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comprehend this matter of consecration? Are
we willing to live poor for Christ’s sake < Or
do we make it a condition of our fidelity that
we must be well-housed, well-dressed, and well
fed ? Is making sacrifices merely a theme for
sermons ? Or if we have them to make, do we
murmur and repine about it ? Do we. not take
great delight in dwelling upon our sacrifices, and
even exaggerating them ? The sacrifice is never
complete while we either make it reluctantly or
make a merit of it. , r . .
Ho far as we can see, the burden of the great
Methodist work in America is upon us. \\ e are
to abjure ambition and endure hardness. We
are to* do Cod’s work. Asa Church, wc have
nothin" to do but God’s work. Original Meth
odism proponed to itsell this only to spread
Scriptural holiness over the earth. Whenever
Churches, as such, begin to dabble in politics,
they become deeply tainted. When Synods, or
Councils, or Conferences, pass resolutions in fa
vor of the President against Congress, or vice
versa, they are already lar gone from God. No
wonder, after this, if they should become so un
scrupulous as to ask and demand that the par
ties they have helped to power should reward
them with special favors, even to the robbery of
others. This deadness of conscience, this greed
of power and property, all result naturally from
the first false step. This sin and shame of Pop
ery should be confined to Popery alone.
Men of all political opinions have a right to
hear God’s word at your mouth, and to share in
your kind and pastoral care, without being re
buked directly or indirectly except for their sins,
in determining which God’s word is to be your
only guide and authority.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is a
witness for the Bible as the only and sufficient
rule of faith and practice. Her entire history
is an assertion of this fact. Her existence lias
just this meaning: The Bible is the infallible
standard of morals, as it is the exclusive rule of
faith. Against every system of philanthropy
that affects a higher spirit of beneficence than
that taught in the Scriptures, our Church inflex
ibly replies : The Bible is true; the social mor
ality of the Bible is pure ; to pretend anything
better is arrogant impiety.
Church Meetings are compacting the mem
bership and reviving discipline. This is no time
to abate our testimony against worldliness in all
its forms. Our Church has never faltered in its
teachings or modified its tone in relation to
dancing, theaters, the manufacture aud sale of
ardent spirits, drunkenness, revelings, and such
like, as demoralizing and fatal to godliness. —
Now, that we are threatened with these evils,
coming in like a flood, we renew our warning.
Class meetings are still attended with their
ancient testimony of blessing. The late rule oi
the General Conference concerning this means
of grace, deprived it of none of its edifying
power. We exhort preachers and people every
where to atteiid them, and if in any locality class
meetings have fallen into desuetude, to use every
effort for their revival.
Though the General Conference has not for
mally introduced District Meetings into our
economy, they seem like other prudential regu
lations which have proved advantageous, to he
providentially developing to meet the wants and
demands of the Church. Methodism is a eon
ncctional system. Stations, circuits, and mis
sions must be taught that however distinct, they
are parts of a common whole. District Meetings
furnish opportunities of singular advantage for
counsel aud concerted action in regard to finance,
the management of Sunday-schools, the circula
tion of Church literature, education, adminis
tration of discipline, and the like; and also, as
have been prospectively provided in several of
the Conferences, for the appointment of lay rep
resentatives.
To all who set a proper estimate on experi
mental religion and the communion of saints,
the love feast is and will be a delight: the love
feast held—not, as the manner of some is, but,
as our rulcsdireet, with closed doors,to wbicb, be
sides members, serious persons only are admitted
by the pastor.
We would lay a solemn charge upon all ad
ministrators of discipline to come back to it, in
every particular wherein a lax usage may have
obtained.
Insist on a family altar in every bouse. No
substitute has ever beeu found for family reli
gion.
Finally, brethren, remember that rules and
regulations, however wise, avail nothing in them
selves, “but anew creature.” We caution you
against substituting the means for the end. This,
also we wish, even your perfection. Pastors
and teachers are giveu lor the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come
in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge
ol' the Sou of God unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fullness of
Christ.
We propose that Friday, 10th of August
next, be observed in all our churches as a day of
fasting, humiliation, and prayer—that God would
he pleased to pour out his Spirit upon us and
upon all flesh; that he would show us our sin's
and help us, by a true repentance, to turn away
from them ; that he would send forth laborers
into his harvest, who may serve him more laith
fully and eflieicntly than we have done; that he
would build up the Church and comfort her waste
places; that he would grant us all those bles
sings, temporal and spiritual, we have need of.
And we further propose that this day of special
fasting and prayer be preceded, wherever practi
cable, by religious exercises begun on the previ
ous Sabbath and continued day by day till the
Sabbath following.
And now, brethren, we commend you to God
and to the word of his grace, which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified.
James O. Andrew',
Robert Paine,
Geo. F. Pierce,
11. 11. Kavanaugii,
John Early,
W. M. WIGHTMAN,
E. M. Marvin,
D. S. Doggett,
11. N. McTyeire.
April IS, 1867.
COURSE OP STUDY.
By request we republish the “ Course of
Study” :
The Bishops have the whole Course of Study
under revision ; but the old one stands for the
? resent Conference year, and perhaps the next.
t will certainly not be disturbed this year. We
publish it below, with the studies that have been
prescribed, upon which those will be examined
who apply for admission on trial into the trav
eling connection :
The Bible: Wesley’s Sermons on Justifica
tion by Faith, and on the Witness of the Spirit.
Rules concerning the Duty of a Preacher as laid
down in the Discipline : Written Essay or Ser
mon.
First Year.—The Bible: Historical and Bi
ographical parts with reference to Watson’s
Biblical and Theological Dictionary enlarged,
with new Biblical Atlas, and Preacher’s Text-
Rook; Wesley’s Sermons, vol. I; Discipline,
Hymn-Book, Clark’s Preacher’s Manual; Wat
son’s Institutes, part III; Theological Com
pend, English Grammar, Composition.
Second Year. —The Bible : as to the Insti
tutions of Christianity, reference to Watson’s
Dictionary, as above; Wesley’s Sermons, vol. II;
Discipline with reference to llenkle’s Analysis ;
Hymn-Hook; Smith’s Elements of Divinity;
Watson’s Institutes, part lY r ; Watson’s Life of
Wesley, and Observations on Southey; Essay
or Sermon, with reference to Quackenbos’s Ad
vanced Course of Composition and Rhetoric.
Third I’ear—The Bible: as to Doctrines,
with reference to Watson’s Dictionary, as above;
Wesley’s Sermons, vol. Ill; Discipline; Hymn-
Book ; Watson’s Institute*, part II; Whatelcy’s
Rhetoric; Essay or Sermon, with reference to
Vinet’s Pastoral Theology.
Fourth Year.—The Bible, generally, with
reference to Watson’s Dictionary, as above;
Wcslcv’s Sermons, vol IV; Discipline; Hymn-
Book ; Rivers’s Elements of Moral Philosophy
Watson’s Institutes, part I ; Powell on Succes
sion ; lluter’s Church History; Whateley’s
Logic; Essay or Sermon.
sont|jcrn Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, AUGUST 2, 1807.
THE AUGUST MEETINGS.
I deem the appointment of a fast day and of
a week of religious exercises, as of great impor
tance. 1 think -that it will result in great good
to the church and to the country.
The call of the Bishops is founded on the
conviction, that the church needs to bo greatly
stirred up and baptized with the Holy Ghost,
both in its ministry and membership ; and they
could think of no instrumentality so well calcu
lated to bring about this desirable result, as the
holding such meetings as those contemplated.
It is designed that there shall bean extraordi
nary and united effort, calling the. people to
gether in every portion of the Southern church,
to spend several days in religious exercises.
Let. us ail go up to the altars of God in the
spirit ot honest self-examination, confession,
and supplication, to Him who alone can help its
The church has not, for a great while, seen the
time when she more needed help from God than
now; and ouv country never was enshrouded
with a darker pall, than that which now covers
its future. We have trusted to political dema
gogues, and they have brought us well nigh to
destruction. The war, which has so lately de
vastated the country and laid our homes aud
our churches in ashes, and filled thousands of
graves with the best and bravest of the land,
has left the country cursed with a wide-spread
destruction of morals, such as follows always in
the wake of war. Men have learned to disre
gard the most sacred obligations ; debts are re
pudiated whenever there is an opportunity;
theft upon a grand scale followed the close of
the war; the Yankees and Confederates fur
once united, and cotton stealing was regarded as
very allowable ; and there was no lack of very
specious reasons to justify the deed. Many a
man became suddenly rich, on what had been
stolen from his neighbor; and the deed was
winked at by many men of those counted the
more respectable and moral portion of the com
munity. fly such means, sterling integrity, the
only safe foundation of character, has been im
paired. The wise provisions ol’the Discipline
arc disregarded, and men run into debt often
with no probability of paying. In consequence,
bard feelings aud hard words abound among
church members. This of course leads to back
sliding. The spirit of love is not cultivated—
the throne of grace is forgotten or neglected—
the church loses its strength, and has hut little
power with God.
Sinners all around are sinning and dying, and
sinking to perdition ; amt yet the Christians
around them feel barely an occasional concern
for them. Yea, in many instances our own
children arc going to ruin, yet it disturbs us not.
We sleep on, as thobgh their souls were scarcely
worth caring for.
Before the Avar, wo were a prosperous people.
Our gin-houses were full, and we had plenty in
our barns. Thru we ought to have built up our
literary Institutions and placed them on a sure
foundation ; but we were not quite done buying
hind and negroes for our sons and daughters.
To lie sure, we had built up some houses for
schools and colleges, and some endowments had
been collected—much of which was invested in
securities which have ultimately proved worth
less—hut the gifts were generally measured
nicely, and were rarely in proportion to either
the importance of the object or the ability of
the subscriber.
A great many of our rich men, we fear, have
not, as a general thing, made matters straight
with God, in reference to the proper use of their
money, and somewhat of the scourging with
which we are now being visited may havo ref
erence to the past.
When we were prosperous, we worshipped
self; and now that the sun of our glory has set,
we can scarcely adapt ourselves to our altered
position. We can hardly consent to he poor.
Even our young people find it hard to forget the
times, when they had plenty to wait on them.
Yet we must unlearn many of our former ways;
and I have, no doubt we shall come up nobly
to the work after a little more experience.
But we shall have need of help from God to
enable us to do all which will be required of us.
But we must dwell a little longer upon the con
dition of matters in Church and State. Many
of us are gloomy, and have become prophets of
evil—full of all manner of had things, such as
poverty and starvation. To be sure, they have
enough now ; but oh ! the dark, the gloomy fu
ture ! They seem to have forgotten that God
reigns, and has all the money and all the food
at his command.
The Government has made oaths so common,
that many regard an oath as of no value, and
consequently perjury is not so rare as it should
be, and truth is nothing if it stands in the way
of position or business.
Where is the vitality and power of the
church, as it once manifested itself among us,
in days past ? Have not the pulpit and the pen
declined in this respeet ? Are there not many
among us, who never consecrate their houses by
the voice of the morning and evening prayer;
and yet they have knelt at our altars for many
years. Perhaps it may be worse. It may be,
that they have never yet knelt at the sacra
mental altar to renew their oath of allegiance to
Jesus ? Is it any wonder that so many crowd
our churches, who have never known the joy of
pardoned sin—who have not yet received the gift
of the Holy Ghost ? O, brethren, you that are in
such a case, should you not, one and all, cry
mightily to God that He bestow upon you this
crowning gift ?
God grant that the meetings in August may
be the glorious time when upon all the church
shall be poured out the overflowing unction of
the Holy Ghost. Oh! that from that meeting
may date a universal revival of the work of the
Holy Ghost.
But. in order that such results may follow,
there are a few things to he considered through
out the whole church :
Let there be a universal burial of prejudice
and clearing of all hearts of malice, and of all
unkind feelings. Let there be a general healing
of breaches and shaking hands in your hearts,
so that when you come up to tho meeting you
may enter upon your work with a heart full of
kindness and Jove to all. Remember, that when
SOTTTITEILtsr CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
the Holy Ghost came down on the day of Pen
tecost, the disciples were all together with one
accord in one place. Again, inquire, “have T
done my duty to my pastor, or have l begun my
retrenchment on bis demand on me ; lias be and
his household been fed and clothed ?” Remem
ber, that, God requires thus much of you.
Finally, have you divided with your suffering
neighbors, during these days of famine? Let
every Christian man or woman begin at once to
set their house iu order, so that the power and
blessing of God may rest on us all before the
meeting begins. Jas. < >. Andrew.
The Americas District Meeting.
It was our privilege to be at this Meeting last
week, during part of its session; and we felt
. only regret that duty c-.dled us away before its
close. It met at Fort Valley, aud Bishop Pierce
presided. It had an efficient secretary in A. A.
AdamS, Esq ,of Americas, 'flic P. E., Rev. C.
R. Jewett, had been expecting a good meeting
—bad zealously urged a general attendance of
the delegates, and he and Rev. E. II McGohcc
of the circuit, had made every arrangement for
a glorious meeting—but, we think, they had
hardly anticipated the half that was felt and'
seen, during the four days the church was in
council iu Fort Valley. The half cannot be
I told.
i We do not propose to detail the proceedings
| —that will he dune officially. But wc think a
i few things noted are worthy of special mention.
Were any present who have feared to rely
! upon the zeal and efficiency of our lay-brethren
! and doubted the policy of asking them to co
! operate with the ministry in bearing the burdens
of the church service, the last doubt must have
been dispelled during this meeting. These
brethren entered upon tiicir duties with an in
telligent appreciation of their responsibility, and
I prosecuted them with an ardor that greatly en
deared them to the pastors present, and that
brought them all into the rich fellowship of
kindred minds. We have learned that the
closing session—after we had left—when the
brethren were interchanging opinions as to the
profit of the Meeting and, under its inspiration,
renewing their vows of fidelity to each other and
to the church, was transcendontly glorious. The
offering seemed at once received by the Holy
Ghost.
The earnestness and deep sympathy of the
brethren with all the interests of the church,
appeared, during our stay, specially at, two points
worthy of mention. The educational interests
of the church were before the meeting, and it
happened that several of the sons of Emory
College were there as delegates —with their for
mer beloved President, Bishop Pierce, iu the
Chair. Their hearts were fired by recollections
of the past, and they made such pleas for
“Alma Mater,’’ aud such pledges of support
hereafter, as must bring forth good fruit.—
Again; when the question ol ministerial sup
port, the building of parsonages and kindred
topics were up, several prominent laymen evinced
in tlieir feeling and telling speeches, such sym
pathy with the ministry, and love for their pas
tors as would make an angel rejoice to serve
such hearts. A lire lias been kindled that many
waters will not quench. The case of one afilietqd
and absent brother, whose work had not done
much and could do little for him, was mention
ed by the P. Elder, in giving an account of his
work, and his statement and that which followed
from a worthy lay brother, a sharer in the labors
and afflictions of the absent preacher, wrought, so
deeply upon the audience, that in a few minutes
and spontaneously as it were, a purse of 81 tilt
was made up for him.
But what shall we say of the public religious
services? To say that the hallowing influences
of the Spirit were present at every service would
give but a feeble idea of the prevailing and
sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost that rested
day and night upon the assembly. There were
no sermons devoted to special discussions, outside
the ordinary range of pulpit topics. All the
sermons we heard, up to Saturday night, would
have been appropriate to a camp meeting in the
highest tide of revival. All specialities were
reserved for discussion in the Meeting. The
sermons were devoted to religious experience
and the daily practical duties of Christianity.—
We have learned too, that this was the charac
ter of the preaching up to the last. And wc
must insist, that in nothing can these assem
blages of the church officers be made more pro
fitable, than in rekindling the flame of religious
zeal and love in their hearts, by a fervent pre
sentation of the fundamental truths of Chris
tian experience and practice. We consider all
discussions of mooted questions and collateral
topics in the pulpit on such occasions as a mis
take. A revival wave, we verily believe, will
now sweep over this entire District from this
Meeting, such as it has never experienced be
fore.
We understand, that the love-feast ou Sunday
morning was a Pentecostal season. If the Fath
ers of Methodism had risen from the dead and
been present, they would scarce know that they
had been asleep a half century, so like was this
to those occasions in which they led the worship
of the church.
After Bishop Pierce had preached on Sabbath
morning, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
was administered to a large number of commu
nicants, and great grace rested on the assembly.
The profit of such a meeting cannot be com
puted. Its influence will be felt by the entire
church in the District, and even beyond. What
is yet to come of it cannot be told ; for, though
the District Meeting closed its labors on Satur
day, the religious services were protracted and
the meeting was in progress when we last heard
from Fort Valley. We trust that many may be
added to the Church of Christ.
Emory College—Plan of Endowment.
Bishop Pierce, in his communication, details
a simple plan for the perpetual endowment of
Emory College. The capital is not invested in
stocks, or lands, or bonds, but it is found in the
affections and zeal of the Methodists—who, for
themselves and for their children, are interested
in its perpetuation and growth to the largest
proportions of a first-class College—and may we
not hope that their “ name is legion.” If
Methodists love it—see its necessity to the suc
cess of their church, and to the extension of the
kingdom of their Master, no endowment can
yield a more certain income, or he based upon a
safer security.
Now, wo beg that, this list of five hundred—
the immortal five hundred—be filled up at once.
There is need for it, to give the Trustees a
proper basis for moving forward in the line of
duty they have marked out for themselves. The
preachers everywhere, the alumni, the zealous
Christian ladies of our church, are invoked to
lend a helping hand. The subscriptions need
not be limited to §2O. A father, a mother, and
all their children, may appear in this list of
honor, by §2O for each given by any one of the
family. Where circumstances favor, it may ho
pvesenteikaGehureh and district meetings to the
consideration of members present, and names of
subscribers taken.
No money is wanted now—none until the or
ganization of the Association —which cannot he
till winter. The pledge is for an annual pay
ment off^2o—yet, in the nature of the case, it
must be a voluntary donation from year to year,
and if circumstances arise to render the re
demption of the pledge impracticable, why,
then, no one is at fault for the failure; and
where one withdraws or dies, others may lie
found to take his place. The point is to keep
the subscription up to at least five hundred
names, from this time onward, forever—and
means will bo used to effect au organization that
shall do this.
We await responses, with names and post
offices of those who will join in this great and
good and lasting work for the benefit of the
church and the glory of God. Wc believe that
■an active canvassing of all our churches from
seaboard to mountains, will bring the five huu
dred members in three months. Let it he
made, and God will smile upon the effort.
A WEEK OF PRAYER.
»
The second to third Sunday in August, inclu
sive, embraces the week suggested in the Bish
ops’ Pastoral Address, last spring, as the week
for holding daily service in our churches, gene
rally, if at all practicable. Here is an occasion
calling for the zealous labors of every preacher,
exhorter, class-leader, member. Where there
can be no preaching, there can be prayer meet
ing—if not by day, yet by night—if not with the
aid of the officiary at the church, yet in private
l louses —Christian neighbors meeting together
and “comforting one another and edifying one
another.”
Friday the 17th August, is the appointed day
of tasting and prayer. This, at least, can be
universally observed. Let it bo done—let it be
a true fast. And on this day, it possible on no
other of the week, every congregation should
meet, and every member, not hindered by insu
perable difficulties, should be present.
We republish this week the “Bishops’ Ad
dress” to the churches. Some have requested
it, purposing to read it, on that day. At least,
there is to be found, in the topics it touches on,
an excellent basis for instruction and exhorta
tion. 'i'o amplify its themes judiciously—espe
cially where duty is urged—will be to make a
suitable address, for the occasion.
Os course, every body will read Bishop An
drew’s remarks offered this week, on the day
and the proper services of the day. They
search the heart; and, it were well, that this
should be a day of universal heart searching.
We are convinced, that if we only do our duty,
and the members of the Church come up as a
unit to the work and service of God that second
week in August will he a time long to be remem
bered in this world and in heaven.
Let us pray, in advance, that it may be so, in
our private devotion i, in our family and social
worship, and in the public congregation.
Support of the Ministry.
The Report of the Committee ou the Support
of the Ministry, presented by T. M. Furlow
Esq., of Americas, to the Americas District
Meeting, treats the general subject so reason
ably and seripturally, that the Meeting desired to
see it published entire. We yield cheerfully to
this request—and also so strongly endorse the
address that wo make it do service in our edito
rial columns —being sliortjjpf “copy” of our
own, on account of absence from our post. We
are sure, that our readers cannot regret the sub
stitution. The Report says:
The reports of pastors and delegates from the
several stations, circuits and missions in this
District develop the fact, that whilst some
charges have done well towards the support of
their"pastors and families for the present year,
many have contributed but little to that object,
up to this time. Wo would not be understood
as implying even a dereliction of duty on the
part of those whose official duty it is to engineer
this important interest of the Church. The
stewards have, doubtless, done the best they
could, considering the many unpropitious*cir
cumstances surrounding them. The desolations
of a recent’ war—a failure the past year, in the
crops, the consequent scarcity of provisions and
the imperative demand, thereby, for the use of
almost every dollar to supply this deficiency have
made it impracticable, even with the most liber
able and charitable, to meet the demands of
their preachers, with such a supply of money as
was their wont or as is commensurate with their
religious duty and obligation.
It is probable, however, that in some cases
under review, these evils might have been
remedied, if not entirely relieved, by a proper,
well-digested system of operations. When the
hearts of our Church members are full of relig
ion and their purses well filled with money—
means of supporting the preacher, can be ob
tained with but little trouble and independent of
any particular well defined plan. Rut if the
reverse be true, then success can be obtained,
only through a well organized system and by the
exercise of the very best financial skill.
The economy of Methodism, in much of her
past history, has been wanting in system, order,
arrangement, as to her finances. The law of the
church once stipulated an amount which a trav
elling preacher might receive for support of
himself and family, but it rested with the sense
of moral obligation in the people served, whether
they paid it or not. The contributions being
wholly voluntary and no legal obligation attach
ing, the church has commended itself by these
peculiar features to the world, for cheapness, and
it ha3 doubtless been the boast of some, that
through a long life, they have enjoyed the church,
participating freely in all its privileges, sharing
in its growth in popular honor and esteem,
without its having cost them one dime.
Whilst we would not have the church main
tained by funds raised through Stale enactments,
yet we would have the moral law and the obli
gations of religion so enforced and brought to
bear upon church members, as to stimulate caoh
one to contribute in proportion to ability.
The law of the land is compulsory, as to the
payment of taxes, and he is regarded as wanting
in patriotism who, under ordinary circumstances,
seeks to evade it. The law of Heaven demands
that Christ’s sheep should be fed, and it has in
unmistakeabie language, bid his disciples go
forth and preach his gospel in every land and to
every creature. Arc we not theu forced to
question the religious sincerity of him, who is
loud in professions of love to Christ and his dis
ciples, yet who will, through mere avarice, with
hold the means necessary to execute this great
command, enacted in' Heaven and promulgated
on earth by Christ himself?
As professing Christians, we make it a point
of religious honor to pay our just debts when
contracted between man and man. We begin
in due time to make arrangements to meet
promptly our promises to pay, and we arc morti
fied, if not humbled, when we fail to do so.
We borrow money and pay in many instances
a large interest for its use. But Providence
may lend us lands, stocks, money, and we use
them lavishly in the gratification of every whim
of pleasure—live luxuriously—from day to day,
from year to year—even down to old age, it may
he just as though we had embraced the creed,
that we do not owe God and his cause even a
single dollar of interest.
We must be punctual in the payment of our
worldly contracts, to preserve intact our credit,
but it is no sacrifice ot honor or credit to compel
the preacher to wait our convenience. No such
punctuality is observed iu meeting the obliga
tions due the God of Heaven; and our credit
does not suffer or our honor tarnish, even though
we do permit the cause of Christ to languish and
pine for a season, to he resuscitated, ouly when
Providence shall bless us with fruitful harvests
and abundant means.
Inspiration has asked the solemn question,
“will a man rob God?” God himself answers
the question from the courts of Heaven, “But
ye have robbed me in tithes and ollerings.’’
Where now, delinquent professor, is your boast
ed honor which you have so carefully nursed and
so sensitively maintained before the world. —
Your honesty lias not been questioned by the
world. But God who secs your every motive,
who scans your every thought, and knows your
every action, pronounces you a robber, and pro
duces the proof that fixes this miserable, heinous
crime indelibly upon you. Are you, my broth
er, included in this indictment of the court ot
Heaven ? Have you not withheld—are you not
now withholding tithes and offerings, due God ?
Have you been careful and made haste, when
you have gathered your harvest to measure off
God’s portion, and place it in his garner, or
have you robbed him of his portion and used it
to your own gratification ? You would not, you
could not, vea, you dare not treat your fellow
men thus, without bringing upon yourself degra
dation and condemnation by the laws of your
country.
Your Committee feels that there is a waking
up among our people to the subject of ministe
rial support. The interchange of ideas and of
plans, among the delegates to this meeting, has
developed the fact, that in charges, where some
system has been adopted much greater success
has attended the efforts of the stewards, than
where there has been wanting every plan other
than the old haphazard system of voluntary
contributions, and the Committee have accord
ingly digested a plan and offer it to this meet
ing, as one proper to be recommended to all the
churches.
[This plan will be published with other pro
ceedings of the Meeting. Ed.]
REGISTERING LETTERS.
The new system of transmitting registered
letters went into operation on the Ist iustant.
Anew style of canvass envelope, of large size
and of an appearance to attract the attention of
distributing clerks, has been introduced. The
printed directions on these envelopes read as
follows :
“ Postmasters, route agents, railway postofliee
clerks and receiving clerks, handling this regis
tered package envelope while in transit, are re
quired to keep a record of its number, post mark
(with date), address, date of its receipt, and the
description made of it by them on blanks and
books furnished for that purpose. Route agents
and railway postofliee clerks will also take a re
ceipt for it (to be carefully preserved) when it
leaves their hands; and when such receipts
cannot be obtained at the time, there will be
placed in the pouch with this envelope a receipt
to be signed by the postmaster of the office at
which the poueh is first opened. This receipt
the postmaster will sign, and return it (directed
to the route agent or railway postofliee clerk) by
next mail.’’
We call attention of Agents to the above
statement. We have heretofore found that reg
istering letters often insured their loss. Wc
hope this new plan will work better; and we
hope our Agents will adopt it, wherever these
envelopes have been introduced, to send us even
the smallest sum of money they can command.
We beg prompt remittances, for we are dread
fully in want of money.
Bishop Doggf.tt lias returned from bis long
tour in the West. Tie is looking remarkably
well, showing clearly that a proper measure of
hard work is good for Bishops as well as for other
people. He reports most favorably of tho condi
tion and prospects of our church in the West.
The District Meetings ho regards as destined to
take a most important place in our economy.
The attendance of preachers and people, the
questions discussed, and the information elicited
in regard to the whole work of the church, make
these gatherings, in the estimation of the Bishop,
most valuable auxiliaries in the great work of
borne evangelization. —Richmond Advocate,
Randolph Macon College. —At the recent
commencement of this excellent institution, the
Degree of D. D. was conferred upon Rev. Bishop
Marvin, of Missouri, Revs. Nelson Head, W. W.
Bennett and John E. Edwards, of Virginia, and
S. S. Roszell and John Poisall, of Baltimore;
and the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon
Rev. Bishop G. F. Pierce, of Georgia, and Rev.
James F. Dowdell, President of E. Ala. College,
Auburn, Ala., all of the M. E. Church, South.
Bishop Early, we are glad to learn, says the
Richmond Christian Advocate, will attend some
of these meetings in our Conference, and give
his-mature wisdom, and valuable experience to
aid the younger ministers and laymen who may
be piesent. He is to attend such a meeting at
Amherst Courthouse for the Lynchburg District.
Dr. Harrison’s New Book. —Tho attention
of the preachers in the Georgia and other Con
ferences is invited to the proposition made by
Rev. W. P. Harrison, D. D., respecting his pro«
posed volume in defense of the Southern Meth
odist Church, against all assailants.
Griffin District Meeting. —The preachers
and delegates to this Meeting will please note
that it is to include the fourth Sabbath in Au
gust, instead of the first Sabbath in September,
as at first announced.
dTomspoitiientt.
EMORY COLLEGE.
Commencement —Plan of Endowment.
Mr. Editor : Emory College, long suspended,
is living again. She has risen from the dead.
Though stripped of her endowment, and now
bereaved of* her President, her pulse of life is
strong, her heart full of hope, aud her future
bright with promise. The recent Commence
merit was an interesting occasion. r l here was
an ante helium crowd in attendance. Ihe rev
erend and venerable Trustees were on hand as
usual—fashion with her worshippers was there—
tho surrounding country rallied as aforetime
joy and gladness ruled the hour. The speakers
acquitted themselves well, very well. The
prizes were delivered by Dr. Harrison, accompa
nied by a characteristic speech—sensible, unique
and spirited. The baccalaureate of the retiring
President was strong, appropriate to the occa
sion, the times, and the serious responsibilities
of the young men. “May his shadow never
grow less.”
Your sermon I did not hear; but report jus
tifies me in thanking you, that you did not sac
rifice the spiritual to the literary, the useful to
the popular, but magnified your ministry by
urging the whole duty of man.
The address before the Societies was delivered
by General John I>. Gordon. llis theme was
Discipline, Mental and Moral. The speech was
practical, yet ornate; bold in its declaration of
truth, yet discreet and delicate in language,
well-timed and wholesome. The General lias a
magnificent voice, and manages it skillfully. I
could but imagine the electric effect of it on
his Division, when with the fire of battle in bis
eye, he cried “ Charge!” Methinks it could
have been heard amid all the coufusioti of the
field.
But other pens will narrate and describe and
eulogize. 1 will come to more serious matters.
By war and its disasters, Emory College lias
lost one hundred thousand, dollars of its endow
ment. Comparatively little is left, and that
little as yet pays a very small dividend. Some
thing must be done to meet the emergency. The
College must be sustained. The church and the
country alike demand it. We cannot afford to
do without it. We must have an able Presi
dent, an able Faculty, more apparatus, more li
brary—repairs are needed —a contingent fund
is necessary to get and keep all these — ire must
have money. “ Oh, there's the, rub.'' Well,
“AY/ despent n dum ”
I propose anew plan : I will not ask for hun
dreds or thousands —not now, perhaps never.
I do not want your capital; you can keep it.
I could not invest it satisfactorily if I had it.
Keep it yourself—trade on it—do the best you
can—but I want some interest, just a little, and
for the sake of system and certainty, let us form
an Endowment Association, have a Presi
dent, Secretary aud Treasurer, meet annually at
Oxford, have a speech, a grand celebration —
become a living member of a live College.
A Tow, then, 1 propose, to he, one. of jive hundred
(no objection to fine, thousand') to pay annually
§2O for the support of Emory College, Let all
who accept this proposition send their names to
uie at Sparta, or to Dr. E. 11. Myers, at Macon.
No money will be asked for before January
next. The subscriber can pay quarterly, semi
annually, or annually, at his own convenience.
All at once will be best for the College. The
plan will develope itself—the details will be
settled when we organize the Association.
I appeal to the alumni—to the Methodists of
Georgia, preachers and members —to the friends
of Methodism and religious education. It is a
little up grade just now, but motion will over
come resistance. Give us a start. The machine
will run, if you will push. One shove, my
friend, just now. There, that will do—thank
you. Dr. Myers will report progress through
the Advocate.
Friends and brethren, if you do not rush to
my side, I shall be compelled to worry you with
line upon line. Be warned, and make baste.
G. F. Pierce.
Sunshine, 22 d July, 1807.
Wc join Bishop Pierce in the pledge above
made, and would urge its general circulation,
throughout the Conferences interested iu the
existence and work of Emory College.
E. "H. Myers, Macon, Ga.
J. E. Evans, Columbus, Ga.
J. S. Key, Macon, Ga.
C. W. Smith, Macon, Ga.
W. C. Bass, Macon, Ga.
J. W. Burke, Macon, Ga.
W. 11. Mitchell, Macon, Ga.
W. F. Robison, Macon, Ga.
E. Saulsbury, Macon, Ga
Union Springs District Mooting
The District Meeting lor Union Springs Dis
trict, Montgomery Conference, was held at Pine
Level, beginning on Thursday, 18tli July, 1807
—the Presiding Elder, llcv . Joseph B. Cottrell,
presiding. In his opening address, lie expressed
deep regret at not being able to secure the atten
dance of one of the Bishops, as all wore so en
gaged, that they could not possibly be present.
A letter from Bishop Wightman, in answer to
one soliciting bis presence, assured him of his
regret, that his work was so arranged as to pre
clude the possibility of his visiting the District,
this year, but expressed the hope and purpose of
doitig so next year. Rev. James W. Slioics was
elected Secretary, and Mr. N. Horn, Assistant.
Committees were appointed on the following
subjects: Bible Cause, State of the Church,
Education, Parsonages, Finance, Missions,
Church Extension, Sunday Schools, and Re
ligious Literature.
Cols. 11. Peoples anil R. IT. Powell from
Union Springs Station offered a resolution
recommending to the General Conference an
increase of the number of Bishops, so as to have
at least one for every two Conferences. This
was referred to a special Committee, which re
ported favorably, and the recommendation was
unanimously passed.
Col. Powell offered a resolution recommend
ing such a modification of the method of Presi
ding Elder supervision of Districts, as to obviate
so much useless travel, and yet secure the bene (its
of the office to the Church. This was referred
to the Committee on Church Extension, and in
the report of that Committee it is suggested that
instead of as now, the P. E. being at large
over the District, he be appointed to somo Cir
cuit or Station, and that two District-meetings
beheld during the year, to which meetings much
of the business now appointed to the Quarterly
Conferences be transferred. This, with the
other items of the Report was adopted.
After the appointment of‘ the Committees, the
pastors were called upon for a statement of the
condition of their several works, and each was
questioned freely and fully by the Meeting, so
that when all had been brought out, the Com
mittees had data upon which they could make
their reports. Incidental to the statements of
one of the pastors, a spirited discussion sprung
up as to the relative duties and obligations of
pastors and people. So full and satisfactory was
the whole range of Church enterprise and econo
my brought out and considered in this discus
sion, that finally, when the Meeting came to act
upon the Reports of Standing Committees, only
a little conversational discussion was had, except
on the evil of buying, making and drinking
ardent spirits, and the Meeting rounded off its
labors in a most satisfactory manner, leaving not
a scrap of unfinished business upon the table.
Throughout there was a promptness and brevity,
a candor and deference, and, withal, a brotherly
kindness, which gave great zest to the proceed
ings ; and the large audience of spectators seem
ed deeply interested to the close. Many who
bad felt and expressed misgivings relative to the
utility of such meetings were thoroughly con
verted to their favor and went away, finally, ex
pressing themselves as edified and strengthened.
The strictly religious services of the occasion
were preaching each night, and at 11 o clock,
A. M., every day, except on tho day the Meet
ing convened.
On Friday morning the opening sermon was
preached by Rev. Wm. M. Motley, of Union
Springs. His theme was the Constitution of the
Christian Church. He traced the authority ol
tho ministry from the word of God as ordained
by Christ, and vindicated the distribution and
extension of official function and prerogative, as
tho exigencies of time and circumstance have
demanded new prudential and economic arrange
ments for carrying out the great central idea of
the Gospel—“ The spread of scriptural holiness.’’
He showed the parallel between the rise and
development of the primitive Church and that of
Methodism —vindicating the late modification of
tho polity of the M. E. Church, South, by show
ing it to be a violation of no staple principle of
the society first organized around and under Mr.
Wesley. The sermon was forcible, perspicuous,
and appropriate, and very materially qualified
j the members of the convention for their duties
Vol. xxx. No, 31
by so timely clearing away the obstructions of
theoretic doubt and misgiving. The preacher
took high ground in behalf of educating our
young ministers before risking them in charge of
the delicate and vital duties of the pastoral
office, urging that one of the imminent duties of
the Church is now to provide for this by liberal
contributions and by wise and prudent arrange
ments, (educational) for making them effective.
The sermon made a flue impression, and gave
great satisfaction.
Ou Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, the vene
rable Stephen F. Pilley preached from, “In those
daysGlie mountain of the Lord's house shall he
established upon the top of the mountains and
over the hills, &c.” This sermon was a rare treat.
Chaste in style, wide in range of thought—the
different members or divisions so jointed and
blended together in evident unity as to give the
pleasure of variety, symmetry and oneness; and
the joints of thought were so thoroughly lubri
cated that the whole movement of the sermon
was easy, natural and pleasing. As jealous as
the writer is for the dignity and character of the
Methodist pulpit, lie felt that he would have
boon pleased to hear that sermon before any
audience in the world. Rev. Mr. McKee, ol
the Presbyterian Church, concluded the services,
and it was specially gratifying to see how the
sermon had affected him, as evinced in Ids
exhortation and his prayer. The above I have
written, with what Bishop Andrew has recently
said in regard to praising the efforts of preachers,
fully before my mind’s eye. In this case the
preacher isascptegcuarian—on the superannuated
list —and such mention of his sermon is the
spontaneous tribute of a heart a? and mind greatly
benefuted. lie is not connected with this Dis
trict. It was the first time 1 had ever heard
him. It is strange and unfortunate he is not
differently located and circumstanced in the
Conference. But enough ! Father Pilley will
soon be beyond the reach of bands that might
now easily smooth and soften the pillow ot repose
for liis weary head, and render the close ot his
life more as it should be to one who has so faith
fully, efficiently and ably served the Church. If
these lines should meet the eye of any of his
old friends, or others, who desire to do a most
worthy deed of merited kindness, let them
enclose, (say, to Rev. Josoph B. Cottrell, at
Union Springs, Ala ) any contribution they may,
fur the love and honor of Christ, be prompted to
bestow. It will be “mercy twice blessed.’’ Hueli
contributions will conic at a time most opportune
if soon forwarded, and will be promptly remitted
or handed to Father Pilley. This suggestion
originates with the writer, and comes alone from
him.
I have felt free to mention these two sermons.
I should like to notice several others that grati
fied me, but it might be injudicious.
The Baptists very kindly tendered their corn
inodious Church to the Meeting, and on Sunday
it was occupied morning, afternoon, and night—
Cottrell preaching at 11, I. I. Tatum at 3, and
F. T. J. Brandon at night.
At the close of the sermon at night the sacra
ment of the Lord’s Supper was administered, and
the season was solemn and profitable. At tho
Methodist Church in tho morning at 9 o’clock,
Col. Richard H. Powell addressed the children
of the Sabbath School iu a most appropriate and
felicitous manner, and’was followed by lvev. J.
W. Shores in a few remarks which I heard
much commended. Tho writer, being called
out, missed the pleasure of hearing him.
The Citizens of Pine Level and the vicinity
entertained the members of the convention and
other visitors most bountifully and cordially.
Every station, circuit and mission in the Dis
trict was represented. Two pastors aloue failed
to he present —Rev. 11. L. Selman from Green
ville Circuit, who started hut was taken sick on
the way, aud Rev. M. F. Loach from Mt. Ida,
whose absence was unexplained. The Delegates
elected to the vktinual Conference are: It. 11.
Howell, from Union Springs station; F. A. Bos
well, from Union Ct ; Rutledge, from Mill
ville Ct.; Rev. Flemming, from
Circuit.
The Reserves are: Howell Peoples,of Union
Springs; Lucies Roberts, of Greenville;* W.
Capers Menifee, of Orion; Rev. Rylandcr, of
Rama Circuit.
The weather was favorable, and the crowd
large from the first. On Sabbath, it seemed as
if the fountains of the great deep of population
had been broken up, and the confluence of the
streams in and around the Baptist Church was
beyond anything witnessed in that country
before. And although the morning services
consumed about two hours, perfect attention and
order wore had in and out of tho Church. Revs.
J. F. Dickinson and Biggs preached for the
colored people, noon and night.
The next District-meeting will be held at
Union Springs. Greenville and Brundridgc con
tested for it, but failed.
Five Poplars.
July ISO".
Wofford College Commencement.
Mr. Editor: It was our privilege to attend
the late Commencement of Woflord College.
Wo did not reach Spartanburg in time to hear
tho Commencement. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Wliite
foord Smith, but wo learned that it was an admi
rable discourse, from Prov. xix. 27.
On Monday evening the Bth inst., there was
an address before a certain Association by Prof.
Jas. 11. Carlisle, in which the Professor most
forcibly showed that Scientific men, that Math
ematics, that Triangles, that “The United States
Coast Survey” had for example more to do with
getting a box of goods from New York via
Charleston to Spartanburg than perhaps one in
one thousand had supposed. This address re
cently delivered before a certain “Literary
Club” was pronounced a masterly effort. It
will certainly hear repetition.
On Tuesday evening, wc were favored with a
Concert by the young ladies of the Spartanburg
Female College, assisted by Prof. Warren Pu-
Pre of Wofford College and others.
Then followed the address by Rev. Prof. Les
ter who most eloquently maintained that “1 he
true end of study consists in the leading out
and the discipline of the mind in order to ap
prehend truth and attain the highest and best
ends of human existence. And that the pro
gression in the scientific world ran parallel with,
and indicated the progression which might be
made in the moral and religious world.”
On Wednesday evening, Commencement day,
a large and appreciative audience convened in
the College Chapel, and after singing and pray
er, the President, Rev. Dr. Shipp, announced
that we would now have an oration by J. Adol
phus Foster. Theme, “Tho stone that is fitted
for the wall will not be left in the way.’
It will do for the foundation, or perchance to
complete the grand symmetrical arch of the
building, in other words, there is a place for
every man, and the first class men arc not
crowded.
Tho other oration was by J. W. Shipp, son
of the President. Theme, “The Land wc iove ”
Well represented as a land of vast lesourccs,
inviting a proper application of mind to matter,
and an indomitable'encrgy and perseverance, m
order that her “mountains and hills might break
forth into singing, and her deserts rejoice and
blossom as the rose.”
These orations as specimens of composition,
elocution aud learning to think, were highly
creditable, as well to the Faculty as to the young
men themselves.
After a most impressive Baccalaureate consist
ing of appropriate passages from the word of
Inspiration, a Bible was presented to J. Adol
phus Foster and one to J. W. Shipp, and then
the diplomas of graduation.
The Annual Report by the Faculty exhibited
marked profieiency, commendable decorum, and
a high moral character on the part of tho students.
The Rev. A. A. Porter, D. !> , was then in
troduced to the audience to deliver the ‘ Animal
Literary Address,” which was equal to tho occa
sion, and not unworthy of the title just bestowed.
The Dr. discoursed upon “The uses ot educated
men,” and his argument was decidedly conolu-