THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. Fanning and W. Lipscomb, Editors.
VOL. VI.
NASHVILLE, NOVEMBER, 1860.
NO. II.
WHAT MORE CAN WE DO?
To the heart of the earnest disciple, there is no more important question than this. In the midst of a world of ignorance, sinfulness, and suffering, such a servant of God finds no halting-place—no place at which he or she may stop and say my work is done; the Great Master requires nothing more at my hands—erring and wretched humanity no longer needs my labor. Such thoughts as these find no resting place in the heart of the sincere follower of the blessed Saviour. But the feeling rather is what more is demanded of us? What more effective service can I give? What more is it in my power to do to raise the burden of sin from degraded mortality? What more can I do to purify, elevate, and redeem man from this sad estate of corruption, guilt, and death?
These are the expressions of the toiling, self-denying Christian soldier. These, and such as these, the emotions of the heart are fully alive and aroused to the solemn demands of the Christian religion.
What more can we do? Yes, brethren and sisters, it is a great, a fearful, and earnest thought. It leaves no place for indolence and slothfulness and indifference on our part. It opens wide fields of toil, earnest, unselfish toil and sacrifice as broad as this earth, and as cease…
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less as the moments that pass in quick succession. It presents to us the fullness of those responsibilities that belong to the high honor of being the sons and daughters of the Lord. To the heart of the earnest Christian, the world is full of work to be done. It unfolds to him or her a view of that life of usefulness—noble, elevating usefulness that is alone worthy of us as servants of the Living God.
When we look for a moment at the purposes intended in the gospel of the Son of God—at the noble work it is intended to accomplish in instructing, enlightening, and elevating humanity—in redeeming and glorifying creatures of sin and death, and see what has been accomplished, and what has yet been done, truly, we cannot hesitate or doubt that there is work—solemn, ennobling work for us to do. With principles, motives, and examples, we are presented with the power in these heavenly teachings to remove the cause of sin; can we, my brethren and sisters, be idle? Can we reconcile it to ourselves that we have nothing to do? That this glorious work is to admire and accomplish its purposes of redemption without our aid?
It is indeed a vain and most pernicious thought that the great business of converting the world, extending the knowledge of the Redeemer’s kingdom, and building up the saints in their most holy faith is the work of a few men and women, while the great body of the professed followers of the Saviour give no thought or care about these matters. I say it is a most baneful doctrine—fatal and deadly in every bearing. It has divorced religion from the everyday affairs of men and women—robbed them of all interest in its duties—brought them to regard Christian life not to consist in an upright, faithful, heaven-honoring walk in the sight of God and men, but in a sort of formal attendance upon the stiff and lifeless ministrations of a vain and pompous clergyman whom this system upholds and sustains.
It teaches not in word but in the stronger language of stubborn facts, that men and women may spend their time in luxurious revelings, in any and every sort of respectable dishonesty—cheating and defrauding—in entire devotion to the cares of the world without a holy thought, without a single word of prayer and thanksgiving, or anything that exhibits the least respect for the sacred obligations of the Christian life, and yet if they attend these so-called “ministrations of the sanctuary,” and contribute liberally, all is well. It may be said that these things do not apply to us as a people. It is true that such shameless and unblushing…
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mockt•t-y of the worship of God may not l,e fouwl so fuliy l!isplayel!, yet we :1rc 110L fal’ fro111 tho clmrges of perverting the meauiug of 1·e· ligiuuti lifo and religion~ sc:l’\·ice.
In !,ow many churches iu this lanl! is no~ the pt·evailing ution that nono but the “olllcia.lly consecrated” ba1 c :my xight t•) an active, pubhc parTin tl;e worship of a cungn:gi\· ion? In how many churches Jo we noL JinJ one n1:tll uoiug all the \I’Ork of l’eaJiug, }’raying, siuging, a11tl thanksgiving?
IV
lmL i:; all t.}Ji; but lmces-ofLen deeply imprinh·d oucs too-of Ll1at system of clergy antl laily that has crushed all knowledge, life nnd spirit out of the people.
It is one of the chief cx<:ellencies of ti1e Chri~lian religion tlwt ia the p<‘rsoual COlH.:c&m of e\·ery imliviJual under its iuJiw.•lu.:t•s an,l Llmt ·: ~· ~ 1’·-: ·!ng- ;,1.1 :. :: • . :~n·1 h··~·l·~r :lr’.! ui!!,\· Jq b:· t; i•)~·.-t~.~ ju ·’~! :,·:: ~c:~:~ t:arutt~l ~·.·:. · ·1.~ l·ll 1l1n parl of crcr~· Ui:-.·i~J~C\ 111: ..
~ 1 \’. n’l!~~u :u.d l.’111~ L ‘J’Lt· ~L’r”‘·: .,_. tb:Lt. (i·t)•.l JtlrJn:l’L~s uf t;:. i.:) ~Hl’h tbal. ·::fli~t’ ‘rt~ itrc to do it :;inq•ly l.o!”c<tH$~ Gml ::;cl ~:umn,;wu~, ycL \Ye caflnvt do it II’ it l:ou~ hei~!,g lJic.’l~cll ;~!tcl Lt:nefiLL~:,J tln:mby.
The Juure hc~lttily we t:llcer itJI0 the work of instrncting :nul teaching others the puru les.wu:; of llCa\·culy Tm~h, the more we Ollr5elves are urought lliHlcr lhe iuflu.
ence of Lht:se G01l·giv~n principle:>. The mcJI’C <;arnestly ,,.e eugage in tht:! acli\·e, fait.hfnl life ol the gospel in \’isiling tho si..:k, t:loLhing tlw naked, le£>uiug the hungry mH1 administering the wants of the fi\therless autl widow·, lhc more do we receiYe of that high spiritual enj<>J· ment and peace, which is the eamcst of that pure, perfect nntl nual-loyc:d joy w hi ch shall be tho final inheritance of the saints. of God.
‘I’be more :fully we give ours<>lve!_) soul, body anl! spirit, to lhe uis· CUA.rge of all l.hat Christ has required of us, the moore deeply do we drink of the happy tranquility and security that the Christian alone is permitted to feel, restiog and relying upon the strong arm of the AI. wigh~y. “H God b~ for ll!i1 ~ho cau Lc agaiust u.s?”
Such is the feeling of perfect composure Lhat the living, earnest chi!J of God iJ penuitted 1.0 fel·l, al!C.l which uo trouble, l!isaster and tlisappointment of tl.i;; earth can lake frotu him.
Though sickness, suUering, persecn· tion nnu Llcalh :nay come, h~ is roady for all: not one of them cnroe to him unprepared, but in readiness for any a.nd all; ho feels tbat suf· feriugs nml Lrials are bnt a part of t.his mortal inheritance, nnd that d~ath i~ Lut a gloomy gate·way to the joys of pence and imnwrtnlity.
“With considcl’ations like these to cheer us and strengthen ns, breth· ren and si;;ters, cau we 1iud nny time fot· iuleuess in this glorious work of our Mmiler?
Ca.n we say that our labor is donl.’–our task is a.o-
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compli!:-hcd?
Surely not. With a world wide and reckless in all the vain extravagance of error and folly, men and women starving upon the dry husks and chaff of the senseless, contradictory and lifeless dogmas of sectarianism, the youth of our land growing up in the veriest ignorance of the simplest, plainest teaching of the word of God, and hundreds and thousands of our fellow-men and women are hopelessly sunk in sin, simply for the want of a little sensible teaching.
Surely, with all these facts before us, we cannot believe that we have nothing more to do. We all have our influence, either greater or less, and that influence is either for good or evil. Unless it be cast upon the Lord’s side, in favor of truth, purity and godliness, it is almost altogether on the side of evil and sin. Startling as it may seem, yet we verily believe that there are numbers of professed religionists whose whole influence is for the flesh and the devil.
Pray tell me, will you, where the weight of that man’s influence is, who, while professing to be a servant of God, never reads the word of God, never prays, never speaks of the goodness and mercy of God to his associates, turns loose his children as wild asses in the wilderness of sin, dissipation, profanity and vice? Are there none such as these, and is not their influence still on the side of what is degrading and debasing?
Again, you who profess to be religious Christian mothers, while you are more eager to be the leaders of the fashion, to be flattered and courted by the favor of the gaudy and vain; while you are more ambitious that your daughters should be gay, flashy, glib-tongued young ladies, that they should be instructed in what is good, useful and of lasting benefit; while you utterly fail to make any of those impressions and give them, either by precept or example, any of those lessons of sobriety, prudence, and godliness which are enjoined in the scriptures, can you doubt that influence which rightfully belongs to the cause of Christ is almost all given to wickedness and sin.
Our responsibilities in every relationship of life are most fearful. In every connection with the world, either by blood or association, there are duties of the most important character involved, and it is in the faithful, God-fearing discharge of these the true Christian appears. By our fruits we shall be justified or condemned. If those with whom we are connected in this world are not made better by our influence, it is most clear that we have signally failed in living the full life of the religion of Christ. If any of us today, my brethren, and sisters, are living in such a manner as to have no influence for good, our life is a vain mockery of the Christian profession.
Men and women—earnest
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men and women have never yet lived on this earth in the fear of God without having influences, great and powerful, for the truth. The purity, the excellence, the heavenly morality of the Christian life cannot be faithfully manifested in the life of any one on this earth without having a most effective influence. The poorest African living in the fear of God has an influence that may be almost incalculable in its results.
It is then a vain and idle delusion to suppose that there is nothing for us to do. The conversion of this world is not to be left to the labors of a few preachers who may wander up and down our land, gathering one here and another there. The cause of our Master can only efficiently prosper, spread, and lay hold upon the hearts and lives of the people when all young and old, man and woman, boy and girl, feel that there is, indeed, Christian work in the service of heaven. This will be preaching more eloquent than mortal tongue could ever utter. We may, by our puny and pitiful contrivances endeavor to help the spirit of God accomplish its work; may cry loudly for this plan and the other, but the only means which God has given, and which he will countenance, and honor, and bless, is that which is exerted through the faithfulness of his followers, walking in all his commandments blameless. This is one influence which infidelity and skepticism attack in vain. God is in it by his spirit, and blessings shall attend us in walking faithfully in this heaven-ordained highway of holiness, joy, and peace.
W.L.
“THE MISSING LINK.”
It is said by one of the European journals, the London Quarterly, that there are “thousands upon thousands whom it is next to impossible to bring within the influence of the church.” In many places, particularly large cities, teachers, preachers, and places of worship are almost entirely wanting, and the people live and die without ever hearing what the Son of God has done for them. In late years, much effort has been made to remove this ignorance—this congestion of the heart—but evil still remains, for which no remedy has been offered. Population has increased, and the efforts to relieve the necessities, and improve the social and spiritual condition of the poor have not in any way been equal to this increase.
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In large cities (London is particularly mentioned) the very poor are crowded together with no suitable arrangements for drainage—no supply of water without—no ventilation within. Their dwellings are like cow-houses, except that cow-houses are sweet in comparison. Five, six, or even children will swarm in the closet-like rooms in the day time, and more by night. Where it was believed that two or three persons slept, sixteen or eighteen have been found crowded together for the want of other shelter. Many of this class do little more than maintain themselves in a state of chronic starvation. Their besetting sins are improvidence and intemperance. Misery drives them to drink, and drink augments a thousandfold their misery. “Drink,” said a desperado of St. Giles’, “we must drink, or we shall drown ourselves.”
The extreme of poverty is the worst of human ills and the strongest of human temptations, and there is no wonder that the haunts of crime are countless, and swarming with tenants. All attempts to attract such beings to meeting are useless. “Nobody cares for us,” they say. A teacher or preacher, in the shape of a decent man or woman, would be looked on with suspicion. Knowing the difficulties, many persons who love God and their fellow-creatures have tried to devise means by which these masses of miserable humanity can be elevated and improved. New agencies have been brought into action to seek and save those who are lost.
Women who have lived in these “dens,” and also others, have been civilized, taught the value of the Bible, and sent to distribute it. A lady who was much interested in the parish of St. Giles, applied to a city missionary for women of suitable characters for this business. He introduced to her notice, among others, Marion B. This lady, (not M. B.) has written a book entitled “The Missing Link,” in which she gives an account of the labors of women sent with the Bible to St. Giles and particularly those of Marion. She gives this title to her book, because she believes that link has been found by which those wild beings may be united to their mother, and good be done amongst them.
Marion B is mentioned for her active and diligent service. She was left, when quite young, with a sister three years old, in the midst of pollution, which both escaped, as by miracle. They often slept on doorsteps and the stairs all night to avoid seeing what was going on within. An old man who lived in the same house taught her to write a little, but told her never to read the Bible as it was full of lies. He said she had only to look around St. Giles’ to know there is no God. (St. Giles is a part of London, equal)
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827
or surpns:-ling in critM and misery the Fi”l”e Points of New York.}
Marion B., during a night of rain, took shelter in the neighborhood of a chapel where a missionary was preaching, and there heard the first sermon she had ever listened to. She went in and asked the loan of a Bible. The preacher gave her one, and said he would come and read it to her.
“No sir,” she replied, “my husband might not like it. I will take the book and read for myself.”
After becoming religious, she writes to the Missionary:
“I learn, sir, that in your visits to the abodes of vice, you find many who have none to help them. I should like to devote my spare time to the lost and degraded of my own sex, whom, from their vicious habits, no delicately reared female would approach. To me, who, by God’s mercy, have escaped a similar fate, there would be no terror. If at any time you will let me know where such a sufferer lies, I will give her all the help in my power. I will also aid any desolate sick who may come under your notice.”
About the year ’57, Marion, with a heart full of love, and a song full of hope, set out to the haunts of St. Giles’. She chose the homes of those who never tried to bring themselves within the range of moral or spiritual influence. At the end of the first month, she had not less than seventy subscribers. Once only she met with rough treatment. In a court of infamous repute, she had a bucket of filth thrown upon her from an upper window, but all the better spirits of the place came to her rescue, and were always afterwards her best friends and protectors. By the close of the year, she had sold one thousand and four copies, all purchased by the “lowest of the low.” She never gave away her books, but required a few farthings to be paid at each of her regular visits to the houses of her subscribers.
On one occasion, when on her mission, she was charged not to go up a certain pair of steps; that the woman who lived there was not a woman but a fiend.
“It is to such, I go,” she quietly remarked.
She found a visage six feet high, who had often threatened to trample her to pieces if she came into her home. She was cruelly whipping a child of nine years of age for keeping a small piece of silver he had received. The woman started at Marion, but was disarmed by the mildness of her tone.
“Don’t beat him any more,” said she, “I dare say he remembers.”
“What will you do, as you have cut his trousers to pieces?” Turning to the child, she said,
“A lady gave me a pair of trousers this morning, and they were for a good boy, if I found him. Won’t you promise not to keep back money from your mother if I give them to you?”
The voice of kindness, so unusual in that room, melted the…
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child, and even touched the wreckless mother. The termagant subscribed for a Bible, went to meeting, and concluded she felt better there than at the gin shop.
In some instances the persons she addressed said they wanted food, not Bibles; but oftentimes their harshness melted down, like wax before the sun, and they would subscribe for a volume. There was a chimney sweep who begged the Bible woman to keep out of his house.
“You see,” says he, “I have my beer and my pipe, and it is all I want, I have no time to look at the Bible.” She asked him if he never thought he had to die? “If,” says he, “you don’t get out, I will kick you out.” The next week she was at his door.
“Come in, Missus,” he called out, “I am a rum chap, but after all, I dare say what you said was true. I don’t care for myself, but I want a Bible for my boy. You may call every week, perhaps a little of your talk will do me good.” He became a convert.
Another Bible-woman was in the habit of visiting the wife of a rat-catcher. Half of her miserable room was occupied by a rat-pit. They are caught and sold to be hunted by dogs. “We have not any to-day,” said the woman to a customer. “Yesterday,” she added to her visitor, “we sold two, and bought a loaf of bread. We should be glad to quit the trade if we could find anything else to do.”
Many wretched homes have been visited. In Stepney and Shoreditch, myriads of working people are massed together and cut off from everything that would elevate and improve them. Here have the Bible-women gone as the missionaries of God’s word and the charities of social life. They have established schools and evening meetings. Most of the over-crowded districts of London have kindly received them, and everywhere they establish domestic missions.
There are now about one hundred of these energetic working women perpetually going on missions of mercy to the lost and erring. Their meetings are numerously attended, and their lists of subscribers for the Holy Volume constantly increasing. Each being reformed by them is a lump of leaven to quicken the inert mass in which it is embedded, and not until the great day, when all shall meet to give an account of their works, will the self-sacrifice, the deeds of love, the sweet words spoken by these pure-hearted lovers of God and their fellow beings, be known—not until then can it be estimated.
Since reading the notice of the “Missing Link” having been found, the Christian Union has come to hand. On a page containing much that is useful and agreeable, I find a short article I will quote from.
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“Some Christians went to one of the policemen of London and requested him to show them the lowest depths of sin in the city. He took them to a place where, a short time before, it would have been dangerous to venture. They turned a corner, and under a lamp-post was a young man, scarcely twenty years of age, with his Bible opened, and almost at the hour of midnight, preaching Christ to a large congregation of the most degraded human beings. ‘What a sight they had ever seen.’
I have not mentioned the societies which send out the Bible-women, as it would have made this article too long. Of course, there is much to discourage—much to prevent an effort for the benefit of the wretched beings who are found by hundreds and thousands in London; but so much has been accomplished that the friends of such missions wonder that the ‘Missing Link’ has never before been discovered.
C. F.
EDUCATIONAL REPORT
To the Disciples of Jesus Christ in Consultation at Columbia, October 31st, 1860.
DEAR BRETHREN:
Your Committee appointed at the Cooperation meeting at Franklin in July last, to prepare for this occasion, such a plan of Education as may be considered adequate to the demands of the brotherhood, beg permission to submit for examination the following respectful suggestions.
- It is the life labor of the wise and good to improve themselves and their race; and yet, owing to the fact that utilitarian views, not generally of a high order, unfortunately prevail with the masses, it is next to an impossibility to throw around the subject of education such attractions as will give it that interest to which it is justly entitled. While, indeed, it is considered a matter of indifference—while it is thought that moral and religious society may dispense with it—schools of learning cannot be appreciated, and ignorance will triumphantly reign.
In every view of education, it must be considered as the most important condition of religious intelligence and piety before God. As religionists then, and teachers of the pure and undefiled religion of the…
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Bible, we can but consider education as the general work of all that is good on earth. We give it as our candid judgment, that religion in its deepest meaning and most spiritual import, is fully expressed in the word education. Hence it is not a subject of trivial import, it cannot be separated from religion, and none alone propagate the Christianity of the scriptures who properly direct in the education of the world.
We cannot hope to correct all the evils connected with the current systems of instruction in a day, a year, or an age; but should we be successful in even suggesting valuable improvements in this brief and imperfect report, we shall be more than satisfied. We have all erred in calculations, but our mistakes may the better enable us to forewarn others of dangerous experiments.
We presume it is generally understood that our first object in the present Educational movement in Tennessee is to unite, as far as practicable, the brethren in two schools in Middle Tennessee. Necessity, indeed, is laid upon us. We must either take charge of the education of our sons and daughters, or commit it to the charge of Romanists and Protestants, whose policy is to imbue all under their influence with the speculations of their systems. But for this, we blame them not. It is nothing more than what should be expected.
Still, it would be next to a miracle to convert one, of advanced age, educated in mysticism to the simplicity and spirituality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Should we abandon education to the enemies of our holy religion, not only will our youths be turned from the faith to fables, but our teachers will be deprived of their most effective means of doing good.
Our purpose is to establish a system of education which will meet the wants of all the children of the brethren and their friends, male and female, rich and poor. This is the problem of the age—the desideratum with sages and scholars; and should we be successful, blessings incomparable may accrue to thousands not anticipating them.
God gave all body and spirit, and designed the improvement and happiness of all, but by some fatal error, education, religion, and genuine Christianity are placed far behind the reach of the masses of our contemporaries. Legislatures have failed to establish any plan adequate to the wants of society; money will not educate or refine, and poverty is generally regarded as an insuperable barrier to education and all high attainments.
We must find a self-sustaining and self-perpetuating element in our system. What shall it be? The divine decree is, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground.”
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and while the present order of things remains, labor directed by mind will be the only condition upon which man can secure bread. Not only so, but physical labor forms the groundwork of the highest intellectual culture, and we have yet to be satisfied that a community in idleness or luxury can become spiritually enlightened. But with these preliminary thoughts, we feel that we have but little more to do at present than to embody our news into systematic form.
PLAN OF SCHOOLS
Method of Raising Funds for Establishing and Perpetuating the contemplated Institutions
We stop not to give a reason, but in every enterprise requiring capital, the real owners are, other things being equal, the best managers. Mere hirelings are men in no situation in life.
Hence, our determination to give all the friends of Christian education an opportunity to become joint owners of whatever property may be necessary for the contemplated schools. Our earnest desire is that all the lovers of truth and godliness may feel a common interest in them. The purpose is to enrich no one, to impoverish no one, but to combine our means in doing good. There is no necessity for purchasing property which will not command the price paid, should it ever become necessary to sell any portion of it.
Hence we propose to raise the funds by subscriptions of stock, in shares of one hundred dollars each, and in donations; but we prefer the stock to gifts. We wish to see fruit that may abound, and we anticipate it not in such as feel under no obligation to glorify God with what they possess on earth. But we are happy to know that very few who have amassed wealth, or even gained a competency, are willing to lend the world without consecrating at least a part of their substance to the use of the needy.
2. Physical Department
We can recommend no system of education which contemplates not the whole man—which does not teach physical, intellectual and moral training as indispensable. It is a very partial view of the matter to suppose the purpose of education is to teach merely what is in the books. They, to be sure, will always be important, but they are no more than sign-posts on the high road to the city of knowledge, virtue, and happiness.
In regard to physical education, we are constrained to say with the ancients, that without a sound body a sound mind cannot exist; and without soundness in both of these, it is scarcely possible that great…
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Moral ability will appear. As to the particular employments in this department, our remarks must be brief.
It occurs to us that God has wisely ordained Agricultural and Mechanical labor as essential conditions of the health of both body and mind. A quarter of a century in teaching has satisfied some of us that very few youths, who have not been prepared by labor in the field, in the garden, or the workshop, possess the self-denial, stern endurance and noble ambition to become respectable scholars, or efficient actors on the drama of life. Hence, we would have all to labor with their hands. This, we believe, can be so regulated as to be offensive to none, but profitable to all. Let each enjoy the entire profits of his skill and labor, and the drudgery at once disappears. Those who are able to pay expenses might be employed a less time than others, but the knowledge necessary for conducting profitable labor should be acquired by all.
Destitute youths might be received for a long period, say not less than seven years, two or three of which, after matriculating, might be given mainly to labor; but the time for books might be increased each year, and upon this plan, we see no cause which should prevent them from clothing themselves by their labor, purchasing books, etc., and educating themselves in the very best possible manner. No one should sleep more than from six to eight hours in the twenty-four, and if one were to employ eight or ten hours in labor, there would still be six or eight hours left for recreation and study. This is more time than one in ten gives to books.
To conduct in a proper manner this department, we should consider an experimental farm, garden, nursery and workshops quite essential. The most important scientific studies connected with these, might be:
- Geology – with the view of affording pupils correct information with regard to the minerals of the earth, soils, etc.
- Agricultural Chemistry – for the purpose of acquainting students with the elements of nature, their influence upon each other, and the conditions and growth of all animal and vegetable existences.
- Botany – in its highest sense.
- Zoology – as very essential. Where lives the man or woman that does not love some domestic creature? All would love them earnestly were they to study them carefully. This branch might become equally as attractive as either of the former.
- Natural or Mechanical Philosophy – should be studied by all. Men should know the use of mechanical implements, and this may be acquired at school.
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A Gymnasium
A Gymnasium, under competent Professors, should exist in every school for boys and young men.
- We would be in favor of Military exercises and discipline, riding, walking, running, leaping, dancing, twisting and turning, or any other kind of performance calculated to develop the natural powers, discipline the mind or refine the manners. Take from the first, the idea of blood, and the balance the idea of “frolic,” and there is not a thing in the land so pure as to enter an objection. To say the least, there is no absolute evil in them. Whatever harm may be predicated of such exercises must arise from associations, from improper intentions, and we feel not at liberty to abandon manly exercises competent to improve both body and soul, to the ignorant, profane and vulgar.
Intellectual Department
Under this head we would recommend as full an English, Classical, Mathematical and Scientific course of instruction as is offered at any institution in the world. Details at this time are unnecessary.
Government
In this department, there is certainly greater room for improvement than any other. The time has come when good men consider most of the courses, and a large portion of the minor schools as the sinks of iniquity, if not the open gates to perdition. Why it is that college students generally are regarded as the most intemperate, rude, and ill-behaved portion of the community? There must be something radically wrong in college and school government. We might well inquire into the causes of the evil before attempting to offer a remedy.
Youths are generally sent from home to school when their wildest impulses are just bursting into most vigorous existence. When not well trained, they want, they know not what, and can be satisfied with nothing. Such as have not been disciplined in self-denial from childhood, find it out of their power to learn submission. It may, indeed, be safely affirmed that many youths, for want of early parental government, cannot be taught the meaning of law, the ordinary obligations of society, or gentlemanly respect.
It may also be stated with much confidence that boys, particularly in leaving home, feel freed from whatever restraints have been thrown about them, and, as is usually the case in families in which they board, take no responsibility over them, and college stewards are disregarded. Most faculties feel that their mission is fulfilled when they hear the tones, and those thrown out upon the world incapable of protect…
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ing themselves, and destitute of suitable directors, find great difficulty in stemming the current of temptations which they are compelled to meet; few indeed are able to stand.
But we are asked for the remedy. We submit a few very simple rules which we consider not only appropriate, but indispensable in all well-regulated institutions of learning.
No effort should be made to educate one intellectually who cannot control his animal nature, and in the strictest sense of the word, prove himself a gentleman.
- We must have a competent Faculty, and then we would have the students, day and night, on the college-grounds and elsewhere, under the personal supervision of their teachers. We may be told this will not suit “Young America.” In reply, there is no good institution in the land that does not institute law; and liberty, in its strictest meaning, signifies simply the right to do all that is proper to be done, but forbids all wrong-doing. If the Prince of Wales made the tour of the United States, under the most careful and watchful attention of his teachers and supervisors, we see no good reason why American youths may not profitably submit to the kindness and better judgment of others, till they pass the dangerous period—from sixteen to twenty-one years of age. Our long experience satisfies us most fully that it is ruinous to many to be permitted to go where and when they please. Solomon asked, “Can a man take fire into his bosom and his clothes be not burned?” “Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?”
A better man than he has said that “evil communications corrupt good manners.” Youths cannot come in contact with evil and remain innocent. The only security is to place and keep them in circumstances favorable to honor. Hence we plead for the entire control of all students. Let neither parents nor the world exert the least counter-influence after their education is intrusted to teachers. They should board with the members of the Faculty; their teachers should be their daily, nightly, and most intimate companions, and should never leave their school-grounds without their restraining and protecting influence.
- Students should be under the advice of competent directors in their dieting, sleeping, exercise, studies, and in their whole conduct.
- We are satisfied that the use of stimulants and narcotics, such as ardent spirits, tobacco, opium, etc., is more or less injurious to all who indulge in them. They create an artificial and morbid taste, which most generally becomes ungovernable, and therefore they should be…
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Prohibited. They all injure the brain and stomach more or less,
derange the nervous system, often engender disease, trammel the mind,
encourage the passions, and should be tolerated in no shape or form
whatever.
5. Moral Department
If we are correct in the doctrine of the departments already submitted, but little remains to be suggested regarding morals.
A wise man said, “Train up the child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” and we are strongly persuaded that youths trained correctly from childhood, as a matter of choice, yield their hearts cheerfully to spiritual instruction.
Hence, with the prepared, the sufficiently cultivated, the scriptures of truth should constitute the standard of all their actions.
While the words of the great Chillingworth, “the Bible and the Bible alone is the religion of Protestants,” remains true, the cracks of God should hold supreme authority in all of our institutions of learning.
These imperfectly digested, but conscientious views are submitted with the hope that the friends of education and Christianity will not only give the subject more serious attention, but contribute to a more perfect development of a plan that will fully meet the demands of the brethren.
W. D. CARNES, THOS. STALKER, T. FANNING.
DEBATE BETWEEN LARD AND CAPLES
Lindley, Grundy Co., Mo., Oct. 23rd, 1860.
Dear Brethren:
I have just returned home from attending one of the most exciting, interesting, and perhaps, I may add, edifying religious discussions I have ever witnessed, and which, probably, has ever taken place in this country between any of our brethren and the representatives of the different sects or denominations.
It was held at Brunswick, in this State, and took place between Bro. E. Lard, of St. Joseph, Mo., one of the ablest and most talented preachers we have, well known generally to the brotherhood as the author of the “Review of Jeter’s Campbellism examined,” and Rev. W. G. Caples, Presiding Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and regarded by them as one of the ablest men the Methodists have in this.
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country, and perhaps in their church. This you may infer from the fact that he is looked forward to as a prominent candidate for Bishop in that church at the next General Conference. The debate began on Monday the 8th day of October, and continued from day to day, without intermission, except Sunday and part of Saturday before, until it closed on Thursday evening the 18th. The propositions discussed were as follows:
- The Holy Scriptures authorize the baptism of infants.
Mr. Caples affirmed. - The baptism enjoined in the Holy Scriptures is immersion in water.
Mr. Lard affirmed. - The Holy Scriptures teach that pouring and sprinkling are each valid baptism.
Caples affirmed. - The Holy Scriptures make it the duty of the sinner to pray for remission of sins.
Caples affirmed. - The Holy Scriptures teach that baptism to its proper subject, is, as a condition, necessary to remission of sins.
Lard affirmed. - The Holy Scriptures teach that faith is the sole condition of remission of sins.
Caples affirmed. - The Holy Scriptures teach that in the conversion of the sinner, the Holy Spirit, in its operations on the mind or heart, is immediately present.
Caples affirmed.
These were the propositions, verbatim et literatim, and cover, as you will see, nearly or quite the whole ground of controversy between ourselves and the pedo-Baptist sects, particularly the Methodists. The reason why Mr. Caples affirmed so many of them—five out of seven—was owing to their very nature, as can be seen, and because it was also a matter of choice with him, as I was informed.
To undertake to give anything like a fair specimen of the course of argumentation pursued by the respective parties in this great debate, (for I may truly call it a great one,) and of the arguments used by them, would transcend the limits of a notice like this, and will not be necessary, as it is soon to be published in book form. It was taken down, as it progressed, by a very competent phonographer, Mr. Steadman, of Frankfort, KY, and the publication of it has been undertaken by Bro. John A. Sidener, of Chillicothe, Mo., a man well qualified in every respect for such a work; and will make its appearance in the course of a few months—as soon as practicable after being stereotyped—in one or two volumes, whichever may be found best and cheapest.
The number of hours occupied in the debate will cause it
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to be comprised in a volume less than that of Campbell and Rice’s debate, but larger than most of such works published among us. And when it does make its appearance, I hazard the assertion that no debate ever had between our brethren and the sects will be sought after with greater activity in this country, or be so extensively circulated and read. The high character of the debaters, the varied and interesting nature of the propositions discussed, and the luminous, able and edifying manner in which they were handled, will attract attention to it and invest it with a degree of interest that does not often attach to works of the kind.
On all the propositions discussed, Bro. Lard more than came up to our highest expectations, and fully sustained himself in a manner equal to his high reputation, and vindicated the teaching of the Bible and the cause of Bible truth most conclusively and triumphantly, and to the entire satisfaction of the numerous brethren in attendance. Mr. Caples has the character of being one of the strongest men belonging to his party in all this country; but he most signally failed to sustain himself or his cause on every proposition, and his defeat was overwhelming and complete; though his brethren who attended express themselves to the contrary, and appear to be well satisfied with the result. I have no objection to this if it will be the cause of their procuring and reading the book when it comes out.
I can assure them that the debate has been impartially reported, and the speeches of each debater will appear as they were delivered, without any changes, only so far as may be required by grammatical accuracy. The failure of Mr. Caples shows how difficult it is for a man, with all the aids of learning, talent, ingenuity, and perversion of Scripture, to sustain religious error against the truth of God’s Word. His fault has been, not in the man himself, but in the badness of his cause—in its incapability of being defended and sustained by the Bible when properly compared and fairly interpreted. While Bro. Lard’s course of reasoning was, in some respects, original, though strictly logical, and presented several new, and forcible and striking arguments and illustrations, Mr. Caples generally followed the old beaten track of pedo-Baptists, particularly the Methodists, on the subjects debated, varying as much as possible so as to avoid the imputation of using the hackneyed and oft-refuted arguments so much in vogue among them; as that baptism came in the room of circumcision, the extension of the Abrahamic covenant over the Christian, etc., and in the place of these, brought up what he termed “mullogics,” in support of his propositions on these subjects.
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The discussion was conducted with the greatest urbanity, good humor, and kindness of feeling on the part of the debaters; and with general good order and marked attention on the part of the audience. The real dignity of character, and truly Christian deportment—and demeanor, which Bro. Lard presented throughout the discussion, alike free from all pride, arrogance, and assumption on the one hand, and all unworthy condescension, exclusiveness, and bitterness on the other, were worthy of all commendation.
Such were the purity and chasteness of his language and diction, and his great earnestness, seeming ever to be properly impressed with his subject and with the importance of the great and solemn topics of the Christian religion, throwing his whole soul into what he was uttering, that he came nearer possessing the character of the real orator, the true Christian orator than almost any man I ever heard. His words generally fell from his lips, like coins from the mint, correctly struck and properly impressed by the organs of speech, and seemed to be ready for the press without any correcting or revision.
An immense concourse of people attended the discussion, varying in number from hundreds to two thousand or more—such an audience as hardly any church building could contain; and hence a large tobacco factory was fitted up for the occasion, in which it was held during a greater part of the time. Some thirty-five of our preachers were present more or less of the time, among whom were the venerable old brother, Eld. John Smith, of Scott county, Ky., familiarly known under the appellation of “Raccoon Smith;” Dr. W. H. Hopson, formerly of Palmyra, Mo., but now of Lexington, Ky., one of the ablest preachers in the ranks of the current reformation in this State; the venerable Elder Joel H. Hayden, of Howard county, Mo., one of the pioneers of the reformation in this State; the venerable Elder T. R. Palmer, of Independence, Mo., Elder T. M. Allen, of Boone co., Mo., whose great success in the proclamation of the word is so well and widely known; our young Bro. J. W. McGarvey, of Dover, Mo., one of the ablest and most promising preachers and debaters we have; besides others, any one of whom is a host within himself.
I could say much more in reference to this discussion, which I regard as one of the most important ever held in the country, when the character, standing, ability, and learning of the two debaters, in the religious bodies to which they respectively belong, are taken into consideration; the importance of the issues in controversy, embracing as they do, nearly the whole field of controversy, as to the points of difference.
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ference between us the sects; and the immediate and prospective influence of the discussion, but will refer your readers to the book itself, when it shall appear. In conclusion, my earnest prayer is, that all these discussions may result to the triumph of truth, the glory of God and the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth.
Your brother in Christ,
JNO. R. HOWARD
CO-OPERATION MEETING AT COLUMBIA, TENN.
Few meetings have been held of more interest than the one which has just closed at Columbia. Brethren from churches in Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Giles, Marshall, Lawrence, Wayne and Bedford, spent most of the time in examining the sacred oracles regarding questions of practical import which have been obscured by the accumulated traditions of the ages, the means in our possession of doing good, the subject of Christian education, and the obligations that rest upon us, to employ all of our powers to advance the interests of the Redeemer’s cause.
Great harmony of sentiment, and universal good feelings prevailed. There was not a discordant note heard, and all seemed intent upon the great purposes of the Lord’s kingdom. The plan of cooperating without the intervention of human machinery in the shape of articles of confederation, creeds, or societies, promises success. If we find that the law of the Lord and the church of the Lord will answer all of our purposes, we shall be saved from great expense and trouble, in employing the “auxiliaries” of the times in fulfilling our earthly mission.
It will be seen by the report of the Secretary, that brethren E. G. Sewell, H. B. Trimble, F. H. Davis, J. K. Speer, and perhaps others, are expected to labor in the field for the next twelve months. They go not forth as beggars or hirelings, but as ministers and apostles of their respective congregations, and the brethren who send them, those for whom they labor, and such as have the means, for whom they do no special service, are expected to amply supply them and their families.
In the first place, these evangelists must teach the churches their whole duty, must make known their wants; and secondly, the…
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seniors of the different congregations must confer with each other, learn the wants of the different ministers, and see that the “ox which treads out the corn,” gets his due. This work is all left to the good sense of Christians, but nothing valuable can be done if we fail to do our duty. If we believe the Bible, brethren, let us at any sacrifice necessary, carry out its heavenly principles.
T. F.
OUR PAPER
Perhaps no work has lived so long amongst us with so little effort as the Gospel Advocate. We are in the way of no paper, and we are not willing any one should be in our way. We have spoken freely on all matters which we believed would be useful to our race; I have endeavored to give no cause of offence, and yet we have felt our responsibility to God. That the work has exerted a salutary influence in the churches where read, we rejoice to believe. Our fervent desire is to cultivate peace with all the journals advocating the faith, and by restoring the congregations to the spiritual labor and spiritual life, to accomplish great things in turning men from darkness to light.
Still, we can do nothing without cooperation, without the aid of the saints. Our readers are our agents; and if each will make the effort to send a list of subscribers, our sphere of usefulness may be greatly enlarged. We beg not, brethren, but we ask you, if it is right? If we are in the straight and narrow way, help us to call others to it? Without effort, nothing worthy can be accomplished. Thus, by enriching others we enrich ourselves spiritually and eternally. We hope the brethren will write before January.
Editors.
“THE PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN”
BY IZAAH B. DOYLE, BRUNSWICK, MISSOURI.
This is a semi-monthly paper at one dollar per year; and from the first number we regard the Editor as an earnest man; and if we are not mistaken in this conclusion, it will succeed.
T. F.
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GEN. WM. WALKER, WAS, IN YOUTH, A CHRISTIAN
No Tennesseean has, perhaps, been more adventurous, committed greater mistakes, exhibited higher ambition, or more contradictory traits of character than William Walker. His mother was a member of the Church of Christ in Nashville, and was a truly pious woman. From infancy William was taught to fear God, and, if we mistake not, it was in the year 1837, at the close of a discourse we delivered in Nashville, without any special excitement, or even an invitation, he rose in the congregation and came forward to make the confession of his faith in the Saviour, and was forthwith baptized.
For several years after his adoption into the Lord’s household, a more intelligent, pious, and excellent young man we did not know. His ardent desire was to preach the Gospel, but the advice of friends prevailed, and he turned his attention first to the profession of Medicine, and then to the Law. He visited Europe, saw Italy and Germany, and returned home speculative. He settled in New Orleans to practice law, but his youthful appearance, modesty, and diffidence forbade success commensurate with his real ability. We saw him after he had been there a year, and indeed for the first, and perhaps, last time to meet with the disciples who then kept the ordinances. He had well nigh forgotten the admonitions of his mother, and cared but little for the service of the Redeemer.
Soon after, he removed to California to engage in his profession, and succeeded better. It was not long till he was engaged in a personal conflict with a fellow creature, and from that day forward he seemed not to fear God. His revolutionary course is a matter of history. He was shot at Truxillo, Honduras, Sept. 12th, 1860. In his last moments he exhibited calmness and talked self-possession; but the worst act in his life consisted in the reception of religious consolation before his execution, from the lips of two Romish priests.
When one departs from the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no absurdity too enormous for his adoption. While, therefore, we are deeply pained to hear of the sad fate of one we loved for years as a brother in Christ, we are mortified beyond measure at the shipwreck which he made of the faith. But our strong sympathies would willingly throw the mantle of forgetfulness over all that is objectionable in the life of the once excellent, but ill-fated William Walker.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
DIFFICULTIES IN BRO. J. M. SELPH’S ESSAY ON REMISSION, AS SET FORTH IN THE SEPT. ADVOCATE.
DEAR BRETHREN:
Will you suffer me to ask Bro. J. M. Selph if he intended to be understood as teaching on p. 163 and 166 of the Advocate, that the disciples of John did not receive remission of sins until Christ died, was buried, rose, ascended, was crowned, and the Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles, which empowered them to preach remission of sins?
Does he intend to teach that the twelve disciples of Christ, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the ancient worthies, together with Peter, James and John, did not receive remission of sins until the Apostles were empowered as above, to proclaim remission of sins?
I desire information in regard to the above ideas.
Your brother in hope,
J. H. DUNN
EDITORIAL REPLY
It is our usual custom to look over the essays of our correspondents before giving them to our readers, but by some means we failed to examine the positions of Bro. Selph, and hence the propriety of Bro. Dunn’s inquiries.
The following are Bro. Selph’s conclusions, viz:
- “John’s disciples had only the promise of remission of sins after that Christ should be risen from the dead and ascended on high, and that only upon the condition that they should receive, believingly, the facts concerning him.”
- “John’s disciples, and even the twelve were not in a state of actual salvation during Christ’s peregrinations on earth.”
- “They had not received the remission of sins.”
The reason assigned by Bro. Selph for this conclusion is that “there was not at that time a Christian institution—a church of Messiah.” He adds, “In the days of John, and even until the crucifixion of Christ, there was an offering for sin depending—an offering still demanded, and, therefore, there was no remission.”
Bro. Selph must allow us to differ in conclusions from him. Previously to Pentecost, John, the immerser, Jesus and his disciples had labored to prepare materials for the Christian institution, and this preparation was as complete before the building went up as subsequently.
“Jesus came to his own, and those prepared for him, and as many as received him he gave the power to become the sons of God.” “John immersed in the wilderness and preached the immersion of reformation for the remission of sins, and there went out unto him all kinds of…”
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Judea and they of Jerusalem
…and were all immersed of him in Jordan confessing their sins. He was to “go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.” Luke i. 76, 77.
If John preached the immersion of reformation for the remission of sins, and the people were immersed for the remission of sins, we cannot suppose they were not pardoned. If John gave them “the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins,” we can see no room to doubt their pardon before Pentecost.
Finally, we repeat, that the preparation of the materials to build the house of God were quite as well polished before the edifice went up at Jerusalem as the “stones” that were added. Furthermore, all that were made ready by John and by Jesus, joyfully took their positions in the spiritual building, without any additional operations or processes, when the Lord ascended on high. Hence the dogma that those made ready by John had to be prepared again before entering the edifice is destitute of the semblance of scriptural authority. The twelve at Ephesus were dipped, no doubt, by Apollos, after John’s mission had ceased, without authority, and without the proper understanding of the subject, and it was no more the obedience of the Gospel than is the immersion of the professedly “regenerated,” “converted,” “pardoned,” and “saved” of our time, to join the Baptist and other parties. In plain words, no act of obedience performed in ignorance of the truth can possibly constitute the service of God.
VISIT TO NORTH ALABAMA
We spent from Sept. 29th to October 7th in Limestone county, Ala., and we feel assured that our labor, though in some respects unsatisfactory to ourselves, was not in vain.
At Re-Union, seven miles from Athens, we met, on Lord’s day 30th of September, brethren John H. Dunn, Wade Barrett, and John H. Hundly. All were far advanced in life, and, to our mind, very much devoted to the cause of our Master. We preached on Lord’s day and Monday, and during our stay, there were some eighteen additions reported. We left brethren Dunn and Barrett to continue the meeting, and from all the prospects, we doubt not more additions were made to…
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We were much rejoiced on Monday at the adjustment of difficulties between even seniors of the congregation who had been much alienated from each other. We trust the beloved brethren will take warning.
We preached in Athens on Monday night, and on Tuesday, October 2nd, we visited Mooresville with brother Hundly, brethren D. R. Scott, and Eceberger, and several good sisters, and remained over Lord’s day. We spent considerable of the time in aiding in arranging serious differences between the seniors of the church; and all were made happy at the restoration of peace. Errors in regard to officials had caused most of the evils. We left the beloved brothers and sisters rejoicing in the confidence that they are all priests to God, and quite capable of keeping house for the Lord. It is our sincere prayer to God that they may all continue to walk in the light. A Baptist friend was immersed to put on Christ. His previous immersion was in consequence of supposed remission before submission, in order to join the Baptist Denomination.
Is the baptism of any one professing to have experienced “regeneration” and “remission of sins,” obedience to Jesus Christ?
T.F.
MEETING AT COLUMBIA
In accordance with appointment, brethren and sisters from various congregations of disciples in Middle Tennessee, met in Columbia on Wednesday the 31st of October. Bro. David Hamilton was called to act as Chairman of the meeting, and W. Lipscomb as Secretary. Brethren and sisters from various congregations gave reports of the condition of the cause with them. The brethren in Columbia are ardently struggling to better establish the cause. They meet weekly. Brethren J. K. Speer, A. T. Blankenship, and A. M. Bearden were present from the congregation at Lynnville, in Giles county, but gave no report, the congregation failing to meet and keep the ordinances. From Lasea, Maury county, Bros. W. R. Lee, W. W. Campbell, and Ezra Hardison were present, and reported the church as in a healthy condition, meeting weekly and attending to the worship, numbering about 220. From Knabb Creek, Bro. Henry Zillner. This congregation, …
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Established during the present year, but has met to worship from the commencement of their Christian life, number about fifty.
Reports from Various Congregations
- From Smyrna, Maury County
Bro. G. Morton reported the congregation meeting weekly, and attending to the ordinance as delivered. - From Liberty
Bro. Burton Warfield reported the congregation in a healthful condition, and walking in commands faithfully. - From Pine Wood, Hickman County
Sister Fannie Graham reported the congregation as meeting weekly during the summer, but not in winter, owing to the lack of having a comfortable house. - From Liberty, Marshall County
Bro. L. N. Jones reported the congregation as in tolerably good condition, but not very prosperous. The idea of official service seems to prevail; one man, called an Elder, does the praying, reading, and thanking, while the others, with tongues, and eyes, and ears, and hands, do nothing. We hope for a better report. - From Rural Hill, Giles County
Bro. E. Hackney reports the congregation as doing well, and living up to the requirements of the Scripture. - From Beech Grove
Bro. Alexander reported that this is a new congregation but meets regularly for worship. - From Shady Grove, Lawrence County
Bro. H. J. Blake reports the congregation meeting only monthly, numbering about twenty. The brethren hope to do better.
Additional Reports
Reports were also made by brethren and sisters from Franklin, Owen’s Station, Doston, Thompson’s Station, and Franklin College, but were about as heretofore given. All meet to keep the ordinances.
Bro. E. C. Sewell, who has labored during the past year for the churches in cooperation, gave a short report of his labors, which have been quite successful. He reports the brethren generally, where he has labored, as doing their own worship, and growing in strength and confidence in the truth. The prospects were never better for the success of the good cause. Bro. S. has been sustained, without pledges on the part of the churches or brethren, and the wants of his family supplied.
Discussion Topics
During the meeting, many questions of interest were proposed and discussed at length. The most important was that pertaining to what is termed church organization. The brethren generally agreeing that the only organization requisite to the full discharge of the duties of a body in Christ, was the assembling together of the disciples to worship, and pledge to one another, to help one another in the Christian.
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Warfare
They, moreover, were satisfied that all Christians are “kings and priests” to God, fully competent without any sort of official consecration to teach, to pray, to read the word of God, sing, give thanks and do any service that is required of Christian people; that there may, however, be in congregations men and women of age, experience, devotion and Christian goodness specially suited to teach, admonish, warn, and reprove the erring and inexperienced; but that they are called to do this work, not by virtue of any “office,” but simply by their position as faithful and experienced members of the body. Some were called deacons, overseers, etc., from their labor.
It was also the conviction of all from the scriptures, that there is no authority whatever for higher and lower orders and ranks in the body of Christ from any sort of official relationship thereto, but that the whole idea of “clergy and laity,” “pastor and people,” is a relic of the apostasy of Rome, brought down to us through her many daughters. The only authorized power to do any service is in the body itself, always, however, in strict obedience to apostolic requirements of the younger submitting to the older.
Other Discussions
There were other questions discussed in which various brethren felt interested, and presented for the consideration of the meeting, but we have attempted to give a minute report of such as was of vital interest to the cause of our Master.
On Saturday, Bro. Reuben East reported himself from Wayne county, brethren Jahn and James Alexander from Beech Grove, Bro. David A. Vaughn from Texas.
Great harmony and much kindly feeling prevailed; and the brethren seemed intent on not experimenting with human institutions. Their purpose seemed to rely upon the word alone as a rule of action, and that the church will answer for all their labors.
Brethren E. G. Sewell, R. D. Trimble, and J. K. Speer were reported as laborers in the vineyard, with the understanding that the ox which treads out the corn is entitled to the hay. Hopes are also entertained that Bro. F. H. Davis, and perhaps others, will labor in the vineyard.
Next Consultation Meeting
The next consultation meeting was appointed at Lebanon, to commence on Wednesday before the first Lord’s day in May, 1861, provided the brethren desire it; and if not agreeable to the brethren to have it at Lebanon, it is to be at Lewisberg. Bro. E. G. Sewell was requested to settle the question.
W. LIPSCOMB, Secretary
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GOOD REPORTS
DEAR F.—I am just in receipt of a long, and kindly epistle from our long tried Sister, Mrs. U. M. Robert, of Albany, Ga. She was read out of a Baptist Church, (Did you ever read of such a church in the Bible?) A. D. 1834, for preferring the Bible to the Philadelphia Confession of faith! (Philadelphia must have had a most peculiar faith!) This dear, and long tried Sister, has battled with the storm-god of religious intolerance nearly, single hand and alone, for lo! these many years, trusting in the golden promises of Israel’s potent shield—”I will not forsake thee.”
She writes, “That she is delighted with the Gospel Advocate.” Good many in the same notion. She has been spared of God, till murkey night has folded its raven robes, and sectarian fires grown pale before the Sun of Righteousness.
I induced brother Parker to visit that priest-ridden, and traditionized section, whose labors in Georgia are telling most powerfully for Zion.
Additions thirty-six at our encampment.
Brethren of Georgia, I beseech in the name of my Master, to untie the young man’s hands, and let him go into the hedges and highways of your pine-clad hills, and sound the clarion notes of Gospel grace. Day will soon dawn there. When Bro. Parker reached the wealthy and kind, and philanthropic home of Capt. Robert, a Baptist association was in session, and though Capt. R. and his angel consort were entertaining some of this elect flock, yet in answer to the wishes of our friends that Bro. Parker should speak—”I would have my right arm amputated, before we would grant the privilege,” said a sainted man. Sweet religion this, to fall from the lips of one of God’s sacramental hosts! An Ambassador of the Covenant of grace! Called of God as was Aaron!
But, I am informed that we have valued friends there, who will receive our tried brethren with open arms. God be thanked for such American spirits. Let me say to them, through your invaluable issue, that Deo Volente, brothers Trott, Graham and my humble self will see them during the coming winter. “We shall be in their midst to promulgate the doctrine of the Cross, and for its defense. I have just closed a short skirmish of two days against the King’s enemies, other brethren aiding—Result, three Methodists, and one Grave’s Baptist, and two from Caesar’s Kingdom.
Bro. Treat has just closed a campaign in this State, forty-two ac…
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Session
Bro. R. Graham at Springfield, Illinois, seventy-two. Thus the work goes on.
If sects could catch one undimmed glimpse of the Bible’s glories, they would cast their human formulas to the moles and bats. To see how the Bible’s vast historical stores enrich the mind—its unexplored and unfathomable depths have gems of wisdom far more brilliant than those which have shone in the works of the most distinguished philosophers. Eloquence, poetry, narrative, literature, and morality such as are found nowhere else. It is the Book of Books—its author, God—its theme Heaven, Eternity. Compared to all other books it is like comparing true fire to painted flames.
I have long since known that to reason against tradition is like reasoning against fire. We have some fine omens in this section. The parties commenced their fall campaigns in earnest, but to their utter discomfiture no one believed in Dr. Expediency—the mourning bench. But few took stock. We might say, “they toiled all night and caught no fish,” because they threw their nets on the wrong side of the vessel—Rome’s side instead of Jerusalem!
The preacher asked the rector, why the discourses of the Stage had more effect upon the auditory than those of the Pulpit? “Because,” said he, “we treat fictions as facts, and you thought they were fictions!” This covers the whole ground.
But thank God, those rambling orators have had their day; in all places where the school-master is abroad. Let us rejoice.
J. A. BUTLER
REPORT OF BRO. DUNN
Lone Mulberry, Ala., Sept. 14th, 1860.
Dear Brethren:
I arrived at home yesterday morning after an absence of 29 days, during which time, I visited and held protracted meetings at Clear Creek and New Hope, Tenn., and Enon and Holly Spring, Tippah County, Miss. I found the congregations in a healthy state, and doing well. Our meeting at Clear Creek included the third Lord’s day in August, and continued several days. Here I had the aid of brethren J. Green and R. Mukie, whose labors were very acceptable. We gained nine precious souls at this point.
I spent the fourth Lord’s day in August, at New Hope, where I was…
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Aided by the prayers and exhortations of Bro. W. L. Thompson. Here we had two additions. The first Lord’s day in September, and several days succeeding, I spent at Enon, Miss. Here I had the assistance of Bro. R. McCall, who is a young brother of promise, and whose promise is in all the congregations in his section. Here we gained eight additions.
Our next effort was at Holly Spring, Tippah county, Miss, which included the second Lord’s day in this month, (September). Here I was met by brethren McCall and Thompson, who assisted me very much by their earnest prayers and exhortations. At this point we had six additions.
The whole number of additions made during the tour is twenty-five, who sustained the following relations, viz:
- Two united by letter
- Two by recommendation
- Two from the Missionary Baptists
- Three reclaimed
- Sixteen by confession and immersion.
Your old and devoted brother in the one hope,
J. H. DUNN.
REPORT FROM ARKANSAS
Washington, Ark., Sept. 27th 1860.
Dear Brethren:—A few days since I returned from Washington county where I had the pleasure of attending the annual meeting of the disciples of that county, and meeting with many collaborators; the old and long-tried veteran of the cross, J. J. Trott, was there, and in his plain and sensible way contributed much to the interest of the occasion, and Bro. Carlton, of M., was also present: he is a host within himself. His arguments were clear, forcible and scriptural, sufficient to cause the enemies of the truth to tremble.
Our efficient and beloved Bro. Graham, having returned from Kentucky, was there to aid by his able and pious admonitions, which had a very happy effect upon the brethren. He is now going to devote his time to the proclamation of the Word. We expect great things from his able and pious labors.
There were several other efficient brethren there who shared in the labors, and contributed to the good of the meeting. We had six accessions at this meeting, and six others at other points which I labored in the country; in all we had, in going and returning, twenty-four accessions.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Report from J. S. Robertson
In Clark county, I held a meeting embracing the third Lord’s day in this month, immersed four, and organized a congregation of about twenty at Oakland, where the brethren would be happy to be called upon by our brethren. This is a good community and promises much for the cause.
Your brother in Christ,
J. S. ROBERTSON
Dear Brethren
Permit me through the columns of your paper to give you, and your readers an account of a meeting which commenced at Cageville on Friday night before the fifth Lord’s day in July, and continued up to the second Lord’s day night in August. At the beginning of the meeting, the preaching brethren were James Holmes (whose praise is in many churches) and our beloved brother, R. A. Cooke, son of R. Cooke (formerly of Rutherford), who conducted the meeting up to the following Monday night, at which time our talented young brother Samuel H. Kelly, of Kentucky, arrived and assisted in conducting the meeting.
On the following Saturday morning, brother Cooke left for Covington, brothers Holmes and Kelly continued the meeting up to the next Monday morning, when brother Kelly left to visit other points, brother Holmes, the only preacher left, continued to preach night and day, to the following Lord’s day night, at which time the meeting closed.
The result was sixty-five souls enlisted in the army of the faithful, twenty-six from the Baptist, two restored, some from the Methodist, and the remainder from the world. The brethren and sisters were much encouraged and built up in their most holy faith, much prejudice was removed, and many ventured out to hear, who had been opposing us. The good cause is onward, although we have had, and still have strong opposition. Cageville has been one of the strongholds of Methodism, and they have done everything the law would allow them to do against the cause; but thanks be to God who has given us the victory through our common Savior. The truth is mighty and will prevail.
Oh, what cause we have to thank God and take courage. Less than ten years ago, when I moved to this county, I found nineteen brethren and sisters meeting in brother David Hall’s house to worship, having been partially organized by brothers James Holmes and John R. McCall. We continued to meet at brother Hall’s.
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House until the spring of the year 1852 when we had a meeting house of our own in this village to meet at for the purpose of worshiping God, the congregation has been steadily increasing in numbers ever since until now, at which time we number some 235; to the Lord be all the praise.
W. W. NANCE.
Quincy, Tenn., Aug. 15, 1860.
Dear Brethren:
We take pleasure in announcing to the brotherhood through the columns of the Gospel Advocate, that the very unpleasant and much regretted difficulty between the congregation at Monhm and Elder J. B. Wilmoth, is now satisfactorily settled, and all parties stand in fellowship as heretofore. And we desire this to be published in the Gospel Advocate, that it may counteract any bad influence that a publication heretofore made in the “Christian Philanthropist,” a paper then published by O. Kenrick, might have had or may hereafter have against Elder J. B. Wilmoth and others associated with him. May we all forget the things that are behind and press on for the prize which is at the end of the race.
W. C. McKINNEY,
J. S. PATTIE,
A. CARTRIGHT.
Elders of the congregation.
Mantua, Collin county, Texas, Aug. 18, 1860.
Dear Brethren:
I am still going and doing more hard work than any man I ever saw, but perhaps no more than I ought. The Father of mercies blesses my feeble labors in many respects and the good cause is gaining ground in our State. The spirit of inquiry is increasing in some places, and also the spirit of opposition, misrepresentation and slander. But this opposition and slander is confined to the professed religious world, religious partisans, and sectarian bigots, for high-minded and honorable men of the world would not condescend to such things.
I report additions to the cause in the month of June seventeen noble soldiers. In July twenty-seven. In August twenty-five. And I hear from some other preaching brethren they have had some wonderful success etc. The cause will go on. The Lord save its friends from doing it harm. I do not fear its enemies, if our own preachers and people will only act out Christian prudence and live.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
the Gospel it will run and spread in spite of all the sectarianism in the world.
The Lord help us all.
Yours affectionately,
NATHAN W. SMITH
Acworth, Ga., Sept. 13, 1860.
OBITUARIES
DEAR BRETHREN:
Our beloved Bro. B. Compton has left us. Bro. Compton was born the 28, July 1819. He died August the 20, 1860. He had for some time been a member of the Christian Church. I saw Bro. Compton a few days before his death; he said that he got so full of the word of God that he wanted to talk to his neighbors, but was too weak. He was a believer in the truth, not in obstructions, not in side issues, not in humanisms. He yielded to the Gospel, because it is God’s power to salvation. He expected to be saved by the power of God. Those who trust God may reasonably hope to see life immortal. May God bless his wife and little ones.
J. K. SPEER.
DEAR BRETHREN:
Please give the subjoined notice of the life and death of our devoted young Sister, who after a short pilgrimage on earth—but long enough for her to seek and find the assurance of that City whose builder and maker is God—crossed the Jordan of death, and notwithstanding a widowed mother and afflicted brothers and sisters mourn her sad departure, she, we feel assured, rests in peace in Abraham’s bosom till the resurrection of the just.
D. L.
Franklin College, Sept., 1860.
Mary June Cutchin, daughter of Mary E. Cutchin, was born November the 19th, 1837, in the State of Illinois, Marion county. In her 14th year she confessed her Savior and was baptized into his name, became a member of the Christian Church at Mt. Moriah, and remained in that church until her removal to this State, in 1856. She then united with the church at this place (Rock Spring) and worshipped with the brethren and sisters until her death. She departed this life April 21th, 1860, in the 23rd year of her age. She bore her last illness with much patience and seemed entirely resigned to the will of her Heavenly Father—casting all her care on Him who has said to those who obey and love Him—I will never leave nor forsake you.