Newspaper Page Text
4
The Christian Index,
Published Every Thursday, Cor. Ivy St.
and Edgewood Ave.
GOING TO HIM FOR ANOTHER-
Coing to see Christ in behalf of
others. You find this principal
abundantly illustrated in reading
the story of His wonderful life. |
Surdiy then it was a great privilege, j
and has lost nothing in the course j
of the intervening years.
Just now, because of a letter re- I
ceived from an honored friend, we
are desirous of a favorable intro- ;
duction and approach to the chief 1
executive of our State, and are ear
nestly considering how to bring to I
his attention in the most effective
way the interests of another. Will
he hear one when speaking for
hitnself? Will he hear one when i
speaking for another? Can one
get his consideration and favor in
behalf another? These are grave
questions when concerning purely
temporal matters and earthly magis- I
trates, but infinitely more grave
when carried into the higher
sphere and asked concerning spiri
tual and eternal interests. To lay
the case and cause of another be- :
fore God for his favor and pardon
—this overshadows all else and is |
incomparable in its tremendous
moment.
Yes, you may go to see Christ in |
behalf of another. Let that be
written down to his honor and to
our joy. This is a great fact in
the economy of grace. And as a
principle in the provisions of re
demption is clearly set forth in the
word of God, and was put fre
quently to the test when Jesus was
here as God manifested in the flesh. I
'Many came to him then, not for
themselves only, but to plead an
others cause and cure —sometimes
bringing the subject of their peti
tion,and sometimes agaiifleaving the
subject behind. Not an instance is
on record of the failure of their
mission. One could come for him
self or for another, and Jesus was
accessible, his ear was ever open
and his heart full. We need to
hold this fast, lest we let it slip or
some one take it from us.
We remember hearing a sermon
when a hoy, from a preacher of an
other denomination, whose whole
purpose was to show that there was
‘no use praying for sinners,” and
that “sinners need not pray for
themselves.” It seemed to the
boyish mind and heart to be a
strange, cold, cruel doctrine—but
little short of horrible. Older
years and more experience and ac
quaintance with things, all confirm
and deepens the feelings of the boy.
Such teaching is at variance with
everything in the life of Christ,
crosses every utterance of God’s
word concerning his being a pray
er hearing and prayer-answering
God, does violence to every feeling
awakened in the heart by the spirit
of God, and is discordant with
every noble and lofty impulse of
the soul as well as with the dictate®
of common sense.
One may go to God for himself,
and like the publican in the tem
ple, pray: “God be merciful to
me, the sinner!”—get his answer
and go down to his house justified-
Or burdened with the interests of
another one may go, as Paul went
an behalf of his brethren, and pray
for his salvation. This is a part of
God’s wondrous plan of grace, and
is the first instinct of the heart
either when under conviction for
sin, or when born of the Spirit.
God inclines the heart to pray, and
lends his ear to hear.
Going in behalf of another we
must recognize his need; make
specific mention of his case, call
ing his very name if the heart so
desires, making his need our need>
his woe our woe, and so forcing in
to our pleading all the fullness of
our own souls.
There are times when a prayer
may be, perhaps should be broad
and comprehensive—and times also
when the prayer should be limited,
restricted in its scope and specific.
As ■when a pastor in his study bur
dens his petitions with the one
thought of his own church—to the
exclusions of all general work, all
missionary operations, indeed to the
exclusion of his own family. As
when the Sunday-school teacher,
excluding all [other objects, prays
only for her class, as when a father
centers his petitions upon his own
little group; as when a mother,
’eaving unmentioned the other
flldren, limits[her prayer and cries
ghtily to God for the one child
who has broken away or who for
any reason needs special blessing.
In going to him in behalf of oth
ers we need to go in faith with a
profound sense of the fullness that
is his, as to his wondrous power to
help and save. A sense of our own
need coupled with a sense of his
sufficiency, will move the soul
mightily and is sure to get his ear.
It never failed when he was here
and he [is the same at the right
hand of God as when in the home
circle at Bethany, or hearing the
pleading of those who come to
him then for afflicted homes. It
was then a familiar cry, “O Lord
have mercy upon me! My child!
My child!”, and never went un
nounced, Did not then, will not
now.
GOING TO ANOTHER FOR HIM-
Going to see another in Christ’s
behalf—this is possible and opens
a great door for usefulness and for
serving him. This may be done in
person, or by letter, or by message,
or by kindly bearing and helpful
conduct.
Many instances are on record
how, during his earthly life one
went to another in behalf of him.
Os the first five disciples to come
to him, according to John’s account,
were reached and won, by anoth
ers commending Christ to them-
The woman whom he met at the
well filled the streets of her city
with his wondrous name and gra
cious word. Indeed this is his
chosen method of reaching people,
and for building his kingdom—in
troduced when he was here and
held in operation until now. And
this is the basis of a Christian ac
tivity and all preaching of the gos
pel whether at home or abroad.
But at present we have in mind
and wish especially to emphasize
the specific going of one to anoth
er in behalf of Christ—hand to
hand work with others in his be
half. Here you stand “in Christ’s
stead” and come to speak for him,
commending him to another.
This, while a great privilege and
honor, is also full of responsibility,
and lays a great charge upon our
hearts. We may shrink from if
but we cannot rid ourselves of it.
In being a disciple of Christ, sim
ply inibecoming a Christian, we put
ourselves —rather Christ puts us
out in the world, to stand in his
stead and be his representative.
Let no sense of unworthiness break
the force of this solemn obligation.
Beware lest Satan take your
modesty and timidity, things good
and honorable, and turn them
against you, so crippling your in'
fluence and marring your religious
joy and dishonoring Christ. There
may be those who will never know
of Christ in the fulness of his saw
ing power, unless you go to them
for him. And not to go involves
issues which you may not like to
face in after life, or in the dying
hour, or at the judgment bar of
God.
In going to see another in behalf
of Christ, we must be sure to’carry
the thought of Christ—his thought
concerning God, concerning sin,
concerning himself as Saviour, con
cerning the Holy Spirit, concern
ing the present life and the future
life. Never man thought as this
man, save those only who have
thought his thoughts after him.
We must carry also his great pur
purpose of turning men unto the
Lord, of persuading men to be re
conciled. We must go in his spirit
—with his earnestness and tender
ness, with every impulse of his own
loving heart finding a fresh beat in
our hearts. His words must find
expression in our,words. As when
pleading with Christ for the sin
ner, we make the sinners case our
case, so when pleading with the
sinner for Christ we need to make
Christ’s cause our cause—so in his
stead we go in all the fullness of
the blessings of the gospel of God.
To do this we must needs main
tain our unbroken fellowship and
communion with him. He must
be our teacher if we are to be
teachers of him. His disciples are
letters written by him “not with
ink, but with the spirit of the liv
ing God ; not in tables of stone, but
in fleshy’ tables of the heart.’
They are written that men may’
read—and men do read them
and form their opinions of Christ
far more than from reading the
Bible. We are set for the setting
forth of Christ—and so for com
mending him to men, for turning
men to him as their Saviour and
salvation.
This is indeed a great work.
None are worthy of it. Angels
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15.1894.
would rejoice in it. It is allowed,
indeed it is committed to those
who are Christs. Men rescued by
redeeming grace and brought into
glorious union with the Lord Jesus,
may stand with holy, joyous bold
ness where angels do not [venture
at all. He is before the world and
in the world, “in Christ’s stead,” to
stand for Christ’s glory and to do
Christ’s work. This is your
privilege ; this is your responsibili
ty ; this is your exceeding great re
ward. Set your heart on it, O
reader, as the one great purpose of
your life, that you may “by all
means save some.”
THE NEW BIRTH
At the close of our editorial,
week before last, we alluded briefly
to the new birth ; but it deserves a
more extended notice. “The new
birth, according to Dr. Dagg, “de
notes a great moral change of
which God is the author, and whose
manifestation is found in love to
God and obedience to His com
mandments.” The necessity for
this change is due to the depravity
of human nature.
It is needless to discuss the ex
tent of man’s depravity. Some
have said that man is totally de
praved. Others deny this proposi
tion. We may leave the question
to be settled by the metaphysicians ;
it is enough, for our present pur
pose, to know, as already shown,
man’s proclivity to moral evil is so
intense, that he inevitably becomes
a transgressor and a sinner, as soon
as he reaches the age of moral ac
countability. Hence he is said to
be “dead in tresspasses and in sins.’
This is depravity enough to make
the new birth a necessity. With
this view of man’s condition, we
can understand the meaning of
Christ’s words to Nicodemus.
Nicodemus did not seek an inter
view with Jesus to learn the way
of salvation ; he thought he knew
that well enough. He was a Phari
see, and we have reason to believe
that he was one of the better sort.
He therefore felt assured that he
was all right with God. But he
was deeply impressed with the
Saviour’s wonderful works. He
knew that no man could “do such
works unless God were with
him.” Thus impressed, he proba
bly hoped that Jesus was, sure
enough, the long promised Mes
siah , and that he would soon re
store the kingdom to Israel. Jesus s
knowing the secrets of men’s
hearts, perceived at once his mis
conception of what Messiah’s king
dom should be, and also his igno
rance of the way of salvation-
This hypothesis explains the Savi
or’s seemingly abrupt reply. He
did not allude to His miracles, or
even to Himself, just then ; but,
with a directness of speech,
characteristic of all His teachings,
He struck Nicodemus right on the
point where he most needed infor
mation. “Except a man be born
again he cannot see the Kingdom
of God.” The word “again” might
well be, according to the Greek,
‘‘from above,” and this would yield
a good sense. Very probably the
Savior intended the word to be
taken in this sense. But certainly
Nicodemus did not so understand
it. He understood as our transla*
tors have give it, —“again.” He
also took the word “born” literally.
This is shown by his reply. “How
can a man be born when he is
old, etc.? His words betray an ut
ter ignorance of spiritual things.
The Savior, however, tries to en
lighten him: “Except a man be
born of water and of spirit, (there
is no “the” in the Greek) he con
not enter into the Kingdom of
God.”
The leading terms in this sen
tence are all metaphorical; viz.:
“born,’’“water,” “spirit” and “king
dom.” (See Dr. Dagg’s interpre
tation.) That born and kingdom,
are metaphorical, we suppose all
writers admit. But many take
water in its literal sense, and under
stand it to mean the water of bap
tism. But Dr. Dagg clearly proves
that there is not the slightest allu
sion to baptism. The interpreta
tion of Dr. Dagg may be thus briefly
stated. Let “born,” metaphorical
ly, mean a coming into “a new
condition of life;” let “ water
mean, metaphorically, a divine in
fluence exerted through the word
of God ; let spirit mean, metaphor
ically, a divine influence exerted
by the direct agency of the Holy
Ghost; and let kingdom, metaphor
ically, mean the spiritual domain
over which God reigns. Then the
text may be reduced to a literal
statement thus:
Except a man experience a
change of heart effected by a di
vine influence exerted through the
word of God, and a divine influ
ence exerted by the agency of the
Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into
that spiritual domain over which
God reigns. And thi a means that
he cannot be saved.
We have not space to verify, at
length, this interpretation. It
must suffice to say, that it brings
the several clauses of the sentence
into perfect harmony with each
other. And, it brings the whole
text into harmony with all the
Scriptures which describes the child
of God—the true Christian. No
other interpretation, yet given,
can do so much. Again, it avoids
the doctrine of baptismal regener
ation, and thus destroys the agree
ment for sacramental grace, and
pedobaptism.
But it does more. It reveals the
fact that God takes the initiative
step in every man’s religious ex
perience. The sinner is spirit
ually dead. When Jesus stood at
the tomb of Lazarus, the dead man
had no knowledge of His presence.
When Jesus called with a loved
voice “Lazarus come forth” it was
not the call that waked the corpse
into life; but it was the divine in
fluence or power of which the call
was only the vehicle, or if you
please the sign. Again, when he
stood upon the boat, while the
storm was raging on the sea of
Galilee, and said to the winds and
the waves, “peace be still” it was
not the words that calmed the
howling winds and settled the roll
ing billows ; but it was the force
of His omnipotent will. So, when
one who is dead in trespasses and
in sins, hears the gospel, it is not
the spoken word that quickens
him into spiritual life ; but it is the
divine influence of which the word
is only the vehicle. A Paul may
plant, an Apollos may water, but
only God can give the increase.
This accords with what James
says : “Os His own will begat He
us, by the word of truth.” And
John says, “who,” referring to be
lievers, “ are born, not of blood
nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God” Such
a one is said to be “renewed in the
spirit of his mind,” to have passed
from death to life,” to be “a new
creature” etc.
We have said enough to show,
that the sinner must be born again,
or from above ; that is, he must ex
perience a change of heart, so thor
ough, thajit may be compared to
a “coming into a new condition
of life ;” that is, to a “new birth’’
before he can enter into “the king
dom of God”—which must mean
in this text, a state of salvation.
We have seen also, that God him
self is the author of this great
change by the direct agency of the
Holy Spirit, through the instru
mentality of divine truth.
Now the question arises : Does
God accomplish this change in all
men? If so, then all would be
saved. But Jesus teaches clearly
that this will not be- Many thous
ands will be sent away into end
less punishment. Then, only a
part of mankind experience the
new birth, and thus attain to salva
tion. Now, who shall be of that
happy number? This question
brings us face to face with the
doctrine of election.
We did hope to consider this
doctrine in the present issue, and
so intimated last week ; but upon
reflection it seemed proper to con
sider, more fully, the necessity of
the new birth, and its place in the
process of one’s salvation before
passing on to the subject just
mentioned. But we are now pre
pared for it, and hope next week
to give our views in full of God’s
electing grace.
Editor W. T. Steed of the Eng
lish Review of Reviews, declares
that the Hon. W. E. Gladstone
will soon retire from public life. Mr.
Steed thinks he will take the step
before April. There are many
things for him to think of in tak
ing this step and hence he cannot
act in a day. It is suggested that
Sir William Harcourt will be his
immediate successor.
Liquor seems to be making pro
gress in Baltimore, as the liquor
men in that city are reported to
have united in an effort to induce
the legislature to pass a bill author
izing the saloons to be kept open
on the Sabbath, except between
the hours of 9 a. m. to 1 p. m.
Mr. Gladstone is reported to have
said to a British temperance depu
tation, that the government will
introduce a bill providing for the
compulsory confinement of con
firmed inebriates in a curative asy
lum.
In studying the l-’st Sunday
school lesson we traced the devel
opment of the revelation of God’s
plan of salvation to men. It is
evident that men do not find out
by study—God’s plan—as by the
study of natural truth—but we
get such information direct from
God. It is interesting to follow
this development, from the dis
closure made in his first promise
to Eve—that the seed of the
women should bruise the serpents
head ; the second promise to Shem ;
the third to Abraham ; the fourth to
the descendants of Judah ; then to
David, and lastly Isaiah announces
that salvation is not to come
through a family, but through a
single person—the “suffering serv
ant” of Jehovah. Then we see
the direct connection Adam, Abra
ham—Christ.
In the three covenants given to
man for his government, which
stand out in the old economy, three
divine names are used. These
are: Elohim, El Shaddai and
Jehovah or Jahveh. “Elohim is the
God who so made nature that it
exists, and so preserves it that con
sists. El Shaddai is the God who
so constrains nature that it does his
will, and so subdues it that it bows
to and subserves grace. Jahveh is
the God who carries out the pur
poses of grace in the midst of na
ture, and at last puts a new crea
tion of grace in place of nature.”
The Atlanta Journal now evinces
evidences of the greatest success
and prosperity. The company
have put in new type setting
machines, purchased a bran new
outfit, which gives the neatest ap
pearance of any afternoon paper
we see. The Journal is conducted
with great ability, both in the busi
ness department and in its editor
ial conduct. The daily issue is
now larger, we believe, than any
paper in the State,and in its present
acceptable make up, we doubt not
but its list will rapidly increase as
times improve.
We regretted to see last Thurs
day from the press dispatches, the
announcement of the failure of
The Godey Publishing House.
When but a youth we were enter
tained by the beautiful pictures in
Godey’s Lady’s Book. But recently
this magazine was greatly improv
ed and the past few issues had no
superior. We trust the embarrass
ment will soon be overcome and
the publishers be permitted to re
sume their splendid work.
The evils that come of prize
fights are being more realized. The
Witness of Montreal says : “All
crimes sum themselves up and con
sort together at the prize ring.”
The mayor of Brooklyn refuses
permits to athlectic clubs to give
sporting exhibitions, “because they
are demoralizing to the youth of
the city.”
WAYSIDE JOTTINGS.
The First Baptist church of
Montgomery has gone about the
work of disciplining the members
in away quite heroic. The cases
of more than one hundred mem
bers has been under investigation.
Quite a number have ben excluded,
while many others have been
brought to penitence and restora
tion. Neglect or refusal to aid in
the support of the church has been
the basis of the charge against
many.
* * ♦
Over one hundred cases under
investigation at one time! This
must certainly be an accumulation.
That church has surely been neg
lecting its duty for sometime. We
say church instead of pastor. For
it is unreasonable to lay the weight
of blame solely on the pastor.
Any burden grows heavier through
being deferred. It brings a church
to a great strain to go back through
the months and years to gather up
duties long neglected. The work
of discipline is difficult enough
when met with promptness. We
think there is scarcely room for
boasting that a church deals with
or excludes a large number at once.
It should rather be to the shame of
the church that they have exercis
ed so little care in receiving mem
bers, and that they have thrown so
little care about the weak and way
ward to prevent them from fall
ing.
* * ♦
Dealing with members for fail
ing to aid in the support of the
church! Why not? Is it not a
duty? Is it not the duty of one as
much as of another? If one has
liberty to refuse, then have not all
the same? Some of our churches
insist strenuously that the members
shall attend the conference or busi
ness meetings of the church, but
in comparison with this, helping in
the support of the church is an in
significant matter altogether. Such
churches become greatly exercised
over a slight indiscretion of some
youthful member, but tolerate the
drunkard if he has some social
standing, and never think of say
ing a word to or about the man
who is bterally being eaten up of
his gross covetousness. Let a Bap
tist stray into some other fold and
join in partaking of the Lord’s
Supper. Lie will very soon be
taught what is what. Let him
persevere year after year in rob
bing the Lord’s treasury, and no
account is taken of it. “Woe un
to you, scribes and pharisees, hypo
crits! for ye pay tithe of mint and
anise and cummin, and have
omitted the weightier matters of
the law, judgment, mercy and
faith. Ye blind guides, which
strain at a gnat, and swallow a
camel.”
♦ * *
The fundamental idea of church
discipline should not be to lap oft
dead limbs. It should have more
especial reference to taking the new
members and training and develop
ing them into strength and useful
ness. The discipline aimed at in
the young people’s movement is
the right thing. About this there
can be no question. The point is
as to the best means for attaining
this all-important end. If we bap
tise our converts and leave their
training to the world and to mere
chance we may expect that they
will get into crooked paths.
* * •
It is somewhat depressing to
contemplate the deficiency of the
treasury of the Foreign Mission
Board. But over against this may
be set the very gratifying fact
that a large number of persons are
applying for appointment to the
foreign fields. We say that this is
gratifying on the ground that if
God is moving upon the hearts of
men and women to give themsel
ves we may very soon expect to see
the manifestations of his Spirit in
prompting others to make liberal
offering of their means. Do we
not need to exercise a bold faith in
this matter? It is when we attempt
great things for God that we have
most reason to look for his approv
ing smile and sustaining grace.
What a joy it would be if we
might send twenty-five new mis
sionaries into China this year, and
a proportionate number into other
fields.
♦ * *
Brother Bernard has displayed
great boldness, not to say temerity,
in his proposition to get rid of
worthless deacons. We are glad
our good brother deacon from Mad
ison has taken position beside him,
and recounts some good work al
ready done. Now we hope these
two may gain strength to put a
thousand to flight. We are sorry
if any preacher justifies himself
along any line by charging his dea
cons with unfaithfulness. A pas
tor needs to be faithful in all things,
and one very important duty is
that he shall make plain the duty
and responsibility of deacons. He
is unfaithful when he tries to do
their work himself. It is too often
the case that the more a pastor
works, the less the deacons and
members are inclined to do.
* * *
Why should a deacon be kept in
office when he is utterly inefficient
and inactive. There is no scripture
for it, there is no good sense in it.
The sooner we devise some plan to
get rid of such, the better it will
be for us. The plan of electing
deacons for a definite term of years
has much to commend it. We are
gladsome churches have made suc
cessful trial of it. We should be
be glad to hear report of other like
instances.
Home Board.
The Institute held for the colored
Baptist preachers and deactms in
Macon, Ga., by Rev. J. M. Brittain,
D. D., was one of the most success
ful yet held by the Theological In
structor. This was true both as re
gards the number in attendance and
the interest shown by those who
manifested such eagerness to secure
the instruction imparted. There
were thirty-one ministers and sixteen
deacons present.
Perhaps one reason for the splen
did attendance and the pleasing in
terest exhibited was the fact that
our pastors in Macon hold weekly
institutes in the basement of the
First Baptist church for the colored
Baptist preachers of the city and vi
cinity. The work would be easier
and much more successful if this
course was pursued everywhere.
Rev. G. B. Taylor and his co-labor
ers are greatly aiding the work by
their helpful cooperation.
FOREIGN MISSION ROOMS.
Richmond, Va., Feb. 7, 1894.
Dear Brethren: The demands upon
your Board of Foreign Missions for re
inforcements in some of our fields are
so great that we feel it our duty to lay
the matter before you. Out of a large
number of applicants to go to foreign
fields, the Board has closely examined
many and decide that ten, at least, are
worthy, and if possible should be sent
out this Fall. Some others are already
under appointment, waiting to go.
These men and women are among our
very best, consecrated and anxious to
start on the work to which they feel
God has called them.
The Board, after waiting, praying and
carefully considering the matter, has
passed the following:
“In as much as the committee on
new missions and missionaries has re
ported ten applicants worthy of ap
pointment and as our fields in China,
Japan, and Africa, greatly need re-in
forcement, therefore,
Resolved Ist, That we instruct the
Corresponding Secretary to present this
matter to the associations, churches and
individuals as far as practicable, and see
if they can be induced to make such an
increase in their regular contributions
as will authorize the Board to send out
this Fall these who are ready and ap
proved.
2nd, That brother R. T. Bryan be re
quested to take part in pushing this
forward movement, and also Dr. R. H.
Graves, when he arrives in this coun
try.”
Now in presenting this great work to
you, we feel that God’s hand is leading
us to go forward. The fields are white,
the laborers few. We have prayed God
to send others. They stand before us
saying, “Here am I, send me!” The
whole question then is; What will we,
God’s people, do?
Our plan is this. We wisli individu
als, churches and associations who will
make an advance in their regular con
tributions to notify the Secretary of the
Board, so that we may have some defi
nite idea of what our people are willing
to do. For example, if a church has
been giving for Foreign Missions ten
dollars and will raise it regularly to
twenty, or fifty dollars and will raise it
to a hundred, or one hundred, and will
raise it to one hundred and fifty or
more, then send us word. So also with
an individual or missionary society or
association. Many of our business men
could easily give an additional fifty or
one hundred annually. The same is
true of many associations, composed of
churches which are financially weak.
Those who desire to go, are from differ
ent States. Maryland to Texas. Your
State can easily increase her contribu
tions sufficiently to send one or two.
Every State has churches and individu
als who could alone do this. The work
is God-given. If we honor our Father,
He will honor us. Resolve at once that
you and your church wid act, and never
stop until the notice is given us, and the
money is sent, and the missionary is on
the field giving the gospel to the dying
souls for whom Christ died. Then you
cannot stop, you will have a work in
which you will rejoice more and more.
Who will be the first to respond? What
individual or church?
Fraternally,
R. J. WILUnOHAM.
Corresponding Secretary.
P. S. A list of those responding to
this appeal will be published in the
Journal from time to time, unless we
are requested not to do so.
Dr. Price’s Cream Baking Powder
World's Fair Highest Award.
State Board.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR BUN
DAY-SOHOOL WORK-
For many years it has been my usual
custom, about this season of the year, to
send to my brethren and fellow-workers,
some words of exhortation and encour
agement concerning the Sunday-school
work in our State. I sincerely hope that
the words that I now write will com
mand the serious and thoughtful atten
tion of all who read them.
1. Let us all determine that we will do
more work and better work in this de
partment of the Master’s service this
year than ever before.
2. The time is approaching, if not at
hand, when those schools that were so
unfortunate as to suspend during the
winter, should be reorganized. Let pas
tors and superintendents call attention
to the matter and resume work as soon
as possible.
3. The schools that have continued
during the winter, many of them no
doubt, with much difficulty, should now
put on new life and put forth new
strength. Let pastor’s, superintendents
and teachers devise such plans and
methods as will secure to the schools
more interest and greater profit. Not
long since I heard the superintendent of
the school at LaGrange, brother C. C.
Cox, say, just before dismissal, “I de
sire our school to be more interesting
and* attractive.” He then appointed
several members of the school to pre
pare and present, on the following Sab
bath, very short essays or addresses on
subjects connected with the lesson. A
Superintendent should never be satisfied
unless his school is increasing in num
bers and growing in power. Above all,
he should labor earnestly for spiritual
growth and prosperity.
4. Where there is no school, and has
not been for some time, I most affection
ately beg pastors and members to prayer
fully consider the causes of such omis
sion, and at once set about removing
them and organize a school at the earli
est practicable time. Pastors should re
member that, as a general rule, the
churches will look to them to give direc
tions and wait for them to take the initi
ative steps in every enterprise. The re
sponsibility of failure, therefore, rests
largely upon them, until they have done
their part in this respect.
5. 1 take pleasure in saying that I have
made arrangements to furnish needy
schools with an ample supply of litera
ture. If any school, not able to buy its
own literature, will apply to me, 1 will
send all they need. lam determined
that no church or community in Geor
gia shall lack a Sunday-school because
of its poverty.
6. To the officers of Associational
Sunday-school Conventions I must say,
begin soon to make your arrangements
for your annual meetings. Presidents
of the Conventions should bear in mind
that a great responsibility rests upon
them, since nothing will be done with
out their leadership. All will await
their action. I will attend as many as
possible, but please notify me, at least a
month or six weeks before the time of
meeting.
7. I desire to hold as many Sunday
school Institutes this year as possible,
and will try to secure all the available
help to make them interesting and profit
able. If proper arrangements are made
and sufficient time given to them, it is
impossible to overestimate their value.
Write me if you want one.
If brethren think my services would
be of value in any portion of the State,
and will notify me and arrange the ap
pointments forme, I will come when not
elsewhere engaged. I will be glad to
hear from brethren all over the State in
regard to the work, and will take pleas
ure in helping by voice or pen. I have
quite a number of excellent papers for
children that will be sent to any party
who will pay the postage on them.
9. Let us try to make all our Sunday
schools missionary in spirit and practice.
We should inform our children of our
mission work and get them interested
in its prosecution. At brother Gibson’s
request, I will soon send out an appeal
in behalf of the State Board. I hope
every school will respond.
10. Let us never forget the grand
aims of our Sunday-school work,—“To
bring souls to Christ and to build up
souls in Christ.” To do this requires
much prayer and much work. Let us
give them devoutly and perseveringly.
Affectionately yours,
T. C. Boykin, S. S. Evangelist.
Decatur, Ga., Feb. 7, 1894.
HOW SURPRISING.
What is so surprising?
First, that I can’t get the minutes of
the following[named Associations.
Appalachee, Baptist Union, Bethel,
Bowen, Cave Springs, Centennial,Clarks
ville, Concord,Coosa, Daniels, Ebenezer,
Fairburn, Flint River, Friendship, Har
mony, Hebron, Mallory, Little River, Mt.
Vernon, New Ebenezer, New Union, No
onday, Roswell,Smyrna,Stone Mountain,
Bethlehem, Central Western, Chestatee,
Ellijay, Hightower, Jasper, Lawrence
ville, Mulberry, New Hope, Second
Georgia, South Western, and South Riv
er.
Here are thirty-seven Associations
whose minutes I greatly need. I can’t
get valuable [statistics .without them. I
must have them can’t get along without
them. Have times grown so hard that I
can’t even collect minutes of our Asso
ciations? If so then our hungry mis-