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THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. Vol. XXIX.—No. 36. Befos from % Cjprtjjcs. Revival in Monroe, Walton Cos., Ga. Mr. Editor: To tin: devout, a compari son of the spiritual state of this community with what it was a f w months past is deep ly interesting. Then, frivolity ruled the hour. All serious reflection was destroyed by dancing as it were upon the graves of the martyred dead, whom the war had con signed to their dreamless slumber. The Church was not discharging all her duties. In ju-rtice, however, it should be said, that a portion of the membership were endeavor ing to bring about a better state of things. Social prayer meetings were revived, and here and there a family was visited, and the Interview closed with prayer. In this state of affairs a meeting was commenced at the Methodist Church on Friday night, April 27th, 1866, superin tended by two individuals from abroad. These two ministering servants of their Lord seemed to have been specially commission- j ed for the work. The services opened with 1 a vivid description of the need of a faith, that should rise above all of the afflictions and calamities of the times, that should recognize the hand of Cod in them all. So convincing, under the power of God’s Spir- i it, was the preaching that some returned to their homes thankful that, losses and dis- 1 tress had come upon them. The founda- j tion of the discourse was the bereavements i and sufferings of Job. The meeting continued with the excep tion of a few days for two months, day and ! night. There was no abatement of its in- | forest from its commencement to its end. i Several days elapsed before there were any j conversions. The ultimate fruits were over i one hundred converts. Many backsliders j have been reclaimed and the Church gen- i erally has greatly increased in faith and spir ■ ituality. The community never tired of the services of the house of God, during all the time. The work of the Spirit was thorough and powerful. Its fruits are of a blessed character. They are permanent. Unless prevented by unfavorable weather prayer meetings are being held each night in the week except the Sabbath night when we have ."reaching arid on. Saturday jrigiit somewhere in this community and its vicini ty. At these meetings the new converts very generally pray as they are called upon. The prayer meeting, instead of the dancing saloon, has become the place of resort. Songs of praise to God and the Lamb havcl supplanted the music of the violin. Peace, order and decency reign. The whole com- ] munity with a few exceptions are under the I dominion of God’s grace, love and mercy. The Church is engaged in laboring to save and permanently secure the fruits of so ex traordinary u revival. May success attend the effort. During the meeting, after toiling all day, many persons walked for miles to the night services and returned home converted and rejoicing in the God of their salvation. At a church called Zoar, not far from Monroe, under charge of the Protestant Methodists, a meeting was also in progress. The Spirit was in such power that individ uals were stricken down and remained help less and speechless for hours. A gracious revival has also taken place at the M. E. Church, South, at Pleasant Val ley, four miles from Moriroe. [n conclusion I would observe that God’s Spirit is the author of this complete change in all the moral feeliDgs, tastes and senti ments of the entire community; that the people have not nor could not have thus changed themselves; that experimental re ligion in the heart is altogether supernatu ral ; that by its power alone can this land be redeemed from the moral leprosy where with it is sorely smitten and awfully 7 afflict ed ; that oppression will continue to lay a heavy hand upon us so long as the people continue to put the wicked in power; that drought and famine, starvation and pesti lence will be the portion of our inheritance, unless the people generally repent, abandon their wickedness, turn to God, exercise faith of the highest character, and embrace Jesus Christ, as their Saviour. H. 11. Eatonton Ct., Ca- Conference. Mr. Editor: Our colored Sunday-school, organized about four months ago, numbers 300 scholars taught by 38 or 40 white teachers Bros. Credille, Jenkins, B. F. Adams, Gowles, Harwell, Collinsworth, Den nis, DeJarnette and Hudson, and ladies of like position, aided by youths of either sex, secure for the school public approval, and make it, by their zeal and punctuality, of liveliest interest to the negroes, and promo tive of great good. Some weeks ago, we forwarded to the Tract Society, New York, S3O for spelling books, catechisms and Tes taments fur the school, and in return re ceived sixty dollars worth, the Society granting as many as we purchased. Before their receipt we hid distributed among the negroes 375 spellers. Many learn promptly. We hare two training for the ministry. Dr. Pierce and llev. W. J. Parks hare each addressed the school, and it was thril ling to observe the interest these venerable PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & CO., FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. men, each unequalled in some great special ities, felt in the enterprise, and the absorbed attention the negroes gave to the words of cheer and counsel they uttered. The white Sabbath-school, superintended by D. It. Adams and as-istants, numbers over a hundred pupils and teachers. Fif teen or twenty of the pupils were recently converted, twelve of whom together afofmed the vows of the Church, a J i&blmhs a:>o, iri the presence of a largc'eongiWpuion deeply, impressed by the imposing and beau tiful scene. '* - We have I .re an excellent membership, and though in the midst of the Sheriiian— i/.od district the cheerfulness with which they provide for the minister and family, and the readiness with which they co-oper ate with him in religious movements, leave little to discourage him save his own failure to conduct them into-“the deep things of God.” This one thing they lack, “the baptism of the Holy Ghost” to impart life, joy, spirit, light to “ their works of faith and labors of love.” Indeed, is not this now the great need of the Church generally ? The zeal aud fixed ness of heart with which our ministers cleave to their work, amid the Church's poverty, the solicitude and decisiveness with which many of our representative members, adhere to the hopes, the principles, the polity and enterprises of the Church, be speak “settled—deep within”—“zeal for God, ’ “ knowledge of His ways,” “glory ing in Christ,” “steadfastness of faith,’’ an immutable purpose though He slay to trust in Him; to “to enter in at the strait gate,’’ to “ work the works of Him who hath sent’’ them. Why, then, do we not as aforetime enjoy religion.'' A hundred and twenty disciples, just after the ascension of Jesus, were in “heaviness through manifold temp tations ’’ Y\ ith strong cries and tears they prayed unto G<‘d day and night, until “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.’’ Then “heaviness” gave place to “unspeakable joy,” and rapturous visions of God; and the light and warmth of “fire from heaven” attested that they were the Lord’s, beloved, accepled, cared for in all these trial-days. ' 8o it is with us in these days of our “ manifold temptations.” We are none the less the Lord’s because of them. Faint, wc yet piursuep “ cast down,” we yet “strive •for -ctnr fiil&By ; wiill yet knowing Him,in whom we have trusted, who hath said, “ I will help thee,’’ we hope, labor, believe, pray until “the Comforter” doth come. With Him the days of joy will have returned, the days of harvest— shouts because of the “ full sheaves’’ we gather from the seed the churches have “ sown in tears.’’ I purpose to read to my congregation next* Sabbath your editorial, “ a Flea for Sunday-schools,” in the Advocate of the 24th iust. Its “ fitly spoken ’’ words are “ coals from oft’ the holy altar.” Would they were let into the hearts of the hundreds of thousands of hearers waiting on our Church's ministry ! Yours fraternally, R. W. Big ham. Eatonton, Ga., Alienist 31s/. A Great Work of Grace. Mr. Editor: W T e have just had a re freshing season from the presence of the Lord at Centerville, Georgia Conference. The meeting continued for seventeen days, aud the Church was greatly blessed.— ■Several mourners in Zion were happily con verted. Three candidates were received, baptized, and admitted into the Church. Brothers Mattox and Stewart, (local) and myself, assisted by Bros. Harris, (father and son) of the Baptist Church, have just closed one of the most remarkable meetings I ever witnessed, at Evans Chapel, in Tal bot Valley. This Church was formerly con nected wit h Talbot, Ct., but was left out of the plan of the Circuit many years ago The building is now the property of John B. McCoy, Esq., and is open to all denomina tions. Bro. Mattox, a zealous local preach er from Merriwether, Ct., has had a regular monthly appointment at this place for seven years. Our meeting lasted just one week, aud resulted in the thorough awakening of the entire community, and in the conversion of quite a number of souls. The congregations were large, yet on per haps mere than one occasion, every un converted person in the house appeared at the altar as an humble penitent. The old men, middle-aged men, heads of families, moralists, crowded around it, and in accents of agony often cried aloud, “Men and breth ren, pray for us.’’ Father and sons, moth er and daughters, were often seen kneeling side by side, cryiug for mercy. Often the Divine Influence, “as a mighty rush ing wind,” seemed to fill the place, and sin nvrs by scores prostrated themselves and confessed the place “none other thau the house of God,” and many found it the “very gate of heaven,” # This was a. union meeting whore Baptists and Methodists laying aside sectarianism, stood elbow to elbow, shoulder to shoulder, to push forward the car of salvation. We can not therefore furnish statistical results; but there can he no doubt that the adjacent Churches, Methodist and Baptist, will en joy the benefit of “this bread cast ou tbo ! waters many days hence.” Macorij Ga., Friday, September 7, 1866. The last night we remained in this beau tiful valley, and among this hospitable aud now happy people, was one long to be re membered. Though dark aud threatening clouds were lowering all around, soon to de seend in torrents upon the “panting lips of perishing nature,” the 1 1 r crowd gather ed within the walls of Evans Icbapol. VV heu pitchy darkness had enshrouded all nature without, and the capd.les within gave but a flickering, uncertain light, while the rain descended in torrents upon the roof, and pattered unceasingly, all around, Bro b. discoursed to the a I insist breathless multitude upon these solemn (words, “He that being oftened reproved, i/ardencth bis neck shill suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." The sword of the Spirit in the hand of the impassioned speaker, glit tered, as it were, ever and anon, around his head, ard then as often descending, in sud den, sweeping application, careless Gallios became trembling Felixes. The effect was indescribable. At' the conclusion of the services, the invitation being given, the en tire congregation, one by one, Vatne forward, and extending their hands, in token of fra ternal love, with streaming eyfitaod broken accents, we all promised that by the help of God wc would meet again in Heaven. I could fill pages with striking incidents con- with this meeting, but must content myself with this ueneral, yet very imperfect, account of a meeting where every service was blessed with the manifest presence of God. To Him, give we all the glory. Yours, &c., /L. R. R. Decatur Ct., Ga. Conference.—The llev. J. J Morgan writes:—birice writing last, God has. continued to bless us. Our meeting at Mt Calvary was a Complete suc cess, resulting in a general revival of the church, and twenty two new members. We have just closed a mec ing at Rough aud Ready, one of our Mission appointments, where God was with us in the conversion and addition to the church of twenty-two members. This was quite a triumph for this hard place, as many of the people had not been to meeting in five or,ten years, and some not in twenty or thirty. On this oc casion, they all came and all the congrega tion would come to be prayed dor. 1 have * •’vw-- fcctfttjMMTS Ue-vp work in an old and well established church. Having no house, we worshipped under a budi arbor. Just before this meeting one of the employes of the M. E. Church, came up to a local preacher’s appointment at this place, and very politely walked up to the table laying his Bible aud Hymn Book upon it, and seated himself in the “par. on’s chair” and in this unheard of manner, undertook to wrest our nice new arbor out of our hands ; but a Southern congregation, of course, had too much self respect to submit to such an outrigs. Just as all were wondering what to do for the best, the Rev. gentleman was politely in formed that “ this was Bro. O.’s appoint ment,’’ when lie fell back a few paces in good order, and when Bro. C. had finished his sermon he renewed the conflict in a milder form, asking the privilege for him self and Bro. Waters to have an appoint ment there, which was declined. We have heard nothing more from him. Troy, Al\.—The Rev. A. Dowling writes : —lt is refreshing to communicate to brethn n abroad what good things the Lord has done for us at Troy, in the Oiion Dist., Montgomery Conference. And let me pre face by saying our good meeting was begun by combining—on the 27, 28, July—our 3d quaiterly conference and a District Meet ing. A great many of the official brethren were piesent. Bishop McTyeire presided in the meeting. The session was harmoni ous and edifying. The preaching was good. The Holy Spirit was with us in power. Many were converted, and S’xty-six joined the church—two by transfer and eight by letter. Os the rest, 28 were [white, and 28 colored Asa crowning act pf the meeting an infidel who, has pubiicly denounced the Bible as a book of lies, professed and joined the church. The meeting Was couiinued ten days aud closed in triunph and praise. Canton Ct., Ga. Conf:rence.—The Rev. Job- R. Parker writs:—We have had some interesting mectinii, on the Can ton Ct. this Summer. D ring the last month there have been a geat many con v. r-ions—about 100 added o the church. The Lord has graciously vis ted his people at Canton, Pleasant Hill, Mt Gilead, Little Kiver, Orange and Andrew Chapel. We still hope fur better times. Edgefield Ct., S C Cob- —The Rev. W A. Clarke writt s :—At ujy fourth quar terly meeting held at McKeijjree s church, on this Ct, the Lord graciously revived his people, and powerfully manifested himself to us on Monday and VVednesdawiii theawaken ing of sinners, and cunverlion of several who came and asked an interest in the prayers of the people of Gifi —sonic who had been members and mourners for years. Addition to the church, fourteen whites and seven colored. Upson Ct , Ga Cone.—The Rev. J O A. Cook writes:—l have just closed an interesting series of meetings, during which the church has been gloriously revived, many made to cry out, “ What shall I do to be saved ?” Twenty-four added to the church, about the same number to the col ored church, such I trust as shall be saved in the end, Lafayette, Ct., Ga. Cone.—The Rev. W. T. Hamilton writes:—The Lord is graciously reviving his work on this Ct. We have had interesting meetings at La fayette, Mt. Carmel and Salem, resulting in over twenty conversions. We have just closed a nice ing at Cedar Grove, of nine days continuance, which resulted in filty one additions to the church, and over sixty conversions. . SylvAnia, Ct., Ga. Cone.—The Rev. J. M. Stokes writes :—We have a fine meet ing in progress at Sylvania now. There were, 1 presume, fifty mourners at the altar last night. There have been several con versions, and the ohureli—long dormant— is up and doing. __ Manasses Ct , Ga. Cons.—Rev. C. 11. Ellis writes :—God has visited the people on this Ct. with reviving, convicting, and converting grace. We suppose itiat more than 10 ) have been added to the church. Glory to God, that in the midst of wrath He has remembered mercy. Russellville District Meeting.— Dr. McFerrin, Secretary of the Domestic Mission Board, has lately returned from an interesting meeting in Russellville Dis trict, Louisville Conference. It was con vened by tbe presiding elder, the llev. W. H. Morrison, at Bethlehem, in the Logan Circuit It was well attended by traveling and local preachers and lay men —nearly every charge was represent ed. Ihe Reports from the Churches were very encouraging—seasons of refreshing be ing enjoyed in nearly every place. But all seemed to be impressed with the necessity of greater spirituality, zeal, and effort, in promoting the cause of Christ. More sys tem and energy are needed in sustaining the institutions of the Church. The questions discussed referred to the style aud manner of preaching, class-meetings, prayer-meet ings, Sunday schools, collections for the sup port of the ministry and missions. Devo tional exercises, sermons, etc , added to the 1 '•ewrest gjßod !•:•«*- pected to result from it. The meeting en dorsed the action of the General Confer ence in regard to lay-representation, and resolved to cheerfully acquiesce in the de cision of the Annual Conferences in refer ence to the proposed change in the title of the Church. The Secretary says the cause which he has specially in charge found great favor with the Meeting. Bethlehem Church is famous in the history of Kentucky Meth odism ; and the brethren in attendance at the Meeting were entertained with the usual hospitality. The Secretary reports the crops of con and tobacco as very fine in that part of Kentucky.— Nash. Advocate. H&ctrinc anb (Crptmucr, The Minimum Christian. The Minimum, Christian. And who is he ? The Christian who is going to heaven at the cheapest rate possible. The Christian who intends to get all of the world he can, and not meet the worldling’s doom. The Christian who aims to have as little religion as he can without lacking it altogether The minimum goes to church in the morn ing, and in the afternoon also, unless it rains, or is too warm, or too cold, or he is sleepy, or has headache from eating too much dinner. lie listens most respectfully to the preacher, and joins in prayer and praise He applies the truth very sensibly sometimes to nimself, of'tener to his neigh bors. The minimum Christian is very friendly 'o all good works. He wishes them well, but it is not in his power to do much for them. Ihe Sabbath-school he looks upon as very good for the negleeted and igno rant. It is not convenient, however, for him to take a class. His business arrange ments are so pressing during the week, that lie needs Sabbath as a day of rest—nor does lie think himself qualified to act as teacher. There are so many persons better prepared for this important duty, that he mast beg to be excused ; still, he will do it if he must. He is in favor of visiting the poor ; but he has no time to take part in those labors of love. He is very friendly to home and foreign missions, and gives his “mite.’’ He thinks there are too many “appeals,’’ but he gives, it nut enough to save his reputation, pretty near it—at all events he aims at it. 1 he minimum Christian is not clear on a number of points. The opera and dancing, perhaps the theatre and card playing, large fashionable parties, give him much trouble, lie can’t see the harm in this, or that or the other popular amusement. There is nothing m the Bible against it. He does not see but a man may be a Christian, and dance or go to the opera. He knows sev eral excellent people who do. Why should not he ? In short, the minimum Christian knows that he cannot serve God and Mammon he would if he could—but he will come just as near so doiug as lie cun. He will give E. H. MYERS, D.D., EDITOR Whole Number, 1500 to himself and the world all that he may, and to God as little as he can, and yet not lose his soul. He stands so close to the di viding line between the people of God and the people of the world, that it is hard to say on which side of it he actually is found. Ah, my brother, are you making this at temp ? Beware lest you find at last that in trying to get to heaven with as little re ligion as possible, you have missed it alto gether—lest, without gaining the whole world you lose your own soul The true child of God does not say, “How little”— but, “How much may I do for my God ?” They thus judge that if one died Ibr all, he died that they which live should no more live for themselves, but for him who died for them. Leaving the things which are behind, they reach forth towards those that are before, ever exclaiming, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits ?” Reader—Are you a minimum Christian ? There is reason to fear that such are no Christians at all. “Not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the .kingdom of heaven, but he that, doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.’’ Teach us how to Pray. Help me, Father divine, to tread this sa cred ground with hallowed feet and lifted heart. Well we know it is indeed more than the words and rising voice that find echoes in yonder courts of heaven and lodgment in the ear of the Almighty; yet very prone are we to engage in the act of prayer, as though our blessed Saviour was afar ass, but just ask, over and over again, for blessings and mercies to rest upon and follow us all our lives. What a thought! We, frail, erring, dependent creatures, bend ing the knee before the great and holy, but very compassionate Father, and really trou bling our hearts with cankering care about coming duties away on in the future, and telling t his all-wise Master that we are afraid we shall fail or falter somewhere*iu the shining road to heaven; and when he bids us to stop, we shall be unable to obey! Why, is this not complete distrust? And are we looking right up to Calvary, and watching the overflowing blood, and behold ing bis wounded hands—or vainly gazing over the obscure meadow-land of futurity ? TeU me, Christian, is Jesus near, this uour; arid does the Holy Spirit sweetly whisper in your heart, “my Father, my Father;’’ and does he closely press your trusting heart; and do you now, this mo ment, see him interceding there for you ? If not, is there anything more you ought to have; and can your soul rest short of its attainment! Let alone, then, the nice form of words, the faultless expressions of mental appreciations of “ goodness, mercy, and long suffering;’’ just let the heart plead; let the soul cry and cast its arms of faith about the cross, and bring it down to earth, and bear it, “all stained with hallow ed blood,’’ through evil as well as good re port. Why, I would rather listen to the lisping of a child before the throne, than hear a “fine, eloquent prayer;” this talking so beautifully to the King of kings and Lord of lords, is enough to make the heart blood course wildly through the veins, and tbe cry comes up from the deep of the soul, —precious, loving Saviour, pity our ignor ance, and teach us simplicity ! Oh, what light and glory crowns the mercy sett; and, as the heart sits calmly in the shadow of the cross and looks up only to the spotless Lamb es God, how earth and earthly things vanish from our views ; all worldly honor and human glory is void and groveling, for Jesus is revealed; his all redeeming love pervades tho soul. And while we tarry here, great tenderness and sympathy rush from the eye and trickle down the cheek and we venture nearer and nearer the “eternal throne,’’ until our conscious union with the blessed paviour is so full of sweet ness and joy ineffable, that we feel our communion is, iudeed, within the veil, and our fellowship with the Father aud with his son Jesus Christ. Glory ! glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost forever! Faith in God.— Have faith in God.— Faith will be staggered even by loose stones in the way; but if we look God ward, faith will not be staggered even by inaccessible moun tains that stretch across and obstruct appa rently our onward progress. “Go forward,” is the voice from Heaven, and faith obey ing, finds the mountains before it as flat as plains. “God with us,” is the watchword of our warfare, the secret of our strength, the security of our triumph. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’’ How strong faith is when we are just fresh from the fountain of re deeming love ! A good conscience, and then faith will do all tnings, for it is in its very nature such as to let God work all ; we may say that it is most active when it is most passive, and that it wearies least when it does most work. Ho that thinks he hath no need of Christ hath too high thought of himself; he that thinks Cnnst cannot save him hath too low thoughts of Christ. M Cheyne used to seal his letters with a sun going down behind the mountains, and the motto over it, “The night cometh.’’