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Southern Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, SEPTEMBER 4, 1868.
The Fall Campaign.
Not political, but religious The “week
of prayer’’ just past is a good starting point
for a general campaign against the kingdom
of darkness. The recollections of the week
similarly devoted last year, are pleasant—
while the results of that service have en
tered into the permanent triumphs and his
tory of the Church. If the ministers and
membership are wise and faithful to duty,
they may expect this year quite as happy
results from the services of the past week.
\Ve presume that it was very generally ob
served according to appointment. In this
city the rain greatly interfered to binder
the assembling of the people, vet there were
a few ready always to wait on the Cord.
We fear that in all this region of country
the wet weather made the congregations
small.
Notwithstanding these hindrances, the
week of meetings ought to leave the Church
in anattitudeof trirnphant progress. What
ever has been gained should be held, and
the hosts of the Lord should initiate at this
crisis a vigorous campaign, to continue till
the Conferences meet.
Little can be said, in this behalf, that
is not already well known to those who read
what we write. The need of active labor
will be conceded-—the necessities of the
Church and the people will be allowed.
That God is ready to bestow II is blessing—
that it comes only through the use of the
means of grace, wiil not be controverted.
There is light enough on all these points.
What is needed is heat. A fervent spirit,
a burning zeal, a quenchless ardor, a glow
ing love to God and to souls, arc now the
great wants of the Church ; and if we could
kindle these by writing, we would write on
tifl the year ends. But the pen caDnot
work this wonder, f’rayer must do it; and
when the spark is alight, then praise and
ceaseless labor must follow, till the celestial
flame spreads over the entire land. Now is
the time for united and unceasing effort.
Every preacher, every member, ought to
he fully alive to duty—remembering that
the united prayers of the entire Church
have been going up to God for universal
victory, and that whatever may be the defi
ciency of local churches, yet this combined
prayer may, in God’s goodness, be auswerod
for them as well as for the more faithful.
Augusta District Meeting.
It was our privilege to bo at Sparta in at
tendance upon this meeting. There was a
pretty, full representation of the laity, and
we believe, all the travelling preachers of
the District were present; as also, Dr.
Means aud Prof. Clarke of Emory College.
The meeting was doubtless profitable,
though the sensible manifestations of relig
ious feeling were not so general aud unin
terrupted as we have seen on some similar
occasions. The interests of the church
were all looked into as carefully as the time
allowed, and the opinions of the meeting
were framed into wise resolutions, which it
is hoped and believed will be fully put into
practice, throughout the church in the Dis
—There was nothing of so marked a
character in this Meeting as to require fur
ther notice than will he taken of the pro
ceedings in the report of the secretary,
which we hope to have for next week’s
paper.
We are convinced, however, that some
thing was lost to the good results of the
Meeting by its not having opened earlier in
the week, so as to give three full days to
the business of the Church. The reports
from the different charges were hurried for
want of time, because most of the delegates
had arranged to return home after a two
days’ session. Another disadvantage was,
that the church building was too small to
accommodate the congregation, and it was di
vided on the Sabbath. We have found
that the plan of concentrating the congre
gation, even if it be necessary to build an
arbor to do it, works admirably at these
meetings.
The Methodists of Sparta have refitted
their house of worship, plastering, painting
and carpeting it, and they have made it one
of the neatest chapels of which we have
any knowledge.
We left a meeting in progress there,
under the direction of Bishop Pierce, the
Rev. W. H. Potter, P. E., and other minis
ters, which promised good results, and of
which we hope to hear a glorious account.
The citizens received the members of the
District-meeting with open hearted hospi
tality, and if the prayers offered in their
behalf by those whom they so kindly enter
tained be answered, then Sparta will be
visited by a most gracious revival of re
ligion.
The following delegates were elected to
the Annual Conference: Rev. R. W. Hu
bert, Dr. I. P. Garvin, E H. Pottle, N. C.
Barnett — Alternates: llev. E. M. Pendle
ton, J. P. Williams, H. Middlebrooks and
D R. Adams.
Bishop Pierce lives within four miles of
Sparta, directly on the rail road from that
place to Augusta.
Taking furlough for a day or two in ad
vance of the Meeting, we were set down by
the R R. conductor at the gate of “Sun
shine.’’ Years have passed since we des
cribed this happy home, “Sunshine,’’ to our
readers. Many changes have come since
then. The house has been enlarged to
meet the wants of a growing family of
daughter and sons-in-law and their children
—three of whom, born this summer, were
baptized by the Bishop on one afternoon
during the Meeting.
Bishop Pierce's farming operations are
quite restricted since the war ended, and
his beautiful place is not as thoroughly kept
as it was in better days. Yet it is a pleas*
ant home—though plain in all its appoint
ments, a delightful retreat from the toil and
responsibility of his official life, where, in
the midst of a loving family, he gathers
strength for renewed labor. His married
children all live near him, aud on these oc
casional visits to his home, they gather
around him with their children, and in a
society, as pleasant perhaps as this poor
earth affords, he passes liis days of rest.
He has been abseut from home much more
than half of the past year, and till its close
he will be at home but two or three weeks.
He leaves this week for Kentucky to visit
his first Conferences, lie goes to Illinois,
returns to Georgia to iUl'*various engage
ments, and then takes a tour to Arkansas
returning in time to hold the South Georgia
Conference, if Bishop Paine’s health is not
by that time restored. So it is, that “Sun
shine, ’’ pleasant as it is, has not much of
its master’s presence. In truth, we are lay
ing a heavier burden upon our Bishops,
than they can well endure, on their present
plan of visitations, and there must be some
1 relief or all of them will be soon worn
out in the work.
We make no apology for connecting this
the Augusta District-meeting and statement
of opinion with the mention of “Sunshine.’’
The Jackson Methodist announces a
temporary suspension on account of the
stringency of the times—the scarcity of
money—the failure of a large number of our
subscribers to pay their subscriptions, togeth
er with the fact that labor and all printing
material necessary to the publication of a
newspaper have to be paid for in cash. The
Methodist has done good service, but the
result wc anticipated, and when the paper
was first published we entered a modest
protest against this multiplication of relig
ious newspapers, with so many already in
the field long established as organs of the
church. The N. O. Christiau Advocate
was already the organ of the Mississippi
Conference, where this paper originated. It
has incidentally crippled that paper, with
out being able to sustain itself; and we
know enough of the difficulties of keeping
up a paper in these hard times, not to be
surprised at the result. If some of the
older church papers survive these times, it
will be a matter of wonder.
Tiie Bishop’s Support. —Bro. liedfoid,
our efiioient Book agent is earnestly engaged
in collecting funds to make up the deficiency
in the salaries of our Bishops, lie is for
warding circulars to all the preachers in the
southern conferences urging them to raise
in their congregations the small sum of Jive
or ten dollars. This is a small amount for
each society, but in the aggregate will make
up the deficiency, and thus relieve the em
barrassment of our faithful Bishops. We
hope no one who receives the circular of
Bro. Bedford will fail to respond.
The Bev. W. G. Connor. —We learn
from the Texas Christian Advocate that this
valuable member of the South Carolina Con
ference is expected this month to take
chargo of the Chappel Ilill Female College,
Texas. We had not heard previously of
this prospective transfer. While we regret
that South Carolina loses so excellent a eit
izen and minister of the gospel, we congrat
ulate Texas on gaining so valuable an ad
dition to her working corps of teachers and
preachers. We wish our friend great suc
ocss in his new field.
Du. L. Pierce preached twice at the
Augusta District meeting in Sparta, though
he was quite unwell, having scarce recov
ered from an attack verging on pneumonia.
He went down to Vienna in Dooly county
to preach on last Friday, Saturday and
Sabbath, and returned through Macon on
Monday, still quite unwell. lie went to
Bishop Pierce’s expecting to leave with him
on Friday of this week for a short visit to
Kentuoky.
The Rev. James A. Duncan, D. D.,
has been elected President of J’andolnh
Macon College, Dr. Garland having declined
the offered position, on account of other en
gagements. Dr. D. accepts, aud the coun
try will expect his genius and industry to
make a first class institution of old Ran
dolph Macon College, lie is doubtless
equal to the task, great as it is.
Lumpkin, Ga., Female College.— It
will be seen by the advertisement in this
issue, that the above named Institution
opens next week, under the presidency of
Rev. D. S. T. Douglass, who for many years
proved himself to boa most sccccssful edu
cator, by his management of the Glennvilic
(Ala.,) Female College. The College is to
be thoroughly reorganized, for anew and
successful career of usefulness.
Corrcspn&cncte
Letter from Bishop Pierce.
Mr. Editor —Within live months, be
sides a travel of seven thousand miles, and
many other labors, I have held sixteen Dis
trict-meetings. This week I expect to hold
one more—the last of the present campaign.
On my last trip I attended three—one in
the Athens District, at Union Point; one
in the Atlanta District, at Covington, and
ono in the Columbus District, at Hamilton.
At the Point there was a full delegation—
an immense crowd of hearers, aud the gen
eral impression favorable to the Church and
all her interests. The nearness of the
church to the railroad, and the frequent
arrival of the cars, was an interruption and
a damage. The warning placarded at every
crossing, “Look out for the engine when
the whistle blows,” is heeded by ail. So at
the depot. Everybody looks and listens.
For the time, the train absorbs attention
and defies competition. Nevertheless, wc
went through with the usual business, be
sides preaching morning, noon and night.
Bishop Andrew was present, and helped us
by his counsel, and occupied the pulpit
twice. He is feeble—t r oieeble to stand" in
preaching. The days of his strength are
gone. The outer man is decaying, but his
soul is devoted to Zion and mellow with
the grace of God Sunday afternoon, Bro.
Speer gave the children an interesting and
impressive address.
At Covington we had “a feast of fat
things”—“wine upon the lees well refined.”
The word was with power. God was emi
nently present. The hearts of the people
seemed fused into one common emotion of
love and joy and praise. There was no tu
mult or confusion, but a soft, subduiug,
weeping enjoyment, in which we all drew
nigher to Christ and each other. Church
differences and distinctions were obliterated,
and the love of Jesus mingled in all hearts.
The irreligious felt the same gracious influ
ence, and whole families came to the altar
and covenanted to be the Lord’s. 1 shall
be disappointed if the influence of this
meeting is not largely felt all over the Dis
trict; permeating the hearts and homes of
the people; exciting them to a higher stan
dard of holy living, and issuing in a general
revival of religion. The P. Eider reports
to me that many of those who, at the close
of the war, were beguiled away from us by
the canting, pseudo cry of “'union and loy
alty,” satisfied, by a brief sojourn among the
Northern Methodists, that their mission
South was to propagate Radicalism, and not
Christianity, are returning to us. We never
had anything to fear from these intrusion
ists; and now less than before. If it wore
not hypocritical and wicked in them, if
would be very amusing to read their ac
counts, when, from sheer failure in their
plans, they are constrained to retreat from
a place. A fabricated story of a "loyal”
preaoher escaping by the skin of his teeth
from rebel violence, is sure to find its way
into some Northern print,when one of these
missionaries can get no one to hear him.
Verily, “the wicked flee when no man pur
sueth.’’
I had promised Bro. Duncan to spend a
night and day with him at Jonesboro, in the
Griffin District, but I received a call to La
Grange, so earnest and importunate, that I
was constrained to change my plan. Bishop
Andrew kindly consented to take my place
at J., so I went on to L , aud spent two days
with the preacher and his people at that
point—pr. ached three times, and then con
sented to fill an appointment on Wednesday
night at Bethel, Troup Circuit. Here there
was a revival in progress on my arrival l
was too unwell to take the pulpit. So I
laid by that night and took medicine. I
regretted this disappointment the less, be
cause a strange preacher can rarely fall in ex
actly with the exigencies of a meeting like
one who has observed all its stages and man
ifestations. Thursday morning, felt better,
and proceeded to Whitesville, where I had
an appointment to preach at 11 o’clock, on
my way to Hamilton. The congregation
was large aud attentive. Here I found sev
eral persons who were in my first circuit,
and who had never seen me since. One
brother with a gray head told me how he
used to hear meat Bock Chapel,in Putnam
county, when he was a boy. I looked at
him and began to feel old, when he relieved
me by saying, “You were but a boy your
self.” “Bichard was himself again.” In
the afternoon, went on to Hamilton, and
fouud the District-meeting under full head
way. Hamilton is in a remote corner of the
District; difficult of access; roads rough ;
no public conveyances; and yet this was
one of the largest meetings I have attended
The brethren caine from far and near. The
Lord came with them and tarried, not as a
wayfaring nran who turncth aside for a
night, lie dwelt among us. The meeting
began well, grew better, and ended glori
ously. Nay, it has not ended yet. Several
preachers remained to carry it on—l hope
for the salvation of many. During our reg
ular services, the Spirit rested upon the
people In the church and out of it; on
the street; in the parlor; in the most pri
vate intercourse, there was the same raptu
rous consciousness of the divine presence.
Oh! it was good to be there.
Never have I seen a more generous, un
bounded, open-housed hospitality. In this
the Baptists and Methodists vied with each
other, but ran an even race, or rather, each
exceeded. God bless the people of Hamil
ton. Nay, He has blessed them, and He
will.
Our house of worship was too small for
the occasion. On Saturday we occupied,
by invitation, the Baptist Church, which
was much larger. But this, too, was over
run So on Sabbath we took to the grove
around the College. This moving about
did not arrest, or even interrupt the feelings
of the audience. If the former days were
better than these, I pray God to restore
them soon. After all, Methodism has not
seen her hast days yet. Re-establish disci
pline; restore the family altar; keep up the
District-meetings; maintain the simplicity
and fervor of our worship, and our Pente
costal beginning will be but the type of a
prophetic glory yet to b< ushered in.
When too Augusta District-meeting is
over, and l have rested a day or two, I will
“snow my opiuion’’ on several things, in
another letter. G. F. Fierce.
Sunshine, Aug. 19, 1868.
Griffin District-meeting, Jonesboro
Mr. Editor : This memorable place was
the theatre of a hotly contested aud san
guinary Confederate battle. How changed !
Now the ecclesiastical delegates convene
peacefully to deliberate on the interests of
Zion. A sense of disappointment was felt
on learning that our beloved Bishop Fierce
would not preside. But alt were delighted
to lake by the hand tile venerable Bishop
Andrew. We felt that our revered father
in God was mqgfr: providentially v/jfh in. -
jhe citizens most cordially and hospita
bly received and entertained us—anxious
lor the return of the period when we will
pay them another visit. Quite a large num
ber of delegates were in attendance, and
appropriate committees appointed. All that
concerned the purity and prosperity of the
Church was prayerfully considered. Rev.
Mr. Adams, pastor of the church at Griffin,
once a laborious presiding elder, a faithful
shepherd of the flock of Christ, and beloved
by all, preached the opening discourse from
the text, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,” etc.
Catechetical sermon. Full of pointed, per
sona! interrogations, stirring, heart-search
ing. Effect, now leaf turning. Erect the
fallen family altar. “The Lord is at hand.’’
His paper on the State of the Church lucid,
exhaustive.
llev. Mr. Arnold, the circuit preacher of
the county of Jones. Cousin to the saintly
Father Arnold, now in Paradise. None
more beloved by his parishioners. We
greeted him gladly. An unostentatious,
open Christian gentleman—enshrined in
the affections of his people—sympathetic
and tender as a woman. His sermon on
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,”
touched rnauy a poor stricken heart. Hea
ven prolong the days of my dear old’friend.
Bev. Mr. Hanson, pastor of the Liberty
Hill circuit. Son ol a venerated father,
still lingering on the river’s brink. Prac
tical, scriptural, able minister. His report
on Education well written, most carefully
prepared. Man of power and influence.
Bev. Wesley Smith, Barnesville ci. suit
preacher. Eminently useful and esteemed;
fervid, eloquent. His discourse on “Ye
must be born again;’’ will not soon fade from
human recollection. No sacraments, cero
monies, manipulations, can save. Ye must
be born celestially, exclaimed the pulpit
orator. Supernatural regeneration; the
witness of the Spirit—these are indispensa
ble. lie fills the bill of a faithful workman
in tlie holy vineyard.
Rev. Mr. Pledger, the pastor of the For
syth station. The youngest presiding elder.
Health failing, his field of usefulness neces
sarily circumscribed. The paper he pre
pared and read to the assembly of delegates,
evinced mental vigor, exhaustive ability.
I listened with great delight and profit to
his sermon on “I have fought a good fight.”
The immense audience gave the most appre
ciative and rapt attention. His paragraphs
were massive, grand, eloquent, llis sen
tences, like Melville’s, enunciated with im
petuous fervor, rushed along like a resistless
torrent. I fear he may tax his strength too
much. Heaven spare him.
Bev. Mr. Davies, who has charge of the
Forsyth circuit, followed with a most beau
tiful and pathetic exhortation. His appeals
were irresistible. His voice is melody.
The area for penitency was crowded. His
pronunciation, tones, sentences, reminded
me of his brother, the eloquent and beloved
P. cider of the La Grange District. This
is the family of Levi—three brothers, all
hard at work for Christ and glory.
Rev. Mr. Rivers. This modest, amiable
and accomplished gentleman, is the pastor
of the Zebniou circuit. He read an admi
rable report on the subject of Church liter
ature. I had not the gratification of hear
ing his sermon. His poetic effusions, and
his admirable contributions in prose on
grave topios, occasionally appear in your in
dispensable weekly, to the great gratification
of your many readers.
liev. Mr. Turner, lie has charge of the
Jonesboro circuit—graduate of Emory Col
lege. He has consecrated all to the Lord
Jesus, the Church and heaven. His ser
mon on the life and destiny of Judas was
territie. Many sinners looked into perdi
tion, and recoiling, reeled and fled to the
throne of mercy. Ho is the son of the
great, peculiar, holy man in heaven, whose
prayers against the enemies of virtue and
piety were like those ol John Knox.
Rev. Mr Reynolds, son of the laborious
and able minister on the retired list. This
gentleman is in charge of the Cullodcn cir
cuit—a working man, indefatigable pastor,
excellent preacher. He presented a report
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
on Sabbath-schools, so fall, so thorough, so
well written—there was such spirit, such
earnestness, views so enlarged, utterances
so touching, as to move all hearts. The
Bishop observed, excellent, excellent.
Rev. Morgan Bellah, long known and
loved, of Pike and colored charge; Rev.
Mr. Nolan and Rev. Mr. Smith, of Jackson
and Indian Spring pastorate; Rev. Mr.
Bright, of ihe McDonough circuit, all fa
vored us with their presence, counsels and
prayers.
Rev. Prof. Smith, W F. College. Grat
ified to greet him. He efficiently repre-'
sented the Institution whose chair he has
so ably occupied for many years. His ser
mon on “past feeling/’ words of the apostle,
will long linger in the memories of a large,
profoundly impressed multitude. Style sim
ple. inartistic, direct, beautiful. A profes
sor in the oldest Female College, and circuit
preacher combined. Sabbaths all occupied.
All right. Let us not forget Adam Clarke
walking thousands of miles and preaching
600 sermons annually. No time to be idle.
Hard at it in the daytime—long, long night
of rest in the grave, just at hand.
Bev. Mr. Kelsey, Thomaston preacher,
could not be with us because of a gracious
and great revival. Glad he was detained,
yet regretful that we had not the benefit of
his suggestions.
I congratulate the Church that this local
and lay element has been incorporated. It
works well. Many pious and eloquent min
isters, and some of the most cultivated and
substantial citizens of the country, are witth
us in these District convocations. May
always greet them on such occasions. %
Oar reverend brethren, Bev. Mr. Maddox
and Rov. Dr. Manson, favored U3 with
their counsels and exhortations, with many
others.
The courteous President of the Macon
& Western Railway, who very kindly fa
vored us with traveling facilities, has a
nephew a young local minister of exemplary
piety and promise. Ilia eloquent appeals
to perishing sinners will long be remem
bered. May he be blessed with a long life
of distinguished usefulness.
My old friend, Bev. James Jones, of the
Macon city mission, was with us, very act
ively and efficiently representing the book
and periodical interests. I looked into his
honest face, and heard his old, familiar
voice, and was sadly reminded of the camp
grounds of Warreu and Lincoln in the
misty, distant, melancholy past. His ex
ample, and the opportune remarks of the
dear old Bishop, stimulated us 'to engage
more energetically in the circulation of the
best books. Every itinerant minister should
be a laborious colporteur. The worthless
sensational trash must be superceded.
This body of wise and excellent delegates
neglected no interest involving the prosper-*
ity and happiness of the District. White
and colored, parents and children, colleges,
Sabbath-schools, temperance, pastoral fidel
ity —ail were considered ; all ventilated.
The Chairman of the Finance Committee,
Bro. Smith, of Cullodeu, made an able and
suggestive report on the necessity and the
most efficient mode of supporting the min
istry. I cannot think that the Griffin Dis
trict will involve itself in such discredit,
and entail such odium, by failing to meet
the reasonable and just demands of her
faithful and impoverished pastors.
Bev Bishop Andrew. This aged and
laborious and venerated superintendent pre
sided We all gathered around him on his
arrival, assisted him from the train, warmly
and wcepingly welcomed him. Occasion
ally, during the sessions, ho would drop his
paternal counsels—always appropriate, al
ways opportune.
Bishop’s sermon on Tuesday. Text in
the Acts—St. Paul’s supernatural conver
sion ; his heroic history; his peaceful mar
tyr death. The breathless, weeping, packed
audience gave forth their grateful apprecia
tion.
, Bishop’s sermon ou Wednesday,_/7JSBJ
'#nn ui UffU.lWg. 1 O lll.Kefflnned ldHaffiiT*
etc. The scriptural illustrations of faith;
his exposition of the first verse; the exhibi
tion of this sublimo power by Abraham, in
the offering of Isaac. Oh, how pathetic!
Faith’s triumphs over poverty, bereavement,
physical suffering, saddest, sorrowfulest,
dreariest, darkest death struggle. Could
you have sat in that pulpit, and gazed with
your wet eyes on the pallid, tear-bedewed
faces of that groaning, shouting throng, you
would have exclaimed with me “Glory to
Jesus !’’ This great and good man has not
lost his pulpit power.
Bishop’s sermon on Thursday. Text,
“Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, though lie was rich, yet for your
sakes lie became poor, that ye through His
poverty, might be rich.” Under the touch
and spell of his simple, evangelical exposi
tion, we all felt, that to live and die as poor
as our divine Master, to expire among
strangers, without money to buy a shroud
or hire a grave digger—if heaven our final
home—Christ’s eternal companionship—ex
emption from siu and sorrow—oh! how
rich and happy amidst this universal deso
lation.
This was the last I heard. His voice, a
few times, reminded me of thirty years
agoue, when he preached to weeping, won
dering, admiring thousands.
I left for other fields. But our dear and
loved father was to preach again on Friday.
We may not look into his furrowed and
tranquil face again.
.“But where immortal spirits reign,
There we hope to meet again ”
Two hundred persons, in the last three
months, through the faithful labors of the
various circuit and station pastors of the
Griffin District, have been converted and
joined our Church. To the Lord Jesus be
the glory. J. P. D.
Elberton District Meeting.
Mr. Editor: —The Secretary of this
meeting was instructed to prepare and for
ward to you for publication a condensed ac
count of its action, and if you will allow
the space I desire to say a few things in
reference to the same. I will preface what
I have to say with the general remark that
the Eibcrton District-meeting was a com
plete success.
Elberton is a pleasant place for such a
meeting, and the Elberton people are just
the kind of people with whom to enjoy such
a meeting. The description Bishop Pierce
gave of the people of Dalton might be ap
plied to those of Elberton—“pleased with
themselves, with the preachers, with every
body and everything.”
This meeting convened on the 13th inst.,
the introductory sermon was preached at II
o’clock a. M., and the meeting organized at
3 o’clock i>. m., Rev. J. 11. Grogan, P. E.,
in the chair, and Garnett McMillan was
elected Secretary.
Appropriate committees were appointed
to consider the various interests of the
church, and their reports when brought iu
were full and satisfactory, and generally
elicited some discussion, which is the chief
excellency of meetings of this character.
When questions are thoroughly discussed,
they impress themselves upon the minds of
the delegates, and thence are brought di
rectly before the people. The business
meeting was harmonious, and highly enter
taining to all who attended. One chief
item of interest was the organization of an
edncational aid society, auxiliary to the
North Ga. Gonfercnce educational aid soci
ety. Our lay brethren evinced their appre
ciation of the ministry, by the zeal mani
fested in this enterprise.
But the most interesting feature of this
meeting was its spiritual aspect. A pro
foundly deep and serious feeling seemed to
pervade the large congregations from the
commencement-, which gradually increased
until it developed into triumphant rejoicing
on the part of Christians, and earnest in
quiries after Jesus, on the part of penitents.
Several professed conversion, and perhaps
thirty-five or forty penitents were at the
altar, up to Sunday night. The meeting
was protracted and we shall expect to hear
jfffnyvonders of grace displayed before it
jeloses.
t The love feast on Sunday morning was a
Teal soul-expcrimentai definition of the
■phrase—it was a mellow, melting time : we
felt it was good to be there. The Bev. 11.
11. Parks, of Athens, and Rev. D. J. My
rick of Lexington, remained until Sunday
night and labored faithfully and effectually,
j The impressions made upon the minds of
the people by their preaching Vill not soon
wear away.
tig will we remember that plain and
ural exposition of Matt. v. 14—16,
your light so shine,’’ etc, by Bro.
on Friday morning. In the language
of the sermon, when the members of the
church, ministry and laity, become so pure
in heart and life, that they shall be felt
Then the world shall take knowledge of
them, that they have been with Jesus, then
Se church will be the light of the world —
e salt of the earth.
F- G. Hughes.
r
Rock Spring Camp Meeting.
This meeting has just closed, and de
serves more than a passing notice. If
Cattle Creek Camp ground is the oldest
irf the South Carolina Conference, Bock
Spjjng is the largest, and wants only two
years of being as old as its venerable cotem
porary. For thirty eight years consecutive
ly, the people have been assembling here to
worship God. Through the storms of the
4sKe~civil war, and the insecurity of life,
fltpb and property! which followed the sur
jwider, these good people have met anuuul
feK.thjs their favorite camping ground,
hills and groves have been made
■p with songs of praise, and the voice of
Wiyer and preaching.
I \ enerable as the Bock Spring Camp
ppund is, it is only the offspring of one
still more distinguished for age, called Re-
Jifcoth, located about six miles from the
present site, where a camp meeting was
ftejd in 1795, by the Bev. Daniel Asbury,
C-ihe M. E. Church, and the Rev. Dr.
Hall, a Presbyterian minister. This was
the first camp meeting, (so far as known,')
ever held in the United States of America.
The books represent that they began in
Tennessee, iu 1797, under the ministry of
the Brothers McGehee, one a Presbyterian
and the other a Methodist; but a3 old
Mecklenburg county in North Carolina, had
the honor to present the first Declaration of
Independence to the world, so, in like man
ner, can old Lincoln county, of the same
State, claim the honor of introducing camp
meetings in the Methodistic modes of oper
ation. According to the recollections of a
venerable son of the still more venerated
Daniel Asbury, who is still living in this
neighborhood, and is also a local elder in
our Church, the Rev..lsaac Smith was his
father’s colleague, at the time above men
tioned. This meeting is said to have been
enpnently successful; no less than three
hundred converts being the fruits thereof.
Os this number, the lion’s share fell to the
M. E Church, and about seventy five to
the Presbyterian. The utmost harmony
seems to have prevailed between the minis
ters above named, which ripened into a lifo
long friendship.
Father Asbury (Rev. Daniel, not the
Bishop,) pitched his tent for lire within ten
mites of Rook Spring; and there his self
denying wife devoted herself to the train
ing and education of his children, whilst
he) more self-denying husband traveled
districts and circuits located at different
peftts, in a territory covering at present in
wfyle or iu part at least six Annual Con
fer mces. For sixteon years he was a Pre
siyjpg Elder, and visited his home but once
remaining but a week or two at
Truly, the office has not becu
H urc in any period of our Church his-
in those days, it must have been
to any one of less devotion
Father Asbury.
of a man living in the coftn
-3>and dependent to a large extent on the
pr] boots of his farm, absent from home so
as not to know his own cattle, when
chance to meet them in his lane ;
this true of a man whoso general
of character precluded the re-,
motest idea of neglect or indifference to the
welfare of his wife and children.
It is known to the writer how highly this
man of God was esteemed by Bishop Ca
pers, and with what reverence he regarded
his memory. A little story told in the
“Reminiscences’’ of that great man of God,
may bear repetition here. When he (then
simply Rev. William Capers) wa3 stationed
in Wilmington, N. C., shortly after his
marriage to his second wife, he found him
self greatly reduced in pocket; so much so,
that (as he told the writer) “I had but one
thrip left, and knew not where to look for a
supply. Besides, the Quarterly Meeting
was close at hand, and I knew that Bro.
Daniel Asbury, the P. E., would be punc
tual to the hour; and I determined he
should stay nowhere else but at the parson
age. So, on the morning when I expected
him, I asked Susan what she had in the
house, and she replied, a loaf of bread; I
then took my solitary thrip aud went to
market, and laid it out in a big fish for the
Presiding Elder’s dinner. True to the
time, Bro. Asbury appeared, and I gladly
received him as a guest into our little par
sonage.
“ He had not been seated long before he
said ‘Well, Bro. Billy, I am very glad to
see you.’ ‘And lam very glad to see you,
Bro. Asbury,’ was the reply. ‘But, Billy,
lam particularly glad to see you.’ ‘And
I am particularly glad to see you, Bro. As
bury,’ was the response.
“ ‘Well, well, Billy, I will not keep you
longer in suspense ; I have some money for
you. Here arc two hundred dollars, the
proceeds of the sale of some of your cattle
near Georgetown, which your friends there
have sent by me.’ You may depend upon
it, Bro. Asbury had a good dinner that
day,” continued the venerable Bishop, as
he detailed these circumstances with his
own peculiar grace of manner, long, long
years after Bro. Asbury had gone to his re
ward.
Tfcat “thrip,” Mr. Editor, has left its im
prest* indelibly on the heart of the writer;
and our good Bishop little thought at the
time, what a lesson he was giving to a some
times murmuring and repining son in the
ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.
But to return to Rock Spring Camp
meeting in 1868. Hvery tent seemed to be
occupied, and they were doubled, and in
some places trebled, on the lines. The
congregation of course was immense—esti
mated variously from three to five thousand.
It required the vigorous exercise of the
preacher’s throat and lungs to command the
attention of the seated congregation, Those
who were wandering about for the want of
seats, or from other motives, no effort from
the stand could reach. Our preachers, how
ever, are regular campaigners, and they do
say, are in the habit of speaking loud some
times.
There was a tolerable supply of laborers
present, amongst whom the Agent will
mention Bro. Augustin Walker, Dr. A. M.
Shipp, Dr. Basil G. Jones, and Bro. North,
the Presiding Eldor of the District. All
tho preaching heard by the Agent was in
demonstration of the Spirit and in power.
Therr were two sermons, however, to which
the writer may allude, as he earnestly
hopes, without being thought indelicate or
invidious—the first preached by the Presid
ing Elder, on Sunday morning at eight
o’clock, on the “ certainty of Christ’s uni
versal reign,” and the second by Dr. Shipp,
at eleven o’clock on the same day, from II
John, 1:8,“ Look to yourselves, that we
lose not those things which we have wrought,
but that we receive a full reward.”
The first was able and scriptural, and
presented a masterly and unobjectionable
view of the kingdom of Christ, and the
absolute certainty, that the “little stone out
out of the mountain without hands’’ should
fill the whole moral and spiritual world.
The mantle of James Dannelly seems to
have fallen ouJ.W. North, so far as a just
and comprehensive understanding of the
prophets is concerned, and lie enters into
the spirit of the prophetic teachings, with
all the clearness, and force of his great pro
to-type, without one particle of his severity
or sarcasm.
OF the second sermon, it may be truly
said, that it was an effort worthy of the oc
casion, and the preacher.
The sermon was original, and in the
highest style of pulpit oratory. The clear
ness with which he demonstrated,, that the
“faith” by which we arc justified, and the
“works” which illustrate a genuine faith
have a common root, or origin , and showed
the agreement which exists between the
teachings of the Apostles St. Paul, and St.
James, formed a fitting prelude to the great
theme developed iu the text, viz ! the inti
mate relation between the faithfulness of the
disciple, and the full reward of the minister.
Every minister present must have offered
a silent prayer, for the constancy of his
spiritual children ; and every layman must
have felt, that for the sake of his mi nister
as well as for his own, he must try to secure
the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Agent confesses to a feeling of re
newed tenderness toward and interest in the
, P. Elder, whom years ago, he admitted in
to the church of Christ, and thought with
increasing affection of all those in every
place, to whom, in auy measure, it had
pleased God to make him the instrument of
spiritual good. May God save the preach
ers, and their floeks, for Christ’s sake.
Oar Sunday School interests were at
tended to on Monday at 11 o’clock, in the
presence of a large, and apparently inter
ested audience of adults and children.
This is one of the strongholds ot Metho
dism, in this “hill country,” and the best
friends of our church would mourn over the
loss of their great “Feast oi Tabernacles”
at Rock Spring C. Ground.
Satau comes up, to he sure, along with
the sons of the church ; aud as in the olden
times goes wandering “to and fro” around
the outskirts of the oneampment,; but the
meeting furnishes only the occasion, and is
not the cause of any misconduct.
The Act of Incorporation aud the appoint
ment of a vigilant police force, it is to be
hoped will hereafter correct those irregu
larities, which the gentler influences of the
Gospel have as yet failed to effect
The law has its uses now, as well, as in
tho days of the Apostle and if it has lost,
its ancient prestige, as a ‘'Schoolmaster,
it has acquired tho sterner power of an Ex
ecutioner; and will make itself io he both
heard and obeyed.
“So mote it be —amen.”
Sam’l Leard,
Agent, So
Thomaston ct., N. G. Conference
Mr. Editor. —lt may, perhaps, be gruN
ifyiug to the friends of Zion to learn, that
this community has, recently, been vi-ited
with a most gracious outpouring of tin: Holy
Spirit. Our third quarterly meeting was
appointed for the Ist and 3d of August
Our Baptist friends had appointed a pro
tracted meeting to commence at the earns
time. This seeming clash was not designed
on either side. It was at, first, regretted l,y
all. It soon became evident that a gtueinus
Providence had wisely arranged the whole
matter. There were several who had de
termined, in their own minds, to become re
ligious, and were only waiting for some
special effort on the part of the churches to
develop the purposes which they had
formed. The time arrived; the meetings
began, the people were anxious, our l\ E.,
Bro. Duncan, was at his post 'flic power
of God was manifested at the first bout’s
service, mourners came to the altar, the
membership was encouraged. Bro. D. la
bored faithfully for several days ; the work
went on; at length duly called him away ;
his departure was regretted by all. But
still the great work of salvation was nnyyfl
Each church was anxious for the success ot
tho other in the great work of saving souls.
The meeting continued in the Baptist, chureh
two weeks, in our church throe weeks, 'file
result is that forty three have been added
to our church, and twenty four, I learn have
joined the Baptist church by experience.
The churches have been greatly blessed.
Many backsliders have been reclaimed,
many, who were lukewarm, have been stirred
to zeal and activity in the service of God.
Wo humbly trust that this revival influence
will extend to every appointment on the cir
cuit.
At Crawford’s Chapel an interesting re
ligious influence has prevailed for two
weeks. Sinners have been converted, the
membership revived, and last night we had
the pleasure of receiving eleven into the
church. And still the altar is crowded with
penitents.
Yours, &c., D. Kelsey.
Mapleton ct., S. C. Conference.—
The Rev. J. B. Traywick writes, August
17th:—I closed a meeting to-day at Mt.
Tabor, which resulted in 82 additions to the
Church. 1 also closed a meeting at Repub
lican two weeks since where 155 united with
the Church, making about 07 thus far since
the revival commenced. But the best of
all is, there have been about GO clear and
powerful conversions. Out of this number
there are about 25 promising young men
some of them most intelligent. The church
is powerfully revived—family altars are set
up, those that have fal’ea are rebuilt and
backsliders arc reclaimed. I. have witness
ed a great many outpourings of the Spirit,
but it appears that this exeels any thing I
ever saw. Yesterday I saw 50 penitents in
the altar atone time. This is all in answer
to faithful prayer. Oh! for a praying
church.
St. Bartholomew Ct., S. C. Confer
ence.—The Rev. L. Wood writes:—As*
sisted by Rev. L. B. Varn, and, for three
days, by Rev. D J. Simmons, our worthy
P. E , we have just closed a meeting of six
days at New Hope, during which we had
about 25 conversions and 9 accessions to
the Church. The membership were also
greatly enlivened, and a wholesome religious
impression made upon the community.
To the Members of the Florida Con
ference.
In the discharge of my duty as Chairman
of your Committee on Education, I have
placed several young men at good institu
tions of learning, that they may prepare for
the ministry. These brethren profess to be
called of Clod to preach the gospel, are
highly recommended for piety and capacity,
and their instructors give flattering state
ments with reference to their standing in
college. I have received the following rep
resentation of one of (hem from the presi
dent of the college he attends. “ lie is
noble, high spirited and yet humble and
pious, lie has won the affectionate regard
and unlimited confidence of faculty and
citizens.” Such as be is, are the young
men we have in charge. The Trustees and
Faculties of Emory and Wofford Colleges
have generously offered to remit the tuition
fees in favor of any beneficiary we may
send, and have thus laid us under many ob
ligations. I trust this noble liberality will
be remembered by our preachers and our
people, and that? in return therefor, wc will
send many of our boys to their halls. Much
can be done for these institutions by a little
effort on our part, and we owe it tooursclves
as well as to them that we make the effort.
But the object of this communication, is
to remind you, dear brethren, that money
is necessary in order to the carrying out of
our plans. lam responsible for the board
and incidental expenses of the young men
we have at college. By self-denial and
self-sacrifioe I have advanced funds to pay
their expenses nearly up to tt is time. Now
I greatly need this money for my own press
sing wants, and the board-bills at college
are payable in advance, while I have noth
ing to pay with. But very little has been
has been sent me for this noble charity, not
more than two or three of the preachers
having repotted collections. It may be
that brethren are waiting for more favora
ble opportunities sos raising money, and
there would be good reasons for this, if the
money were not needed the first of every
month. I am expected to pay out while
nothing is paid in. It. is impossible for me
to continue to act upon this plan unless the
brethren carry out their part. The young i
men must bn called away from school if
means are not sent me to pay their board.
Let the brethren reflect upon this subject.
Let the membership understand the press
ing demand for mouey to educate those
whom God has called to do His holy work.
Surely those who so freely admit the im
portance of an educated ministry, and are so
anxious to have‘men in the pastorate who
know how to divide the word of God aright
will not hesitate to contribute, and thus
show their faith by their works. Try, breth
ren, please try as speedily as possible. I
am greatly pressed, and appeal to you to
do that part of tho work which you volunta
rily assumed.
It affords mo much pleasure to state that
Rev. G. W. Fagg has, 1 learn, contributed
one thousand Havanna segars toward the
expenses of our beneficiaries. Well done,
Bro. Fagg. This is a good example, and I
trust it will he followed by gifts of segars,
boxes of tobaeco, bales of cotton, and money.
When these segars of Bro. Fagg’s donation
are sold, and the amount turned over to me
it will be duly reported.
Josephus Anoebson.
Monticelio, Fla., Sept. 4—2 w.
T<V-the Pgoarfelks of tho Clmrlost.on
District,Ts. C. Coiiforoncio
Dear Brethren :—Permit me to call at
tention to the various collections ordered by
the Conference. I would do this privately
but cannot reach you all in time, and the
season for vigorous working is upon us
You will see a little difference in the as
sessments as formerly given you, but not
enough to make it I trust, a matter of com
plaint, as well as the assessment ordered by
the District Conference. I would urge you
to obtain subscription books and thoroughly
canvass the church —passing by no one you
can reach. Get all you can to subscribe to
each claim. If you leave it to the chances
of a hat collection in the last month of tho
year failure will inevitably result, aud be
assured we cannot afford to fail
Secondly, let not any cry of hard times,
poverty, etc., discourage you. This is a
good work, ’tis God’s work, don’t he
ashamed of it. You can never bankrupt
any body by getting them to give if you
try from now til! doomsday. Therefore ho
not afraid of making yourself or anybody
else poor by getting tho people to do their
duty ; rather fear being considered an idler
in the vineyard of the Lord and thus falling
under the divine displeasure.
Thirdly, urge upon the people the neces
sity of making a thank offering to God.
Certainly the prospects are brightening in
the way of making good crops at least;
dont let any one try to make jou believe
this a mistake ; your own eves assure'you
of the tact, unless indeed after all severer
judgment fall upon the land for its covetous
ness.
In conclusion 1 might urge many motives
to induce diligence, such as the pressure of
necessity, the glory of success, etc., etc ,
hut it the love of God wont move you to
diligence what else will '(
Your fellow laborer,
A. M. Chrikt/.beru.
Assessmects for Charleston District, S. C. Conference,
„ jtri'ssion. cons. col. education fcishep extra col.
Bethel $l5O 00 150 00 100 00 20 00 40 00
Trinity 130 00 130 00 10 15 Oo 30 00
Sprit St. 00 CO CO 35 CO 10 00 10 00
Cypress ct. ' SO 00 70 00 10 CO 20 (.0
Cooper Hirer j 0 20 00 10 CO 5 CO 5 00
Si Georges 110 00 110 00 85 CO 30 00 25 00
Eastern
O
P p oviclence 115 00 ilo 00 00 10 CO 25 00
St. Matthew? 115 00 115 00 $5 00 10 00 25 00
Upp°rSt Matthews 75 00 75 00 50 00 5 CO 20 00
Lexington SO 00 50 00 30 CO 5 00 10 00
-1100 00 SIICO 00 SKK) 00 5125 CO $250 00
Sept 4-8 w
Organization of Emory Endowment
Association.
Emory Endowment Asssociation met at
Oxford, July 21st 18G8, according to ap
pointment Bishop Fierce was called to the
chair and J. Lewis Jr., requested to act as
Secretary. Bishop Fierce delivered a brief
address setting forth the design of the As
sociation and the object of this meeting, and
called for now names. Twenty two were
added to the list of members.
From the Committee to draft a Constitu
tion, Bishop Fierce reported a constitution,
which atter some discussion was adopted.
An election of officers for the association
resulted in the choice of Bishop Fierce as
President, lion. W. H. Chambers Ist Vice
President, Dr. Means, 2nd Vice Frost,
Prof. J. O. A. Clark, Secy, and Treasurer.
On motion it was resolved—That the En
dowment Association of Emory College shall
hold a meeting on Tuesday afternoon of
each Commencement. Adjourned.
G. F. Pierce.
dostaii Lewis, Secy.
CONSTITUTION OF EMORY ENDOWMENT AS
SOCIATION.
Deeply interested in the cause of sancti
fied education and solicitious for the pros
perity of Emory College and the large in
crease of her educational facilities, wc, the
undersigned, hereby pledge ourselves to the
annual payment of Twenty Dollars to further
these interests.
In order to give greater efficiency to this
plan and to insure its perpetuity, we adopt
the following constitution :
Art 1. shall be known as the
Emory College Endowment Association.
Art Id. The officers of this Association
shall be a President, two Vice Presidents,
anil a Treasurer who shall be the Secretary
of the Association, and these officers shal
he elected annually.
Art 111. Tt shall be tlie duty of the
Treasurer to receive all moneys paid into the
association, to keep an account of all receipts
and disbursements, and to make a full an
nua! exhibit of the same to this Association.
Art 1 1. I t shall also bo the duty of the
Treasurer of this association to pay to the
Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of
Emory College all moneys that he may col
lect to be used by said Board oj Trustees
for repairs or improvement of College build
ings, the purchase ot necessary apparatus,
the enlargement of the Library, to supple
ment, the salaries of the Faculty, and other
incidental expenses of the College that may
arise.
Art V. The Annual meetings of this as
sociation shall be hold on Tuesday afternoon
during the commencements of Emory Col
lege.
Art VI. The members present at the an
nual meetings shall constitute a quorum.
Art VII. If any members.of this associa
tion shall hereafter find themselves unable
to continue the payment of their subscrip
tion, they may retire from the association
without the suspicion of a violation of good
faith—but it is hereby agreed that any
member proposing to withdraw from the as
sociation shall give the Secretary notice of
such intention before, or at the time of the
annual meetings.
acknowledgment.
The Treasurer of the Emory Endowment
Association acknowledges the receipt of the
following sums up to date:
Barney Hill S2O; T G Scott, 20; Geo.
Kramer, 20; A Perkins, 20; Dr. PHD
Yol.xxxi. USTo. 36
Culler, 20; Mrs G M Fagin, 20; liobt.
Mclntyre, 20; T II Bolshaw, 20; G G N
Mac Donell, 20; J W Simmons, 20 ; J B
McGehee, 20 ; S S Sweet, 20 ; John II
Mann, 20 ; J W Reynolds, 5 ; G F Pierce,
20; 11 L Middlebrooks, 20 ; E B Duncan,
2t); J B Jeffcoat, 20 ; H F Emory, 20 ; G
F Pierce Jr., 20 ; L Pierce Jr., 20 ; Thos.
M Turner, 20 ; WII Thompson, 20; L
Pierce, 20 ; John W Hinton, 20 ; Armin
ius Wright, 20; J S Stewart, 20; Tho*.
J Smith,. 20; J IV McGehee, t’O ; II \V
Groves, 20 ; ,J D Groves, 20 : W II Weaver,
20; J 11 Roberts, 20; Dr. Win. Brown,
20 ; 1) J Myrick, 20 ; E P Clayton, 20 ; S
Anthony, 5; Mrs A T Jordan, 20; T J
Smith, 20 ; R J Wynn, 20 ; W A Bawson,
20; J S Key, 20; W 11 Chambers, 20 ;
E J Davies, 20; G Toombs, 20 ; B S Smith,
20 ; J A Eve, 20 ; G II Pattillo, 20 ; J E
Evans, 10 ; W P Pattillo, 20 ; E II Myers,
20; WW Clark, 100; Jas. A Shewmake,
20; Melsou, 100 ; II Stevens, 20; B
W Fortson, 20 ; W J Scott, 5; II B lleese,
20 ; W J Parks, 20; Josiah Lewis Jr., 20 ;
Sydney Lewis, 20; GW W Stone, 20; L
M Smith, 20; J O A Clark, 20; M Stanley,
20; M Thompson, 20; Mrs C F V Stovall,
10; Y L G Harris, 20; Miss Ella B Lips
comb, 20; Ur. A Means, 20; T M Merri
wether, 20; John W Ourtwright, 20; Dr.
Wimberly, 20 ; A A Adams, 20 ; II II Hill,
20; Henry T Slappey, 20 ; Total, 1615.00.
The Treasurer would add to the list pub
lished in the Advocate the names ol the fol
lowing new members—being al! tint have
been reported to him up to date :
A Perkins, II F Emory, W II Weaver,
;J 11 Roberts, Maoou Ur. Win.
Browu, Covington; Bev. D .1 Myrick, N. G.
Con , li P Clayton, Augusta; Mrs A T Jor
dan, Macon; Pr. J A Eve, Augusta;—Mel
sou, Rev. J Lewis, Jr., Oxford; Bev. L M
Smith, Oxford; S Lewis, Oxford; Mrs C
F V Stovall, Athens; John W Ourtwright,
Greene C0.,--Weeks, Talbotton ; Bev. Jas.
E Godfrey, Atlanta; 11 W Hilliard, Au
nsta; A J Smith, Nownau ; Rev. W 11
Potter, N. G., Con , Bev. J S Curtis, Ox
ford; Bev. G W Yarbrough, N. G. Con ,
FL Little, Sparta; Bev. J W Ilcidt, N.
G. Con.; L 1) Lallcrstcdt, Augusta; Bev.
J J Singleton, N. G. Con; Bev J O A
Clark, Oxford; Bev G W W Slone, Ox
ford ; Charles E Brown, Outhbort ; liobt J
Bedding, Ellaville; Leroy Broun, Dawson,
Ga, W II Robinson, Montezuma; F A
Hill, Anierieus.
J. O. A. Clark,
Sec., A Treat., Emory Endowment Asso.
Thfl Death of Col Thomas C. Johnson-
A Trustee of Randolph Macon College
gives us the following aocount of the death
of Col. Thomas C. Johnson, late President
of that Institution:
We are at. last enabled so give jour
readers some of the particulars of this sad
event, which occurred at Mat,ton, Illinois,
on Saturday morning, the Bth instant. Col.
Johnson had been riding iu tho sleeping
car, which is always detached from the train
at Matt,on and left, behind, lie was not in
formed of this arrangement until, reaching
that, point, he hurried out to reach tho oar
in front, hut unfortunately, iu making tho
leap, lie fell, and the car on which he had
been riding, being still in motion, passed
over him—the brakes inflicting injuries
from which he died in a few hours. He
was immediately surrounded by several gen
tlemen, and with great presence of mind he
requested them to writo down his name and
address, and to telegraph at once to his
wife.
Alter carrying him to the hotel, the sur
geons deemed it necessary to amputate one
of his legs near the thigh ; after this opera
tion was performed, he complained of his
back, and on examination it was found to he
broken in two places. On being informed
that he could live only a very short tiuio,
Jio replied with perfect composure, that he
"was fully prepared, and had no fear of death.
With deep feeling ho alluded to the distress
which tho news of his death would inflict on
his loved ones at home.
A Notary Public having been summoned
to receive his dying declaration, ho calmly
declared liis conviction, that his death was
attributable to carelessness or neglect of du
ty ou tho part of the Agent of the Railroad
Company.
Thus has passed from earth to heaven a
man of eminent piety, a devoted servant of
God, who, in life and in death, bore testi
mony to the power and consolations ol re
ligion ! — Balt. Ep. Midi.
The Great Ecumenical Council.—
The apprehensions of the Pope, are exhib
ited in his statement of the dangers which
threaten the Romish Church in Europe—
which are so great in his view, as to justify
tho calliug of a General Council in Decem
ber, 1869. Some reasons for convening it,
are set forth in tho following paragraph :
“It is already known and manifest to all how
horrible a tempest now agitates flic Church,
and what grievous ills afflict civil society.
The Catholic Church, her salutary doctrine,
her venerated power, and the supreme au
thority of this Apostolic See, are opposed
and set at naught by the bitter enemies of
God and niau, All sacred things are cou
tenxicd, ecclesiastical property is plundered,
bishops and honored men attached to the
divine ministry and men distinguished for
their Catholic sentiments are troubled in
every way, and religious families suppressed.
Impious hooks of every kind, pestilent jour
nals and multitudinous and most pernicious
sects are spread abroad on all sides. The
education of the unhappy youug is nearly
everywhere withdrawn from the clergy, and
what is worse, is iu many places confided
to masters of impiety aud error.’’
Exchange of Puli'its—Amusing Ins
cident. —The Rahway (N. J.) Advocate ol
July 30 vouches for the following incident:
“The First Baptist and First Methodist
Churches iu Rahway had each arranged to
have their pulpits supplied by a clergyman
named Miller, who was to be found at the
railroad depot at Elizabeth on Sunday morn
ing and conveyed henoo in a carriage. At
the appointed time the Methodist vehicle
drove up to the depot, and the driver, seeing
a gentleman in black promenading on the
platform, accosted him, found his name was
Miller, told him his errand, and finally took
him ou hoard and to llahway, where he
proached for the Methodists, though he is
a Baptist preacher. Tho Baptists soon
fouud another gentleman of the name of
Miller also walkiug by tiie depot aud took
him to their church in Rahway, where he
gave them a good sermon. Both parties
were pleased, which is more than can usual
ly be said in the case of a double mistake,
aud all enjoyed the joke when it was known
how muoh their sectarianism had been iu
danger without receiving any actual dam
age.’’
The Temporal Power of the Pope.
Evangelical Christendom says that tho
Council* called by the I’ope is generally
looked upon as a political meeting of the
chiefs of the Romish Church, and believed
that the cardinals and bishops would never
have been called together had the Pope not
beeu auxious to seo the temporal power of
tho Roman Pontiff' recognized as one of the
dogmas of tho Church of Rome. Since the
Council of Trent, the honorary presidency
of the General Couuctls has belonged, jure
proprio, to the Emperor of the Rornaus,
and all the Catholic courts, among them the
house of (Savoy, have had the right of send
ing representatives. But as now the Em
peror of the Romans exists neither in name
or in reality, it is said that the Emperor of
the French intends to occupy this position.
Rev. Samuel M. Adams, says the San
Francisco Spectator, formerly a travelling
preacher, has just arrived from Mississippi.
Ho oomes to make his home in California,
and says that unless there is a spoedy change
in affairs, thousands of the best people of
the South will follow.