The Gospel Advocate – March 1860

by

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

T. FANNING AND W. LIPSCOMB, Editors.
VOL. VI.
NASHVILLE, MARCH, 1860.
NO. 3.

SKETCHES ON OUR TOUR SOUTH

Whilst we often witness much that is mortifying in reports of travellers, we are satisfied that “notes by the way” may be given in so happy a manner as to contribute essentially to the promotion of truth and the encouragement of the brethren.

With this view we wish to offer a few thoughts in regard to our religious observations, on a trip of several weeks through the States of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

We left Franklin College on Lord’s day night, Jan. 15th, 1860, and found ourselves next morning breakfasting in Chattanooga, some 150 miles from home. On enquiring as to the religions of the place, our informant could tell us nothing of Christians or the Christian religion, but seemed familiar with Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.

We could but wonder at our neglect of so important a place so long. If we are advocating the Lord’s cause, we should not fail to present his claims in every section of our country. We hope the attention of the brethren will be directed to Chattanooga very soon.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

At 11 A. M., the 16th, we took the cars for Dalton, in Whitfield county, Ga., arrived at 2 P. M., and took private conveyance for Spring Place, the county line of Murray, at which we arrived at the going down of the sun.

No sooner was it announced that we had reached the place, than our young brethren, R. H. & J. W. Powell, graduates of Franklin College, had arrangements for meeting in the Methodist house of worship. We wish to take this occasion to give utterance to our appreciation of the friendship of the Methodist people. We have preached for thirty years, have received many tokens of respect from the old Presbyterians and Baptists—very few from the Cumberland— but rarely have the Methodists failed to open their houses for us, or to manifest a degree of friendship and hospitality, clearly indicating a people of liberal and friendly feeling. Before, however, starting to meeting, a Methodist preacher had intimated that there was quite a destitution of religious feeling in the country. We hope our readers will bear with us while we offer what to us seems a satisfactory reason for the general failure in denominations of religious interest.

The whole purpose of religion seems to have been misconceived by professors generally. The people, even God’s people, are not considered worthy to perform religious service—the work is measurably given into the hands of a select few, called ministers, and their exhortations, sermons and prayers utterly fail to stir the great heart of society. Men feel in exact ratio to their labor in the various departments of business, and if we would have our contemporaries feel and deeply think upon the subject of religion, like the great Luther, we who profess to teach must put professors to singing, praying, exhorting, teaching and serving the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and keep them at work, and we shall hear nothing more of “our coldness” and “want of zeal.”

We discoursed as best we could, in reference to the Bible as an authoritative volume in religious teaching, and so far as we could hear, to the satisfaction of all who heard. Spring Place is the site of an ancient Moravian station among the Cherokees. The old Mission house is still standing, and a more unique and antique pile, we have rarely seen. It was also near this place, many years ago, our beloved Bro. J. J. Trott and two Presbyterian preachers were put in chains for refusing, on the ground of being native born citizens of the United States, to take the oath of allegiance to support the constitution of the country. All were condemned to serve in the Georgia Penitentiary.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Bro. Trott, however, was released, but the two others were really incarcerated for several months. So much for unwise and unconstitutional legislation.

From Spring Place we returned to Dalton, and learned that a desperate man, the night before, had called an unsuspecting fellow mortal to the door, and taking advantage of the dark to plunge a dagger to his heart. At 2 P. M. we left, and reached Atlanta at 8, waited for the cars till 12:30 A. M., the 18th, when we took our passage to Montgomery, the Capital of Ala., which we reached at 11 o’clock, and waited for the Selma and Mobile packet till 4. The craft was small, and having some 150 passengers, we were quite satisfied to wrap ourselves in our blankets and sleep on the floor. The reader may ask what does this boat matter have to do with religious notices? We answer that in various ways.

It is singular that often men do not exhibit their true character till they get away from home, but if what we witnessed from Montgomery to Selma is a true expose of society in this country, we do not wonder that foreigners are not always pleased with “Young America” let loose. We saw before us quite a full representation of planters and their sons and daughters bound for Mobile, lawyers, doctors, preachers, and gamblers, and it struck us that about one-third of the 150 passengers were quite cultivated ladies and gentlemen, hailing from both North and South, travelling on business, while the rest, to say the least, were by no means pleasant travelling companions.

With the hope these lines may meet the eye of young men, ambitious to be gentlemen, we offer a few reflections touching the almost unpardonable rudeness we witnessed.

Quite a number of youths, who, from their conversation, seemed to have been brought up in affluence, manifested a coarseness in their profanity, whiskey drinking, smoking and chewing tobacco, pushing genteel people out of their way, at the table particularly, we do not recollect having witnessed. We saw old men, and even preachers, meet the rowdy to great perfection in their general scramble for the first place at the table, and in a universal devotion to the flesh. Eighteen years ago we saw the English Consul pushed from his place by a rough boy 14 years old, but matters are worse now. We can, however, but repeat there were cultivated persons on board, who stood aloof, and lost their supper and state rooms rather than sacrifice their self-respect.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

But the live-long night was spent by many in swaggering profanity, demon-howlings of inebriates, and the constant rowdyism. Will this state of affairs never be corrected? It is a crying shame for boat officers to tolerate a general lawlessness to the serious inconvenience of good people, and to the great disgrace of our citizens generally. But poor human nature is frail at best, and we turn from this scene with the hope we may never witness the like again.

On Thursday morning the 13th, we stepped ashore at the beautiful town of Selma, on the Alabama river, and met Bro. W. L. Sanders waiting to receive us. At his hospitable mansion we spent two days, and preached twice to the brethren. The congregation is well, and somewhat discouraged, but from the simple fact that the members entertain correct views of religion, we firmly believe the cause will finally triumph in Selma. We found a few who verily believe the Lord has required them “to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling,” and they are sufficiently independent to do whatever the Father has decreed. Sooner would we look for the Alabama to run upstream than for the cause to fail in Selma, if the brothers and sisters adhere tenaciously to their good begun work. They should not look for large audiences to hear preaching, and they must hear with us while we suggest that they are not yet quite ready for the people. Just as soon as all the members become properly harnessed for the race, we shall look for the Lord to send preachers to the place to make more converts to the cause. Two or three have not failed in years to keep the ordinances, and we pray each member to buckle on the armor, and the victory will be sure.

Fail not brothers and sisters, to worship in your families, in the assemblies of the saints, and bear aloft the cross of the Messiah everywhere, and you shall have the desire of your hearts.

On Saturday, Jan. 21st, we took the cars at 8:30 A.M. for Marion, some thirty miles, met our friends at the depot at 11:30, and were conducted to the hospitable residence of P. G. Missy, Esqr. We spent three days with the brethren, found them all kind and sound in the faith, but the church is not prospering in Marion. The cause of the unfavorable condition of affairs need not be concealed. When the church was first planted, the much honored Alexander Graham did most of the work for the brethren and bore the heaviest of the expenses. After his death, Bro. P. B. Lawson took the burden from their shoulders, and when he was absent, some one was generally hired to perform the labor for them. Amidst other misfortunes, the apostates…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

S. J. P., a hireling pastor, fled from the Saviour, and did all that was in his power to bring disgrace upon the cause.

The brethren having failed to meet on the first day of the week to break bread, sing, exhort, pray and admonish each other, of course, possess but slight indications of spiritual life, and the church has upon the whole, lost ground. If the talent amongst the brethren can be employed in the family and in the congregation, Marion will yet rejoice in the truth.

Bro. Walthall, of Virginia, and Bro. Goodloe, of Kentucky, have been engaged to labor in this section of Alabama for the present year, and we sincerely hope these brethren may do much to advance the cause of our Saviour. Should they, however, fail to set in order the things wanting in the churches, and reconcile it to themselves to become the mere monthly or semi-monthly preachers for a few congregations upon the hireling system, we shall look for no good results.

We trust, however, that these brethren will do the work of Evangelists, and thereby give full proof of their ministry. We saw Bro. Walthall, and loved his spirit, and heard a good report of Bro. Goodloe.

We feel it due to truth and to Bro. P. B. Lawson, to paint a brief statement in reference to his service for nearly twenty years. Being a lawyer, and as the brethren supposed beyond what, he has been compelled to resort to his profession for bread; and while he has done more in preaching, and building up the cause than any other laborer in the country, his labors have been wholly unappreciated by many. He has provided good quarters for others, but neglected himself.

After making efforts to supply the churches with preachers in South Alabama, our brother has resolved to travel to Miss. Without intending the least flattery to him, we wish to say to the disciples for whom he has labored, that since the death of Bro. Graham, there has been no one in the country who has exerted so good an influence. He believes the truth, teaches it in the love of it, and encourages a healthful state of affairs in all the churches.

It is a little singular that many of the men who have done the best work in this reformation, have accomplished all at their own expense, and received but poor thanks of the brethren for their sacrifices. Our observation leads us to conclude that from the beginning there have been two classes of preachers. First, those who cut down the forests, broke up the fallow ground, planted the crop, cultivated and ripened it for others to consume. In the South this view has been strikingly exemplified.

Alexander Graham

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

P. B. Lawson, William Clark, and a few others prepared the way—
pardon us, brethren, for saying so—for money hunters to come in for
the rich bounty. We must admit that we most conscientiously believe
that the whole system of salary seeking and begging the almighty
dollar by preachers, we care not for what purpose, is like disgraceful
to them and the church, and is the best invention on earth to subvert
the cause of God. If brethren will preach, let their respective churches
constitute them, send them forth, and look well to their support, but
let the churches nowhere bestow the Lord’s money except upon the
poorly and those whose labor entitles them to it.

From Marion, we journeyed a hundred miles by stage to Columbus,
Miss., where we arrived Jan. 2nd, with many regrets that we could
not call to see the beloved brethren at “Oak Grove,” “Mt. Hebron,”
“Pickensville,” etc.

We found the brethren in Columbus disposed to walk in the ordi-
nances of the Lord. We preached four days to good audiences, and
had the satisfaction of introducing into the family of the faithful, one
who had long known the truth. In all much we planted the church
at this point, we rejoiced at liberty to speak freely.

The beloved brethren, through a trial of eighteen years, have proved faithful, are still willing to meet, and keep
the ordinances, and if the preachers who visit them will teach the truth, insist upon the gospel practice, and not
involve them by human contrivances for gain, the cause of the Lord
Jesus Christ must triumph. Perhaps no church in the State has done
so much in sending out and sustaining Evangelists, and her ability to
go forward is equal, if not superior to any other.

The brethren need a little more confidence in the Lord, and especially in their own ability to honor the Father, to meet on
every Lord’s day, sing, read, pray, exhort, teach, break the bread,
contribute and rejoice in the truth.

We feel thankful for the kindness manifested by all, but
especially to Tim. Daniel Williams and his sister wife, for the very
pleasant manner in which they entertained us during our sojourn.
We left Columbus at P. M., Jan. 3rd, in a hard rain, which soon
turned to a heavy sleet, then snow, and in less than three hours, the
thermometer fell to 15 or 20 degrees below freezing.

We reached Aberdeens at 1 P. M.; had no time to see the
brethren; started early in the morning, Feb. 1st, north; passed Cotton
Gin, Fulton, and hilly red pine woods, and reached Iuka,
120 miles from Columbus on the Memphis and Charleston railroad.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

3 P. M. Feb. 2. Much the worse of the wear from cold, irregular living, and very rough staging. At the same evening, we passed down the road 20 miles to Corinth. There are quite a number of brethren in this section, who have a house for assembling, in an unfinished state, but they have too much confidence in preachers, and too poor a conception of the responsibilities which rest upon them as Christian kings and priests for the cause to prosper. They must be converted from the error of their way before they can strengthen each other. Positively, the brethren are not so much to blame as the preachers. In other words, we presume the preachers have been too actively engaged in connecting the world, to see what is wanting in the body. Still, the brethren discipline a zeal for God, and we trust the cause will prosper in their hands. The Baptist minister, Eld. Solvige, understands the truth, is an intelligent Christian gentleman, and should he be called to perform his whole duty to God, his people, and himself, he will be a sad account in the day of eternity. It will be of no service to say such a man ought to do this, or the other. He knows the truth and seems to be a good man. We hope never to hear of his asking persons to become what he knows the Bible authorizes not—Baptists.

Bro. John Doarc and sister have our thanks for their kindness. At this point we were rejoiced to meet Bro. J. Greer, Bro. W. Anderson and lady, and others we had known in our youth. After spending two years in preaching to the brethren at Corinth, we left for home, and arrived safely on Monday, Feb. 6th, after an absence of three weeks and a day, and found all well.

T. F.

THE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, HIS QUALIFICATIONS, LABOR AND REWARD.

To the preachers of the gospel are we mainly indebted, not only for the greatest amount of moral influence in the world, but also for most of the learning and general improvement of society. Yet to the incompetency—want of intelligence and moral power in preachers—are we to attribute the failure of most churches to prove themselves pillars and supports of the truth. Indeed, we are more than satisfied that the fearful destitution of spiritual life among professors, as well as the bickerings, divisions, party railings, and general disorder of religious…

72

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Society are chargeable, to a very great extent, to the obligations of the leaders of the people. A solemn conviction as to the truth of these startling conclusions has suggested the propriety of submitting to our readers an essay in regard to preachers, their labors and rewards.

In order that the subject may be clearly presented, we deem it proper, by way of introduction, to glance at the mode of making preachers in ancient times. The first ministers of the gospel were, with the exception of Paul, “ignorant and unlearned men”—fishermen and mechanics, chosen on account of their want of sophistry, and because they were all, save Judas, incapable of being affected by bribes. The Saviour desired witnesses competent to see and hear well, and to tell a very short and plain story. Earnest men alone would answer the purpose. The balance of their qualifications were conferred miraculously. They were ambassadors, and therefore, were not to study or meditate as to what they said, but the word was to be given to them as required in the prosecution of their Heaven-ordained labor.

These apostles of Jesus Christ executed faithfully the service assigned, but with them, prophecies, tongues, and supernatural communications ceased. The matter is to determine if they had successors, and if not, who were the preachers next after the ambassadors of the Redeemer?

Inasmuch as the Lord sealed up the testimony with the apostles, and gave everything in the New Testament that “pertained to life and godliness,” a fuller development of His mind has not been needed; other ambassadors have not been requisite. The extraordinary ministers had the “treasure in earthen vessels,” but we have it in the Bible. Hence, even Timothy and Titus, who lived in the days of the apostles, were not supernaturally endowed, but were required to read—to give themselves to study in order to gain qualifications to do the work of evangelists. Paul, in submitting his last instructions to his son Timothy, said: “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.” From this intimation, we learn that preachers, after the apostles, were qualified, in part at least, by learning the things spoken by Paul, and with these rather suggestive thoughts, we are the better prepared to examine briefly, first,

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF PREACHERS

While we deem it almost impossible to give, in a short essay, all necessary qualifications for a minister of Jesus Christ, we hope to be…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Able to present the main acquisitions to constitute one a useful preacher.

In point of education, it is indispensable that a preacher should know how to read and speak English, and understand the Scriptures of truth, and an acquaintance with science generally may be of service to the minister of God. But very often, much of what the world calls “learning” occupies the place of the Spirit’s teaching, and its possessor is made the worse by it. If one can use learning and not abuse it, all knowledge may become subservient to the cause of Christ.

Whilst the possession of wealth may be the cause of stumbling, he who makes most money, if he wisely appropriates it, is the better man by it. An ignorance is suited for good employment, and while a preacher may make available literature, science, and a knowledge of human nature, the main matter is an acquaintance with the teaching of Christ, and sufficient advancement in literature to address the most cultivated ear.

There is, indeed, no apology for a preacher’s ignorance of the grammar of our language; and any one of ordinary industry can, in a few years, not only rise above a vulgar style, but also become sufficiently acquainted with Greek and Hebrew, criticism, and ecclesiastical history, to confound cavillers, and teach the whole truth to honest enquirers.

While we, by all means, should encourage parents and young men ambitious to labor in the Lord’s vineyard, to attend schools and colleges, the idea of making preachers in theological schools, or human organizations is wholly inadmissible. These may make what the world calls “reverends” and divines and denominational priests, but the church is the only divinely authorized school for educating ministers of Jesus, the Nazarene.

From the moment a church is planted, each member should be trained for usefulness, and so soon as a brother gives practical evidence of ability to teach in any department, his labors should be encouraged in that direction. The idea of schooling and designating a brother to be a preacher, or to constitute him officially a preacher by ordination, is without the least sanction in the Scriptures; but in the language of the Spirit, we “grow up into him in all things.”

Ministers are not made by election or ordination, but by growth in years, spirit, and the knowledge of truth; neither do they become mere workers, but by laboring in the particular department demanding such service; and men become preachers by the acquisitions we have specified, and labor in the church designed to develop the powers of the soul.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

LABOR OF SEPARATION

The preachers were preachers for several years before they were ordained by the elders at Antioch. If asked, then, what is the meaning of setting apart by prayer, fasting, and imposition of hands, we reply that the design is to direct the labor to a different life, or to consecrate the subject as to the employment of his entire time. The practice of churches electing and ordaining men as elders, bishops, deacons, and preachers, who attend all the week to their farms, shops, merchandise, or popular worldly profession for gain, with the idea that they are by the operation, authorized to speak, break bread, or wait at the table on our Lord’s day, is preposterous in the extreme. The minister, then, is to give his entire time and care to the work for which he previously gave evidence of ability to perform.

LABOR OF EVANGELISTS

The preacher is the minister, or servant, and not master of the church, but having been educated in it, and grown up to manhood, after the whole body admits his aptitude to teach, the Spirit devotes him to the labor. He is consecrated.

Thus he goes forth as a missionary from the church that recommended him, and his first duty is to preach the gospel. His second labor is to baptize, or have baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the believers, and to bring them together in the capacity of a church of Jesus Christ. Thirdly, he is to put all the members to work as the living members of the body, that it may “edify itself in love.”

Fourthly, the evangelist is God’s chosen servant to see what is wanting in the church, to see that nothing but sound doctrine is taught by the Spirit, and that factious ones after the first and second admonition, be rejected.

In the fifth place, so soon as the elders give evidence of ability to overlook the church, he means to instruct and admonish the members, keep the body in order, and direct the worship of the holy—it is the duty of evangelists to see them apart. These prayer and consecrated hopes give them the best means to restore, and the moment the evangelist persists from his legitimate labor to assume the oversight of a congregation, he pushes out of place those the Holy Spirit makes overseers (Acts xx. 28), and generally, if not universally, becomes a mere hireling, and frustrates the whole design of the church.

Sixthly, the minister of the gospel is the chosen vessel of the Lord, to see that all church controversies are settled according to law, not by foreign committees, arbitrations, and the vote of the majority.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

75

call very special attention to this department of evangelical labor.
Sermon: “The care of all the churches” is to be near the Evangelist’s heart.
Hence, we may conclude by saying that it is the business of the preacher to plant the churches and keep them actively engaged till the King comes.

3. THE EVANGELIST’S REWARD

The Scriptures plainly show that those for whom the Evangelists labor, are to be careful to supply his temporal wants, if it requires all their estate. “The ox that treadeth out the corn” shall not be muzzled, saith Paul, and so it is written in the Old Testament. But it is the ox that treadeth out the corn, mind you, that shall have the straw; but the fat ox that merely offers to tread out the wheat for so much feed, is not to enjoy the reward. He alone that does the work is to reap.

The laboring man in the vineyard of the Lord is entitled to a reward in proportion to their labor, their wants, and the wants of their families.

In this brief statement, we have not the space, nor the disposition to examine that popish, sectarian, and antichristian system which makes men “lords over God’s heritage.” This whole salary scheme in which preachers push aside the deacons and bishops in order to do so much of their work for so many dollars, is degrading to all concerned, and really subversive of the apostolic church order.

But the churches are as fully bound, without bargain, promise, note, subscription paper, or any other pledge, to hold up the hands of Evangelists and amply supply the wants of their families, as the heads of families are to feed their wives and children. Who would think of making pledges, or entering into bonds to support their families? The nature of the relation creates the strongest obligation, and hence: fathers are not expected at the opening of each year, to give bond and security that their wives and children shall have bread.

Neither does it become the dignity of the church of Jesus Christ, to enter into bonds to aid the fatherless and widow, and feed the ox that treadeth out the corn. The dedication to God in becoming Christians, binds the members under the most solemn obligations to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction, and to bestow their “carnal things” on those who show among them “spiritual things.”

When preachers go forth with the confidence, the churches properly…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Regarding the obligations that rest upon them, they feel neither as hirelings, beggars, or at all feeble in their heavenly calling.

In conclusion, we beg permission to suggest that if the preachers will muster the moral courage to teach the churches the truth on this subject, all will go well. The brethren, in our judgment, are generally disposed to do right, so far as they can see their duty. The seniors, or Lord’s overseers of the churches, are to see, not only that the treasury is filled, but that the funds are distributed in the manner best calculated to promote the cause of the Saviour.

This is a subject, in our judgment, which requires the prayerful examination of Christians everywhere. We have not found space for authority for our conclusions; but our purpose has been to merely mark out what seems to us the Scriptural indications, and it may require considerable time to set forth the whole subject in a commanding light.

Yet we feel as sure of success as we do that the Scriptures are the word of God. Our prayer to the churches, and particularly to the ministers of the gospel, is to look at the matter in the fear of God. The Scriptures are able to make us one.
T. F.

HUMAN ORGANIZATIONS

Pres. Fanning, as quoted in the Christian Union of December 24, compliments Dr. Bell on account of his “clearness in reference to the worthlessness of human organizations.” Bro. Fanning would confer a favor on many readers of the Union by stating, with all possible “clearness,” what he means by “human organizations.” That there may be no misconception, we would have such existing organizations as he denominates “human and worthless” named, especially those that appertain to the people with which he and I are religiously associated.

We will then ascertain how far the publishers of the Union concur in Pres. Fanning’s views. Our call for explicitness, for specific allegations, which have occasioned, with us, many volumes of empty declamation.
M.

REMARKS, EDITORIAL

We insert the above, from a new clear-headed, and able correspondent, with pleasure. It is certainly full time that something more definite should appear in regard to the relation of “human organizations.”

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

77

To that Divine institution denominated “the Church;” and we thank our correspondent for calling the attention of our brotherhood to the distinction between them. Many volumes of empty declamation may have appeared on this whole subject, as upon many kindred subjects, but without available results. Let us, then, understand one another.

Our correspondent calls upon the Gospel Advocate to state, with all possible clearness, what he means by “human organizations.” And, that there be no misconception, he would have such existing organizations as are “human and worthless” named, especially those that appertain to our brotherhood.

This will impose no little labor on the Advocate; for, first, he must define the general subject of “human organizations;” he must state “what he means” by the terms; next, he must specify, by name, such organizations. And here he has a wide field from which to gather his materials—no less than our whole brotherhood, scattered over the world.

It would not become us to speak for the editor of the Advocate, even if we could do so; but if he considers “the church” to be the only divine institution, and all other organizations as “human”—whether all are “worthless” or not—he will have enough to do. From this we hope he will not shrink, but that, as an opportunity is now afforded him for coming to close quarters, he will avail himself of it gladly.

We shall expect that, if our correspondent and Pres. Fanning differ in their definitions—that is, if the former regards as divine what the latter considers human, he will be ready to defend his position against any assaults. We shall not, in advance, assume that he is the advocate of human institutions in religion.

Possibly, however, our correspondent intends that the Advocate shall specify nothing but such “human organizations,” if any, as may pertain to our brethren in Kentucky, including any one that may be more general, and embracing other States as well. And he may desire to demand that the Christian Union shall define its position in regard to these—as specified by the Advocate. “We will then ascertain,” he says, “how far the publishers”—possibly he meant the contributors—”of the Union concur with Pres. Fanning’s views.” For this promise we thank him.

This expression of our views may be regarded by our correspondent as a matter of some moment. We shall not hesitate to gratify him, or any others of whom he may speak. On religious matters, it is not…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

The plan of the Union to wear a mask. It is, as its past course demonstrates, to utter frankly and without guile, its full convictions. Whatever is divine—universally known to be so—it will advocate as divine, and because it is divine. It would no better reason.

What is “clearly” human it may approve, not because it is human, but because of any excellences it may possess, intrinsically or extrinsically. But it will not confound the divine with the human, nor comment the latter as though it were the former. It will regard it as what it really is—clearly human—and will allow that whatever merits it may possess are human. We do not condemn, nor do we regard it necessarily “worthless.”

We speak in this general way now, in advance of the revelations of the Advocate. We may add, that, while that sheet does “compliment Dr. Bell on account of ‘his dear!’.” it refers to the worthlessness of human organizations. Dr. Bell repudiates both the right-handed and left-handed compliments so lavishly bestowed. And we presume that whatever may have been written what the Advocate attributes to Dr. Bell sympathizes with him fully. The Union may truthfully say, in the language of Paul, “We seek not yours but you.”

Reply to M. and the Editor of the Christian Union on the subject of Human Organizations

We take pleasure in responding, both to Dr. M. and the Editor of the Union, in reference to “human and worthless institutions.” We deem it not improper, in the first place, to respectfully call attention to what seems to us peculiar in the style of these brethren. The manner in which Bro. M. “calls for specific allegations, with the view of avoiding these vague generalizations which have occasioned, with us, many volumes of empty decoration,” seems to imply a charge of want of perspicuity against someone. Possibly we are guilty. We mention the matter merely to intimate to Bro. M. that such a style is evidently unfair, and by no means dignified or respectful.

When the Editorial writer—we regret there is no responsible Editor—speaks of our “right-hand and left-hand compliments so lavishly bestowed on Dr. Bell,” he misconceives the whole purport of our notice of Bro. Bell’s writings. We have not hesitated to speak freely when error was apparent, and when we discover that a writer loves the truth, as we believe Dr. Bell does, it affords us satisfaction to say “God speed you.” No man in Kentucky has written as Dr. Bell.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

79

He has maintained that Christian kings and priests are fully empowered by virtue of their high mission as saints of the Most High, to preach the gospel, keep the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and do all that can be done for the salvation of men. Possibly, we may not be understood, but we predict that it will require but the casualness of a few years’ experience for all who take the name of Christ, to see with the clearness of a sunbeam.

Our purpose in the notice was neither to flatter or find fault, but to do justice. We, therefore, respectfully suggest to our brother of the Christian Union, that his conclusions were hasty, and did not strike us as at all calculated to strengthen that tender Christian regard which should exist among brethren.

Again, we can scarcely divine the object of Bro. M. and Bro. N. in asking us what we mean by “human organizations.” We will see. We are not disposed at present to argue the truth of any of our conclusions, but we will speak candidly, and leave it to future developments to suggest our duty.

Perhaps it may be requisite to submit a few preliminary thoughts on the nature of government and organizations in general. We have had nothing to say of human institutions which are not regarded as church institutions, or organizations in place of the church. We are free to admit that our Republican institutions may be regarded in some respects at least, as human, although Daniel Webster said, “Christianity, independent of all sects and parties, is the law of the land,” and General Washington asserted, that “without an humble imitation of the Divine author of our blessed religion in his charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, we can never hope to be a happy nation.”

What we call human organizations are but modifications of things divine, and we are more than satisfied that God made man dependent—incompetent to govern himself religiously—in the words of the prophet, “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” and that left to himself he is a natural brute beast, and yields to his impulses as is apparent with philosophers, spiritualists, impulsive religious, and all beings in the universe who look not in the right direction for light and guidance. With this view we may pronounce government, human, and not hurtful.

In addition to our civil institutions, there are certain “moral societies” in the world we presume, might be denominated human organizations, although they are from a Divine model. Our view is that but

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

For patriarchal government, the Jewish hierarchy and the Church of Christ, the idea of even a human organization could not have entered the heart of man. From the fact that man has not made the slightest advance in spiritual affairs in six thousand years philosophizing, we conclude he is incompetent to make discoveries in Divine light; and, secondly, that it was necessary for his present and eternal well-being for his Creator to furnish him all things which pertain both to life and godliness. This, we believe, he has done in a purely spiritual organization, called the church of God—”the pillar and support of the truth.”

We are persuaded that the church is God’s house, a spiritual institution—an ark of safety for guilty rebels of earth, and that it is by means of the church a lost, guilty rebel of earth can be redeemed and qualified for mansions above. We are also satisfied that there is ample room in the church to employ all our energies in the salvation of the world. Furthermore, we are confident that inasmuch as the church is God’s kingdom, it needs no auxiliaries, and that in every attempt at moral improvement by means of other organizations, we neglect the body of Christ, save our time, money, and energy to what God requires not at our hands; and therefore, we conclude that all human religious organizations are at least useless so far as Christians are concerned. It only remains to point out a few of these human organizations amongst us.

There is no institution altogether human. Idolatry is but a perverted form of religion; Mohammedanism is a mixture of Judaism, Paganism, and Christianity; Romanism is a combination of Christianity, Tradition, and worldly wisdom; all forms of Protestantism are but modifications of the Christian religion; and all moral institutions owe their existence exclusively to the genuine religion of the Bible. Hence, these are at most but mixed institutions. The simple question is to determine if we have a pure practical Christianity in the world, occupying all the ground for Christian labor. We class the following amongst worldly organizations:

  1. Sunday Schools – The church of God is the proper Sunday school for the children of Christian parents.
  2. Bible Societies – Either for translating, publishing, or distributing the Divine Oracles. The church, as the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, is entitled to the honor of all such labor, and not Romish, Protestant, or other factions.
  3. Missionary Societies – Upon the church of Christ alone, rests the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the world.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

81

  1. Societies for educating or making preachers, different from the churches, are human, and take from the respective congregations, both their labor and their reward.
  2. State, District, or County Co-operation Societies, built upon a money basis, with authoritative constitutions, are worldly, and greatly detract from the wisdom and dignity of the churches of the Lord Jesus.
  3. Boards, of what are usually denominated Official Elders, Bishops, Evangelists, Deacons, Synods, Ecumenical Councils, General Conferences, or Associations, etc., etc., for the transaction of the business of the churches of Christ, are human organizations, unsanctioned by the Bible, dangerous in all their aspects, and should be rejected.
  4. “Cultural institutions,” common to the world and the church, such as Temperance, Masonic, Orphan Sustaining, Truth Telling, Debt Paying Societies, however valuable they may be to the world, can find no place where Christianity exerts its sacred influence.

T. F.

CO-OPERATION MEETING

Ebenezer Meeting House,
Davidson county, Ten., Feb. 11, 1860.

In obedience to an appointment by the disciples of Jesus Christ, in cooperation at Murfreesboro, Jan. 1859, Seniors, Evangelists, and members met at this place today at 10 o’clock, A.M. from the following congregations, viz:

  1. Ebenezer
    Elders John Hill, N. W. Carter, L. R. Mullins, D. Cawthron, and Geo. Beaty.
  2. Thompson’s Station, Williamson county
    Elder David Hamilton and sister Hamilton.
  3. Owen’s Station
    Elders J. C. Owen and D. Collins, and their wives, and sister Gaines.
  4. Franklin College
    E. G. Sewell, S. P. Nicks, T. Fanning, Evangelist, and sister Fanning.
  5. Murfreesboro
    Elders J. W. Hall and F. P. Moseby.
  6. Cross Roads, Bedford county
    G. W. Cone, Evangelist.
  7. Lipcomb’s Fork, Williamson county
    R. B. Trimble, and H. D. Banta, Evangelists.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Bro. J. W. Hall was requested to preside over the deliberations, and Bro. T. Fanning to act as Scribe.

REPORTS

  1. Bro. E. G. Sewell, of the Franklin College congregation, and who is laboring as the servant of the congregations in cooperation, reported that owing to ill health, and the unpleasant weather, he had not accomplished much since November. He had, however, spent a week in the little congregation formed during the summer at Mt. Pisgah, Bedford county; found the brethren meeting on every Lord’s day to keep the ordinances, and felt assured they are growing in grace and the knowledge of the truth. He was not certain whether the members generally worshiped in their families, but is satisfied from the progress already made, they will not neglect any duty which the Lord has enjoined. There were three additions. He had also spent two days with the brethren at Millersburg, Rutherford county, and found some of the members strong in the faith, and anxious to see the cause prosper, but some had yielded to the flesh. He also suggested a determination to labor more for the few liberal-souled brothers and sisters at Millersburg, and expressed the fond hope that the time would come when they would prove themselves “full of all goodness—able to admonish one another.”
  2. Bro. David Hamilton reported that the little band of disciples gathered together at Thompson’s Station in December, 1859, had a comfortable house, as the first evidence of their sincerity in the cause of Christ, and as a second argument that they love the truth, they meet on Lord’s day to worship God. Three of the members shrink not from conducting the service, and younger brethren refuse not to read publicly the word of life, sing, and do whatever seems suitable for persons of their Christian experience. Bro. Hamilton confidently believes that the members are all anxious to honor the Lord in their bodies and spirits which are His. In answer to certain questions, Bro. Hamilton stated that some of the members attend to family worship, but others find it difficult to do so. But from the earnest manner in which the members are studying and honoring the will of the Lord, he doubted not all will prove themselves “lively stones” in the heavenly edifice. Bro. J. C. Owen, of Owen’s Station, reported that the disciples in his section were collected mainly from the world during the past summer, and failed to meet on the Lord’s day for singing, prayer, reading…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

83

ing, exhortation, breaking bread, contributing as the Lord prospers each, and rejoicing in the salvation of the gospel. But few of the brethren as yet worship in the family, but Bro. Owen is of the judgment that the members are generally disposed to honor the Lord in all things and in all possible ways.

4. Bro. J. W. Hall, of Murfreesboro

gave quite an interesting account of the progress of the brethren in Murfreesboro. He said, till some eighteen or twenty-four months past, the brethren had anxiously labored to keep up a religious interest in his town by employing such preachers as would hire themselves to labor for them monthly and semi-monthly, but either from want of competency in the men employed, or defect in the system, or both, they did not succeed. Finally, the effort was made to do their own work. To encourage preachers to labor mainly for the world, and the experiment had answered a noble purpose.

Now, the people who could not, in times past, be induced to attend meeting but to hear sermons, rejoice to assemble for the purpose of mutual improvement in keeping the ordinances of the Lord’s house. Bro. Hall was not sure whether the brethren were religious in their families, but expressed confidence that as they had put their hand to the plow, they would not look back till they shall have attained to every Christian grace.

In addition to paying the expenses of the congregation, Bro. Hall expressed the opinion that the members would be prepared to aid in evangelizing to the amount of $15 to $100 the present year.

5. Bro. Hill, of Ebeneezer

reported that, owing to the facts that the disciples of his congregation had two places of meeting—Rock Springs and Ebeneezer—and that some of the members began their religious career under wrong views with regard to Christian duty, it was difficult for them to meet on the first day of the week to worship. From the influence of party religious, monthly preaching, and the general substitution of the service of preachers for the worship of the members, it is yet a question with some of the members of the congregation, whether the obligation rests upon the members as Christian priests, to keep ordinances. While the members are not quite regular in meeting on the Lord’s day, when they do meet, they commemorate the Lord’s death, lay by in the Lord’s treasury as the Lord has prospered them, and some of them are disposed to teach their families the practical meaning of religion.

6. The brethren at Franklin College

reported the brethren as peace;

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

that they fail not to meet to keep the ordinances, and the heads of families attend to social worship.

  1. Bro. G. W. Cune stated in very plain terms, that he was anxious to see all the congregations rejoicing in the service of the Lord, and that the congregations in which he labored, understood their duty as to meeting, worship, etc.
  2. Bro. H. B. Trimble, of Leiper’s Fork, Williamson county, said that he was supported by the Beech Grove, Laseell, South Harpeth, and Franklin congregations. The brethren at Beech Grove and Laseell met regularly to observe the Lord’s precepts; at South Harpeth, he said, the disciples met to hear preaching, but not to worship. At Franklin, the members of the church met to worship.
  3. Bro. H. D. Banta, evangelist of Leiper’s Fork, reported that he was laboring mainly for the congregation of which he was a member, the brethren at Franklin and Thompson’s Station, and found the disciples generally liberal, and in a healthful condition.
  4. Bro. Banta requested an examination of the question as to “The purpose of the weekly contribution?” and took the ground, that the object is to support the poor saints, and defray incidental expenses in the churches; but preachers, he believed, must be sustained by some other plan. Bro. Banta seemed to favor the idea that religious service is official, in a sense, different from performances by virtue of living merely as Christian priests, and promised to be prepared, by the May meeting, to show that officers competent to perform the work of the churches are made by election and ordination.
  5. Other brethren were of the judgment that there is a plan clearly related in the Scriptures for raising funds for all religious purposes, viz.: For each disciple to lay by in the treasury on the first day of the week as the Lord prospers them; and that in as much as preachers ought to be regarded as a part of the one body, they are to live of the gospel just as others who depend upon their labor for food and payment. Not a few of the brethren regard all offices and preachers made by election and ordination, whether by a synod, council of bishops, conferences, or cooperation delegates, as strictly political as the matter of Rome.
  6. Their view is that we “grow up into the Lord in all things.” It might be well for the brethren to look at the Scriptures with the view of determining the truth as to how Christians gain official designation. It is evident, sincere men at present, who profess to take the Bible for their guide, differ across the whole heavens.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Brethren Hill, Cone, and Hamilton urged an examination of the question:

How are the brethren convinced of their duty to meet in order to keep the ordinances?

Bro. E. G. Sewell gave his views on this subject. His position is that exhortations to meet and worship will remain unavailing till the brethren are convinced the Lord has required them to do so, by virtue of the authority of their Christian profession; that Christian experience and Christian life demand it, and that members of the church who fail to prove themselves “lively stones,” forfeit their right to eternal life.

In his view, the brethren generally seemed to heartily concur. Brethren Cone, Hill, and Hamilton were very clear as to the Lord requiring of the church the preaching of the gospel to the world, and the perfection of all the members in holiness. In plainer words, the idea of preachers suffering themselves to be hired as pastors to watch the flock, and of the members flattering themselves that when they meet to hear their pastors preach, receive the bread broken by them and pay the salary, they are worshipping God, is a fatal error. Indeed, that there can be no spiritual life in this system of things, and most of the brethren said amen and amen.

In compliance with a request of brother Sewell, as to the direction of his labors, the brethren thought proper to suggest that it might be best to visit, in the first place, all the churches in cooperation, “set in order the things wanting,” and endeavor to get all the members to work and report at our next meeting.

Bro. Fanning was requested to correspond with the brethren at Franklin as to the practicability of Bro. Davis laboring with brother Sewell.

Brethren Cone, Dunton, and D. Lipscomb were requested to examine the question as to what Christian courtesy is due between the churches of Christ, and report at the next meeting.

Adjourned to meet at Franklin on Wednesday before the first Lord’s day in May, at 10 o’clock A.M.

T. FANNING, Scribe.

Bro. O. P. Miller, of Paris, Ky., is on a tour South, and we hope his labors will result in great good.

Bro. Dr. J. W. Breuls has removed to Richmond, Tennessee.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

WHAT IS THE CHRISTIANS’ WORK FOR 1860?

  1. Examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith or not. If not, then go to work and continue until we are sure that we are working in the faith.
  2. Withdraw from all those who walk disorderly. Keep not the company of a wicked brother.
  3. Stay away from the still-house, grog-shop, tipping-carts, and all workings where strong drink is invited. Put not the bottle to your neighbor’s mouth, neither to your own. Keep not strong drink within thy house to give to thy brethren and friends. Drink no drams, for if thou dost, thou hast already started on the road to ruin, and death in the drunkard’s grave.
  4. Keep away from theatres, race-tracks, fair-grounds, and all other societies of the devil.
  5. Keep out of all political strife and party politics.
  6. Strive not with thy neighbors about money, mules, land, or any other property. Go not to law with any, especially with thy brother.
  7. Follow some honorable pursuit in order to make a support, and depend not on the charity of the public.
  8. Keep ourselves unspotted from the world in all things.
  9. Go to meeting every Lord’s day and attend to the contribution, to the breaking of the loaf, and to the prayers. Be sure not to use any tobacco while in the meeting-house, nor have any worldly talk; and be sure not to go to sleep while the man is preaching, but look him in the face all the time. And you need not tell the preacher to preach an eloquent sermon because there are a few lawyers, doctors, or sectarians at meeting, but if he should seem to be very anxious to please the people, then you may know that God is displeased. Neither need you tell preachers that they are smart, nor that you rather hear Bro. A than Bro. B. Tell them to preach the word, all who preach thus, believe for the word’s sake, and then we will have no big and little preachers.
  10. Read the Bible, sing and pray in your families; talk to your neighbors on the subject of Christianity. Be pious, zealous, and devoted. Give all the glory to God and the Lamb.
  11. To all Christian preachers, preach the word; ask people to believe it, preach no speculations of your own or any other person’s; set the congregations in order. Deliver at least three lectures on that part of the word relating to intemperance in drink, or any thing else.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

87

Use simple language, and not use “sesquipedalia verba,” words of foot and a half long. Be kind to each other; preach together and don’t be afraid that one be smarter than the other. Don’t talk about each other, but assist each other.

  1. If all will follow a course of this kind, both in public and private life, there will be more additions to the church in 1860 than ever before.

Now I do not wish to be understood as dictating the course to be pursued by the Christians, but I do honestly believe that the Bible upholds me in asking my brethren to withdraw from all the things of which I have spoken of as of a devilish nature, and asking them to follow those things of a spiritual nature, or the teachings of Christ and his Apostles.

In hope of immortality,
J. K. SPEER
Spring Grove, Maury county, Tenn. Jan., 1860.

CORRUPTION OF SPURGEONISM

Bxo. FANNING:—Being desirous to discover the precise point of C. H. Spurgeon’s influence as a preacher, I purchased and read carefully his Scrap-book: first series, by Sheldon and Blakeman.

Having been, a portion of my life, a busy actor on the political theatre, it afforded me a good school in which to learn much of men and their policies and tricks. The most successful candidate was he, who excelled in anecdotal argument.

Spurgeon says, that “he will relate anecdotes, though some may dislike them.”

Now, I wish to introduce one of his, to show his taste, and his great disregard to the laws of Jesus Christ. He says, page 379, “A slave-holding American, (American slaveholder) on one occasion, buying a slave, said to the person of whom he purchased, ‘Tell me honestly what are his faults?'”

Said the seller: “He has no faults that I am aware of: but one; that one fault is, he will pray.”

“Ah!” said the purchaser, “I don’t like that, but I know something that will cure him of it pretty soon.”

So the next night, Culley was surprised by his master in the plantation while in earnest prayer, praying for his new master, and his master’s wife and family. The man stood and listened, but said nothing at the time; but the next morning he called Culley and said, “I do not want to quarrel with you, my man, but I’ll have…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

no praying on my premises: so you just drop it.”

“Mnssa,” said he, “me canna leave off praying; me must pray.”

“I’ll teach you to pray, if you are going to keep on at it.”

“‘Mnssa, me must keep on.”

“Well, then, I’ll give you five-and-twenty lashes a day till you leave off.”

“Mnssa, if you give me fifty, I must pray.”

“If that’s the way you are saucy to your master, you shall have it directly.” So, tying him up, he gave him five-and-twenty lashes, and asked him if he would pray again?

“Yes, Mnssa, me must pray always; me canna leave off.”

The yarn of this anecdote is threaded out until Cuffy prayed his cruel master and wife into pure religion.

Now, reader, this is from the London Apostle! A man who indicates throughout his sermons that God has a special mission for him, and of whom, thousands think it would be sacrilege to question, even what Spurgeon might dream!

Now, reader, have you not read the Law of Remission, as expounded by God’s Ambassadors, and recorded in the statute book of Heaven?

“Yes.”

Well, did you find any such nonsense as is dialogued between the master and Cuffy?

“No.”

Do you believe that God called Spurgeon as a special instrument to wage a disgraceful war upon Jesus Christ and the Apostles?

As easily could I believe that He had called him to bungle up moonshine, or bridge the Atlantic with sunbeams, or drive the Kilc back upon her own bosom to kiss the mountains from which it emanated.

Not in the foreground, but in the background of this picture, there is another shade than the mere conversion of this wicked slaveholder! Cuffy is the hero of the tale.

I wish that our Trans-Atlantic orator would present the Law of Remission as found in the New Testament, to his people for three consecutive Lord’s days; and this would test the fact as to whether those boasted of multitudes assemble to hear Spurgeon or the Apostles—to hear Spurgeon’s anecdotes, or the gospel of the crucified One.

Will he tell the convicted “slave dealer” to “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins?”

Will he tell the priest, the den, and kingly cursed thousands who crowd around him, when goaded in their hearts, “Repent and be immersed, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins?”

Will he enunciate to the denighted of London, “He that believes and is immersed shall be saved?”

And, that, “if apostles or angels preach any other gospel than that preached…”

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

89

by the apostles, let them be accursed.” He says “that he is brave.” Take the hunter. No, Mr. Spurgeon has already announced most solemnly, “that his identity is with Calvin and St. Augustine, and with them he will live, and with them he will die.” Which is but little less than an open declaration of war upon the dominions of the cross! I am told that no man could have achieved so much, if not aided by a supernatural power, as this young Cicero. You had as well tell me that that beautiful, fascinating actress could not have achieved such laurels, as a crowded theatre, and a thousand glories, and wet eyes, unless the Lord had stood by her! But, thank God, the lamp is lighted. Day has dawned. The bugle-notes of war are sounding. The day of battle has come. To arms! to arms! the chieftains cry. And shall we not heed?

J.A.S. A. BUTLER
Helena, Ark., Jan. 27th, 1860.

SPRING MEETING OF THE A. C. MISSIONARY SOCIETY

In harmony with a resolution passed at the special meeting of the A. C. M. S. at St. Louis in May, 1859, and approved at the annual meeting in October last, the Executive Board have determined to call another special meeting of said Society, to be held in St. Louis, Mo., beginning on Tuesday the first day of May, 1860, at 2 o’clock P. M., and continuing until the Thursday night following.

Addresses will be delivered by Prof. Robert Graham, of Kentucky, James M. Mathes, of Indiana, and Moses E. Lard of Missouri. Besides these, we expect numerous brief addresses by distinguished brethren from different States.

Special meetings for social worship will be held morning and evening.

The growing interest in the Missionary cause leads us to anticipate even a larger meeting than that of last May. The brethren and sisters in St. Louis extend a cordial invitation to the brotherhood everywhere, to come and share their hospitality. The heartiness and skill with which they entered on the work last Spring, furnish the best assurance that they mean what they say. Brethren of the West, the Northwest, and the Southwest, let us come together in the spirit of love, and of sound mind for council, cooperation, and the cultivation of Christian friendship. Let us unite to

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Push forward, with increasing power, the triumphs of grace in the conversion of the world. And let as many as choose to come from remote regions be assured of a hearty welcome.

The Board desires to recommend to the churches to make collections on the third Lord’s day in April, or any other suitable time, for missionary purposes, to be sent to the meeting at St. Louis. Those who made pledges last May, redeemable within a year, will please remember that the year expires with the month of April. We trust they will be ready to pay at the May meeting.

Arrangements will be made with as many railroads and steamboats as possible, for half-fare tickets, of which no notice will be given in the Review, and in the St. Louis papers.

By order of the Executive Board,
ISAAC ERRETT, Cor. Sec.
March 1st, 1860.

DOINGS OF THE A. C. MISSIONARY SOCIETY

We now have Missionaries in Jerusalem, Jamaica, Maine, New York, Maryland, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Canada, and Ohio. Arrangements are about completed for Southern Kentucky and Southern Missouri. We hope still to put others in the home fields, and if possible, send one to California and one to Texas before the present year expires.

Since the opening of the current missionary year, the following additions have been reported:

  • J. O. Beardsley, Jamaica: 7
  • E. H. Brooks, Thos. M. Rae, Eli Regal, Michigan: 29, and two churches organized
  • J. S. Robertson, Arkansas: 12, and one church established
  • George Garraty, New Brunswick: 7

In all, 55. In addition to these, Dr. Garraty reports sixty Baptists at St. George, N. B., as uniting with upwards of seventy whom he had baptized in forming a Christian church; but how many of these came in at his last visit, his report did not say.

The mission church, established at Ionia, Michigan, by the Society, and which has, from the first, been self-supporting, was recently blessed with fifty additions, and is now one of the most vigorous and influential churches at the county seat.

We trust the brethren will see, in the light of these cheering facts,

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

that their contributions and labors in the Missionary cause are not in vain. The work is just begun, and we hope to report still more encouraging news in the progress of the year.
ISAAC ERRETT, Cor. Sec.
February 1st, 1860.

P. S. – Since the above was written, we have received news of from thirty to forty additions at another new point; twenty-one at another, and seven at another.

PERSONAL

Bro. James Challen, of Philadelphia, closed a meeting of some two weeks in Nashville, Feb. 27, with four additions from the world, and a favorable impression upon all who heard him. Pres. Carneg, of Knoxville, was with him a part of the time. It is but justice to Bro. Challen to say that he has proved himself a very efficient laborer in the vineyard of the Lord; and we are not sure but the brethren have made a mistake in failing to hold up his hands for months, in aiding to roll back the dark, death shadows which are still lingering in the wake of the ill-fated apostate who fell, like Lucifer, from heaven a few years ago.
No great work can be accomplished without comparative energy.
T.F.

Bro. John Acuff, of Ooltewah, Hamilton county, Ten., under the influence of a wasting affliction of twenty years’ existence, with, if not all, or at least many of his “bones out of joint”, writes to us most encouragingly.
Will our readers not be pleased to hear a few words from a brother who knows that he is at the verge of eternity? He says:

“What could I hope without the Bible? All would be a blank! With a knowledge of the Bible and faith in its promises, I am content. My mind is composed, firm and fixed. I look inward and upward to a state beyond that which is mortal. I have also found the Advocate a friend in my affliction. It is the paper we need. Bro. Fanning’s teaching upon the subject of church organization, -officers and members carrying forward the good work, is what is generally needed.”

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

“JOIN THE BAPTIST,”—BAPTIST VERSION

Dr. Conant has sent out a “preliminary” version in which he says “John the Baptist” “immersed,” and that “the Baptist” is a part of the surname of John.

If this is a feeler, it has been given with the view of ascertaining what Christian scholars will bear. If the Doctor is in earnest, he is not competent to translate. We fear party with him overbalances the diction of the spirit.

We have long doubted the ability of the Baptist or any other sect, to give or receive a pure translation of the Scriptures. Are the brethren to be deceived and swindled out of their money? No scholar will engage in argument with the Doctor.

All linguists, immersionists and anti-immersionists who fear God, will hold this effort in extreme contempt. “John the Baptist” “immersed!” Think of it, you that fear the Lord, and pray for me above prayer, to revise the Divine Oracles. Just as well say John the Immerser sprinkled.

T. F.

REPORT FROM ALABAMA

Bro. Fanning: After my leave of Murfreesboro, I came directly to Mooresville, Ala., where I spent a week. I found there one of the most lively and zealous little churches it has been my good fortune to meet anywhere.

Our meetings were largely attended, both night and day, from other churches and the world, and the result was eleven additions to the church by confession and baptism. A deep interest prevailed throughout the community. I have never seen young converts so happy and more fully in the spirit of the gospel. More kind and Christian hospitality is not to be found anywhere than in the little church in Mooresville. Long will I remember my visit among this kind and Christian people. May the good Lord bless abundantly the young and old, and bring them to their final reward above.

From Mooresville, I went to Moulton and spent a few days, and baptized one. I heard much of the former glory of this church, gained chiefly by your labors, but, alas! that glory has departed. They have not had a meeting, even of the church, for more than six months. There are a goodly number of brethren here, but one has gone to his “merchandise,” and another to his “farm.” With the death of the faithful and excellent Bro. McDonald, came the death of the cause. The Lord prosper us in the good work.

O. P. MILLER
Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 4th, 1860.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

REPORT FROM TEXAS

Paris, Lamar Co., Tex., Nov. 4th, 1859.

Bro. Fanning & Lunsford: I commenced a meeting at Antioch, in this county, on Friday night before the first Lord’s day in August last, and continued at that place one week. Adjourned to Sulphur Springs, some eight miles north, and continued there till Friday night following; thence back to Antioch, and continued there until Lord’s night. The result of this meeting was as follows: Immersed forty-one; by recommendation, thirteen; total, fifty-four.

Our cooperation meeting came off at Mt. Vernon, Titus county, in connection with the third Lord’s day in August. Immersed twelve, by recommendation only; total thirty-two.

I commenced a meeting in Mt. Pleasant, Titus county, Saturday night before the second Lord’s day in October, and continued thirteen days and nights. Immersed forty-five, by recommendation sixteen; total sixty-one.

I reached home on Friday evening. Went to Stewit’s Mill on Saturday evening, preached there till Monday; immersed five, by recommendation one; total six.

I commenced at Paris, Lamar county, (from where I write,) Friday night before the fifth Lord’s day in October, continued one week, and immersed three.

The whole number immersed within the last three months is one hundred and six, and by recommendation fifty; total, one hundred and fifty-six. During this time I have preached about fifty times. I hear good news from many sections of our country. This is a time long to be remembered. We thank God and take courage. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

THOS. BARRETT.

REPORT FROM GEORGIA

Bro. Fanning: Grace, mercy, and peace to you. Bro. Miller, of Kentucky, has just closed a meeting, or a series of meetings here. No results; still I hope good will result from the seed sown. The congregation here meets every Lord’s day to worship God according to His own appointments, and harmony and good will prevail among them.

There have been more aliens in attendance at our meetings recently than for some time, and I do humbly pray some of these may be won to truth and be added to the Lord Jesus Christ and walking in Him.

I long to see our cause get a start in this city—a central point, a place for sounding out the word of life to other localities.

Yours in the good hope,

A. W. OWEN.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

OBITUARIES

Died at her residence, in Austin, Tex., of Pulmonary Consumption, December 24th, 1859, Mrs. Martha H. Carrington, consort of L. D. Carrington.

The deceased was the daughter of William Hickman Hill, and was born in Williamson county, Tennessee, October 23rd, 1824. Having completed her education under the tuition of Elder F. Fanning, she was married to Mr. L. D. Carrington, February 13th, 1844. In the spring of the same year she united, by baptism, with the Christian church at Columbus, Miss.; and in all her relations of life, as a wife, mother, and friend, she exemplified in all its beauties and excellencies the Christian’s faith.

Whether in the management of her well-ordered household, dispensing peace and happiness about the domestic hearth by the influence of her gentle and affectionate nature—in the social circle, when yet the bloom of health was upon her cheek—or while wasting away under the slow but steady progress of the Destroyer’s work, she exhibited the possession of a mind of superior natural endowments, cultivated to a high degree, and a fortitude rarely found in one so gentle. In all her afflictions she murmured not, and when the hour of her dissolution was at hand, her only regret, seemingly, was the separation from her loving and devoted family—that she could not be spared to complete the training and culture of her children which she had so well begun.

Truly does “the Destroyer select a shining mark.” He has taken the idol from the family, the jewel from the social circle, and from the church an exemplar of its faith, and a useful and beloved member. She has left a devoted husband and five interesting children, a large relationship, among whom is an aged mother, together with a large circle of friends, to mourn their irreparable loss. But their loss is to her “eternal gain,” and “they mourn not as those who have no hope.” The full fruition of the reward of the Christian is hers to enjoy; and though dead, she still lives in the influence of her example.

A FRIEND.

The relatives, teachers, and friends of our deceased sister in Tennessee and Mississippi, most earnestly sympathize with the afflicted husband and children, and almost heart-broken mother. We can scarcely think of sister Martha, but as a blooming and beautiful girl of sixteen years. The Lord has promised that his children shall be “like him” in heaven. Bless his holy name forever.

T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Hickman, KY., Feb. 6th, 1860.

Bro. Fanning:
It is with a heavy heart and a sinking of the spirit that I write to inform of the death of my father, Elder W. G. Roulhac, who died at this place, calmly resigned at meeting the Gospel Messenger. We shed for him the tears which affliction will bring from us, yet we know that our loss is his gain, and if there is rest for the people of God, that rest is surely his.

My heart is too full to attempt to write an obituary, but will you please publish the fact of his death in the next number of the Advocate, as many of his friends are readers of your paper.

Respectfully, your friend and brother,
JOS. H. ROUHAC.

We most deeply sympathize with the afflicted family in the death of Bro. W. G. Roulhac. We knew him well, and can say in confidence that we were acquainted with no brother who entertained a higher regard for the Saviour and his institutions than he.
P. F.

Bro. Fanning:
On the evening of the 23rd of January, sister Rachael Alexander, of Moulton, Ala., went to her reward. She lived but a little over two days after she was taken sick. She had reached the age of thirty-nine years and four months. She had been an exemplary Christian for more than fifteen years, baptized, I believe, by yourself. As a wife and mother she had, perhaps, no equals. Her life was one of continual devotion and kindness to her husband and children. She leaves a husband who mourns her loss with the keenest grief, with a large family of children, and a circle of friends, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. She sleeps in the family burying-ground by the home of her family, where her grave may be watered by the tears of affection. The Lord bless and sustain the mourners called to bear the greatest loss of earthly blessings—a wife and a mother.

Sister Jennings, of the same place, died on the 24th, a few days before. She was the daughter of the lamented Bro. McDonald. Her age I did not learn. She died in the hope of immortality. She has gone with her father to rest from her labors, while her works will follow her. She leaves a husband, a sorrowing mother, two little children, and many friends to mourn that she has gone. The Lord comfort the bereaved with the hope of life.
O. P. MILLER.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Cross Timbers, Texas, Nov. 17th, 1859

Bro. Lifson: It is a painful duty devolving on me to inform you and the readers of your excellent Advocate, of the death of our much beloved brother, Eld. Jeremiah Prather, who departed this life at his residence in this county, in the full confidence of a blessed immortality, on the 23rd of October, 1859.

Bro. Prather was born in Kentucky on the 14th of September, 1803, been a member of the Christian church for thirty years, and a zealous proclaimer of the ancient order of things for near twenty-two years. He has resided in Texas only two years, during which time he has seemed the confidence and friendship of all that made his acquaintance who were capable of appreciating a truly good man. He leaves a widow and several children, and numerous friends to mourn their loss. May we be faithful to the end, and receive our reward with him in a better and happier world, is my prayer. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to do good.

As ever,
A. M. DEAN

Pinewood, Tenn., Dec. 25th, 1859

Bro. Fanning: It becomes my painful duty to announce to you the death of our beloved brother, James R. Allen, in the 23rd year of his age. Brother Allen and myself confessed our Saviour before men under the preaching of Tiro, R. B. Trimble, Sept. 1857, were buried with Christ by baptism, and rose to walk in newness of life. Till his death he lived faithful to his Christian duties. He died October 6th, 1859, after a protracted illness of the consumption. He bore his sufferings with patience, and died in the faith once delivered to the saints, and now awaits the rest that remains for the people of God. May we all be encouraged to live in obedience to God’s commands, that our last days may be like his.

Yours in the one faith,
JAMES M. MEACHAM

Bro. John Brevard, of Hartsville, who submitted to Christ a few months past, in order to obtain a well-grounded hope in reference to the future, died, Jan. 7th, in the fullest triumphs of truth. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.
T. F.

Leave a Comment