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COLLEGE ED VC A TION IN GEORGIA—FREE
TUITION—REJOINDER TO REPLY
OF " TRUSTEE"
In This Index of September 15th, appeared
an article with the caption above, signed “A
Baptist.” In the number of the same paper
of October 20th,, this article is criticised at
some length by “Trustee.” The relation of
“Trustee” to Mercer University, and his
distinction as the bearer of a liberal proposi
tion of aid to her, demand a respectful reply.
Before noticing the criticisms seriatim, I
will call attention to the dates of the two
articles, that of "A Baptist” September 15th,
and that of “Trustee,” October 20th. Be'
tween the two dates occurred a notable event,
viz: the passage of acts by the General As
s embly, by which the State University was
empowered to grant free tuition. I wrote
before those acts, and only in reference to
their subject matter, free tuition, and its
relations to Mercer. If “Trustee” will care
ully re-read the article, I am persuaded that
he will see, that writing after the passage of
those acts, be has unwittingly weighed my
article as if it also had been written subse
quently to them.
The first criticism is that my article was
written “notably in opposition to the pro
posed couse of the State University, but also
i n opposition to any steps being taken by
the friends of Mercer towards diminishing
the present cost of education in her balls.”
Free tuition in the State University was the
subject mainly discussed, and that Mercer
could not now enter on free tuition. Not a
word can I find against a sum of money be
ng raised specifically to defray tuition in
whole or in part, or to ch.a.ien tuition, or in
f act against any plan to lessen the cost of
education at Mercer. Plans were not in
order. The question of the hour was. shall
the State University abolish its fees for tui
ion? No plan had even been hint, d at, ex
cept that of the generous friend of "Trustee,”
and that was contingent on free tuition at
the State University, which had not then
become-an accomplished fact. It would
have been an anachronism to discuss plans
before the necessity for any was apparent.
“Trustee," in the next paragraph, refers to
my citation of wants, such as skilled teach
ers, in science and theology, museums, etc.,
which future progress in the State University
and Mercer, will impose upon them. He
says t “these ... do not solve
the promlem as to how Mercer University
. , . . . is to compete with
the State University, which oilers free tui
tion, etc.” This problem, as said above
was not under discussion. The State Uni
versify bad not then offered free tuition.
The object was to show that free tuition in
the State University or Mercer would cut off
their future growth and progress; by remov
ing the only source of income, viz: tuition,
which was flexible enough to adapt itself to
an increased number of students, and to in*
creased expenses. No lover of education
desires that Mercer University shall remain
at her present status. All say, let her be
come equal to the largest and best in the
land in every appliance of education! Tui
tion is a more sure reliat c • fortius growth,
than uncertain benefactions. The one is
the hird in the hand, the other the bird in
he bush.
The next point of criticism is contained in
this sentence: "Our brother also says the
colleges must become beggars in order that
they may be liberal givers.” After stating
that the State University had applied for
State aid to inaugurate free tuition, and that
a brother had made a generous proposition
to Mercer, in case of free tuition at Athens,
I said, “Both Universities must have imme
diate present aid, in order to inaugurate free
tuition- That is a bad foundation to start
from- They must become beggars, in order
that they may be liberal givers.” Os course,
the word beggars was used in a good sense,
as when we say, “brother So-and so is here
at the convention, begging for the Seminary,
or Mercer, or missions, etc.”
Ajain, “If I understood ‘A Baptist,’ he
thinks right,highminded people would feel a
little humiliated at the thought of accepting
a college education as a gratuity ” I find
nothing in the article conveying that un
qualified principle. “A Baptist,” however,,
is free to say, that he thinks that, as a gene
ral rule, one who is able to pay for his tuition
should pay for that as for every other neces -
sary or comfort of life. If unable to pay,
lie may accept tuition, without humiliation,
from one who is able to give it without crip
pling himself, and who has a right to be
stow it. If a college is able to give free tui
tion to all alike, all may accept alike.
Others may entertain a different opinion.
I do not question their right to their opin
ons. They may be much wiser than mine.
Again, “Trustee” says, “he confidently
assumes that tuition fees are ‘no barrier’ to
those who desire a college education.”] The
paragraph reads thus: “Did a deserving poor
boy ever fail to enter college because he
could not pay tuition fees? A common
sympathy provides for him everywhere.
And are tuition fees a serious barrier?
Board, washing, books, and the loss of ser
vice at home, on the farm, or in business,are
the determining elements.” The qualifying
word, "serious, before barrier, changes the
bought.
In the last paragraph, “Trustee” asks,
“Now what shall the Baptists do for Mercer?
This is the question about which we are dis
agreed.” Not disagreed, my brother. I dis
cussed no plans whatever in my article, ex
cept that of hee tuition. I do not know
what your plan is. except it be that of the
generous brother, whom you represent. We
are not disagreed, unless you advocate un
mitigated free tuition; which I do not
think. Only one single plan has been pro
posed, and ail the details of that are not
yet known, because they are unnecessary as
yet.
Finally, my brother says, “Now what is
the best course for us ? I shall hope to hear
again from our brother.” The writer has no
matured plan, it is wise, always, in an
emergency, to seek light from those who
have experience in the subject in hand. I
have in my possession catalogues from the
leading denominational colleges. I hope
soon to present an abstract of their methods
of aid to students needing help, etc. We
may rind some good in their various plans.
Other brethren may offer and advocate other
methods still. And, and when the Trustees
of Mercer meet, they will develop that sys
tem, which, we hope, will be best for the
University, to meet the present wants and
embarrassments.
A word on the subject of the apprehended
njury to Mercer, from the adoption of free
tuition at the State University,
1. Almost every State has one or more free
colleges. The Congressional land grant act
requires free tuition in all institutions par
taking of its provisions. All purely agricul
tural colleges then are free. Several State
Universities,which, like ours, have received
the agricultural fund, have also declared
free tuition. Having a common origin from
the State or United States, a common mo
tive probably has brought them to a like
system of tuition. It should be remarked,
however, that though tuition is free, all of
them impose charges of from $lO to S2O
per annum.
2. The free State colleges, so far aa the
writer has learned, have not seriously em
barrassed neighboring colleges. In New
York, Cornell University has a munificent
endowment from the land grant and from
donations from Mr. Cornell. But Roches-
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST : THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1881.
ter, Hamilton, Columbia and other colleges
in the State have scarcely felt its presence.
The Tennessee University likewise has been
free for some years. Yet Vanderbilt lias
grown up right under its noee and eclipsed
it in every respect, and charges pretty
roundly for its work. So, in our neighbor
ing State. Alabama, the agricultural college
at Auburn, with a distinguished Baptist at
its head, gives free tuition; the State Univer
sity at Tuscaloosa has moderate tuition, if
we are rightly informed, and yet Col. Mur
phy, undismayed, has kept the Howard on
her feet with tuilion alone without endow
ment. We shall lose Some students. The
State University has three able Baptist ofH
cers. They will intluence some, and should
do so. Free tuition will take some. But
the history of free tuition in other States
shows that there is no ground for panic.
3. State Universities are heterogeneous
both in the faculty and the students. The
former are from the various religious denom
inations. The latter are mainly the sous of
men in public life, State or national, the
sons of men with loose denominational ties,
the sons of alumni, and young men drawn
by relations of friendship to members of the
faculty. There can be no unity. The
Christian men of the faculty may and do use
all their religious influence. But a Baptist
boy 'istens with impatience to the religious
teaching of a Methodist or Presbyterian.
There is no warm Baptist family of officers
and students, no twilight prayer meeting, no
missionary society, no young ministers, as
at Mercer A Baptist boy cannot feel at
home, so well,as in a Baptist college. There
all is unity, all is sympathy.
4- Mercer is not going to die. She has
been dying, so they said, for thirty years
past. Some said she always languished
under the shadow of Athens But that
shadow has changed now. They cannot
now becompared With free tuition, with
classical and agricultural blended, with
many branch?', leaching from A B C. to
the highest branches, the State University
will do her work for her legitimate constit
uency. But Mercer, with her straight, plain
curriculum, has lest her likeness and will
not be required to play the part of rival
How bard the Baptists labored to found her!
how they sacrificed that they might have a
Baptist school for their sous I Their spirit
lingers in tbeir children. The writer has
known for years of Baptist boys going to
Mercer with tickets of free scholarships from
Athens in their pockets. He has known ot
them leaving the free school at Auburn and
going to Mercer and paying tuition. He
has known of Baptist mothers, when* their
husbands were indifferent or inclined to the
State University, working day and night
until their boys went to Mercer. Dr.
Tucker never saida truer thing than, that
colleges, with the backing of a strong de
nomination, never die. Mercer then had
about ninety students, and the State Uni
versity two hundred. And she is not dead
yet. They' will both live, both do great
things for Georgia, each in her own sphere.
A Baptist.
VIRGINIA AND GEORGIA.
During the latter part of September and
the first part of October, 1 assisted the pastor
of the Manchester, Virginia, church in a
meeting. The meeting resulted in some
seventy-five proft ssions of faith and restora
tions together, lua can! just received from
the pastor, Rev. VV. T. Deßi ux, be states,
"54 received, with 10 or twelve yet to come
in.” Os course some will join other de
nominalions. The meeting was aa old*
fashio: e I one, where T: i tnee was upon the
Spirit's work through songs, and prayers,
and the preaching ot the Word. One de
ligtrtful feature ol the meeting was more
than half of the converts were adults, and
many of them heads ol families. I heard a
thoughtful man say, recently; “Men have
stopped being converted.” It was not so in
Manchester.
1 learned while in Richmond that Dr. J.
B. Hawthorne was preaching to the largest
white Baptist congregation in America.
His house bolds fifteen hundred, and is well
filled morning ahd night, and often it is
packed. He is not sensational, either, but
in plainness, and sometimes in severity,
preaches the truth.
My people in Albany gave me new tokens
of their thoughtful kindness, on my return.
They moved me from where 1 was living to
a better place, which they had thoroughly
refitted, etc I make this public mention of
it because such kindness deserves to be
published.
Now, Doctor Editor, I want to thank you
from my heart for your editorial, “Side
Lights on Inspiration.” It is the best thing
I have seen on the subject, and I hear some
who have lost the paper, saying they would
be delighted to have it republished. I gave
away one copy containing it, but have
procured another. R. T. Hanks.
SIMPLE DRESS.
Some allusion in a late Index to the friv
olousnees apparent in the attire of so many
professed Christians, inclines me to say that,
a few years since, desiring to obtain at the
rooms of the Baptist Publication Society in
this city, a quantity of the valuable tract of
Dr. Judson upon the subject of simplicity of
apparel, I was kept-so long waiting for it
that I queried of the attendant what was the
occasion of the delay. He replied that it
was no longer on their regular list of tracts,
and that he had consequently had some*
thing of a hunt for it. I regretted to hear
him say so, as it is a favorite with Friends,
who have largely distributed it, and who I
doubt not would gladly reprint it if neces
sary. Now, if The . Index finger was mildly
raised in proUst against casting aside those
Christian advices of a good man (needed
now not less than then) perhaps it would be
heeded. Thy friend,
Josiah W. Leeds.
Philadelphia, Oct. 10th, 1881.
A WORD OF CORRECTION.
In the notice you were so kind as to pub
lish, of my marriage, you got the name of
my bride wrong. She was Miss Anna C.
daughter of Janies A. Rives, of Petersburg,
Virginia, not Janies A. River. lam a first
rate Baptist, but I am not quite married to a
whole River.
The Mississippi Central Association closed
its session last Monday, the 10th of October.
The meeting was exceedingly profitable.
This Association will challenge the best ex
hibits of any in the South. They give an
average of $2,00 per capita, to missions and
ministerial education, besides personal sup
port and other benefactions, and half of the
churches fall far short of the average at that.
What Association can beat it ? W hat will it
do when fully developed ?
J. L. D. Hillyer,
Vicksburg, October 11th, 1881,
A WORK OF GRACE.'
The Talbotton Baptist church has recently
been blessed with a fine meeting, the pastor
being assisted by Rev. A. B. Campbell, of
Columbus. This is tbe second protracted
meeting th s church has enjojed this year.
Among uu.ir additions in the meeting were
five men hi ween thirty and fifty years old,
by experieiue, certainly a very unusual
occurrence. Brother Campbell was power
ful in his discourses. Some say they never
heard, through one continuous week, such
preaching in their lives- He is doing a great
work not only in Columbus, but in his
Association, of which he is the acknowl
edged leader. R. J. W.
The Burman Baptists are preparing to
organize a mission to carry the gospel to
Siam.
JOTTINGS BY THE WA Y.
The Middle Association convened at Corinth
church, ffilngham county, Friday, October 7th.
Tbe Introductory sermon waspreacned hy Rev. T.
B. Cooper, subject: "The Church." After recess
and dinner the Association was called to order
by Rev. W. J. Murrow, former Moderator. Every
church, save one. (Bcarboro), In the Association
was represented. The letters reported 142 bap
tisms during the year. Also two new houses of
worship erected (Oak Hill and Big Horse''reek),
and only one church in the Association without
a preacher. (Brother Bnrefleld having resigned
the restoral care of Springfield, that church U
without a pastor). During the year there have
been twenty-two death* In the Association.
Twenty-one out of the twenty-six churches rep
resented reported good meetings during the year,
and all at peace.
After the reading of the letters and completing
the roll of delegates, the Association re-elected
Rev. W. J. Murrow, Moderator, Rev.H. J. Arnett,
Cierk, and brother J. R. Cooper, Treasurer.
Saturday was devoted exclusively to the Sun
day-school Convention. That body was called to
order by the former President, brother H. P.
Brewer, at 10 o’clock. Niue churches were rep
resented by letters and delegates These reported
292 pupils, with 34 teachers. The Convention re
elected brethren H. P. Brewer, President. H, J.
Arnett, Secretary, and J. R Cooper, Treasurer. I
regret to say that the Sunday si bool cause seems
to be languishing in this Association, all owing
to the fact that many of the churches do not
take an active interest In it. As is generally the
c-se in many of our churches, this important
work is left to be done by s few, or not at all.
However I would not have the reader to b. lieve
that the Middle Association is in wor.-e condition
in this respect than many others, for such is not
the case. But this Association has been noted
for its zeal in the Sunday school work, and 1 re
gret to see, apparently, lessinterest than formerly
The truth of the matter is. our churches generally
are cursed with idlers. My observation is, that
the “donothiug" members largely outnumber
the workers
But lam digressing. The Convention recom
mended the holding of District (four) Conven
tions during the year.
On Sunday the exercises were as follows; Sun
day-school mass meeting at 10 a. ni : at 11 a m.
the annual missionary sermon was preached hy
R<-v. T. W. Lanier, after which a collection for
iniss.ons was taken, the amount received being
about $52. At 2p. m. Rev. J. H. Allen preaene.i
u plain, practical sermon on the support of the
ministry. Sunday night Rev. T. B. Cooper
preached at the residence of Rev. J. C. Edwards,
and Rev. G. J. Thompson at Turkey Branch
church.
The Association met at 9 o’clock a. m. Monday
and concluded the business early in the after
noon. Brother Thompson preached at 11 o'clock.
The time for the assembling of the Association
was changed from Friday to Saturday before the
second Sunday in October, and the next session
will be held at Oak Hill church, Scriven county.
The business throughout was transacted in
harmony and brotherly love. Strange to say,
there were no visiting ministers present from
other Associations. The gen- ral attendance was
good, and a more orderly assembly no one need
desire to see If there was any disorder at any
time, I did not see or hear of it. The hospitality
of the people was lavish indeed. Each day an
excellent dianer was served in the grove near the
church, and the tables were truly loaded with
good things. Every house in the vicinity of the
church, and for several miles distant, was thrown
open to visitors. My “better half” (that is just
what she is) and I spent one night at Maj. O. C.
Smith's, one at brother J. C. Edwards’, and one
atCapt. Wilson’s. On our way down, we also
spent a night nt brother David Lee’s, and on our
return we stopped for dinner and an nour’s rest
at brother Eli N. McGee’s.
I am glad to find that the com crop in Scriven
and Eflingham counties is much better than it is
in my portion of the State. In Scriven I learn
that, with proper economy, the majority of farm
ers have made enough to do them. The cotton
crop is nearly picked out, and is short. I have
seen a number of fields where all has been gath
ered, and the cattle are now grazing where the
cotton grew.
I go next to Hephzibah and Union Associations,
if I can possibly reach bo'.h—one in Burke and
the other in Bullock county.
J. M. G. Medlock.
P. S. —I regret to learn that Master Claude B’
Overstreet, aged about sixteen years, he being the
eldest sou of brother J. C. Overstreet, of Scriven
County, had his right hand and arm, nearly to the
shoulder, fearfully lacerated in a gin a few days
-Ince. The attending physicians believe they
will be able to save the hand and arm without
serious injury. M.
MISSIONARY DOCTOR.
Several years ago Miss Howard went as a
Missionary Physician to China, where a man
is not admitted to tbe sick room of female
members of the family. The wife of the
Viceroy, who is the second in authority and
influence in the Empire, was desperately ill.
After the best native skill was exhausted,
Miss Howard was) called in. and by the
blessing of God, the royal sufferer was res
tored to health. The result of this was that,
when Miss Howard walked the streets, the
people made obeisance to her, as they do to
a Mandarin ; and the Viceroy established a
Dispensary, where, under the superintend
ence of Evangelical Missionaries, medicine
and medical treatment are dispensed to all
who apply, atthe expense of the Viceroy.
When Mrs. M. T, Yates was in this
country, she urged that a woman Missionary
Physician be sent to Shanghai by the South
ern Baptist Convention. After correspond
ence with several young women on this sub
ject, the Board of Foreign Mission has ac
cepted for this service, the daughter of an
eminent Baptist minister. The acceptance
was on the condition, however, that the
medical education of the appointee should
not tax the treasury of the Board. The ex
pense of a two-years course of medicine in
Philadelphia will be some four hundred
dollars. Relying on the assurance that the
needed funds would be raised by a special
effort, the young lady has gone to Philadel
phia, and entered upon her studies. Sev
eral friends have signified their willingness
to give each ten dollars or more for this
good object. Are there not forty who will
send us, at once, ten dollars for our medi
cal student? Few missionaries have the
prospect of doing so much good as this
thoughtful, cultivated, and pious young
woman, who prepares herself to go as her
Master went, administering first to the body
that she may get more effectual access to
the souls of the perishing heathen.
H. A. Topper, Cor. Sec’y.
Richmond, Va.
BIBLE AND PR A YER UNION.
It is now about a year and a half since the
American branch of the Bible and Prayer
Union was organized, notice of which was
quite widely given in the religious newspa
pers. The number of its members has been
steadily increasing, until there are now more
than seven thousand.
The Bible and Prayer Union was com
menced in London in the year 1876, and
according to the latest accounts there are
more than 126,000 members enrolled. These
are found in all countries where English
Christians have gone, besides branches
which have been organized in nearly every
country of Europe, and in many parts of
Asia, Africa and Oceanics.
The rules of the Union are very simple.
Each person receives a card of member
ship, indicating the chapter which is to be
read for each day of the year. The chapter
appointed for that day should be read, and
on Sunday morning each member should
engage in prayer for the blessing ofGod upon
all the members of the Union.
The chapters are read in regular order
from the beginning of the Bible to the end.
It is not intended that the readings should
be confined to the chapter appointed; but it
is thought very important that no part of
the Bible should be passed over, and that all
should be read in the order of the Sacred
Book.
The experience of many persons is that in
these readings there is a very special bless
ing, in answer to the united prayer of so
many earnest Christians.
As we have nearly completed the reading
of the Cid Testament, the present seems an
appropriate time to give a further notice of
Union, as many persons may be. glad to join
with us upon beginning the New Testament.
Cards of membership, or circulars contain
ing fuller information, may be obtained by
addressing Rev. T. S. Wynkoop, Washing
ton, D. C., enclosing three cents in postage
stamps, one cent stamps preferred.
Missionary Department.
REV. J. H DxVOTIE. D.D., l M ~„_
REV. C. M. IRWIN, D.D., (Editors,
MISSIONARIES STATE BOARD.
J. H. DeVotie, Atlanta, Ga.; C. M. Irwin, Mt
Airy, Habersham, Rabun and White counties;
V. A. Bell, Ringgold. Whitfield and Chattooga
counties: Chas. Edwards, Toccoa, Habersham
county; T. C. Tucker, Caasandria, Dade and Wal
ker counties; W. J. King. Nannie; P. A. Jessup,
Eastman, Dodge and Telfair counties; A.C. Ward,
Brunswick: George A. Blount, Eden, Effingham,
Bryan and Liberty counties, D. G. Daniell, Wal
thourville ; J. H. Campbell, Columbus, Muscogee
county: Alfred Corn, Blairsville, Towne county;
T. C. Boykin, Atlanta, State of Georgia; Simeon
Maxwell, Talbotton. Talbot county; W. B. Ben
net, Quitman ; W. V. Perdue, Valdosta ; G. H.
Washington, col., Albany. Mitchell county; J. C.
Biyan.col.. Americus, Schley, Lee and Dough
erty counties; Frank M. Simmons, col., Stone
Mountain; G. B. Mitchell col., Forsyth; 8. A.
McNeil, col., Quitman; M. Brjgman, Agusta ;
TO THE BAPTIST PASTORS OF THE SOUTH.
Dear Brethren: At the last meeting of
the Southern Baptist Convention it was
"Resolved, That the Secretaries of the
Boards of the Convention be instructed to
secure frequent distribution of information
relating to their work, by means of news
papers, tracts, leaflets, and otherwise, as
may be found expedient, among the masses
of the people; and, further, that each of the
Secretaries be required to prepare, or to se
cure without cost to their Boards, the prepa
ration of a suitable address, containing such
tacts and points as they would prefer to
make in a speech, could they catch the ear
of all the people They shall have a suffi
cient number of such addresses printed, and
with whatever aid may beob’ained from the
agencies at their command, they shall send
a copy to every pastor within the bounds
of the Convention, and request him to em
body such facts and points in a sermon at.
bis people, ai-d to take a collection at or
near as possible to some specified time."
In conformity with the foregoing and
with the sincere desire to give you such fact*
as may enable you more effectually to bring
before your people the work assigned to the
Home Mission Board, I submit the follow
ing
MISSIONARY ADDRESS.
It is in harmony with the exalted concep
tions which the Apostle Paul had of the
gospel its nature, its designs, and its obliga
tions, that he should mention it as "the
glorious gospel of the blessed God, which is
committed to my trust.”
Do we comprehend the meaning of these
words? Do the blood-bought churches of
the living God, do the individual members
who compose them, grasp the thought that
added to salvation there is a moral dignity as
a eo-worker with God in accomplishing the
world's redemption, higher than the thrones
and principalities of earth, that coexistent
with salvation there is a responsibility that
makes conversion awful? The moment one
( becomes, by the new birth, the heir of God,
he becomes the bearer of a trust affecting the
eternal interests of other immortal beings
like himself; how many, how nearly allied
to him, or how remote in relationship of
blood, or time, or place, he cannot know
until he shall read the history of bis Own
life in the records, and in the light of
eternity. A trust implies value in that
which is confided to another, and involves
responsibility for its safe keeping and its
uses according to the instructionsjgiven. A
dying manappointabv will an executor who
shall receive his and carry out his
wishes; who shall act for him when he shall
be no longer able to act for himself. The
testator makes the executor or trustee the
custodian, or keeper of property that shall
be used for the benefit of his heirs. A trust
is a sacred thing—so sacred that the law of
'-the land assumes to see its conditions en
forced, and surrounds it with its protection,
by penalties and forfeitures covering the
property of the executor to the value of the
trust. The Apostle, speaking of his relation
to the gospel, describes it as a trust commit
ted to him, to be preserved in its divine
purity, without change or modification, and
for the benefit of others. He was made the
executor of the last will and testament of
his departed, not deceased, but ascended
Lord, to apply that which was entrusted to
him, for the use and benefit of those em
braced in the great commission of our Lord,
to “preach the gospel to every creature,” to
seek the guilty and the lost wherever they
wander, and proclaim the gracious news
that “God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whosoever be
lievethin Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life,” to preach to them “Jesus
and the resurrection.” If, like Paul, we
hail Jesus as our Master, and aspire to
Heaven as our home with Him, we must
accept tbe cross and the trust that precede
the crown and the rest that await the righ
teous.
I come before you toplead for that depart
ment of Christian labor that has a claim
peculiar to itself, to the sympathy, co-oper
ation and liberality of every lover cf Jesus
and the souls of men. It is made the duty
of the|Home Mission Board of the Southern
Baptist Convention to seek out and supply
with the preached word those places in our
own country, especially growing centres of
population, that are destitute of the means
of grace, and ignorant of the truth as held
by Baptists.
The Held open to the Board is vast in ex
tent. To occupy it by a living ministry and
an open Bible, giving aid to feeble churches,
gathering the scattered sheep into the fold of
trie Good Shepherd, preaching the gospel to
the destitute in towns and cities, by the way
side, and in the cottage, organizing churches
where none exist in the new and growing
settlements of our great country, is in part
the work eommitted to this Board.
To provide for the evangelization of the
Indian tribes, “holding forth the word of
liie” to those to whom American civiliza
tion has been a ministry of death, is another
duty laid upon us. These people, driven
from their homes, oppressed by the domi
nant race upon this continent, turn their
pleading eyes to us, and ask if Christianity
offers no compensation for the wrongs that
they have received at our hands. That they
are willing to receive the gospel from their
hereditary foes, presents our obligations in a
light too clear for doubt or evasion. They
are accessible to the truth, and multitudes
of them are our brethren by a common faith
in Christ. In addition to the missionaries
employed to preach the gospel to them, a
school in the Creek Nation has been estab
lished and is now in operation with one
hundred pupils.
Upon our Western shores a people of
strange habits, and language, and religion,
have landed. If not to rebuke our apathy
in failing to send the gospel to the heathen,
to enlarge the opportunity to reach them
God has brought the heathen to our shores.
Rev. J. B. Hartwell, who spent twenty
years in missionary labors In China, is our
missionary to the Chinese in California.
The Board have also accepted Mrs. Janie L.
Sandford, of Mississippi, to labor among the
Chinese women and children, in connection
with Dr. Hartwell’s work. But the funds
necessary to send and support her are lack
ing. The Board earnestly appeal to the
Christ-loving women in our churches to
furnish the means whereby this beloved
silter may enter at once upon this service of
her Lord.
The Southern Baptist Convention at their
last meeting instructed the Board "to send
two or more competent and efficient mission
eries to the city of New Orleans as soon as
practicable.” With a population of 225,000,
and rapidly increasing, the white Baptists
have two organized churches; one without
a house of worship, and the other burdened
with a debt that paralyzes their energies
Both need assistance now, and must have it,
if we would rescue our cause from ruin in
that city.
To say nothing of other States, Florida.
Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, California and
the Indian Territory are pleading for help.
Shall they plead in vain?
Our kindred by blood are in many of these
destitute communities. Others are follow
ing them every day. These fields so inviting
to the young and enterprising, will be, if
they are not already the homes of our child
ren. Shall we not to the extent of our ahil
ity fill those homes with the blessed influ
ences of the gospel ?
A report on this subject, adopted by the
Southern Baptist Convention at Columbus,
says:
“This field of prrcticable mission opera
tion, which is but partially occupied, pre
sents the most inviting area for missionary
labors and triumphs beneath the sun.
Florida, rapidly peopling with intelligent
settlers, will be soon the Italy of America,
and a center of it fluence throughout the
Gulf States.
“The Mississippi Valley, from New Mad
rid to Algiers, presents, with two or three
green units, a scene of religious desolation
Nota single Baptist minister that we know of
gives himself to the work of the ministry
from Helena to Port Eads, on the west side
of the river. While on the east side the rich
bottom lands, peopled by thousands of
money-making planters, are (with the ex
ception of Friar's Point, Baton Rouge,
Vicksburg, and a few other places), a moral
waste. •
"New Orleans, destined to be the center
point of the great Mississippi Valley, has
special claims upon the benevolent activities
of the Home Mission Board.
"Arkansas is especially a missionary field,
and beyond it is the young empire of Texas,
into whose fertile territories an incessant
stream of families is pouring at the rate, it is
said, of a thousand people a week, with its
railroads piercing its most distant points
and nearing the Rio Grande. Texas is the
grandest and most inviting field in America,
if not the world. There should be a bun
dred missionaries of this Board sowing the
seeds ot truth throughout that broad
domain.
"Your committee conclude their report by
appealing to this Convention and those
whom it represents, to double their contribu
tions to the Home Mission work. Fifty
thousand dollars ought to-be, can be, and
we wish we could emphatically say, will be
raised for our Mission Board the coming
year. Will this Convention say it? Will
the Board say it ? Will the pastors, the
churches, the denomination say, with in
spiring and practical emphasis, fifty thous
and dollars shall be raised for Home Mis
sions the coming conventional year?”
The Negro race, including millions of the
population of the South and Southwest,have
claims nj on us that should be recognized by
active labors for their salvation. They are
with us, readily accessible, needing instruc
tion in “the truth as it is in Jesus,” and
largely dependent for it upon the benevo
lence of more favored Christians. In no
other denomination are such numbers to be
found as with us. Is not our duty to them
by this fact increased and intensified ?
We have every encouragement frtm the
successes of the past, and the openings before
us to pray, to labor, to give for this cause.
The sun never shone upon fields that
promised a richer harvest than our own
country. The heavens never wept over
destitution more appalling than is to be
found in many portions of it. Obligations
to give the bread of life to the famishing
were never more solemn than those which
press upon us to-day. If an Apostle’s heart
was stirred as he contemplated ttie impend
| ing ruin of his own people, so that in the
anguish of his soul the cry was extorted
from him, "I could wish that myself were
accursed from Christ for my brethren, my
kinsmen according to the flesh,” how should
we feel for our country men,ignorant,blindly,
fatally ignorant of Christ and His salvation,
| with none to teach them the way of life,
I and lead them to the cross? By tens of
thousands may they be counted who have
not a leaf of God's blessed word, to whom
no Sabbath bears its message of divine love,
and no sanctuary extends its welcome to the
altars of the living God, while neglected
children of godless parents reach manhood
and womanhood without once hearing a
gospel sermon. This is no exaggeration. It
is but too sadly true.
And then America is the ideal country of
the world, and hither come the multitudes
of every nation and kindred and tongue.
They bring tbeir superstition*, their false re
ligions, their infidelity. They come to re
main, to possess every right inherited by us
and our children, to elect our rulers, to
make our laws, and to mould public opin
ion; and public opinion with many of them
is to scoff at Christianity, and trample upon
its ordinances. Policy, patriotism, above all
other considerations the love of Jesus should
prompt us to meet them, not as invaders,
with the sword, but as those for whom
Christ died, and whom he sends to these
shores that they may learn of Him—meet
them with the gospel, the power of God, and
the wisdom of God unto salvation.
It is to-day as it was when Christ said to
His disciples, "Lift up your eyes, and look
on the fields, for they are white already to
the harvest.”
To enter these fields, and bind their golden
sheaves for God’s granary in the skies, this
Board was appointed. If this agency was
needed in 1845, it is more imperatively de
manded now. Our population has more
than doubled in that time, and is growing
with marvelous rapidity. Let us remember
that the tide of human life which flows in
upon us, bearing upon its bosom the multi
tudes that people this land, has also its ebb,
hurrying them on the mysterious future, its
glorious or awful revelations, bearing them
to heaven or hell, and that what wo do for
them must be done quickly. Let it be an
ever present thought without faith in Christ
there is no salvation. “How can they be
lieve in Him of whom they have not heard,
andhow shall they hear without a preacher,
and how shall they preach except they be
sent?” Think "how beautiful” to the eyes
that have been opened to see their danger
and their deliverance "are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things.” If I could
reach the ear of every Baptist in the land, I
would ask, Wbatare you doing, my dear
friend, to let these perishing ones know that
Jesus is the world’s redeemer? What
thought do you give to the cause that Christ
has committed to you? What prayers do
you offer for it? How much do you con trib
ute to it of the substance that God has given
you?
We know what Jesus has done for them
and for us. He gave Himself, His blood,
His life. "He was rich, but for your sakes
He became poor, that ye through His pov*
ertv might be rich.”
May we learn the lesson that His love and
self denial teach, and that other gracious
lesson of His life, and of His lips, “it is more
blessed to give than to receive.”
missionaries of the home mission board,
AND THEIR FIELDS OF LABOR.
Florida'—Rev. H. M. King, Waldo, Melrose,
Hawthorne; Rev. W. N. C’baudoin, State; Rev.
M. W. Sams, Ocala; Rev. J. W. Hughes, Alachua
Association : Rev. N. A. Bailey, Micanopy : Rev.
J. C. Porter, Tallahassee; Rev. W. F. Wood, Key
West.
Georgia.— Rev. J. H. Campbell, Columbus and
suburbs; Rev. H. C. Hornady, Third Baptist
church, Atlanta.
Louisiana. — Rev. W. A. Mason, Monroe.
Arkansas.—Rev. B. W. Harmon, State.
Alabama.—Rev. J. 8. Dill, Auburn ; Rev. M. T.
Sumner, Athens; Rev. J. H. Hendon, Birming
ham; Rev. W. H. Mclntosh. Corresponding Sec
retary, Marion.
Virginia.—Rev. C. H. Nash. Petersburg.
North Carolina.—Rev. E. Dodson, Missionary
Agent.
Kentucky.— Rev. V. E. Klrtley, Missionary
Agent.
California.— Rev. J. B. Hxrtwell, San Francisco;
Mrs. J. L. Sandford, San Francisco, appointed,
not yet upon her field.
Indian Territory.—Rev. H. F Buckner. Creek
I'atlon; Rev. Wm. McComb, Creek Nation, Su
perintendent Mission School; Rev. Willis Burns,
Choctaw Nation ; Rev. A. F. Roes, Choctaw Na
tion : Rev. Tulse Micco, wild tribes.
In consequence of death and the expira
tion of tbeir commissions, eight of our mis
sionaries, whose names appear in our report
to the Convention, are not mentioned here.
To carry out the objects of the Convention
the Corresponding Secretary respectfully
and earntly requests you on the first Lord's
day in December, or as soon thereafter as
possible, to preach a sermon to your people,
embodying the facts herein given, and take
a collection for the Home Mission Board of
the Southern Baptist Convention.
The Secretary further asks you io report
the result of your efforts as soon after you
shall have complied with the request as
practicable, forwarding the funds raised, by
postoffice order or registered letter, to
Wm H. Mclntosh,
Cor. Sec’y H. M. B’d, 8. B. C.
Marion. Perrv county, Alabama.
RECEIPTS OF MISSION BOARD GEORGIA
BAPTIST CONVENTION.
From September 15ih to October 17th, 1881.
STATE MISSIONS.
Sep. 15. Previous report $2 048 89
22. Eatonton ch, J B Reese 1 79
Appalachee Ass’n, T J Swans m.. 6 90
“ undirected, T
J Swanson 10 28
Collections Frank Simmons, Aug. 4 60
28. Flint River Ass’n, C F Newton,
Tr , 200 00
Oct. 1, Friendship Association 183 50
P A Jessup, col’s in September... 6 00
5. Sarepta Ass’n, Thos B Moss, Tr... 38 15
6. J C Bryan, col’s September 7 00
T C Tucker, “ “ 3 00
Geo A Blount 75
Geo H Washington, September
collections 7 65
D G Daniell, Sept- col’s 28 85
W W Landrum, for Bri/man 8 50
Rome ch, W N Chaudoin 8 00
Wotnau’s Miss Soc, Rome, for Mrs
N A Bai ey 15 00
G B Mitchell, col’s Sept 12 70
8. Brunswick ch, AC Ward 50 CO
10 W J Northern Spaitach 13 00
F M Sammons, col’s on sal 5 95
Dr E R Anthony 1 00
11. Central ch, A Q Stanford, Atlanta 5 65
W II Bell 2 00
Georgia Association 335 70
"equest of J M Peek for Bibles.... 50 00
12. Western Association 71 30
Washington- “ 53 38
Central “ 29 28
W.J Wiesen, Rutledge 25
S A McNeil, col’s Sept 9 90
17. Madison ch. S A Burney 3 10
Miss Mary Lou Carter, Mission
hen 1 50
Houston Association, G R McCall 33 70
Fairburn “ Index office 11 95
S 3 269 28
SUNDAY-SCHOOL EVANGELIST.
Sep. 22. Previous report $ 172 16
Eatonton eh, J B Reese 1 79
Appalachee Ass’ n, T J Swanson. 3 25
Oct. 5. Sarepta Ass’n, Thos B Moss, Tr... 16 32
11. Georgia Association 126 80
12. Western “ 8 00
Washington “ 10 65
Central “ 4 05
I C Boykin, col’s on salary 20 00
, $ 363 02
HOME MISSIONS.
Sep. 22. Previous report $ 309 91
Eatonton ch, J B Reese 1 79
A ppalachee Ass’n, T J Swanson.. 7 55
“ “ undirected, P
J Swanson 10 28
28. Flint River Association 5 00
Oct. 1. Jno L Underwood, for Hartwell. 2 00
5. Sarepta Ass’n, TB Moss 61 97
11. Georgia “ 519 55
Bequest of John M Peek 100 00
12. W esteru Association 9 00
Washington “ 89 65
“ “ for Hartwell 3 25
Central " 34 66
17. Woman's MissSoc,Greshamyille,
Mrs Wilson 10 00
Madison ch, S A Burney „ 3 10
Fairburn Ass’n, Index office 31 43
W J Wiesen, Rutledge.. 25
$1 199 89
INDIAN MISSIONS.
Sep. 18. Previous report $ 66 55
22. Appalachee Ass’n, T J Swanson... 1 25
27. High Shoals, J A Harris 1 00
Powell's Mills, “ “ 2 00
Oct. 1. Friendship Ass’n, for Williams. .. 150 00
11. Georgia Association 39 75
Washington “ 48 86
W J Wieson, Rutledge 25
17. Woman’s Miss Soc sth ch. S S, In-
dian orphan 2 56
Houston Ass’n, G R McCall 11 75
Fairburn Ass’n, Index office 41 17
8 364 64
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
Sep. 18. Previous report $ 958 83
Received at Richmond to Aug. 16. 75 CO
22. Eatonton ch, J B Reese 1 79
Appalachee Ass’n, T J Swanson... 44 05
“ «< It $4
undirected 10 29
27. High Shoals, J A Harris 215
Powell’s Mills ch, “ " 4 50
Osceola ch, “ “ 80
28. Flint River Ass’n, C FNewton.Tr. 84 35
Oct. 1. Friendship “ 19 60
5. Sarepta " Thos B Moss,
Tr 136 58
11. Georgia Association 608 15
Bequest of John M Peek for Afri-
can Missions 100 CO
12. Washington Association 117 70
Central “ 58 80
Ellijay Ass’n, J C Allen 12 40
Tallapoosa Ass’n, J MHuey.. 5 50
W J Wiesen 25
17. Woman’s Miss Soc sth ch, for V C
Norcross, China 8 50
Madison ch, S A Burney 3 10
Miss Mayy Lou Carter, Miss’ll hen 150
Houston Ass’n, G R McCall 33 40
Fairburn Association 63 00
Rec’d at Richmond to Sept. 24th... 39 75
S 2 425 30
EDUCATIONAL.
Sep. 22. Previous report S 31 50
Appalachee Ass’n, T J S., for Mer-
cer University 20 00
J H D., Mercer University 5 00
Oct. 11. Georgia Ass’n, Mercer University. 650
$ 63 00
INDIGENT MINISTERS,
Sep. 22. Previous report $ 86 14
Eatonton ch, J B Reese 2 79
28. Flint River Association 11 50
Friendship " n 00
Sarepta Ass’n, Thos B Moss, Tr.... 50
Oct. 12. Washington Association 5 06
8 116 99
RECAPITULATION.
State Missions 83269 28
SS Evangelist 363 Oz
Home Missions 11 <,9 89
Indian Missions 364 64
Foreign Missions 2425 30
Educational 63 00
Indigent Ministers 116 99
$7802 12
J. H. DeVotie, Treasurer
M B. G. B. C.
REPORT CENTRAL COMMITTEE WOMAN’S
MISSIONS.
W M S Fifth Baptist ch, Atlanta, for Chinese
boy, Virgil Norcross 8 8 50
W M S Fifth Baptist ch, Atlanta, for Indian
Orphan Home 2 56
W MS Greshamville, for Home Board 10 50
821 56
Hope to send you more soon.
. Very trnly,
Mas. Stainback Wilson, P. C. C.
11 East Cain St., Atlanta, Ga.
Miss Mary Lou Carter, aged eleven years, of
Monticello, Ga., has been able to pay three dol
lars for missions this year by setting apart one
hen for missions. This shows what can be done
when there is a will to do. Let us have more
missionary hens I S. A. Bubney.
Look out for sudden changes of weather,
and guard against them by using Warner's
Safe Kidney and Liver Cure.
