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lantlmatA 11 ann er S O'hcvoltc c Sadist. JESSE M. WOOD, 1 H, C. HORNADY, J TWO DOLLARS A4EAR, IS ADVANCE. BANNER & B U’TIST. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. W eeklv, (fifty Nos.J per annum, invariably in ADVANCE. $2 00 All letters containing remittances, or articles for the Paper, should be directed to the “ Banner & Baptist,” Atlanta, Georgia, and not to the Edi tors by name Those wishing papers changed, should give the Post-Office they wish changed from, as well as the one to be changed to. Those forwarding names of subscribers or remit tances, should always write the name of'Post Of fice, County, and State, in full. Money due the Office, may be sent by mail at our risk—always mail it in presence of a friend,'(other than the P". M.,) or procure a friend to mail it for you—never register. Coetrtbutors should write only on one side of each le#.f and number the pajma, 1,2, 8, &c. The Editor wi’’ be responsible only for his own I article*. • 11 M<>. 2*Mo. 8 Mo. 16 Mo. 9 Mo. 12Mo. 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When paid in ad vance we will deduct Twenty-five cents in the Dollar from our regular charges. Cash for Advertisements considered due, and collectable, at one half the time contracted for in sertion, except yearly advertisements, due and pay able quarterly. WOOD, HANLEITER. RICE & CO., Proprietors. GOMWIGATWI For the Banner 4 Baptist Scriptural and Successful Missions. NUMBER 7. In former numbers, I have endeavored to show that the church was adapted to the work of the world’s conversion, and that it was sufficient; that if sufficient, no other is need ed ; and if no other is needed, it is because Christ has designed this to effect the work ; and if he has so designed, then we, his follow ers, should consider its place and importance in this great work. But it may lie asked, “can not a church | transfer her authority and duty to others, who can perhaps as well or better perform this work. I answer no: Ist, because it is not necessary. 2nd, because it is not lawful. That it is not necessary I have shown already, in view of the powers and design of a church. It is organized and fitted for the very work of the world’s salvation. No other therefore is necessary. And, in what may bo said in this number, proof will appear that it is neither lawful nor necessary to transfer the authority and duty, from the church to others. 'l’he duty of a church is the duty of its members, and of each, and all of its members. 1 low can these be transferred? Who will do them if they, whose duty it is, do not? Os all churches and Christians, Christ makes such requirements as suit Him; how then can one do the duty of another, or of oth ers ? But it foay l»e asked, “may not the church it) its organized capacity transfer these du tics?” Not if the duties are its duties. If they are the duties of any particular local church, they are duties of that church, and cannot lie done by another. Os other church es, Christ will make such demands as suit Him, but when a church has duties to perform they esn be done by that church alone. But still it may be asked, “can not a church delegate her authority and allow others to act for her, do her work ; and thus meet her ob ligations ?” 1 answer no! A church receives all her authority from Christ, and lie has not given her power to transfer. I have shown that these power* refer to, receiving lnqitizing, instructing members, appointing to offices such of her members as are qualified and called. Now, each and all of these bear upon the extension of the kingdom, and were con ferred for that purpose'. How can a church transfer these ? All are necessary to the work of evangelization, and the chureh to whom such persons arc granted, and on whom such responsibilities rest, must exercise them for the promotion of the kingdom. How ran they be transferred and exercised by others ? 'l’he church is a democracy. The power lies hi the people. While delegated by Christ, or conferred by Christ, it is to l»c exercised by the w hole of them. If not exercised by the people eomposieg the church, it is not ever rised by the Church. True, it is an executive democracy, and that only makes the matter eiearer, that they mu not transfer. It is a danuwraey to w era Ar the will of the Master. Wba are to execute! The ehurvh—the whole ciwrrA. How then can they transfer? But even it it be admitted, as some contend, that there is a republican clement in true churches; yet it is not of such character as to allo* ot a transfer of power or authority to other*. This I will not now take time to prove, but will here, and now. take (or gran trd. But still, it may be asked, “ran not aehutch delegate certain of its oe* members to per form certain duties for itT* ( answer what a church does by her members delegated, she doee by herself. If they act just as she com* manda, and for the purpose for «bah she seod*. and do net transcend her command, sod she rveeivwa and approves their report, this is acting herself. But if the question means ran she not transfer father members her own powers and Und herself by their acts, and thus change her own character front a Deu»v»ctacy tea Re public I I answer, no ! This would he to change her organism and defoal the great d 4& wgn of her Founder, Hat still, it may be asked, “Did not the charvh at Antioch delegate her powers to cer- tain persons, Barnabas and Saql, when she sent them to Jerusalem with the a bout circumcision ?” I answer, no ■ They sent them there as to the oldest church, and to the Apostles; and when they were most likely to know the mind of the Spirit to en quire as to what God designed as to the per petuity of the rite of circumcision. It was a mere mission of inquiry. To make this plain, let us suppose that the church at Jeru salem had suddenly become corrupt, that Barnabas and Saul had gone off into error with them, and "had reported it as their duty to do that which Was manifestly unscriptural and even sinful, would they have been, and considered themselves bound by their acts? They certainly would not; but .would have subjected these delegates to disciplijie-fand ex . communication. Nor I think- earn pie be found jn the New' Testament wherea church has transferred her authority or powers to others. And that it is unlawful for a church to transfer her authority, or duty, is plain from the fact that in her organized capacity, she is by Divine appointment connected with the work of missions. This already appears from what I have shown of the powers and design of the church. They elect officers and ordain them for this work, keep up disciple for this work, and to this end maintain the truth as the “pillar and ground of it.” Take an ex ample from Acts, 12th chapter. On the per secution which arose about Stephen, the disci ples were scattered abroad and preached at Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch. When the church at Jerusalem heard of it, they “sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch.” He came upon them directly, and “exhorted that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Thence he went to Tarsus, to seek Saul: and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch,and a “whole year they assembled w'ith the church, and taught much people.” Now, here in a few- verses are two examples where the church in its “organized capacity aided the work, and was connected dire tly with the work of extending the kingdom of Christ. Nor are these the only ones. Many exam pies can be found where the chureh has taken decisive and active part in those days of “suc cessful missions. ” T. - l* I «BM> For the Banner 1 Baptist THE BIBLE.—No. 2. 3. While the Bible claims God for its au thor, it has salvation for its end. The great and benevolent object of Revelation is, not only that the man of God may lie perfect, but also to reveal the glorious system of sal vation. Paul, in writing to Timothy his son in the gospel, says: “From a child thou has known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus:” 2 Tim. 3: 15. What a delightful privilege to know the holy Scrip tures from a child ! Here it is affirmed, that the Scriptures, and not human philosophy, not the traditions of men, not dreams and visions, not the ghosts of the departed, but the holy Scriptures, are able to make us wise unto salvation. If they are able to make us wise unto salvation, then they were given for this purpose. They are called the holy Scriptures. They emanate from the Holy God. And they reveal a sys tem of salvation consistent with the holiness of God. They are able to make us wise un to salvation, only through faith, which fa in Christ Jesus. The holy Scriptures reveal but one way of salvation, and that is through /<nlA in Christ Jesus. If the Jew should ob serve ai’ the rites and ceremonies of the an cient economy, still without faith in Christ as set forth in those types and shadows, all would be in vain. Equally abortive would be all the ceremonies of the Gospel dispensa tion. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Os which sa’vation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you : searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified before hand, the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow :” I Pet. 1 : ft 11. Here it is evident, that salvation is the great end ot the prophetic communications. Fhe prophets enquired diligently into the meaning of their own prophecies. Especially did they search and enquire diligently as to the time and manner of the coming of Christ, j The Spirit of Christ was in them ; and signi ! tied to them, and testified beforehand the suf ferings of Christ and the glory that should follow. “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you bv them that have preaefosl the Gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; i which things th** angels desire to loot into." ’lTie great salvation revealed in the Gospel not only engaged the thoughts and earnest en quiries of holy men of God, who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, but the angels in glory are also delightful students of the great mysteries of redemption. Surely it is worthy of the serious consideration of fallen sinners like ourselves. I’he Ixird instructed Conielius to “Send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose sur name is Peter: *ho shall tell thee words where by th.*u and all thy house shall be saved." Acts ll : 14. Peter was an inspired Apostle, and had received a commission directly from the Great II ad of the ehurvh to make known the way of salvation through Christ. In thus speaking unto Cornelius sevrds whereby he and his house might be saved, he was literally obey ing the commissior. he had previously re ceived from the ascending Saviour. “Go ye (said the Saviour,) into all the world, and preach the G-.Mipel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:1 <k He that believes what ? Cer tainly he that believes the Gospel. W here the G* .pel it preached, tTirist is preached. Where the Gospel is heartily believed, Christ is received by fiulb. The great esd and oiyect ATLANTA, GEORGIA, MARCH 2, 1861. of the Gospel is to reveal Christ as the Sa viour of sinners. Again,, says the Apostle Paul: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation- to every one that believeth.” Horn. 1 : 16. Here, again, we learn the great object of the Gospel. ’And that it is attended by a saving, divine power, whenever it is received in faith. Knowing that such was the benevolence of the Gospel, and that it was attended with happy Results, well might the Apostle say, “As much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you' that are at Rome also.” To the same import are the words of our Saviour, when address ing the Jews. He said : “Search the Scrip tures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they that testify of me.” John 5 : 3ft. The great object and end there? fore of the Scriptures, is the sulvatiou of sin-' ners, also to show us how God can be just and the justifier of him that believes in Jesus. O, what a benevolent object! What an a mazing evidence, of the deep depravity of the human heart is to be seen in the fact, that, while all the good are concerned in communi cating a knowledge of this great salvation ; while the angels are delightful students of the great mysteries of redemption, and the triune God is engaged in making it known, the poor sinner alone should be unconcerned. O God, open the eyes of dying sinners. Another glory of the Bible is, that it pre sents to the mind, truth, without any mixture of error. When we consider the imperfec tions of all things human, that the best pro ductions of the best men are beclouded with error, how delightful the thought, that we have one perfect standard of truth. “Every word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Ilim. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar.” Prov. 30: 56. Here absolute perfection is claimed for every word of God. And God is represented as a shield unto them that put their trust (p him. How can our implicit trust in Him be manifested more fully than by receiving all He has re vealed, and Wing satisfied with that revela tion. In relat!6n to things divine, we should ask nothing more, and be content with nothing less, than just what God in mercy has seen proper to reveal to us. “Add thou woZ unto His words,” by your traditions, as though God had not revealed e nough, lest lie reprove thee and thou be found a liar.’ “Let God be true and every man a liar.” Rom. 3: 4. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this, prophecy, God shall take away his part oat of the book oi life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book.” Rev. 22: 18, Ift. How awfully solemn the doom of the man, or assembly of men, who dares to lay unholy hands upon God’s perfect standard of truth. When the traditions of the church, the tradi tions of men are to be received as of equal authority with the word of God, then the flood gates of error are thrown open, and the Bible is shorn of its beauty and authenticity : and additions, or diminutions are made at pleasure, until it is perfectly adapted to the depravity of the human heart. Our Saviour earnestly desired the good of His people. He prayed for their sanctijica tion ; but He did not feel that it was necessa ry to resort to any means not revealed, to ac complish that desirable object. Hen«e His prayer was, "Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth." John 17 : 17. The Sa viour never prayed that His people might be sanctified through the traditions of men, or through any system of error. On the contra ry, instead of regarding human traditions, however conscientiously received and prac ticed as exerting a salutary influence, He charged that the tendency if not the very design of all those traditions was, to make void the commandments of God. Il Christ’s people are to be sanctified only through the truth—the truth as revealed thro’ “Holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit,” Oh how diligent ly should we search that truth I How earn estly should we pray with David, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” “How precious is the book divine. By inspiration given; Fright as a lamp its doctrines shine. To guide our fouls to heaven." W. NEWTON. For tlw Burner A BapUet. Death I Hou Sweet the Thought ’ Dear Reader, —This language can lie a dopted by none but the Christian. Nor is it the language of every professed Christian. It | can be the sentiment of none but the true child of Jesus. And not always to him is the thought of death pleasant. It is only when he is near the Cross, has sweet commu nion with God, bright hopes of heaven, and his soul pants for deliverance from sin, that he rejoices in prospect of death. Yes, when , he looks beyond the shores of time; by faith, . beholds the habitation of the saint’s everlast ing rest; dwells with rapture on the glories of the New Jerusalem; listens to the songs of the angelic choir ; and contemplates the treasures of a glorious inheritance, “incorrupt ible, undefiled and that fadeth not away,” he exults at the taought that, in death he shall triumph and ascend to mansions on high. Religion arms the most timid with courage. The delicate female, whose soul trembles at th** Approach of the shades of night, and w hose heart sinks with fear when iett without a pro tector. sustained by the grace of God and an imated with that hope, which is both sure and steadfast, can welcome death, and face all his terrors with forutwie. In view <»f several things, the thought of death is sweet: 1. Through death, the child of Jesus shall peas from a sinful world. Sin is the source of all our wrongs, afflictions, disappointments and sorrows. Sfia has cq»e»ed every grave, caused every sigh, and made rivers of tears to flow. Sin has brought confusion into the "ffii BAIMK om" ni' K MOVE/' world; clothed the earth with violent; set the heart of man against his brother shroud ed the people in darkness and superstition, and spread war and dismay through all tne habitable parts of this fallen world. What a monster is sin ! How desirable to'l e. de livered from his pollutions and freed from.the snares of Satan ! • My predominant desire- for heaven that it is a place of purity. Oh, how the thought, that, “In heaven alone no sin is found, and there’s.no weeping there.” It makes my heart leap for joy. The idea of rest may be sweet to those pressed down with anxiety and gnawing cares; but to me, the hope of deliverance from sin rises above a’ other conceptions of heajen. When freed from sin, we will God no more ; violate no more His holy law ; no more grieve the Holy Spirit; never again turn from our blessed Saviour. Blessed be God, heaven is pure ; God the Son, God the Spirit, and God the Father is holy. “There is not one jarring vehicle in all that holy land.” 2. Death will terminate ail the Christian’s woes. God shall wipe away all tears. No more will disappointments throw a cloud o’er his brightest prospects. No more will he be molested with the vile associations of the wicked. “There the wicked cease from troub ling and the weary are at rest.” Never again will fear, care, or anxiety cause the Christian’s breast to heave. 3. Again, the thought is sweet, because Je sus has died. He died for our sins and rose for our justification. lie lighted up the dark regions of the tomb. “The graves of all the saints he blest, And softened every bed; Where shonld the dying members rest, But with their dying Head ?” Since Jesus haith lain in the grave, we should not dread its gloom. He conquered the ty rant in his own dominions and triumphed over the powers of darkness. O! trembling, doubting soul, if thou art terrified at the thought of death, go to the sepulchre of Jesus. Bathe thy fainting heart beneath the Cross. Linger amid the scenes of Calvary till thy slavish fears are consumed and thy faith made strong in Him, who ever liveth to intercede for you. 4. The thought of death is sweet, because, in the grave, we shall leave this corrupt body. O ! how is the soul burdened by being confin ed to this earthly tenement. It pants to be delivered from its fleshly prison. In the glo rious morn of the resurrection, we shall rise with spiritual and glorious bodies. When death shall have been swallowed up in victo ry, then shall this mortality put on immortal ity, this corruptible, incorruptible, and we shall live and reign forever in the realms of glory. Yes, when Jesus shall appear we also shall appear, and be like him. This is enough. A word to those who fear t faint in the hour of death. There are some of God’s dear children, who fear that they will not have dying grace. If thou art a child of Jesus, trouble not yourself with such a de lusion. If you have living grace, rest assured i that you will Have dying grace. Has not I God been with you in the sixth trial? anj in the seventh not forsaken you? If so, he will not desert you in the dying hour. If you live with Jesus, you cannot die out of him. Only be concerned to realize that you have living grace; that you are sealed with the Holy Spirit; that you have passed from death to life, through faith in the blood of Christ; and if you are well assured of these things, you may rest satisfied that, when you are called to walk through the dark valley and shadow of death, the rod and staff of the Lord will com fort you. Oh ! Christian, if you fear and tremble at the thought of death, it is admonition to thee to get nearer the Cross of Christ. A. I’. COPELAND, F«r the Banner A Baptist John'* Baptism Not a Chnrh Ordi nance. Dear Brother:—As I sent yon some : queries recently, I will give yon some thoughts | on the above subject. John’s Baptism was a Christian, a gospel ordinance but not a church ordinance. 1 con ; sidcr there was no church until there were | laws to regulate it. As there was no national ■ Israel until the Israelite were brought out of I bondage and received laws, so there was no chureh until laws were given to govern it. 1 admit that there was a separate people before ! the days of bondage were over, and so there was a separate people, from under Judaising teachers, made ready, by John, for the Lord; and thereby, John’s Baptism was a Christian Baptism. He required them to believe in | Christ and bring fruits of repentance, before he would baptize them. Also the ordinance administered by John, became the ordinance : of the gospel kingdom forever, as were the ordinances of the law of Moses, Both Moses and John were in the wilderness; but their ordinances were to be perpetuated. The for mer were to be in the promised land, the lat ter in the gospel kingdom. How ean there be a church and no law to govern it ? There is a great a contrast between the executors of the laws of Alabama, and the makers of those laws. It was necsssary first for the citizens to be naturalized, and to take the oath of allegiance to make them legal offi cers. It takes a Governor and a certain num tier of citizens, to make laws for this State. Then it takes regularly appointed officers to . execute them—officers of naturalized citizens. So no foreigner can be a citizen of God’s kingdom, nor of the ehurvh. For, they are not to be foreigners nor strangers, but felfow citizens, circumcised in heart—to be new creatures, born of the Spirit, by the word of the Lord. The first Governor of this State was sent by the head ot this nation, and was invested with power to enact laws. So also John was sent directly from God, clothed with authority to preach repentance, demanded/noVs, and to baptize proper subjects. One may be, in heart, a subject oi this kingdom, and not be baptized, or John would not have required fruits before baptism. Baptism is an assurance to the convert, that the administrator thinks be fa a fit subject, as circumcision was of Abraham’s faith. One should be re cognized a member of the church, until faith and repentance are evinced and baptism is performed. John came not to make laws, but to execute them under Dive appointment. Christ came to John to be baptized and be came the head of the corner, and declared he “would build his church upon this rock" which was himself. He ordained Apostles to do his work, and to make laws for the regulation •of his church, by the power ot the Holy Spirit. They were given p,ower to impart the Holy Spirit—a power which none others ever had. John and his disciples were not able to impart it, and were not church mem bers. Baptism does not constitute one a member of the church, but denominates one a subject of the kingdom. Churches are local assemblies, governed alone by. the word of God. One church cannot make members for another. As the laws of this State may serve for each county, so the laws of the king dom of God, when properly executed. But if not, such actions are not binding upon members, neither in receiving nor rejecting. The first church mentioned was the Jerusa lem church, at the descent of the Holy Spirit. Repentance and baptism are spoken of, before adding to the church. The question might arise whether the Lord’s supper was a church ordinance? J say it was; for Christ and his disciples had been baptized, and were assem bled together. This was to enact a law and mark the manner of obeying it. And this has been a law to the church ever since.— Regularly baptized persons have the right, at their pleasure, to form themselves into a church, with or without a presbytery of min isters. Nevertheless, there is no harm in having the counsel of ministers. When the Lord Jesus made laws himself and by his Apostles, they conformed to them as an ex ample. lam of opinion that there is a dif ference between a church ordinance and an or dinance of the church kingdom. The sacred supper, preaching, choosing and ordaining ministers, receiving and rejecting members, feet-washing, and supporting ministers, are all ordinances of the church. Some of these are special and positive. One may say, how is preaching a church ordinance? The answer is, because ministeas have to be sent. The church has been set up in the kingdom to execute Christ’s laws, and this is one of them. I consider there is as much difference between the church and the kingdom, as there is be tween the legislature of the State, and the country courts. One makes laws, the other executes them. Christ and his Apostles made laws for the kingdom, churches are to enforce them. John’s baptism nor the baptism of the Apostles was a church ordinance. They were not in a church capacity when they bap- be seen from tiiW following m stabces: Phillip and the- Eunuch, Peter and Cornelius, Ananias and Saul, Paul and Lydia, and the Jailor. If baptism was a church or dinance, how would we ever get one baptized in a heathen land ? The apostles went forth baptizing believers, and being baptized they formed themselves into a church. If the Pedo’s and Campbeliits could see the differ ence between the kingdom of heaven and the church, there would not be so much ado about John’s baptism being a Christian baptism. The Baptists claim to be churches of Jesus Christ: because they are governed by his laws. Pedo’s cannot be churches of Christ; for they are unlike Baptists. The Romanists, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, have their own laws, differing the one from the other, and they do not take the Bible alone in this respect. The Lord keep us from fol lowing men only as they follow Christ. J. C, BEVERLY. Oakfuskee, Ala. For the Banner 4 Baptist What's the Reason t Brethren Editors : —As you continue to publish my articles, I suppose you consider them of some value, and so I am encouraged to try my hand again. But there are so many wrongs to be set right, so many crooked things to lie made straight, amongst Baptists, that I scarce know where to commence first. The truth is, we are all “considerably tumbled up and down,” and it will be no child’s play to set things to rights, and bring order out of confusion. But as I must commence some where, 1 have concluded to inquire into the reason why so many churches in these times are left without preaching ? There are a great many complaints that the churches can't get preachers to serve them, but at the same time, there are a great many preachers with out stated places for preaching. The question then is tremendously practical, and ought to l>e answered, straight out. Well, the truth is, the churches that are the loudest in their complaints, in all probability, don’t want any preaching. “What I” say you. Truth, every word truth, at least Hermon thinks it is. Ar.d now for the proof. Well, I suppose every body will agree that a man can’t preach very well unless he’s alive and every body knows that he can’t keep alive unless he eats and drinks, and I suppose that it w ill be granted that he can’t eat and drink, unless he can get the things to eat and drink. All this being granted, I am prepared to advance a step or two in the argument, and ask how is a preacher to get these things ? If he devotes all his time to preaching and visiting, he can have none left for providing for himself, and those de pendent on him. And if corn costs other people a dollar a bushel, it will hardly be sold to him for less. How then is he to get these things ? Answer —The churches must pro vide them. But, “oh I” say the churches, “we are willing to do that. We can and will pay our preacher three hundred dollars!" Well, what of that ’ If he lives amongst you and has to buy his support from you, he will be charged jive h undred dollars for it, and at the end of the year there will be a balance against him of two hundred dollars, and then, ‘oh, - what a worthless improvident fellow he is I” And why ? Simply because he could not make three hundred dollars pay for five hun dred dollars worth of produce. Well, what follows then • The preacher has to leave, burdened with d> bt and loaded with censure, and try his hand at some secular employment in order to make a support and pay the debts which he had contracted while preaching for the church. This is no fancy sketch, but hard, real fact, and plainly answers the question why there are so many complaints from the churches a bout the want of preachers. If the churches wish to have preachers, they must support them, and and then their complaints will soon be heard no more. At least, so thinks HERMON. For the Banner & Baptist, At a meeting of the Tom’s Creek Baptist Church, Liberty county, Ga., on the 16th of February, the following preanlble arffl resolu tions offered by Rev. W. O. Darsey, were adopted: , Whereas, We. have idng noticed”*with much regret, the increasing sectional difficul ties which now disturb and threaten the over throw of our once prosperous and happy na tion, we would therefore, as a band of the great family of Baptists in these once United §tates, wish to contribute our mite by asking the Wise Disposer of all events, to avert the calamity which now appears to be gathering so very thick and hovering over us as a na tion, and as Nineveh of old, it may please Him to turn away His just judgment from a nation that has been so peculiarly blest thro’ its national existence. And will not Christians, both South and North, unite with us, (as the wisdom of man is in vain and confusion nearly equal to that of Babylon reigns,) and humbly and sincerely pray that our united petitions may ascend be fore a throne of grace. And to the God of nations we turn and look for protection, and ask that order may be brought out of confu sion and light out of darkness. Therefore, 1. Resolved, That we will unite in prayer to our Father in heaven, that He will preside over the councils of this nation, that peace and quietude may be restored. 2. Resolved, That we request all of our brethren to join us in prayer, that we may have peace upon Israel. 3. Resolved, That we request that these re- solutions be published in the Christian Index, Landmark Banner, and the New-York Obser ver. JACOB WHEELER, Mod. W. B. Darsey, Ch. Clerk. For the Banner 4 Baptist Preaching Tour. On Thursday before the 3rd Sabbath in November last, I started on a tour of preach ing in the up country. I took the train at Griffin, got to Atlanta 15 minutes after 8, in the forenoon, met with many of my old ac quaintances and friends, among whom was brother T. U. Wilkes, and left on the Chatta- U truixx u few minuter after 10 o’clock. a great r sfow<? exefteef" about the recent election, got off' the cars at Dalton, and spent the night with brother Wil son—a Presbyterian—and found him a social and, I think, a Christian-hearted brother. He is in possession of a good many Baptist prin ciples. I prayed with and for him and his kind family. Friday, I arrived at my aged father’s, found him and my affectionate old mother enjoying the best of health, for people of their age. 1 had not seen them for four years, and their souls seemed to swell with gratitude when they took my hand. The 3rd Sabbath, I preached to a large, at tentive audience, at Wood’s Station. Wed nesday night, preached at a School house in the same section, crowded with people. The 4th Sabbath and Saturday before, I had ap pointments at Leokout church, Walker coun ty. Small congregation on Saturday, on ac count of cold weather, had an attentive audi ence on Sabbath. I returned to brother E. L. Cooper’s and next day went up on the Look out mountain, and took a view of the won derful surrounding scenery, and felt impress ed with the wisdom and power of God. Next morning, I returned to my father’s, where I met another congregation, and preached from a text in the 16th of Matthew : “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” After preaching, I took an affectionate farewell of my father and mother, accompanied by broth er Andrew Cooper to brother W. Williams, and spent.the night with him. Thence I went to Tunnell Hill, where I got aboard the cars and returned home. After remaining at home two days, I went to my churches, Bethel, Meriwether county, Hephzibah, Pike county, and Friend ship, Pike county. After this, I concluded to take another trip up the country, sent on my appointments, left home the 14th January, and went the trip to Ringgold, but the rain and high waters prevented my filling appoint ments. During the trip, I met with brethren Weldin Duke, E. Gardner and others. I spent the night and dined with a brother—a deacon of a missionary Baptist church—for which he charged me sl. No wonder the churches in that section are cold. The truth says, beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. please copy. T. B. COOPER. A Good Reply.—A Sabbath School teach er instructing his class on that portion of the Lord s prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as in heaven,” said to them, “you have told me, my dear children, what is to be done, the will of God; and where it is to be done, on earth, and how it is to be done—as it is done ia hea ven. How do you think the angels and the happy spirits do the will of God in heaven, as they are to be pattern ?” The first child replied, “They do it immediately ;” the second, “They do it diligently;” the third, “They do it always.” Here a 'pause ensued, and no child appeared to have an answer; but after some time, a little girl arose, and said “Why, sir, they do it without asking any questions." \ otino for Pastors.—A correspondent of the Presbyterian of our Union, (old School,) thinks it “simply Congregationalism” to claim the right to vote in the election of pastor as the exclusive right of members of the church, and expresses the hope that the next General Assembly will decide that “pew-holders, or regular supporters of the gospel by subscrip tion, who are not communicants.” share this right with them. L. T. DOTAL, Griffin, Georgia, ) Conresponjfcg D. P. EVERETT, Florida, J EditaJS JOS. S. BAKER, Florida Traveling Correspondent. VOLUME 11-MBER 21. MM)® THE EIFE-CLOCK. What is this within my being, Ticking, ticking evermore; Like the sound of fairy footfalls Dropping on some distant shore? I can hear it in the night, Hear it in the busy day, Hear its clear and measured numbears Wheresoe’er I chance to stray. On that mystic little dial There are clear and telling lines, Over which the sunlight glitters, And the passing hour defines. Quicker, quicker it is beating, Sxvitter move those mystic hands, With their lean and spectral fingers, Pointing to the shadowy lands. But the day of life is waning, ' • Soon its shadows will decline, And within my spirit’s dwelling Cease the little mystic chime. Dust, o’er all its motions falling, Gathers deeper day by day; Voices, from the future calling, Seem to beckon me away. Thrilling tales this clock is telling, As the days and hours recede, Noting every thought and action, Yet we give it little heed. Sometimes we may hear it ringing, Clear and loud the passing hour, Sending through the soul’s deep chamber Tones of deep mysterious power. Yet we fold our arms and lisien To a thousand stranger sounds, W hile the Life-Clock, all unheeded, Plods its tireless, solemn rounds. For the Banner & Baptist. A Short Dialogue Between a Child and its Father. Child.— AV hat must Ido in peace to live ? -rbzAer.—Thy heart to Jesus forthwith give. Child.— How may I through life smoothly glide ? Father.— By keeping near thy Saviour's side. Child.— What must I do to make me good ? Father. — Make Gospel truth thy daily food. Child.— On Gospel truth how may I feed ? Father.— By to its teachings taking heed. Child.— How may I live in a right way ? lather.— Walk in the light and ne’er thou’lt stray. Child.— What is it, Pa. to walk in light? Father.— To walk by faith and not by sight- Child.— When may I know my faith is true? Father.— When as Christ says, you seek to do. Child.— How may I overcome my foes ? Father.— By rend’ringblessing for their blows. Child.— What must I do in peace to die ? Father.— On Jesus’ blood and grace roly. A GRANDSIRE. For the Banner k Baptist. Dear Children, —Having noticed in the last Banner, the very “liberal offer of Elder J. R. Graves to the children of-Baptist Sab bath Schools in the South,” I am constrained to call your attention to it again. Would that it was in my power to forcibly impress upon your young minds the importance of a vailing yourselves of the offer of this precious prize; for it is indeed precious, being the Ho ly Bible. It will be a pleasant reflection for you, dear children, throughout your life, to think that it was obtained for reciting a Large number of verses from its sacred pages. But the pleasure does not stop here; for after hav ing committed to memory the verses, you will find your minds filled with an inexhausti ble store of useful knowledge, which will af ford substantial consolation in youth, and a sure foundation for a happy old age. How much soever you may be engaged in pleasures, or encumbered with business, you will have many spare moments for studying the Bible. The period of human life, I know, is short, even if we pass beyond our “three score ami ten ;” but it is of sufficient length for us to acquire a considerable stock of use ful and agreeable knowledge. Remember, if we Jive, youth will not last always, but old age will creep upon us, and find us just what we have made ourselves. Oh, then, if life is what we make it, is it not of vast importance that we should make it just what God would have it to be? He would have us “search the Scriptures,” and conform our lives to its holy teachings. Those who study the Bible are not only supplied with a copious fund for thought and reflection upon the works of God in the crea tion of the universe; but there are spacious fields of exercise for the mind in regard to all the duties and relations of life. Oh! then my young readers, prepare for this rich feast. The sooner you begin, the better for eachyear will bring upon you its multiplied cares and responsibilities, and each moment nearer that period where you cannot prepare for the fu ture. You may at some time be stricken with blindness, then you will know how to appreciate this Bible knowledge which mem ory has retained, and which will afford so ma ny resources w ithin yourselves, that in the most lonely solitude you can always have a pleasant converse with your own mind. In affliction it will afford comfort that the world cannot give. In old age it will offer pleasure which wraith cannot give, or poverty take a way; but it will ever elevate us above the “smiles and frowns of fortune.” Who, then, will strive for the prizes offered by one who feels a deep interest in your web fare, and whose constant aim is, the advance ment of our Redeemer’s kingdom? Dear children, if you us deeply felt a concern for yourselves as Mr. Graves and many others have for you, mighty changes would take place in our land. Soon the whole “earth would be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” That you ail may be found Sabbath after Sabbath seeking to obtain and repeat scores of Bible verses, is the ardent wish of your true friend, MAMIE. Jtjef'Communion with God greatly strength ens, and communion with the world greatly weakens, the soul.