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MACON, GEORGIA, NOVEMBER 30, 1866.
God as the Supreme Governor.
Man’s mind, will and affections are actua
ted by conflicting good and evil principles
unknown to any other moral intelligences of
whom we have knowledge. He is conscious
©f this conflict. lie is perfectly aware, too,
that violations of the laws of righteousness,
do, and ought to, carry their own punish
ments with them. Yet he voluntarily trans
gresses the obvious principles of rectitude,
and foolishly charges his Maker with in
justice in annexing penalties to these neces
sary laws of his] moral government, and he
becomes exasperated when they are execu
ted in vindication of the most benevolent
and righteous administration under which
he could be placed. Nevertheless, the sin
ner, though he feels that his own judgment
and conscience are at war with his wicked
motives and godless life, will laugh at and
•harge both the judgments of reason and
the consciousness of guilt to the account of
a superstitious education.
But the Christian system of religion is as
far removed fromj superstition, as the high
est functions cf reason, and the strongest
forces of moral separate truth
from error. Incredulous smiles and paltry
jests will never answer the philosophical
inquiry of reason, “ How comes it that the
universal mind and the universal conscience
at once pronounce in favor of the principles
of truth, honor, honesty, fidelity, benevo
lence and virtue, —all necessary principles
of religion,—and that the legal tribunals of
•very nation enforce them with penal or
other sanctions ?” It is a striking acknow
ledgment of the necessity of the religion
of Christ to good government, that its laws
and the laws of human government are
identical, so far as the latter are perfect.
It shows that the principles of religion are
written by the Creator, with more or less
distinctness, on the judgment and conscience
of man. This tribute to religion is being
constantly given in the laws of our legisla
tures, and in the decisions of our judicial tri
bunals.
Yet the world seems inconsistent enough
to affect the belief, that while the principles
of our holy Christianity ought to be recog
nized as the purest and best formative prin
ciples of all good human government; yet
their authorship must be denied to the
Creator. Or, if so much be admitted, he
must be denied all connection with the im
mediate execution of the penalties their vio
lation always entails ou the mind and con
science of the transgressor. Iu other words
partial thinkers and inconsequent reason
ed, conclude that for violations of the prin
ciples of truth, honesty, honor, fidelity, be
nevolence and virtue, a man ought to ex
press sorrow and penitence only to his fel
low-man, or to the judicial agents of the
government by whom he is tried and con
victed, and not to God, who, according to
their godless theories, takes no account of
such matters. This is an equivalent to the
notion that God has excluded the race, by
the laws of their being, from his own su
preme personal oversight and control—an
infidel notion contradicted by treason, ex
perience and revelation. Bu man may
assert ever so dogmatically, that the Creator
has no concern with human affairs; and the
question still remains, “Where is his proof?"
It is a bare assertion, incapable of proof,
even if it were true. But reason and con
science, nature and revelation, unite to hold
each individual responsible immediately to
Almighty God, for the violation of the true
and holy laws of his intellectual and moral
being. Whatever may be attempted to be
believed and taught to the contrary, man’s
own judgment .and moral sense, will read
him the old lesson, that the violation of the
essential laws of Christianity, necessarily
subjects the transgressor to punishment, by
reason of our Maker’s own judicial fiat, and
by virtue of his almighty ever-present power.
The Name 4 ‘ Christian ”
It is stated by the author of the Acts of
ihe Apostles, that the disciples of Jesus
were first called “ Christians" at Antioch.
This designation was in pursuance of a com
mon custom in that day dating from a re
mote period. Authors of philosophy, and
founders of sects, have bequeathed their
names to posterity, as representative of their
philosophical and religious peculiarities;
and their systems and names have come to
be synonymous. It was the means by
which each school honored its founder and
distinguished itself from all others. Fitly,
therefore, was the religion of Christ, called
by his Name. By this title, his disciples
have been separated from the followers of
all other philosophers, and the worshipers
of all other gods. And whatever minor or
local appellation may distinguish each of
the various branches of the Church, that of
“ Christians,” will forever remain the hon
orable, impressive, and characteristic name
of all the brethren of our Lord. This title
is the badge of their faith in Christ, and
expressive of their full sympathy with his
•ause —the pledge of their fraternal union
of purpose and effort to illustrate the doc
trines, and promote the great work of a com
mon Saviour.
PROMISING AND PERFORMING.
A Layman gives some useful hints about
the best way of making Conference resolu
tions in behalf of a paper tell on its pros
perity. There is a special necessity that all
preachers, who act for this paper, should
act , as well as resolve. We copy from the
Richmond Christian Advocnte:
I notice in reading the proceedings of
our Virginia Annual Conference, that year
after year the preachers pass resolutions
commending the Advocate, and pledging
their efforts to increase its subscription list.
I'have been a member of the Church for
nearly twenty-five years, and, if my memo
ry serve me well, I have not, in that time,
heard the paper mentioned Jive times from
the pulpit by the regular pastor, in the way
of an attempt to secure subscribers. Nor
do I remember as many instances as five, in
which any exertion, that came under my
notice, was put forth by the preacher in
charge to obtain subscriptions by personal
application in private. With such facts be
fore us, the question naturally arises, Ho our
ministers seriously intend to do what they
promise ? If so, either their memories fail
them very soon after Conference, or they
quickly backslide fr#m their professions of
zeal. 1 Better that thou should’st not vow,
than that thou should’st vow and not pay.’
Can our brethren be sensible of the obliga
tions thus deliberately self-imposed; or do
they consider when they pass those resolu
lutions, that everybody takes it for granted
that it is mere matter of form. If the
former, are they not greatly remiss ? If
the latter, let m« advise you, Mr. Editor, to
use your influence in the future, to quash
all such expressions of intention to act —for
to thinking, conscientious men, our preach
ers present themselves in a very unfavora
ble light in relation to this subject
“ But there is a better way, aud that is
to ‘vow and pay.’ If our Conference paper
be a power for good, and our brethren so re
gard it, let them have done with trying to
nacify their consciences for neglect of duty,
by annually ‘resolving’ to do it, and take
the matter in hand in good earnest. Who
doubts that one twelve months’ diligent and
zealous effort on the part of two hundred
ministers, would quadruple your present
subscription list? Not I. Surely it would
not add any material amount of labor to his
regular work for the pastor to keep the Ad
vocate in mind as lie visits from family to
family, and to bring up its claims as a sub
ject of conversation, among many others, of
less importance, in which he engages with
members of the household. Ido not be
lieve that it is for lack of a sincere desire to
see our paper in every family that the ques
tion is not urged, but from sheer thought
lessness The preachers and the people
love the paper and wish it well, but not
talking about it and not seeing it, the old
adage is verified, ‘ out of sight out of mind.’ ”
VIRGINIA METHODIST PROTES
TANT CONFERENCE.
The following resolutions were passed at
the recent session of this body at Lynch
burg, Va. Rev. G. R. Barr, brought in a
minority report dissenting; but after some
discussion the resolutions were unanimously
passed. The report and resolutions are as fol
lows :
The Committeo to whom was referred the
resolution of inquiry as to “what action, if
any, is proper for this Conference to take
with lef'erence to a union of the Methodist
Protestant and the Methodist Episcopal
Church," report, that after mature delibera
tion upon the subject, they recommend the
adoption of the following resolutions, viz :
1. Resolved, That in view of the proceed
ings heretofore had upon this subject in the
course of our inter-communications with the
Virginia Annual Conference of that Church,
we deem any-further negotiations by us, as
a Conference, upon the subject unnecessary
at present.
2. Resolved , That the proceedings of the
General Conference of the Methodist Epis
copal Church South at New Orleans upon
this subject, and the overtures made by that
body to our late General Conference at
Georgetown, D. C., afford us great gratifica
tion, and encourage the hope in us that
measures may yet be adopted satisfactory to
both Churches which shall ultimately lead
to their formal union.
3. Resolved , That our General Confer
ence, having referred the commissioners of
the Methodist Episcopal Church South and
their overtures to the consideration and ac
tion of our General Convention, to meet in
Montgomery, Ala., in May next, recommend
our delegate.* to that, body to be instructed
to use their iufluence to have corresponding
commissioners appointed on our part to meet
and confer with those of the Methodist Epis
copal Church South upon this subject; and
to facilitate the contemplated union of the
two Churches upon such terms and princi
ples as shall not compromise the integrity
of the Methodist Protestant Church, and
shall be satisfactory and honorable to both
Churches, and to have their entire proceed
ing in the case referred to our Annual Con
ference for ratification or otherwise.
Bishop Marvin’s Postoffice is O'Fallon,
St. Charles county, Missouri.
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
THE PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
From the Christian Spectator , California,
we learn that this Conference sat at Peta
luma, Cal., Oct. 10-15th, Bishop Kava
naugh, presiding. The session was in eve
ry respect pleasaut and spiritually profitable.
The statistical report shows the following
aggregate : Local Preachers, 31; Mem
bers, 2,337; Candidates, 254; Conference
Funds, §477.25; Sabbath-school collections,
§1241.85; Churches, 57 —value, 61,800;
Parsonages, 22 —value, 11,765 ; Conver
sions, 431; Baptisms, 150 ; Adult, 228 in
fant. The aggregate claim of the preachers
for the past year amounted to §21,165 ,
amount received, §16,390 ; deficit, §4,7(5.
The Conference Fund amounted to §637.50.
The vote on changing the name of the
Church was, ayes, 37 ; noes, 8 ; Lay-Repre
sentation, Ayes, 40; Noes, one. The next
Conference is to be held at San Jose.
Death of the Rev. Allen Turner.
The Rev. Allen Turner has departed this
life. Religion and heaven were his
theme in his life, and were his theme in
death. I simply aunounce the fact of the
aged pilgrim’s death. He passed off as if
in a sweet sleep. No doubt a suitable obit
uary will be written.
Dabney P. Jones.
Sunday-school Visitor. —We hope,
says Hr. Summers, that the preachers of all
the Conferences will make prompt and per
severing efforts to introduce the Visitor into
all the schools and families under their
pastoral care. We also request superin
tendents and teachers to bring the matter
before their schools, that they may take im
mediate action in the premises. We are
making arrangements to issue a child’s pa
per, which shall meet the wants of the
Church in all respects. The first number
is to be published on the first of January.
It will be issued monthly, at 50 cents a
year for single copies—4o cents when from
five to twenty copies arc sent to one address
—over twenty, 30 cents.
Bishop Soule’s Library. —We have at
the Publishing House nearly two hundred
volumes from Bishop Soule’s Library, which
we desire to dispose of on his account. We
respectfully suggest that the lot would be
an appropriate present to one of our College
or parsonage libraries. It would be a fit
ting souvenir of the venerable man, who
has made so good use of them for the edi
fication of the Church, whose ministry he
has so lons adorned. The Book Agent lias
° i °
appraised the lot at about three hundred
dollars. He will bo happy to receive an or
der for them at as early a day as possible.—
Nashville Advocate.
The Rev J. Wesley Wigiitman pars
ed through Nashville last week, says the
Advocate, on his way from South Carolina
to Kentucky. We understand that he is
to take charge of Taylor St. Church, New
port, vice Hr. Huston, who has been disa
bled by sickness.
War Poetry of the South. —Edited by
William Gilmore Simms, LL. H., New
York. Richardson & Cos., 540 Broad
way.
We are indebted to the publishers for a
handsome copy of this volume of patriotic
songs. It is dedicated to the “Women of
the South” who “hare lost a cause, but
made a triumph.”
We find in it some of the contributions
of an esteemed friend, Mrs. Cross, to the
Southern Christian Advocate.
The Round Table notices this book thus:
Messrs. Richardson & Cos. are about to
publish “War Poetry of the South," a hand
some volume of four hundred and eighty
two pages, edited by Mr. William Gilmore
Simms, and containing over two hundred
specimens of verse, good, bad, and indiffer
ent. Asa collection it compares, favorably,
we think, with the earlier collections of Mr.
Frank Moore and Mr. Richard Grant White,
showing the Southern poets to have been as
much in earnest in celebrating their view of
the war as ours were in celebrating our, and
considerably more vehement, not to say
vituperative at times. Vituperation and ve
hemence are sot confined however, to any
one section of this great continent, the
more’s the pity.
“Though sectional in its character," says
Mr. Simms in his preface, “and indicative
of a temper and a feeling which were in
conflict with nationality, yet, now that the
States of the Union have been resolved into
one nation, this collection is essentially as
much the property of the whole as are the
captured cannon which were employed
against it during the progress of the late
war. It belongs to the national literature,
and will hereafter be regarded as constitu
ting a proper part of it, just as legitimately
to be recognized by the nation as are the ri
val ballads of the Cavaliers and Roundheads
by the English, in the great civil conflict of
their country.”
All the Southern poets with whom we
were previously acquainted are represented
in its pages, besides a great many of whom
we never heard before, and whom we never
desire to hear again, having already more
than enough of their fellows here at the
North. Among the best known names are
those of Mr. Henry Timrod, Mr. Paul H.
Ilayne, Mr. James Barron Hope, Mr. John
R. Thompson, Mr. A. J. Requier, Mr. Alex
ander B. Meek, Mr. George H. Miles, Mr.
Albert Pike, Mr. Henry L. Flash, Mr.
James R. Randall, Mr. John Esten Cooke,
aud Mr. Simms himself. To say that all
these gentlemen have written fine poems
would be more than the truth, as it would
be less than the truth to say that most of
them had not written exceedingly well.—
Mr. Timrod is, perhaps the truest poet, as
Mr. Randall is the most successful lyrist,
nothing that the war has produced either
at the North or South surpassing his My
Maryland. Mr. Thompson is spirited and
sarcastic, Mr. Simmsrhetorical but nervous,
particularly in his balladry, while Mr.
Ilayne is always poetical aud often effective
in his measures. Some of the best lyrics in
the whole volume are by comparatively un
known writers, as Frank Ticknor, of Geor
gia, whose Old Rijleman is an admirable
little ballad. That prolific poet, Anony
mous, has done himself, or probably herself
in this instance, full justice iu this touching
poem.
ENLISTED TO-DAY.
I know the sun shines, and the lilac l are b'owing.
And summer sends kisses by beautiful May—
Oh 1 to see all the treasures the spring is bestowing,
And think—my boy Willie enlisted to-day.
It seems but a day since at twilight, low humming,
I r< eked i im to sleep »i h his cheek upon mine.
Whi e R. bby, the four-year old, watched for the com
ing.
Os father, ailown the street’s indistinct line.
It is many a year since my Harry departed,
To come back no more in the twilight or dawn;
And Robby grew weary of watching, and started
A one on the journey his father had gone.
It is many a year—and thi« afternoon sitting
At R' bby’s old window, I heard the hand play,
And sudd- nly ceased dreamina over my Irnutiog,
To recollect Willie is twenty to-day.
And that, standing beside him this soft May day morn
ing,
The sun making gold of his wreathed cigar stroke,
I saw in his sweet eyes and lips a faint warning,
And choked down the tears when he eagerly spoke :
“Dear mother, you know howthe Northmen are crowd
ing,
They wouui trample the rights of the South in the
dust:
The boys are all fire; and thev wish I were going—”
lie slopped, but his eyes said, ‘ Oh, say if I must!”
I smiled on the hoy, though my heart seemed breakirg.
My eyes filled with t< ars, so 1 turned them aw«y,
And'answered him, “Willie, ’tis well you are waking—
Go, act as your father would bid you, to-day 1”
I sit in the window, and see the flags flying,
And drearily list to ti e roll of the drum.
And smother the pain in my nea>-t that lslying,
And bid all the fears in my bosom be dumb.
I shall sit in the window, when summer is lying
Out over the fields, and the honey-bee’s hum
Lnl s the rove at ihe porch from er tremulous sighing.
And watch for the lace of my darling to come.
And if he shoul fall—his young hfe hehnsgiven
For freedom’s sweet sake ; and for me. T will pray
Onee more w ih my Harry and Hobby in Heaven,
To mee; the di ar boy that enlisted to-day.
How I Managed my House, on £2OO
($1000) a year. Ry Mrs. Warren.—
Lorinc, Publisher, Boston. For sale by
J. Burke & Cos.
This book has had a great run in Eng
land, 80.000 copies sold. It i3 a simple
story of a woman’s expedients in the way of
economy —how to save, how to make much
out of little, with many practical directions
of housekeeping. It is worthy of perusal.
Price 50c.
“Somebody's Darling." —We are in
debted to the publishers, through Messrs.
J. W. Burke k Cos., for a copy of this very
beautiful song —the words by a Georgia la
day and the music by Leon C. Weld. We
have rarely heard a more touchingly beau
tiful melody, or one better adapted to the
words accompanying it. Price 35 cents.
Nora O’Neall, a beautiful ballad, by
Will S. Hays, of Louisville, Ky. 35
cents,
Beautiful Isle of the Sea. 35
cents.
Meet me at the Lane, 35 cents.
Putting on Airs, comic, 30 cents.
Why must we part. —A touching bal
lad, and deservedly popular.
They send any piece of music published,
free of postage, on receipt of the retail
price.
New Advertisements.
Richardson & Cos., want Agents.—
See the advertisement of this House, which
is desirous of securing Agents to give its
pouplar volumes general circulation.
The National Publishing Company,
want Agents for the Life and Campaigns of
General Stonewall Jackson.
Union Point Academy. —The com
mencement of the Spring Term is announ
ced by Smith and Thornton.
Situation Wanted, by “Bellarmine,’’
for a Virginia Lady and Gentleman.
Dr. T. P. Crutcher has returned to Ma
con. He calls attention to the merits of his
treatment of chronic diseases of a nervous
character.
Geo. Kimbrough, Attorney at Law,
Starkville, Ga.
Memphis Conference.
This Conference met at Jackson, Tenn.,
Nov. 14th, Bishop Paine presiding. An
unusually large number of the members
were present. The editor of the Memphis
Christian Advocate writing from the Con
ference on the night of the 19th, says :
“ The Conference voted on the question
of Lay Representation, submitted by order
of the General Conference. For concur-
j rence, 65; against, 51. Several more votes,
probably, will be received in the morning.
“ This afternoon, the Conference voted
on the question respecting a change of the
name of the Church, submitted by the Gen
eral Conference. For change, 78, against,
! 48. This result may be varied by some
additional votes.”
North Carolina Conference.
Since the morning of November 7th, says
the Fayetteville News, the N. C. Conference
has been holding its sittings in this place.
To characterize the assembling of this re
ligious body as interesting will but poor.*y
! express the feeling which has been experi
j enced here. Large numbers of people from
! all parts of the surrounding country have
| beeu in attendance, and the pulpit and ses
sion exercises have beeu visited by great
crowds throughout.
For months, the people in this section
have been anxiously awaiting this occasion
of hearing Bishop Pierce, and the effect of
his grand serratn on Sunday morning, upon
the minds of more than a thousand audi™
tori, attests that the shadow of the full man
only came a little before him. \Ye will her#
merely mention some others below him—
Revs. Andrews, Mangum, Sehon, Deems,
Mann, Moran, Reid, Hally and others, ,
whose talents are shining lights to the
Church.
As matters of general interest, we will
state that the N. C. Conference voted to ad
mit a lay delegation, and voted also to change
the name of the "Church to “ Episcopal
Methodist-,’’ —leaving off the word “South.”
Dr. Deems, Editor of the Watchman,
writes from Wilson, N. C., Nov. 16, to his
paper :
“The Annual Conference which I have
been attending closed its session in Fayette
ville, North Carolina, last Monday night.
It was a brief, harmonious, and happy ses
sion. I have never seen more unity among
Christian brethren. All the departments of,
the Church seem to be in working order,
and some of them really prosperous. It is a
matter of grateful surprise to me to see the
rapid recuperation of the Church. Every
formality of ecclesiastical discipline and ar
rangement was as regularly observed as be
fore the war. Os course, the finances of
the Church have suffered greatly from the
impoverishment, and depression of the coun
try; but even iu this respecl the liberality
of many portions of the Church has abound
ed in the great poverty of her members.
The schools and colleges have commenced
operation, and some of them have signs of
growth and usefulness. It was resolved to
commence the publication of anew religious
journal, to be called the Carolina Episcopal
Methodist.”
Hr. H. further writes that: “ The vote on
the admission of lay representation to the
council of the Church stood 48 for, and 22
against.”
Week of Prayer for 1867.
The British Evangelical Alliance have
issued a circular, recommending, as in tho
past few years, the universal observance of
a week of special and united prayer, at the
commencement of the year. The time
proposed, and the topics for devotion sug
gested, are as follows :
Sabbath, January 6th. —Sermons on the
Presence of Christ, with his Universal
Church.
Monday, January 7/7i. —Thanksgiving
and Confession of Sin.
Tuesday, January Bth. —Prayer for Na
tions ; for “kings and all in authority for
the increase of righteousness, the prevalence
of peace, aud the holy observance of the
Sabbath.
Wednesday, January 9th. —Prayer for
the success of missions among Jews and
Gentiles, and for a divine blessing to accom
pany the efforts to evangelize the uncon
verted of all lands and classes.
Thursday , January 10 th. —Prayer for all
who have suffered from the recent wars; for
our brethren emancipated from slavery, and
for our fellow-Christians persecuted for the
Gospel’s sake.
j Friday, January 1 \th. —Prayfer for Chris
tian families, for schools, colleges and uni
versities.
Saturday , January 12 th. —Prayer for
the Catholic Church, for all ministers of the
Gospel, and for the increase of holiness,
fidelity, and Christian charity among its
members.
Sabbath , January 13 th. —Sermons on
the unity of tho Church, and the duties of
believers to manifest it by mutual recogni
tion and active co-operation.
The Mission Work M. E. Church North.
The General Missionary Committee of the
M. E. Church, held its annual session in
New York, Nov. B—l3th. The New York
Christian Advocate, noticing the proceed
ings of the Committee, gives a general re
view of their whole mission work, from
which it appears “that the appropriations
for last year for all purposes, including a
large aggregate of contingencies, amounted
to a million dollars. There was at that
time in the treasury a large surplus —over
four hundred thousand dollars —which it
was thought best to reduce. Accordingly
the aggregate amounts asked for from the
Church, and apportioned to be raised among
the Annual Conferences, was but seven hun
dred and fifty thousand dollars. The sum
actually paid into the society’s treasury dur*
ing the late fiscal year (Nov. Ist, 18G5, to
Oct. 31st, 1860, both inclusive) was seven
hundred and two thousand eight hundred
and three dollars, of which about fifty
six thousand were received from other
sources than the usual forms of Church con
tributions. The disbursements for the year
amount to a little over eight hundred and
ninety thousand dollars, showing a deficit of
receipts; as compared with expenditures; of