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(Lite Wntisi ,&wr< 0 * ( eA w w tw ' * 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.