Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

i 'FSkV fHOQiBffiLEI 'W $ jh F" W \\ i/I S'tlj £<<>--*: I FF>YF , I 7ff ”L< t<V|l V\ il z W jfsKHwdtiw s»B w f~~~ • ‘The entrance of Thy Word givetn light. A. 0. DAYTOIT, Editor. JAS. K. ELLS, Secular Editor. CHRISTMAS DAY, DEC. 25, 1 Tlie ’Day .we Celebrate. [IyIATTHEW, Ch. 2 : V. 2.] The approaching Christian festival ought \ to be one of deep and solemn thanksgiv ing. Many, we trust, come in simplicity of ’heart, like the wise men of the East, to ■worship His star, which rose upon us eigh teen centuries ago, and whose glory beams eternal. We all know the story of the Sa viour’s birth—His sinless life—His cruel death —His glorious resurrection. It is a story to be heard on earth with hushed hearts and stirless lips; while above, in realms of endless light, the hosts of heaven are still singing ‘ Glory to God in the high est, and on earth peace, good will to men I The establishment of this festival, com memorative of the birth of our Savioui, was not until the fourth century, when, so long a time having elapsed, there was some controversy as' to a correct date; some placing it in January, some in December, and others in May; but it was finally de cided to celebrate the twenty-fifth of De cember —a day once kept in heathendom as the birthday of Sol, one of the gods of the heathen calendar. In truth, the evi dence of inspired writers would place it earlier in the year, probably in April —as it was customary in the hill country of Ju dea for the shepherds to lead their flocks to pasturage in the early spring, and we read in Luke ‘and there were in the same couir try shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch oVer their flock by night.’ Ibis ev idence, which we cannot controvert, would accuse us of keeping as a Christian festival the birthday of a pagan god. However that may be, we all feel the same delight at its approach. ’I oung and old meet on an equal footing, and seem to have ex changed a part of their special qualities.— It is an epoch in which youth has advanced one more step towards manhood ; and age, throwing aside, for the nonce, the gravity of years, falls back upon the privileges of youth, and partakes of its spirit and its sport. To the children, especially, is this a season of rejoicing—the visits of ‘Santa Claiis*awakening a lively eagerness, each curious to know what has been brought ‘down through the chimney’ to fill the lit tle stocking. In Germany, these visitscome from Christ-child, and his gifts are sure to kens of love and favor. It is a beautiful thought, and shows the poetical nature which runs like an under current through that nation. The burning of the Yr.lc-log, the brewing of a drink called wassail, the pealing of bells as the day is ushered in, are all old English customs with which-our readers are familiar. In ancient times it was customary for singers to go from house to house, recounting the birth of Christ in measured verse, and wishing each family health and fortune. This custom continues even now in some parts of England, and is well established in Germany. In Russia the salutation of the day is ‘Christ is born!’ In taking a retrospective glance over the past year, our hearts may grow sadder— for from many has death borne away a be loved form which mingled in the home cir cle on last Christmas; and from many have long-cherished hopes departed, while few among us can look up and say. ‘ I have ac complished my heart’s desire. But neith er death nor sorrow can stay the tide of jov which flows in with the ad;vent of our favourite holidiy. Ar I while we enjoy our portion of its <<mloits and pleasures, let us not forget that there are those t j whom Christmas conus and from whom it goes ■without a token of its appearing. They, too. would be happy on this festival day they, too, can feel the infinite love that sent a Saviour into the world—to them, too, comes the chiming of angel-voices in ‘Good will toward men.' And it we would fee! peaceful by our blazing hearthstones, the k consciousness of havK.g fait.’itully i.iseharg ■ ed our duty, as students of the Lord, in 9 contributing to their comfort, is the only path to that 'perfect peace. The festival is very m ar —even now we feel its pleasant influence; it is coming, like a breath from Bethlehem, bidding us live closer to that Saviour whose nativi THE BAPTIST BANNER. we celebrate. The. year, with all its expe riences of sweet and bitter things, is slow ly dying out. To us all it has brought a deeper love for the life to which we cling; for all it has lessened the hold on mortali ty ; but a new year is coming in which we must try our strength in the race, and many who begin will, ere the end, fall down by the way side, faint and dying. And for them, the winners of the race, high above the stars will the heavenly choristers sing, ‘ Glory to God in the highest!’ 'Elie giSOEtiOSI. Information received during the past week has left us but little room to doubt that the enemy intends, for the present, no advance into Georgia. The largest portion of his army has been removed from the vicinity of Chattanooga to Stevenson, where he will find it easier to feed them. The bridge over the Tennessee at Bridgeport was at last advices unfinished, and it was still impossible to supply the forces at Chattanooga with full rations. The condi tion of the roads in winter will effectually prevent a flank movement on his part by the way of Rome, His force at Cleveland is only about forty in number, who act as couriers between Chattanooga and Knox ville—all the rolling-stock having been re moved between the two places before the intervening country was given up. Burn-1 side still holds Knoxville, and has advanced on Longstreet whose headquarters are sixty six miles distant from that city, at Rogers ville, with railway communication to Bris tol. It is easy enough for him to come out of Tennessee if he is so disposed. A telegram is published in one of our city papers containing the somewhat start ling intelligence that the negro regiments left in charge of Fort Jackson, near the mouth of t .e. Mississippi, had risen against 1 the Yankee officers in command, Had killed a large number of those officers, sunk a ’ boat sent against them, liberated the Con -1 federate prisoners, and that General Dick 1 Taylor was marching to their relief. If ’ this should prove to be true (and subse -1 (juent intelligence leaves little_room to ' doubt it), the negroes there must have ' learned who their true trieqds are, and the > Yankees been taught a new lesson about ' the reliability of their vaunted African troops. - We hear of nothing new in relation to ’ our Virginia army. Standing as it does 1 proud and defiant, it will still prove, as it ■ has always proved, an msiqierable barrier ’ to the advance of Meade on Richmond. But the most interesting aspect of affairs 1 is to be seen in what' is transpiring in the capitals of the tw<» hostile powers. Dis tant from each other only about ten hours 1 on rail, these cities now present a scene on > which humanity looks with the intensest solicitude. Nay more, angels themselves, f who are concerned with the affairs of earth, 3 must look with mute wonder at what shall 3 transpire in a few brief weeks. Will the 1 tyrant and usurper press still further the 1 Confederate hosts? Will not some way 1 be found at Washington for a peace that ' shgll leave our land in the possession of ' I independence ? As fnatters now stand, our enemy has ‘ recently met with considerable success.— Chattanooga is in his j>ossession, and a large 1 portion of East Tennessee is no longer pro- > tected and guarded by a Confederate army. ' But it may weil.be questioned whether he ; has any cause of gratulation even at his ’; success at Chattanooga. His losses at that L ’city were of so astounding a character as ‘‘may well make him pause before attempt -1 ing an advance over a country crossed with mountains and numerous w ater-courses,any ' one of which would prove a good line for ' defensive operations. It is a matter of profound gratitude to the Giver of all good, that not a single 1 hostile foot now treads the soil of our be loved old State. The annual message, of Lincoln to his - Congress has been received, appended to ‘ which is an oath for all those* to take who f would commit treason against their own ■ government and be willing to reconstruc- - tion. The property (except that in slaves) I of all such, whether in the army or out ot r it, ho propv.-es to guarantee to them if they >' arc not ot' the rank and above that of Briga t der in the army. He says he prescribes 1 this oath, but is willing to have it modified s by the Supreme Court of the I nited States. ■ He is willing to a reconstruction on 7m plan, but dues not say that he might not 4 be willing to a cept of some "ther. Indeed • it is probable any would suit him. 1 The facts become t«u» patent to be con -1 c ab.d even from the obtuse vision of the ' Dictator. Tennessee, it is true, has been - in a measure overrun : but the fighting 1 p. pulatiu: will be found in Georgia waiting to re- -t his onward march. Our lines are shortened w hilc his are lengthened. And ? besides, the country over which his army , has passed is still h stile, .nd affords a fine < field for the illustrious ‘ Morgan’ who will . ° i burn with inter.ss desire to avenge the in. dignities offered his person, as well as to win back his country from hated Yankee thraldom. Every step the enemy takes in Georgia he must wade through blood.— By the recent State-Militia bill, the whole arms-bearing population, irrespective of age, will soon be in a condition to meet him. Let us then hope and trust in the God of battles. Charleston has almost won her deliver ance. Nearly six months has the enemy thundered upon her battlements, and to-day she is as strong as ever. The enemy must from sheer exhaustion soon cease his fire.— We congratulate our readers, therefore, that while the year closes in darkness, streaks of day are visible in the gloom. In looking over the action of our own Congress, 4 we see every disposition mani fested to relieve our currency. What the particular measure is that is to bring this needed relief, has not yet been brought to light; but certain it is that measures will be taken to compel the funding of a large portion of Confederate treasury notes which are in excess of the demands of trade.— A brighter day is dawning ; and we shall be the happiest of mortals to announce, soon, and certainly, that our victory has been won and our independence achieved. God save our native land ! Two Thousand Dollars. A few weeks ago brother Ells announced that he had received a thousand dollars to send The Banner to the Soldiers, from the Marion Board. We were*glad of that. . We mean to make “The Banner” the very best of all papers to send into the ■ camps. We do not think the Board could use its’ funds in any way which would do > more to add/o the religious welfare of the “ loved ones who have gone to take the place ; of danger, and it may be of death, in the I front. i Soon after seeing the announcement re- ■ ferred to above, Elder A. A. Conella, of i the Spring-Hill Baptist Church, was at our 1 house i.i Perry, and left another thousand • —a contribution from that Church to be > I employed in the same way. This is to i [send our paper to certain designated regi dments, viz: 4th, 17th and 43d Alabama, ~ and 4th Texas. i 1 This is as it ought to be. It shows what i ■ the Churches might do if each one was »I awake to its whole duty and responsibility, qThere are a hundred Churches in our con ,l federacy better able to do this than the ' little band at Spring; Hill. Alabama. Oh, that hey would each resolve at once qto act so that it may be said of them, as : Jesus said of her who annointed His head - with spikenard —It hath done what itcduld. 5 a. c. D. 1 111 oust on Female College. It was our good fortune to be present, ; for two days, during the recent examina- Jsion held at the Houston Female College, 1 presided over by Elder Dayton, at Perry. ! We feel entirely inadequate to do justice to ' the occasion. Never have we witnessed similar exercises, anywhere, that reflected greater credit upon teachers and pupils.— ! We were especially pleased with the clas ses in moral science and mental arithmetic ; ’ the former taught by Dr. Dayton,-princi- ■ pally by oral instruction, and the latter un ‘ der the charge of his accomplished daughter, ’ Miss Laura. On Friday night twenty-two • young ladies read original compositions, ■ upon subjects as varied, almost, as their > authors’ styles of beauty, many of which “ evinced talent of a fine order. The exerci ; ses were interspersed with music, and passed ■ off very pleasantly. ‘ We rejoice at brother Dayton’s prospects of success in his usefulness at this seminary, ’ and would call attention to the College Circular, to be found in another column. Missionary Plans. We intended to resume in this number the publication of Elder Dayton’s letters to Elder Boykin. They were mailed to us some weeks ago, but from some cayse or other, probably the derangement of the postal department, they have failed to reach 1 this office. Brother Dayton will therefore have to re-write them. We have received J 1 many intimations of an earnest desire! among the brethren to see and learn what are the sentiments of the Editor of our re-j ’igious department on this vexed subject. l <oinmcndablv. While at Perry, a few days since, brother • Dayton handed us one thousand dollars— : the contribution of the Baptist church at Spring Hill, Marengo county, Aldbama, for j sending The Banner to certain soldiers j from Alabama and Texas. ■ I This is the way to do the work. There J are many churches all over the Confede racy, who might imitate our Spring Hill ' brethren, and thereby gladden the hearts ofi • many brave men nobly contending for our ' rights. Which will be the next church to invest i one thousand dollars in this paying enter prise, and thus participate in the luxury of doing good ? Pcncilliaigs by the Way. On the evening of the-30th ultimo, the ‘Secular’ started from the Gate City, for Hillsboro, Miss., the place appointed for the meeting, in mass, of the Baptists of that State—a notice of the doings of which will be found in another part of this edition. Accordingly, we took position in the de pot, (which Atlantanians persist in calling ‘ the car shed,’) awaiting, patiently, the ar rival of the train from Augusta, which was to convey us to West Point. Half an hour later.than due the shrill neigh of the iron horse heralded its approach, minus two passenger cars, which had, by one of those ’ now-common accidents for which‘no one was to blame,’ been smashed up at Deca tur, six miles distant. A throng of travel lers stood waiting to get aboard, but O. H. ! Jones, the efficient transportation agent, ’ vowed that no one should enter the remain- * inn ear until the last wounded soldier had I & secured a place. Here was a‘fix.’ But 5 in the meantime we had been so fortunate, L while waiting on the platform, as to form the acquaintance of a couple of very pleas -1 ant ladies and their attendant, who were as ’ anxious to be in LaGrange that night as we ’ were to start on our westward way. Fi ' nally, flanked by ‘ Cousin Tom,’ our persua sive eloquence overcame the gallant mail agent, who admitted our party of four into his car. Behold us, then, perched upon mail-bags, whirling along the track in much enjoyment, despite the novelty of our mode of transit. Soon we reached LaGrange, where our very agreeable companions bade us adieu, and we were ‘ left alone in our glory,’ till West Point was reached— whence, changing cars, we sped along to I Opelika, breakfasted, jumped aboard again, ; 1 and reached Montgomery about ten o’clock, ; just in time to witness the inauguration ofi Brother Watts, who has succeeded brother Shorter as Chief Magistrate of Alabama. ’ Governor Watts is a fine looking Baptist, and, judging from his/»ntecedents, will re flect honor upon the position to which he has been called by his fellow-citizens. The inaugural ceremonies were very impressive. A long procession was formed on the main street, and proceeded to the majestic Capi tol. The Governor elect, the retiring Gov ernor, and Rev. Mr. Tichenor, rode in an open carriage drawn by four gray horses, and Captain Belser’s fine looking fire com pany, with guns, etc., acted as an escort. — The day was delightful, the crowd vast, the ’ Tadics beautiful. Governor Watts’address ' was quite lengthy. He gave an outline of ,: the early history of the. States, showing that the States were always considered in dependent sovereignties, and so acknow ledged by England and the other powers. That the doctrine of independent State sovereignty has been held (>y the South both before and since the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. He showed very clearly that the South had submitted to wrong, and lor years had borne patiently all the imposi tions of the North, and’that she had used every effort to live in peace and harmony with the North. The spirit of centralism and abolitionism, culminating in the elec tion of Abraham Lincoln, had caused the South to sever the ties that had bound us together. He presented a glowing picture of the valor of our troops —of the battle fields whereon they have conquered and whereon they have died. “The wives and children,” said he, “of these brave men i must be fed, clothed and cared for.” lie gave great praise to the women of Ala bama and the South for their untiring zeal and never-ceasing labors in behalf of the sick and wounded soldiers. The brass band, belonging to the 17th Alabama regiment—formerly commanded by Governor Watts—made its appearance very unexpectedly on the Capitol square, and delighted all who listened to their strains. The battle-flag was waving in the breeze, the music pouring forth its martial notes as the Governor, Ex-Governor, mili tary, ladies and all returned, in procession to the Montgomery Hall. From the capital we went to Mobile, and .‘put up’ at the Battle House, the proprie tors of which charge owZy twenty dollars a day, hotel rates, unless a fire is called for, which request is complied with on the pay ment of three dollars for that luxury. * We now number ourselves among those whose patience has been sorely tried by a crip over the Mobile and Ohio railway. 1 Reform for the evils suffered by the travel ling public, over this important thorough fare, is greatly needed, and we trust will i soon be devised and executed. It is, be yond question, the worst managed railroad in the Confederacy. Generally, at least five hours are wasted, out of the twelve [hours required for the trip from Mobile to i Meridian, in standing at the stations. And then, such dirty cars ! There can be no good excuse for this. The corporation is rich, and rapidly getting richer, and, to quote the language of a fellow-sufferer, I sheltering'all its many irregularities under; the broad wing of‘special orders’ and Government monopoly, it has reached the very acme of independent carelessness. At Meridian, while gazing upon the va ried pictures of camp life, wo felt, convinc ed thal’if certain ctoakcis of theiouutry would visit this camp they would be aston-* ished at tile spirit 'of cheerfulness and pa : triotism evinced by our brave soldiery. A recent writer from this point Las well said that the tendency of camp life is far from what the philanthropist mightdesirc. 'There ( is an absence of those influences which for ) tify ' the heart against evil, and the soldier ; isnjffas I too often the victim of vice. Too ; many become vulgar and profane—conver sation is apt to degenerate into inelegant ho/i _ mots and camp slang; the use of spirituous liquors, when they can be obtained, is too universal; and far too many” are addicted _ to the crime of gambling. This disreputa j ble practice so completely controls and ab sorbs the minds of some, that they grossly ( neglect, their duties, and, when allowed, sit up whole nights in succession, to the great detriment of their health. But. there are s some who are not easily overcome by these a frightful vices, and such persons must be _ regarded as moral heroes. Religion, which _ is so important to preserve and ameliorate the heart when other gentle inflmnccs are > wanting, is not a stranger here. There are ! many who have waxed strong in the scr ! vice of their Heavenly Master, whose ex , amples aie bright contrasts to some of the ungodly. *1 here are frequent religious scr. . vices by torchlight, and .the’chaplains and ■ missionaries have large congregations evei y . Sabbath, and the Almighty often greatly blesses His martial followers. Here it was, while waiting for the Bran don train, that we encountered brother M. ? T. Sumner, of Marion, also on the way to ■ the Convention. Wishing, if possible, to avoid the fumes of unclean pipes, indiffer ent tobacco anc( worse whiskey, in the ears occupied exclusively by the sterner sex, the Elder and the Editor approached the guard stationed at the entrance to the ladies’ car, and respectfully requested the privilege of admission therein. The guard referred us for answer to a fine looking young officer, remarking that if he said yea, all right—we could go in. The young officer heard our appeal and granted the request, saying we were, known to him by reputation. It trans- . pired that he was Lieutenant Joseph Rob ; ert, the well-beloved son of Elder Win. 11. , Robert, of LaGrange, the popular ai my missionary. We shall long remember his courtesy, and regretted our inability this time, to call and sqe him at his quarters. From Forest Station to Hillsboro, we (brother Sumner and self) made the trip in a coach, we call it through courtesy, drawn by a couple of mules answering to the appellations of ‘Molly ’ and ‘Becky.’ We cannot, consistently, declare that the ; public roads in Mississippi are in fine order or good condition. In this trip of ten miles by hack, wc were favored with the compa ny of Dr. Grace, who has lately been act ing chaplain in the 17th Alabama regiment, and who had business in the village which we were slowly approaching. The Friday following our departure from Atlanta found us drawn up in front of the . post office in Hillsboro. Just opposite, in the court house, the convention was in ses sion, and thither wc directed our steps. In less than three minutes after we entered the hall, the arrival of brother S. and our , self was announced to the meeting by El der Hamberlin, on whose motion we were invited to seats, and Elder McCloud, the ■ Chairman, advanced and bade us a cordial welcome. Elder Sumner then made an excellent off-hand speech. The brethren present seemed animated ■ with the desire of doing good, and advanc , ing of Christianity. Their de- ■ liberations were, throughout, characterized : by harmony and brotherly love. We ear nestly hope that the organization effected ■ at Hillsboro may rapidly expand in useful i ness, and be the means of accomplishing ! great good. —— To our Drcllgrcjs in the Ministry. W ill each of you take a voluntary agency 1 for The Banner, and present its claims to ’ each of the churches to which you preach ? It will not be much trouble, at your next church meeting, to inform the brethren of ! the change that Jias taken place in our edito -1 rial management, and ask them if they are ■ not willing to assist brother Dayton in es- ■ tablishing a thorough Baptist paper, and ■ giving it such a circulation as will make it I widely useful. Five dollars is not much • for such an object, in such times as these. You can certainly prevail on some of your • people to subscribe. , We have, recently, traveled by rad over quite an extended portion of Confederate territory ; and we have to express the de- • liberate opinion that, in our judgment, the. ; best-managed road in the’South is the ‘ Ma con & Western ’ from. Atlanta to Macon. Its cars are clean ; its conductors polite and attentive; and the trains are always in on I time. We know whereof wc write.