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2 @to §* al §ayifel “Holy Bible, —Book Divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine.” H. C. HORN AD Y and JAMES N. ELLS, EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS. J. M. WOOD, ) ' J. S. BAKER, >- Associate Editors. D. P. EVERETT, ) ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Saturday, Noiember 8, 1863. The War. Again our brethren of the press are dis cussing the chances of a ‘ recognition ’ of the Southern Confederacy—caused by the recent intelligence, as announced in the New York Express, that European powers de sign very soon to interpose in the present war by an offer of mediation, and, in the vent of the rejection of this offer, to £ re cognize ’ the Confederacy.’ We are among the number who believe that an early recognition will be given our infant nation ; but we trust that our people will not relax, in the slightest particular, their warlike preparations, nor trust too im plicitly in that interposition for a termina tion of the war. We should go on, doing our best, and looking to a Higher (than any earthly) Power for aid, just as though Bel gium or Europe were not on the map. For our own part, we discern signs of promise for good to our young republic in the political revolution at the North, dis closed by the late elections in three border States—in two of which the astonished Rad icals received an overwhelming rout, and in the third have been checked by a drawn battle. It is a significant fact that such prominent Abolitionists as Grow, Bingham and Gurley have been whipped out by the voters of such States as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. And our sky of promise brightens at the promulgation of the Federal President’s ‘grand emancipation’ ukase. Lincoln has, quite unwittingly, done the Confederacy a good service, or else we are greatly deceiv ed in the estimate we have placed upon the popular Northern mind. No one, who has carefully noted the progress of events, can doubt that the ‘ Empire State of the Union’ is on the eve of a grand revolution; and we are awaiting anxiously the result of the fierce contest waging there between Sey mour the conservatist, and Wadsworth the radical. * Pasteboard—Once Wore. Some time since a paragraph was inserted in this and a few other journals, requesting mer chants, and all others who had pasteboard box es, ta forward them to the Franklin Printing House, where they would be used in binding Testaments to be issued by the Confederate States Bible Society, for gratuitous circulation among the army. To this call very many nobly responded, and large numbers of the blessed volume have been distributed, far and wide, among our troops. But more Testaments are needed, and more pasteboard is wanted. In no other way can the publishers procure the material for binding these books; and we earnestly ask all who have pasteboard, in any shape, to aid in this good cause, by sending it, as early a* possible, to the “ Franklin Printing House,” Atlanta, Ga.; and we trust our contemporaries will join us in the appeal. # Nkm Subscribers. —Our subscription books show a very respectable increase of new subscribers within the past fortnight We thank the friends who have exerted themselves in our behalf, and renew the assurance that no pains shall be spared on our part to make The Banner an accepta ble religious and family journal. This encouragement leads us to hope for a large subscription list. Will not each subscriber —we mean each one who is truly pleased with the paper —try and send us, at once, a niw subscriber ? Can not the mail list of The Banner and Baptist, in one week, be doubled f Yes, if each patron will forward us one new’ name. * Mr. A. E. Marshall, the accomplished phonetician, has formed a connection with The Intelligencer, of this city. He will re port tor that journal the proceedings of the Georgia Legislature now in session; and after its adjournment he will take a position which will add to the interest of that de servedly popular journal. The announce ment is made that the Daily Intelligencer, during the session of the Legislature (forty days), will be furnished to subscribers in Mill edge viiie, or elsewhere, for one dollar. £MB MASiMBm. MB BAS’SSSS. The Home Cirele. There is a great deal of undeveloped tal ent in ‘ the family ’; and it is a startling question to ask on the Sabbath, as we look about upon the congregation, what would be the career of these girls and boys if their destinies were to chime exactly with their powers, and they were to become the most and the best that they can become? But talent is not by any means confined to the taste, intellect, or imagination, but em braces every capacity and faculty of useful ness and enjoyment, or of receiving and imparling good. How much more st£rt iing becomes the question when extended to all those varieties of sensibility and .af fection and conscience and thought and pur pose in which life has its highest worth and peace ! How various and many are the keys touched by the preacher’s word, and what power has a true master in bringing out the true tones from that many-voiced humanity ! Hence the need of making the family feel not only that they are individu als and also one household, but that they belong to a universal empire, a spiritual kingdom, and are to cherish its divine citi zenship in the due use of their powers and capacities. They will be all the more a family by recognizing their true union with the universal family ; just as each city is more a city by knowing its due relation to the state and nation. Without going into any ambitious dis cussions of the true breadth of human cul ture, and the value of a cosmopolitan spirit in society and the world, we are content now with maintaining that each household needs a personal sense of the plahe of each mem ber under the Divine government to give to each character its just charm and power. — The round of a single Sabbath’s service, more than any week-day’s schooling or any i ball-room’s elegances, should teach a true humanity and test a true grace and dignity. In fact, what great aspect of History, Prov idence, or Human Life is there which is not, in some way, presented or suggested by the Scriptures, hymns, prayers, and meditations of a well-conducted season of worship ? The good old Bible itself is the great text-book of humanity as well as of God, and gathers within its lids the thoughts and experiences not only of famous saints an| sages, but of nations and ages. It unites with the acts of worship and instruc tion to win the assembly to a sense of citi zenship beyond that of any one caste or family, and to ennoble daily life by the dignity of a divine birthright. The household needs this influence ; for when left to itself it tends to a narrow clan nishness, or belittling familism, that impov erishes the home, by making it the all-in-all, as much as he impoverishes his estate who persists in shutting himself up within its bounds by walls that shut out the steps of men, and the range of mountain and river, and the light of heaven itself. The true influence, when fitly used, not only enlarges the views of the family, by due knowledge of the broad sweep of the Divine plans and the rich diversity of Providential characters, but it brings each mind to its true bearings by presenting the essential ideas and motives which every human soul must accept if it would be loyal to its birthright. Thus comes that sacred fiiial sense and purpose which give the true aim and power, and guide and strengthen all human relations by the master spirit of a truly filial heart. The human father is a better father from looking to the Divine Parent; and the son is a better son by leaning upon that Infinite love; and the friend and the brother can | give a richer sympathy by exalting person al a fleet ion into a spiritual fellowship, and ennobling private feelings by universal eha rity. So great is the grace and power of such a high standard over the family, that camps and courts imitate its loftiness, and in a certain way—imperfect, indeed—the I tone of military honor and social gentility | is always bearing witness of the claims of j the higher worth over ihe lower interest, land measuring life more by the quality of | its spirit than by the quantity of its goods. | The highest quality attaches to the family | that is most loyal to the highest good, or i has the clearest sense and the bravest ser ! vice of the divine kingdom. Every true | home must have something of this quality; and the lowliest cottage need ask no honors from courts or camps, fame or fashion, when | its sons and daughters know and serve the | Supreme Power and the Eternal Love.— | iThat family may fill an humble seat in the! i visible church, but it is higher than any dome or spire that pierces the sky; fori God’s true children aie as high as His own | mercy-seat, and their Sabbath faces, in their | reverence and joy, show forth something | of the glory and blessedness there enthroned * A Public Convenience. —We publish, pro bono publico , a revised schedule of the arrivals and departures of trains on the dif-j ferent railways in this busy ‘ Gate City ’ of! our young nation, which will be kept in print for the accommodation of our patrons. West-Florida Association. Orange Hilt., Fla., ) Oct. 27, 1862. j The West-Florida Association met with the Pilgrim’s Rest church, Saturday before the second Sabbath in this month, and closed Monday at ten o’clock p. m. Brothers Brooks, Codey and Sims were the visiting ministers present; and brother Whiddon, en route to the Salt-Works, was with us one night. The meeting, though small, was a most pleasant one, and the congregations really larger than might have been expect ed in these war times. The Methodists having quite a commodious house only a quarter-mile from the Baptist house of wor ship, tendered us that on Sabbath, which was used until adjournment, much to the comfort of all the people. Our dear, suffering Soldiers claimed the attention and secured the sympathy of the Association in a particular manner, and it was determined to use all the unappropria ted means in hand for the benefit of our friends, brothers and sons who, in defence of our country, stand so much in need of all the aid that can j?*>ssibly be afforded them. To increase this fund as far as possible, we declined ordering our Minntes printed for the present year, and a resolution was passed requesting me to publish some of our acts in The Banner and Baptist; so you may expect to hear from me again when I visit our Clerk and examine his manuscript. I secured seven new subscribers, and the advance of one old one, making $24 I have to herein enclose with the names, dec.— Some subscribers complain of the lateness and irregularity of receipt of their papers. Oh, that a word could be said to our Post office people that would make them do better ! D. P. E. —The following are the subscribers sent by brother Everett : John Smith and G. T. Ward, Ponce de Leon, Holmes county, Florida. A. Blackwell, Nathan Whiddon, Captain A. Going, Moses Parker : Open Pond, Hen ry county, Alabama. B. T. Barkley, Campbellton, Jackson co., Florida ; and William Sorey (old subscriber), Green wood, Jackson county, Florida. Amount enclosed, $25,00. All right.— Who will send us eight more? * Ootttanaula Association. The anniversary of this Association, for the year 1862, hai just closed. It was held with the Macedonia church, Bartow county, Ga. The session was one of interest and pleasure. The congregations were large, particularly so on Sabbath, and manifested much interest in the gospel, and the various objects of the association. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. N. R. Smith, whose subject was * Christian Union and Duty,’ which was treated in a very able manner. After the usual intermission the association convened and elected Rev. James Mcßride modera tor, and Dr. F. W. Cheney clerk. Correspondents were received from Coosa and Middle-Cherokee Associations. One new church was received, having among its membership Deacon W. H. Woods, a very useful Baptist and Christian gentleman. Sabbath was a beautiful day, and the services were conducted as follows: At 10 o’clock Rev. W. C. Hendricks preached from Galatians vi., 14—“ God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This was a good and im. pressive sermon, producing a fine effect.— At Rev. 11. A. Clemens preached the Mission sermon, from Luke xvi., s—“ How much owest thou unto my Lord ? ” This was an excellent discourse, and there was collected after it, for home and soldiers’ mission, $132,00. At two o’clock Rev. J. Mcßride preached from John vi., 67, 68— “ Will ye also go~away ? Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” This was an able sermon, and had, in the exhortation by Rev. 11. A. Smith, a fine influence on the hearers, while the chil dren of God rejoiced, and many sinners ask ed an interest in the prayers of Rev. A. Stephens preached to the colored people, and Rev. H. A. Smith occupied the pulpit at night. Thus closed the Sabbath,. whilst we “ Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Monday the Association resamed its bu siness, and discussed, for one and a half |days, in a Christian-like manner, Church fellowship, usage and polity of the denomi- I nation —touching at times the doctrine of tiie Atonement. This discussion arose from one of its churches having received a mem ber in disorder, who was sent as a delegate but whose seat was contested. The discus sion was interesting on both sides; but finally closed against the parties contested until their church shall have corrected its error. The association maintained the old and established usage of the denomination. After several interesting reports, and the presentation of the claims of The Banner and Baptist and The Christian Index, and some subscribers received, the body closed harmoniously with the parting hand—to meet next year at Armuchee, Floyd county. Amicus. ‘ The Character of Dorcas.’ This was the title of a very interesting address delivered by Rev. Mr. Gaskill, to the ‘ Dorcas Society,’ on Sabbath evening last. Its publication, we think, would be beneficial; and if the ladies of the Society can procure a copy of its author, we will take pleasure in publishing it in our next edition. * Cherokee Indian Missions. The following communications, from brother Compere, have just been received. It will be seen that our Missionaries have suffered, and are still suffering, much on ac count of the present cruel war. Brother C. gives the most satisfactory account of the conduct of John Ross, former Chief of the Cherokee Nation, that I have seen. He allowed himself to be taken prisoner, and then was bought over with Federal money, no doubt. Elder Compere has several times warn ed against sending money, unless it could be done with perfect safety, fearing it would fall into Federal hands. He now proposes to come after his salary. This will afford an opportunity to send funds safely to D. M. Foreman, J. T. Foster, and others. It seems to me that the friends of missions would do well to embrace this opportunity to send funds to our Missionaries, to last them half or all of next year. This is a work of faith and mutual confidence. Bet ter risk losing money in case of the death of the Missionary, than for him and family to suffer for want of it. J. M. Wood. Fort Smith, Ark., Oct. 2, 1862. Dear Brother Wood: Truly, there is but little to bid us hope that our letters, directed east of the Mis sissippi river, will ever reach their destina tion ; yet perchance they might find a cross ing. Hence 1 will try again to let you hear from me. And truly, 1 hardly know what to write ; for I do not know which of my letters may have reached you, or which of them lost. Hence, what I write now may or may not be news to you. Early in the summer the Cherokee Na tion was occupied by a daring federal force, perhaps 4,000 strong. This band of jay hawkers took position on Grand river, thir ty miles north-west from Tahlequah. Our} forces, poorly equipped and without any j acknowledged commander over the whole force, fell back in various directions. The federal commander, under flag of truce, sent a communication to John Ross, the Chief, calling on the authorities to visit the federal camp with a view to the acknow-l ledgment of federal rule over the Nation j once more. John Ross declined the pro-[ posal. Many, however, were unwilling to give him credit for sincerity in this patriot ic action. Evan Jones and John Jones ac companied the federals ; and so soon as it was known that they were really there, thoie who were specially under their influ ence in the Nation, went to them. Nearly the whole of Col. Drew’s regiment (full blood Cherokees) deserted and went to the federals, being led by Lewis Downing, an abolition Baptist preacher, and chaplain in Drew’* regiment. About this time the most heartless robberies were committed in different parts of the Nation. In a few weeks more, the principle of jayhawking became well established, and prevailed, so that there were very few, if any, in the Nation who did not lose property. Nearly ail the negroes went to the federals. The Southern men were obliged to flee from the State —some got their families out, while many were left behind. Truly, it was a time of general distress —killing was the order of the day, and not a few were the murders perpetrated, and for the slightest provocation. And yet no man who had fled to the State line dared venture back to see to the welfare of his family. Brother Slover was among the refugees. lie and I remained in the Nation during the general uprising of the disaffected soldiers. At one time we were in the midst of 300 of them, armed, mounted, and on the march for the federal camp. They did not molest us, only because the Lord put it into their hearts to let us alone. Again we met oth er bands of them, and the federal officer (who had been to the Chief under flag of truce) with his escort. Finally we left, and by riding thirty-five miles after 12 o’clock, we reached the State, and have not ventured out since. A few days after, brother Slo ver’s family were robbed of everything, even to his children’s clothing. All of our native preachers suffered more or less— aome of them having lost everything. While all this was going on, John Ross was taken prisoner by the federals. Va rious are the conjectures about it. Most persons, however, think he was a willing prisoner, and that the plan for his capture was laid by himself. It was rather noysteri ous. A federal scout went to his mansion, stayed all night and until the middle of the next day, giving him time to prepare for being a prisoner in a comfortable way. So that he took his family, a good deal of household furniture, and a number of ser vants. Also a number of families, broth ers, cousins, nephews, &e., to the royal head, made up the train. Rather a novel way for federals to take rebel prisoners! Directly the federals fell back. Our troops moved into the Nation, and the dis affected Cherokees began to plead for quar ters. A convention was held, and Colonel Stand Waitie, the leader of the Old Ridge and proper Southern party, became Chief. Boudinot, of the same family and Major of Stand Waitie’s regiment, was elected rep resentative to Congress. Thus you see the Nation is at last under Southern rule. The authorities are no longer doubtful. Of course we have been able to do noth ing for our mission this summer in the Na tion, though we have done the best we could on the border. Brother Slover help ed me with a meeting in Fort Smith, and God has graciously blessed us. We bap tized a goodly number. Quite an interest was waked up in favor of our cause, and now we have the largest congregations in the city. The prospects for our success in Forth Smith are really encouraging. The place is not in the Nation, but immediate ly on the border, and in many respects may be considered the heart of the Nation, as it is the place from whence proceed “the issues of life and death ” of the Cherokee people. Let the brethren of Cherokee- Georgia know that but for their timely aid in securing met as their Missionary, with the privilege to labor in Fort Smith and on the border, this glorious work in Fort Smith would not have been done; and could you know, as well as 1 have known, what Fort Smith was, you would feel de voutly grateful for the present prospect as the commencement of great work. Al ready we begin to see the fruits of this mission. It will be cheering to you to know that your efforts have not been entirely in vain, but that your prayers have been heard, and your money sanctified of the Lord. And what is remarkable, (though not strange,) while God was blessing us in Fort Smith, through your instrumentality, He was also pouring out His good spirit upon you in Atlanta. To His name be all the glory. As we will not be able to labor to much advantage in the Cherokee Nation for some time to come; and as brother Slover will need special aid ; and as neither he nor I have received any quarterage for a long time—l think I shall try and cross the Mis sissippi river this winter, and spend a few months in Alabama and Georgia. Upon this, however, I have not fully decided. Not knowing who is to read this, wheth er you or some federal mail robber, I will close. Dear brother, pray lor us in our distressed condition, that God may save this robbed people from starvation, and sanctify our mission to their everlasting salvation. Fraternally, E. L. Compere. Evansville, Washington co., Ark., ) October 10, 1862. ) Elder J. M. Wood: Dear Brother—About a week since, 1 mailed you a long letter, and the same day received yours of the sth of last month.— Since the great overturning in the Chero kee country, we have aot been able to do any work, except along the border. In this work, however, we have done good, I trust. From Fort Smith I came to this place, thirty miles north,' where I found brother Slover, and with whom, if possi ble, 1 thought of holding a meeting at this time and place. Ciroumstances do nt>t en courage us much.-- Brother Slover’s family, you know, has been robbed of many things by the Pin In dians—‘that is the abolition or Union party. Brother S. has succeeded in getting his fam ily to this place. The work of death and destruction is still going on in the Nation. From 200 to 500 Pins are embodied now not more than twelve or fifteen miles from this place, and doubtless will cause great trouble yet. A force of Texans and South ern Cherokees inarched against these Pins three days ago, and were repulsed with a loss of four or five killed. They have a good position in the mountains, and will not be easily routed. Men are killed all thro’ the Nation, now, for the slightest causes— such is the enmity of the -apposing parties. Our native preachers have )J1 been obliged to flee from their homes —h\l having sus tained losses, and most of thefti having been entirely broken up. Old brother Walker is a refugee in the State, a few miles from here. Brother Jesse Owens is near here also. Cochran was robbed of all: I know not of his whereabouts. Foster is with the army—so is Wilkerson. Poor David Foreman is at the mouth of the Canadian, seven miles from Webber’s Falls. I hope he is able to preach there, but I fear not Yol. IV.