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* The entrance of Thy Word giveth light.’
JAS. NATHAN ELLS, Editor.
Associate Editors : H. C. HORNADY, Atlanta.
J. M. WOOD, Newnan.
A. C. DAYTON, L Fayette.
D. P. EVERETT, Florida.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA:
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1863.
The Hope of the Nation.
Whatever civil compact they may see
fit to adopt, an enlightened people will not
trust themselves to calculate, with minute
ness and confidence, the greatest degree of
political prosperity that may be enjoyed,
nor the least degree of restraint that may
be necessary. It will not escape them, that
no human foresight can extend to all emer
gencies, which a series of years may pro
duce ; and that time may develope, in any
political constitution, traits, either more or
less valuable, than were apparent to its
• original authors. It is a well known truth
in mechanics, that the actual and theoretical
powers of a machine will never coincide. —
Through the flexibility of one part, the rig
idity of another, and the roughness of a
third, the result may disappoint those fond
hopes which seemed to rest on the firm
ground of mathematical calculation. The
judicious artist will not, however, on this
account, be willmg to reject, as worthless, a
structure of splendid and complicated me
chanism, of solid materials, in the formation
of which much labor, experience and in
genuity have been employed.
It is a remark, not less important'beeause
frequently made, that an indifferent consti
tution may be so administered as to render
a nation happy, and that, without a good
administration, the best political institutions
will fail of accomplishing that purpose.—
Now, as the manner in which government
will be administered, in any nation, can
never be foreseen, a discerning people will
not confidently anticipate, as their perpetu
al portion, the highest degree of prosperity
which their form of government seems cal
culated to secure. Nor will they fix their
eyes so intensely on the eviß which may
be felt at any period, as to forget the im
perfection of all human establishments, and
that, under a new form of government, may
be concealed important disadvantages which I
experience alone can bring to light. Re-1
jecting alike the character of inconstancy,
turbulence, and despondency, they will
neither tamely yield to abuses, nor subvert
their political institutions on account of!
them.
As an enlightened people will know how
to value their rights, they will place in of
fice those who, by their ability, knowledge
and integrity, are entitled to such distinc-1
tion. To obtain their suffrages, it will not
be enough that a man professes his attach
ment to order, religion, or liberty. He
must have more solid ground on which to
establish his claims to public favor. In
knowledge and wisdom is doubtless implied
a spirit of discernment. To enjoy the con
fidence of a wise people, there must there
fore be a consistency of character, a uniform
regard to moral principle and the public
good. They will clearly perceive that the
civil interests of millions can not be secure:
in the hands of men who, in the more con
fined circle of common intercourse, are sei-!
fish, rapacious, or aspiring.
An enlightened regard to self-interest and ■
a religious sense of responsibility will, in'
this ease, lead to the same practical result.
In exercising the right of freemen, the man !
of religion experiences no conflict between
his duty and his inclination. Towards the!
dishonest, profane, ambitious and profligate
he feels
’The strong antipathy of good to bad.’
He has no wish to behold, arrayed in robes \
ot office, men whose largest views do not
extend beyond the limits of mortal life,
and whose deportment and conversation in
dicate neither love nor reverence for the
Author of their being.
In very popular governments, where the
elective franchise is widely extended, it is,
doubtless, impossible that candidates for
public office should be personally known to
all whose suffrages they receive. How,
generally soever knowledge is diffused, all
the members of a large State can not be
brought within the sphere of mutual ob
servation. In this case, resort must be had
to the best sources of information. But it!
should not be forgotten, that a portion of |
W® SS JB A X 8 W IS AXMMSS St ®
the. same intelligence and virtue, required
in rulers, is necessary in giving information
concerning candidates. An honest and
well informed freeman will rely on none
but well-informed witnesses.
A nation distinguished by a union of
wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of God,
is morally certain of having its government
well administered, not only for the reason
just assigned, but because the tone of mor
als, existing in such a nation, will operatt
as a powerful restraint, if, by any casualty
or deep dissimulation, persons of yielding
virtue should be placed in office.
Public opinion constitutes a tribunal,
which few men, and least of all, those who
are in pursuit of popular favor, will dare to
set at defiance. It-is scarcely possible that
a people truly wise and virtuous should
have a government badly administered. —
Whenever the majority of a community
complain of their rulers, they implicitly
utter reproaches against themselves, for
having placed their destijiy in the hands ot
men with whom it is insecure. If their re
proaches are long continued, it is good
proof that their own morals exhibit no very
striking contrast with the morals of those
whose profligacy they condemn. In popu
lar governments, the virtues and vices of
rulers must flourish or wither with those
of the people. m
Those intellectual and moral qualities, so
essential to the permanent prosperity of a
State, can be promoted extensively in no
other way than by education, early begun
and judiciously prosecuted. The youth in
a community have, long since, been com
pared to the spring. The loss of these
would be like striking out from the year
the vernal months. If there be no vegeta
tion in the opening year, what shall support
life during the time of autumn and winter?
Or what, if there be a luxuriant vegetation,
but no salutary or nourishing plant? —
What, if ‘ thistles grow instead of wheat,
and cockles instead of barley ’ ?
That education may do much, both for
the intellectual and moral improvement of
a nation, can not be called in question. —
If the Spartan disciple was found adequate
to its object, during many centuries, though
it counteracted some of the strongest affec
tions of our natures ; if parental, filial, and
even conjugal tenderness could be extin
guished or smothered under a political con
stitution, which formed but one family, of
a whole State ; what might not be done by
pursuing, with perseverance, a plan of edu
cation, concerted with just "views of the
human character, and under the influence of
that glorious light which Christianity’ has
shed on the destiny of man ?
The active powers of the soul must either
be suppressed or directed. If they are
(suppressed, their possessor loses, in a con
siderable degree, his rank in the moral
world. If they are not suppressed, they
J must be directed by knowledge and moral
principle.
The importance of early instruction was
felt by the wisest nations of antiquity.—
‘ What,’ says Barthelemi, speaking in the
name of the Grecian sages, and profoundly
versed in their writings, ‘ What are the
solid foundations of the tranquility and hap
piness of States ? Not the laws which dis
pense the rewardsand punishments; but
l the public voice, when it makes an exact
i
retribution of contempt and esteem. The
laws, in themselves impotent, borrow their
power solely from manners. Hence results,
in every government, the indispensable ne
cessity of attending to the education of
children, as an essential object of training
them up in the spirit and love of the con
stitution, in the simplicity of ancient times ;
in a word, in the principles which ought
ever after to regulate their virtues, their
opinions, their sentiments, and their beha
vior. All who have meditated on the art
jot government, have been convinced that
' the fate of empires depended on the educa
tion given to youth.’
This subject did not escape the notice of
jthe Athenian legislator. Solon enacted a
number of laws relating particularly to
I education. In them he specified both the
.time, at which youth should receive public
lessons, and the character and talents of the
I masters, who should instruct them. One
| of the Courts of Justice was to superintend
' the observance of these regulations.
At Sparta, it is well known that educa
tion was every thing. Children w ere scarce-
I ly introduced into the world w hen thev were
subject to a course of discipline, applied
equally to the mind and the body. Ly
curgus would have his laws engraved on
the hearts of the citizens ; and, to effect
this, he endeavored so to direct the educa
tion ot youth that his institutions might be
to them as a law of nature.
‘ In the rising ages of Rome,’ says the
learned Rennet. ‘ while their primitive in
tegrity and virtue flourished, the training
up ot youth was a most sacred duty. But,
m the looser times of the empire, the
shameful negligence of parents and instruct
ions, with its necessary consequence, the'
corruption and decay of morality and good'
letters, struck a blow towards dissolving
that glorious fabric.’
The same general principle is distinctly
recognized in that constitution which was
divinely bestowed on the Jewish nation :
‘ These words, which I command thee this
day,’ saith Moses, ‘ shall be in thine heart;
and thou shalt teach them diligently unto
thine children ; and shalt talk of them when
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way ; when thou best down,
and when thou risest up.’
Infidelity in the Churches.
Yes, infidelity. We know of no other
word to apply to those professed Christians
—members of the Church — act so in
consistently with their professions: for
saking the house of God, and manifesting
not the least concern, during the efforts of
a faithful few in seasons of revival. These
things ought not so to be. Brother, sister,
have you indeed been born of the Spirit ?
By keeping aloof from these efforts in be
half of the Master’s cause, you perpetrate
a two fold wrong, and wound your Saviour
in the house of His friends.
Religion an Element of Greatness.
Whatever of excellence is wrought into
, the soul itself, belongs to both worlds.—
Real goodness does not attach itself merely
( to this life ; it points to another world.-
Political or professional fame can not last
( forever, but a conscience void of offence be
fore God and man is an inheritance for
( eternity. Religion, therefore, is a necessary
and indispensable element in an} great
, human character. There is no living with
. out it. Religion is the tie that connects
man with his Creator, and binds him to
His throne. If that tie be all sundered, all
i broken, he floats away —a worthless atom
in the universe, its proper attractions all
gone, its destiny thwarted, and its whole
future nothing but darkness, desolation and
death.
Cherokee Baptist Convention,
f This body met at Rome, on Friday the
■ 15th instant, and continued its session till
s six o’clock on Monday evening. Hon. Mark
i A. Cooper, of Etowah, presided. We shall
give a report of the proceedings in our next
I issue. To many Romans—especially the
families of brethren Sheibley, McClung and
Pennington, we are under obligations for
L genuine hospitalities.
Missionary Meeting.
A missionary meeting, under the auspices
j. of the Rehoboth association, will be held at
Fort Valley, Houston county, commencing
on next Friday, 29th instant—continuing
three days. We hope to see a large attend
ance of the friends of missions at the Val
ley. All are invited; and our experience
of the hospitality of the people in that
section, warrants the assertion that visitors
, w’ill have a delightful time.
■ I ♦ •
Rumors.
> We prefer not to give as news the many
- and varied rumors afloat in the papers—
i ‘ sensation ’ dispatches and items—regard
ing Vicksburg and other points. To our
■ readers we say, put not your trust in tele
grams. God reigns.
Religious.
The meetings at the First Baptist Church
still continue. Preaching every night at
. eight o’clock ; prayer meeting every morn
ing at eight. We trust our citizens gener
ally will attend these services.
We would call attention to the Report of
of the Librarian of the Baptist Historical
Society of the Confederate States ; and urge
upon its friends a remembraned of this use
ful organization.
The furnishing of religious literature
for our Soldiers is one of the most import
ant Christian charities of the dav ; or, more
correctly speaking, it is a debt (rather than
a charity) which all our citizens owe the
■ brave men who have interposed their strong
hearts, as a wall of adamant, between them
and the enemy. The sacrifices our soldiers
have made, the hardships they undergo, and
the perils to which they are exposed, appeal
cogently to the sympathies of every patriot.
To the Christian, the danger of the soul
is tne most affecting of all considerations.
ho, that has observed the sad deteriora
tion of morals among our young men since
the war commenced, can doubt that this
danger is augmented by the habits and as
sociations of the camp and field ?
[For The Baptist Banner.}
•Quis.’
Mr. Editor: Some good brethren in this
locality, (upper Georgia,) have taken ex
ceptions to the comment: bv vour corres
pondent, Quis, in his article headed “ The
time and place for holding the next conven
tion.’’ They think it unfair for visitors af
ter responding to Invitations of the kind '
to be criticised for so doing— and that in i
such wide charges as ‘bringing their sweet
hearts,’ Ac., intimated by Quis. Does he I
(or she) know such to be true ? and, if true, <
what of it? How are you going to help it ? I
Quod. t
[For The Baptist Banner.}
Notes on tlie Southern Baptist Con
vention.
NUMBER I.
“Important Statements.’’'
During one of the sessions of the Con
vention, it was announced by the Secretary
of the Marion Board, that a Presbyterian
brother, a chaplain in General Bragg’s army,
desired to address the convention, with the
view of making some important statements
in reference to the destitution of that army.
Leave was granted, and a good looking gen
tleman was introduced, with a sufficient
number of brass buttons to show his mili
tary character, and with the insignia which
indicated that he might be called chaplain
or captain, as might suit the taste of the in
terlocutor. He addressed the convention
for perhaps half an hour, in a very earnest
manner, and he was not a bad speaker. The
convention listened with equal earnestness,
to hear the important statements. It was
stated that phaplains were so scarce that of
ficers in charge of hospitals did not know
where to send to obtain a person to admin
ister the last rites of our holy religion to the
dying soldier. It was also stated that it I
was the duty of the convention to send mis
i sionaries to watch over “ the baptized chil
. dren” in the arrfiy. Something was also
said about the “ children of the covenant.”
It is said that the secretary was not alto
gether pleased with the address of, the cap
( tain. The convention did notappear edified
overmuch. They neglected to pass a vote
of thanks; perhaps it was an oversight.
“How 7 long ye simple ones will ye love.
■ simplicity?”
“ How long will ye love vanity and seek
after leasing ? ”
Bowhill, May 12 1863. Pedrillo.
[For the Baptist Banner.]
From our Army Evangelist.
The two Conventions—Preaching in camps—Death
of a soldier—Departure of troops—The Louisia
na Battalion.
Brother Ells :
The interest manifested by the Georgia
Baptist Convention, during their recent ses
sions, in the spiritual welfare of our sol
diers, has greatly encouraged my poor
heart. Surely God approves such a spirit,
and will, in mercy, smile upon the efforts
put forth in this cause. 1 look forward with
strong hope, to such an out pouring of His
spirit upon our army as will gladden the
hearts of His people throughout the land.
The session of our State Convention was
: among the most pleasant that I have ever
[ attended, and I trust that it may prove to
. be one of the most profitable. Compara
tively few of those who participated in the
formation of the Southern Baptist Conven-
tion, in Augusta, eighteen years ago, were
present at its recent session. The few “an
cient men ” that are left serve to remind us
of the many whom God has taken away
“from the evil to come.” These few, the
writer among them, will soon “ cease from '
their labors.”
The Sabbath intervening between the two
conventions was spent in camps, near Sa
vannah. Preaching twice a day in the open
air, to large crowds, is rather too much for
my strength. But it is what I generally do,
and, in doing which, I have every encour
agement and comfort. Never did I preach
to men who seemed to receive the Word
with so much gratitude, and to so much
profit. Prayer meetings are held regularly
in many companies; immorality and vice
are decreasing, and the deepest seriousness
pervades the minds of many. Whenever
an opportunity is given, hundreds come for
ward for prayer.
Brother Odom, one of our most indefa
tigable and useful of our missionaries, fur
nishes me with the following account of the
death of a soldier, which came under his
own observation. His name was J. P. Ap- ’
piewhite. He was about twenty years of
age—was a member of the 2nd Regiment I
of State troops, and was from Webster
county. He had been sick in hospital for
a week or more, when brother Odom’s at
tention was attracted to him by his having
become very happy during a prayer meet
ing which he was holding on a certain eve
■ ning. The next morning the missionary
found him still in a most happy and tri
umphant frame. His evidences of accept
ance with God were of a most satisfactory
nature. He urged that his dying exhorta
tion, to his brothers and sisters, to accept of
Christ, should be sent to them without de
lay. Brother Odom conversed with him
only a few moments before his departure.
In answer to the inquiry whether he loved
the Saviour, he said—“Oh yes, sir, I love
him with all my heart! He is so precious
to my soul ! I know that lam dying, and
that 1 will soon be in heaven, to reign with
Jesus forever! Oh, how sweet heaven is!
There will be no sorrow there. 1 do want
everybody to serve the Lord.” The poor
soldier continued in this frame until his
struggles ceased, and God called him away.
As the fact has been announced in other
papers, it may not be improper for me to
repeat that several regiments have depart
ed hence for the West. Poor fellows!
while we bade farewell to hundreds of them,
we could not resist the conviction that it
i would prove to be our last earthly inter- j
view. This was especially the case in re
gard to the Louisiana Battalion. It had
fallen to my lot to preach to them occasion- I
ally for more than a year past. Though |
having the reputation of being, in the main,
an ungodly and reckless set of men, they
had ever treated me and my ministry with
I the utmost consideration, and I could not
but be deeply moved, upon going among
them at the depot, shaking hands with them I
for the last time, when they would say, (as
many of them did with tears in their eyes,)
“We shall never forget you”—“we will re
member you when we are tar away. "You
were the first minister who came to preach
to us, and to pray for us.” A few of them
said my preaching had been sanctified to
their salvation. 1 could but thank Czod and
take courage. J- C.
[For The Bapti t Banner.]
Baptist Historical Society.
The Librarian of the Baptist Historical So
ciety of the Confederate States, takes occasion
to make the following statement of the condi
tion of its library and collections :
The Society is now in the second year of its
existence. The giant war, which absorbs the
thought and enejgy of the country, has prevent
ed the Society from receiving that attention and
encouragement which its importance demands.
A gratifying commencement has, however, been
made, and if the members of our churches, and
others interested in preserving memorials of
the past and present, will give the Society a
reasonable encouragement, I will soon possess
collections of real value. A resolution wis
adopted at the annual meeting in July, request
ing our preachers and others, whose portraits
would be of general interest, to furnish the So
ciety with the photographs or portraits. It is
to be regretted that but two individuals have
complied with the request at this time, but it is
hoped that a matter which promises to be of so
much interest will receive at once proper atten
tion.
The following is a statement of most of the
contributions to the library at this date:
21 bound volumes of th: Christian Review, and a photo
graph of Jesse Mercer—from the Librarian.
6 bound volumes of the Southern Cultivator—from D.
Redmond, Esq.
6 volumes < f the Revised Scriptures—from Rev J M Wood.
4S vols Congressional documents—from Wm Lewis, Esq.
2 vols. Bench & Bar of Georgia—from Hon M J Wellburn.
5 vols Congressional documents—from J. H. Rice, Esq.
1 volume—from Rev. A. S Worrell
1 ‘‘ “ Mr. James Clarke.
1 “ “ Rev. J. H Campbell.
1 “ “ Capt A. J. Kennady.
1 “ and 1 engravirg—from N. M. Crawford, D. D.
15 “ and 1 portrait—from Rev. HC. Hornady.
1 “ from Second Baptist Church, Atl nta.
2 “ together with the pencil and purse of Luther
Rice, used in raising money to build Colum
bian College, a silver medal presented by the
Central A sociation to J< sse Meroer and sev
eral pamphlets—by President Sherwood.
8 “ from Rev E. A. Carswell.
1 “ “ Mr. John Whitaker.
1 “ “ Rev. T. J. Bowen.
2 “ •’ Rev J M. Wood.
3 “ “ Rev. H. F Buckner.
7 “ and an exceeding y rich and interesting collec-
tion of pamphlets, manuscripts, au ographs,
engraving —by 0 D. Mallary. This colP c
t.on embraces memorials of many of our
gria’est and b st men.
1 “ Ind an Hymns—irom Mrs. Murrow.
2 " and a valuable collection of Indian davuerreo-
types and curiosities—from Rev. Mr Murrow.
There is also a large number of pamphlets,
magazines, &c , many of which are rare and
valuable, but which are not catalogued, as it is
hoped that they may some day be suitably
bound so as to be preserved. A few volumes
have been received in such away that it is inv
possible to know who the donor is. In alb
there are about 150 bound volumes, besides
the manuscripts, pamphlets, curiositefi, &c.
It is earnestly hoped that all persons interest
ed in the preservation of historical mementoes,
will remember this Society, and make such clo
nations as they may be able to furnish.
Atlanta, Ga. S. Root, Librarian.
Klible and (Jolportcua* Society.
Griffin, Ga , April 23, 1863.
The Georgia Bible and Colporteur Soci
ety was called to order at 4 o’clock, P. M.,
during a recess of the Georgia Baptist Con
vention.
In the absence of the President, Rev. J.
T. Clark, one of the Vice-Presidents, was
called to the chair.
Brethren Warren, Root and Ilaygood
were appointed a committee on credentials.
They reported the following members pres
ent :
C. D. Mallary, » E. R. Carswell,
8. Landrum, 8. Boykin,
J T. Clark, W. 11. Davis,
S. G. Daniell, J. J. Pierce,
F. M. Ilaygood, R. Webb,
E. W. Warren, J. M. Clark,
W. C. Wilkes, H. A. Tupper,
J. W Fears, . T. B. Moss,
N. M. Crawford, J. 11. DeVotie,
L. T. Doyal, J. E. Brown,
8. Root, W. D. Horn,
W. N. Chaudoin, A. E Cloud,
T. Stocks, E. J. Pannell,
M. J. Wellborn, R. D. Malla.y,
C. C. Willis, J. O. Seriven,
The Report of the Board of Managers
was read and adopted.
Elected officers for the ensuing year, as
follows:
President— Rev. J. 11. DeVotie.
, Vice Presidents — Rev. C. D. Mallary, Rev. 8. Lan-
i drum, Rev. J. T. Clark.
Secretary— Rev. 8. G. Daniell.
Agent and Treasurer— Rev. F. M. Haygood.
Board of Managers— Rev. E. VV. Warren, Rev. W.
C. Wilkes, I. R. Branham, J. W. Fears, G. 8. Obear,
R. D. Mallary.
On motion of brother Irvin, an opportu
nity was given for receiving donations and
new members; pending which brother E.
VV. Warren addressed the audience in a
short but effective speech. ’'
The following persons were enrolled as
members:
Li r e Managers, by the pavnient of sso.—Rev. E.
W. Warren, Rev. J. 11. DeVotie.
Life Members, by the payment of S2O. —Rev. E.
Jewel, VV. E Gay Rev. L. T. Doyal, Rev. N. B. Bi
nion, Rev. VV. T. Brandy, J. 11. Callaway.
Annual Members, bv the payment of $1 and up
wards.—Rev. G. T. W’illburn, Rev. C D. Campbell,
Rev. J. Carter, Rev. A. J. Huntington, J. P. Mc-
Donald.
(In the hurry of the occasion, it is be
lieved that other names failed to be re
corded.)
Amount received, two hundred and nine
ty-six dollars.
Adjourned to the time and place of the
next Georgia Baptist Convention.
J. T. Clark,
S. G. Daniell, Acting President.
Secretary.
Honey Received for Army Colpor»
tage.
I From Antioch Church, per W. N. Chandom, $lB5 00
I S- Walton 30 00
' Misses Childs 5 00
Mrs. Asbury 6 0(J
P. H. Allen, (collected,) 10 00
MissT. Andrews, per KeV. F. M. Haygood, 500
T. JI. Jones, .... 2 00
Mrs. R. Webb 10(0
Miss Lucretia Alexander, (collected.) 30 00
‘ Collection in the Presbyterian Church,
I Griffin.......... 132 00
Collection in the Methodist Church, Griffin, 264 00
669 00
_ , 500
lotal 00
~ W. HUFF.
Confederate States Bible Society.—
The treasurer acknowledges the receipt to
April 30, 1863, of 811,957,55.