The Gospel Advocate – December 1860

by

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

T. FANNING AND W. LIPSCOMB, EDITORS.

VOL. VI.
NASHVILLE, DECEMBER, 1860.
NO. 12.

AUTHORITY IN RELIGION

God has spoken to man. This is the glorious proposition upon which stands the fabric of the world’s salvation. It is a rock as immovable as the throne of God himself.

“God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.” Such is the sublime preamble with which Paul addressed his Hebrew brethren. A more important proposition the world has never heard. It lays at the very foundation of the whole system of God’s dealing with the family of Adam. It is a sure standpoint, a safe footing which is high removed from the slippery mire and dangerous quicksands of speculation and uncertainty.

Wonder as we may through regions of philosophic lore and research; wind through all the devious mazes of metaphysical inquiry, sound the deepest depth of sceptical indifference, and we can find nothing certain, nothing that can give sure and steadfast confidence. From it all we must, if we would enjoy peace and find rest secure and heart-easing, turn to this simple proposition: God has spoken to man.

Take this fact from the world and all is blank, dark and unsatisfactory. Religion—even the most devoted—is blind and ignorant superstition. History with all its lessons of wisdom becomes an entangled, inextricable contradiction teaching nothing that is valuable and worthy to man. It is to this simple truth that the world must come if it ever understands any.

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thing intelligibly on the subject of religion. It must know and believe that God has spoken and that His word is authoritative in every concern of man’s moral conduct. The great error of the world is in failing to see and adhere to this simple truth—to receive it as the means of spiritual enlightenment and instruction. So long as men and women believe that religion rests not upon any higher authority than the decrees of councils and the systems presented in various creeds and confessions of faith, of course they will claim the right to regard one of these as about as good as another. The Christian position is higher, however, than any of this human sectarian patchwork. There may be good doctrine in any and all of these human hands of religious fellowship, but each and every one is a miserable mixture and utterly unworthy of the regard of any man or woman who expects and desires to know and receive the truth of God in perfect simplicity and purity.

There is a way, a plain, sure and unerring way of knowing the will of God. That way is to draw near in His own divine inspired and blood-sealed Testament. God through Christ and His Apostles has given this as the source of religious knowledge as the means of all faith and all acceptable religious service. Men and women who read and study and treasure up the teachings which are therein contained have the fund of wisdom and knowledge which God has given for the world’s good. But when they turn from it and seek knowledge and light through other sources, they can only expect darkness, blindness and confusion.

The hope of the world is bringing men and women to believe that the word of God is the authoritative end of controversy on the whole question of man’s earthly conduct. When this is true, division, discord and contention must cease; men must be one in faith, one in spirit—all strive together for the faith of the Gospel. Efforts at Christian union on any other ground than that of presenting this high position, authorized and sanctioned, not by the decrees of any human council or association, but by the edict of God Himself are as futile, vain and idle as the wind.

Christian unity and peace and concord are all very pretty themes for eloquent talk and every year that passes has its share of abortions and failures in this line. The glorious results of a united religious world have been the subject of many an exultant paean from the pulpit to enraptured listeners. Yet what has been done by it all? Simply nothing. Nothing worth the breath that has announced it or ink that has recorded it. People are not brought together in friendship, peace…

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Unity by such means.
You might as well attempt to reconcile two hostile armies met on the battle field dressing them in the same uniform as to attempt to bring men and women into harmony without giving some real substantial ground of union. Show them where they can meet as one, and all be helped and benefited thereby, and they will come nearer and nearer together as fast as they are convinced of their errors and see more clearly their true good.

There is a ground of union, peace and goodwill, in accepting which the heart is made right and every feeling of enmity destroyed. It is in being convinced thoroughly and satisfactorily that God has spoken to man and that the highest and only valuable authority on this earth in reference to man’s conduct is in that word. This simple proposition is working mighty changes in the world’s history. It is spreading light and knowledge in many regions of darkness and ignorance. Its influence is permeating and purifying the atmosphere of many regions of mysticism and gloom, and the joyous brightness of its radiance is extending to lands and countries far remote. Under its influence men and women in every quarter of the civilized world are becoming one in faith, one in heart and one in life. It is fast bringing about that unity that requires no strong bonds of associations and connections to fetter and hold together, but which is the result of the belief of the same truth, producing the same earnest love and active labor in the one great cause. The world has never yet seen a conquest to equal that of the truth of God. Quietly, silently and almost imperceptibly it marches on in its victorious way.

Words spoken eighteen hundred years ago are doing the work. All over this broad land are they really making conquests. Yea, across the mighty deep has its influence spread and our kindred long priest-ridden by a spiritless sensual clergy are feeling and acknowledging its power. Yea, to the far off Isles of the sea are made to rejoice and be glad in the simplicity of the words spoken by God. Though thousands of miles intervene all see eye to eye and speak the same things.

We want no stronger, higher, holier bond of union than this; we want no human forged fetters to bind us together. We can be but one and cannot be separated while the same spirit dwells in our hearts and the same glorious words instruct and direct our steps. Wherever we meet with people guided by these heaven-sent truths, whether in America or Europe or the distant lands of Australia, we find people who are bound together in one mighty brotherhood, we feel and are indeed members of one glorious family, brethren and sisters of…

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a. m.

a nearer and stronger attachment than any tie of the flesh. Brethren and sisters we are, if we receive the truth and heartily believe and walk in it; members of this Heavenly army, this mighty band of laborers in our Master’s cause. Let us not then feel that we are alone, but that wherever the word of God has gone with its influence there we have helpers and co-laborers whose united efforts are spreading abroad this work of Heaven. Ours is a mission and labor worthy of all our powers. Let us be faithful to it and spread by every effort in our power the knowledge of that word which is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.
W. L.

THE MILLENNIAL HARBINGER AND ITS FUTURE EDITORS

Brother Campbell addresses his readers in the November number of the Harbinger, in a style which can scarcely fail to reach the hearts of all who love the truth. He speaks with the authority of advanced age, profound wisdom, and more valuable labor than any other man of his times can boast. God raised him up for a special and great mission, and he has honored his call. Now hundreds of thousands, who little think of their obligations to him, are rejoicing in the liberty of truth evolved through his agency. He says, “For thirty-eight years we have never failed to pay you (his readers) our regular monthly visits. I still desire to continue this blessed service, and my thoughts are now as ever bent upon the interests of the glory of Zion. I cannot agree to be cut off from my long accustomed communion with you, my Christian friends and readers. I will not be dismissed from the army of the faithful.”

He informs his readers that he “has engaged the services of Bro. Isaac Erritt in the Editorial conduct of the Millennial Harbinger.” We regard this as a most fortunate movement in the managers of the paper. We rejoice much at the accession of Bro. Erritt to the editorial. In our candid judgment, he is one of our ablest, soundest and safest teachers. We feel an abiding confidence, that his heart is in the work, and we believe we know his spirit well. Sorry indeed, are we that he did not visit our State a few weeks since in more favorable circumstances, to become acquainted with more of the…

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Brethren,
Welcome, brother Erritt, to the Editorial brotherhood. We rejoice in the hope that we can labor shoulder to shoulder, in defense of the institutions of our Master freed from all human appendages. With the Divine Oracles as our platform, and the church of God as our fostering mother, we have nothing to fear but dereliction from the Prince of our salvation. While our hands and hearts are uplifted in the defense of the truth as it is written, the armies of the faithful will gloriously triumph over the King’s enemies; but should we, in an evil hour, forsake our colors, or look at the majesty of truth, the Lord will abandon us to perish with those who attempt to build towers by human folly to reach the heavens. Our sole strength is in God, and the word of his grace. The sails of our old ship of Zion are all fair to the breeze, and if we will but remain on board, with our Captain at the helm, we shall soon be wafted into the haven of rest.
T. F.

CHARITY OR LOVE

A gladsome guest is love. Happiness itself, makes its possessor happy. A heart void of love cannot rejoice. Blessedness comes with love, stays with it, goes with it. Whoever saw a happy churl? Who knows a gladsome grumbler? But heaven-born love is not a fool, nor a knave, to rejoice in all that is found in this sinful, sorrowing world. It rejoices, but not in sin; it rejoices, but only in the true. “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” Think you its pleasures are not select? Conclude you its society is not choice? It were not the love of God were it otherwise than sin-avoiding and truth-communing. All its fellowships and sympathies are with the truth. It is the true love, and cannot therefore find rejoicing but in the truth.

There is a love—miserable, degrading, and degrading thing, which haunts the homes of infamy, and makes them boisterous with the mirth of sin. But oh! how unlike the calm rejoicing with the truth, whose present is happiness, whose future is heaven. Love is a hard en bearer. There is nothing too heavy for its willing feet, ready hands, broad shoulders, and panting heart. It would always be lifting and carrying. “It beareth all things.” It will uplift any sort of load that oppresses poor humanity; and indeed, the heavier…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

the burden, and the sorer the oppression with all the more alacrity does true charity come to the rescue. Having no weight to oppress itself, its business is to bear the load of others. It shrinks from nothing within the limits of the possible. It has borne already, in the person of its Great Author and Exemplar, the direst of loads—the sin of a world.

Thereby perceive we the love, because he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down ours for the brethren. In Jesus we perceive the love; for in him we see the sin-bearer. He bore our sin in his own body on the tree, and will we not bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ?

Love is no cynic. It is not a carping critic. It finds nothing congenial in the cold shades of Scepticism. In God it is the producer of our faith; in us it is the product of faith. God loves—we believe, and believing, love. Our faith is that faith which energizes by love. It credits all that God has spoken. It cannot doubt its Father’s word. The day of promise may be long of dawning—the night of waiting may be dark and starless; but this heavenly visitant of the soul is ‘always confident.’

Did we love more we should have stronger, greater faith. It is no loving heart which would always find occasion to doubt in God or man, for want of love in man we cannot always believe him; were his love like God’s, all things were believable with him, as they doubtless are with God. Still, fallen as man is, charity will believe rather than doubt. Nothing is more painful to a loving spirit than to be compelled to doubt a once well-trusted friend.

And even when evidence amounts to proof, and faith is no longer able to hold its place, hope will come and take it; for where true love cannot believe, it will hope. It ‘hopeth all things’ possible to hope, as it ‘believeth all things’ possible to faith. When it finds the character of the fondly loved one gone—beyond the possibility of doubt—it still will hope the best. How many a loving heart has uttered these words—and what heart that loves would not?

Doubt is as much opposed to hope as it is to faith, so that if love believes, it must fondly anticipate. When all is gone for the present, it thus finds a treasure and a solace in the future. Like man himself, it lives not in the past, nor in the present only; but in the future. It beats true to the aspiration of nature, when, all being dark around, it points the finger to the first indication of the longed-for day-dawn.

‘He,’ therefore, ‘that feareth, is not made perfect in love, for perfect love casteth out fear.’ Gloomy apprehensions are not begotten by the love of God. Hope gives tenacity to purpose; it enables even the weakest to…

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As a characteristic of love, it necessarily supplies great fortitude of character to the man or woman who loves. Though the tenderness of emotions, it is yet the hardest. It ‘endureth all things.’ The toil and ill-usage it endures could not have been believed had they not been seen.

What love can do, what it is capable of enduring, what is able to suffer, could not have been known had history not given the manifold demonstration. An all but broken-hearted wife or mother may well say, she ‘did not think she could have outlived so much.’ Much more may we say, in view of the long-suffering God, and the enduring of the sinner, loving exponent of his love to man, exclaim, ‘Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us!’ Love, the most potent of principles, will hold on its way in the midst of a wilderness of discouragements, at the bare prospect of which all other motive to action would sink and die outright. There is nothing too hard for love.

After the conversion of such sinners as the gospel of the grace of God has saved—anything. Brethren test your love by your power of endurance.

If you fail, it marks your deficiency in that charity which ‘never faileth.’ How like its author, who fainteth not, neither is weary! What a consolation, that come what may, love shall never cease. How cheering, that amid all the changes of time, and all the vicissitudes of life, there is this love to gladden the heart of lover and loved.

How well it is that, amid the utmost poverty of gifts, this queen of graces continues to cheer the otherwise desolate church, and through her to bless and save the world. Forget it not, brethren, that this is the ‘more excellent way.’ It is not alone by the most exact order—not by the setting in order of all else that is wanting in the churches, that we can succeed in our efforts for the ancient faith. There must abide also faith, hope, love—these three; but the greatest of these is love. By all means covet earnestly the best gifts, contend fearlessly for the one faith, but in so doing, let us not at any time forget to ‘follow after charity.’

T. II. M.

Bro. Dr. W. J. Barbee, of Senitobia, Miss., has sent us the prospectus of a work on Geology, which purports to be an acquisition to scientific development; but we must see the work before we can form a judgment. If brother Challen will send it, he shall hear from us.

T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

CONVENTION OF DISCIPLES – MIDDLE ALABAMA

At the annual session of this body, convened in Marion on Friday, 5th October 1860, Elder A. B. Walthall was called to the Chair by Elder Goodloe, and F. F. Strother was appointed Secretary, pro tem. After a brief address by the Chair, Bro. Goodloe offered prayer; then the Chair appointed W. B. Cathy, Dr. David Adams, and Alfred Berry a Committee to arrange business for the meeting. On motion, the meeting adjourned till tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock.

SATURDAY, 10 o’clock, A. M.

The meeting was opened by appropriate services—prayer by Elder A. B. Walthall.

Bro. W. B. Cathy, chairman of the committee, submitted the following programme, which was adopted, viz:

  1. Announcement of names of delegates from the different congregations composing this body.
  2. Report of Evangelists.
  3. Report of Messengers.
  4. Report of Treasurer.
  5. Appointment of Messengers to other cooperative bodies.
  6. Appointment of Evangelists.
  7. Appointment of some one to preach the Introductory at the next session of this Convention.
  8. Time and place of the next meeting of this body.

Pursuant to the first item of the foregoing programme, brethren Silas Garrett from Cross Roads, Lowndes County; W. H. Linam and David Adams from Pleasant Hill, Wilcox County; Alfred Derry from Selma; F. P. Strother from Clinton, Green County; James Cook, W. A. Corbin, and P. S. Hurt from Marion; Elder W. H. Goodloe from Mt. Hebron, Green County; John N. Walthall from Oak Grove, Perry County, reported themselves as delegates from their respective churches. Bro. Baker of Oak Grove was invited to a seat.

On motion, leave being granted to pass for the present, the 2nd and 3rd items in the programme, the chair proceeded to appoint a committee to audit the Treasurer’s account and report to this body, whereupon W. B. Cathy, James Cook, and P. T. Hurt were appointed said committee.

Elder W. H. Goodloe, our general Evangelist, being called on, made the following report, viz:

Your Evangelist for Middle Alabama cooperation, term ending October 8, 1860, respectfully submits the following: Within the bounds of

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Report on Evangelistic Efforts

Said cooperation ninety-five additions have been made, mainly by the labors of your Evangelist. He has preached at various points where much interest has been excited, and where much good could be accomplished by proper efforts. He would further state that various calls were made upon him to preach at other points to which he could not respond in appropriate labor. There is, indeed, a general interest in the field, which promises much good in the future.

Respectfully,
W. H. GOODLOE, Evangelist.

Call for Information

A call being made for information touching the state of the cause in the bounds of this cooperation, brethren Adams, Garrett, Strother, and Berry reported respectively as follows, viz:

  • Dr. Adams reported an addition of twenty-six members at Pleasant Hill since the last session of this convention, and that the cause is steadily increasing at that point. He also reported a great desire on the part of the brotherhood to have an Evangelist in that section, and for that purpose they pledged one hundred and fifty dollars.
  • Bro. Garrett reported an increase of thirty-seven members to the congregation at Cross Roads, that they have regular meetings and that the cause is progressing in that vicinity. They pledge three hundred dollars for Evangelizing purposes.
  • Bro. Strother from Clinton refers to brother Goodloe’s oral report from which the convention learned that eighteen had been added to the good cause at that point. The congregation at Clinton, including Mt. Hubron, pledge three hundred dollars for the ensuing campaign.
  • Bro. Berry from Selma reported that they had occasional preaching, that they have a good house of worship in the city and that they greatly desire the services of a resident preacher, and to this end they are willing to raise five hundred dollars, and ask the aid of this body to sustain a preacher at that important locality.

Pledges by Individuals

  • Bro. Payne, of Sandy Ridge, pledges one hundred dollars to the Evangelizing fund for the ensuing campaign.
  • Bro. W. D. King, Hebb Lauding, pledges one thousand dollars payable after the 1st January 1861, for like purposes.
  • Sister Julia Goree contributes, in cash, the sum of nineteen dollars to the said fund.
  • By letter from Dubhiu, Perry county, we learn that the congregation there have raised forty-five dollars for the Evangelizing fund.

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that brother W. N. Mitchell was prevented by sickness from attending this meeting as their delegate.

On motion the following brethren were appointed a Standing Committee to solicit contributions to the Evangelizing fund, and, during the recess of this body, disburse any surplus on hand, in the employment of suitable Evangelists, viz:

  • Elder A. D. Walthall, Marion;
  • Jabez Curry, Oak Grove;
  • Dr. David Adams, Pine Apple, Wilcox county;
  • Arnold Jolly, Mt. Hebron, Green county;
  • Wm. Payne, Sandy Ridge, Lowndes county.

On motion adjourned till at 1 o’clock P.M.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Meeting was opened by appropriate services—prayer by Elder A. B. Walthall.

On motion of brother W. A. Corbin, Elder A. B. Walthall and brother Alfred Berry were appointed messengers to the American Christian Missionary Society, to be held in Richmond, Va., next Spring; then on motion Elder W. H. Goodloe was appointed messenger to the next session of the Mississippi State Convention of Disciples; again on motion, brethren Adams, Berry and Strother were appointed a committee to confer with Evangelists to ascertain who can be employed, and at what salary, and report to the present session of the Convention.

On motion brother W. B. Cathy was appointed Treasurer of this body; then on motion Resolved, that the books, accounts, notes and all moneys belonging to this body, be transferred to said Treasurer.

On motion adjourned till Monday morning 8 o’clock.

MONDAY MORNING

The meeting was opened by appropriate services—prayer by Elder Goodloe. The report of the Committee on the state of the Treasury being called for, the following was submitted and adopted, viz:

The Committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer of this body, beg leave to report that they have discharged that duty and find that there was on hand 1st March 1860, the sum of fifteen hundred and fifty dollars and fifteen cents and that there has accrued by way of interest up to this time (Oct. 8, 1860) seventy-four dollars and ninety-two cents, making the total of sixteen hundred and ninety-four dollars and seven cents, all of which is respectfully submitted.

A. BERRY, Chairman.

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Whereas, in the opinion of this body, active labor will pay better than more pecuniary interest on a vested fund, therefore Resolved unanimously that the Standing Committee appointed by this body, to solicit and disburse its funds, employ active, efficient laborers at the earliest practicable period.

The Committee appointed to consult with Evangelists, beg leave to report that the services of Elder W. H. Goodloe, can be procured at the sum of twelve hundred dollars, provided he be permitted to reside at Clinton and confine his labors chiefly to that region of country.

F. P. STROTHER, Chairman.

On motion the above report was adopted and brother Goodloe publicly pledged himself to the work.

On motion Resolved, that all pledges or parts of pledges received by Evangelists, shall be faithfully reported to the Treasurer of this body.

Resolved, That the time of holding the next cooperation meeting be Friday before the 2nd Lord’s day in October next, and that Selma be the place of said meeting.

Resolved, That the delegates from the different churches furnish the number of members in their respective congregations to the next session of this body to be held in the city of Selma.

On motion Resolved that Elder A. B. Walthall preach the Introductory at the next meeting of this Convention, and that 11 o’clock on Saturday be the hour for its delivery—brother Goodloe his alternate.

On motion of brother W. A. Corbin, Resolved, that the chair appoint a committee of two to correspond with preaching brethren in order to secure their attendance at Selma next October. Whereupon W. A. Corbin and Alfred Berry were appointed said committee, and on motion the chair was made.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the A. C. Review, M. Harbinger and Gospel Advocate, and that the Secretary furnish copies for that purpose.

Then on motion the Convention adjourn to its next annual session to be held in Selma, October 1861.

A. B. WALTHALL, Chairman.
P. T. HIGGS, Secretary.

Note: Evangelists, who desire to make full proof of their ministry, can find an opening and extending field in Middle Alabama. We are prepared to employ two earnest, efficient laborers—one to…

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Locate in the city of Selma, but to travel within the bounds of this cooperation during the months of July, August, and September—the other to act as evangelist all the time, on the east side of Alabama River.

Evangelists will find a warm-hearted brotherhood in our State and a plenty of work to be done, which can, by proper efforts, be turned to good account in the vineyard of the Lord.

We invite correspondence on the subject.

Address: Elder A. B. Walthall, Marion, Perry county, Ala.

REPORT FROM TEXAS

Salado, Texas, Sept. 20, 1860.

Brother D’Anning: We have just concluded another happy meeting, some thirty miles west of this place on N. Gabriel. There were thirty-one additions—one a Baptist preacher. It was a truly refreshing time. A number of our old Alabama friends were there, and still pressing on in the service. How they delighted to talk of old battles fought and victories won! We concluded, as the best guess we could make, that from Lauderdale county, Ala., twenty-five years ago we might now count some 50 preachers, and perhaps 50,000 disciples! And you know we did not wait then, to be especially sent, nor had we any pledges, or promises of support, except God’s promises.

The disciples at this meeting raised what they could, and gave it to three evangelists, D. Stewart, P. Wales, and S. P. Stapp, living near, to encourage them for the coming year. We were together from Thursday evening till Wednesday morning.

I never saw a happier, or more harmonious time. From too much labor in the past, I was unable to preach, in the usual way, but I could talk three, and sometimes four times a day; and it seemed to be as effectual as preaching—it was the Gospel that did the work, not man, nor manner. And such work we think will stand the fiery trial.

We have still some hurtfulness amongst us, but all seem ready to exercise forbearance and deference, and hence our brotherly harmony and success. The cause is the Lord’s and it will triumph! Oh! how I would delight to have you under our big tent! But I suppose it is well for us to be far “scattered abroad preaching the word.”

In the one service,
C. KENDRICK.

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MEETING OF THE A. C. M. SOCIETY AT CINCINNATI FOR 1860

We sincerely rejoice in the reports of the meeting of the brethren for Missionary purposes, as set forth in Bro. Franklin’s paper, at Cincinnati, Oct. 24th, 1860. There was evidently a large collection of brethren, and great harmony and good feeling prevailed. The reports from the missionaries in the different parts of the United States and Canada were all favorable to the cause; but little, however, has been accomplished by brother Beardslee in Jamaica, and less by brother Barclay in Jueca; but they labor under embarrassments no doubt of the most serious character.

While we do not cordially approve of the society form of the brethren’s labor, we wish to utter our hearty Amen to all the service rendered to the cause of the Master. We are sorry that we could not be with the brethren.

  • T. F.

FAMILY AND CONGREGATIONAL EDUCATION AND RELIGION

While we have never had the least patience with the “common stock system” of Shakers, Mormons, Moravians, we have long been deeply impressed with the idea that it is entirely practicable for Christians to so locate themselves with reference to each other, as to enable them to make education, to any desirable extent, common, and a much higher degree of moral culture than generally exists amongst professors, possible. We are prepared, at present, to offer but a suggestion or two.

What is to hinder any number of Christian families from occupying the same section of country, and of so arranging their residences, as to enable them to meet and spend a part of every day for mutual improvement? Eight or ten hours per day is quite a sufficiency of time for the most energetic and industrious to work, or give to the business of this world; six or eight hours will certainly afford all the time required for sleep and recreation, and yet we find from four to six hours in the twenty-four, which must be wasted or improved.

It occurs to us that if Christians would take this matter under serious examination we might have a whole community, old and young, rich and poor, suitably educated, and afford all the members the very best means of spiritual improvement. Is anyone thinking on this matter, or are we dreaming?

  • T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS

Grateful love is the vital element of true piety. Conscious of utter moral weakness and unworthiness, we flee to Christ. In His wonderful condescension and His great atoning work, He is to us “the chiefest among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely.” We cast ourselves into His arms with a thankfulness which no word can express. All our hopes are in Him. Every moment, and for every blessing, we are dependent on Him. He redeemeth our life from destruction. He crowneth us with loving kindness and tender mercies. Not a breath we breathe, not a beating of the pulse but testifies anew to the fullness and the freshness of His grace. Hence, every utterance of the lips, every thought of the heart should go up bearing heavenward the incense of gratitude. Failing to give thanks continually, we become aliens and apostates.

Said a man who had been saved by another from a cruel death, “Sir, I shall remember you with gratitude every moment that I live, for I owe all my moments now to you. Every drop of blood in my body thanks you.” Should not the Christian have this feeling in a still higher sense towards Christ? Without Him, we would be prisoners of despair. By our sins, we have forfeited life and all its blessings. We had no more claim upon God than the murderer in the condemned cell has upon the Government whose laws he has violated. To that murderer, a pardon is as life from the dead. Let him go out and breathe again the air and bask again in the sunshine, and he owes a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid. But if, after being condemned and freely forgiven, he should complain of the Government because it did not confer on him wealth or honor, should he envy his neighbors, and spend his time in murmuring, would he not merit the contempt of all men?

Such is the case of a Christian who is ever dissatisfied and complaining. He has received a pearl of great price—a pearl which makes him rich unto everlasting life; and instead of prizing it and rejoicing in it, he envies every poor earthworm around him. He longs for every poor and worthless people. He thinks that God, who has given him so much, ought to humor him in regard to every whim—ought to pamper all his carnal lusts—ought to treat him as a foolish parent treats his only child. This spirit of ingratitude, whether in the form of complaining or of restless longings, is a sad defect; I would almost say a fatal defect.

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in much of the piety of our day. The age with its feverish activity, has invaded the Church, and God’s children—His heirs—have ceased to be content with such things as they have, believing that He will never leave them or forsake them. They have become careful and troubled about many things; they have lost their enthusiastic love for the Saviour, and that ecstatic hope and joy in Him which gave to primitive piety its peculiar and restless charm.

We must come back to the spirit of the apostle, who could glory in afflictions, and rejoice in distresses and persecutions, who could sing the praise of God in dungeons, and “in everything give thanks.” Then will the men of this generation, sin-sick and sad, be attracted by our lives and conversation to Christ—then will He manifested as “the desire of nations”—the rest for the weary soul—draw all men unto Him.—Cin. Christian Herald.

DEAR BRETHREN: I have preached but little this year; but what I have done, has been attended with success. My last meeting was at a place where I had preached, occasionally for three years with but one convert; but this time I succeeded in breaking the ranks of sectarianism, that had so firmly resisted the truth, and taking eight; four by confession and baptism, three from the Baptists, and one from the Methodists.

Bro. Atkins and myself have entered into a compact, under the banner of Jesus, to assail the citadels of Satan throughout several counties, next year; and devote our whole time. We start upon no mercenary system; but throw ourselves upon the God of Israel for support. The prospect is that a great and glorious victory can be won. In this country the harvest is truly great but the laborers are few.

Yours in hope of immortality,
F. M. STRATTON.

Sister Polina, wife of Bro. Joseph Harlan, of Summer county, has left us. After long and excruciating suffering, she closed her eyes to earth, in the full triumphs of the faith, Nov. 5th, 1860. The consolations of the Gospel afford all the comfort that can be offered to the deeply afflicted husband and children. Her many relatives and friends sorrow in hope.
T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

ATONEMENT AND THREE HEAVENLY WITNESSES

BARNES’s STORE, Oct. 1st, 1860.

Dear Brother Fanning:

Many thanks to you for the “positive side” of the question which has enabled me to better understand the portions of Scripture regarding the atonement to which I alluded.

I am in part misunderstood—perhaps I neglected to insert quotation marks after my quotation from brother Fulgham’s article in the July No., and thus his expression has seemed to be mine. (Bro. F. is a young man and employs a little too much rhetoric.) Twas he, and not I who said “That grand sacrifice which alone could extinguish the flames of divine justice, burning to avenge the wickedness of man.” and this was too strong meat for me, especially after your answer to my query in the April No. Brother Campbell once said that it would require a considerable length of time before the smell of the liquor could be removed from a cask after the liquor had been emptied.

I am but a young Christian though a tolerably old woman. I never heard a gospel sermon, and to my knowledge, never saw a Christian till within the last ten years; but when I found, after long search, “the pearl of great price” I gladly disposed of all I had before, of a religious kind, in order to become possessed of it. The flavor of sectarianism may yet cleave to me in some particulars, but I am unconscious of it; but my present statements will explain why I so often trouble you with questions, for I cannot fulfill the injunctions given in the 11th chapter and 35th verse of 1st Cor. And what I cannot understand myself I have no other resource to learn but by applying to someone capable of instructing me. I hope therefore you will not impute my applications to impertinence: but to a desire to learn all that it behooves a Christian to know.

I would be thankful for an answer to the question I asked some time ago, viz: whether it will do violence to the original text to transpose the 7th verse of the 5th chapter of 1st John so as to make it read “There are three in heaven who bear witness etc.” I cannot understand the point as it is.

Please excuse my verbosity. In hope of eternal life through the atonement (Please say Reconciliation. T. F.) of a crucified and risen Savior, I remain your Sister &c.

D. M. PRIEST.

REPLY TO SISTER PRIEST:

There can be no objection to the translation or idea, suggested by our Sister. If there are three that bear…

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record in heaven, there must be three witnesses in heaven. The passage, however, is considered by the learned world as an interpolation. In the 113 Greek manuscripts known, it is found in but one, and Dr. Adam Clarke says, “it stands upon no authority sufficient to authenticate any part of a revelation professing to have come from God.” This passage no doubt was introduced to establish the doctrine of the Trinity, and yet it fails to prove that the three are one God, or one person. If it establishes anything, it is that the Father, Son, and Spirit are one witness, or equally testify that Jesus is God’s Son. John says, “This is the witness of God, which he has testified of his Son.”
T. F.

CHEROKEE MISSION

Dear Brethren:—I have been much afflicted with the fever this year. I am just now recovering from the fourth attack. It seems very difficult for one of my age to become adapted to this climate. We have a healthy location and fine water, but still it seems impossible for me, notwithstanding much precaution, to avoid frequent attacks of fever.

But, thank the Lord! my life is yet preserved and I hope my health will soon be restored. The health of my family has been better this than former years, having had only a few slight cases.

In August I attended the annual meeting of the churches of Washington County, Arkansas. Brethren Graham, Carlton, Robertson, Northern, Goodnight, and others were present and spoke to the people the word of life. Many brethren were in attendance and the congregations were generally large. The saints were much refreshed and six persons turned to the Lord.

The church at Fayetteville is prospering finely under the pious and able labors of our beloved brother Daxter. After their neat and commodious brick meeting-house was finished last winter, brother Daxter, in much affliction, single and alone, weather inclement, held a protracted meeting, which resulted in the addition of some fifty members to the church.

By special request, I held a meeting in Benton County, Arkansas, embracing the first Lord’s day in September, at which I was happy to meet with several good brethren from Tennessee, among whom were sister Banks and brother and sister Yerger. We preached several days at two different points, had six conversions and constituted a…

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Church of some twenty members. We rejoiced with brother and sister Yerger in the conversion of their promising son, whom I knew when he was but a child. We had the co-operation of brother Goodnight and spent two nights at his house during the meeting. It is pleasant to dwell with a faithful fellow-laborer and pious family in a strange land.

Returning to the Nation, we passed Harmonial Springs, the residence of Dr. Spencer & Co. The Dr. and Lady profess to be speaking and writing mediums under the influence of Angels, to conduct all the affairs of the Association according to their teaching, and publish a paper titled “The Theocrat!” They have adopted the Bloomer costume, vegetable diet, and their religion, of course, is Angelology! Dr. Rogers and wife united with this angel church, but, after several months trial, the Dr. being slow of heart to believe, left in pursuit of some other ology, leaving his better half a thorough convert to the angelic faith!

Benjamin and Nannie are teaching on Grand River some twenty miles apart. We now have a good public school in half a mile of our house. My love to all,
J. J. T.

P.S. – Sickness, drought, and abolition excitement, etc., have suspended for the present our high school, but I still hope to resume it when circumstances become more favorable.
J. J. T.
Christian Mission, O. N., October 2, 1860.

Brother T. is too far advanced in life to have health in Arkansas. Tennessee, Missouri, or Kentucky will answer.
T. F.

Brother Fanning:
After you left Reunion, brother Barrett and I continued the meeting to Tuesday afternoon, and succeeded in persuading some others to become obedient to our Lord; several were heads of families. There were twenty additions in all; twelve confessions, and eight more who had been members. The disciples were much revived, built up, strengthened, and greatly encouraged. There were no efforts made at eloquence and rhetoric; but a calm and solemn exhibition of truth, which reached the heart of many who were in attendance. The triumph was achieved by the eloquence of faith.
Your brother in the one hope,
J. H. DUNN
Lone Mulberry, Ala., Oct. 4, 1860.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

EAST TENNESSEE AND GEORGIA CO-OPERATION MEETING

September 22, 1860

The brethren and messengers composing the East Tennessee and Georgia co-operation met pursuant to adjournment, at Mount Bethel, Bradley County, Tennessee.

The meeting was called to order by appointing brother W. J. Owings as Moderator, and brother Love as assistant Moderator; and brother J. H. Acuff as Clerk, and brother G. W. Paris as assistant.

The meeting, or the exercises, was then opened by a few appropriate remarks, singing, and prayer by the moderator.

The following report was then made of the respective churches composing this co-operation, viz:

  • Union, Dade County, Ga.
    Silas Wakefield, Henry Stone, and Andrew Brown – 100 members.
  • Liberty, Dade County, Ga.
    Washington Bacon, David Tittle, and G. W. Paris – 31 members.
  • Philadelphia, Walker County, Ga.
    L. H. Carmichael, James Mattox, and Bryant S. Ralledge – 81 members.
  • Shady Grove, Walker County, Ga.
  • 10 members.
  • Cedar Ridge, Whitfield County, Ga.
  • 12 members.
  • Mill Creek, Murray County, Ga.
    Silas Akins – 30 members.
  • New Liberty, Pickens County, Ga.
    Not received.
  • Pleasant Hill, Pickens County, Ga.
    Elder Payne and Thomas Cantrell.
  • Ashland, Blount County, Tenn.
  • 13 members.
  • Liberty, Blount County, Tenn.
    Elder John Davis and James Hamill – 70 members.
  • Post Oak Springs, Roane County, Tenn.
    W. J. Owings and John H. Acuff – 40 members.
  • Cove Creek, Roane County, Tenn.
  • 12 members.
  • Liberty Hill, McMinn County, Tenn.
  • 60 members.
  • Mount Verd, McMinn County, Tenn.
  • (No members listed)
  • Spring Creek, McMinn County, Wm. Erekson
  • 35 members.
  • Chattanooga, Bradley County, Tenn.
    John Mee and E. D. Roberts – 30 members.
  • Hay’s Creek, Bradley County, Tenn.
  • 15 members.
  • Mount Bethel, Bradley County, Tenn.
    William Hummard and Gilbert Randolph – 20 members.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Bethlehem, Hamilton county, Tenn. – 30 members.
Smyrna, Bledsoe county, Tenn. – James Love – 110 members.
Rocky Spring, Jackson county, Ala. – W. D. McCampbell, J. N. Johnson and James W. Daniel – 130 members.

The New Liberty difficulty in the church was taken up, after considerable investigation in which many of the brethren joined, relative to the difficulty existing in that church without any probability of coming to a proper adjustment of the difficulty. By motion of Bro. Gilbert Randolph, the matter was laid on the table. Adjourned for preaching, to meet again in the afternoon.

Met pursuant to adjournment.

A petition was offered, asking for a division of the co-operation as to embrace Sequachie Valley, Jackson county, Ala., Dade county, Ga., Walker county, Ga., and that the same be known as the Sequachia and Georgia co-operation, which petition was granted. The first meeting of said co-operation to be held at Union Church, Dade county, Ga., commencing on Friday before the third Lord’s day in September 1861.

The East Tennessee and Georgia co-operation will meet at Spring Creek, McMinn county, Tenn., on Friday before the fourth Lord’s day in September 1861.

Bro. Love has delivered about 300 discourses during the past year with about 203 additions.

Bro. Gilbert Randolph presented the following resolution which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the officers of this body, for the very able and satisfactory manner in which they have conducted the business.

J. H. Acuff presented the following resolution which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we as a body tender to the brethren and sisters at this point for their hospitality to the delegates our kindest thanks.

It was unanimously agreed that these minutes be sent to the Gospel Advocate for publication.

JOHN H. ACUFF, Secretary.

DEAR BRETHREN:
I write to inform your readers something in relation to the congregations in Jackson county, Tenn. Though I can give at present but little more than locality, for the most of them are…

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373

In a scattered condition. At Bagdad there are some fifty or sixty members in good standing. At this place myself and brother A. Salce commenced a meeting Friday before the fourth Lord’s day in Sept. Saturday evening brother Stalker, of Hartsville came to our assistance. We found him to be a workman, and became the principal speaker. The meeting closed the following Tuesday with fifteen additions, mostly by confession and baptism. A good impression was left on the minds of the people.

At Jenning’s Creek there are some sixty-five or seventy members in a scattered condition. At Flyon’s Lick there is a small congregation. At Antioch sixty members. At Gainsboro a few noble sisters. At Taley’s Old Field is a large congregation. At Roaring River, Sugar Creek, Pleasant Hill, Mill Creek, Celina, Brimstone and Green Hill, there are brethren meeting every Lord’s day. At Tinsley Bottom sixty members meet weekly. At Philomath, Centerville, Greenville and Trace Creek, brethren meet occasionally to worship. Bro. A. Salee and myself have been urging upon the minds of the brethren at various points the importance of cooperating together. If we could have brother T. Stalker to labor in this county a few weeks much good might be done by setting in order things that are wanting. Praying the good Lord to send more laborers into the vineyard.

As ever yours in the Lord,
H. M. LOVELADY.
North Spring, Tenn., Oct. 8, 1860.

Bro. Stalker is eminently qualified to set the churches in order, or perform any other needed work. Suppose the brethren in Jackson, meet us in the lower counties in our consultation meeting. Would it not be well for these brethren to take our paper?
T. F.

WESTERN TEXAS REPORT

Our early acquaintance and co-laborer Bro. Mansel W. Matthews, of Burnet, Texas writes under date of October 1st, 1860. “The cause of Christ is onward in Western Texas. Our brethren are doing more here for the cause than in any other part of the State.” We would be happy indeed to hear frequent reports from brother Matthews. Were he to devote himself to the work there is no man in Eastern or Western Texas more competent to do service in the Master’s cause.
T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

SAVED FOR AN END

Art thou content? Hast thou no higher aim
Than just to gain admittance at the door;
In faintest characters to trace thy name
Amongst the list of those who die no more?

Art thou content that God has set thee free
From sin’s reward—that misery beyond—
Content to sail upon life’s deep, dark sea,
Unmoved by bright calm joys, or dire despond?

Dost thou not feel that thou art saved to live?
Dost thou not know that thou art saved to save?
Forgiven, that thou mightest too forgive,
Redeemed alike, for both sides of the grave?

Bound to that raft, cross-shaped, so firm, so great,
It was not meant that thou should use thine oar
Alone to guide, to move thy selfish freight
To realms thy fancy paints on yonder shore.

Saved from the wreck, reach out a saving hand;
Thousands are sinking beneath the waves of sin;
Stay not thy efforts till God bids thee home,
Thy task accomplished, He will steer thee in.

Dost thou not know, that in thy diadem,
The souls that owe their heaven-sent light to thee
Shall form, each one, a bright immortal gem,
Gracing thy brow to all eternity?

Yet more, these gems shall bring increase of rays
To circle round the everlasting throne
Of Him who, though He sits “Ancient of Days,”
Stoops to redeem thy soul, thy service own.

From the Christian Advocate, England.

WHO ARE THE GREAT PREACHERS?

The great preachers of the world have been those who were in direct sympathy with human life, and who had an end to gain with the men before them. But with culture and scholastic habits, men have interpreted the word of…

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375

God, “Follow me, and I will make you a preacher of sermons.” The end of preaching is not a good sermon, but a holy heart. Fine sermons have nearly ruined good preachers. If ministers cared more for their people and less for their own sermons, they would be more useful. Preaching has almost ceased to be a living business between a man’s heart and the wants of his congregation. Learning, rhetoric, eloquence are good as collateral influences, but no man will win souls who does not feel the pulse of his own congregation; who does not know their wants; who does not study their lives; who does not understand how to take the primary truths of Christianity, and apply them to the consciences of men in their daily business life. Such will be certainly efficacious; and such preaching is necessary to the filling of the churches. Were such preaching universal in our time, not only would our churches be filled to overflowing, but thousands would have to be built. For you may depend upon it, there is never a man who preaches intelligent truth, and preaches it with living sympathy for men, that people do not flock to hear him. – Life Illustrated.

CO-OPERATION MEETING

Bema Meeting House, La Fayette Co., Ala., Oct. 27, 1860.

In accordance with an appointment agreed upon by the disciples of Jesus the Christ, Messengers met in cooperation, at this place, to-day, at 10 o’clock A. M., from the following congregations, namely:

  1. Gum Fork, Itawamba County, Miss. – Thomas Dillingley and Denis Buchman.
  2. Union, Itawamba County, Miss. – Elder Nathaniel King and John Wallace.
  3. Frankfort, Ala. – Thomas B. Trotter, Evangelist and Obediah Childs.
  4. Spout Spring, Franklin County, Ala. – John Taylor, Evangelist, and John A. and James Taylor.
  5. Stoney Point, Lauderdale County, Ala. – Elder C. W. Wesson and Andrew J. Grisham.
  6. Russelville – Represented by letter from Moses McWhorter, presented by John Taylor.
  7. Union, Marion County, Ala. – G. M. Huley, Evangelist, John Rowland and G. W. Freshower.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

  1. Berea, La Fayette county, Ala. – Elder Thomas Thornton, Andrew McCaleb and Neuman McCollum.
  2. Liberty, La Fayette county, Ala. – Wm. C. Tidwell.
  3. North River, La Fayette county, Ala. – P. S. Tidwell.
  4. Wolf Creek – Jeremiah Randolph, Evangelist.

Brother George L. Brown, Evangelist, of Lawrence county, Ala., being present, was solicited to preside over the deliberations of the meeting, and Thomas B. Totter to act as Scribe.

From the reports of the above mentioned messengers, it appears that there are within the bounds represented in this meeting about three hundred and fifty-eight disciples, and that they are willing to contribute, for evangelizing purposes, during the year 1861, the sum of five hundred and seventy-five dollars, to be paid quarterly, namely:

Names of Congregations

Names of CongregationsNo. MembersAmt. Contributed
1. Gum Fork54$50.00
2. Union, Itawamba, Miss.21$25.00
3. Stony Point58$100.00
4. Frankfort17$40.00
5. Spout Spring11$50.00
6. Union, Marion county, Ala.11$100.00
7. Berea16$20.00
8. Liberty70$15.00
9. North River40$25.00
10. Wolf Creek11$100.00
11. Russellville16$25.00

Total Contributions: $575.00

Brethren John Taylor and George L. Brown agreeing thereto were chosen to labor as evangelists, during the year 1861, within the bounds represented at this meeting, as follows, namely:

  • Brother Taylor, at Union, Miss., Gum Fork, Berea, Liberty, North River, and Wolf Creek.
  • Brother Brown, at Russellville, Stony Point, Frankfort, Spout Spring, and Union, Ala.

Adjourned to meet at Gum Fork, 10 miles east of Fulton, Miss., on Friday before the 3rd Lord’s day in September 1861.

G. L. BROWN, Chairman
Thomas B. Totter, Scribe

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Letter from P. F. Southern

Dear Brethren:

I am still laboring the old Gospel, in company with brother C. Billingsly. At a two days meeting on the 10th and 11th of August we had five confessions and baptisms. We were denied the school house on a Methodist clergyman’s land. We went to a grove at a good watering and the people flocked to hear the Gospel, the truth “cut to the heart” in the conviction of many. Bro. Billingsly is a sound and a good man. May the mantle of God be over the Editors of the Gospel Advocate.

Your poor brother in Christ,
P. F. SOUTHERN.

P.S. – Since the above was written August 31, two others made the good confession and were immersed and went on their way rejoicing. We have to the line and to the plumb in preaching the word, this gives us a heavy persecution. But the Gospel is all the power we have for salvation “preach the word.” Brethren let us catch the falling panoply of our old brethren as they go up, and cry aloud and spare not. Humanisms are quaking in Texas. May God preserve you for his everlasting kingdom. Amen.
P. F. S.
White Cottage, Shelby County, Texas.

Letter from C. A. Sadler

Dear Brethren:

Whilst writing on business, I would say that Bros. Holmes, Cook, and Carter held, in Covington, a meeting which commenced on Friday night preceding the first Lord’s day in July, and closed on Wednesday morning following. At the commencement of the meeting, Bro. Holmes gave us a very impressive discourse on that solemn charge of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, “Preach the Word.” On Lord’s day, Bro. H. discoursed for nearly two hours, in his very impressive manner, to a large and attentive congregation, on that solemn question, “What must I do to be saved.” Bro. Cook also gave us some very interesting discourses. At this meeting, we had fourteen additions to our congregation, and five in June, making nineteen since I wrote you last. Our congregation now numbers some fifty members, I think. Most of them are young persons, and promise to be useful members of Christ’s Church. We meet every Lord’s day, and attend to breaking the loaf. I trust we are doing well.

Yours in Christ,
C. A. SADLER.
Sharon, Tipton County, Tenn., Oct. 13, 1860.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

OBITUARIES

Died at the residence of brother Stone, in McMinnville, Thursday, October 4th, at 4 o’clock, P. M., after an illness of about six hours; Sister Susan Hager, in the 44th year of her age, having been an active member of the Christian Church twenty-eight years. She died in the triumph of a living faith, and has now gone to her reward. Our little band of disciples at this place feel sorely bereaved, but we sorrow not, as those who have no hope. May we imitate her example and seek to meet her in that city whose maker and builder is God, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.

A SISTER.

McMinnville, Oct. 29, 1860.

We were for many years well acquainted with our deceased Sister, and we never had a doubt as to her devotion to our Savior.
T.F.

On Saturday the fifteenth day of September 1860, at the residence of her husband, Dr. James Charlton, in Rutherford county, Tenn., our Sister Virginia P. Charlton in the 35th year of her age. She had been in feeble health for over two years, but within the past few months of her life had given indications of a more rapid decline. Meekly, patiently and uncompromisingly she bore her sufferings until she was delivered from them by the Messenger, death. She had been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ for about seven years; had during that time been an earnest and devoted follower of Him who was meek and lowly.

Our Sister was of that delicate organization and intense and sensitive temperament, which always felt an interest in the well-being of those by whom they are surrounded, and which elicit and excite a corresponding feeling on those who come in contact with them. She is then missed and mourned by all who knew her.

But while we cannot mourn for her as for one who has died without hope; we yet know that a family circle has been broken—a family hearthstone has been made desolate—a companion, a wife, a mother, has been taken from the embrace of loved ones on earth. As our brother remarked on the day of her burial, there are nine children left motherless, three of them (by a former marriage) without either father or mother, all of them needing the nurture, the counsel, the guidance, the virtue inspiring and preserving influence of a mother’s love.

We truly sympathize with our brother and the motherless children in their sad bereavement, and pray that he may be enabled so to live and so to bring up the orphan children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that a family broken and sundered on earth, may be a reunited and unbroken band—a part of our Father’s household on high.

D. L.

Franklin College, Nov. 20, 1860.

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