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THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
Vol. XXXI.—No 36.
—~ —'■■ ■-y ' ■■' l ' ■-t ■ - 11 —•
INFANCY.
p RT JAMES C. DOWER.
When first mine eyes beheld the light of clay,
As in iny loving mother’s arms I lay,
To my unpracticed infant sight a 1 ! seemed
Unreal, as if I only dreamed. , ~
Bright dreams 1 had; bright visions parsed mine eyes;
All t tings were new and pleasing with surprise,
I reasoned not on what I saw ; bat there,
'"Where thought and care were absent, all was fair.
’Ti» said that ignorance is bliss—’twas so
With me, in that bright period, long ago;
'file pictura of my future life had been
Withheld from me, and 1 had never seen
Had sights of suffering, as I, since then,
Havo seen, among the'wretched sons of men.
Unconscious of the pangs that I should bear
In after life, 1 sweetly slumber’d there.
I dreamed and smiled, as I was warmly pressed
Upon my faithful, loving mother’s breast!
My wants were all supplied—tbosa wants were few—
My sustenance I fiom ray mother drew.
Hhe ivu« my life, my all, and 1 to her,
a.uw y . (
That mother slumber, now beneath the sod;
Her loving spirit winged it. way toGod.
Though lost she is to us, her children, here,
We yet may meet tier in a brighter sphere.
Farewell, dear mother 1 On that peaceful shore,
We hope to meet again, to part no more I
Irwintun, On , Aug. IT, 1868
Contributions.
Thoughts on the Unfruitfulness of
Preaching.—No. 11.
DY REV. O. H WELLS.
Thera arc othor camea of failure no doubt,
—many of them perhaps —and causes that
may be removed.
The minds of the people may be ao in
tent upon other subjects, so absorbed in
some political question, or some community
interest of a worldly character, as to render
preaching temporarily ineffectual. The
remedy suggests itself.
The cause of failure may be found in the
minister’s mannors; his life; the moral at
mosphere that surrounds him; the spirit
that pervades his life. Mach specific in
stanoe may have its peculiar cause. But all
these are perhaps irrelevant to the matter in
hand. The charge brought against the
ministry is, that tho preached gospel is in
effectual ; and this means, that it does not
accomplish the good it once did—does not
result in an amount of good proportioned
to the labor expendod. This we will ad
mit without bringing a host of charges
against Church and ministry to account for
it. We havo already mentioned ouo great,
ciuseof failure existing in the hearers of
the word; another may be, want of faith
on the part of the ministry.
Wo believe what wo preaoh. We feel
its truth in our hearts; but at the same
time, we torget that a successful gospel is
made so by the power of God. Learned
discourses, metaphysical reasonings to dem
onstrate God’s existence, the truth of rev
elation, and all the disputed points of the
ology, may have their place in tho polemic
world; but they rarely reaoh the heart of
the learned infidel, much less the hearts of
aim umsww. A simple rjksfisrs, of rsligjfous
experience—gospel truth in gospel language
—by plain men of God, has done more to
convert mankind, than all the learning and
rhetoric of tho ago. We lose sight of this,
perhaps. Instead of looking for and trust
ing solely in divine energy to render our
work effective, we look to the strength of
our arguments, the foroe of our reasoning,
the pathos of our delivery—something ex
traneous from divinity. We should labor
as though all depended on our labors, and
lay it all upon Christ—trust it to Him,
‘‘who of God is made unto us wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification and redemp
tion,” that “ no flesh should glory in His
sight.” The minister’s faith in God for
immediate results from his preaching should
at least find this expression : “ I believe
Thou, O God, art the effectual worker;
without Thee I can do nothing. I believe
Thou wilt convict every sinner in this con
gregation as deeply as is consistent with
Thy will. If they will believe on Thee,
Thou wilt convert them. Thou wilt work
in tho hearts of Thy people, as powerfully
as Thou eanst., consistent with tho ways of
infinite wisdom and goodness ’’ If this is
the firm conviction of the minister’s heart,
good will be accomplished to a greater or
less extent. Oar failure to accomplish the
good wc ought, may bo in many instances
attributed properly to the spirit of unbelief
in tho ministry.
After all, Mr. Wesley may give us as
much satisfaction upon this point as any
other person. He says, “I was considering
what could bo the reasons why the hand of
the Lord, (who docs nothing without a
cause,) is almost entirely stayed in Scotland,
and in a great measure in New England.
It does not become us to judge perempto
rily, but perhaps some of them may be
thesehe enumerates three possible causes
—inordinate self-esteem among many of
them causing them to refuse God the liber
ty of sending by any but men of learning;
next, bigotry in their own- opinions and
mode of worship; and thirdly self-indul
genoc. Vide Journal, July 23,1755.
These may be causes of failure now in
special instances; but I am slow to believe,
that these sins are so general as to account
for the general inefficiency of the Gospel.
An extract from Mr. Wesley’s Journal of
July 13th, 1756, affords a very satisfactory
explanation of the difficulty beforo us—sat
isfactory to the writer, at least—“ Ever
ywhere the work of God rises higher and
higher, till it comes to a point. Here it
seems for a short time to be at a stay. And
then it gradually sinks again. All this
may be easily accounted for. At first curi
osity brings many hearers; at the same
time, God draws many by his preventing
grace to hear his word, and comforts them
in hearing One then tells another. By
this means, on the one hand, curiosity
spreads and increases, and on the other,
drawings of God’s Spirit touch more hearts,
and many of them more powerfully than
before. Ho now offers grace to all that
hear, most of whom are more or less affect
ed, and more or less moved with approba
tion of what they hear, desire to please
God, and good will to his messenger ; these
principles, variously coubioed and rnereas
iog, raise the general work to its highest
point. Bat it cannot stand here; for in
the nature of things, cariosity must soon
decline. Again, the drawings of God are
not followed, and thereby the Spirit of God
is grieved The consequence is, he strives
with this and this man no more, and so his
drawings end. Thus both the natural and
supernatural power doclining, mo9t of tho
hearers will be less and less affected.”
Is it not a fact that these natural and su
pernatural influences have lost their power
over tho mass of hearers in our. country ?
Preaching salvation by faith was a novelty
once — n ow it is a common occurrence.
Time was when God applied his preached
truth to the hearts of men and women—
some of them aged—for almost the first
time; now, where is one who has not
grieved and grieved, again and yet again,
God’s Spirit ? The plain truth is, we are a
“gospel-hardened people.” We have quench
ed the Spirit, driven him from ns; and hun-
#i**ffier« fliifiatt IMwaff*
dreds who onee felt his Influence, feel hoth
infnf his presence now. Hundreds are
drawn by him but slightly, who once were
powerfully moved. The natural result of
rejecting Christ rests upon the masses. The
young arc our hope. They have not'
spurnedsalvation, and are still impressible.
,Wc repeat it, that it becomes us to speak
modestly here. Perhaps each mind his its
own views, of this subject—partly v right,
partly wrong. Lot us each endeavor to dis
cover the obstruction in his individual eas 4 e.
pray for its removal, and rest not till Zion
travail, and “her sons come from far.’’
P. S. Since writing these thoughts, the
Article No. 2 of “Countryman’’ has reached
me. So far as he goes, he is, to my mind,
on the right road. He certainly has discov
ered one cause of inefficient preaching.
The Griffin District Meeting.
Tbis deliberative body assembled on
Tuesday the 11th inst., at Jonesboro, ac
cording to appointment. Bro. H. J. Ad
ams preached the introductory sermon on
the night before. Bishop Pierce was not
present, and some regret fMf, m-aifestp$ f
tbat we should be deprived oZfthe services
of this highly esteemed superintendent of
the Churches. But all were more than re
conciled by the presence of that venerable
Father in Israel, Bishop Andrew. The
Conference wasWganized oa {Tuesday morn
ing—the Bishop presiding. Dr. C. F.
Redding, of Zebulon, was appointed Sec
retary. The attendance was full, and all
the stations, circuits and missions were rep
resented by the preachers in charge, with
one or two exceptions—the absentees send
ing up letters of excuse on the ground of
successful revival meetings on their respec
tive works. The Lay Representation was
full and the Churches well represented in
every respect. The committees were duly
appointed and the Conference proceeded to
its work.
The Reports from tho various charges
were given orally with leading questions
from the Bishop and others. Tho substance
of them was preserved by the Secretary, but
we cannot give even a synopsis of them.—
The Bishop gave due attention to all the
interests of the Church and all the necessa
ry facts were elicited for the coming Re
ports of the committees. The Reports of
the committees on the various interests of
the Church exhibit study and reflection—
arc full of interesting facts, and breathe a
good spirit. We can only notice them
briefly:
ON STATE OP TIIE CHURCH.
11. J. Adams, I. Winship, Jno. Fox
worth, J. H. May, R. M. Jackson.. This
Report offers no Resolutions—A brief Re
view of the work—Thanks for the good ac
complished—Regrets there is so little done,
so few revivals—Design of Methodism to
save souls—the design of all preaohing—
The Fathers’ preaching aimed at imme
diate results, so should we, in every ser
mou, every appointment, and in all our
meetings of every character—The work of
salvation not to be confined to one week or
definite period in the year—such polioy
would prove unproductive of fruity-An
appeal to all to work, to pray and hope for
good—immediate results.
on s. SCHOOLS.
J.W.Reynolds,D S. Redding, B.S.llarper,
T. F. Turk, W. S. Stillwell. A cheering Re
-Sehf. forth ejaime .of Savday school
cause lmportance to our civil and social
interests —To the Church—Asa benevolent
enterprise—For the Poor—The thousands
of Poor Children—of Destitute Families—
of Parents financially rained—of others
fallen on battle-fields—our own children,
all demand the School—Will redeem our
land—live to do good—live with us in
Heaven.
RESOLUTIONS.
Ist. Wc are gratified to hear of tho in
creased prosperity of this cause, and that
our past success shall only stimulate to more
faithful efforts—pledge ourselves as pastors
and lay members to increased labors, and
keep up our schools in the wintor wherever
practicable
2d. Wc will seek to establish collateral
schools in the bounds of our circuits, so as
to bring tho whole country under the in
fluence of Sunday schools. Will labor es
pecially for tho poor and orphans.
3d. We request our P. E. to petition the
Bishop of our next Annual Conference to
appoint one or more agents whose duty it
shall be to travel through our bounds and
raise money to furnish libraries gratuitously
to destitute sections.
ON EDUCATION.
James B. Hanson, W. A. Rogers, J. W.
Turner, Sara Grayaud George Bryan. This
report sets forth the importance of a Bible
Literature for our schools—a Philosophy re
oognizing God and Religion. Recommends
certain books—“ Lieut. Maury’s Geography
of the Sea—Greater uniformity as to Text
Books—Our own Books, Literature and
Teachers in preference—Warnings and los
sons from Romanism—Vocal music in
schools as the remedy for defects in Church
music—Warnings against a corrupt and
trashy Literature—a corrupt taste for read
ing—This evil to be met and neutralised by
circulation of a pure Literature—More zeal
in the circulation of onr Books, Papers and
Periodicals recommended.
RESOLUTIONS.
Ist. Duty of the Church to lead in edu
cation—to create and control publio opin
ion and to bring conscience to the great
standard of morals and religion—the Bible.
2d. That ministers and members should
use all laudable means and efforts to oppose
the circulation of the corruptfjjterary trash
of the day
3d. That we urge our people to give their
patronage to our own schools and colleges,
and favor Southern productions in prefer
ence to Northern works, etc.
4th. That we prge upon our people the
importance of employing such teachers as
will open school exercises every day with
the reading ot the Holy Scriptures and
prayer.
sth. That we favor the introduction of
vocal music in our schools.
Gth. That we cannot too earnestly depre
cate the sending of onr children to Romish
schools under any circumstances, and that
we especially recommend to onr denomina
tion Wesleyan and Emory Colleges as good
Institutions of learning.
ON CHURCH EXTENSION.
W. P. Pledger, O. B. Rice, W. M. Blan
ton, G. W. Davis, James Stafford, W. C.
Redding, D. , ( W. B. Hendrick,
J. E. Beall, M. M. Bentley, J. R. Smith,
W. P. Arnold, D. Nolen, J. R. Smith, Jr.
This Report offers no resolutions. Ist. De
sign of Christianity —2d. Methodism adapt
ed-to fulfill this design—like Christ, carries
Gospel to the Poor —3d. Follows not in the
wake of civilization; goes in advance—“sows
beside all waters” —4th. Much remains to be
done—Certain waste places in bounds of Dis
trict—No Methodist Church nor Preachers
there—P. E. and Missionary and Loeal
Preachers must take care of this ground.
sth. Necessity of District as to Houses of
Worship—Many Churches in bad condition
—unworthy of the name of churoh—barns.
Improvement in this respect demanded—
Would bring respect and render means of
grace more effeotive.
ION BOOKS, PERIODICALS AND CHURCH
LITERATURE.
W. P. Rivers, John M. White, J. N.
Harris, Wm. Hamlin, E. M. Owens This
Report sets forth : The importance of this
interest-—Pulpit one great instrumentality
for Evangelization—The Press another sub
ordinate and collateral—Consecrated Press
—Literature not appreciated—signs of
Progress— Patronage too limited—Great
difficulty not so much poverty as absence of
moral appetite for the spiritual food sup
plied by onr Literature—Our Church Lit
erature indispensable to all our interests—
civil, social, religions.
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved , Ist. That we recommend on
the part of our Book concern and Printing
departments all possible liberality,accommo
dation, etc.
Resolved , 2d. On the part of alt the min
isters and agents for the sale and circula
tion, all possible energy and activity and
gratuitous benevolence, &o. That they see
no family be destitute of a copy of the Holy
Scripture, and that every Methodist family
be supplied with Bible, Discipline and
Hymn Book. *>
Resolved, 3 d. That not only the preach
ers bu* all the patrons of our Advpoates and
the Sunday School Papers, viz: Nashville
and Southern Christian Advocates, and the
Sunday School Visitor, ana Burke’s Week
ly, consider themselves as sgents for, and
each one in his sphere advance these into
rests according to his ability.
Resolved, 4th. We recommend the great
est possible economy and retrenchment on
the part of our membership that these vital
interests be not sacrificed, &c.
ON FINANCES.
C. H. Smith, R. W. Morrow, P. J. How
ard, A. J. Blalock, IL J. Bean. This Re
port declares emphatically , “the laborer is
worthy of his hire.’’ The efficiency of
ministry is crippled by their meagre sup
port. The Report recommends early and
efficient organization on the part of the
Stewards. The plan of assessment as the
only efficient and correct plan is recommen
ded on the basis of successful experiment
by many churches. The Board of Stewards
must meet early and fix the preacher’s sala
ry—apportion the amount among the several
churches—notify them—a committee in
each church with a steward as President to
apportion the amount required of each
church, among the membership. Each
member, regardless of age, sex or condition,
should something however small, according
ability. Payments to be made month
ly or quarterly, according to circumstances.
Proper care must be taken of parsonages—
supplies promptly secured. A committee of
ladies should be appointed whose duty it
should be to take care of furniture, ko., and
to solicit subscriptions, &c. .The Re
port concludes by a resolution, pledg
ing the ministry to the same liberality in
support of the cause of Christ, which they
expect from the Church in their own sup
port,
ON TEMPERANCE.
Elijah Foster, Miles G. Turner, Stephen
Carnes and G. Winship. This Report sets
forth the Disciplinary Rule as to the use of
spirituous liquors. Expresses fears that too
many use it in violation of discipline—that
sonic in our communion are distilling and
preparing to distil; others furnishing fruit,
and so putting tho bottle to their neighbors’
mouths—an unhallowed use of the abund
ant fruits God has given us. Our poverty
no excuse for yielding to the temptation.
the Lord ami do good,” &». Tim
drunkard’s wife and orphans plead against
this evil thing—Drunkenness on the in
crease.
RESOLUTIONS.
Ist. Our Church Rule in this matter
shall be carefully observed by us.
2d. Remember our solemn vows “to do
no harm’’—“to avoid evil of every kind.”
By no consideration will wc be led to distil
liquors to be used as a beverage, or furnish
fruit or grain toothers, &c.
ON RELATIONS OF COLORED PEOPLE.
F. B. Davies, Chas. Purifoy, S. Bivins, J.
11. Stafford, Sam’l Gray. This report regrets
so few of the colored people adhere to us.
Wc have a community of interest with this
people—Ought not to neglect them. Regrets
that they do not appreciate the interest taken
in them—in their religious culture and well
being, and that false teachers have alienated
them from us.
RESOLUTIONS.
Ist. Wo will continue to offer them the
means of grace to the best of our ability,
hoping the time will come when they will
appreciate our efforts in tlieir behalf.
2d. We will continue to allow them the
uso of our churches for religious purposes,
but will not allow our places of worship
desecrated by preaching politios or holding
political meetings in them.
The following delegates were elected to
represent the District in the Annual Con
ference.
P. N. Maddox, L. E., W. C. Redding.
Wm. M. Blanton, S. Carnes, Alternates
F. E. Manson, L. E., H. C. Smith, Alex. M.
Speer, B. L. Harper.
Resolutions of thanks to the officers of
Macon & W. R. R., were adopted, and in
the same manner, gratitude expressed to
tbe pastor and members of Baptist Church
for their house of worship, and to the citi
zens of Jonesboro and surrounding country
for their kindness and hospitality. Cu;lo
de n the place of meeting next year.
In conclusion we would say the occasion
was one of great interest and pleasure to
all—was characterised by great harmony
and good feeling. Business was the chief
concern of all, and not much time was
spent in speech-making. Bro. C. W. Smith,
as agent for the Advocate, fully represented
his claims and the brethren showed a due
appreciation and zeal in its behalf and se
cured some subscriptions. The Bishop also
was faithful to the Advocate, endorsing the
compliment that, “the S. C. Advocate is the
most religious paper we have.’’ We re
gretted much our friend Burke, “the Chil
dren’s Friend,” could not be with us.
The District meeting left a revival be
hind it at Jonesboro—a meeting of much
interest and promise—many mourners at the
altar and some accessions. During the ses
sion of the Conference,religious services were
held three times a day. The preaching
was simple, direct, evangelical, and some
of the services were delightful spiritual
seasons We were glad to see the Bishop,
old as he is, aide to preside more or less at
every session. His good humor was re
markable. llis noble and benign face
seemed to say,
“What then remains but well our power to use
And keep good humor still whate’er we lose.”
The people were gratified much to see
and hear him preach, which he was able to
do several times, and much feeling and ten
derness of heart were evinced under his
simple eloquence and unvarnished story of
the Cross. He himself is a living epistle to
the Churches—a sermon incarnate.
“The calm of that old reverend brow, the glow
Os its thin silver locks was like a flash
Os sunlight—in the pauses of a storm.”
Long may he live to do good and see good
in the land of the living !
“Let never-fading honor flourish round him,
And consecrate his name ever to time’s end ;
Let him know nothing but good on earth,
And everlasting blessedness hereafter.”
Again, thanks aud blessings on the Jones
boro people, and may revival influence at
tend the preachers now hard at work all
over the District. C. F. Redding.
W. P. Rivers.
H. J. Adams.
PUBLISHED BT J. W. BUBKE ft C©.* FOB, THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
Macon, Oa., "Bite, September 4, 1868.
Atlanta District-Meeting.
This meeting convened at
Ga, Aug. 6th, and was opened with an ia- j
troductory sermon by Jtev. W.NF. Parks, at.
11 o’clock, A. M. Many of tbe pointed,
well-timed and impressive remarks
preacher will be remembered longanur- be ,
has passed to his teward. „
The meeting was nr“ inizgd
Bishop Andrew presiding J. F/
and Rev. V. E. Manget were cboseif%iit€
taries and the usual committees appointed, $
Bishop Pierce appeared next morning
relieved Bishop Andrew, whS; thoaglLjna
feeble health,, continued in attend®*,
through the entire session and favol%4Mwe ,
meetings now and then with mC■£
wise onnttsel and* encouragement.
Pierce, in the chair as well asiutbe pUpKI
was with us in the fullness of 4fce blewuijjUg
of the Gospel of God. From first to INK*
the interests of religion received special at
tention, and, as we trust, were grariously ,
promoted by all the exercises, both in
pulpit servioes aud during the business scs-,j
sions. , =l. j
The Rev. W. J l . Cook pnwfcnted
povt from committee ou f unday Sohoo*
The gratifying evidences of prosperity'!
this department of the operations of the'
Church, afforded by accounts from every
part of the District, were duly noticed, and,
attention was called to tbe importance of’
continuing to use diligently, and of intro-1
during generally, those appliances which,
contribute to swell the “rising tide,” while, ,■
at the same time, we guard watchfully - .,
against any evils to which our success may
expose us. Personal supervision and active
interest on the part of the pastor was insist
ed upoD, as ot chief importance. The
preacher who neglects the Sunday School, -
is not the man our people now want as pas -
tor for themselvos and their children. The
introduction of music and tbe adaptation
of songs to the capacity of children, it was„
thought, had done much toward rendering
the Sunday School room attractive and its
exercises plcasiDg. There is danger,
however, of running into a hurtful extreme
in light and frivolous Sunday School sing
ing. Care should be taken to introduce
and sing only such songs as arc Scriptural
in their sentiments and which serve to inj
struct as well as please. A music hodt
adapted to our own Sunday Schools, from
our own Publishing House would contribute
muoh to that end. The Committoe
pressed' their high appreciation of the Sun
day School Visitor, and were agreed in
opinion that such a paper issued weekly,
wouid supply a desideratum widely if not
universally felt.
The formation ol Sunday School Mission'
ary Societies and the holding of annual
Sunday School Conventions were recom
mended as serving to contribute to tbe in
terest and prosperity of the cause. In con
clusion earnest reference was made to ode
great evil to which our very prosperity ii
this matter exposes us. In proportion ini
the Sunday School is prosperous and efl
cient, Christian parents may bo tempted up
transfer the duty of training their childref
religiously to the Sunday School teaches»
and thus, while the Sunday School flourisli
es, family religion may decline. The ejH
it was argued, did not result from
wrong in tho Sunday School system,.
from a disposition in human Xt fl
lect duty and transfer ncßPonsibil|fc
ever occasion offers, Tq ar-il iVf'jJUH
it WjSs only necessary tbat the
of parents be kept enlightened and alive &
to their personal obligations in this
tant matter. Pastors and Sunday SchjAf.
Superintendents were charged with the
ty of seeing to it tbat this was done,
that tho earnest co operation of all Chris
tian parents was scoured a3 far as possible,
in sustaining tins interests of the Sunday
School, so that', by the generous concur
rence of home training and Sunday School
instruction, the greatest good to the greatest
number might be effected. The following
resolutions were adopted, viz:
Ist. Wc have reason to feel profoundly
grateful to God for the measuro of prosperi
ty with which He has favored us in our
Sunday Sohool operations.
2d. We will not relax our efforts, but en
couraged by past success, labor and look for
yet greater results. .
3d. The formation ot Sunday School Mis
sionary Societies, regular instruction in
Sunday Sohool singing, annual Sunday
School Conventions, and such like applian
ces, are recommended as promotive of the -
efficiency of Sunday Schools generally.
4th. That the Secretary of this meeting
be requested to transmit to our Book Agent
at Nashville, the following for his conside
ration, viz : It is the sense of this meeting
that the issuing of a Sunday School Music
Book from our own Publishing House, and
the publication of the S S. Visitor weekly,
instead of monthly, would contribute large
ly to the success and prosperity of the Sun
day School cause, within our bounds. .
The Committee on the State of tbe
Church, through its Chairman, Rev. W. J.
Parks, presented, in substance, the follow
ing Report, which was cordially received :
From all the information that we have
been able to obtain, we are happy to an
nounce tbat there is muoh in the state of
the Church in this District that is cheering
and encouraging. Among some of our
members there is true and saving piety as
evidenced by their profession and practice.
The family altar is kept up, the means of
grace are faithfully attended. While this
is the case many others give evidence of a
defective piety by the neglect of those du
ties so essential to vital religion. They
conform too much to the world, participate
in its pleasures, and are “lovers of pleasure
more than lovers of God,’’ the consequence
is that the party parlor is thronged and
the prayer-meeting neglected. In view of
these facts it was
Resolved, Ist. That all our preachers be
and they are hereby advised to preach ex
pressly and frequently on Christian expe
rience, setting forth clearly the nature, ne
cessity and evidences of the new birth, striv
ing to convince all the people who hear
them that'religion is a thing to be felt,
known and enjoyed by those who have it.
Yes, that “the kingdom of God is righteous
ness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”—
Let them also urge on all, the necessity of
showing their faith by their works. Let
them, if possible, impress upon their minds
the great truth that obedience to the re
quirements of the Bible is the good fruit of
a good tree, the true test and satisfactory
evidence of a gracious state, and wo beg
and entreat those of our ministers especially
who have charge of circuits and stations to
press these matters home on the members
of our Church in their pastoral visitations
so as, if possible, to have all our people in
ternally and externally religious according
to the Bible standard. And farther? we
urge them to a strict, mild, godly, but pru
dent administration of tho discipline of our
Church so that all ia our communion may
be in fact as well as in name Methodists.
Resolved, 2d. That we most urgently and
affectionately entreat all those in our Church
who are heads of families to keep up family
religion at any sacrifice. Let your entire
family be called together night and morn
ing without intermission or abatement to
hear the word of God read and to join you
in your earnest prayers for God’s protection
at night, and for His counsel, protection and
guidance by day. Give evidence of the
sincerity of your profession and your love
to God and Christ’s spouse—the Churoh—
«-ariendhig promptly on all the means of
Space and the ordinances of His Churoh.—
Erray in secret, read your Bible, attend your
[class meeting, be at the prayer meeting,
land be there to help, if called on, by leading
Sin prayer. Avoid the society of the vicious,
keek not the companionship of the giddy,
[frivolous and gay who so insidiously steal
[our hearts away from God and His service,
r In conclusion, the membership of the
I Churoh are exhorted to remember that these
rare days of poverty and afffiotion with our
| country and to aid faithfully in supporting
[the ministry ; to refrain from costly apparel
and extravagant living, and to remember
f that some kind of demons go not out but by
' fasting and prayer.
f The Chairmain of the Committee on
Jiooks and Periodicals, Dr. A. Means, re
ported that, “Next to the lofty mission of
the Christian Ministry, and even in power
ful aid of its sacred functions are the clear,
logioal, and luminous issues of the Religi
«Press. From its raking batteries, sup
(£*d by the published emanations from tho
. U>Btified minds of the Butlers and Paleys,
•nff. Watsons and Clarkes, the Fletchers and
uWtsleys of the Churoh, infidelity has met
-Jktti some of the most startling repulses
Tpiich have arrested its destructive progress
J modern years, while the majesty ofßeve
‘lgiion and the power of Truth have been
handed down to future ages.
. The Committee also expressed their con
viction that it is our duty to bring into
ythe field our amplest resources, “especially
|to win the hearts and train the minds of
our beloved offspring in the formation pe
riod of their young history.’’ To secure
these important results our excellent Book
concern at Nashville is earnestly and con
fidently recommended to fathers and moth
ers, guardians and teachers, throughout our
connection, and our people are requested
to aid cordially in the dissemination of our
publications in accordance with the plan of
the Book Agent in order to liquidate the
debt of the pnblishing house.
Tbe Committee also urged a more general
eironlation of our weekly Periodicals—The
Nashville and Southern Christian Advo
cates —both ably conducted and meritorious
publications ; the latter within our own bor
der and the accredited organ of four Confer
ences, whose ample sheet,valuable epistolary
contributions,and sound editorials should se
oure for its indefatigable editor the thanks
of the Methodist public and bring back to
his heart the cheering intelligence that its
increased circulation through the kindly
efforts of your body and those of the sister
District Conferences havo borne him and
his enterprise through the surrounding
breakers and given him an open sea (or the
remainder of his editorial career. The S.
8. Visitor urges its claim! through the
thousand infant voices from the flourishing
Sabbath Schools under our supervision, and
“Burke’s Weekly,’’ though a private enter
prise, is a valuable adjunct in strewing the
path of youth with tbe lovely flowers and
luscious fruit of Christian knowledge suited
to the tastes and capacities of the young,
and thus winning them on to higher attain
ments.
The colored people were not neglected,
(and Judge J. J. Floyd, Chairman of the
(Committee appointed to report on our rela
tions to them, presented, in substance, the
following report:
To the white people of the South, under
of the temporal and
Hiring lyiifi l
mainly depends. Tne poucy 01 rsortnern
emissaries can end only in evil to Both races.
The plans adopted by the General and An
nual Conferences are cordially recommended
to our people, and the kindly relations ex
isting between ourselves and those who have
been as members of our households is cor
dially commended. TJie following resolu
tion was proposed and unanimously adopt
ed :
Resolved, That our ministers in charge of
circuits or stations be requested to cultivate
as far as possible, a spirit of reciprocal kind
ness between the races, and that in pursu
ance of the plan suggested by uur church
authorities their laokof spiritual instruction
be supplied either by preaching or Sunday
School instruction, or both, and such other
helps as to them in each particular ease may
seem proper.
Col. G. N. Lester, Chairman of the Com
mittee on Temperance, after alluding to the
increase of dram drinking among members
of the church in some localities, and of the
great evil of this sinful practice, proposed
the following resolutions which were adopt
ed without opposition by a rising vote :
Resolved, Ist. That it is the decided and
unanimous opinion of this meeting that the
manufacture, sale and use of spirituous liq
uors as a beverage, in any form, are moral
wrongs that ought not to be winked at or
tolerated by the Church.
Resolved, 2d. That in our judgment it is
an inexcusable wrong for a member of the
Christian Church to make sale of his fruit
or grain to another, when it is the known
purpose of the purchaser to convert the same
into ardent spirits to be used as a beverage.
Resolved, 3 d. That we favor all well-reg
ulated organizations that have for their ob
ject the restraining of men from drunken
ness and intemperance.
Resolved, 4th. That we request the
preachers of this District to call special at
tention to this action of this meeting.
A report, full of interest, was presented
by the Committee on Church Extension
through its Chairman, Rev. F. A. Kimbell.
They urged no organization of new circuits
in the bounds of the District, bnt the over
hauling of the churches already organized,
the judicious enforcement of discipline and
the stimulating of the membership to the
active performance of duty. To this, they
added, “We need no modifications of our
creed, we require no changes in our govern
ernment to give efficiency to our Church in
spreading Scriptural Holiness through these
lauds. The observance of our rules as they
are, the preaching of Christ and Him cruci
fied, with the simplicity and zeal of our il
lustrious fathers, will insure to us success in
winning souls to Christ and in building up
the Church unprecedented evert id their
day. It is urged not to organize too many
churches, but to have preaohing, class and
prayer meetings at private houses remote
from the church, and that all tho members
of the Church gird on the whole armor of
God and go forth to active service in the
vineyard of the Lord.
Col. G. N. Lester, in behalf of tho Com
mittee on Finance urged the separation of
the ministry from all secular pursuits, and
to an entire consecration to the great work
of establishing and building up the cause
of Christ in the world. That this may be
done; our people are invited To come up as
a unit to the heaven-appointed work of
granting a generous support to the Gospel
in all its departments. It was resolved to
adopt tho “assessment plan” in order to
meet the demands of the Church.
Prof. G. W. W. Stone reported in behalf
of the Committee on Edueation. He re
ferred to the great importance of religious
education,and spoke of the mental culture of
the fathers of our Churoh. It was urged
that those young men among us who feel
called to the ministry, be aided in the ac
quirement of such an edueation as will fit
them for greater future usefulness.
Emory College and the Wesleyan Femalo
College were cordially recommended to the
Knage of our people, and the plans of
ip Pierce for the endowment of these
two institutions heartily endorsed.
By resolution, the meeting pledged the
District to educate a candidate for the min
istry at Emory College and appointed the
P. E. agent to collect the funds.
The following were elected delegates to
the Annual Conference : Rev. J. E. God
frey, G. N Lester, Jos. Baxter, J. J. Floyd.
Alternates —Rev. V. E. Mangot, J. F.
Lindley, J. T. Glower and V. N. Tommey.
Next District Meeting to be held atLaw
renocville.
Athens District-meeting,Union Point.
This meeting was held at Union Point,
beginning on the afternoon of July 30, and
closing on Monday morning, Aug. 3.
Bishop Andrew was present, blessing
with his counsels, and he presided until the
second day, when Bishop Pierce arrived,
and took the Chair for the remaining days
of the session. The P. E., nearly all the
traveling, and many local preaohers were
present, together with a large lay delega
tion—say about sixty in number. Among
the visiting brethren were Rev. Dr. Means,
Rev. J. 0. A. Clark, and Rev. Thos. F.
Pierce. They participated in the proceed
ings of the meeting, and added interest to
the occasion.
The old plan of appointing committees,
and assigning to eaoh a distinct subject
upon which to report, was adopted, and the
following were made the subjects, viz :
1. State of the Churoh. 2. Sunday
schools. 3. Finance. 4. Education. 5
Missions. 6. Periodicals and Books. 7.
Organization of Circuits. 8. Parsonages.
The statements made by the pastors on
the religious condition of their respective
charges, were, for the most part, encourag
ing. But there are evils in the Church
which we earnestly deplore, and one of these
is the neglect of family religion. On this
point the Committee, through the Chair
man, Rev. H. 11. Parks, say:
“Your Committee arc pained with the
fact that there are so many of the hoads of
families who negleot the duty of family
prayer. We are of opinion that this is a
vital defect in Christian character, and
must, if persisted in, operate prejudicially
to the piety of their ohildren, and militate
with the true interests of our beloved Meth
odism, aud, what is more to bo deprecated,
with tho prosperity of the cause of our holy
Christianity throughout the land.
“Wc think it would be diffioult to over
estimate the importance of this duty ; and
would recommend that the pastors in each
charge inquire of the brethren everywhere,
Do you pray in your families '! and in case
they do not, that they urge upon them
strenuously the inauguration thereof at once;
and that they preaoh upon this subject spe
cifically at all their appointments, and never
oeasc their efforts until the evil has been
arrested.”
Hero is another evil. The manufacture,
drinking and sale of spirituous liquors have
crept into the Church of Jesus Christ. On
this topic the same committee resolved :
“We would speak In no equivocal terms
of the habit of dram drinking, manufactur
ing or vending of ardent spirits, and would
urge upon our brethren that they preach
against these iniquitous practices, and that
our lay brethren give us tlieir hearty sup
port and co-operation in ridding the Church
of these abominations'”
Again:
“We would recommend the same course
in regard to.dancing, theatres, etc., reinind
|*T . . 'W-ltd’etft "f fl l TM Tl’ll'" 1 ’ t ll “.y
voluntarily made when they joinca the
Church.”
This, report, after recommending “the
mild, but ultimately effectual enforcement
of the Discipline of the Church,’’ and that
“we serve the colored people wherever they
aro willing that we should,’’ as best for
them, concludes thus
“Somehow, wo feel that a brighter and
more glorious day is soon to dawn upon the
Church in this stricken land. We arc pass
ing through the fires now, but if wo will
pray and work, and work and pray, we hope
soon to realise such an outpouring of the
Spirit of God as has not been witnessed in
this country for many a long year.”
Dr. Wm. King, of Athens, road a very
interesting report from the 8. S. committee,
which expressed great gratification at the
decided revival in the S. S. cause through
out the District. To provide teachers, the
committee recommends “the selection from
the older scholars such as may be educated
as teachers.” “Place them under the charge
of the preacher, or the best man intellectu
ally and spiritually in the charge. Until
this can be accomplished, select only such
for teachers as arc Christians.’’ “Let the
superintendent and teachers determine to
devote at least one-fourth of an hour on
each Sabbath morning to fervent secret
prayer that God would bicss their labors of
that day.”
The report closes by recommending the
regular instruction of the children in
siDging.
The committee of lay brethren on Finance
reported through Rufus W. Smith, Chair
man : “It is the sense of this Committee,
that the obligation upon the Church to sup
port the minister is a debt. It is a debt
that should take precedence over all other
debts, inasmuch as spiritual things arc more
important than temporal.’’ The committee
submitted the following
FINANCIAL PLAN.
1. Let the stewards at the 4th quarterly
meeting appoint a day to meet, which day
should be as soon as possible after the re
turn of the preacher of the year past, from
the Animal Conference. Let the preacher
bring such information from the new min
ister as will enable the stewards to make
their assessments and the preliminary ar
rangements for his reception. In ease the
preacher of the year past does not return,
let the new appointee give such information
by letter.
2. At the first round of the preacher, let
each steward read out the assessment made,
and the amount apportioned to his church,
and ask tho church for such help as he may
need in dividing out to the individual mem
bers. Let this assessment be made care
fully, and submitted at the next meeting,
by reading out each name and the amount
attached, and by getting the assent or ob
jection to the amount assessed. In ease of
objection, let such abatement as may be
made of the amount of tho objection be vol
untarily assumed, or divided among other
members by their consent.
3. Let the stewards, as far as possible,
collect, monthly, all dues up to date, and
report by reading out names of those who
pay, with amount paid.
4. Let the stewards furnish the preacher,
before he goes to Conference, with the
amount assessed, and the amount paid by
each and all the churches in his charge,
and let it be placed in the Annual Confer
ence Statistical Report, for future use at
the Distriot meetings, if need bo.
5. Let the above plan, or a better, be
perfected and adopted, and published by
the Annual Conference, and recommended
to all the churches of the Conferenoe, with
the request that they confirm it through
their delegates to the District-meeting. If
ratified by the majority, let the Annual
Conference request all the churches to ob
serve it and regard it as binding, being the
voice of the majority.
Rev.W. R. Foote, Chairman of the Com
mittee on Education, highly commended
our institutions, especially Emory and Wes
leyan Female Colleges. The report ap
proves the endowment sohemes of both In
stitutions, and invites subscribers.
One resolution provides, “That we pro
ceed to organize a society auxiliary to the
N. Ga. Conference Educational Sooiety, in
aocordanoe with the plan thereol.”
Under this resolution, some thirty-two
brethren organized the Auxiliary Sooiety,
by electing L. D Carlton, President, and
R. G. Carlton, Secretary and Treasurer.
These officers, with Rev. J. M. Diokey,
Thos. Murralt and J. M. Park, were ap
pointed an executive committee, with full
powers to carry out the purposes of tho So
ciety.
Dr. Means and Rev. J. O A. Clark ad
dressed the meeting on tho claims and fa
cilities of Emojyr College, and made a fine
impression for the institution.
This report concludes: “We deeply re
gret the lack of interest in and devotion to
Emory College, manifested by some of onr
denomination, who, without any mitigating
circumstances to justify such a course, ig
nore their own worthy Institution, by pla
cing their sons and wards in other colleges,
whioh have no superiority over ours in any
respeot, and, in many particular; , vastly in
ferior, and that we will endeavor to persuade
our people everywhere to bestow their pa
tronage upon Emory.”
Rev. D. J. My rick, Chairman of the
Committee on Missions, closes his report
with a resolution, “That wo, the members
of this District Conference, will do all in
our power, both by preoept and example, to
further tho interests of our domestio and
foreign missions, and also, to pay, as speed
ily as possible, our part, as a Distriot, of tho
missionary debt.
Rev. 11. J. Harwell, Chairman of the
Committee on Books and Periodicals, re
commends tho increased oiroulation of tho
Southern Christian Advooatc, and our other
religious papers, and that our Conferences
“devise ways and means” to sell our own
books, and do all we possibly can towards
relieving our publishing house.
Rev. J. L. Pierce, Chairman of the Com
mittee on Organization of Cirouits, recom
mends “That tho Bishop, at the ensuing
Annual Conferenoe, upon application from
the proper quarter, oontraot tho largo cir
cuits into four appointments,wherever prac
ticable, and upon satisfactory assurance that
they will be self-sustaining.’’
Thos. Murrah, Chairman of the Parson
age Committee, recommends the appoint
ment of a committee to solicit subscriptions
for the purchaso of a district parsonage.
Thos. Murrah, M. Stanley, R. W. Woot
ten, were appointed the committee.
Social Circle was chosen as tho place for
holding the next District-meeting—Wash
ington was chosen as the alternate.
ltev. G. L. MoCleskey, W. B. Haygood,
R. L. Foreman, J. B. Park, wero elected
delegates to the Annual Confcrenoo. Rev.
T. A. Harris, A. M. Colton, Dr. L. G. An
derson, Y. L. G. Harris, were elected alter
nates.
Isaac Hall, of Greensboro, was elected
Recording Secretory of the meeting.
Tho preaching throughout the meeting
was strong and impressivo, and we’ trust
God will yet own and bless it in the con
version of souls.
J no, W. Heidt, See.
Washington, Aug. 11, 1868.
Mt. Hilliard Sunday-school Associa
tion.—Celebrations
The Mt. Hilliard (Cirouit) Sunday
rr 2 .^-* —-u-i. iii Jon, -Caafssz:
eneft, has under its control four Sunday
schools ; and under its direction two cele
brations have come off. Tho first was at
Mt. Hilliard, Bullock county, Ala., July
17th. Othor schools in the country contig
uous, besides those of the Association, had
been invited; and at 10 o’clook the sohools
met at the Academy and formed in proces
sion, and inarched to the stand in a grove,
arranged for tho ocoasion. There were
about two hundred and fifty scholars in tho
procession, and they looked like a little
army, with their beautiful banners floating
over them.
After prayer by the Rev. J. C. Avent,
the cxeroisos consisted in speeches and diav
logues by the scholars of tho Mt. Hilliard
Sunday-school, principally by the little
girls, under the direotion of tho superin
tendent, A. W. Hightower, enlivened at
intervals by singing. After these closed,
Col. R. H. Powell, of Union Springs, de
livered an address abounding with noble,
Christian sentiments, in commendation of
the great Sabbath-school cause. Col. Pow
ell is a man whose soul is filled with the
kindliest feolings, and he takes the liveliest
interest and pleasure in such occasions. He
has enshrined himself in the hearts of pa
rents and ohildren, by his eloquent and
wholesome utterances. At tho close of his
speech, dinner was served; and although
there were as many as eight hundred per
sons present, all were “fed,” and “twelve
baskets” or more taken up of the fragments.
Dinner over, the audience reassembled,
and were addressed by Rev. Dr. C. A.
King, of Greenville, Ala., showing the im
portance of parents’ sustaining the Sunday
school by their presence and labors. Dr.
King uses bold, strong, stirring words, and
makes many of the warmest and truest
friends among the ohildren; and no ono
will wonder at it, who heard his beautiful
tribute to childhood on this ocoasion. After
he closed, the Rev. J. W. Shores was
called for and made a few remarks, when
the exercises closed with the benediotion by
Rev. J. W. Hightower.
The second celebration was at Murphy’s
Chapel, Pike oounty, Ala., August 14th.
There were not so many Sunday-school
scholars, or so large an audience in attend
ance, as at the first celebration, but it wi s
cerfSinly an interesting time.
The exeroises were opened with prayer
by Rev. L. E. Culver, of Troy, Ala. Then
came speeches, dialogues and singing by
the scholars of Murphy’s Chapel Sunday
school, participated in by scholars and
teachers, boys, girls, young men and maid
ens, and all acquitted themselves handsome
ly. The spoeckes of E. C. MoCaskill and
L. Morgan, toaohers, although selected,
showed that these young men fully appre
ciate their positions and relations. Mr.
VVm. J. May delivered an address which
was admirable for its literary exoellenoe and
moral tone. It was eloquently'uttered, and
was full of the richest Christian sentiments.
At the conclusion of his address, the audi
ence was summoned to dinner, and it was
truly inviting and bountiful. There was
enough for each aud for all.
After dinner the people came together
again, and listened to an address from Wm.
H. Parks, Esq., of Troy, Ala. The import
ance and usefulness of Sabbath-schools
wero advocated in a lurid and eonvineing
speech. At the close of this speeoh, a call
was made for Mr. Frank Penington, who is
just home from Wake Forest College, N.
C., and he came forward and made a short
speeoh, rich with the beauties and graces of
oratory, iu behalf of the ocoasion that had
called the people together. Rev. J. W.
Shores was also called for, and addressed the
orowd, showing the neoessity of giving the
most earnest attention to the intellectual
and religious training of the rising genera
tion.
These celebrations have inspired a deep
interest in the Sabbath-sohool cause in the
bounds of the Mt. Hilliard Cirouit, and it
is hoped that it will widen and extend. It
is just to state that Messrs. J. P. Ogletree,
J. H. Douglas, A. W. Hightower and J.
E.H.MTERS, D.D.,EDITOR
Whole Number 1717
W. W. Jackson, superintendents in the As
sociation, have been indefatigable and zeal
ous in pushing forward the Sunday-school
interest.
Respectfully submitted, by order of tho
Association. J.
August 21.
Time Does It.
Time has a wonderful power in taking
the conceit out of persons. When a young
man first emerges from the schools and en
ters upon the career of life, it is painfully
amusing to witness his self-sufficiency—ho
would have all tho world to understand that
he has “learned out’’—that he is master of
all knowledge, and can unravel all myste
ries. But as ho grows older, he grows
wiser; he learns that he knows a great
deal less than He supposed he did, and by
the time ho reaches to threes'oore years, he
is prepared to adopt as his own the senti
ment of John Wesley: “When I was
young I was sure of everything; in a sow
years, having been mistaken a thousand
times, I was not half as sure of most things
as I was before. At present I am hardly
sure of anything but what God has revealed
to man.”
What are You Doing? —“Go work
to day in my vineyard," is God’s command,
addressed to every son or daughter of His
in the world. It i3 what he says to you,
dear reader, this day. You may not think
of this. You may look upon it as addressed
to others, not to you. But it is addressed
to you, and you must decide whether you
will do it or not. What havo you beou do
ing these many years past in tho Lord’s
vineyard ? What aro you now doing ?
What do you intend doing? Aro you
working or loitering? If working, is it in
God’s vineyard or your own? Aro you
cultivating the tender grapes of righteous
ness, or the sour grapes of sin ? Arc you
ohasing, and capturing and destroying tho
little foxes that spoil tho vines—building
up the wall and gathering out the stones ?
“Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.” It
is not merely, go into my vineyard to sit,
or stand, or lie down in tho shadow of the
vines, nor to cat the choice grapes. This
is all many are willing to do. But it is
toor/eers that aro needed—-men and womon
who are not afraid of soiling thoir hands,
spoiling their comploxion, or straining Ihcir
muscles. It is to day they are wanted.
There is pressing and immediate need.
The vines are suffering, the grapes aro go
ing to loss. It is to-day you are wanted.
There is nothing said about to morrow.
This night you may be oalled to your re
ward. This may bo your last day of work.
You may die, and there is no work in thd
grave. Then go now and work in God’s
vineyard.
Future Punishment. —Let tho fairest
star be selocted, like a beauteous island ia
the vast and shoreless ocean of the azure
heavens, as the future home of the crimi
nals from the earth, and let them possoss
whatever they most love, and all that it is
possible for God to bestow; lot thorn bo en
dowed with undying bodies, and with minds
which shall forever retain their intellectual
powers; let no Saviour ever press His claims
upon them, no God reveal Ilimself to them,
no Sabbath ever dawn upon them, no saint
ever live among them, no prayer ever be
heard within their borders; but lot sooiety
rosy of hatred to God, nnd with uttAr dstf
ishness as its all-provailing and ettShnl pur- ’
pose; then, as sure as the law of righteous
ness exists, on which rests the throne of
God, and the government of the universe,
a society so constituted must work out for
itself a hell of solitary and bitter suffering,
to which there is no limit except the capac
ity of a finite nature! Alas! tho spirit
that is without lovo to its God or to its
neighbor, is already possessed by a power
which must at last create for its own self
government a worm that will never dio, and
a fire that can nevermore ho quenched !
Dr. Norman McLeod.
Always Lively. —A thorough “oircuit
rider,’’ i. e., an itinerant, who docs his whole
duty, remarked to us, that he did not give
away nigh so muoh tobaooo on his rounds
now as formerly—times were so hard—but
gave away old Advooates and Sunday-school
Visitors. “Only one side,” said he, “of an
Advocate dies; the rest of it never dies.’’
Some time ago he handod a brother a paper
of 1860, whioh he read with muoh interest
until he saw the date. “Why, this is 1860!’’
“Yes, that’s so; bat now road it, and you’ll
find its just as lively as ever—all but one
page. I never/’ he continued, “tore up an
Advocate. Common newspapers got stale,
but the greater part of the reading of a re
ligious paper will keep fresh for years<- I
often wish for bundles of thorn to givo to
the young people one meets along the road.’’
[Very few men under forty years of age
have that much sense.] This brother be
longs to the working parol of itinerants—a
man that stirs around, and can make a fire
as quiok as St. Paul at Molita.— St. Louis
Advocate.
Faith Working by Love— All true
and lively faith begets love; and thus that
heavenly light is the vehiole of heat. Aud
as, by this means, true faith has a tendency
to the practice of obedaanoe depends upon
faith, and flows from it. All knowledge of
mysteries is vain and of no value, unless it
have influence upon tho affections, and
thereby upon the whole conduct of life.—
The luminaries of heaven arc placed on
high ; but they are so placed that thoy may
shine, and perform their periods, for the
benefit of this earth.— Leighton.
Who Knocks? —Oh! careless sinner,
this is the Saviour whom wo have always
been preaohing to you; this is tho Divine
Redeemer whom you have always trodden
under foot. You would think it a great
thing if the king left his throne, and
knocked at your door, and besought you to
accept a little gold, but oh! how much
greater a thing ia here. The King of kings
has left his throne and died, the just for
the unjust, and now knocks at your door.
Careloss sinner, can you still resist ?—J/r
--(Jheyne.
The genuine purity, integrity and truth
which our words and works ought to reveal,
if we are the servants of Christ, will always
secure the esteem and confidence of intelli
gent people of tho world, although they
may not themselves yet be converted. — Ap.
Past, in Lange.
Some may fancy the fire of prosperity to
be designed rather for comfort than for
trial—rather to refresh than to soarch us—
but searoely anything more dearly demon
strates the falseness or soundness of religion
it is to graoe what fire is to gold.
Endeavor always to remember that ouy
are in the immediate presence of God, and
strive to aot as you would if you saw tho
Saviour standing by your side. Recollect
that He is really there.
The Christian who has put aside relig
ion beoause ho is in worluly oompany, is
like a man who to put off his shoes be
cause he is walk*% among thorns.