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BATOR, & BAPTIST.' “Holy Bible,—Book Divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine." JESSE ITI. WOOD, Editor. ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Thursday, Aug. 16, 1860. Our terms of Subscription, $2 00 per Annum, always in advance. For our terms for advertising, see Ist column of Ist page. „ —» «. A Special Request. Our friends will please remember that Bro. Wood, the Editor, is not the Book- Keeper, and also that he is frequently ab sent ; therefore, all business letters or ar ticles, to receive proper attention, in all cases, be directed to the “ Panner & Baj’tibt,” this ? - ’FASTORAL TALK-No. 44. J Gold is purified when tried in the fire. Even brass looks much better when burn- ' ished. The process of purification may seem severe, but it is best in the end. So Christians are to be tried, and proven. “All is not gold that shines,” but when an ar ticle shines, and bears, too, all the tests to which gold may be subjected, it will either be regarded gold or quite as valuable. The world cannot tell who is the real soldier until the test is made. Men may talk loudly, when at a distance, from an oppo sing foe ; may shout, and bluster under ex citement of marshall music, and may have quite a soldier like appearance. But when in a life- and death-contest, may prove themselves the veriest cowards. Christians should remember that they are to be tried, and proven by the severest tests. They should always remember where their strength is. All their help, their claims to being gold, their true soldiership, are in Christ Jesus. Without Him, they can do nothing. But, Christ strengthening them, they ran do all things. If they could always feel their complete dependence upon Him, could trust implicitly in Him, and con stantly have their faith directed to Him, they would be the safest, happiest, and purest people upon this green earth. O, Christians ! upon your knees confess your sins, your dependence, and talk to Christ as your best friend. He will give you strength in the day of trial, will soothe your sorrows, will nerve you for the conflict, and will guide you safely amid all your woes. A husband to the widow, a father to the orphan, a friend to the needy and a glorious Savior to all His people, is Christ. ABSENCE--CONTRIBUTORS, &c. No apologies for absence need be made, except to those who wrote us private let ters, requiring private answers. To all such we need only to say that we were en gaged in a work, at our old home, which could not be neglected without fighting against Providence, a thing which no rea sonable man would expect us to do. In the mean time while some editorial matter was regularly furnished, our □ontributors, both male and female, have steadily sup plied interesting matter for our loved Ban ner. Withal, Bro. R., our Locum, is a great worker, and lias managed our affairs wall. It has been often said, in our hearing, that it is a matter of surprise that the Banner, though not a year old, has furn ished so much good original matter to the reading world. \\ e here record our thanks to our brethren anti sisters for affording such important help, and especially our thanks to Almighty God who put it in their hearts to do so. We suppose the world may be convinced, by the history of our paper, that there is talent enough in our midst to make a readable paper, with out shipping it from the North. East or West. Most heartily do we invite the lovers of Zion to contribute to our co lumns, that we may be co-workers in building up the kingdom of Christ, and in maintaining the principles of the Holy Bible. Will our dear brethren who are subscribers to the Banner, living in other States, furnish us with occasional contribu tion# ? ’’ CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE. ” rmtrsTtcc rxnrx It appears that Prof. Mell's “Corrective Church Discipline" has had sufficient sale to require a second edition (no copy has been sent us) and the Christian Index has taken a clear and decided position in re gard to it. This is all right, that is, as Bro. Boykin endorses this singular pro duction, it is all right —it is manly for him to sav so. Our reader# are informed that, aside from three strictly partban papers, the ZarftA is the only Baptist paper, among our exchanges. Mell’s views without material qualifications. In deed we consider Bro. Boykin's indorse ment the most unqualified of any that we i have seen, unless it be that which is im- > plied in ths holster articles of Bro. HiUyer. ! We ha ve found Bro. Boykin thus tar eour-I teous and kind, and we complain not at ! him for taking a position. It is his right to | do #o. But we think, it will lie a long ' time before the best and the' moat reliable Baptists of Georgia w ill in- , dorse the monstrous teachings of •‘Correc- j live Discipline, three fourth'* of which we | grant to be unexceptionable. Indeed, the admixture of true Baptists views with error as poison as Romanism itself, constitutes the danger of the work. So we think and so we dare to say. That our readers may see the proposition of the Index, we extract the concluding paragraph of an editorial notice of Prof. Mell’s work, in the issue of August the Bth : “What Is a minister ? what is ordination ? the relation a Presbytery bears to ordination—Profes sor Mell's discussion of all these chapters pleases us and we are prepared to give in our adherence to all the arguments presented : we think his views sound and think it will be a long time before a book on discipline more plain, concise and scrip tural will be published. We intended to speak more at length on the last chapter 9th, but want of space forbids: we will do so another time. We cordially believe that it is the duty of every Georgia Baptist to procure this book and read it carefully. The perusal of it in book form made a far more fa vorable impression on us than when we read it in detached numbers. “Before concluding this, the first part of our critique we will say that the text does not sustain those who may suppose that Prof. Mell thinks a church ought to entertain a charge “wickedly” brought before her.” “Dear Brother Wood: “ I am truly sorry to say, that you will do yourself justice to stop sending me your loving paper, for I am making little or nd crop, and I cannot tell what my little ones will do for bread. 1 have not had a rain to wet the earth since the first days of March. I delight in your paper, but lam not able to pay tor it. ' “ Pray for me. “Youre, &c., L ” The above is a copy of a letter received recently. /We withhold the name, and publish the letter for two reasons : l>To say something of the drought, dTfiich certainly is extensive and severe.— God has a controversy with the people. He intends to humble them, and show them their dependence. In doing this, His people may be called upon to suffer, -to some extent! with therw'ickedr'Yet their chastisement will afford them an oppor tunity of submission to His will and a trust in His Providence. Our dear bro ther and other Christians, therefore, should look to God who feedeth the ravens, satis fieth the wants of every living thing, and takes peculiar delight in blessing His chosen ones. 2) Is there not some brother upon whom the rain has fallen, who will forward us $2 for this disciple, that he may have the Banner for himself and family. God is affording an opportunity for His people to practice Christianity. If any one asks, why the Editor does not send the Banner himself, the Editor replies that already he gives the Banner to more people than any three men of its friends known to him, and thus gives the oppportunity to others to do good.—Ed. For the Banner & Baptist. Brother Wood : Is it a violation of the Divine Law, to buy, or sell Lottery Tickets? Will Bro. Wood and his learned correspon dent# reply through the Banner? TRUTH SEEKER. If the Divine Law is against down-right swindling of the most insinuating character, then it is a violation of the Divine Law, to sell Lottery Ticket# as it is done now a days. And if it is wrong to encourage swindling, it is wrong to buy. Where there are no buyers, there are no sellers. It is safe to avoid the ap pearance of evil. Does any one else wish to write ? If so, the Banner will publish. Ed. BROTHER DAYTON S BIBLE DIC TIONARY. When in Nashville, on a recent visit, 1 called to sea Br«. Dayton. 1 felt grateful to Hirn who is the Preserver of Life, that this excellent brother has, in a considerable degree, been restored to health. May ho enjoy just so much health as will be compat ible with his highest spiritual good, and enable him to prosecute, in the most suc cessful manner, the noble work in which he is engaged. While at his house he showed me a part of the manuscript of his Bible Dictionary, which will soon be published. This book is designed especially for Sunday School Pupils; but even Teachers will find it a great aid. The design of the Irook is to present in the fewest, simplest words, the best and most comprehensive definition possible. In this, I thiuk, from the examination giv en, that Bro. D. has succeeded admirably. 1 shall anxiously await the publication of the work. Let no Sunday School fail to procure it. A. S. W. THE PRESIDENT OF MERCER UNI VERSITY w has just paid us a visit. It afforded us* much pleasure to meet him, who was once our instructor, and always a true friend.— Bro. Crawford preached in the Second Bap tist Church on Thursday night. The sermon was, so far as 1 heard it, (for it was rather late before 1 entered the house) characteris tic. It was full of Gospel truth, prompted by a warm, feeling heart, and delivered in a simple, unostentatious style. Bro. Craw ford never tries to preach a “big sermon” when from home: his best sermons, if any discrimination is allowable, are, as a gen eral rule, delivered to his churches, and on ordinary occasions. Hence those who hear him most frequently, appreciate his preach ing most. This is, as it should be. How many preachers have a few extra sermons, who, by preaching them to new audiences, gain a reputation far Iteyond their deserts. A. 8. W. • “U»” sad “our” are u«ed in their proper to denote plurality. ... * BRO. WARREN, Pastor of the Baptist Church in Miivm, Georgia, gave us a eall on Saturday, the 11th inst. It was the first time I ever had the pleasure of meeting Bro. W. I could not fail to observe in Bro. Warren a more than usual degree of devotion to the cause of Christ. His heart is in the work of sav | ing souls. May his labors be abundantly | blessed. He also filled the pulpit of Bro. Clark, in the Second Baptist Church, on i Sabbath and Sabbath night last, it was not our good fortune to bear him, but we learn ' from those who were present on Sabbath I morning, that his discourse upm the sub ' jeet of a“t rue church,” and the material of which a true church w composed, was an ; able landmark Baptist sermon. M e hope I he will find it convenient to soon visit At- I lanta again. A. S. W. ■hl Ml. I IJU ABOLITION COLPORTERS IN DIS GUISE. “ The Agent of the Boston Tract Society stated at the session of the Vermont Congregational Con vention that colporters were laboring at the South under the patronape of that Society, which, our readers will remember, was organized by the ultra anti-slavery speeders from the American Tract So ciety, New York. When asked by a member of the Convention, where these colporters were laboring at the South, he refused to answer, lest they should be driven from their field of effort when known in their true character.” Where are these colporters laboring? They should be hunted out and branded, as worse than seditious persons, striving to disturb the peace of the country. The plain, unvarnished truth is, that the people of the South must begin to protect themselves against these abolition scoun drels, or else surrender the negro to their claims, and our fair country to worse than Hay tian barbarism. Look at portions of Texas to-day; whole counties armed (and from necessity too,) momentarily expecting an attack —not knowing at what moment their wives and children will be inhumanly butchered by the mad negro, led on by abolitionists — perhaps, very likely, by some of these very colporters above alluded to. It is time to watch as well as to pray. R. + - - Americus, Aug. 7th, 1860. Dear Banner : A meeting was commenced at Mt. Olive, 7 miles North of this place, on Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in July, which resulted in the reception of fifteen by ex perience and baptism, and one by letter. Bro. Camp, the factor, wpxs by Elder J. B. Battle, who preached every day for nine days, although he is now in seventy-second year of his age. Those who attended the meeting, speak of it as a most gracious season. Yours truly, H. C. IL COMMUNICATIONS. For the Banner & Baptist. THEORY OF PROFESSOR MELL AND HILLYER, VERSUS THE GEORGIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. A Minute of the Georgia Baptist Asso ciation—for 1859—has fallen into my hands. In glancing over its contents, 1 find, under i the head of “Order,” the following: “Ist. We believe that the visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful per sons, who have gained Christian fellowship with each other, and have given themselves up to the Lord, and to one another, and have agreed to keep up a godly discipline, agreeably to the rules of the Gospel? (My Italics.) “2d. e believe that Jesus Christ is the Great Head of the Church, and only law giver, and that the Government is with the body and is the privilege of each indi vidual ; and that the discipline of the Church is intended for the reclaiming of , those Christians who are disorderly either in principle or practice ; and must be faithful ly kept up for God's glory, and the peace and unity of His Churches." (Italics mine.) It is not my purpose to make any criti cism, at present, relative to the principles contained in the above; but I intend to show that the theory of Profs. M. and 11. is not consistent with the above extracts. Prof. Mell was the ' Moderator of the As sociation, be it remembered. From the extract the following proposi- : tions are clearly deducible : 1. That, among other things, an agree meat to keep up a godly discipline, agreeably to the rules of the Gospel, is indispensable to the existence of a Church. 2. That Christ is the only Law giver, and therefore has prescribed rules in ac cordance with which discipline must be exercised. 3. That the discipline of a Church is designed to reclaim kkal offenders. Now compare the first proposition with . the following dogma for which, if 1 under stand them, they now contend—viz: That if a Church with the design to destroy, wickedly arraigns an innocent and worthy r member—then wickedly proceeds to exclude , him—she is still, nevertheless, a Church. Do they say so in so many words ? No ; but they hold principles which necessarily imply it. They teach that when one Church wickedly excludes a worthy member, all ’ other Churches ought to ratify the act—■ > that the excluded must remain excluded ■ until those who have tried to ruin him, see fit to restore him ! Now, if such an act i of exclusion deserves such respect from • other Churches, it must be partly, at least, because the body pissing the act of et elusion I was a Church al the time when she excluded i said member, and continues Io be a Church. For if the excluding body was not a Church ' at the time of the exclusion, it would lie folly to regard the excluded as shut out from any Church by such an Invalid act. i And if the wicked act of discipline was • such as to destroy the t'hurch, then, of course, there could be no reason why the t excluded -hotitd be treated “as a hea , then man and a publican.” So it amounts , to this : -1 Church cannot unchurch itself . iby any act of discipline, however wicked ! I Then, iu the face of the Constitution of the ■ Georgia Baptist Association, of which Prof. ' M. is Moderator, we hear him, in thunder j tones, divlaring a doctrine diametrically ; oppose*! to the plainest teachings of the Constitution ’ The Constitution say s that >) the risible Church of Christ is a congrega |; tion of fiuthfu! persons, who. among other I things, "have agreed t» keep up a go<Hy dis- > J cipHne." Prof. M. says in substance, some . I bodies may be Churches, who hare agreed tn keep up an i s-godly discipline ? 1 under ; stand Pmf. Hilly er to teach the same doc trine. Now, where is the logic in this case ? i I-et us see. All Churches have agreed to keep up a p-xZ'y discipline ; the Church at i ' .4, (at nong other necessary things) keeps i up a godly discipline: therefore the Church at A. is a Church—L e. a Church of Christ. Again: All Churches have agreed to keep up a g’klly discipline; the Church at B. has been and is now keeping up an rx godly discipline: therefore the Church at i B. is a Church —i. e. a true Church. Who is so blind to sec that, if d this last conclusion lie (rue, the character- c< istic specified, viz: thaft Church is a body that “has agreed to k«P up a godly dis- n cipline” —is no specififcharacteristic of a I Church of Christ? freed, according to si the late theory, disciplie, whether good or bad, is to be respected f f dl the loyal sub jects of Christ I But ) un persuaded that the Georgia Baptist association will, or n has already repudiate this monstrous ab surdity, though a fev|'p r o m,n ent men do advocate it. 2. The second proJ )S * t * on —^ < hrist is the only law giver, l(ls therefore pre- j scribed rules in with which dis cipline must be exenjfd — is also nullified a by this new theory, f Christ is the only j law-giver, then it is self-evident that a r Church cannot make k ws f° r herself. But { the theory affirms tkft a Church may en- ] tertain a wickedly Referred charge, and ] exclude a worthy number. Hus Christ t enacted any such lat us this ? Who will [ rfure to say that He U 3? But if she enter- t tain a charge thus preferred, and it she thus exclude a worthy member, does she , not make her own or laws? If she < makes her own laws, is it not folly to say that Christ is her ofty Law-giver ? But | this new theory is npt the theory of the Georgia Baptist to be see.n will repudiate the , oAZ, and adopt the mcl theory. 3. The Association whose Constitution i we are jeclarqs that the dis chpline of b> rechum cipline, informs us that it may be designed to destroy and blast the reputation of a worthy member. Georgia Baptists, with a few exceptions, would not call such a wicked usurpation of power, discipline, but persecution and rebellion. Prof. M. gives it no new name, but contends that all other Churches are bound to regard the act as if it were a righteous one ! The old theory recognizes the right in a Church to dis cipline “ those Christians who ” are “ disor derly either in principle or practice.” The new theory recognizes the right in a Church to arraign, try and exclude an innocent member! Now, it is supposable that Prof. Mell, : the Moderator of the Georgia Association, concurred in the sentiment of the extracts made from the Minute of this Association. I see no protest on the face of the Minutes. Does Prof. M. still hold to these printed articles? If so, must he not reject a part, at least, of his discipline? Or will he hold to both ? Will he say that a thing is so, and, at the same time, assert that it is not so ? The time has come when every one called by the name of Baptist, should ex amine well the grounds of his faith, and be able to entertain consistent views of the truth. GEORGIA. For the Banner & Baptist. Clinton, Hinds Co., Miss., ( August 8, 1860. ) Brother ti r ood : I have been a reader of the Banner from its first issue. 1 am highly pleased with its spirit and its positions. I see in the number of July 26th an article from Bro. R., that suggests something to iny mind, that I have desiredDo > say for sometime past. If you think iT’si to let them go be fore the public, you are at liberty to do so. The first idea that (to rny mind) is so I very objectionable ani abhorrent, is the church infallibility, as advocated by Daw son, Mell, and others. Some say the Re vision Question is the great “question of the age” and others something else, some one thing and some another; but to my mind, the doctrine of church polity is equal to any one of them, (while 1 think all those questions are great questions.) 1 think the church polity question involves that, which is more dear to us, as a people, than even life. It involves that for which our fore fathers gave their lives, and the strangest thing of all to me is, that the infallibility doctrine is claimed to lie the old theory, and that, too, by men that ought to know better. Let that doctrine be believed and acted out, by Baptists, and all churzh inde pendence is destroyed forever, and a des ' potisin as absolute as the Vatican, is inaug ! united iq»on us. 1 think Midi’s “Book on > Discipline” will be a “death knell” to him, las a writer for the South. It is received j with but little favor in the State of Missis i sippi; even his warmest admirers here ' will not endorse it. I think, the endorse i meiit given it by the Southern Baptist Pub- I lication Society, will militate very much ■ against the Society’s operations. I think, it ! ought to do so, too; as Bro. R. says, de \ sign is too manifest to be denied. I am sorroy to see Bro. D. R. Campbell, of Georgetown, Kentucky, writes, as if he believed, the Baptists were contending for men, instead of “principles.” Some in Mis i sissippi talk the same way. When I hear men talk that way, I opine that they may ! be doing the very lof doing. The most unfavorable omen 1 see, is, that men that repudiate the infalli ' > bility pvlity wont speak oat and say so— ! they lie as mute as death. I think, it shows great want of fealty to Christ and His law. May the time soon come, when the lovers ! of Jesus will not be so reluctant and slow to speak out for their Master. There is <>ne thing a little singular about this whole matter, and that is, the D.D.’s and LX. D.’s seem to go together: some, 1 think, wont say anything, because they dislike to i differ with such men. Br«». Wood, I would like to know, how i it comes to pass, that Baptists will receive such titles. Where does it come from?* Do you think any institution, influenced by > th ■ spirit of Christ, ever conferred such titles on men I And, vice versa, do you ' think that any man was ever influenced by the spirit of Christ to accept such titles ? j If xoudo, I dont. Where did such practice i come from; from Judaism, or from Rome, I or from both ? I am sure, it never erninated in the kingdom of the meek and lowly i Savior, who required His disciples, to look upon others as better than themselves. — ' He authorized no distinctions among His I lisciples of that kind; so I suppose it mus* some from some other quarter. I am sorry to see that Mercer has com menced said work. I did hope that Mercer, Howard and Murfreesborough would let , such little things alone. Yours, &c., SAMUEL SHIGPEN. * From Satan, appearing to the pride of the hu man heart. No such distinctions will be known in . Heaven. Ed. For the Banner & Baptist. Covington, Newton Co., Ga., ) May, 1860. j Dear Bro. James Edmunds: I cannot refrain from expressing my joy and gratitude to God for so great an enter prize as you are engaged in. lam a poor man, but bless the Lord Bro., that I can and do love a good cause; and certainly I look upon your society as emphatically a poor man’s benefiting society. The com mon English version, is to a great measure, locked up to the common class of people ; this I feel, and have felt for years, sensibly. The wealthy can only procure means to unlock its darkness; but bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me praise His wonderful and unsearchable goodness for the formation of the American Bible Union; so that we who cannot procure note books, &c., to open the darkness, can now get the blessed, charming, delightful work of life, needing no note and commen tary books. Well might you add to the name of your society—“ Gifts for the Poor—The Word of Life’*—withwfrt the ■need' ot- iHwwUcda Oft dollars worth of note books, &c., to ex plain the untranslated words, &c. I myself, poor as I am, but having a great desire to understand the Word of the Lord, and to know what He said to the people to whom He addressed the Words of Life —and see ing that I could not understand it other wise—have been driven to the painful necessity of purchasing commentaries, note books, &c., that 1 might find what God said ; and I have not confined myself to one Divine’s opinion either, for fear of his sectarian teaching; for how could a common English reader understand many important words in our common version, and these hard words are too generally the vary ones that ought to be translated, be cause they serve to throw a veil of dark ness, not only over the surface where they occur, but actually obscure much of the Word of Life ; and if a common English reader thus feels the force of darkness by such an acknowledged bad translation, what Bible critic does not see into what depths of mist we have fallen ? and can he not feel for us ? I look upon your cause as being vastly above all causes-—I mean the Bible Union. If the vast amount of money spent in other causes, which are of little real value to the common class, and the rich have no need of it, because they do not begin at the root of the evil, was spent in connection with your cause, to give the pure Word of Life to the people, the amount of real good in enlightening and christianizing the world, over and above what is done by the sums thus given, could not be calculated ; for who is not confused by the common ver sion ? and how many are made infidels by it, wtlereas the real Word of God would remove all this, and draw at once the true line of distinction between error and truth, whereas the way we now have the Word, it makes no difference what a man’s faith is, he can sustain it by the common ver sion ; and those who are disposed to believe in God, are frequently lead to seriously doubt the truths of the Scriptures; be cause God is represented as being one of strict veracity—and then again what con tradiction —and these things lead the una wares to doubt, and frequently to infideli ty. Such thingsought not to be. Whence sprang such a variety of denominations and faiths ? In reading the “Documentary History of the American Bible Union,” vol. Ist, for a while, one will weep, and for another rejoice for joy and gratitude to God, be cause He thus put it into the hearts of His people to give us the Word—the pure Word of God. I know that Bro. Russell, the agent of the Bible Union, would do a great amount of good to write a series of articles on the Revision of the English Scriptures, and have them published in the Banner de Baptist; because thereby, Bro. Wood, he would speak to all your subscribers at once.* As poor as Izfim I expect to become a life member of the Bible Union by paying the required^sum—l3o—at the end of this year, when I collect my years work, and shall think that I have spent a little to as sist the greatest institution ever set on foot by man. What, to have the Bible trans lated correctly ? Where is a grearer?— Why publish a book any longer which o»lv tends to strife and division ? If it can be corrected, and all learned men say it can, why not do it, and that too at once ? J. M. M. * Will Bro. Russell write a few articles for the Banner I— Ed. < < For the Banner & Baptist. FRAGMENT.-No. 2. It is the business of the restless enemy of souls to keep men ignorant of their lost state, lest the light of the glorious Gospel should shine into their minds; for sinners will not seek for help till they know their danger, nor for a cure, till they feel their disease. The Word of God makes the discovery; the Holy Spirit opens and makes it effectual. For want of searching : the Scriptures and attending the Worship I of God, the greatest part of mankind live i and die in their sins, and must forever abide under the wrath and curse of God; , and truth itself declares, “Herein is the con ! demnation —that light is come into the world, but men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.” John 3: 19. S. The best way to humble a proud man is to take no notice of him. ! For the Banner & Baptist. j KIND WORDS TO IMPENITENTS. NUEBER V. Dear impenitent friend, we have been so constantly engaged of late in protracted 1 meetirgs, that we have not spoken to you 1 about your soul’s salvation for some weeks. We have tried to impress upon your mind that you were a sinner, and to present you a dear Savior who “is able to save to the uttermost all who will come unto God by Him.” Sinner, you have no other Savior but Jesus Christ. “There is no other name given under Heaven, or among men, where by you can be saved.” You have need of salvation—without it you will perish for ever ; and every day you neglect it, you are exposed to death and ruin. Are you not in danger of losing your soul ? Ponder this question well, for it is one of vast moment. The Savior says— “ What will it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul, or what will a man give in exchange for his soul ?” Do you ask, how is it that sinners are in danger of losing their souls? I answer, being already condemned and in unbelief. By “neglecting this great salvation.”— Procrastinating, which is said to be the thief of time—saying there, is time enough yet—l intend to repent and be religious before I die. But poor ungodly man or woman, how uncertain is thy life! It is like a vapor —it may soon be gone. And will you hang your soul’s eternal interest <?n ' wfMxu tuuities ? Again, you are in danger while living in sin and rebellion against Ged, of being given over, or passing the boundry-line of God’s compassion—deserted by the Spirit, and left to work out your own damnation with greediness. For it is written in the Bible, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” There is a time we know not wlien — A point we know not where, That seals the destiny of men, For heaven or despair. Then O ! sinner be wise while it is called to-day, for the long night of death will come when rone can repent, believe and be sa ved. C. B. M. LAmES* ©CTARTMEffT. FOR THE BANNER A BAPTIST. “ BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER’S BUR DEN. ” BY' MRS. L. O. G. How much of love and sympathy for the human race is contained in this injunction! What a bright, glorious, happy world we should have, were it obeyed in “the letter and spirit!” Each individual has a burden to carry, which, at times, becomes almost insupportable. But God has so constituted us, that “no one can live to himself alone,” and thus it becomes our duty, as it should be our pleasure, to “bear one another’s burdens.” How dependent we are upon each other ’ for all that renders life pleasant and de ' sirable. How little were the gold and gems, and jewels of earth worth, without human sympathy and affection ! Methinks, msH would find even Paratfise ftself irk : some, without “a sharer of his joys, and a soother of his sorrows.” And, yet, how ' few strive in earnest, to bear another’s ' burden. We are not commanded to sit ' down and count how much troub'.e, and labor, and time, and money, it will cost to relieve another’s woe—but “bear one an other’s burdens” at any sacrifice whatever, and thus “fulfill the law of Christ.” Ah! life’s burden is sometimes hard to bear alone! When sad, and faint, and weary, crushed down to the earth by the weight of our heavy burdens, we feel, that with one more effort our strength must fail; how sweet and cheering the kind at tentions and persuasive influence of others! How we thank and bless that “friend in ’ need,” who seeks to aid our faltering steps, who turns our feet from error’s ways, and spreads a halo of light around our darken ed path. This text is peculiarly applicable to Woman. Her never failing sympathy : p her unbounded affection and quick percep tions; all fit her for thus “fulfilling the law t . of Christ .” But how sad to reflect, that wo man often makes the burden of her own sex two fold heavier, instead of seeking every opportunity to lighten her cares, soothe her sorrows, and smooth the thorny path her feet must tread. How oft the poisoned shaft of envy rankles in her bo -1 som, blighting every bud of promise, de ’ straying every good influence—weakening every effort for the good of others. How oft the “ venomed tooth of calumny ” wounds and blasts that, which is dearer to woman than life itself—her reputation.— How oft, by her perverse wilfulness, she alienates the affections of her dearest 1 friends. How oft, by extreme selfish- L ness, she adds a weight to the burdens of father, husband and brother—too heavy to Ibe borne. And yet, on the other hand, | how oft we find her bearing her own, and ’ | the burdens of others, with unlimited for i titude, patience, meekness and forbearance. Standing firm and true, “’mid threatening dangers,” faithfully performing every “known duty,”—when overwhelmed in sor i row—“immersed in a sea of tribulation, i and surrounded with almost insurinoun -1 i table obstacles and inextricable difficulties ‘ | —“still extracting a little sweet from the ! dregs of her own bitter cup for the con i solation of others. : \ But ’tis not the heart’s burden of grief I | and mental suffering alone, we are called ’ ; upon to bear. This is an every-day prae ‘ j tical lesson, and ever) one should look around and extend a helpiing hand where , ever it is needed. In the home circle, op ' i portunities will frequently occur, when every one, by the exercise of a little self- ; denial, can have it in his power to lighten 1 the burden of others. See that pale, sad, ' j silent wife and mother, as she goes about her daily tasks, which have become irk [ ; some and distasteful to her, because they j have increased and multiplied beyond her physical strength. She feels that she must soon sink under her “load of accumulated cares.” Yet, stern duty keeps her at her post. The husband’s watchful eye notices her pale face, attenuated form and weary step, and in a tone of exquisite tenderness says : “Mary, you must take a little rest. You are wearing yourself out, and what could we do without you ?” How much such an expression of interest and appre ciation of her efforts, lighten her burden ! What strength it gives her for renewed exertion ; and how she thanks and blesses him for those cheering words of esteem and commendation. There is a “man of sorrow.” Care and disappointment have set their seal upon his furrowed brow. Ihe world see it but pass heedlessly on. His wife says, bv her prudent care and forethought, by her ten der solicitude for his welfare and comfort, bv repeated acts of self-denial and acquies cence in his wishes —“Husband, 1 am re solved to lighten your burden.” His chil dren say, by their dutiful conduct and affec tionate regard : “Father, we have long been a burden to you, but now we will help you to bear it.” That elder brother or sister; how much they can aid in bear ing the burden of their fond, indulgent parents! Young man, did you ever reflect that it is your duty to assist your father, who has made so many sacrifices for you ? How often is it the case, that, as soon as a young man is competent to enter into business, he leaves the parental roof and ceases to care for those who remain. As he becomes immersed in business and they ' ■ seldom hear from him ; or if an occasional ■’ hurried epistle now and then reaches them, in answer to their many affectionate in quiries, it but too plainly says—l have my ■ own way to make in the world, and you ■ must do the same. I cannot share my time and talents, and money, with you. And that young lady, whose time is so occupied with endless rounds of pleasure ; how much she could lighten the burden of [ her fond, loving mother. Yet, she would . feel it an insult to her “refined sensibili . ties,” to hint at the propriety of assisting in household labor. Her delicate hands : were not made for such work, and she has her own burden to bear —the heavy bur den of dress and fashion, and planning for future conquests. She has no time to help her mother, to smooth her father’s fur rowed brow, to amuse her younger bro thers and sisters, or aid them in climbing the rugged hill of science, up which they are toiling with many a weary, painful j step, bearing childhood’s heavy burden of dull, tedious study and monotons restraint. ” No time to visit the poor and needy—to dry the orphan’s tear —to speak kind, sola t cing words to Earth’s afflicted ones, or j pour the balm of healing into wounded, . broken hearts. Ah ! Young ladies could do j much in fulfilling this law of Christ (if they had time for it.) 8 But this command extends beyond the pale of the family circle. Wherever a human being is found, “laboring to carry life’s sor- I rowful burden of sighs and tears,” re t member to give him thine aid. i “Oh! one another’s burden bear,” ’ While pussliig through this gloomy vale, And oue another’# sorrows share, 1 Till life, and strength, and hope shall fall. Y Oh ! Live not to thyself alone, S Thy brother needs a helping hand, I Aid him—his need may he thine own, ] Ere thou canst reach “tho better land.” '■* Give love, and truth, and goM to win, i- Thine erring brother’s feet to tread, • In virtue’s paths—from ways of sin, To turn with shame, and grief, and dread. 0 Kind deeds will make his burden light, j Kind words will cheer his gloomy way, As stars adorn the brow of night, As sheds the sun bis quick’ning ray. Then “One another's burdens bear,” It Is “Our Fathers” holy will. If you a crown of life would wear, s! You must “the law of Christ fulfill.” n • *"* s, Our own, dear America, d BY F. ABBIE WILLIAM#. 1- e What a sweet, noble land is ours!— ’ What a lovely land we claim ! And it is ’’ all our own’; ours by the right of Free ' dom; ours, purchased by the blood of our *’ noble forefathers; yea, and it is ours given II to us by God! Then let us appreciate the ® gift ; let our anthems of praise be as wide, *’ and free, as was the song of the little bark ' of pilgrims, when they- first landed on our e owzi sweet America's shore. Yes, and we have had the honor of being ' united; united in design, pursuit, hope, ’ and purpose. And how sweet has been this union ! no wintry gales have blasted us as yet. All has been calm and serene J as an Indian’s summer twilight. But hark ! in the distance is heard the mutterings of distant thunder, the light wings <>f the sky f are beginning to be seen, and the winds of discord are now slowly and steadily rising. 1 Would not yonder sea faring captain tell J you, in positive terms, that these are indi cations of a storm ? Most assuredly he. ‘ would. And so would yonder sage poli tician tell you, that a storm is threaten ’ ing our sweet, dear land. Then, oh ! then, ’ why not reform ? Let again the sun shine of concord, and the leading star of hope j brighten the horizon of the free land Amer ica. And let the motto, as said by George P. Morris, be engraved on tables, never to ’ be forgotten. This is the sentiment of the verse— “ United ice stand, Divided tee fall." 1 And this sentiment is felt by every one, • that watches the coming gale ; that if there I is dissolution, we must ultimately fall.— ’ But let the motto of Union be our watch word, and Excelsior the device of our Basner ! i ■ - I AM th*’ “pinion that the Bible i , contains more sublimity, more exquisite ( beauty, more pure morality, more impor tant history, and finer strains of poetry and i eloquence, than can lie collected from all other books, in whatever age or language • they may have been written.— Sir William • > Jones.