TEXAS BAPTIST
1858-1861
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1858, p. 2, c. 7
For the Texas Baptist.
Denominational School.
Brother Baines: It will be
seen in the minutes of the Cherokee Baptist Association at her last meeting,
that the subject of a Denominational School of such character as will meet the
wants of the denomination East was noticed and learning that many brethren North
and South in the State, and whose acquaintance is extensive, are favorable to
such an enterprise, it was resolved that we suspend the Male Department of
Tyler University for the present, and authorize ______ to open a correspondence
with brethren in various parts of the East on the subject; that when we meet in
convention at Gilmer, that body will, if deemed expedient, take the matter in
hand and make arrangements to locate and build up a Male College at some point
in Eastern Texas, that will give general satisfaction, and secure the concurrent
patronage and support of the denomination.
The
writer has concluded to solicit a space in the Texas Baptist, the more speedily
to accomplish the duties assigned him, and at once, place before the mind and
eye of every reader of the paper the object of the resolution, and to avoid the
censure of being forward, we simply state that we only hold annual sessions, and
there is a starting point, and by agitating the subject we only desire to set
the denomination to work in devising the best plan for the speedy formulation of
a permanent institution of learning at which our sons may receive such an
education as will enable them, when we are no more, to be more useful to their
country and the cause of Christianity in general than we have been—such an
Institution would stand as a monument to the memory of those who, by their
prayers, their labors, and their money gave efficiency to its great design.
If such follows the effort, we will rejoice in an opportunity to
acquiesce in such plans emanating from the wisdom of brethren united in counsel
with the altar of prayer n the center. Shall
we hear through the same columns from a Clemons, a Johnson, representing the
more Northern parts, a Tucker, a Witt, a Stokes, east; a Rowland, a Lepard, a
Carter, a Malone, South, together with all the brethren and friends of education
throughout the bounds of Eastern Texas.
John S. Bledsoe.
Flora,
Smith Co., Texas.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1858, p. 2, c. 7
The
Henderson Banner of Dec. 11th, says: The immigration to the State is pouring in from all points.
Our country, too, has received accessions in the way of healthy
immigration this season. Let them
come along; there is land, employment, and subsistence for them all.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1858, p. 3,
c. 2
For the Texas Baptist.
A Voice from Wood County.
Quitman, Dec. 10th, 1857.
Brother
Baines: . . . The Baptist cause in Wood county, (which is Christ's cause),
taking all things into consideration, is, indeed, I am happy to say, in a
prosperous condition. Although its
first Baptist church was organized in the fall of 1854, at Quitman, by brothers
J. H. Rowland and J. J. Morrow,
with only six original members, amidst much opposition, and in a hot bed of
Pedoism; was trampled under foot, and even destitute of a pastor for the first
twelve months; was almost a hiss and a byword for its enemies—yet the Great,
Infinite God, the Supreme Head of the church, whose tender mercies are over all
His works . . . was determined that the little vine, planted by his own right
hand in Quitman in the then obscure county of Wood, should no longer be trampled
under foot; that it should be revived and receive supplies of grace from his
own unwasting fullness. To this
end, he sent to his people here, our faithful and dearly beloved brother, Elder
W. Milburn, a man full of the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of God; mighty in the
Scriptures, and able to teach others also, as their pastor, to go in and out
before them—whose faithful labors God has blessed for the last two years,
until our church numbers ninety-one faithful members in present fellowship. . .
.Well may brothers Rowland and Morrow rejoice at being the instruments in the
hands of God, for planting Christ's flag in Quitman; and brother Milburn for so
nobly defending it. . . .
But it
is not only at Quitman that Christ's cause is in the ascendancy of its enemies,
but throughout the county. Baptist
churches are regularly being organized in our county. Since August, I think there has been, within my knowledge, at
least one hundred and fifty accessions around about. Our motto is, "Onward and upward."
At one
protracted meeting in Quitman, in August last, about twenty precious souls
professed faith in Christ; fifteen of the number followed him into the liquid
grave. At the same meeting, the
writer hereof was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry.
Since that time, I have had the inexpressible pleasure of burying several
willing converts with their Saviour in baptism,--one of whom was a Campbellite.
When God does the inside work, I love to do the outside work of a
believer—as he died unto sin, I love to bury him, that he may be raised up, or
resurrected to newness of life; and, by that act, say to the world, old things
have passed away—the time past of my life shall suffice me to have wrought the
will of the Gentiles, when I walked in lasciviousness, lust, &c.
But, notwithstanding, God has blessed his cause in Wood county—still
the destitution is deplorable; so much so, that the undersigned, as young in the
cause, and as unworthy as he is, has already been called to supply three regular
churches and one arm of a church; and still the Macedonian cry is continually
coming, "Come over and help us;" the field is already white unto
harvest, and the laborers few. . .
A. Fitzgerald.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1858, p. 3, c. 4
Books!
Books!!
For Sale by Wright & Chilton,
Tyler, Smith County, Texas.
A fine and well selected supply of Religious and Miscellaneous Books,
which will be sold at catalogue prices.
Spurgeon's History of the Baptists
$1 00
Spurgeon's Sermons, (second series)
1 00
Theodosia Ernest, vols. 1 and 2 (each)
1 00
Central Africa, (by T. J. Bowen.)
1 00
Principles and Practice of Baptists
1 00
Three Reasons, (by Pendleton)
40
Baptist Companion, (hymn books,)
40
Our Lord's Great Prophecy, (by Buck,)
1 50
Campbellism Examined and Re-examined
1 00
Grace Truman (by Mrs. Ford,)
1 00
Memoir of Mrs. S. B. Judson
1 00
"
" "
A. H. "
1 00
History of Eng. Bible Translations, (by Mrs. Conant)
1 50
Life in Israel, (by Mrs. Richards,)
1 00
Churches and Sects of United States
1 00
Egypt, Arabia and Petrea
1 00
Judson Offering
1 00
Derivation of Family Names
1 25
Ida Norman
1 25
Assorted Poems (each)
1 00
Orders
for any of these books will be filled at the marked prices for cash.
When they are to be sent by mail, the purchaser will pay the postage.
Wright & Chilton.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1858, p. 3, c. 5
Teachers Wanted.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees for Tyler University, held on the
23d inst., the undersigned was authorized to notify all persons desiring
situations as teachers, that proposals for taking charge of the Male and Female
departments of said University, will be received between this date and the first
Saturday in December next. The
undersigned will correspond with all who may desire a situation in either of the
departments, and impart information in regard to the present condition and
future prospects of the schools. Address
me at Tyler, Smith county, Texas.
Jack Davis, President Board of Trustees.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], February 4, 1858, p. 2, c. 1
Sulphur
Springs.—These Springs, owned by Messrs. Lee & Taliaferro, are becoming a
favorite place of resort. Mr. Lee
has just returned from the States, where he has been for some time making
preparations of an extensive kind for the accommodation of the Southern Public.
Everything that money and perseverance can accomplish, they are doing for
the comfort of those who patronize them.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], February 11, 1858, p. 1, c. 2
Boston
Brown Bread.—Mix three parts Indian and two parts rye meal.
Sift and wet down with sweetened water, hot, a little saleratus, and
yeast into a stiff pudding. Bake with a steady and strong until well done.
Finely
ground charcoal and white oak bark in equal parts make a good tooth powder for
keeping the teeth clean, and the gums healthy and hard.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], February 11, 1858, p. 2, c. 2
Discussion on Dancing, Etc.
Quite an animated discussion is going on between the Texas Republican and
a correspondent of the Christian Advocate upon the propriety of encouraging
dancing and theatrical performances. The
Republican claims for these institutions great antiquity, religious sanction and
the approval of the wisest and best men of different ages, if we understand his
positions. So far as we have yet
seen, we congratulate the Advocate in her correspondent's knowledge of the
scriptures and his true understanding and appreciation of the genius and spirit
of Christianity. Nothing can be
clearer to the Christian mind, than that dancing and theatrical amusements are
as directly opposed to true piety and the growth and enjoyment of spiritual
graces, as Satan and his rebellious kingdom are opposed to Christ, the glory of
God, and the eternal happiness of man. Our
heart is always moved with pity when we see an immortal being, who is rapidly
traveling to the judgment seat to hear and receive his final doom, trying to
justify an unholy life and practice by the word of God; when at every attempt he
clearly shows that the true light of that word is not in him; that he is in
utter darkness; and that he is even now closing his eyes against the spiritual
light of the glorious gospel of Christ. We could weep over such willful blindness by which the truth
is perverted and the scriptures wrested to the destruction of many souls.
But we hope Christians will see the ruinous evil of these popular sins
and avoid them.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], February 25, 1858, p. 3, c. 4
The
Rusk Enquirer makes mention of the Texas Freemason as about to be published at
that office.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], February 25, 1858, p. 3, c. 5
The
San Antonio Herald says: We
understand that the Mormons on the Medina below Bandera, and known as the Mormon
settlement, are about leaving for California, as they allege, but really, we
suspect, for Utah, probably having been summoned by Brigham to fall into ranks.
There are some dozen or more families.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], March 11, 1858, p. 2, c. 4
The Execution Yesterday.
At 2 o'clock P.M., yesterday, the negro woman, Lucy, was hung in the
upper room of the jail, (formerly the court house) in the presence of some
twenty persons, magistrates, freeholders, &c., as directed by the Penal
Code. It was the first execution in
this city, and perhaps the first in the State, under the requirements of the
Code, by which capital punishment cannot be inflicted in public. A large crowd of persons were collected around the jail, and
it was very evident, had they been members of the Legislature, they would have
voted unanimously for the repeal of this provision of the new code.
The scaffold was a plank platform some four feet square, elevated eight
or ten feet above the floor, on one side was secured two upright timbers by
hinges, while the other side was supported by a rope passing over the frame
above, so as to sustain the platform in a horizontal position.
Upon entering the room we found the sheriff, Mr. Westerlage, reading the
awful sentence of the law to the wretched woman, who had taken the life of her
mistress, and who was about to suffer the p[illegible--penalty of her?] dreadful crime. She was sitting on her [illegible], and appeared to listen
composedly to the sentence that pronounced her awful doom.
There was not the slightest appearance of fear or agitation in her
countenance or her manner. Having concluded the reading of the sentence, the sheriff
took her by the arm, (her hands being tied and her body covered with her burial
dress) and led her up the steps to the scaffold.
She walked with a firm step. When
the rope was adjusted about her neck, she was asked if she had anything to say.
She replied in a low voice, as well as we could understand, that all she
had to say was that she forgave everybody, and hoped that she would also be
forgiven.
The
Sheriff asked her if she had no more to say.
She said, no; and then added, "May the Lord have mercy on me."
Thereupon the Sheriff drew the covering over her face, cut the rope and
she was launched into eternity.
We
have given an account of this execution more in detail for the information of
those who were not allowed to be present, hoping it may prove a salutary warning
to others.—News 10th.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], April 15, 1858, p. 1, c. 5
Extravagance
in Dress.—Mr. Stirling, in his recently published book on travels in the
United States, thus compliments our American ladies on their extravagance in
dress:
The
ladies of New Orleans, like their sisters of New York, are great dressers;
indeed, the dresses of American women generally, at least the new rich class,
are something fabulous in expense, taking into consideration the rank and
fortune of the wearers and their husbands.
The dresses of ladies, in New Orleans I am told, and by New Orleans
people, are often equal in richness and expense to those of our crowned heads in
Europe. What do you think of a
Creole lady's dress powdered over with diamonds?
her husband probably a cotton broker!
Ladies here think nothing of expending a large proportion of the profits
of a year's trade in a few dresses. Of
course we must suppose that this is in most cases, done with the knowledge and
approval of the husband. An
American's wife is the peg on which he hangs out his fortune; he dresses her up
that men may see his wealth; she is a walking advertisement of his importance,
the "sandwich" announcing to Broadway or Canal st. that her husband is
a man of money and station.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], April 15, 1858, p. 4, c. 1
Fire
Kindlers.—Take a quart of tar, three pounds of rosin, melt them, bring to a
cooling temperature, mix with as much sawdust, with a little charcoal added,
upon a board; when cold, break into pieces the size of a large hickory nut.
The composition will easily ignite from a match, and burn with a strong
blaze long enough to start any wood that is fit to burn.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], August 12, 1858, p. 2, c. 1
G. G.
Baggerly is Dead.—We are informed by a private letter that G. G. Baggerly died
of consumption at his residence, in Tyler on Sunday, July 26, 1858.
We hope some of the brethren at Tyler will send us a suitable obituary
for publication. We are glad to
learn that he sent for members of Tyler church, and expressed entire
reconciliation on the day he died. Let charity cover the multitude of faults, and let brethren
all be one again.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], September 16, 1858, p. 1, c.
2
For the Texas Baptist.
Meeting.
Palestine, Anderson Co., Texas,}
August 8th, 1858.
Brother
Baines: One month and eight days
have elapsed since you left my house and the meeting you left in progress
continued until last Sunday night, with prayer meeting every morning at 9
o'clock, and preaching at night; the interest grew gradual from the beginning up
to the close, at which time there remained not less than twelve or fifteen
mourners. During the meeting there
were ten accessions to the church by experience and baptism, and three by
letter,
and some more will join soon. There
were no preachers with us but Elder J. R. Malone, of the Mt. Prairie Institute,
who is, by the way, a host when in the harness, and an able defender of the
doctrines of the Baptist church, (Christ's church, for when I say the Baptist
church, I mean the church of Jesus Christ; for, I do believe with all my heart,
it is the only one that fits the pattern brought to view in the New Testament,
in every particular; that is, on the earth, and I mean to the exclusion of all
other so-called churches,) and Brother Martin V. Smith, in whose ordination you
assisted while here, who is, this day, possessed of the greatest amount of zeal
and energy, his age considered, I ever knew, and who, I do honestly hope and
pray, will be the humble instrument in the hands of God in accomplishing great
good, and as yet he has the unbounded confidence of all this country, especially
those that see his daily walk and conversation, and my prayer to God is that he
may stand fast and firm, unshaken and immovable in the doctrines of the Bible,
and fearlessly and boldly proclaim the Gospel to a lost and dying world,
regardless of all consequences, without the fear, favor, of affection of
enemies; for I have already heard the distant and muttering thunders pointing
towards the camps of Pedoism and Campbellism. . . . As far as it did go, or has
gone, it was forced over the heads of every ism on earth, and everything else
that was calculated, in the least, to retard the progress of true and undefiled
religion. The science of footology,
for I don't know what else to call lit, was going on here at the time, and
taught, too, by a Northern Yankee dandy, who, it was said, came into our midst
to teach our young and rising generation, graceful manners to enter the social
and fashionable circles of society; and this teacher, of this great art, which
he found this community destitute of at least so much so as to make known to the
community, that it was in his opinion, thought they ought to pay him a handsome
sum, to give the young some lessons on that desired art which he did with a
vengeance, when, at the same time it is said, that this great teacher of this so
much desired art, had not advanced far enough in it himself, even, to know how
to go to church, and while there to behave himself as well as some of the most
illiterate and unlearned sons and daughters of Africa.—Beautiful teacher this,
in whose hands, for the fathers and mothers in Israel, the professed followers
of the meek and lowly Jesus Christ, to be turned over.
When will Christians get their eyes opened to such training as this for
their offspring, the manner of which thing God will hold them responsible for?
It was also interspersed with parties, negro-fool-shows, and, in short,
everything on earth that was in the least calculated to frustrate the cause of
the Redeemer's kingdom on earth. . . .
Yours in hope of eternal life,
Fido.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], September 16, 1858, p. 2, c.
5
For the Texas Baptist.
Dancing.
We often hear asked in apparent triumph, "What harm is there in
dancing?" In the mere
shuffling the feet or leaping to the sound of music, there is no harm.
Against making measured steps, graceful bows and intricate evolutions in
the social parlor or in the family circle, (if this were the end), here could
perhaps be no valid objection alleged. But that by no means covers the case;
dancing is seldom performed in that way, and we must look at in all its
tendencies and consequences, in all its connections and efforts.
We must examine it as it is, and not as it might be.
"What
harm is there in dancing?" A
great deal of harm.
1.
It is a positive violation of God's Word which solemnly enjoins us to
"shun the very appearance of evil," and parents to "raise up the
child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from
it." Who would wish their
children to make the ballroom, with its dances and dissipations, a part of their
permanent employment for life" What
good is there in dancing?
[Illegible]
Exercise is necessary; but how many are there who can not find some useful
employment in which they can take sufficient exercise?
If there is one, he ought to die—his life is not worth saving.
And how many young ladies are there who could not take sufficient
exercise in attending to the various duties of the domestic circle?
Not one. And if there were,
how much better to walk in the pure open air than to seek the crowded ball-room?
Some young ladies who lounge and loiter about, the week round, leaving
their mammas to wear themselves out with domestic labors and cares; young ladies
who do not make up their own beds, or sweep their own rooms, will go to the
ball-room and dance till after midnight in its heated, impure air, and fill
their stomachs with sweet-meats, confectionaries, impure wines, &c., that
the stomach of a hyena could not digest, and then perhaps go home through damp
night air, and all for exercise! Taking
into account the thin dressing, tight lacing, unwholesome food, violent heating
of the body and their exposure to night air—there is nothing so ruinous to the
health of young females. Early
graves or sickly lives are the rewards many such reap for their folly.
3.
It is a foolish, unprofitable waste of time.
Our probation here is short at best, and we need every moment for
purposes of value to ourselves and others; every moment may be turned to use,
and we have not one given us to throw away.
We are not our own, and when the Master comes he will call us to account
for the use of every moment. Who
will wish to say, "I hid my talent to enjoy the dance?"
4.
It cultivates a criminal fondness for dress and ornaments.
Nothing is more conspicuous in the ball-room than the extravagant and
senseless profusion of finery. Costly
materials, brilliant colors and sparkling jewels rival each other, while the
Scriptures forbid "costly apparel."
5.
It cultivates the most criminal extravagance.
The supper, wines, apparel, musician, carriages—in a word, the whole
thing is a useless expenditure of money. Many
a young lady may be seen in the ball room arrayed in finery and jewels that cost
more than her father makes clear in two months of hard labor with his hands.
And many parents while schooling their children to dance, are implanting
a spirit of extravagance and reckless expenditure which will one day scatter to
the winds their hard earned fortunes.
6.
It unduly excites the imagination and fills the heart with vanity.
Go stand within the ball-room and see the lovely forms moving through the
intricacies of the dance, arrayed in robes of costly material and brilliant
colors, the beaming eyes and smiling faces, the happy voices and cheerful
laughter on every side, the sweet strains of soul-inspiring music, and the
floods of light illuminating the lofty rooms; go look on a scene like this, and
decide whether it fits the young for the sober realities of life?
Do they not turn away from the stern conflicts of business and the cares
of the family with a sick heart, and sigh for the dissipations of the ball-room
and seek its imaginary pleasures? Very
poor training for those who are to make business men, or wives and mothers of
children, to say nothing of religion.
7.
It begets insubordination to parents and destroys attachment for home.
Who ever saw dancing children but what thought their parents were
"old fogies," and all the pleasures of the family coarse and
uninteresting and all its cares burdensome and beneath their position in
society?
8.
It leads to dissipation. Wine,
and even brandy is generally found in the ball-room, and gentlemen often drink
till unfit for any decent society; and even young ladies not infrequently drink
till scarcely able to stand without considerable support from their partners.
We have known an instance not one hundred miles off, in which two ladies
were unable to stand alone from intoxication.
How many drunkards can date their ruin back to the glass offered by a
fair hand in the ball-room.
9.
It murders piety and destroys all taste for religious worship.
Who ever saw a dancer, a ball-goer, who had any piety or any desire for
the house of God? They worship an
idol; they have no love of God, they will not attend his worship, they will not
attend prayer meeting; they will not attend Sabbath School, they don't love
Christian society.
10.
Its tendency is immoral; it breaks down virtue.
First—The
style of dress tolerated in the ball-room requires a sacrifice of that
instinctive modesty which is such an admirable and charming adornment of female
character. Reader, did you ever see
the inside of a ball room? and did
your eyes rest on the bare arms, bare necks and---heaving bosoms?
What is the direct effect of this immodest exposure?
Secondly—The
use of wine while heated in the confined air has a direct tendency to dethrone
reason and inflame the passions; to break down all the restraints of virtue and
prepare the victim for seduction and licentiousness.
Third—The
vulgar, immodest attitude of the parties in some of the dances requires the lady
to submit to familiarities from her partner repugnant to female virtue, and
which, under any other circumstances, would be repelled as an insult.
Fourth—The
Associations of the ball-room are always of a character that a young female
cannot mingle without more or less defilement.
Libertines, drunkards and gamblers—men whose very touch is pollution,
and who would not be countenanced in the social circle or family parlor—are
met civilly and smiled on in the ball-room, because its etiquette demands it.
Fifth—Much
of the conversation of the ball-room is incompatible with a high-toned purity of
character and refinement of manners.
Does
any one say that these are extreme cases?—These are the darkest shades of the
picture.
It is
not contended that all these evils follow in every case. Either one of them should be sufficient to drive any good man
or woman from the ball-room. Either
one is sufficient to condemn dancing as sinful, criminal.
We say
the "harm in dancing" is, that its tendency is to all these criminal
results; and hence, no one can innocently engage in or patronize it.
We hold these ruinous, dreadful consequences up before parents and
children and ask them to look at them soberly, in the light of reason and
Revelation, and decide whether they are prepared to meet them.
The
question is not, "Can these evils be escaped?"
"Can our children avoid the consequences?" But it is this,
"Is this the tendency?" "Are
these the consequences of dancing?" And if so, your duty is
clear—"avoid the appearance of evil."
Your
children might innocently play with a keg of gunpowder and be much pleased at
seeing small quantities of it flash in their hands; but, hark!
that stunning report, those screams and groans, those blackened,
mutilated forms show too late your criminal disregard for their safety.
It
might be pleasant for your children to sit down by the viper's den and stroke
its glossy, spotted back, but who would bear the risk for the mere amusement?
How can you permit your children, especially your tender daughters, to
enter dens of vipers, more cunning, deceitful and ruinous.
Finally,
it might be very pleasant for your children to embark in boats and sail around
the outer circles of a whirlpool, but would you be so reckless of their lives?
Could you see them after a few "graceful rounds," rushing into
its roaring, foaming vortex, and hear their despairing cries for help, and feel
no self-accusation? There is a far
more fearful vortex which thousands enter through the mazy dance!
Can
you then send your children to the ball-room?
Dare you let them go while under your direction, with all the above
ruinous tendencies before your eyes? "How
many parents have lived to reap the bitter fruits of their folly, to see their
sons and daughters preferring the ball-room to the house of God, and leaving
their parents to go alone and with mourning hearts, to the prayer-meeting, while
they mingled in scenes of gaiety and dissipation."
How
can any Christian man or woman use the prayer taught by Christ—"Lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," and then go on send their
children to the ball-room? May the
Lord have mercy on such professors and convert them from the error of their
ways.
H.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], September 23, 1858, p. 3, c.
2
Brother
Wright gives the following interesting religious news.
We rejoice to hear of the churches prosperity.
We had
a meeting of a week's continuance at Tyler, and we are thankful to be able to
record good results. The church was
much revived; Christians were made to rejoice and mutually forgive each other
and come together as one at the foot of the cross of the blessed Savior.
Some six or seven were received by letter and restoration.
Rejoice with us. We hope for
better times in Tyler.
Brother
John Rasberry has just closed a very interesting meeting of days also at
Antioch. Some twenty-five baptized;
one by letter and two or three standing over for baptism.
Brother
Milburn has just closed a good meeting also at Harris Creek church.
Some ten I think were baptized.
Brother
J. S. Bledsoe held a meeting recently with Carmel church with about the same
results. Yours truly,
J. V. Wright.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], September 23, 1858, p. 3, c. 1
Judson Association.
The ministers and delegates that may attend the Judson Association at
Larissa, are referred to the following brethren, who will assign them suitable
homes during their stay with us, viz: Willis
Bass, O. Prestridge, J. Phillips, Y. D. Harrington, H. Click, E. Dodson, W.
Check.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], September 23, 1858, p. 3, c.
3
For the Texas Baptist.
Meeting.
Brother Baines: After
spending some time with the Tyler church, aiding in their meeting, (an account
of which you doubtless will be furnished by some of the brethren) I left on
Saturday for Larissa and met with the church there on Sabbath, August 8th.
Brother Denman with me we carried on the meeting, and the good Lord
blessed his Word, for on the first day six persons were found at the anxious
seat asking an interest in the prayers of Christians.
On Wednesday we sent for Brethren Thomas, Smith and Malone.
Brother Thomas came but could not remain long. On Thursday Brother Lain came to our relief, but owing to his
feeble health, he remained but a short time.
We again sent for Brother Malone, who came on Friday and remained until
Sunday evening and did us much service. This
was certainly the best meeting I ever attended.
I have been where more were converted, but I never saw a stiller, deeper
work. We had but little noise and
often death-like stillness pervaded the whole congregation.
It was a melting time of solemn prayer to God for his blessing, and the
Lord heard and answered. I
requested all several times to pray and all that could knelt, and I felt like
all did pray. There was not an unfeeling sinner there; no laughing or
talking even by the most unconcerned. The
work seemed to increase until the last day.
We left some sixteen mourners and I suppose as many had left rejoicing.
We had twenty-two added to the church—eight by letter and fourteen by
baptism. The Lord prosper his work.
Your brother in the Gospel.
J. M. Carter.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], October 7, 1858, p. 2, c. 2
Denton.—We
were pleased to see in our office during the week our esteemed friend, R.
Turner, Esq., of Denton, Denton county. He
gives us some interesting statistics which we publish for the information of our
readers.
The
county has a population of about 5,000—750 voters.
Like every other county, it is "one of the finest counties in the
State." Its lands—black and
sandy—are rich and productive, producing wheat, corn, rye and the like, in
abundance; but little cotton is raised owing in a great degree to its distance
from a cotton market. The wheat
crop of the last season averaged twenty bushels per acre, and can be bought in
Denton for 75 cents per bushel. The
county has an abundance of good water, and is well supplied with timber for all
purposes; though a good steam saw mill is required to cut it up.
The town is situated on the edge of the Cross Timbers, with an extensive
prairie to the west. It contains several dry goods and one drug store—has a
goodly number of lawyers and a few doctors.
It has a good frame courthouse. A
Masonic hall is about to be built; the contract for the wood work is taken at
nearly $3,000. The town, however,
lacks a good school—a competent teacher would do well in Denton. A more desirable location for a weekly newspaper cannot be
found. We believe a paper, properly
conducted by practical printers would succeed in Denton.
The
Baptist church numbers some twelve members, and the little band attend monthly
on the ministrations of Brother Willis. May
a work of grace be revived among them.
Our
list of subscribers in Denton county is already quite respectable, and we hope
that as the Baptist becomes known its circulation will rapidly increase.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], October 7, 1858, p.2, c. 4-7
Summary: Parental Obligation and
Force of Habit—Substance of a sermon preached by Elder J. V. Wright, in the
regular course of his pastoral labors at Tyler, Texas, on Sunday evening, 5th
day of September, 1858. Published by request of the church.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], October 14, 1858, p. 2, c. 2
. . .
Bonham is a handsome and flourishing town, the best we saw in the northern part
of our State in some particulars. Kentucky
Town is a small village situated in a high and healthy country.
We preached at both these towns and made several new acquaintances at
each place and were both pleased and encouraged in our visits.
The citizens are generally intelligent, enterprising and very hospitable
to visitors. They have our grateful
acknowledgements for their kindness and our best wishes for their prosperity.
From
Kentucky Town we made our way south-west over a very high prairie country to
Pilot Point, a little village near the corners of Grason [sic], Cook and Denton
counties. Here we entered the Cross
Timbers and traveled through them to the town of Denton, where we arrived on
Saturday. Here we rested several
days and preached to the people of this new and growing village with some
apparent good effect.
The
Methodist minister in charge at that place had a meeting in progress when we
arrived, but he very courteously yielded his preemption and gave notice that we
would preach at eleven o'clock on Sunday which we did to a very respectable and
attentive congregation. We preached
twice afterward and so far as we could judge from appearances, the power of the
Gospel was truly manifest.
We
also attended the services of our Methodist brethren at their hours, and heard
some very good discourses which we hope were blessed to the awakening of sinners
to a sense of their danger. Brother
Binkley is a courteous gentleman and a young man of promising talents, who will
give his superiors some trouble on account of his independence of though at
action. We opine that his powers of
mind will ere long bring him to discover that the shallow waters of Methodist
doctrine will not afford him a safe and comfortable season in which to make his
ministerial voyage through time to eternity, and if he has grace enough to count
all things loss for the excellency of Christ Jesus, his only rightful Lord, he
will assert his freedom in Christ and glory only in bearing his cross.
Before his eyes the transcendent honor of Jesus will outshine all worldly
glory and he will despise the honor that comes from men or promotes the pride of
the human heart. May God direct his
course and guide him safe to heaven.
The
Baptist church in Denton is small, being newly constituted, but as it has some
pious members who are devoutly praying for an increase, we hope the Lord will
add to it soon such as shall be saved. This
town is situated near the west edge of the Cross Timbers in sight of the grand
prairie. It is a good wheat and
stock country. The land is not
generally so rich as some other counties, but the soil is good, land cheap,
short timber is abundant and the people look healthy.
From Denton we made our way to Grape-vine Prairie where the West Fork
Association met. We were conducted
to the hospitable dwelling of Brother Estell, where we abode until we thence
departed after the close of the meeting. Our
readers may learn much of this body by the Minutes, which will soon appear.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], October 14, 1858, p. 2, c. 7
For the Texas Baptist.
Nacogdoches County.
While several of the Eastern counties of Texas are increasing in wealth,
population and importance, Nacogdoches is beginning to shine forth like a rich
jewel in the diadem of Texas. If
there is a county in the State that is more praiseworthy than another, it is
certainly Nacogdoches; for where can we find more hospitality and generosity
than among its citizens? The daily
liberal appropriations prove the spirit of high-minded citizens.
Other counties, doubtless, possess more wealth and greater facilities for
advancing to the high state of culture for which God created man, but there are
none that are doing more in proportion to its strength.
For the morality and good conduct of its citizens, its equal is but very
seldom found. The fertility of its
soil, with the almost certainty of rain, &c., are attracting emigrants not
only from various parts of its own State, but also from the adjoining States.
Where, but last year, might be heard nothing but the sound of the
sportsman's horn and the melancholy howling of wolves, now may be seen beautiful
fields of corn; and too, where not long since the wild deer of the forest
roamed, now may be heard the echo of fine schools and the still richer notes of
Christian worship.
May
this beautiful and picturesque county, inhabited by generous men and lovely
women, continue to improve morally and physically, and finally wave its banner
triumphantly over all opposition.
Mary M. S-------,
A student of New Salem School.
September
4.
We always rejoice to have an opportunity to encourage the young and
promising talent of Texas, and especially the females.
We would be delighted to see a portion of our paper constantly filled by
their communications. We can
readily bear with their childish imperfections for the superior pleasure of
beholding their growing developments of mind and their preparation for future
usefulness. God bless the children.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], October 14, 1858, p. 3, c. 2
For the Texas Baptist.
Prayer Meeting in Houston.
Brother Baines: For more
than twenty days past a daily union prayer meeting has been sustained in Houston
by laymen connected with the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
The Baptist building was selected because of its central
location—directly between the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
The meeting is strictly of a union character.
Not the least sectarianism is discernible.
The numbers in attendance have, thus far, been quite respectable, and
about equal from the three denominations represented in the meeting.
We wish it distinctly understood, that we claim no revival; on the
contrary, we have to lament the cold and dead state of our churches, and the
little interest manifested in the community generally on the subject of
religion. We trust our sincere
prayer is, "Oh! Lord revive
thy work." We ask an interest
in the prayers of christians every where, and especially in our own State, that
the city of Houston may be visited with a genuine, Scriptural revival of
religion.
Union.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], November 4, 1858, p. 3, c. 1
A
Woman's Growth in Beauty.—If women could only believe it, there is a wonderful
beauty even in growing old. The
charm of expression arising from softened temper or ripened intellect, often
amply atones for the loss of form and coloring, and, consequently, to those who
never could boast either of these latter, years give much more than they take
away. A sensitive person often
requires half a life time to get thoroughly used to this corporeal machine to
attain a wholesome indifference, both to its defects and perfections, and to
learn, at last, what nobody would acquire from any teacher but experience, that
it is the mind alone which is of any consequence; that with a good temper,
sincerity and a moderate stock of brains—or even the two former only—any
sort of body can, in time, be made useful, respectable, and agreeable, as a
traveling dress for the soul. Many
a one who was absolutely plain in youth, thus grows pleasant and well looking in
declining years. You will hardly
ever find anybody, not ugly in mind, who is repulsively ugly in person after
middle life.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], November 18, 1858, p. 2, c. 3
"The
Texas Era" is the title of a new paper started at Henderson, Rusk county,
by Messrs. S. G. and Leon Swan.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], December 2, 1858, p. 2, c. 4
For the Texas Baptist.
From Bowie County.
Boston, Nov. 9, 1858.
Brother
Baines: Our papers come very
irregularly and some are disposed to complain, but after several years
observation, I am satisfied that it is not in the power of any one man to remedy
the evil. It is not only
unreasonable but cruel, to hold an editor responsible for the
carelessness of postmasters over whom he has no control.
We should remember that "we are in Texas," and wait
patiently for better times.
Our
county is blessed with excellent health at present, and presents the appearance
of a good degree of prosperity. Boston,
the county seat is located in a high region of country, twelve miles from Red
River, on the north and about the same distance from Sulphur Fork on the south.
It is yet quite small nearly all the improvement having been made within
the last five years. The lands in
this vicinity are of a medium quality with excellent roads, plenty of timber and
an abundance of the best water to be found in Texas.
Apples, peaches and almost all kinds of fruit grow well on the uplands.
Cotton is the chief staple of the county, which is principally grown on
the rich bottom lands of Red River, down which it is conveyed on steamboats with
but little trouble to the farmer to the New Orleans market.
The
Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroad runs within about three miles of this
place, thirteen or fourteen miles of which are already graded.
As to the ultimate success of this great enterprise there seems to be no
reasonable doubt. The specific time of its accomplishment is the only question
to solve with regard to it. "The
immense territory West, unsurpassed in fertility of soil and salubrity of
climate," requiring an outlet to the Mississippi River, the overwhelming
influence brought to bear upon this enterprise as shown by S. H. Morgan, by over
20,000 miles of River Navigation and 20,000 miles of Railroad connections east
of the Mississippi River, besides the millions of capital and population East
that must have an outlet West by railway, seems to place the whole question of
its final result beyond conjecture. That portion of the road now in course of construction is
surveyed from the Arkansas line to the West Fork of the Trinity River a distance
of 224 miles, designed to form a junction with the Houston and Texas Central
Railroad, thus connecting the Mississippi with the Gulf of Mexico.
$600,000 worth of stock has been taken in this survey, which is expected
to be increased in a short time to $750,000.
The present indebtedness of the company is $8,000, while the amount due
from stockholders is $80,000. Besides
this amount from the stockholders, the company has the benefit of a loan from
the State of $6,000 per mile and a land grant of sixteen sections per mile,
which at $1.50 per acre would amount to over $15,000 per mile, sufficient to pay
the whole cost of the road; and the probability is that when the road is
completed those lands will be worth from $5 to $15 per acre. So it may be
clearly seen that the inducements offered are sufficient to secure the
completion of the work at no very distant period.
More anon.
D.B.M.
Boston, Nov. 22, 1858.
Brother
Baines: In my last I gave you a
short sketch of our temporal condition and prospects in this remote corner of
Texas. It may be no less
interesting to your readers to learn something of the condition and prospects of
the cause of truth among us. Our
churches in this portion of the East have not enjoyed those refreshing revival
seasons which have gladdened the hearts of so many churches and ministries in
various parts of the country during the past year.
Our brethren generally lament their coldness, and many of the churches
are languishing for want of a regular and efficient ministry.
This county has no Baptist minister but myself.
Cass county on the South with a large and growing population has but one
Baptist minister. Nearly the whole of Red River, Lamar and Fannin counties are
entirely destitute of Baptist preachers. Several
ministers of the right stamp I believe could be sustained here.
Truly, "the harvest is great but the laborers are few."
It is not the great scarcity of ministers of which we complain, but it is
the scarcity of working, self-denying and faithful ministers.
Some of our western churches are burdened with ministers who are doing
literally nothing in the way of carrying out the requirements of their high
commission to preach the Gospel to every creature. . . .
D. B. M.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
What Hymn Book for Texas?
All know that Baptists can not be bound ecclesiastically to unite upon
any particular hymn book. All know
that in union there is strength, and that many advantages would arise from the
churches using the same collection of hymns.
From the various States brethren have imported various hymn books, and
their local preferences have not been sacrificed for the general good.
The churches organized here have not permanently located upon any
collection of hymns, and even those few that have laid down their files would be
willing to lift them for a better location.
Now is the accepted time for us to settle down upon some uniform
standard.
The
most of our ministers, deacons and prominent members will read weekly in the
Tennessee Baptist the recommendations of the Southern Psalmist, and the
compilers (Graves and Pendleton) enjoy the confidence of the churches. The associations and churches will obtain the most of their
reading books and Sunday school books from Nashville. These causes will introduce the Southern Psalmist into Texas
to a considerable extent. It would
be in vain for any one to oppose this "foregone conclusion."
The Rubicon is already passed. The
only question open for discussion is, ought all the churches to adopt the
Southern Psalmist to secure the advantages of union?
Upon this all-important question we venture our individual opinion; and
as the hymn book is next to the Scriptures in importance, we shall take time to
remark generally about "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs."
A
shrewd statesman has observed, "Let me make the songs for a nation, and I
will govern it." Another
statesman has said, "Let me write the songs for a nation and I care not who
makes its laws." Carlyle says,
"Observe, too, how all passionate language does of itself become
musical—with finer music than mere accent.*
All deep things are song. It
seems, somehow, the central essence of us—song." Poetry, music and song exist among every nation, people,
kindred and tongue as the fundamental feelings of human nature.
Before the invention of letters, history, philosophy and law were taught
in poetry, music and song. Probably
none of our readers could quite a single sentence from Whitfield while their
memories are richly stored with the verses of Watts.
Cowper's poetic sensibility prevented him from figuring among the
statesmen, and exiled him to the solitude of nature and of God, from which he
now figures largely in the souls of millions, while the statesmen of his day
have passed away. Not one in a
thousand have ever seen the theological works of Toplady, while the assembly of
the [illegible]
"Rock of ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee."
The six octavo volumes of Newton can scarcely be found in the libraries even of
the universities, and yet Brother Baylor brings the tears from the frontier men
by reading,
"In evil long I took delight."
And probably when Newton arises in the resurrection he will hear the "wreck
of matter and the crash" of worlds made melodious by the saints singing
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound."
The
All-wise God employed the power of poetry in writing (in the original) the book
of Job, the Songs of Solomon, the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and a great part of
the prophetical writings, and the Psalms now read round the family altar once
filled the sanctuary with songs of praise.
It is a fact worthy of note that Milton, Young and Pollock obtain from
the Scriptures themes worthy of the sublimest productions of genius; and the
rhetorical figures of the Scriptures are versified by every poet.
The hymn book is next to the Scriptures.
To
whom shall be intrusted [sic] the solemn responsibility of selecting the hymns
to be sung by the saints of the Most High, whose theme echoes the golden harps
of seraphim? What compilers have
poetic and Scriptural taste to enable the brethren to "speak to themselves
in psalms, hymns and Spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their hearts
to the Lord?" For years past
the Tennessee Baptist has published, not newspaper poetry, but true and useful
poetry. These pieces have not been
after the false and the fool model of Byron, nor the fanciful and frantic model
of Shelley, but they have been vitalized with the activity of the nineteenth
century and united to the benevolent movements of this age.
We would cheerfully give ten dollars to have bound in book the poetry
published in the Tennessee Baptist for the last few years.
This volume would teach some of the good brethren who may smile at this
essay that only false poetry is composed of sighs of moonbeam lovers and the
dewdrop tears of sentimentalists; but that the poetry of truth springs from the
center of the soul and makes the world wiser, holier and happier.
Can not the South-Western Publishing House issue this volume to be
placed in the parlor instead of the infidel and corrupting poetry now seen on
almost every center-table? We have
alluded to the healthful and inspiring poetry of the Tennessee Baptist to prove
that these editors would not publish hymns where the sense was sacrificed to the
sound, nor on the other extreme, when the heart is sacrificed to the
imagination. They possess the
qualifications for editing a hymn book for the churches.
The
churches to which we have preached have generally used the Psalmist compiled by
I. F. Smith and B. Stow. It has
many excellencies and some defects. Music
(which hath charms for the child and the savage) may be so refined till no one
can appreciate it except the few who have long cultivated (perverted) their
taste.
We
have thought the Psalmist contained too many hymns adopted alone for poetic
sensibilities. Penitentive hymns should not come from a fancy which can weep
fictitiously, but they should be the wailings of woe groaned by the contrite
spirit and the broken heart. Hymns
of adoration should not be written by the philosopher who has looked through
nature up to nature's God, [illegible]ying his contemplation in verse—as
Carlyle says, why twist such speculations into jingle when they can be expressed
better in prose. When the Gospel is
designed for all the world does not that preacher fail who addresses it so as to
please a few of the self-conceited, knowing ones, psalms should express humility,
veneration and gratitude—they should flow from the fountain of love.
We
have thought that the Psalmist contained too many hymns that were merely
definitions of hymns, or like the Lord's prayer twisted into rhyme.
Let the articles of faith stand still in prose form.
True, the apostle exhorts, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
But this teaching and admonishing is to be addressed to the heart,
stirring its emotions. In the first
of this article, we mentioned how Watts and Cowper have made the word of Christ
to dwell as a part and portion of the soul itself. While we believe that the Psalmist contains the most classic
collection of hymns for highly cultivated tastes; yet, a portion of it will not
reach the people, and another portion is more adapted for reading than for
singing "in your hearts to the Lord."
After
carefully examining the Southern Psalmist, edited by J. R. Graves and J. M.
Pendleton, we think it will come more to "the hearts and the home" of
the brethren. Instead of lying in
the library, it will be placed on the stand with the family Bible for the
fathers. The spectacles of the
mothers in Israel will often be found between its soiled leaves; and the
brethren will carry it with them to meeting.
We hope the preacher's heart will not be so wrung with agony because of
the cold and heartless singing during [illegible].
(To be
continued.)
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1859, p. 3, c. 3
A
large Manufacturing company has lately started in New Braunfels, for the making
of coarser fabrics. They are
already engaged in the furtherance of the matter.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1859, p. 3, c. 2
We are
assured, says the Picayune, by those engaged here as buyers of the article, that
all the wool grown in the Southwest will find a ready sale in New Orleans.
Two or three mercantile firms give considerable attention to this
article, and are prepared to buy all that is offered.
We would inform the planters of Louisiana and Mississippi that cotton
does not find a more ready sale in New Orleans than wool.
The labor of taking off the fleece from their flocks will be richly
remunerated by the prices obtained as soon as it reaches the city. Nor should Texas neglect this market for her wool.
It is the best within the reach of her stock raisers.
It will improve rapidly as the quantity forwarded increases.
Merchants will devote their exclusive attention to its purchase and sale,
when it becomes as sure a product as cotton or sugar, and comes to their hands
in large quantities. We can name
several warehouses that now are filled with wool.
As yet none is shipped to the North.
It is consumed at home. The
orders of Southern manufacturers come directly to the wool merchants of New
Orleans. The Southern producer
saves much in freights, commission and storage, who sends his crop to this
market.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1859, p. 3, c. 2
The
Brownsville Flag is arguing in favor of a treaty with Mexico for the extradition
of the slaves that have escaped from Texas to the other side of the Rio Grande.
The Los Noticias, a paper published in Matamoras, is opposed to
such a treaty—says it would be repulsive to the Mexican people, &c.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 6, 1859, p. 3, c. 2
The
Tyler Reporter of the 11th ult., says:
"A number of negroes, belonging to the estate of Lindsey Smith, were
sold at the block in this places [sic] on Tuesday last, on a credit of twelve
months, for the following high prices, viz: A girl fifteen years old, for $1,110; a woman, 22 years old,
(with infant) $1,560; a girl, 9 years old, $800; a boy, 4 years old, $725.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 13, 1859, p. 2, c. 7
Elder
J. V. Wright informs us that he is about removing from Tyler, in Smith county,
to Midway, in Madison county, and requests his correspondents to address him at
the latter office. Brother Wright
is a good preacher and a good physician. The
citizens of Madison county may extend to him a hearty welcome.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 13, 1859, p. 3, c. 4
Married—On
the 21st ult., by Elder J. V. Wright, Mr. Bryan Marsh to Miss Mitia
Shuart, all of Smith county, Texas.
On the
29th ult., by the same, Mr. L. L. Langham, of Pensacola Florida, to
Miss Mary Bevile, of Smith county, Texas.
On the
4th inst., by the same, Mr. Con. F. Reed to Miss Elizabeth Moor, all
of Smith county, Texas.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], January 27, 1859, p. 4, c. 2
Loaf
of Tea Cake.—One cup sour milk, one cup sugar, one teaspoonful rose water, a
little nutmeg, one tablespoonful of butter, one teaspoonful of soda, two and a
half cups of flour.
Batter
Puddings.—Sixteen tablespoonfuls flour, one quart of milk, six eggs, salt,
beat the eggs to a froth on the plate, and after it is mixed, beat it fifteen
minutes. Either boil or bake.
Short
Gingerbread.—Eight cups of flour, three cups of sugar, one of ginger, one of
butter, six eggs, one teaspoonful of soda.
Cookies.—Three
and a half pounds of flour, one and a half of sugar, one of butter, one
teaspoonful of caraway seeds, one and a half cups of milk, half a teaspoonful of
soda.
Soda
Soap.—To two bars of Windsor soap, add two pounds of soda that is used for
washing, and twenty quarts of water. Boil
it twenty minutes.
A New
Pudding.—One quart of milk, half a pound lf flour, half a pound of butter.
Melt the butter in one pint of milk—mix the flour in the other pint.
Two teaspoonfuls of rice boiled soft, mix all together, add seven eggs
beaten to a froth, baked three quarters of an hour.
Sauce for the Pudding.—one glass of wine, one of brandy, one of rose
water, one of water, one pint bowl of sugar, one egg, one cup of butter.
Let it boil up at once.
Plum
Pudding.—One stale bread loaf, take off the brown crust, cut it in slices, and
spread them with butter. Pour over
it one quart of boiled milk and let it stand until morning.
Grate in one nutmeg, one teaspoonful of salt, eight eggs well beaten, a
pint bowl of stoned raisins, flour the raisins and bake two hours.
To be baked immediately after putting in the raisins and eggs.
Swiss
Cake.—One and a half cupsful of sugar, four tablespoonsful of butter, one
cupful of milk, three cupsful of flour, two eggs, one teaspoonful of soda, and
one and a half teaspoonsful of wine. Flavor
to your liking.
A New
Cake.—Two cupsful of sugar, a small lump of butter, half a pint of milk, four
eggs, one cocoa-nut, grated, a teaspoonful of soda, and two teaspoonsful of
cream of tartar.
Newton
Sponge Cake.—The weight of twelve eggs in sugar, the weight of seven eggs in
flour; beat the whites of the egg to a froth, also heat the yelks [sic] well;
add the sifted sugar to the whites, then put in the yelks and the flour; add
also the grated rind and juice of three lemons.
Potato
Cheesecake.—One pound of mashed potatoes, a quarter of a pound of currants, a
quarter of a pound of butter and sugar, and four eggs.
Bake in tins lined with paste.
A
Simple Pudding.—Boil a quart of milk, cut up some bread in small pieces and
soak them in the milk, for about an hour; then add a tablespoonful of Indian
meal, and a piece of butter the size of a walnut, sweeten well, and put in
nutmeg and other spices. Bake about
twenty minutes.
Pomatum.—Melt
about half a pint of beef marrow, and add to it six cents worth of castor oil,
and three tablespoonsful of alcohol. Scent
to your fancy. First rend the
marrow, then melt it and put in all but the perfume, and beat it until it
becomes like cream. Then add the
perfume.
Indellible
Ink.—Twelve and a half grains of nitrate of silver, a piece of gum arabic the
size of a bean—put that into a phial with two spoonsful of water, let it
remain three or four days in the sun or at the fire, and it will dissolve and
turn black. The preparatory liquid
is one ounce of pearlash to be put into a bottle, with one and a half ounces of
water, and a piece of gum arabic, the size of a nutmeg.
TEXAS BAPTIST [Anderson, TX], February 3, 1859, p. 2, c. 4
Which Hymn Book for Texas.
As the Lord so often commands his people, both in the Old and New
Testament, to sing his praise, it is useless to enlarge upon the duty of hymning
the glory of God. As every person
confesses the soul-stirring power of spiritual songs, it would be vain to prove
by argument, what is more clearly proven by every person's experience.
Prayerful reflection is needed to prepare in the best manner to
"speak to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your hearts to the Lord."
How ignorantly and irreverently, do many pretend to perform his
delightful and sublime devotion, springing from the most sacred sentiments of
the blood washed Spirit. The Publication Society of the North, which issued the
Psalmist, designed mostly for the pulpit, also issued the Harp, designed more
particularly for the prayer meetings, revivals and social singing, the
Publication Society of the South, for the same reasons, issued the
"Lute," in addition to the Psalmody.
Without urging how two books would constantly confuse a congregation, we
should oppose the two, because not needed.
Of the thousands of different provisions upon which man can sustain life,
but few are universally palatable. Of
the thousands of religious books, but few are universally appreciated. Some portions of the Scriptures are delightful to every
Christian, while other portions are not read with the same sweet emotions.
So there are multitudes of hymns, sound in the faith, yet never sung in
the assembly of the saints, or if sung, only in ceremonial prosaic stiffness.
Christian experience is essentially the same, under all circumstances,
and those hymns which sing the grace of God, as experienced in the heart, will
be universally beloved. This remark
is not confined to the hopes and fears, the trials and triumphs of the common
brotherhood; but every devout soul has experienced God's glory in such hymns as
"God moves in a mysterious way," and "Before Jehovah's awful
throne," and "Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
However, we will not waste time to explain why the people use only a few
score of hymns; why they prefer these old friends to strangers, though better
dressed; why they sing these over the ten thousandth time, without noticing new
ones. Now, the practical lesson to
be learned from this admitted fact is, that it would be best to omit those which
will never be sung, so that enough for every purpose and occasion may be bound
into a portable book. Many
collections are too much filled with psalms designed only for the pulpit, one
half of which are not used. It is a
very great excellence of the Southern Psalmist, that it contains enough hymns
for any occasion of making melody in the heart to the Lord. It is a bright, a very, very bright excellence of the
Southern Psalmist, to have so many revival songs.
How often have revivals been chilled by freezing singing!
How often has the good effect of the sermon been neutralized by the bad
effect of the singing! Many of the brethren have by this fault greatly retarded the
pure cause of the gospel. This
fault may be excused, to a great extent, by their not being able to get suitable
books. By revival hymns, we do not
mean those comic (or rather frantic) songs, which are sometimes used to stir up
a fuss miscellaneously, of every quality and quantity. But as there are rational and scriptural hymns for sickness
or for the Lord's Supper, so the Southern Psalmist contains rational and
scriptural hymns for revivals.
The
compilers state in the preface, "we regard properly conducted prayer
meetings as one of the best means of maintaining the spirituality of the
churches. Hence we have attempted
to make a rich selection of hymns on prayer.
The precious doctrine of the security of believers in Christ, we have
presented in its fullness and glory. The
hymns for the baptismal occasions, are more numerous than in any other book,
though some familiar ones are omitted, because we considered them
objectionable."
Doubtless
the brethren will find in the Southern Psalmist, more of these familiar hymns,
endeared by the recollections of the family fireside, hallowed by sacred scenes
of the family altar, enshrined in the memory with pictures of our mothers, who
hummed them while plying the needle,--elevated to heavenly hopes by those dear
lips that once sung them on earth.
Gilfillen
cowhides with his pen, some upstart who dared to alter the "Pilgrim's
Progress." As severe a
cowhiding, of some sort, is richly merited by some persons, who presume to
improve the hymns by the best poets. The
old maxim that "poeta nascitur, orator fit"—a poet is born
such, while an orator may be made—should prevent any person, not naturally a
poet, from interfering with the accent and the measure and the melody of the
acknowledged masters of this art. But
as poets are not born theologians, and not such professionally, Brothers Graves
& Pendleton can detect theological errors, better than the composers.
The hymn which reads:
"I'll to my gracious King approach,
Whose sceptre pardon gives;
Perhaps he will command my touch,
And then the suppliant lives."
"Perhaps he will admit my plea,
Perhaps will hear my prayer;
&nb