Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-04-20
DR.. CALVIN AND THE
STATE CONVENTION
IDEALS
232 South Main Street,
Danvillc, Va, April Is, 1913.

Dear brethren or the Nlrgln.a Bap-
fist State Convention: Just twenty
two days hence will find Newport
News, Va. filled with delegates from
all parts of Virginia, the District of
Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, New York and other
parts of Now England.
That bids to be q meeting we'll
worth the presence and attention Of
all who may attend. A fine program
is under preparation and a large del
cgation is expected to be present.
Members of that convention think
that the personnel and practice of
the organization is worthy Of credit
and appreciation. Our convention
represents men of various classes
and Callings; men from various in
stitutions of learning; while some OF
her best characters arc those who
have not been 50 fortunate as to at
tend any institution of learning. And
regardless Of these diffcrenc ations
ell Of our brethren realize that by the
blood of Adam and by the blood Of
Jesus Christ they are kin, and there
fore should dwell upon one plain as
sons of the Most High and as agents
and messengers of the tragedy of
Calvary.
Thus that body Of brethren arc not
altogether ranked by the size of their
brain or churches, but the size OF
heart counts much also with them.
For they heard Jesus say, "Whoso-
ever Will be great let him serve"
go the spirit of our convention is to
be fair and democratic in all of its
deliberations. And this spirit large
~ accounts for the general good and
hnr1v rot
ranks.
Certainly, all Of the brethren do
not think alike on all Of the same
things, but they know that free men
in America, who are born of God
by the Holy Spirit and therefore
breathe the free spirit OF the great
Liberator, Jesus Of Calvary, arc
creatures of individuality and liber-
atty, and as such they scorn the
spirit of force rule.
For many years, even ever since
the Battle Of Lexington" we must
thank God for peace and prosperity
among us, in our work. The Virginia
Baptist State Convention does not
even like points Of order, but rather
order without points and upon this
basis she has dared and done for
Jehovah, 10 these nineteen years. and
we do pray that such will be true rs
many years more. Our men are too
able and self-reliant to raise points
on the convention floor just ito nc
seen Of men,
| thank God that our convention
has been and is a credit to all of it's
constituents, and now we labor, hope
and pray for meeting in Newport
News, May SIP, that will be second
to none In the conventions history,
the Jubilee excepted. We have re-
ceived many letters from parts Of the
field, which are really encouraging,
as presage of good and great things
In Newport News, and for that meet
ing every one of us Is asked to do
his "bit" and his best to raise, at
least, seven thousand dollars and to
make the meeting, in every way,
what 1t should be.
Some Of the brethren who were
asked to serve on the convention
program have not answered, to say
whether they may be counted to
serve. | hope to hear from them at
once as / do not want to print the
program without their names If they
Will serve and in case they can not
serve | would like to know In time
to place others in their stead. After
brother is honored with the request
to serve On our program, simple ev-
cry day courtesy dictates an immed
late response.
TO carry these names anyway
might throw the responsibility for
blanks on the program, On myself.
TO leave them off might eau Q hard
feelings on the part OF some brother
who has not said whether to expect
him to serve. Brethren, write me-
Many Of our churches are finan-
cially burdened, but that is not a
good excuse for not doing a reason
able and adequate service in raising
means for the convention. In my
judgment, the church that does her
full duty along educational, mission
airy and charitable lines, will all the
more be blessed and prospered OF the
Lord in cancelling her financial
obligations.
How the Baptist brotherhood Of
our country has been uplifted by the
report of the joint commission. The
terms Of settlement of this great
Baptist trouble, seem to be sane and
sound and if really put into detailed
practice. they will bear golden fruit
age to the glory Of God and the good
or men. Now it Is up to the brethren
to get right, start right and stay
right. 1t seems to me that the only
thing that r. the commission might
nave done more than was done, was
to recommend the elimination of all
the present officers OF both national
conventions.
But even as 1T is it may work we'll
and ! trust no one will get at funny
doings's or any. scenes whose purpose !
will be any hindrance to this great
peace effort.3 Reallyqits will be dan
gerous in God's sight for su ch to, be |
done, Il think. Wherever men see
the right and do the right will be |
peace and pleasure in their relation
to one anoth9tf And now God IgFant1l
mat we az maayE,see the right and |
lam doing my best in interest Of
oursstate work and am glad to say
that wherever | have been on the