the bounds of the Bethany Association. This is my second tour among them. They have had very few preachers from a distance to visit them, which is not their fault as they are glad to have them come. They are noble and precious brethren, sound in the faith, kind and hos pitable. Zions Rest Association is composed of about nine churches, Elders John Brown, N. L. Pace and Joel C. Williams are the oldest of their ministry. Eld. Brown once lived in Monroe County Ala. and is quite old and feeble. He is about eighty-three years old. Sister Brown is a help less invalid and has been confined to her bed for a year or more. The Bethany is composed of twenty two churches, west of Zions Restand is located in the counties of New ton, Scott, Clarke, Rankin, Leake, Neshona, Winston, YoZoo and At tala, Misissippi, and has twenty ordained preachers. Their names are as follows: J. G. Cerecelius, W. J. McGee, J. A. Bates J. R.Willis J .S. McCaulley A. J. Craig W. 8. Ferguson T. F. Gardener, A. Hollingsworth, S. E. Pennington, F. J, Stamper, J. L: Joiner, H.R.Talbert, W.C. Roberts J. C. Walton’ F. M. Meadow R. A. Smith S. J. Holingsworth J. B. Langston andA. W. Woods. Old Liitini JjlL T..rjLiL, ~ of Elder H. R. Talbert came from Munroe County Ala. many years ago, and though quite old is full of energy and activity. He came six teen miles to be at my appoint ment last Saturday and Sunday. The smallest membership of any of her churches is nine, and the largest is sixty-one. It is a good, strong body of old Baptists. The Lord willing I will extend the tour on to La. Arkansas and Texas. Brethren and friends who wish to write me privately, will please di rect to me at Freetrade Leake Co. Misissippi, to June the 12th, Hop ersville Scott Co. Mississippi to June 15th. Newton Newton Co. Mississippi to June 21st. Marton Scott Co. Mississippi to June 27th But all letters directed to me at Selma Ala. my home office, will reach me without much delay, as I send instructions there from time to time where to forward them. I make it a rule to answer all com munication from brethren and friends, but I cannot always reply promptly for lack of time and opportunity. Sometimes brethren write me and desire an answer but fail to give me their Postoffice ad dress. Some give their county, and state but fail to give the name of their Postoffice. In such cases of course it is imposible to get an answer to them. Every writer should head or end his letter with, his erher Postoffice address m full and write plainly and spelled cor rectly Every postmaster has a pos tal guide that has the correct 1 spelling of all of our Postoffices. J. H. PUREFOY. Edinburgh Mississippi June 3rd 95 Barwick, Ga., March 19,1895. Dear Mr. Hanks—l feel bad about my sins and I feel like I wanted to tell you because I want ed to ask you to pray for me. I dreamed that I was going to die . and I was at Antioch picking out to be hurried' at, and 1 51 woke up and saw something white by my bed side, and I felt like it was the Savior and it stayed about — - one hour, the next morning I got up and felt better but before night I began to feel sick and 1 told mama, She told me to go on nnd ask me what was the matter I will close for this time your little friend Lois Rountree. Remarks This little girl is only ten years old. We rejoice that the satoe God that made John the B iptist leap for joy before he was born regenerated Jeremiah and Sam uel so young, has 'taught this lit tle girl to love Jesus and to have a sweet hope in her k Savior. I talked to this little girl’s mo ther and she told me more than she has written. I feel sure that she is a Christian may the Lord bless her and make her a bright jewel in the church of Christ.—H. EXPERIENCE. Bellville, Ga., March 1, 1895. Elder Lee Hanks: Dear Brother in Christ:—l will now try to write you a few lines, though I feel unworthy and so near nothing, that I perhaps, should not trouble you with my scnbling, I feel unworthy of the notice of God’s people, yet I love them. When I first began to be troubled in mind I felt that I wanted to be alone where no one could see me; and then to get on my knees and pray to God for relief; but when there I could say nothing but ‘‘Lord have mercy on me a poor lost sinner.” I felt that no one cared for me; and that if I was to die I would be lost, and never.be remembered by any one. I remained thus for some time. When brother Simms and Stallings came through here on a preaching tour, I was in my worst state of trouble. 1 tried to bear every word they said as I sat with flowing tears, I thought they preached the best I ever heard. I wanted* to join the church then, but could not on account of my feeling of unworthiness; I felt so near nothing, I was afraid they would not receive such a poor sin ful one as I felt to be. I did not think one could join the Primi tive Baptist until they were old, and I was young. But, when so the cross and follow Jesus, I be gan to feel like I could,.and I wanted to do so too, but this same feeling of unworthiness and un fitness prevented me. I felt 1 should be more dutiful and obe dient to the Lord. Yet it seems to me I get worse; the more I try to do and live right, the worse I seem to get. J cannot have a good thought without the Lord gives it. I made up my mind that if you did n_>t open the door of the church, I would offer myself the next Saturday, I heard you were coming and I asked papa to let me go to ninet you so that you would come here to spend the night. lam glad I did so, for I enjoyed your talk more than I ever did. Brother Hanks, the next day is one never to be for gotten by me, as well as other dear ones present. We all want you to come and preach again. There are those here whom I hope will soon take up the cross. As you asked, I can say I have been getting along very well since I joined- the church. I would not be back in the world for anything on earth; though I cannot say I thought I would never more have trouble, like some say; but I did think my troubles would not be so great. Yet, sometimes I am afraid my sins are not pardoned because I get in the dark; and when I read the Bible for relief and light I find none, nor can I understand what I read. There were five joined on Satur day, but only four were baptised, including the one that joined when you were here; the reason the other man and woman defered was the sickness of her husband who has since passed away to that rest, where I hope we all will rest when we also must pass from the earth.' It was a very sad and trying time for the dear little wife to part from him. She took his death hard; and it will be harder for her when she arrives at her sweet little home without him. I had thought I loved her as well as any cousin, could another, but now in her hour of trial and trouble I feel that my lovejhas increased for her a hun dred fold. Brother Hanks, read this "if you can, if not throw it into the waste box and I shall not be-, hurt. I want you and Elder Simms to come again and preach for us. Remember me in your prayers. lour Little Sister, I Hope, Emily Danol. Delayed. Sickness among our print :rs delays this issue. We hope our readerswill have patience with us. We hope to get out on time with ■ the next. —$• Singing Conventions. In another column will be seen a communication from brother A. W. Hanks of Apnie, Ala., desiring my views of Singing Conventions; especially the manner in which they are conducted in his State. I have always thought it good ot encourage singing; especially a mong the young people. It is la mentable that such little attention is pkid to the cultivation of the voice, and the learning of the ru dimtais of music by the young and rising generation. It is painful to visit churches where the old breth ren and sisters with their shattered voices furnish all the music, while their sons ard daughters sit by and manifest no interest devo tional exeicises. Yoiiijg people should know that their education is never complete until they have acquired a thor ough knowledge of vocal and in strumental music. And those of them whose parents have been good enough to give them a musical ed ucation should show their appre ciation of it by joining in the sing ing and helping what they can, wheirthey attend church meetings. And this the most of them would do, if they had proper encourage ment’from their fathers and moth-’ ers. But like brother Hanks the man ner in which they are conducted in Ala Ja is somwhat objectionable with me. Baptist shonrd remem ber that God, by his loving mer cy hath seperated them from the world,and so far as religion is con cerned, all relationship have been disolved; and to continue to claim a relationship by the use of the word “Brother” or “Sister” is to practicably deny the work of grace in the inown hearts. Evert Society of whatever kind, th-.-, t ; i# ' togetheiy the church and the world, the saint and the sinner—■ Christ and Belai], cannot be of God. It cost the son of God his life to break the tie and dissolve the relation-- his people and the w'orld,and his redeemed ones should recognize the distinction his blood has made and be separate from the world. It is imprudent, to say the least of it forthose conventions to meet at churches on preaching days and take uptime that does not be long tothem by continuing over during preaching hours. Let all things be done decently and in or der.—S. Scraps. The envious deny the charge, and loudly condemn to fault, but their works testify in a louder voice to condemn them. Though it hath a full reward, what a nice thing it is to walk and live a Christian life? It is to watch and pray continually. I had rather suffer with’ the people of God than enjoy the pleas ures of the world. I had rather hungerfor richteousness than feast on the good things of the flesh. “ He that rebuketh a man after wards shall find more power than he that flattereth with his tongue” Therefore let uh highly prize faith ful rebuke and fully distrust flattery. Do not go headlong, nor walk deliberately into temptation, for ft is a sin to bring pain and pun-' ishment; but count it all joy when ye fall as it were, by unseen chance ■or accident into divers temptation knowitoS this that toe -trying of your faith worketh patience” And I patience brings to a perfection en j tire, wanting nothing. “To do- justice and judgment is mure acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”Then,since sacrifices put away all sic under the law, how pleasing to God and profitable to ourselves is it to deal justly in all things with men? * Wrath is cruel and anger is out ragous; but who is able to stand before envy? Then how more than cruel and worse than anger4s envy. I pity its victim, but I had rather suffer as such than have envy dwell in my heart. “The rod and reproof giveth wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” I have seen many natural mothers ashamed; but God forbid that my'mother, the church should < ever suffer shame for me,the rather let me kiss the rod and welcome reproof to “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God; and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not they do evil ” Then where the feet and what the consideration of church members who go to the house of God and talk of worldly things, to say nothing of smutty tails and anecdotes? The regular meeting at Unity church (Lowndes County) is changed from the fourth to the fifth Sunday in this month Elders T. W. and C. W. Stallings are expected to be present. I hope also to be there. 8. Sister R. Anna.Pinllips of Butler Ga., who is so well and favorably known to the Baptist all over the country is now stopping at our humble home. She will likely spend the summer with us, and visit all our churches in reach of her S. Elder Bazil Jones of Manassas, Ga., (Tatnal County) writes us the Baptist of their section are enjoy ing a sweet revival. Many are be ing added to the 1 -* churches. S. t > . ’in Bullock Emanuel and Tatnd-11 Counties, baptized 12 members, and enjoyed his visit over there. Since his return home he has been called back to baptize a sister by her request and while there, received and bapti zed two more. The Ochlockonee Association will convene with Antioch church, Thomas County, on the fourth Sunday in October. The church is situated three miles from Bos ton, but for the convenience of those who may visit them from a distance,’ the meeting will be held in Boston. J The Annuel Meeting at Forrest Grove Church convenes on the second Sunday in July. The little Church is anxious for the brethren in the ministry to visit them. Elder Hanks is now in the bounds of the Upper Canoochee Association on a preaching tour. We hope he, like Elder Barwick, will return in due season with an olive leaf in his mouth. — The Union Aassociation convenes on Saturday before the third Sun day in October with Olive Leaf Church, five miles south of Dbpont S, F,j& W.R. R. We hope the preachers will make a note of this and come to see us. Two w r ere received and bap tized at Cat Creek Church on the first Sunday. Wonder if the brethren around us would help to build an Old Baptist Meeting house in Valdosta Look out brethren, we may call on you later. We attended the regular meet ing at Bethlehem on the second Sunday and Saturday before, and greatly enjoyed our visit there. The church seemed to.be alive, and much interest was manifested by the congregation. One , dear brother related a good experience to the church on Saturday, and we baptized him the next day.—S- &Appoiqtments. Elder E. D, Ivy oLDotlian Ala . wil preach D. V, as followers:- At Harmony church Brooks Co. Ga. at their regular meeting,the fth Sat and Sun. in June: at Bethel Monday Sardins Tuesday, and Pleasant Grove Wed. From there he will go down to the District meeting at Little Floek Friday Saturday and Sunday the fiith Sunday in June. Bethlehem Monday Betheny Tues day, Lebonan Wednesday. He will need conveyance. R. H. Barwick. Elder P?G. McDonald and I. P. Porter will fill the following ap pointments in the Lower Canoo chee Association, the Lord will ing: Little Flock, June 15 Anderson’s, “ 16 Bay Branch, “ 17 Love’s Chapel, ‘ 18 Beard’s Creek, 19 Bethel, “ 20 Corrith, “ 21 Bellknap, “ 22 Deloaches, “ L 3 Upper Black Creek “ 24 Fellowship, “ 25 Lane’s, “27 Statesboro at nigbt“ “ Bethelehem, “ 28 Lake, “ 29 and 30 Sunlight, July 1 Cedar Creek, “ 2 These brethren will be met at Collins, on the S. A. M. R. R, June 14 th. A. R. Strickland. In the Upper Cannoochee Associa tion. Oak Grove, Tuesday June 11, New Hope Wednesday “ 12 Mt. Zion Thurs. “ 13 Antioch Sat. and Sun. “15 &16 Bythynia Mon. “ 17 Long Creek Tues. “ 18 Hebron Wed. “ 19 Conoochee Thurs. “ 20 Uppet Lotts Creek Sat.& Sun. “ 22& 23 Upper Mill Creek Mon. “ 24 Bethlehem Tues. “ 25 Lanes Wed. “ 26 Little Flock, 9 miles south of Boston Fri; Sat. and gun. “ 28 29 30 Cat Creek Fri. Sat. & Sun July 5 6 & 7 Ozark Ala Tnes. “ 16 Pilgrims Rest Wed. “ 17 Corinth Fri. “ 19 Bethel Thurs. “ 18 Corinth Fri*. “ 19 PisgAfi Sat. and Sun, “ 20 &21 Baptist Rest Mon. “ 22 Mt Zion Tues. “ Canaan WedJ “ • Ramah Sat. and Sun. “ 27 and 28 have agreed if Uie Lord above appoinnmenls. pray dear children of God that I may have grace to sustain —H. OniTUAEIIEL MRS SARAH HAGAN. Daughter of David and Maryare Williams who have both passed away, was borned Sept 29’th 1831 and de parted this life Feb 6 1895. : She was married twice first to J. J. Miller March 2nd 1848;second toJanes Hagan June 12th 1865. She joined the Primitive Baptist church Sept., 14, 1873 and was baptized by Eld. Coon. Her home was ever open to her breth ren and friends and seat in church was never vacant when she was able to fill it. She was a great sufferer for may years with swimming or sick headache but bore it with Christian fortitude. She leaves a husband, nine children four brothers and three sis ters besides many relatives and friends tQ mourn her loos but we feel that our loss is her eternal gain. May God bless the bereaved husband and children is the the prayer of her sister. Julia Banks. Crawfordsville, Ind, April 6,1895 Dr. H. Sanche, Detroit, Mich. Dear Doctor: —It is now almost a year since I first used your Oxydonor; and having knowledge of its curativn virtues in many cases, besides my own, it gives me pleasure to recon mend it to the afflicted public as a mest superior Healing Panacea, as well as the most pleasant. And it is as safe as it is prompt and pleasant in its currtive Since I have known this truly won derful little instrument I have used no medicine in my family, because this has proved better—yea, “better than gold.” A minister’s wife of this city said to me the other day that, she would not take SIOO for her Oxydonor. It cured both her and myself recently of LaGnppe. Others, not a few,, have likewise informed me of its happy effects. As a sympathising friend to the afflicted, I sincerely wish that all owned your Oxydonor, and would rely on it, instead of using deadly pqisons, under the alluring name of . medicine. Sincerely and truly yours, D. Baktley. MINUTES. We are prepared to print Assoocia tional. Minutes neatly and cheaply. The .Clerks of different associations wilkplease forward manuscript to us and. we will guarantee satisfaction. Give us a trial. Address THE PILGRIM’S BANNER, VALDOSTA, GA