Newspaper Page Text
26
uninteresting, and the influence of the pulpjt j
is undcrmiued by diverting the attentionsfrom 1
serious things, and lessening the probability that
truth will take effect upon the conscience; or
if it does, for a time, arrest the attention, the
bewitching novel furnishes a ready means of
stiffing conviction-and grieving away the Spirit
of God
$ author Christian Jfcbocate.
MAO OX, GEORGIA, FEBRUARY 14, 1808.
The Preacher as a Steward. =
A good deal has been said and written first
and last respecting the duties of stewards —and
no little about the duties ot preneheis; but we
have never seen a discussion as to'the duties of
preachers in their relation to the Chdfoh, as
stewards. And if, in treating this subject, it
should appear that the preachers sometimes de
serve some of that handling they are willing to
see bestowed upon stewards, it is to be hoped
that they will be improved by the -
The preachers, stewards ? how does that come
about ? No preacher is compelled to attend to
the details of circuit, finances—to asess his
stipend—or to coilect it. His board of stew
ards docs all this—how do you make him a
steward? Not for himself, at all—yet he is a
steward, aud other preachers are just as de
pendent on his discharge of duty for their sup
port, as he is tbr his own on that of his board of
stewards
flow arc our missionaries supp >rted except as
tbu preacher provides the means ? He is a
steward of missions At overy Conference,
preachers are sent on missions, where they are
strangers. They move thither with their fami
lies. There arc no boards of stewards there to
receive them, find thorn houses, and advance
money to lay in supplies. They sue indeed
helpless, unless the Missionary Treasurer has
boon able to pay in advance the- first quarter’s
allowance Alas !of late this, we fear, has not
been done in many instauccs. The money has
not been in the Treasury, because some of the
‘•stewards of missions”—the traveling preach
ers—have been remiss. And now the Becond
quarter (Laws near, and the Treasury is still
empty, aod these stewards are perhaps doing,
nothing toward raising funds for the missiona
ries ... A
And here, too, is a loud ory coming up from
one of our Georgia brethren faraway in China;
aud all the members of the Georgia Conference
ate stewards on his work—aud uhat are these
stewards doing t
It has been noticed, that a located itinerant
often makes an excellent steward. His ex
perience of the need of diligence and fidelity
in this department of duty, is a wonderful stim
ulus to him. Reasoning on this fact, we would
imagine that if some of these preacher-stewards,
who are negligent about the missionary collec
tion, or who deler it till the poor missionary is
half starved, were tried awhile in the missiona
ry field, they would ever after, ou a circuit or
station, labor very zealously to save other mis
sionaries from such suffering, as they have en
dured.
Again; the superannuated preachers, tbo
widows and orphans have their stewards, and
thoy are noue other than tho traveling preacher.
If these fail them, in the Conference collection,
theirs is indeed a hard lot.
The Bishops, too, have uo other stewards
than the itinerant preaohers. And they have
uo quarterly meetings or quarterly settlements.
If once a year their receipts approximate the
sum requisite to pay the debts neoessarily con
tracted for living during the year, they have
done well; for they have not stewards, who pro
vide for them beforehand, so that they may keep
clear of debt.
Now, the mere statement of the points here
made, with the recollection of the want and
trouble that neglectful stewards have brought
upon the preachers, ought to he -to. them argu
ment enough to induce every itinerant to strain
every nerve that he may discharge his own
stewardship faithfully. He ought to consider,
that ho may leave his wife a widow and his
children orphans, and to exert himself to edu»
cate the Chureh in the duty of’ taking eare of
the widows and orphans of the preachers. He
should consider that he, too, may yet be a super
annuated preacher, or even a bishop, aud then
he will be dependent on the “ preacher-stew
ards’’ for the means of living; and then more
over he will wish that his example and influence
during his days of active service in the pasto
rate, had all tended to keep the Chureh and min
istry up to duty in this matter of meeting claims
such as his will then be.
But the chief point to be made here against
the preacher who doeß not do his whole duty
as to these missionary, Conference, and other
collections is, that he, at least, has no right to
complain of negligent stewards, while he in his
own stewardship sets them aueh an example of
neglect of duty. Indeed, we think it not too
harsh a judgment to say that such a defective
worker deserves little sympathy, if his stewards
do neglect him. His example is fitted to produce
that result. They know, that, by Ohuroh law
it is as binding on him to do his part towards
supporting the superannuates, the missionaries,
and the bishops, as it is upon them to provide a
support for him; and if he can break the law
with impunity why cannot they likewise break
it. If the people are too poor to be appealed to
by him, their poverty is quite as good a reason
for the stewards refraining from soliciting them.
If the preacher shrinks from his duty, because
his flock is penurious, averse to being “ beg
ged”—as the phrase is—or grow impatient of
money appeals, why may not the stewards be
reluctant to perform the unwelcome task of
doing what he will not do'/ If the preacher asks
over modestly, as if ho were ashamed of his act,
and in feeble and apologetio phrase; if he turns
away without ever pressing his suit, content
with telling the people u the Conference hat
made it my duty,’' etc., and doing this duty as
if he has no heart for it, and uq sympathy with
the objects in hand, what wonder is it if his
stewards go about their work with like reluc
tance; 1 * No, this will never do. The preaoher
who wants to educate his people to supporting
their own pastor must do it, by prating the
claims of all those tor whom he is steward. He
who does it will be better paid, than he is who
neglects this important part of his work.
The conclusion is—Let no preaoher who has
not used every legitimate effort to raise his Con
ference, missionary and bishops' foods ever open
his lips again, to rebuke or condemn negleotiol
and unfaithful stewards. Let not those preach
ers who postpone these oolleotions to the very
Close of the year jeomplaiu hereafter, that theirj
stewards haw not began their work early enough j
in the year.
Death of an ‘ Elect Lady.”
A note from the Rev. W. A. Gamewell, says:
—Many friends within the circulation of the
Advocate, will mourn deeply to know, that Mrs.
Maby A. Duncan, widow of the late Col. P. E
Duncan, formerly of South Carolina, but recent
ly of Georgia, is no more. She died at the res
idence of her relative. Col. J. S. McGehee, in
Mississippi, on the morning of Jan. 22d. after
an illness of ten days, of pneumonia.
This noble woman was in her 54th year, and
had accomplished mute for her family, society,
the Church and her country, than most of either
sex, who sur-ive until extreme old age. He
lives longest who lives best. Eternity alone
will untold the fruits of the seed she sowed be
side ell waters. But as she said of her deeeosed
husband, she needs no eulogy. The beautiful,
the true and Theydpd in her character can never
be forgotten by those who knew her. Thus in
six months has that loveiy circle been broken
by the death of husband, wife, and the youngest
boy. A more extended notice may be given at
at a future time.
Du. J. R. Thomas with his brother, Dr. F.
A. Thomas, and their respective families, arrived
safely in San Francisco on 2nd January, as we
Jenru from the San Francisco Spectator. The
information will be gratifying to their very many
friends in Georgia.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.
Tub Catholic Constitution ani> Relations
of the M. E, Church, South. A..H. Red
ford: Nashville, Tenu. For terms, see ad
vertisement.
This is a discourse delivered by Dr. Summers,
before several Conferences and District-meet
ings, and published by request of some of them.
The theme is the doctrines and polity of the
il. E Church, .South—giving plainly the rea
sons why it stands forth distinctively, yet with
out schism, a body separate irom other ecclesias
tical bodies. The differentia between it and
others are given, as tho ground of permanent
separation. The author shows that wo are not
chargeable with schism on the score of doctrine
—we enforce tuf unscriptura! doctrinal testa, so
as to debar others from joining us. Nbr have
we any reasons for refusing union with any other
Christian organization except its unscriptural
platform—and here the author points out the
difficulty in the platform ot cich, that obstructs
union. As to church polity, we do not make
any particular form a nine qua non, but we have
adopted what is best, in every system. On this
point, the author having shown how our Epia
pacy is similar to that of the Primitive Church,
wisely says in addition :
In one thing we differ from the Primitive
Church, and that is, in the paucity of the num
ber of our bishops. Bat this is more nominal
and appareut lhan real. Our presiding elders
correspond to primitive bishops, in many im
portant respects ; and so, indeed, especially in
cities where we have collegiate Churches, do
our preachers-in charge. Nevertheless, we are
free to say, it would be a great advantage if we
had more bishops c o nomine. It is the opinion
of some that there ought to be one or two in
every State. The Protestant Episcopalians,
with only one-tenth of our membership, have
more than double the number of our bishops.
It would be of immense advantage to have a
representative yian to visit once a year every
pastorai charge—tosectnat the ministers, many
of whom are inexperienced, perform their funo
lious aright, and to give them such instruction,
reproof, encouragement, and comfort, that they
may need—to deliver discourses on important
subjects, thus attracting large audiences and
edifying the Church on a brosdersoale than can
be done by our ordinary ministrations.
If there is prestige in name and position, we
ought to sanctify and appropriate it to the good
of the Church aDd the glory of God. It is a
mistake, moreover, to suppose that by strength
ouiug the episcopate, wo weaken its prestige.
The opposite is exactly true. Our Episcopacy
is in danger cf losiug its prestige from the very
fact that we have so few bishops that only a
fraction of the people ever get to see a bishop
and to profit by his visitations. There never was
a time in our history when the bishops were so
highly esteemed, and their services had so much
in requisition, as the present The system of
District-meetings which, without specific legis
lation, has been so happily introduced, while it
subserves prodigiously the edification of the
Church, furnishes rare opportunities for episco
pal visitations. If wc had a sufficient number
of effective bishops they could be present at
District-meetings all over the Connection—or
daining local preachers who find it inconvenient
to attend the sessions of the Annual Confer
ences, and in various ways “ confirming the
Churches ” Let the preachers and people see
the bishop frequently, hear him preach, witness
ordinations, receive his counsel, and feel his
authority and influence, and there will be little
difficulty in his support. It is a suggestive
fact, that from the beginning, the bishops them
selves have wished to have their number in
creased ; and we believe that all who are now on
the benoh would be glad to have the number
large enough to allow of a general superintend
ency, in fact as well as in name.
The preacher endorses fully the changes re
cently made in our polity and argues the most
hopeful results. The following passages are
full of encouragement:
Impoverished as we are by the terrible calami
tses through which our country has passed, and
hated, and maligned, and antagonized, as we
are by our enemies, we thank God we still
stand firm and settled on our original basis. No
exigencies can reduce us to the necessity of
succumbing to our foes, whether those of our
own household or others who hate us with a
perfect hatred.
We have all the elements of permanency and
success. W e have but to be true to our princi
ples, and our prosperity is certain. We say
more, of all the Churches in Christendom there
is none so well constituted to bo the nucleus of
that great comprehensive and all-comprehend
ing Connection which is to take the place of
the miserable factions into which Christendom
is at present divided. We have all the features
of catholicity: we hold in essentials, unity; iu
non-esseutials, liberty; in all things, charity.
We have agreed to a few distinctive points of
doctrine: we have bound ourselves to a few
forms and ritual observances; but these latter
could readily be modified, if higher cathplio
interests could thereby be promoted. We lay
little stress ou liturgical or non-liturgical wor
ship—vestments, music, architecture, and the
like—so there be no encouragement given to
superstition and idolatry, and no substitution of
the letter fay the spirit and the form foe the
power.
The bitter persecution through whieh we
have been called to pass, has been of real,ser
vice to us. The blood of our martyrs will yet
{wove the seed of our Church. We have been
tried, by the fire—the test has been severe; but
our ministry and membership have endured ik
with comparatively little loss. The test, indeed,
has been too severe for the frailty of some; but
where one has left us under its operation a score
have flocked to our standard. Those who in the
midst of poverty and distress reject the golden
bribe, and despise the insolent threat, and prove
inflexible in their devotion to principle, will not
be abandoned by their great Employer. The test
ing and sifting through which we are passing,
TsOITTHERNCMIIISTIAISr ADVOCATE.
-
.williconq|Monte and unite os together Jn 4 closer"
V*™ iev«rbef? r e. W
The BHdition which we have mwe'tb oar
social arrangements, by the introdnetion of Dis
trict .and Monthly Chureh--meetings, will, we
think, tend to the cultivation of the communion
of saints and the of jsJjgmns ex
perience and praotiee.' Without" superseding
classes and love-feasts, they supplement them,
in many important particulars.
The unprecedented attention which we are
bestowing on the religious training of the child
ren of the Church, is prophetic of immense
good. If family religion shall keep along pari
pasta with pastoral oversight of the young, we
maybe sure that instead of the fathers shall
come up the children, and the sublime prayer of
the Psalmist shall be .answered, “ Let thy work
appear u..to thy servants, and thy glory unto
their children! Not only our Sunday-schools,
but our academies, colleges, and universities,
are proving great auxiliaries to the Church, sup
plying her membership with the best materials,
and seeing sanctified learning and talent into
her ministry. Let these great feeders of the
Church and schools of the prophets reoeive ten
fold attention and patronage.
The improvement and support of the ministry
is a subject, too, which demands and receives
unwonted regard. We believe that but for their
poverty, our people everywhere would liberally
endow chairs of Biblical Literature, or Theo
logioal Schools, or professorships, or make other
arrangements, of which our young men might
avail themselves, to prepare for the responsible
work of the ministry to which God "has called
them The Church is not willing to endure an
incompetent ministry. It is not, in danger of
running Into extremes on that subject—it is not
going to make a classical education a test for the
ministry—but it does demand that those who
are set apart as public instructors shall be apt
to teach, and not by their ignorance disgrace
their high vocation and bring discredit upon the
message which they are called to deliver, and
upon Him who has employed them to deliver U.
From Q ye initred heads,
Preserve the Church 1 and lay notcareleaa hand*
On t-kuils that cannot teach and will not learn.
At the present time, oar people, in many places,
are not able to support their ministers. But,
we believe, that when their fortunes shall im
prove, they will support the ministry better than
ever before. They will demand the services of
men that know their duties, and know how to
discharge them, and are willing to do »o —men
who will, as the ordinal directs, draw all their
(ares and studies this wsy, and not entangle
themselves with the affairs of this life. Throw
ing themselves thus upon the people for their
support,' they will be supported. And when
this shall be universal, the edification and en
largement of the Chureh will be unprecedented
ly great and glorious.
In a foot-note the author adds, at)d we endorse
the suggestion :
It is much to be -wished that at alt our Dis
trict-meetings diligent inquiry be made as to
sueh as are likely to be oalled to the work of
the ministry, so that measures may l>e adopted
to enable them to define their position, and be
ing satisfied as to their vocation, to take sueh
steps as may be necessary to secure them such
intellectual and moral training as will fit them
for the work to whioh they are called. We
hope soon to see the time when this shall be a
part of the normal work of oar District-meet
ings, and when in every District in the Connec
tion there ahall be candidates for the ministry
receiving a suitable education for their work,
through the well-ar.propriated liberality of the
Church, if they are not able to defray the ex
penses themselves. By adopting this simple
policy, in a few years, all our ministers will be
possessed of those mental endowments and at
tainments which the advanced condition of so
ciety demands.
We hope this little pamphlet will have a wide
circulation.
LjppiNoorr’rt Magazine por February.—
This new candidate for public favor seems to be
free irow the revolting radicalism of the At
lantic and Putnam’s Monthly, and gives promise
of being a good Magazine. J. W. Burke & Cos.
are Agents; as also for
The Riverside Magazine — A magnificent
Monthly for the Boys and Girls.
The Wore# Almanac por 1868. — We are
much obliged to Mr. Marble — editor of The
World, New York, for a copy of this valuable
almanac. It contains 108 pages of closely
printed matter, admirably arranged. Besides a
good Astronomical department, there arc digests
of Political Information—Reconstruction affairs
—Aots of 39th and 40th Congress—Statistics
—lndustrial, Ecclesiastical, etc.—Election Re
turns, eto.
The Sunday-school Magazine.— The Rev.
W. W. Bennett, Editor of the Richmond Chris
tian Advocate, has brought out a monthly under
the above title, devoted to the interests of Sun
day-schools. It is published under the auspices
of the Virginia S. S. Society. It promises to be
•..valuable aid to preachers and teachers in pro
secuting their S. S. work. Price 01.00 a year.
Address Rev. W. W. Bennett, Richmond, Va.
The Sunday-school Visitor has some in
teresting letters from China which would help
much in the “ Mary Alien” Missionary move
ment. Let the' Sunday-schools take the Visitor.
Send to A. H. Bedford, Nashville, Tenn. Single
copies 50 cents —5 to 25 copies to one address
40 ceatß etch. Over 25 capies to one address
30 cents each? * < - ,
The American Ecclesiastical Almanac,
1868.—8 y Prof. A. J. Schern, New York :-F.
Gerhard. Price 30 eents. This is a broad
Dutch-like pamphlet of 80 pages, crammed with
Astronomical and Ecclesiastical matter, in small
type. It gives a world of information about
the Church in all its branches.
New Advertisements.
Geo. Williams & Co.—The card of this
great mercantile house, under its several names
and styles, appears this week, and we take great
pleasure in calling attention to the advertisement
of a firm so favorably known throughout the
South. ->«!.
MONEY WANTED 111
We wish to borrow Ten Dollars from eve
ry generous friend of the Southern Christian
Advocate who oan spare that sum bow, to pay
four yean in advance. The paper is in arrears
to sueh an amount as greatly to embarrass oar
operations. An advance of fIW 00 to pay their
subscriptions four years ahead (02 50 a year)
from one in ten of our subscribers—friends
whom we know to be deeply interested.in the
existence and success of the Advocate, will set
us free. Such an advance we shall esteem as a
personal favor-~* kindness that will always en
title the liberal subscriber to the gratitude of
Jan 17-8 w J. W. Burke &, Go.
SUBSCRIPTIONS EXPIRED.
Subscribers whose subscriptions have expired,
or are about to expire, will please notice the
ohange made on their papers in the address. —
Instead of the usual printed date after each
. name, there now appears iu each case above
mentioned, opposite each printed name, certain
black, illegible marks, intended to indicate tbe
expiration of subscription, aud meant besides as
a request to renew. For instance instead of
printing as heretofore,nay, “Peter Sloan, Decem
ber 1867 , ’-—the address now stands—*
“Peter Sloan, SSZ’’
In all these easts we beg that subscription be
promptly renewed, or else ws shall be compelled
to discontinue sending the paper, which, ueeeasi
ty we shall regret.
Jr Comspontonce.
BALTIMORE LETTER.
Mr. Editor: Every Monday morning, almost
"without exception, the mail carrier brines the
dear old Advocate to my door, and reminds mo
that I am shamefully remiss ss a correspondent.
The Baltimore Conference is not far off and
we, of oonrse, are now c**fiing our eyes over the
year almost gone, in what has been
done for our Church, second year of her
abiding here. -*■
The work in Virginia and the rura 1 Districts
of Maryland has satisfactory.
The heart of the been with us, and
despite the fact that wemavc been kept out of
some of our churches aiid ejected from others,
they have most nobly clung to us.
In Baltimore, however, though onr cause has
been onward, we have not had such prosperity
as many of onr Southern friends expected.
When it is known "that in this city, the
stronghold of Southern leeling, there are fifty
churches and chapels belonging to the most
fiercely anti-Southern organizition in existonce,
and that they are admirably supported, some
very considerable astonishment may be excited,
but it is so.
In the Charles Street Church, built most
largely with the means men now driven from
it, there was contributed yesterday §3,800 mis
sionary money, two thirds of which comes to the
South to advance the interests of one political
party.
Are the members churches all ex
tremists ? By no They are among our
most devoted Southern people, who bitterly dc
ncunoe Radicalism in Church and State and
speak most kindly of the Methodist Church,
South.
Well, why are they there? Many reasons
might be assigned, but I am sure the ruling
reason is, the fact that the Church property is
in the possession of the M. E Church, and
many think lawfully if not equitably.
That the time will come when they shall
be foroed either to endorse measures to them
most odious or leave the churches, is a question
already settled.
We have, however, much to gratify us as we
retrospect the past. We have in the city two
ohnrch buildings, one of which cost §20,000,
purchased and partly paid for—at least secured.
We have virtually the magnificent church on
Madison Avenue, Trinity, over which Bto. Hall
has tho paitorate, and a-mission chapel connect
ed with it. We have three other congregations.
all looking toward church building and having
a good prospect when affairs brighten of being
able to begin and to finish. As soon as wc get
churches, we will in much greater
numbers. lirthe mean time we are growing in
favor with all people.
When it is remembered that there was a fierce
strife on this border, and that tho M. E. Church,
Bouth, was not known gu the territory, we have
reason to be amazed at our progress.
There are some kindred bodies who show us
especial regard—the Methodist Protestants to
some extent and the Independent to
a much more considerable degree. Mr. Baker
the leading layman in Chatsworth who has just
finished anew marble chapel, Bethany, gave
me a few days ago all the glass necessary for a
ohurch in Georgia, uni has never failed to re
spond to any appeal I have made to him for our
people.
We should have been far behind but for the
Episcopal Methodist. The energy of Dr.
Poisal, as publisher, tho genius of Dr. Bond, as
editor, have done us most valuable service.
Business in Baltimore has bee a much depress
ed and many of our warmest friends have suf
fered largely by itu- disasters whioh political
agitation has wrought the country.
There is, however, ro-action among
the most extreme, ancKefforts are now made to
bring together mrni during tb*>. war and
since have been very far apart. Christian con
ventions and Associations are much in vogue.
We had quite a pleasant one in Baltimore some
weeks ago. The Southern Methodists were not
officially represented, hut I was present. The
spirit was a good one, and I can but hope good
will grow out of it, though it looks rather shab
by fare great Church like the Northern Metho-
for Union and then act ns she is
doing on Southern territory. There is of course
no affiliation between the two bodies. They
only meet on neutral ground such as this con
vention was.
You will notice from: letters to the Episcopal
Methodist that onr Church is advancing into
Pennsylvania; but Oh! the name, the name.
Now, we learn something of what is in a name.
The progress of the Churoh Northward has been
impeded for four years by the unfortunate leg
islation on that question.
The ventilation of the missionary question is
right enough, and some of us are heartily glad
of it; bat it looks something like absurdity, to
blame a Board for not appropriating funds it has
not received from the Church ; and to blame it
for paying salaries to oftieen&hom the General
Conference created, r
Bro. Smithson is striving to relieve the wants
of onr dear Allen and Lis co-laborer in China,
and money contributed for the China mission,
and sent to him will go no where else.
Our dear Baltimore women are at work for
the South and are striving nobly to relieve indi
vidual oases of destitution. Maryland deserves
thanks as well as Kentucky.
Yours, etc., G. G. S.
Letter from Illinois.
Dear Advocate, —I arrived at this place,
(Xenia) on Wednesday morning last. This
was the coldest day of the present season, the
mercury being two degrees below zero. Bro’s
Westoott and Jones, two of the leading members
of our Illinois Conference reside at this place.
Dr. McFerrin had given me letters of introduc
tion to these brethren Hence, my first inquiry
was for them. The gentleman of whom I in
quired asked me where I was from; when I
told him, his reply was, “I think that I under
stand you; I belong to the clan.” I felt at
home.
Bro. Jones soon came in with two other trav
elling preachers belonging to the “clan.” We
all went up with Bro. Jones to dinner. After
dinner, the brethren told me, that they had ap
pointed a little prayer-meeting for 2 o’clock, but
that I bad, perhaps, better remain by the fire
until their return. I concluded, however, to
accompany them to Church. I expecte Ito find
some eight or ten members shivering with cold
for the Northwest wind was blowing across the
wide prairie, direct from tbe frozen lakes and
the ground was oovered with snow and frozen
twelve inches deep When we came near the
church, we found that some thirty or forty mem
bers had assembled, and were singing, in a live
ly strain, an old fashioned Methodist hymn.
Services began. Bro. Pearson, led the prayer
meeting. An earnest prayer was offered; then
another. When an opportunity was given for
members to tell their feelings on the subject of
religion, a young lady arose and simply remark
ed, “I inn happy, pray for me.’’ Another young
lady arose and said, “I am on my way to heav
en. I felt my heart “strangely warmed,” my
cheeks were wet with tears; the whole audience
was in tears. The exercises continued. A broth
er arose and made a few touching remarks; then
another; then a sister; then a mother in Israel;
finally, a good sister shouted aloud the praises of
God. Many testified that tbe Lord was graoious.
I was surprised, delighted. All the songs were
familiar to me; many faces beamed with joy. I
have no language to express my feelings. At
night l was to preaoh. The house was crowded
—•mourners gathered around tho altar—one soul
was converted. The next day was pretty much
the same as on Wednesday. At night, the house
crowded—many mourners—nine conversions—
many shouts of triumph. Friday at 2 o'clock,
a glorious meeting; the congregation increasing.
Friday night agieat many came to the ohureh
who could not get in—the work going ou with
incresemg iaterest—and 18 petsous had pstress
ed religioa' during the meeting.
But now we most close, for the ohnrch is
owned by the Episcopal Methodists, the Cumber
land Presbyterians and the Campbeliites. The
Campbellites claim tbeir-fignl&r day of worship
and we quiatleave. We have, however, a chureh
some two miles from town. We go there to preach
to-morrow. It is thought that the crowd will
follow.
I have seen several of the brethren of the
Conference. All without a single exception
give an encouraging account of the work. From
all the facts that I can gather, I judge the mem
bership has been increased since Conference at
least 50 pr ct. There is a great call for preach
ers. Calls from almost every quarter, from Indi
ana, from Illinois, from Ohio, and from many
central points. I reported to brothers Westcott
and Jones, as instructed by Bishop Pierce and
Dr. McFcrrin. They send me to Springfield, or
Jacksonville, as 1 may choose, or to both places
if I think best. I leave for the capital on Mon
day ; and from thence to Jacksonville. Igo as
a skirmisher, leaving the main army behind, but
assured by the commander that if I can bring on
an engagement, help will be at hand. I confess
that I feel some misgivings; coming from South
Georgia and going lo the capital of a Northern
State to establish our Church, seems to me rath
er a hard task. But the brethren say, that l
need have no fears. They say that success will
crown my efforts. I hope aud pray that they
may not be mistaken in their calculation. Spring
field is an important point. If we can build a
chureh there, the State will eventually be ours.
Jacksonville is said to be the Athens of Illinois,
and a flue opening for Southern Methodism.
Then there is Quincy, the second city of the
State. A preacher is wanted there. Also at
Alton and at many other points.
My friends can address me at Springfield, 111.,
until further notice. 1 may change to Jackson
ville, or some where else.
The brethren are making all the necessary ar
rangements for an active campaign during the
incoming spring and the next summer. We
will then have an opportunity of preaching in
the open air, and I then predict that a glorious
victory will be the result. So may it be.
T. B. Harbkn
Xenia, Id., Feb. 1, 1868.
Preacher’s Life at Anderson C. H , S. C
Mr. Editor, —If it be refreshing to experience,
it may be so, in some degree, to hear of unusual
liberality in these hard times. I write not to
praise our good people, —they need none and
expect none ; but simply to tell of their “good
works,” that others may go and do “good works”
-also.
A move of three hundred miles, long, expen
sive, cold miles, brought us to our new home.
The brethren find us at the hotel, pay omnibus
and hotel bills, send us to an excellent boarding
house and keep us there nearly a month, at the
expense of the station, when late one afternoon,
we are summoued to our new home, the parson
age, the rent of which was donated by a gentle
man, not a member of tho Church (whether he
is a friend to the Church or not, his works speak
louder than could the words of your correspon
dent) aud the furniture of which was spared by
the members and friends of our little Zion here:
What a home we found ! So comfortable, con
venient, cheerful blazing tires, a well-pre
pared supper, wood at the wood-piles, a plenti
luiiy supplied larder, and our good friends to
welcome us to our substantial taro, with kind
words aod cheerful looks and hearty shakes of
the hand. All have dono so well, that we will
discriminate in favor of none, and will content
ourselves with saying that the usual and neces
sary difference in favor of the ladies obtained as
a matter of course.
We are cheerful, happy, hopeful, and perhaps
a little spoiled. If the Bishop were to send us
to a hard place next year, we might feel a little
rebellious. However, “sufficient unto the day
is the evil theroof.” Samuel A. Weber.
Anderson, S. C., deb. 12, 1868.
“Can’t Do Without It.”
Mr. Editor, —Some years ago, (probably be
fore you were editor of the Advocate,) when I
was young and in better health, floating around
the world in search of pleasure, I would occa
sionally read in the Southern Christian Advo
cate, a letter from an old brother or sister, say
ing they could not do without tiiat jooper, it was
essential to their existence! and, I thought them
in a bad way, if they could without that
or any other paper, when therovvas so much
pleasure to be found elsewhere. Since then,
years have roiled round, times have changed, the
wheel of fortune has turned; my feelings have
changed also, and I now find myself in as bad,
if not worse, fix, than the dear old brother. If
the Advocate does not arrive in due time, there
is a vacuum in my heart that cannot be filled.
We are poor, but I will deny myself an extra
feather in my hat this winter, a long streamer
to my bonnet, or anew waterfall, to be able to
take that paper. So don’t be in a hurry to put
“Peter Sloau’s” mark to my name. Ido not
like the looks of it. It is an ugly black mark ;
and I hope your agent here will renew my sub
scription in due time, to prevent its appearing
before my name. Your friend,
Tallahassee.
[The Editor joins in this hope.]
LETTER FROM CHINA
My dear Dr. Myers: Your letter of Sep
tember 17th, via San Francisco, came to hand
by the last “ Pacific Mail Steamer,” which ar
rived here on the 14th inst.
Your assurance that “ there are wonderful re-
rivals in many sections,’’ and that “in Georgia
there is almost a universal flame,” rejoices us
exceedingly ; but we are greatly grieved to hear
you say, that while “ there is no disposition to
desert you or your work, there is not that zeal
and enthusiasm there once was.”
The cause of God is as worthy, the claims of
the gospel as emphatic, the heathen as needy
and onr obligations as great now as they have
ever been ; nor can any change of fortune af
fecting the church, or the individual members
who compose it, excuse it or them from the
duties and qualifications inherent to their
Christian character. By faith we are justified
and made alive, bnt by onr works shall we be
judged; as co-workers therefore with God, our
duties comprehend much of the labors and in
terests of the Great Commission and nanght
can absolve ns from the one, or acquit onr laek
of the other.
It is true, our circumstances are greatly
ohanged and we cannot expect to give or re
ceive so largely as formerly; but how shall that
excuse us from being equally, if not more, zeal
ous and liberal with the little that is left us—
seeing that God does not require more than our
strength will bear. Once, an ample and easy
surplus was the ready resource of the Church,
and of it she could partake, without distressing
by self-denial and sacrifice the generous donors.
But these luxurious times have passed and we
ate all called upon now to prove our faith, by
imitating to the best of our ability, the worthy
example of David, who wonld not offer unto the
Lord a sacrifice that cost him nothing.' God
doth not so much the gift as the spirit'
in which it is given; hence we have reason to
believe that hie blessings will more richly attend
the sincere offerings of onr self denial in the
future than-they did our larger gifts which we
missed not from our abundance in the past.
I have long been iu the habit, not spasmodic
ally, but on principle, of devoting at least one
tenth and sometimes more, of my annual income,
much or little, to *he interests and enterprises
of tho Church. To that principle I still ad
here.
Oh ! how long shall we endure the reproach
that “ the children of this world are wiser in
their generation than the children of light,’’ in
this particular. Can it not be removed from
our Church by some plan of systematic benevo
lence ? Alas 1 alas! how many are there in
our communion who enter, by constant practice,
an energetio protest againrft the words of Jeho-
Hf {■/ HI • nTk • g- -risi*
v#b, who pays, tbit the silver and gold as also
the cattle upon a thousand hills are His.
• But seriously, Wether, in this connection, the
.condition and situation of tbc China Mission is
critical in the extreme, and I would call upon
the Church through you to resolve our doubt.
If it is to be sustained, say so, and send us the
means necessary to prosecute and enlarge it;
if not, teli us plainly, and, though loth to re
tire, wc will pack up bag and baggage and re
turn again into tlyp pale of civilization, where,
perhaps, you can find us something better to do
than pine and die in “this lone land of deep
despair.”
Wc are in an enemy’s country, the conquest
of which is assured to us and those who sent us
here, provided our supplies be not out off in the
rear. There are at present no difficulties or
dangers which we fear to meet, and no opposi
tion which we may not overcome, threatening
us in the advance, but our supplies have long
been exhausted; wo have foraged in the coun
try and supported ourselves as long as possible
—and, now there is uo alternative left us but
retro if, abandon all, lose all, unless the Church
send us speedy assistance.
I appeal front the Board to the Georgia Con
ferences. Dr. Sehon writes me the treasury is
empty. Before this arrives we shall have be
gun anew year and at present the prospect is,
that if able to pay our small debt, it will be
quite as much as we are authorized to expect,
and our new year will be one of cloud, doubt
and auxiety, perpetuated and intensified. Your
interest in the heathen is now being weighed
in the balance ; God grant that no mysterious
record shall bs made of it on the walls of our
Zion.
Wm ilsk “is the Tai ping rebellion entirely
pur down ? Did it leave aoy trace of Divine
truth in the Chinese mind—anything which
may prove a better foundation than the old
idolatry, for building upon in the future ?”
In reply to your first question I aiu able to
say most emphatically the Tai piny rebellion is
totally extinct. Its last organized existence,
after the capture of Nankin, was entirely crushed
at, Chang- Chow fu in the province of Fuh
Kyt(n near Amoy, one of the treaty ports, in
thq Spring of 1865. Since that dato tho “Groat
Peaee ” dynasty has been a thing of the past.
However, you must not supposo that all the
leaders that were once engaged in it perished
in that indiscriminate slaughter, which uni
versally attendee! the recapture of the cities they
held. Many of them made a successful escape,
shaved their heads and cultivated the Tartar
tail, the badge of loyalty, aud are now living
incognito in different- parts of tho country. One
one them, the Se Wong or “Western King” has
been living fora long while here in the foreign
community, and it was not until this week, that
he was betrayed to the Mandarins and his cap
ture effected. 1 have not yet learned his fate.
Nor should you suppose that the suppression
of the Tai pings has restored peaoe to the long
distracted eighteen provinces: far from it.
The constitutional disorders of China are
many, deep seated and virulent. Some describe
her as afflicted with chronic rebellion, others as
ulcerous, and yet others as suffering the agonies
of a national dysentery. At present there are
no less than two or three distinct rebellions on
the tapis, in different sections of tho country.
There is one in the province of Yunnan in
the extreme south aud west, and another stretch
ing across the whole northern section of the
country, from the distant frontiers in the north
west to the sea near Pekin in the north-east.
The former is of Mohammedan origin and arose
from ao attempt, on the part of those who follow
that prophet, to avenge, more particularly on
the local government of thatsectiun, the punish
ment and death which was many years ago, by
persecution, inflicted on a large number of their
adherents and brethren.
They have declared one Tsin lin to be their
King or head and refuse to acknowledge or pay
taxes to tho present government; beyond that,
however, I have not heard of their claiming and
do not suppose them desirous, of entering upon,,
a dynastic strife as the Tat pings did.
The outbreak in tho north-west is far more
serious and alarming, at least to the government,
in consequence of its proximity to the capital;
they do not seem, however, to have any objective
ambition, but devote themselves unreservedly to
plunder and destruction, tire government in the
meantime being utterly unable to stay their pro
gress or cope with them when overtaken.
They are not known to have any head or
headquarters, but hide themselves in the moun
tains or turn peasants in the fields when sorely
pressed, to rise and pour forth again with fear
ful power when their pursuers have retired.
The government is miserably outwitted by their
maneuvers, and at the present time so exhausted
and tirt-d of the unavailing chase, that the
Nfen-fe, as they are called, have the field and
game pretty much to themselves. What, is to
be the end of tho matter the present augureth
not.
I will now prooeed to answer your second
question, as to the influence of the Tai pine
movement upon the Chinese mind considered
from a Christian stand point.
It was puuningly and sarcastically said of
them during their fiery approaoh to Shanghai
with tUc-ir tract illuminated by the conflagration
of undefended and helpless towns and villages,
that they were “ burning and shining lights
but in order to a better understanding of their
real character and a juster judgment as to the
influence they wielded and left on the minds of
the people, I will sum you up a brief of their
history.
Hung Tsieu tsuen , who ultimately became
their Emperor, under the title of “Heavenly
King’' or Tien Wong, was a literary graduate
of the first degree or A. B. and during one of
the triennial examinations held in Canton, which
he attended as an aspirant for the second degree
or A. M., be oame in oontact with the mission"
aries there, who always avail of such opportuni
ties to make an impression, and he obtained a
Bible and some instructions. It appears that he
became much interested in the “doctrine’’ while
there, and solicited several times to receive bap
tism, but as that was denied, him he returned
with his books to his native city in the Kwang
Be province. He there taught a private school
and devoted his leisure to reading and investi
gating the newly acquired classics. It was not
long before not only himself but vast numbers
through his influence believed and associated
themselves with him in the faith and worship of
the true God, and removed all idolatry from
their midst. Indeed, it was the rapid growth of
this new faith which first aroused suspicion and
then provoked persecution. His disciples and
adherents were numerous and not confined to
his immediate city, and as they found it impos
sible longer to evade the threats and punish
ments already denounced against them by the
local authorities, they determined to resort to
rebelliob in self defence, and denounced asa stra
tegic move, not only idols but also tbe Tartars
On hearing that he had rebelled and denounced
the Tartars, many who had formerly conducted
the persecution allied themselves with him aud
heoceforth their doctrine and ambition bocame,
China for the Chinese and no quarter to idolatry.
From that date, Church and State became uni
ted, the religious element ceased to preponderate
and Hung Tsieu Tsuon became a seoond Mo
hammed. ft was at that time he-began to dream
dreams, see visions and ascend to heaven for
the new revelations, with whioh he overwhelmed
his followers soon after. Hence when be readi
ed Nankin and established himself there, his
piety had already degenerated into sicrilege and
blasphemy and, in imitation of the Tartar Em-
Sror who enjoys tbe fabulous title of “Son of
eaven,” he was proclaimed the King of Heav
en, or as it is most commonly rendered Heaven
ly King-
He read much, but discussed and yrrote more,
oh subjects pertaining to religion, but so full of
errors and incongruities were his writings that
even his best friends revolted at his utterances.
Dozens of Bibles were presented to him, the
opinions of the fathers and tbe decisions of the
eonuoils given him, but so wise in his own con- ■
oeit and incorrigible did he become that when
Vol.xxxi. No. 7
every other argument failed, he resorted to his
favorite ipse dixit, “I have been to heaven, you
have not;” whereupon you are “shut upAs
stated before, he wrote much but pla carded
more and as every thing written or posted was
profusely adorned by large characters, the
names of the three persons of the Holy Trinity,
the name of God and. Christ, which he persisted
almost exclnsively in calling the Heavenly Fath
er and the Mider Brother, became universally'
known, not, however, as revealed to us in our
blessed Book ot books, but as the synonym of
all evil, allied to and identified with a movement
that cannot fiud a parallel perhaps in Chinese
history, ancient or modern.
But few in this region had any knowledge of
their beginning or object, and none joined them
with any better view than plunder and rapine.
So rapid and overwhelming, however, were their
conquests that their ranks were always well re
cruited from prisoners impressed, or of deser
tions from the imperialists. None but those
who were at the beginning of the rebellion
had any knowledge of its religious character be
yond the pompous display of blasphemy paraded
everywhere, by the Tien Wong and his subordi
nate Wongs. He had large plans on hand,
however, for the promotion of Christianity by
preaching and other means, which be designed,
ultimately to put in practice in his capital, and
also throughout his vast territory; but as the
whole campaign both against the Tartars and
idolatry has proven a gigantic failure, so far as
the immediate object proposed was concerned,
speculation is out of the question now. Wc must
accept tho situation and pronounce judgment
accordingly, which from the facts deposed above,
must be a unanimous “nil.’' However, if wc
estimate their universal destruction ojLiilflls,-'
temples, and idolatrous books, the driving of all
this populous valley to the sea where they be
came more or less acquainted with the life, man
ners and customs of foreigners and their doc
trines, we may have a slight set off in favor of
the ultimato introduction of Christianity. But
even against that set off we must oppose anoth
er ; for when we offer them Christianity as the
sum of all good in their present distresses, they
oan retaliate with an energetio “nay ; but it has
been the very souroe of all the miseries wo now
deplore.’’
But in this consists our advantage, gained
from the rebellion—that fiom among those who
sought refuge here many beoame Christians and
have returned again to their homes bearing tho
preoious seods of truth with them, many of them
inviting and soliciting our presence in their
towns and cities, and offering their houses as
sanctuaries for the worship of the living God,
and their families aud friends as the nuoleus of
churches.
An ample door of entrance now stands wide
open in that respect from here to Nankin.
Your prayers and our prayers in tbat particular
have been largely answered; but oh ! where
are the laborers to enter ar.d garner the harvest
ripening in that waste from the seeds sown du
ring the captivity of that people in Shanghai '!
We have an invitiug interest in that section of
country, and our hearts long to have done with
the restraints and embarrassments that confirm
us wholly to Shanghai. Will you not, then,
and will not tho whole church join us iu that
fervent effectual prayer of the righteous man
that availeth much, and beseech the Lord of
the harvest to send forth more laborers. How
long shall we delay to assume that attitude
which best beoomclh our high calling in these
end3 of the earth 1
Our flock at present is small, timid aud weak,
but we encourage them with these words, “fear
not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.” Shall they bo dis
appointed! Shall we like hirelings abandon
them because of present distresses ? Lord, in
crease our faith. “Give and it shall be given
unto you; good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over, shall men
give into your bosom,” saith Jesus, the faithful
and good Shepherd. God hath not only pledged,
but bound himself as by obligation, fahyjMer
ciful to those who show mercy, and liberal, even
bountiful beyond measure, to those whose gifts
are freely consecrated unto the Lord. Hence,
he who loves God understands that mysterious
language which announces that “it is more
blessed to givo than to receive.”
Allow me to commend to your attention the
words cf St. Paul in 9th chap., 2 Cor., especial
ly those from the sixth verso to the close of the
chapter.
In reference to the recent awakening, not
“revival’’if you please, you ask, “Does it make
any progress, and is any good like to corno of
it ?” In reply, I can assure you that it is steadi
ly developing and has evidenced, iar beyond our
most sanguine expectations, the presence and
power of God is in our midst.
It had a strange beginning, and the rapidity
with which it spread reminded us of the late
Tai-ping origin and movement, and also excited
in oar hearts fears, lest it should meet in its
incipiencj a similar, if not more decisive, oppo
sition.
Those fears, in part, have been realized, but
thank God ! the disastrous persecution which
raged against them during the spring and sum
mer, has been most energetically suppressed, and
the wrath of the persecutors turned to the praise
of God ; while the Christians rejoice in a greater
degree of liberty and boldness in assembling to
worship the true God, than they had ever dared
to expect or ask. So much from having some
foreign missionary to be in its midst to direct
aud control its development and to insist, through
a foreign oonsul, that the explicit treaty stipula
tions on the snbjeet of toleration, shall be ren»
dered effective.
Numerous instances of petty persecution and
opposition have been encountered at various
points daring the present year; in no case, how
ever, has the cause of the church suffered. Am
ple apologies from the officials, punishment of
the offenders, indemnities for damages, and
proclamations, assuring the persecuted and all
conoerned against a repetition of the same things,
have in every case been seonred. If I mistnko
not, this year will be a memorable one in tho
history of the various China Missions, charac
terized alike for the growth of the churches and
their increase of grace and strength.
I might write many more particulars of tho
awakening in the Shan-toong province, but I
fear my letter has already encroached upon the
column of some other and worthier correspond
ent. However, my distauce from you and the
infrequency of intercourse must be my apology.
You are wrong in supposing tbat the Advo
cate reaches me regularly; formerly it did, but
during this last half year its visits have been
exceedingly fitful. I ought to receive two
copies each bi-monthly mail; but sometimes
only one, then none, comes to hand.
From the reoeipt of this, please send all let
ters and papers via <Sa» Francisco. The post
age on letteis is only ten cents, all papers, single
copies two cents. Hope some of my old friends
will make a note of the above, and send us tho
greeting, so long looked for, hitherto in vain.
Your Brother in Christ,
Youn« J. Allen.
Shanghai , China, Not. 20?A, 1867.
Coweta Circuit.
The Ist Quarterly meeting for the Coweta ct.
will be held at “Tranquil,” on the Ist Saturday
and Sunday in April:
L. J. Davies, P. E.
Feb. 14— Sw. r
CATALOGUES
In answer to many inquiries for Catalogues,
we say as soon as we oan get them from Nash
ville, we will forward to the brethren. We have
had the promise of them for several weeks.
ts J- w. Burke & Cos.
Sunday-Sohool Books.
Avery large stock of Catechisms, Primers,
Spellers, Qaeatien Books, Libraries, Reward
cards, Tickets, eto., on hand. Mend for a cata
logue, and Order early. Address
- - - J. W. Burke & Co s,
■ ■ 4 Macon, G«.