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The Pilgrim’s Banner. A. V. SIMMS, Valdosra, Ga., ) Editors. LEE H ANKS, Boston Ga. J PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY. SUBSCRIPTION RATES IN AD VANCE. FOR THK UNITKD STATES. CANADA AND MEXICO. Single copy one year I'M Single copy six months Single copy three months Sample copies sent, free on application Special Notice. In writing communications for tho Pilgrim’s Banner, please ob serve the following rules: Rule 1. Do on but ONE SIDE of your paper. Rule 2.7'Write PLAIN] AND DISTINCT, bo that can be easily read. Special Rule No. 3. Above, all things, do not write with a LEAD PENCIL. Strictly to tho above rules and you confer a great favor on us and a Special Favor to the Printer and Compositors. Entered at the Post Office'at Val dosta, Ga., as second class maiffmatter. EDITORIALS. REQUEST. Now that cotton and other crops are being marketed, we earnestly entreat our readers who are in ar rears with us to remember us. We have been waiting patiently,know ing that times were very hard and money scarce, but now we 'need the money to meet our own ob ligations. The amounts due us are very small but when put together would greatly relieve us. This, of course, is intended only for those who are behind with us. Will you kindly remem- Elder A. V.‘ Simms: Dear Sir:—l would like to rear your views of the Scripture record ed in Mathew xxviii. 19 20 which reads: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them,” etc. I desire particularly to know what you think of the“all nations.” Respectfully, E. A. Curry. REPLY. The words about which our friend enquires, are the words of Jesus to his apostles. He had before taught them that he had a poeple among all nations,kindreds and tongues under heaven. Know ing that his apostles, being Jews, were slow in accepting this blessed truth, he would again remind them that he had a people among all nations—Gentiles as well as Jews. It required a special reve lation from the Lord to convince the apostle Peter of this truth. (See Acts 10th chapter). And when Peter, under the direction of the Spirit, had gone on his visit to Cornelius, he uttered not a word of comfort until after Conelius had told of the wonderful deal ings of the Lord with him. Peter said: Ye all know how that it is ah unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean Therefore came I unto youwithout gainsaying, as soon as 1 was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for ire?” Thus it is shown, that Peter, through and apostle, and could, and did per form miracles and wonders, would not presume to go in advance of the Lord or undertake the task of making a Christian of one who had never been regenerated by ihe Holy spirit. How very differ ent was Peter from many modern Missionaries of to-day. lhe general idea of sending the gospel to heathen lands is to “be the means” of saving those who would be lost without human help; and thus man—poor,puny man—exalts himself as a Savior, and Jesus is represented as being unable to perform the work he came to do —save sinners. But Cornelius said, “Four days ago (before he had heard the gos pel) 1 was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, .md said: Cornelious, thy prayer is heard,” etc. “Then Peter open ed his mouth and said, Os a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth God and worketli righteousness is accepted with him.” Thus it is clearly shown that Cornelious was a Christian, had received pardon and hope and had rejoiced in spirit before meeting with Peter, or had heard the gospel. And thus Jesus, before bidding a final adue to his apostles and as cending to the Father, he would again remind them that his peo ple were scattered throughout the Gentile world—-among “all na tions” and that they should teach them, etc. The very language itself will not admit of the idea that the appostles were commis sioned to make Christians, or com municate spiritual life to dead sinners; for such are not suscepta «ple of being taught spiritual fi?th not the the things “of the Spirit of God; for they are foolish ness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. ii. 14. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, fool ishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” Ist Cor. 1.18. And this was why the apostles were to teach all nations—not every man in every nation, of course; because, as we have seen, 1 none could understand “the things 5 of the Spirit of God,” except such • as had been taught of the Spirit > to know God, as was Cornelius. ■ But those enlightened souls could hunger tor the gospel, and could ; understand and receive it with joy. Those who heard the apos tles were to be baptized, and those s baptized should be taught to “ob , serve all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Thus, ■ while the gospel may have its , moral restraint over the world still it remains a scriptural truth that none understand it, none re joice in it and none are spirit ually benefitted by it except God’s regenerated and living children. If this had been the object of missions when the subject had first been introduced by Andrew Fuller, there never would have been any divission in the Baptist family on that question. But the leading and predominating spirit among Missionary Baptists then was, and now is to be instrumental in saving some that would be lost without them. In conversation with a leading Missionary Baptist minister sometime ago, I asked the question if he did not think lis missionaries would save some souls in foreign lands who might otherwise be lost? To which he i replied “Yes.” “Well,” said I, “remember you have not been sending your missionaries to heathen lands but a short while— not quite one hundred years—can you tell me the fate of the heath en who lived and died before you sent them the gospel?” “I can not understand so well about that” he replied “but the Bible is plain enough on that point, they must HEAR THE OOSPeL.” There are many Christians among the Missionary Baptists who do not fellowship this mon strous absurdity, yet they drag along and stay there some how. May the Lord deliver them. We have, in a brief way. tried to comply with our friends request. We may have more to say on the subject in the near future.—B. We attended the Anual Meeting at Prospect Hamilton County Floridia on the last fourth Sun day and Saturday before, and and it proved to be a very pleas ant meeting indeed. One was re ceived for baptism. The church seemed to be full of life, and under the faithful pastoral care of Elder D. H. Johns, they are increasing in membership very fast. We saw many whose appearance told us they felt to be away from home. How plainly they sometimes tell this sad truth without intending to do so.—S. Elder T. W. Stallings and wife have moved their membership from Unity [Louudes County] and have cast in their lot with brethren and sisters at Pleashfl Wcarem receipt of a letter from Elder Z. H. Bennett in which he states that his Association [the Indian River] has disbanded by mutual consent, and the churches composing that body will again become members of the Mount Enon Association. If you want one of the best books you ever read (except the Bible) send us 25 cts and we wil send you one of “My Reasons for Leaving the Missionary Baptist, writenby Elder J. H. Fisher of Collinsville Texas. Or Sen d us too new cash subscribers and we will send you the book as a premium. We get no pay for this notice, nor do we realize a single cent for the sale of the book. We only Want to help little hobling Christians who are away from home. Brother (Dr) Fair R. Brinson of Wade Georgia writes; “We had a good time at Antioch last Sat urday, Sunday and Monday. We had brother Spivey with us these three days, and received too mem bers—both came from the Mis sionaries. I think more will come soon,” How refreshing H uch letters are! And we are hearing more o f it than at any time since We have had any knowledge cf Primitive Baptists. Surely the Lord i 8 b l 68a mg his Zion. Two were bapti Ze d at Pleasant (Berrien County) 0 the third Sunday in Nov. a ' three at Empire oif the foli’ owi “ Sunday. ' The statistics shows that there has been more baptized bounds of the Union Associate* during the past year than has h o many year since its tion But let us not b Q hig], minded and lorget the 4r whence cometh these bl essin but walk humbly befo-e the Lord and keep his commandments.- q if tho Lord with I shall be at Antioch in the Upper Canoochee Association on the 3rd Sunday in December and at Savannah 4th Sunday.— H. A cordial invitation is exten ded to our ministering brethren to attend our meeting at Antioch near Boston Christmas day. Breth ren and sisters, come and let us celebrate the Savior’s birth-day in prayer and preaching and hear ing of the glad tidings of salva tion.—H. There will be a throe days meeting at Mt. Pisgah commincing on Friday before the sth Sunday in December. All brethren and sisters are cordially invited to at tend. We shall expect Elders Simms, Barwick and Spivey to be with us. We hope other minis ters will be present. Those com ing on the train will be met in Ochlockonee Thursday P. M. —H. Grace has prepared the hearts of the Lord’s people by taking away tho head-strong heart, and giving them a heart of flesh, and writing the law in their hearts, and causing them to love God and his people, and causing them to desire a home in the sweet fellow ship of the saints. Grace has established the church here as a home for poor, weary,heavy laden, doubting, disconsolate souls who feel sinful and their need of Jesus. Grace has provided the ordinan ces of the church, and caused the hungering and thursting for the prying. “0 that I could seperates you from the wfiricb and makes you abhor yourself. Grace us from the snares of the world,and will take us home to heaven at last. <) for grace to love and serve God better and keep ourselves unspotted from the .world. 0 Lord give us the grace of humility to be at thy feet, and ever ready to obey thy holy precepts.—H. Ozark, Ala., Nov.. 15, 1895, Elder A. V. Simms : Dear Brother:—By request of some on my little tour I will say to the dear brethren and sisters, including the old, middle-aged, “frying size”.children and babies among whom I traveled, that I was blessed with reasonable health to fill all my appointments, was at five Associations and one General Meeting, and landed safely at home and found all well. I was greatly comforted, felt re newed and made to rejoice. My poor heart is kindled into a full daze of love while scribling these lines as my thoughts go back to those who manifested so much ovo for each other and for poor me. I trust I felt that precious chord of love which is the cohe sive power in the kingdom of Jesus. I formed the acquaintance of Elders Jones, Durden, Temples, Strickland, and others; all of whom I was much delighted to meet. In fact I have never been where love and peace was more manifested among the entire Brotherhood than at some of the Associations in Georgia. May brotherly love continue among them and with all of our people the world over is mv prayer. j. W. Parker. MINUTES- . are prepared to A s soo cia honal Minutes neatly and cheap y. w Jhe Clerks of different Please forward ® anU8 ® r M ct ® 0 J we will guarantee satisfaction. u 8 a trial. Address The PILRIM’S BANNER j SOME TIME.. Some time, when all life’s lessons have been learned, And sun and stars forever more have set, The things which our weak judg ment here have spurn’d, The things o’er which we grieve with lashes wet, Will flash before us out of life’s dark night, As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue; And we shall see how all of God’s plans were right, And how what seemed reproof was love most true. And we shall see how, while we frown and sigh, God’s plans go on as best for you and me; How, when we called, He heeded not our cry, Because His wisdom to the end could see, And o’n as prudent parents dis allow Too much of sweet to craving babyhood, So God, perhaps, is keeping from us now Life’s sweetest things because it seemeth good. » And if, sometimes, commingled with life’s wine, We fine the wormwood, and rebel and shrink, Be sure a wiser hand than yours or mine Pours out this portion for our lips to drink, And if some friend we love is ly -iug low, Where human kisses cannot reach his face, Oh, do not blame the loving Fath er so, But bear your sorrow with obe- lengthened breth Is not the sweetest gift God sends his friends, And that, sometimes, the sable pall ot death. Conseals the fairest boon His love can send, If we could push ajar the gates of life, And stand withing, and all God’s working see, We could interpet all this doubt and strife, And for each mystery could find a key. 3ut not to-day, Then be content, poor heart; God’s plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold, We must not tear the close, shut leaves apart— Time will reveal the calyxes of gold, And if, through patient toil, we reach the land Where tired feet, with sandals i loose, may rest, j When we shall clearly know and ( undederstand, , I think that wo will say that c “God knew best.” 1 —Anon. I ‘ Oglethorpe Ga., Nov. 19 1895, Elder A. V. Simms Valdosta Ga, Much esteemed brother—ls you will send me a few sample copies of the Banner to give out, as next week is court week here, I might get you some subscribers. There is no Primitive Baptist who would not like the Banner, if he will only read it without'prejudice in his heart, and if he has that the Banner will help him, because it will admonish him to his duty to God and to his fellow-man. Yours in hope of eternal life Thos. N. Renfroe. We gladly send you the papers dear brother, and tender thanks for your kindnes. Who else will help?—S. CORRECTIONB. Dear Brother Simms.:-. T tt my letter, published in the Banner of Nov, 15,1 noticed three or f Oa errors,probably dueto myindigfin , penmanship ,for there do not seem to be many typographical erriorg in your paper. On page 3, 2nd column nea the middle read “our inflamart nature,” instead of infallible ture; and “how great a fire a httla matter kindloth,” and at the close “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peaoo ” instead of.“bonds.” Peace is th one bond in which the Lord’s neo. pie are held together in this time state, as against all of the eoj! trary powers of the flesh that would rend them asunder, as chari. ty (love) is also, but in an abeo' lute and eternal sense, “the bond of perfectness,” ( Col. iv. 14.) y 0 Zion it is said “I will also" make thy officers peace.” I Ba . l x . 17 Peace alone can rule effectually i n ’ the church and no other officers can restore peace among believers “The peace of God which passeth all understanding,” jg amiflw sufficient to “keep their hearts and minds through ‘Christ Jesus” Phil. iv. 7. I have known divid ing troubles and vory bitter feel, ings to disappear at once by the remembrance, or rather the re newal of the blessed experience of this peace of God, which some for us when the dear Savior appeared as having died for us; and I have never known a good and reliable overcoming of fleshly wounds and troubles that had divided brethrS in any other way. “Let the pea® of God rule in your hearts," Cel. | jv. 15. All the saints are boimfl| one and the same spirit, and th ire fore have, spiritually, “one heart and one soul,” and should be“tte| same mind and the same judge ment.” They are all baptized by one spirit, into one body,” and it is their highest comfort„to walk in thra one spirit, and to constiM* WWRfflffiftay from the eelfisß temptiugs of the flesh; to den® selfish desires, and seek to know and follow only the leadings of the spirit. And when this sweet and holy peace is felt in the heart of each, and manifested as a bend to which all the members are sweet ly drawn and held together, then it is evident that they have the one spirit of Christ, and are keeping the unity of it, notwithstanding all the natural differences of dis position and circumstances among them. And they realize what the sweat singar of Israel said: “Behold how good and how pleas ant it is for brethren tc dwell to- - gether in unity.” Your brother in hope Silas H. Durand. ' Southampton Pa. f Portal Ga., Nov. 13,1895. * Editors Pilgrim’s Banner. Dear brethren:—Please allow 1 me space in the Banner for a short notice of my visit to the Union and Ochlockonee Association. I had a mind for several years to visit the churches in these Associating, but was hinderd. But it seems to me, if I am not a deceived soul, that the Lord’s time came for me to go, and when I went, I felt to have the assurance as I journeyed, that the Lord was with me. Elders -Parker and Patterson joined me at Savannah. We spent I two nights and one day very pleas ly with the dear brethren and i friends there. We had preaching at the hall one night, where they held their regular meeting there. * We pray the Lord to bless the dear little vine in Savannah. From here we went to Dupont on Friday be fore the third Sunday in October where we were kindly caied for and conveyed to the Union Asso ciation near by,on Saturday morn ing. Anda union association it was indeed—a meeting of peacable I lovely, God-fearing Baptist. We feel that the good Lord blessed the preachers with liberty to preach, a and the hearers with ears to hear and hearts to receive the a