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The Pilgrim’s Banner.
A. V. SIMMS, Valdosta, Ga., ( "Editors.
LEE HANKS, Boston Ga. J
IPUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES IN AD
VANCE.
FOR THU UNITED STATUS. CANADA AND
MEXICO.
Single copy one year SLOO.
Single copy six months
Single copy three months •
Sample copies sent free on application
Special Notice.
In writing communications for
the Pilgrim’s Banner, please ob
serve the following rules:
Rule 1. Do not write on but
ONE SIDE of your paper.
Rule 2. Write PLAIN AND
DISTINCT,, so that it can be
easily read.
Special Rule No. 3. Above all
things,do not write with a LEAD
PENCIL.
Strictly adhere'to the 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 mail.matter.
EDITORIALS.
A-CHANGE.
This is the last issue of the Ban
ner in its present form. It will
visit our readers about January
Ist in pamphlet form, cons didat
ed with Zion’s Landmark, a semi
monthly magazine, published in
Wilson N. C. The Landmark has
been a favorite paper among the
Primitive Baptists for nearly 30
years. Its faithful editor, Elder
P. D. Gold,is well known through
out the United States and needs
no introduction from us.
We have several reasons for
making the change.
First. Our people are poorly
able to support so many papers,
and the limited support given is
discouraging. Times are verv hard
and
pressed with debt and cannot be
expected to support all our papers
as they should be.
£nd. Our pastoral care of the four
churches we have served for years
prevents us from attending to
office duties necessary for a paper
of this kind. We have tried both
and have neglected both. Church
es need a pastor who can, not only
visit and preach tor them at their
stated times of worship, but the
brethren and sisters want him,
and they need him to visit their
homes, Bing and pray with them
and talk the things of Jesus in
tbe family circle. The pastor who
fails in this, fails in part of his
duty as an under shepherd in the
flock of God, This we have failed,
in part to do. The duties of our
office and the buisness cares of
life has hindered us. We feel that
we owe to our churches an apolo
gy and we pray the Lord to forgive
us.
And since we have found that we
nould not publish a paper and
give it the needful attentiou with
out neglecting the churches, we
have inquired of the Lord in pray
er in an humble way to decide
for us what to do.
Wo have been tempted to quit
the service of churches and give
the whole time to the publication
of this paper, and try, with the
Lord’s blessing, to make it profit
able to our people. Several pre.
cious brethren have advised this
course. But notwithstanding it
promises to be more renumera
tive, still every time we have
.thought of doing so, and when we
have thought of leaving the many
precious ones to whom we have
paid monthly visits for so long a
time, it has filled our poor heart
with sadness, and something seems
to forbid it. The more we have
tried to forget the churches, the
more we have thought of them,
and the better we love them.
These are some of the main lea
eons we have for making the
change.
Under the new management we
will still keep an office at Valdos
ta where communications intend
ed for publication and remittance
may be sent us. We hope our
dear brethren and sisters who have
hitherto favored us with their
precious articles for the Banner
will continue to write of the
things of Jesus as the Spirit may
impress them. We especially re
quest our ministering brethren to
furnish us the good news from the
churches in their different local
ities, and thus to assist us in the
publication of a paper that will
be welcomed in every Baptist
household,
Those of our readers who may
be taking the Landmark and who
may have their subscriptions
paid in advance the amounts will
be added together and the dates
run forward. Those in arears the
amounts will be added together
and charged to them. If in the
tedious work of adjusting thoso
accounts any mistakes should
occur, we will gladly correct them
when our attention is called to it;
and we insist that as soon as the
books have been revised, that
each of our readers will look on
the little slip on which their names
appear and see if the proper cred
its have been made, and if any
mistakes should appear, we hope
they will notify us. £, The Land
mark and Banner” will contain
much more reading matter than
any paper of its kind in the Uni
ted States, and no effort will be
;LlO pTrVIUuB V<*U©V Ox VIUVM w
advocate.
The price of the paper will be
one dollar and fifty cents per an
num—one dollar cheaper than the
cost of, the two papers in the past.
Remitter.ces and communications
may be sent to A. V. Simms Val
dosta Ga. or to P. D. Gold Wilson
N. C. Elder Hanks will still re
tain h's former position as cor
responding editor. Parties who
have their subscriptions paid in
advance, will get the paper for
one dollar, as before until the ex
piration of the time paid for: all
others will be charged the regular
price, from January Ist.
We hope our brethren and sis
ters will aid us what they can in
the circulation of the paper. A
little effort pnt forth in the in
terest of the paper will assist us a
great deal, as many brethren and
sisters and lovers of truth, would
only be too glad to subscribe for
it, if their attention was called to
it.
Thanking the dear saints for
past favors, and hoping to be able
to merit their confidences and
support in the future, I am yours
to serve.
A. V. Simms.
Portal Ga., Nov. 28, 1895.
Dear brother Simms:—We hac
a good meeting at Lott’s Creek
last Saturday and Sunday. El
ders Spivey and Hanks was with
Ud. Three sisters were added to
the church, making nine in al
since the Association. Lott’s
Creek has had a cold wintry sea
son, but spring time has come
at last.
In hope.
D. N. Nxchols.
Christmas Greeting.
mwr tl ’'’.r yousChri ‘ t,MB
r rii >« » rhim ' 3
e Os sweetset melody •
L>ko frightened birds at fall snow _
Hush their threnody.
When toil and fret and tire of mind
Give place, dear friends, to things more kind.
10 pilgrim’s on Life’s road
When low ambitions, reaching higher,
To deeds of Christmas love aspire, •
And drop care’s heavy load.
For as a little child, new born,
Love comes to each on Christmas morn,
And makes memory!
Who, fiom her precious hoarded store,
Blings back our childhood joys once more
To feast with reverie.
And He, who came this day, to save
His wayward children from the grave
Os human selfishness,
Sends forth his angels, shod with peace,
I hat every good thing may increase
toward heavenly happiness.
A TOUR.
My wife, little Ruth and I, left
home 2nd Sunday in Nov. and
went to Savannah where we were
met by brethren Cargill, Harvey
and sifter Durden, and spent the
night at sister Durden’s pleasant
home. Monday morning we went
to Belknap where we tried to
speak to a little audience, after
which we were conveyed to the
home of Elder Jasper Wiliums
by himself and two daughters.
Here we met Elder A. R. Strick
land and other good brethren.
We spoke at Daisy that night to
an attentive audience and feel
that God has children there, We
spent, the nigh\
\\ i1- i
liams. -My wmßffid I shall hold
this precious family in greatful
remembrance for their kindnsssi
to us. Tuesday we went to Beth-’|
el accompanied by Elder Strick
land and Bro. Dyers, where we
again spoke to a lovely little band
of saints. We spent the night
with Elder Strickland where
we spake to a dear little band.
After which dear brother Strick
land gave an opportunity for
members, and a dear little sister,
fourteen years old, was joyfully
received amid many tears. We
are glad that the door of the
church is never closed day or
night against the poor afflicted
child of God. Wednesday, bro.
Strickland conveyed us to Beard’s
Creek where we met, and spoke to
a lovely band of brethren and
sisters. Thursday we spoke at
Loves Chapel, here we- were separ
ated from our esteemed father in
Israel, Elder Strickland. He feels
very dear indeed to me. Oh, that
I was such a meek humble follower
of Christ, as he. We spent the
night with that dear man of God
brother Daniels, and spoke Friday
at Bay Branch where-we had the
pleasure of witnessing the recep .
tion of dear young sister Williams
into the church. We spake i u
Belleville at night, and spent the
n’ght with Bro. (Dr.) L. M. Nich
ols, who is young in the cause, but
a bright light in the Zi On n f Q od
We would like to have sp ace> to
speak of all the dear people with
whom we met and staid, and treat
ed us so kindly. We visted An
derson’s, where we met '
Jones and Wilkinson and broth
Chas. Mikel, licentiate; here We
had an interesting meeting,
feel that there is a good day f or
them. Elder Wilkinson kind!
conveyed us to his home, where
we spent the night, and thence
to Deloache’s where we again met
a lovely band of saints, and met
Eiders Mattox rind Jasper Williams.
Dear brother Denmark conveyed
us to his precious home, where we
spent the night, and thence to
Upper Lott’s Creek, where we had
an interesting little meeting, and
we were comforted by meeting two
precious christains who came to
us in tears and asked us to pray
for them. My poor heart was
touched with love and sympathy
for them, and my Drayer is that
they may be given strength to
come home. Brother Proctor
us to his home where we
papent night veuy pleasently.
prayer to God for his dear daugh
ter who is out iu the streets and
jthe city, crying: “0 that
''me and live with the
We have just re
from her, tell
ing of the bitter anguish of soul
which she is passing. She
is in-babyion, teeiing homeless.
May the Lord help her to come.
We next went to fellowship,
Lanes, Bethlehem and Upper
Lott’s Creek we had the pleasure •
of meeting Elder Stubbs at Beth
lehem. Elder J. L. Smith con
veyed us from Lane’s to Upper
Lott’s Creek. He is a good faith
ful minister, and a good travel
ing companion. My wife and I
shall ever feel greatful to him for
his kindness to us. At Upper
Lotts Creek, we had the sweet
privilege of hearing Elder Spivey
preach, two wonderful sermons.
He is a precious gift to the Bap
tists. While he was preach
ing, I said iu my poor heart:
“Thank God for such a preacher.”
At this precious meeting, three
sisters gladdened tne hearts
of the saints, by telling of the
dealings of the Lord with them.
This is a precious church. My
poor heart was filled with praise
to God to see so many young Bap
tists at this church who seemed to
be cut loose from the world, and
now the image of J eBU9 * s
their countenances. Before
reached this church, we were s
feeble and full of unbelief, unti
we concluded that oui P o)1
profitable life was about ended,
and we prayed to die, feeling that
it would be a blessing to
humble children to get each a c og
out of the wheels of Zion. e
felt that our life was a blank but|
at Lott’s Creek we could than< i ,
good Lord that he will not leave p
himself without a witness. May
God bless those dear young people r
and we would be glad to hear from
them all. L
After leaving our last appoint
ment a dear heart broken one a-1
mong the Missionaries, told me
that she was homeless and that no
one would ever know the great
troubb and- the bitter anguish of
soul through which she was pass
ing, and said that she was going
.1 • I
if the Lords will to Antioch in
Eumanuel Co at their next meeting
and solicited me vary strongly to
be piesent and said she . wan ted me
to baptize her. I had just been
feeling like I should never leave
home again, but that poor heart
broken Christian requesting me
to come I was made willing to go.
It is the chief joy of my life to
have the sweet assurance that I
1 have comforted some poor
Christian.
We spent two day? and three
nights visiting these precious
Christians in Eumanual County.
When J visit those precious homes
I feel that I. am not worthy of the
k indness I receive from them and I
feel like it is too much for such a
poor sinner as I. I want to return
my heart felt thanks to all the
good brethren, sisters and friends
who so kindly conveyed us and
caused us to share of their hospital
ity.
Our prayers are in your behalf and I
desire you to remember us at a
throne of grace. We reached
home nov. 28th and found our
children well and that our good
brethren and sisters had kindly
cared for them and looked after
our home during our absence. A
number of the good sisters had
met at our homble., home,>andj
TPreJror^^Wncedinner for us, a nor
were there ready to greet us with
a hearty welcome. Bless the Lord
for his guardian care. —H
A dear sister was baytized at
Mt. Pisgah last Sunday and many
more are expected to join soon.
We hope to have a good attend
ance there at sth Sunday meeting
—H.
Church Treasurers.
<
A dear brother asked me recent
ly to give my views on a church (
treasurer and who he should be etc. ,
lam of the opinion that the |
deacon of the church should be g
her treasurer. The deacons were j (
appointed or chosen in the days a
of the apostles, to look after the L
financial interests of the church, a
and’ it seems very probable that b
they were the treasurers. 81
I have known of churches to
choose the clerk for a treasurer, or
some other member, and in many
churches there is nothing said
about it.
I love the Primitive Baptist,
and I want their fellowship too
badly to leave them on such a
frivolous excuse as that. If the I
brethren wants any other member
as treasurer, or have none at all,
I shall not quit them; but ask for
an humble home among them.
Brethren should not make moun
tains out of mole-hills. We are
controlled by bad spirit when
we are continually finding fault,
with our brethren and hunting
for trouble.
There is much said about ruLs
of decorum,but we should take the
Bible as our rule. I would sug
gest that if the brethren wants
church treasurerers they should '
ordain deacons, who - are com- 1
elent to fill such a position.
If there is nothing said in Vo 11
ules ot decorum about (he trea ■
rer, if you have a deacon uW
hould be your treasurer. I w nß
uggesttnis as my opinion h !
id vise the good brethren to be -9
with the infirmities of the weak!
am truly sorry to hear of confu-B
;ion over such trifling matter I
I'he evil one is the author of all®
•onfusion. Love hides a multi®
tude of sins. May those dearß
brethren in Florida, strive f or |
the things that make
rr
peace.—H.
1 7 ■
PREDESTINATION I
Is it right for the Primitive Bap-B
lists to make ‘‘Predestination’’ aH
test of fellowship? This question®
is exciting some good brethren,!
and some would divide on this®
point; but we shall oppose thefl
division.
We have traveled over a great®
many states, and met many good®
brethren who are on both sides 9
and they do not believe that God 9
coerces the wicked acts of men®
or makes the wicked do wickedly.®
but that man, in sining, carries®
: out the desires of his heart and®
| it (the sin) is man’s own act
However, we will say that weß
have had a few and I am glad they®
were very few—say if they were ■
to steal, commit murder,live a dis-fl
obedient life that they could not fl
help it, and they had it to do; fl
thus charging their wickedness to®
the Lord. We have po patience I
with such stuff as that, or that®
sin was created and put in Adam, fl
All ture Baptists believe thatß
God is a Sovereign over all, works ■
after the counsel of
expressions they mean
i know of Elders who claim to UwEi
lieve in unlimited predestination
that preach practical godliness, g
and urge upon all Christians to
obedience, as strongly as those
I who believe in limited predesti-
I nation. Whenever you hear one
charging the Lord with his wick- |
edness, he is a very wicked man
or very ignorant ofithe doctrine.
We should labor to harmonize
the Lord's people, and if we wijl |
use scriptural expressions, it will
be much better, and it will not *
alienate us. There may be divis-
3 ions, when it is simply a war i
3 about words. A precious Elder J
q m the east, wrote me sometime
> ago, saying, that he could not look
back over a day of his life, and
say he did the best he could. This .
i Elder is a strong advocate for '
■ practical godliness. lam so short
sighted that I would much rather *
prefer Bible terms on those con- •>*
troverted points. I do not like J
Eternal, Actual, Vital Union; but
if the brethren means that Christ
is our life, and our life ever exist
ed in him, why I believe that
and I like that better, and it is ea
sier for the Christian to compre
hend. It seems that such unscript- r
ural expressions, would imply
that there is nothing done for the
sinner.
T <1
If the sinner of Adam’s fallen
race is not the subject of salva- -
tion I have no hope.
Ido not want a doctrine that j
charges God with our sins, or I
leaves tbe sinner without hope. 1
We should exercise all the for- It
bearance that we can, but when
ever one denies the salvation of I
the sinner, or that he is resurrect-