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o It hds befii objected to such action as
we have proposed, that ‘it looks towards a
union of Church un i State.’
We ask Congress t > repeal ala a w liich
revuires a targe portion of our citizens to
desecrate the Sabbath day, and leave us all
the liberty to obey God, according to our j
conscience. Is this to u-nite the State with
anv Church! Is it any thing more than to
divorce the State from the Devil ! Now
the government gives the authority vf its
law to ?in. It commands our people to rebel
aguinst the G’od of Heaven. It stands on the
side of the Devil against the holy God.—
We do not ask' it even to do as much for
God as it is now doing for the Devil. We
do not ask that it shall require the people to
serve God as it no'w commands them to
serve the Devil; but only to take away its
wicked law, and leave men free to obey
God in observing the Sabbath or not, as
they may . see best. And this we are grave
ly told is a step towards uniting the Church
and S ate.
3. Another objection which we have heard
is this : If Congress shall heed our request,
ic will be compelled to take sides with one
party of religious people against another, in
regard to the day to be observed as the
Sabbath. There are among us some seventh
day Baptists and some Jews, who conscien
tiously believe that Saturday, not Sunday,
is the day to be kept holy as the day of
rest. If the government shall recognize the
first day, or Sunday, as the rest day, it will
be taking sides against these people and
violating that great principle which requires
it to maintain a perfect neutrality in mat-
ters of religion.
I have been told that this argument had
great weight in deciding the old United
States Congress to continue the mails upon
the Sabbath day. But Ido not believe it.
It may have been made a sort of excuse,
but surely it was no reason for such a
course, since that government, like ours,
had, from the very commencement oi its
existence, always recognized the first day of
the week as the Sabbath of the Lord. —
With some two or three exceptions, when
it was felt that the emergency of public
business most urgently demanded it, their
Congress never met or continued in session
o.i the first day of the week. It always ad
journed from Saturday night till Monday
morning, and did so because it would not
desecrate the Sabbath by continuing its
session. So also has the Congress of the
Confederate States. In the legislative and
tii&iuHioiaJ A a nartman lit lit our anveiuiment
we have from the first recognized the first
day Sabbath as a day of rest, and that w ith
out any fear of compromising the neutrality
of the government in questions of religion.
And in the war dipur (men t it has equally
recognized the day by distinguishing be
tween the duties on that and other days.
If the government may recognize the day
in one department, why not in evbry de
partment f Every State government is as
much bound to neutrality in matters of re
ligion as the National government ; and yet
in every State the first day is, by law, re
garded as the Sabbath. Not only do their
legislatures and thiir courts adjourn upon
that day —not only are certain lawful acts
regarded us illegal if perform, and upon that
day—but there is probably not a single
State in the Confederacy which has not up
on its statute-book some laws forbidding
the desecration of this day by certain
amusements or by needless labor.
When any nation lets such quibbles us
this come between its legislation and the
law of God, it is already near to its de
struction. In varioifl changes of the ealen
dar and modes of counting time, the day
may have been changed a hundred times,
but still God’s law remains. Count as you
will, six days shall work be done, and then
must be a day of rest. You may call the
day the first day or the seventh ot the
week. God’s law refers not to the name,
but to the thing : and that is, a day of rest
after six days of labor—one day for God
after six days of toil for man.
4. There is one objection more: It has
been said that on the ocean it will be im
possible to stop the mails, and on the rivers
and railroads there may be no convenient
stopping place just at the hour when the
Sabbath day begins. What if this be so ?
Shall we keep open the post-offices on the
land, and require the mails to be made up
and forwarded and delivered in every inland
route and office because vve can not stop
them on the great wide sea? Or shall we
run our trains all Jay because convenience
or necessity may require them to run a
little way to find a suitable stopping place
upon the Sabbath ? If we can’t do all we
w'ould, let us do all we can towards strict
obedience to God’s law ; and God will ae->
eept the effort.
These are but quibbles, designed to em
barrass the subject and turn the mindaway
from the true issue. God requires no phy
sical impv* ibility. What, therefore, we
caw not do, are m>t bound to do. We
obey the law by doings!! that <a* be done
THE BANNER AND BAPTIST.
ro secure a cessation from labor on the day
of tv-ft. Let the heart of the nation be
earnest about it, and difficulties w ill vanish.
There are no difficulties here w hich d° not
exist upon the other side of the Atlantic,
and \et England is able to stop her mails
upoti the Sabbath day. jj .
me conclusion.
God i for iho-e who are for Him. <Tut
nation, so Dr as regards th • fa w ? of the gen
era I jjovernrnent. is opposed to lliln Duly
! R
in this one thing. Inis .. ie thing B ; vvaut,
iing to secure cohioriniry •>! our la-fs to His,
jto take usas h nation out of the position of
R"reb?Tagainst God, and place us where we
will b that happy people whose God is the
Lord. |do not say them is nothing more
for our Slate, government to Jo, or nothing
more for individuals to do. but this is what
the government at Richmond has to do
|lf it could as easily s* cu re the alliance of
! Victoria or Napoleon as it can that of God,
jit would long since have done it. -if these.
| mere earthly powers had offered us alliance
jon condition that our government should
! make such modification -of our mail laws
and army regulations as the law of God
requires, there would probably hav e been, a
special session of Congress called t.b hasten
the desirable consummation There would
have been found no difficulties and no quib
bles in the way. If we believed God, there
would be none that would prevent us from
placing our nation in alliance with His A1
mighty power. But our rulers do not be
| lieve God; our people do not believe God.
Even professing Christians do not believe
with more than half their heart, and hence
time and labor will be required to bring
! about the accomplishment of the object we
are aiming at.
Let every minister of Jesus Christ make
it the subject of his preaching till the public
conscience is enlightened. Let every pri
vate Christian make it the subject of con
versation, till it is forced upon the attention
of the word. Let every ehild of-God make
it the subject of prayer to our Father in
Heaven, till He shall give, us the hearts of
those who are or may hereafter be in au
thority. Let every man and evtry woman
—for woman is as much entitled to be
heard in a question which, like this, involves
the morality and the destiny of the nation,
—let all unite in petitioning the govern
ment, and all unite in prayer to God that
the government may be inclined to listen
to and grant <>ur request, and sooner or
later the good work will lie done.
jj I say this on the autnoniy of a staleun i>
during the discussion of this question m
the Congress of the United States, and because
several Englishmen with whom I have con
versed assure me it is true.
- ♦
The Army in ilie West.
Dear Brother ffornudy :
1 have recently visited the At my in the
West, and find the destitution appalling.
f do not believe one in ten of the men haw
a Testament. They ate very anxious for
if and tor tracts. Can’t you send us some
good reading matter ? ” was asked me on
every hand. We need funds with which
'to do this. ! beg that your readers will
exert themselves in this behalf, and enclose
the amount to you. Now is the most fa
vorable time to make an effort. Will not
the pastors and churches respond f
A. E Dickinson,
Agent Army Col portage
Army Chaplain*
These devoted workers for their country
| and their Saviour, find that religious read
ying for the soldiers .helps them very much
jin their labors of love. Hence, they call
| tor tracts, Testaments, and religious papers.
I These brethren say that the soldiers are
j very fond of religious papers, and many of!
i them have written and asked for The Banner
to be sent to them weekly for distribution.
But while brother H. would gladly furnish
large numbers to his country’s defenders,
he can not do o unless the means are fur
lushed. NS ill not these Chaplains take up
contributions for this object ? and will not
brethren, pastors and others, ut home do
| the same, and forward the amount to bro
ther II.? Each number of The Banner
will be worth more to the soldier than an
ordinary tract. J. M. W.
liuiincr for (he Soldier*.
The religious paper furnishes a cheap:
and available means of reaching them ; and
our brethren and sisters should com*- ?<
the rescue Im? fore it is too late. What >y
our readers ? Shall the and i>ui..Vd
soldiers have The Banner *
Trael !>*)oilory.
Brother A. E. has .-rt!.iMi-h*-1
a Tract Depository in thi*city. Tt*l
sirous of distributing I’raet* in our k.-piul
can obtain them by agfdying a the ah . a
The Banner and Baptist.
All Baptist ministeis and o t.t-rs, in tb*
Confederate States, trkndiy to iLt paper
are requested to act as Agents.
¥i,'inner null XAaptisl.
"Holy Bible, —Book Divine,
Preciou- treasure, ihoti art urine."
H. C. HOK\ \I>Y, Editor.
J. M. WOOD, ,
.J. 3. BAKER, ’ Associate Editor*.
D. P. EVERETT, )
Correspondents of the Banner.
Elder N. M. Ckaweoro, Perifield, (in.
“ J. 11. Campbell, State Evangelist.
“ J. ii. Graves, in the Army.
“ G. C. Connor, Army Chaplain.
“ B. E. Tharp, Perry, Ga.
“ \V. N. Chai.doin, Albany, Ga.
“ R. J. M a vs, Florida.
“ A. E. Dickinson, Richmond, Va.
“ W. D. Mavpikld. South Carolina,
“ G. T. VV ilburn.
M. W. Philips, Edwards, Miss.
ATLANTA. GEORGIA:
Saturday, August 513, IHOS.
The Banner.
If our friends will make a little effort,
we feel persuaded they can do much to
sustain our paper. Money never was more
plentiful than at present; and it each sub
scriber will renew as his term expires, the
paper will not only be sustained, but placed
upon a firm and permanent basis.
If a few hundred dollars were raised to
send The Banner to the soldiers, it might
be the means ol doing much good to their
sou Is. Every where the soldiers prefer
religious papers to tracts; and while it is
a good thing to supply them with army
tracts, the religious newspaper ought to
find its way to ever) regiment.
There are chaplains and colporteurs la
boring in the army, to whom the papers
cati be sent for distribution ; and we most
earnestly invite our friends to take hold of
this matter and help in the good work.
Declined
We ha\ e received some lines from M.
If S which w<* decline to publish. Per
haps all persons, at times, have feelings of
p >esy, but all can not give expression to
i what is passing within their bosoms. —
Hence, all are not poets. Poetry ought
not to be published except it be of the
v ery highest order.
If the esteemed writer w ill put the same
i sentiments in prose, we shall take pleasure
i in giving them to our readers.
t'nlporlugr amongst the Soldiers.
The editor of this paper has been author
ized, by Elder A. E. Dickinson, to employ
six Colporteurs in the Western and South
western armies, and he calls upon the
friends of the Soldier to aid in this good
work.
Thi ee colporteurs are already in the
field : brother Hughes is laboring in the
hospitals of this city —brother L. G. Cobb
:is laboring in the camps of Gen. E. Kirby
Smith’s command, and is meeting with
great encouragement in the work—brother
T. M. Harbin has visited Mobile and dis
tributed tracts amongst the soldiers in and
around that city—and brother V. A. Bell
is making his arrangements to visit and
labor in the various Camps of Instruction
scattered along the line of the Western and
Atlantic Railroad.
To sustain these brethren we must have
funds. These must be furnished by the
voluntary oontributions of the liberal and
large-hearted friends of the soldier. Breth
ren, friends, will you help us ?
We believe you w ill,and upon this faith
in your liberality and benevolence we have
sent forth the above named brethren, and
if you will furnish the means we will send
forth two others to win the brave defend
ers of their country to Christ.
Contributions may lx* sent either by
mail or by express to this office, and wil[
be faithfully employed in the manner des
ignated by the donors. There are hundreds
of brethren, and sisters too, who can aid
us in this enterprize, and we appeal to them
in the name and iu behalf of their own sons,
brothers and husbands.
H. V. HORNADY, Local Agent.
The Banner for the §o!d!er
M. Russell, SIO,OO.
Money Received for Colportnge.
M. Russell, SIO,OO.
Tract* for Soldier*.
Army Surgeon, #‘2,00.
Increase In Price of the Banner.
Owing to the immense increase in every
thing connected with the newspaper busi
ness, it has become absolutely necessary to
advance the. price of The Banner to three
dollars per annum, instead of two as here
tofore. Our patrons will see the propriety
of this wher. Informed that the price of
paper is more thith double that of former
rates, and that of printing and mailing has
also advanced.
We can hot publish the paper fur less
than the amount stated without loss to our
selves, and' we call upon our patrons to
pav the increase..*)! price in order that we
may keep The Banner going, Ihose who
have already paid will receive the paper
according-to the did rates until their pres
ent subscriptions shall expire.
COMMUNICATIONS.
Dear Brother Honor dy :
We have just 'closed a meeting at Eort
Valley, which was one of interest and pro
dueli ve of good. The church very properly
determined that 1 we should not cease our
efforts for the salvation of sinners because
the war is raging ; but on the contrary, they
thought that one of the greatest reasons fo
influence them ‘to renewed efforts for the
salvation of the people. They thereto e
met and worshiped the Lord f oin day to
day, and were greatly leviveo. Though in
a very cold state when the meeting began,
yet they felt before it closed that 4 It is
good to call upon the Lord.’ The meeting
closed with the addition of six members,
and increased in interest to the end.
Brother Langley aided brother Skelliej
and myself, and did good service in his old j
field of labor. There is much to encourage
such meetings just at this time. There is
much to pray for in the state of the eoun-,
try, and some disposition on the part of
Christians to pray. When they pray for
one thing, it ianot difficult to incline them
to pray for another. From praying for
soldiers and the. country, they can easily
be led to think of those under the oondage
of sin and Satart.
At shis time much additional effort is
J necessary, if we consider only one fact,
i this appears very evident. W hen this war
lends, we shall have thrown upon the conn
jtry perhaps half a million of soldiers vith
all the demoralizing habits of camp life.—
They will be our young m n who exert
most influence, for good or evil, upon so
ciety. A great moral force will be needed
|to oppose the inclination to sin which will
be in them and those whom they can in
fluence. This moral influence can only be
found in the Church, and then only when
the Church exerts herself for good. Thi?
reason alone should operate powerfully up
on all Churches, and every Christian, to
renewed eflbrts and prayer.
1 have just received a letter from brother
Mufrow, of June *2oth. He is preaching a
great deal, aud says his labors are more
appreciated now than in times of peace.—
He says that Christians continue faithful.
Brother Burns has been threatened with
death, aud ordered from his house, by
southern soldiers of the Choeta v tribe.—
They gave him a short time, and told him
he should, die if not gone when they re
turned. They came back and found no one
at home but Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Murrow
—demanded food and drink; were refused,
and began killing chickens, breaking open
bee-gums, Ac. Drukenness, and hatred to j
all ‘ pale faCes,’ is the cause of all this.— j
In the midst of ail these multiplied troubles,;
1 am glad to say that our Missionaries con- ;
tinue in faith and asolemrvdeterniination to I
stand at their posts. They should be
prayed for, and sustained, by the churches
of the Rehoboth Association, as they cer
faiuly will be.
1 have also received intelligence that
brother Jacob King lies very low, with in
tiammation of lungs. He has been suffer
ing for about a month; is \ery much re
duced, but in inind is composed, and in
prospect of Heaven is happy. He sent me
word that he never expected to meet with
the Reholioth again. Bad, sad indeed is it
to think of the loss of such a man ! 1 do
not see how we are to spare him ; I know
not who is to fill his place. < lh, that he
might live!
: „ B. f. Thxae.
[Brother King has died since the above
was writteu. He was a rare in in, and long
.pill it be ere we behold his lik/ again, j
fm * *■* - ■ -
At a general meeting of the third district
of the Oostenaula Association, convened the
Bth instant, at Mount Paran Church the
following Preamble and Resolutions were
unanimously adopted :
■■Whereas, Our country is engaged in a
war of defence for our political right*, and
whereas many of our brethren have gone
to the army, thus sacrificing their home
interests, wives and children, with their
lives, upon the altar of their country’s lib
erty —therefore be it Resolved :
1. That we deplore the necessity which
has called for so great a sacrifice, and re
gard the waging of this war by the enemies
of our country an unh< >' and uncalled t<u
tiling, which is but the fruits of blind fanat
ieisrn and false religious enthusiasm, undei
the vain pretext of philanthropy and desiie
to do good to the human race by abolishing
the institution of slavery —which institution
in some form we believe is In accordance
wi h the decree of Go J concerning the races
of mankind as descended ffom the three
sons of Noah, and which bias been sane
tioned by the moral law of God as delivered
to Moses on the mount, and for the exist
ence and management of winch ample di
ructions are given in the New- Testament
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Resolved, That we heartily syinp*
thize w ith our soldiers iu the hardships and
sufferings incident to camp life ; and that
we will devoutly pray the blessings of our
Heavenly Father upon them, that they may
be instrumental iu His hands of teaching
the enemies of our country in war the lea
sons which they should have learned in
time of peace.
3. Resolved, That we will re member the
families of soldiers, not otil'y iu ou-r pray
ers, but we will favor a policy in govern
ment which shall make amp}* provision tor
their support, whatever be, the cost- to us.
4. Resolved, That ttie absence' of so
many of our brethren frony/horue, calls for
redoubled energy upon our part to support
the cause of Christ in the churches; and
that we will, by devoting ourselves and
recommending the like devotion others,
come up to the help of the Lord against the
mighty, by keeping up the regular minis
tratiou of His word and the observance of
11 is ordinances.
5. Resolved, That in view of the scarcity
of ministers of the Gospel of Christ, and
of the pleutitude of the harvest, we will
'devoutly pray, and recommend tfie church
es we represent to pray, the Lord* of the
harvest that He will send forth mme labor,
ers into Ilia harvest.
Newnan, August 1
Brother Wood:
On Monday morning after you left here,
some of the brethjcu of White oak Church'
sent up for brother William Whatley and
myself. We went, and found brethren
Sherwood, Charles. Campbell, and the pas
tor, brother T. Allen, engaged in an inter
esting meeting. The L*d was gracious,
and poured out His mercies. Ten were
added to the church by baptism.
On Friday the general meeting of the
fourth district was held at Eberrezer, in
Coweta county. Brethren J. Rainwater,
D. iVlosely and J. Barrow, w ith the pastor,
J. Dodd, were present. God mffde knbwfi
His power, and twenty were added to the
church by baptism. Let His *name be
magnified!
At both of these meetings brethren Level,
Barnes and others did good serVics,
‘ J. V: Davis
Tlie Noonday A asocial
Dear Banner: On Saturday, 2d instant,
the delegates to the Noonday Association
assembled in the Mt. Carmel church. After
hearing the introductory Sermon from bin
ther Westbrork, and partaking a refresh
ment furnished by the kind sisters aud
friends, the Noonday Association Was call
ed to order by the former Moderator, bro
ther B. F. King.
The letters were read, and names enrolled
The election of officers resulted in the choice
of'S. M. Pyles, Moderator, and William
Grisham, Clerk. *
Our good brother, J. M. Spainger, uf the
Tallapoosa, was present as a corresponding
messenger, and did good service by occu
pying the pulpit on Saturday evening and
Monday morning. The Hightower and
Sharp Mountain associations were also rep
resented by efficient brethren. Ofir worthy
brother, Joseph E. Brown, was with us a
part of the ses- ion, as a visitor.
On Saturday evening the usuul commit
tees were appointed, and also a special one
on the state of the country.
Sabbath morning brother B;' F. King
preached on the subject of the feign of sin.
Brother W. If. Campbell followed with the
missionary sermon. After dinner, brother
S. M. Pyles preached on the subject of the
supremacy of God—the reasons why He
should be served, and the benefits derived
from praying unto Him. Tha congregation
duripgtbe day was large and very attentive.
The Lord grant that great good may be the
result! l - -
Forty-five dollars were collected, to be
appropriated to the soldiers’ hospital, to
furnishing reading matter for the soldiers,
and to Indian missions. One brother pres
ent stuck down a S2O bill Into the bat.—
The Lord did,, and will continue to, bless
that brother.
On Monday morning the report of the
special committee was called for and read.
The chairman made some explanatory re
marks. Brother Brown was then called
out, and, for half an hour, greatly edified
and interested the brethren. The Modern-
