The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-01

the methods of those who stood for pro-
gress in education and religion.
According to the statistics there are
now 80 white associations in North
Carolina and these contain 1868 church
es, with a membership of 175,000. Every
Baptist church is a separate and indie
pendent body, acknowledging Christ as
its only head and the Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments as its only rule
of faith and practice. 1t elects it's own
pastor, raises his salary by a voluntary
subscription, administers it's own discip-
line, and regulates it's own internal af-
fairs. The conventions and associations
have no authority over the churches.
They may advise and suggest but they
cannot legislate for them. These annu-
al gatherings are only great mass meet
ings for the discussions of missions, edu-
cational questions and such other topics
as are thought to pertain to the spread
Of the Kingdom of Christ in the world.
1t is wonderful how without any ecclesi-
astical regulation binding the churches
together and without any human creed
binding the individual members. there
should be such unanimity among Baptist
people on questions of Bible doctrine.
They have always stood for liberty of
conscience, liberty of speech, separation
of Church and State, the right of private
Judgment in the Interpretation of Scrip
ture, the voluntary principle in all
things right, a regenerated membership
and independence in church government.
These principles, in a republic like ours,
have had much to do with the growth of
the people. With malice toward none
charity for all, they stand ready to do
their part in carrying the gospel to the
ends of the earth. The denomination has
one college in the State for the educa-
tion of young men with an endowment
of 100000, and with 25S students at pres
ent. The campus is one Of the prettiest
spots in North Carolina and the build
ings are commodious and well arranged.
The graduates of this institution are
now filling positions of trust and influ-
ence in every part of the country. The
Female University in Raleigh cost the
denomination 100000. 1t is now doing a
fine work and has on it's roll $50 young
ladies. The Chowan Institute, in Muir
freesboro, also is the property of the
| Baptist and for many years the institu-
tion has been a great power for the
ed lcation of the young women from
Norri. Carolina and Virginia.
There, are twenty five or thirty aca-
denies in this State under the direction
of Baptist trustees. An effort is being
made TO establish these high schools in
every association district. One of the
great subjects to be considered by the
convention will be the raising of money
to help forward all the schools under
the direction and control of the denomi-
nation 1t is proposed to raise 100000
for this purpose within few months.
The Orphanage at Thomasville is very
dear to all the Baptists more than 200
children now being care for at this insti-
tuition.
There are 100 missionaries now at
work under the direction of the State
Mission Board within the boundaries of
our commonwealth. This year $4,000
was raised to defray the expenses of
this mission work The convention next
week promises to be one of unusual in
terest. The attendance will be large and
several distinguished preachers and edu-
Gators will be present from other States.
The people of Winston Salem have
thrown open their doors and a hearty
welcome awaits every visitor. Many of
the delegates will arrive on Tuesday to
attend the Young Peoples meeting,
which will be held that night, and many
others will arrive on Wednesday for the
opening session Of the convention