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4 jStaaijjcrn Cjmstian MACON, GEORGIA, NOVEMBER 9,1866. THE EIGHT GRACES. Were mankind desirous of becoming con versant with the elegant and exalted princi ples of a godly life—or were all professing Christians deeply concerned to make a thorough analysis of the method of attain ing and developing the main elements of a perfect religious character—no passage in the Scriptures would receive more of their patient and prayerful thought and accept ance, than the sth Chap, of the 2d Epistle of the Apostle Peter. Here we are furn ished with an assemblage of the purest and most ennobling virtues known to man, and an eloquent advocate inspires us to adorn our characters with them. And who can deny that the study and acquisition of such rich adornments are worthy and worth the chief exertions of a life-time. Therefore, add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity—cultivate and perfect these divine graces in your minds and hearts, and you will regain the happiness of Eden. The crowning grace of the religious char acter is charity. This term signifies love, and no doubt it is that operative principle of Christianity which makes men new crea tures and “resembles them to God.” This, like faith is an executive and acquisitive grace. Lore perfects what faith begins. A pure and active affection will necessarily develope an appropriate and acceptable, a fruitful and happy religious life. And with out this, none of the other principles of Christianity subsist in the heart. The Apostle here does not advance the idea that these graces are to be added the one to the other at intervals, —that after one has been perfectly developed, then the next, in the order of enumeration, is to be taken up and carried through the same process, until the course is completed. The original expresses conjunction and co existence. — Each grace is to be joined with the other— each and all to be put under training and to begin a vigorous outward life at once—im mediately on conversion. The moment the penitent, believing sinner obtains pardon and spiritual life from the dead, all these attendant graces being at the same time im planted and prepared for exercise, his duty is, from that happy instant, to begin the work of cultivating and bringing them to yield abundant fruit, and of so ingrafting them together that they shall form and be seen but as a compacted whole in the mani festation and perfection of the Christian character. Says the Apostle, “ If these things be in you.” It is not enough that we perceive and admire the beauty and excellence of Christian faith, virtue and kindred graces. These must be fixed in us as guiding and governing powers. “If these things bo in you and abound.” The stature of Christian manhood is not to be dwarfed by that indo lence which permits the noxious things of the world to check its growth and sin to poison its food, or by that parsimony which grudges and stints the necessary outlays to protect, supply and expand it. Every thing requisite to give the religious character a per fect and commanding form, is to be largely contributed to it. It can only be individ ualized, and stand in contrast to the best specimens of the world, by a. more abuns dant. display of the unequaled powers and achievements of all the operative principles of Christianity. “If these things (or graces) be in you and abound, they make you.’’ Here the inspired writer enforces the im portant truth, that these principles are ac tive and powerful agents, constantly employ ing themselves, or being employed, in the moral development of the soul. Where they are not, there can be no piety and relig ious enjoyment; but to him iu whom they are planted and abound, duty is a pleasure and experience is a constant .round of de lights. “ They make you that you be neither barren nor uhfruitful—(idle nor unblessed) —in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is perfectly plain, therefore, that whero these graces are not, there the true knowl edge ot Christ exists not; and that where they do not abound, there can be uo pro gression in the experimental knowledge of truth, and no enlargement of the pleasures of the Christian life. To know Christ, is not simply to understand his prom pts, com mands and doctrines, but to fed and per form them. Christian knowledge is Chris tian experience. To know Christ, is to ex perience tl e indwelling and controlling in fluence of the Spirit of his grace and love. His presence and blessings are felt inward ly, and they are to be given outward ex pression, by working by his grace, walking by his example, dispensing charity by his love, scattering gifts out of his munificent treasures, and openly rejoicing in the prac tice of the duties he enjoins and the real ization of his promises. True knowledge of Christ will ever be discriminated from the false, by its professors giving all diligence to add to Christian faith, virtue of life and the courage of determined perseverance, the knowledge that makes one wise unto salvation, the temperance that bridles all tempers and passions, the patience that suf fers long without anger and resentment, the godliness that illustrates the walk and conversation of our Lord Jesus, the benevo lence that cares for the wants and woes of the brotherhood, and the love that vitalizes every other grace, and assimilates the whole spiritual man to the likeness of Gol. The Apostle immediately adds : “ But he that laeketh these things is blind.’’ lie is profoundly ignorant of what really consti tutes a true religious life and experience. “He cannot see a far off.” He shuts his eyes to the light of truth, and closes his un derstanding to the requirements of his pro fession.’ He is glad to remain spiritually ignorant, because the perception of duty neglected might disturb his moral sense. Nay, sometimes he displays no little ac tivity and ingenuity in stultifying his reason by inventing plausible arguments, and hush ing his conscience by specious excuses, against moving in any given direction in which duty perchance might lay a claim on him. No wonder that such an one hath soon “ forgotten that he was once purged from his old sins.” Alas! this is too general a result of in dolence and indifference in the Church of the present day. now melancholy it is to discover the once happy child of grace, be cause of his non-improvement of the re quired principles and duties of a living, fruitful and saving faith, now a helpless wreck on the surging billows of infidelity, momentarily expecting to go down in hope less death ! And this the frightful conse quence of his own wilful folly ! Neglect ing to begin or to prosecute the work of completing his spiritual house, the exposed foundation has been washed away. Refus ing to follow the counsels of his Saviour and the admonitions of the Holy Spirit, he, too, has been soon swept out iuto the sea of doubt. Darkness suddenly eclipses his bright experience—a rebellious spirit drives out his filial confidence in God —time in creases his spiritual blindness and hardness —wind and tide sweep him through other scenes, and crowd the mind with other thoughts, and fill the heart with other feel ings; and if he ever throws back a glance on past religious experience, he looks at it as the ebu lition of youthful enthusiasm or a strange delusion. He has rapidly passed through the differ ent stages of infidelity. First he doubted the work of conversion in his soul—soon forgot that, he had ever felt and confessed anything like it—then asserted aud argued the impossibility of obtaining a certain'con scious knowledge of the forgiveness of sin— presently denied its reality as a truth—in a little while repudiated the possibility of se curing pardon and peace in this life, even if it were required—and, lastly, he has come to the conclusion that it is a grand mistake to suppose it to be necessary to seek forgive ness and regeneration at all, since God is so merciful he will grant salvation, whether the conditions be fulfilled or not. Nothing remains for him, but to deny that there is any Revelation, Saviour and God, and then to sink into outer darkness. But the inspired teacher now comes to his just and eloquent climax, on which no comment need be made. “Wherefore, the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an en trance shall bo ministered unto you abun dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” The important lesson taught in the pas sage we have been considering is, that the method of expanding and perfecting the Christian graces, is by the industrious cuh» tivalion, not of one, but of the mauy prin ciples of religion. Faith is invigorated and rendered more acquisitivo by its gains; for titude is strengthened into the iron will by exercise; knowledge is enlarged, and be comes a source of great delight and an ele ment of power, by reflection and persever ing study ; temperance in all things, minis ters physical health, mental quietude and moral satisfaction, by strict observance; pa tience extracts a thousand fretful stings and carking cares from the bosom, by training it to its perfect work; godliness in walk aud conversation, makes a beautiful and attrac tive manifestation of the chief and noblest attributes of human nature, by encourage ment in the daily labors of religion, and in devotedness to the advancement of the great SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. first interest of humanity; the charities,of brotherhood grow, and also multiply the gratifications of a good heart, by being fos tered and fixed through abundant use. But if there be any one principle to which may be attributed justly the all-pervading and all-controlling power required for the devel opment and perfection of the graces of Christianity in the heart and life, this one comprehensive principle must be love to God, responding to his love shed abroad within us. It njay be laid down as axiomatic, that in proportion to the increase of thetHuistian’s reciprocating love to his Heavenly Father, will be the growth of all the graces of re ligion in his heart and their manifestation in his life. The supreme love of the Crea tor, enthroned in the heart by the might of its own invincible power, crowns the life with a godlike attribute more glorious than an earthly diadem, more enduring than earthly power, more grateful than earthly fame, more beneficent than earthly beue* factors, more enriching than earthly treas ures, and more refining and elevating, last ing aud self-sacrificing, transforming aud spiritual, than earthly affection. The first bud of holy love, in conversion, is more fragrant than “ beds of spices,” and move beautiful than the “ rose of Sharon.’’ Ex panded into full flower, it exhales a more ravishing perfume than frankincense, and unfolds beauties more entrancing than the first blush of the garden of Eden. Grown into fruit, plucked and partaken, it eradicates the poison of “ the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,’’ and infuses anew into the soul a vigor capable of im mortal deeds, and the activities of anew life correspondent to the works and ministries of 0. Sacrifices in War and in Peace. Could the Southern Christians ever he brought to make the same sacrifices and perform equal labors for the cause of God, that they did four years for that of indepen dence, what a marvellous change a very few years would make in the religious aspect of so ciety. The world, then, put the Church to shame by its open-handed, large hearted liber ality, and the citizen and the soldier distanced the Christian and the Christian minister in self-denying, self-sacrificing labors, and in the endurance of hardships of the severest character. Women and girls and hoys caught the spirit of the occasion and wrought and toiled with an energy and self-forget fulness, that it would be refreshing to see exhibited in the work of Christianity. But the labor was all for naught. The prize wa9 not reached, and nothing remains but the lessons of patient endurance that may have been learned, and the discovery of the pro digious capabilities for useful work that lies latent among us —only waiting till we are roused to apply it in the proper direction. We remind our readers of these years of toil and suffering to see if we cannot enlist a like Zealand self-sacrificing energy iu u much greater work, that offers itself to them, than even that of achieving political independence —the purpose which nerved them fur four years to perform the mightiest labors. This purpose might fail —has failed. But a work is before them in which if similar efforts be used there can be no failure—but rather a triumph that will repay them for all their toil. We exhort them to lookback to these past few yfcars, and to ask if God’s work is not worth the labor and sacrifices, that they were then familiar with, and which they performed and bore so heroically —so cheer fully. If they find it so, let them not draw back from the service, and they will be re warded with such victories over the powers of darkness, as will make the Church indeed the light of the world. We have been led to make these remarks by the spirited letter from our correspon dent from Mobile Conference, to whose let ter we invite attention. The East Texas Conference. We have heard from this body, by a pri vate letter from Rev. Jolm Fatillo, former ly of Georgia, who is this year on Melrose Ct. He informs us that the Conference, after a day’s discussion resolved upon forin a new Conference from part of its territory— the Trinity Conference. It concurred in the action of the General Conference in lay delegation and change of name, by a vote of 36 ayes to 6 nays, in both oases. He informs us that the cotton crop in East Texas is likely to he better than expected — perhaps a half crop will bo gathered. lie writes:— “We are highly pleased with Bishop Marvin as a presiding officer. Ho admira bly combines the maviter in tnodo with the for titer in re , so desirable in one occupying his position. As illustrative of his sound judgment and correct taste, upon some preacher offering a resolution of thanks to him for the manner in which he had dis charged the duties of the chair, he refused to put the vote, saying that his feelings on that subject were so strong that he would not sign the minutes of a Conference con taining such a resolution. He further strongly opposed the policy of such a body voting a resolution of thanks to one of ‘ its own members,’ not only as being in bad taste, but as easily degenerating into ‘log rolling.’ I think seven or eight located and five were received on trial. Oue was received into full connection.” The Georgia Conference. It may be proper to say to the preachers who expect to attend the Conference at Americus, that there is only a day train from Macon to the latter point. There are, however, night-trains on the Macon & West ern and Central roads which make connec tion with the day-train to Americus. We will add, that it is this year very im portant that all the preachers be at the Con ference, if possible, on account of the gravi ty of the questions which are to come be fore that body. Nor is it les3 important,' that they should be there on the first day, as the question of the division of the Con ference must necessarily come up and be settled, before any progress can be made in the stationing room. All who wish to take part in deciding that question should be present when the Conference opens. THE TEXAS CONFERENCE We learn faom a correspondent of the Houston Telegraph, that this body met at Galveston on 2<fth Get., Bishop Marvin presiding. About 40 ministers were pres ent —a small number compared with the attendance of former years. But the Con ference has been divided to form the N. W. Texas and West Texas Conferences. The editor says: This, together with the poor support the ministers have generally received this, year, which has in some cases been insuffi cient to pay their expenses to Conference, is the cause of the limited attendance. When the question was asked by the Bishop “who are admitted on trial ?” the answer was made that there were no appli cations, eliciting the response that “ it was a strange fact in the history of any Conference, and should occasion humilitation, fasting and prayer.’’ * Asa partial remedy for this the follow ing transfers have been received: Rev. Dr. Kavanaugh, of the St. Louis Conference; Rev. E. F. Thwing, of the South Carolina Coufercncc ; Rev, Mr. Tanzy, of the Mont gomery Conference; Rev Mr. Allen, of the Georgia Conference; Rev. Ivy H. Cox, of the West Texas Conference. A preamble and resolution was presented from the Quarterly Conference of Chappell Hill Station, in reference to establishing a mission in Brazil, with a view to the future organization of one or more Conferences there, and the formation of the “ Indepen dent Methodist Church of the Empire of Brazil,” aud requesting that Dr. Robert Alexander be sent there to take charge of said missionary work. It was receive 1 and referred to a select committee of three, con sisting of James H. Wesson, U. C. Spence and Dr. Kavanaugh. Emanuel Hainmitt, a negro preacher from Millican, was elected to Deacon’s orders. It was stated that he could read the Bible well, was a good preacher, and “ Southern” in his feelings. The Bishop wished to know if he held any of the superstitions common among the blacks, and was inform ed that he did not. The Bishop then stat ed that in traveling lately through Harri son county, on Red River he had found a religious organization of the negroes calling themselves The Angel Rand.” They were under* the direction of an old negro woman whom they called the “ God Moth er,” and who they believed knew all their thoughts and actions whether they were present or absent. She prescribed punish ments at pleasure which was received with out opposition by the criminal. It was expected that each per-ou should receive a revelation from Heaven and relate it to the society. One boy about fourteen years of age, received no divine light and was ordered to be flogged until the vision came. This was done and a wonderful sto ry was related. The Bishop asked the boy how it was that the whipping gave him such a revelation, and received the answer, “fen? if you had been whipped as I was you would have had a revelation.’’ The Home Monthly, Edited by Prof. A. B. Stark and ltev. Felix II- Hill, and beautifully printed at the Southern Metho dist Publishing House, is most surely win ning its way to fame and we trust to an ex tensive circulation. The November num ber shows steady improvement. We com mend it to our young readers. Price so. oo per annum. Address Stark and Hill, P. 0. Box 391, Nashville Tennessee. __ - # ~ To Teachers. —Those peeking a good situation may find an opening by referring to our advertising column. ♦ «►"*■ —“ Prof. Darby is too well known to our renders for Ins scientifle attaioaionts to need that his Prophylactic Fluid should be com mended to them. See his advertisement. G, W. Williams, Esq., of Charleston, our European correspondent, has, as we learn from the Weekly Record, returned from Europe safely and in good health. We ex pect other letters yet from his pen. The American Agriculturist, pub lished by Orange Judd & Cos., 41 Park Row, New York, at $1.50 per annum is one of the best papers for the farmers, it is our privilege to see. It is a. perfect museum of of agricultural facts and directions, domes tic receipts, etc., etc. “ All new sub scribers to the Agriculturist for 18b7, whose names are received during No vember, will receive free of charge the December number, which will be a very valuable one. This will give 13 months for a year’s price. The offer applies to all now subscribers, singly, in clubs, in premium lists, et.e. Extra time allowed for the ar rival of names from the Pacific Coast and other distant points, if started soon after this notice is received. All new names must be marked new, in order to receive the extra number.” Camsprtott. EUROPEANLETTER. In extent of tefritory Switzerland is about as large as the State of South Caroli na, aud is the oldest Republic in the world. Surrounded by Kings and Emperors on all sides, it is wonderful how she has been able to maintain her republican form of govern ment. The framers of the American con stitution must have copied extensively from that of Switzerland, as in many respects the laws, customs and usages of the two re publics are the same. The people of Switzerland are hardy, ro bust, industrious and economical. The wo men, as in France, work in the fields, and make themselves useful as well as ornament al. The peasants are more comfortable and look happier than the same class in France. They retain their ancient manner of dress, and live upon oat-bread, milk and cheese. If a French peasant visits Paris a few times she doffs her old costume, and is next seen, especially on holy-days, in the gayest attire. The plain white handkerchief is supplanted by a small cap worn on the back of the head covered with trinkets and brass embroidery, and a boddice decorated with gay ribbons, etc. The houses in Switzerland, although gen erally small, look clean, aud wear an air of freshnesss. I had heard much of Switzerland, arid was prepared to find charming lakes lovely valleys, and majestic mountains, but the half had not been told. No country of the same extent in the world presents such a diversity of appearance and climate. You look at the long range of Alps, with fright ful precipices covered with perpetual snow, and hundreds of glaeiers resembling so many seas of glittering ice, and at the lower range of mountains green with forests of fir, vines, flowers and'grass, ou which herds of cattle, sheep and goats are to be seen grazing, watched by the lonely shepherd boy and his faithful dog; and at the gentle verdant valleys, as they nestle between the moun tains with their crystal impetuous iced ' streams, as they come falling and dashing thousands of feet over precipices and rocks from the snowy regions; and at the gcntlo charming lakes covered with steamers, convey ing the delighted traveler, and rich manufac tures of the beautiful cities that line their borders. All these sights are to be seen in a travel of a few days. I had spent four days iu Switzerland and thought I had seen enough of its beauties, and was en route for Austria, when at the Falls of the Rhino near Scbaffhausen —which an English writer compares to Niagara, and which are about as far short of the Falls of Niagara as Tom Thumb is of the Russian giant—l accidentally met with Judge Aldis of Vermont, who, with his good wife, were on their way to Pleffers, which they describ ed as the most remarkable spot in Switzer land. I decided to accompany them. We sailed through the Lake of Constance to Rorschalk. The Lake of Constance is tame compared with other Swiss lakes. The pe culiarity of this small lake is that it is bor dered by five different States in a sail of as many hours —your baggage is examined by the custom house officers of Switzerland, Baden, Wurtemberg, Bavaria and Austria. From Horseback we traveled by rail, arriv ing at Ragatz about 9 o’clock P. M. The hotels were crowded and we found difficul ty in getting accommodations. We finally found comfortable quarters at Hotel Tami na, where we met a party who gave such glowing desertions of the Pass of the Splugen over the Alps, we decided to g° there also—thus taking me still farther out of my route in the direction of Italy. We arranged to be up at 5 o’clock next morning and start for the Bath of Pleffers two and half miles distant. We were nearly an hour in ascending the steep mountaiu which afforded the wildest scenery —arriving at the Baths a little after sunrise. They are two large buildings* connected by a chapel a short distance above the roaring, ’la mina. The narrow road leading to the hot springs is grand beyond anything 1 had seen. You pass through a mountain gorge a quarter of a mile loug too narrow to ad mit the rays of the sun, only a small skirt of the sky is to be seen, and in many places the mountain closes over jour head entire ly. I could but thins of the possibility of a land slide which frequently occurs in t hoe ravines, in which event we should be shut out from the world quite too long for our comfort. At the extremity of the narrow bridge you enter a tunnel dark as a dungmm, which leads you to the hot springs. The temperature is 120 Fahrenheit. In this smoking, hot, supherous cavern you feel as if you were not far removed from the gulf