Newspaper Page Text
118
Saatjjcrn Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, JULY 23,1869.
WHEREIN TO GLORY.
THE ITINERANCY.
Among the means of success upon which
men rely, when organized into a society,
for the propagation of doctrine or the attain
ment of power, is what is called the esprit
du corps, which may be freely translated,
“zeal for your party, in good and ill.” Toget
the adherents of a party, or sect, orchurch,
so thoroughly satisfied that it is the best,
and that nothing else can compete with it in
merit or promise of advantage, that they be
come identified with all its interests and
feel a personal glory in its successes, and
humiliation in its defeats, is to go far to
ward enlisting all their zeal in its service
and their energies in pushing its fortunes.
It is most generally the case, that some el
ement of earthly gain or worldly grandeur
enters into most associations, and very nat
urally evokes this spirit. It may be money
orpheeand power; it may be social ad
vantage ; it may be the eclat, whioh comes
from great names or is associated with the
“pomp and circumstance’’ of life ; it may
be a “shiboleth” unpronounceable by oth
ers; but whatever it is, the element in as
sociation which most usually incites the
full warmth and strength of this esprit du
corps is found in someth'ng that is attrac
tive to the eye and heart of the world;
or something which so separates the favo
rite party from all others, as that they feel
that they belong to a piivileged few, who
have rights and rank apart from all others.
Now, it has been said by many persons,
that Methodists have less of this unwaver
ing fidelity to their own church, than any
other Christian people—that they are more
easily seduced out of it—that their chil
dren grow up with less attachment to
it, its usages and its doctrines; and that
multitudes of them, far beyond those of any
other church, leave it to go to other com
munions. We shall not dany the fact; nor
aocount for it simply on the ground, that
there arc more in our communion to leave
if. It may be accounted for, by a reason,
that is more creditable to those who re
main, than to those who go.
Any one who will take pains to study the
genius of Methodism will find that it re
solves itself into three prominent elements,
none of whioh are among those we have
mentioned above, as those which elicit a
strong esprit du corps in those who unite
for a common object. Methodism has no
“shiboleth’’—no ceremony, or rite, or doc
trine, that separates it from the Christian
world—bars communion or makes it claim
exclusive privileges. It does not stilt it
self upon a learned ministry; but it ad
mits among its teachers men from the mass
es of the people—and if it can boast of
great men who have much learning, it can
number many more small but useful men,
who have little or no learning. It has a
few magnificent temples ; but many more
very insignificant houses of worship, in
which, no doubt, God is quite as devoutly
adored,and the gospel as profitably preached
as in tho loftiest sanes. It has no ritual
worth naming as such and it has a constitu
tional objection to trying to mould every
body’s devotions into tho same unaltera
bly forms—and its great freedom of wor
ship not seldom leads to great offence to
a very refined taste. It makes no pretence
to be the churoh of the rich and fashiona
ble great—indeed, it oarric.- on such a per
petual warfare against the pleasures and
follies, which pass among them as innocent
and allowable and necessary to tbeir happi
ness, that a Methodist very often has only his
own self-respect to sustain him against *he
sneers of those who set themselves up to
lead sooiety. It ha3 no magnifioent cultus
of ritualistic oeremony, with lights and
reverences and robes and crosses and altars
and inoense—only here and there an organ
and ohoir, of very doubtful benefit in any
ease to tho true work of Methodism, and a
great deal of poor singing, and sometimes
none at all. With all this, it is no wonder
that many who do not know, or cannot ap
preciate, that wherein tho true glory of
Methodism lies, feel that it offers them very
little to hold them to it by a bond, that
can stand the chafing of worldly pride or
the constant abrasion against their very
delicately refined tastes. It takes a humil
ity that ignores self, and a sympathy that,
passing by a class however great and rich
and intellectual, embraces the whole broth
erhood of man, and is willing to use all
legitimate means to save them, to fully un
derstand even the elements in Methodism,
whioh constitute its true glory.
These are : 1. That it pretends to be noth
ing else than a system, providentially in
troduced into the Christian world, to preach
the gospel of salvation to all men, and to
oare for their souls, and especially to carry
the gospel to the poor.
2. That it counts nothing for religion,
which does not ohange the heart, and tend
to bring its subject into constant spiritual
oommunion with God.
8. That it adapts its means to its ends ;
and uses every instrumentality that com
mon sense suggests for making human na
ture, as it find# it, tributary to the great
work of redemption. It does not repress,
but rather gives soope to the peculiarities
of the human constitution ; and so works
up every variety of influence not sinful in
itself, to help to save the largest number of
the race. It only rejects among these in
fluences, those which would counteract
those other elements, of enforcing a spirit
ual rather than a formal or esthetical re
ligion, or of circumscribing the effect of its
teachings to a few, rather than diffusing
them among the masses.
We oannot assert that at all times, by
every body, and in every movement in the
church, these fundamental ideas have been
adhered to strictly. Too often, a worldly
policy and a copying after other churches,
have oome in here and there, to befog min
ister and people, and these elementary prin
ciples have been temporarily put in abey
ance. They are, however, those which
gave our church birth and have kept it in
being; and if we are to oontinue to exist
as a vital power in the land, they must still
remain the life-blood of our system. If
surrendered for other principles, our name
may still remain j but the very essence of
our polity will have given place to ideas
borrowed from some other form of Chris
tianity, and Methodism as a distinctive
system will die out.
Now it is not wonderful that those, who
are not wholly in sympathy with these great
ideas of Methodism, upon whioh it prinoi- '
pally rests its olaims to consideration as
one among the various forms into which
the universal church has been consolidated,
do not feel that attachment to our commu
nion, which less catholio and more selfish
considerations would elicit in some other
churches. It takes an unselfish, large
hearted, self-sacrificing, spiritual-minded
man—one who studies what will benefit
others, rather than what will please his
own tastes, to be a first-rate Methodist —
and such men are not as common as they
ought to be.
Take our first principle—that our sys
tem offers the gospel to all men, and spec
ially seeks out the poor as its beneficiaries.
Poverty and ignorance, and, too often,
squalor, are generally found in company.
Where these are the gospel is not appreci
ated, and if received at all, it must be
sent. Large areas of our country hold a
population, unable partly, unwilling wholly,
to call and sustain a ministry. But Meth
odist itinerancy does not leave these to
perish. It goes out into the highways
and hedges, to “compel them to come in.”
Its planting almost universally has begun
as missionary work. A few have been
gathered to its fold, and in time, the mis
sion becomes a circuit and self-sustaining—
if that word can be applied, where the
preacher gives the gospel, and, getting just
what the people is willing to pay, leaves
his work at the end of the year poorer,
perhaps, than when he begun it—and re
peats the history annually, through an
itinerant career of years. However that
may be—here is the fact. By our system
the gospel is assured to the people, inde
pendently of all promise of pay —or perform
ance of promise, for tnat matter —as well
as of choice on the part of the preacher as
to the field assigned. It would not be easy
to compute the amount of destitution of
gospel privileges there would be in this
country now—especially since the war—
but that Methodism gave to the people a
gospel they could not have bargained for,
and to the preaoher a field whioh he would
never have seleoted for himself. Thus,
Methodism has been kept alive, where oth
er denominations have died out.
But this benefit is inseparable from the
itinerant system; and equity and policy
require that this system touch our ohurch
at every point—even where, but for this
purpose to carry the gospel to the poor, a
different order might seem allowable.
Change at one point necessitates it at an
other; and there can properly be no ex
cepted classes. There is another reason
for this general working of the system, of
little less importance. A hundred reasons
may make a change of pastors proper, in
the largest and riohest congregations—and,
take the average of congregations, a uni
versal change every few years will be a
benefit to both preachers and people, and,
moreover, so equalise the talent of the
ministry, that it may be used to the best
possible advantage. Necessary exoeptioDS
may be provided for without destroying the
general itinerancy, whioh has all the ad
vantage of a military system, with an army
always under marohing orders—and, there
fore, always prepared for battle and vietory.
.'low, nothing less than a sincere devo
tion to the great work of saving souls, in
which this itinerant ministry is engaged,
can reconcile our people to the constant
ohange of pastors, to whioh it subjects
them. It bears especially hard upon them,
where the settled pastorates of other ehurohes
are brought into contrast under their own
observation; and in such places, especial
ly, we oftenest find the decay of the esprit
du corps of our members. Having a pas
tor they love—one who does his work well
—one whose influence outside the mem
bership and whose preaching ability fill the
house of worship, they are not unfrequent
ly called to surrender him, and to reoeive
one far from his equal in all these particu
lars. Unselfishness would say, “better so;
this last man has done all he oould do
at A ; and that churoh should not
be permitted to die on his hands; our pas
tor has brought this churoh into good con
dition ; A needs such an one; let
him go there; and we will take our turn
with the other brother—so that there may
be equality, and one be not too much bur
dened, while another has ease.” And a
hearty, self denying, Methodist spirit does
reason in this way ; and reoeives the new
preacher heartily, and works on and prays
on, and God blesses both pastor and people.
Or, if the church does not thrive then, as
it has done, it is thriving more than it
otherwise would elsewhere; and if not so
many rich are being attracted and saved
there, many more poor, who would never
have been saved, are receiving the gospel,
while these so favored heretofore are not
without it. Thus looking over the whole
field, they love the system, that reaohes- so
far and wide.
But, we say again, it takes an unselfish
religion to reach this conclusion. If one
narrows down his view to himself, his own
house, his own community, it will be very
easy, when a favorite pastor is given up,
and one muoh less acceptable reoeived, to
see that the other churoh over the way—of
whatever name—has enjoyed a settled pas
torate of ever so many years, and that there
is a personal attachment between the peo
ple and their pastor, that looks very much
like love for the Churoh of Christ—and at
least keeps down all restless yearnings to
wards other communions. This is an esprit
du corps —but it has reference more to the
commander than to the cause; and we be
lieve that it is neither a healthy spirit, nor
symptomatic of a very exalted grade in re
ligion. Methodism gives to its people very
little opportunity for the people to form un
dying attachments to their pastors, and to
substitute love for them and oonfidenee in
them, for love to and confidence in Christ;
while it gives abundant soope to a love for
the cause of Christ, and an unselfish sur
renderiof privileges they prize, for the good
of others. We doubt, if attachment to the
churoh on other grounds has any real vir
tue in it; and il it is not more a semblance
of religion than religion itself.
If any who are disaffeoted by reason of
frequent pastoral changes will study and
learn to love the genius of Methodism, they
will learn, that it has somewhat, wherein
to glory—and ,that indeed, for substantial
and general and lasting benefit to mankind,
it will take rank with any churoh, that has
more directly obvious and material grounds
of boasting.
The Hearth and Home, which we
have mentioned more than onoe, as a very
beautiful illustrated weekly, published by
Pettingall, Bates & Cos., 37 Park Row, New
York, continues to give exoellent
to our ladies. It is in so great demand in
our own family circle, that the “head cen
tre” can scarce get to see it till it has
gone round; end we oonsider this a good
sign of its value.
Wesleyan Female College.
Mi e noticed last week the opening Com
mencement exercises of this Institution—
which were closed on Wednesday by the
graduation of twenty-three young ladies.
There was nothing to mar the pleasure of
the occasion, except what resulted from
some of the sittings being too greatly pro
tracted, so that the long confinement wear
ied the audience at times —and those who
came latest in the programme had but an
indifferent chance to reach the sympathies
of the hearers. The Literary Address of
Hon. H. W. Hilliard, on “Progress,” took
a very hopeful view of the future of this
oountry, when the Constitution shall again
be restored to its supremacy. It was heard
with marked attention and frequent ap~
plause by a large audience.
The Sophomore select readings deserve
special notice; as we believe they gave al
most universal delight. And the music
classes and individual performers and sing
ers, who have been under the training of
Prof, and Mrs. Whitney, deserve very high
praise. Quite a number of the graduates
of former years were present and held their
regular triennial meeting—having a pleas
ant reunion on Wednesday night in the
College parlors.
We feel that there is no need to add any
thing more as to the value of this Institu
tion, as we publish the very full report
of the Visiting Committee to the Board of
Trustees.
We would only call the attention of the
preachers of the North and South Georgia
Conferences, to the proposition of the Board
of Trustees. It is very desirable to obtain
a permanent endowment for this Institu
tion ; and it is desired to enlist them all
in the effort to secure it. Suppose one ex
peots to have a daughter or daughters to
educate some few years hence. He is re
quested to collect all he can towards a per
manent endowment, which money shall be
invested and the interest put to his credit,
until such time, as his daughter or daugh
ters may enter College, when their board
and other incidental expenses will be met
by this interest as far as it goes. Their
course being finished, then the interest
accruing thereafter goes to the permanent
benefit of the Institution. Those who bring
in the largest aggregate will, of course, de
rive the largest benefit in the future. An
other proposition is made to those who
make bequests to the permanent fund—
giving them the interest in perpetuity in
behalf of puch beneficiary as they may se
lect, and leave heirs to the benefit.
Endowment Association Wesleyan
Female College
This Association met during the recent
Commencement exercises, and reported
the collection of something more than 8600,
almost all of whioh was expended in valua
ble improvements on the College premises.
Offioers were elected for another year ; and
it is proposed to keep up the association, by
the annual payment of 810 from each sub
scriber. This is a very valuable adjunot.to the
means of bringing this college to the high
est state of efficiency—and it is hoped that
all its friends will come forward yearly
with this small tribute of aid. Most es
pecially the graduates and the citizens of
Macon to whose financial prosperity the
College annually adds many thousand dol
lars, will feel a deep interest in this soheme,
and add their names to the list.
The second annual payment has now
become due; and there is a demand for
more means, in order to complete improve
ments begun. We, therefore, solicit sub
scribers, in this way, to yield their annua!
tribute to this excellent Institution, by
sending in their subscriptions to E. 11.
Myers, Treasurer.
The Week of Prayer-
It will be remembered, that the Bishops
have designated Friday, August 13th, as a
general fast, and the beginning of a week
of prayer. Our contemporaries are incit
ing the church to its observance. The
Memphis Christian Advocate, says :
“Let us all observe the Week of Prayer,
beginning with a Day of Fasting. Let
the pastors arrange for public services in
each and every congregation, to bo con
ducted by themselves and their assistants
—the local preachers, the exhorters and
leaders—and we suggest that it would be
wise, also, to urge the observance of the
occasion by the Sunday-schools—by the
children of the church, who should be
oome ready early in life to assume the obli
gations growing out of their dedication to
the Lord in holy baptism. Let all our
people, old and young, avail themselves, to
the fullest extent, of the religious advan
tages offered by this solemn season, and
; let them seek its ends, not only in public
places, but around the home altar and in
the closet. ‘The Week of Prayer’—for
what? We answer—and may the great
ness ot the object arouse the dullest con
science, and impress the hardest heart—
FOR THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GfIOST
upon the Church, in all her members,
official and private, and in all her work at
home and abroad.”
The New Orleans Christian Advocate
says:
Wherever practicable, public services
should be held every day, and the people
requested to devote the entire week to the
service of God.
By timely notices and judicious arrange
ments by the preachers a general interest
may be excited, and a large attendance se
cured upon the protracted services. On
circuits the most central and commodious
point should be selected for the meeting
by the preacher in charge. A camp or
basket meeting might be held in every
work, and remote appointments can have
prayer meetings. Where no public servi
ces are accessible, we would earnestly ad
vise every member of the chnrch, besides
keeping the fast, to distinguish the ap
pointed week by a more than usual atten
tion to family and secret prayer. In the
stations there will be protracted services as
a matter of course. With or without min
isterial help, let every town and city pastor
begin in the name of the Lord, lead his
people to the altar of prayer, and call sin
ners to repentance.
The observance of a week of prayer last
year was attended with signal displays of
the divine grace and power. We shall see
greater things this year, if all our people
oan be brought to their knees. It is
scaroely. too soon even now to think about
this important ecoasion and to prepare for
it. Tho way of the Lord must be prepared
in the church, and in the hearts of be
lievers. Christians must put themselves in
sympathy with the work of God by a closer
walk and deeper spirituality. Churches
must beoome more united in love, and more
profoundly imbued with the mind of Christ.
Hindrances there are in the individual,
and in the society, which must be removed
before the Holy Spirit can oome in.
Above all we need to seek God that He
SOUTHERN" CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
may pour out upon Israel “the Spin of
graoe and supplication.’’ “The promis of
the Father” waits upon our faith foil its
fulfillment. The measure of our bleaing
will be according to our faith. Begin, tifen,
in time to wake up and get ready. sve
the appointments made judiciously, anclet
all the people keep the solemn weel of
prayer.
Heath of the Rev. Dr. Dormaii
The whole church has cause to mojyn
the death of the Rev. Dr. Dorman, of the
Mobile Conference. The Rev. A. S.An
drews writes from Mobile to the NewOr
leans Christian Advocate :
Our mutual friend and brother in Cl’ist,
Rev. Thomas W. Dorman, D.D, di«i on
the night of the 2nd inst., at ten o’click.
His health has been rapidly declining tnoe
Conference. Two weeks ago he felt hat
his time was short for this world, and teing
informed by his physician that he mght
die at any moment, he calmly said: <|U is
all right; I am ready to go.’’ On the
night of the 2d inst., as friends watihed
by his side, the children kneeling at hij dy
ing couch, he quietly breathed his last.
On the following evening his remains were
borne to the grave from the St. Fr»ncis
street Methodist Episcopal church, falow
ed by a large concourse of mourning
fiiends.
Dr. Summers writes of him ia the Nash
ville Advocate:
Dr. Dorman was one of our most devoted
and successful pastors. We have known
him well for many years. Our acqaioiance
with him began in 1835 or 1836. We were
then traveling on Augusta
Baltimore Conference. We had a special
meeting at Mount Sidney, when our de
parted brother, who was then removing
with his family from Virginia to Alabama,
was detained a day or two by an accident.
He was then a local preacher—he made
himself known to us, and took part in our
services. In 1843 we met again—he was
then stationed at Greensboro, Ala- IVe
labored together at a camp meeting iu Per
ry 00., near the residence of the late ven
erable L. Q C. DeYampert, who hada tent
on the ground. Dr. Lovick Pierce was
present, but unable to preach, because of
temporary indisposition. The next year,
having been transferred from the Texas to
the Alabama Conference, we went down to
Livingston, to assist Brother Dormaa in a
glorious meeting, which he was holding at
that place, which was then in his circuit.
In 1846 he was stationed in Franklin St.,
and we in St. Francis Street, Mobile—so
that we were then together very frequently,
and very pleasant was our intercourse- We
met annually (one sad year at
the sessions of the Alabama Conference, of
whioh he was the faithful and honored sec
retary for some twenty years. We met also
at the sessions of the General Conference,
of which he was several times a member.
We found him to be of a most genial spirit,
kind, ardent in his friendship, popular in
his manners, successful in his pulpit labors,
a most diligent and devoted pastor, a man
greatly beloved by the people wbbtn he
served, as well as by his brethren in the
ministry. We are deeply affected with the
thought that we shall never again see his
beaming countenance, hear his cheerful
voice, or feel the cordial grasp of his hand,
at our annual convocations. His wife and
several of his children preceded him to
paradise ; but others still remain to mourn
his removal and to share our sympathies.
Os course, his end was peaceful. >■-»
Our Church in Oregon.
Bishop Marvin writes to the New Orleans
Christian Advocate from Ashland. Ilregon,
June 12th, 1869 .jfjL
There is evident improvement 'in the
church on this coast. Some revival spirit
is abroad. The organization is oozing in
many places to be more thorough and com
pact. The colleges are doing well, and are
paying their debts. A good many substan
tial churohes are being built, -ia the
oountry we are strong; in the larger towns
and cities we are rather weak. So far as I
can learn, we are having better growth
this year than at any time since the war
began. This growth is healthy and sub
stantial. Many men of intelligence—of
the class of solid citizens—are coming in.
They are “bone and sinew.’’ But we want
preachers. I oould find ample work far
twenty-five more preachers in California,
and ten or fifteen in Oregon. But they
must be men of good Damascus temper.
There is no call for men with whom a fat
salary is the capital consideration. Men to
whom the “reproach of Christ is greater
riches than money will be in demand for a
long time on the Pacific. Men who will
emulate apostolic labor and self-deDial, who
“count not their lives dear untJi them
selves,’’ who are ready to go beyond any
“line of things made ready” for them, can
find work here to their hearts’ oontent. We
want men who will “endure hardness as
good soldiers of Jesus Christ.’’
I have done much hard work since I
have been here; but, thanks be to God, I
have been happy in it. I have witnessed
many conversions and over one hundred
and fifty accessions to the church. I have
been in many precious love-feasts and pray
er-meetings, and have had occasion many a
time to say, “The Lord is in His holy
temple.”
Many Southern people are coming into
the valley of the San Joaquin. Among them
there is a fair proportion of Methodists.
Our church has almost exclusive possession
of the upper portion of this valley. There
is a great work for us to do that no one else
can do but us. May we not fail. Nor will we.
God is giving His seal upon our labors, and
we pray for His grace to “establish the
work of our hands upon us."
South Carolina Cotton Planters,
readers of our paper, may be interested in
knowing, that they are invited, when visit
ing Charleston, to inspect the Farm at the
Etiwan Works, of the Sulphuric Acid and
Super-Phosphate Company, about three
miles from the city, to see the cotton pro
duced by their Fertilizers. The Charles
ton Courier of the 10th inst. says,'that the
seed were planted on the 22d of April, and
the forms on many of the plants exceed
eighty; and on one plant’one hundred and
sixty-two were counted. The attention of
visitors is particularly called, says the Cou
rier, to the fact that the Etiwan Fertilizer,
No. 1, whioh oonsist, of Super-Phosphate
alone, shows finer ootton than No. 2, which
is mixed with Peruvian Guano; and also
than that portion which has been manured
with Peruvian Guano alone.
Wesleyan Female Institute. —This
Institution, looated in Stanton, Ya., is one
of the most flourishing and popular Female
Colleges in the South. Its full and able
Faculty, high and thorough system of
teaohing, attention to the health and com
fort of its pupils, its marked suooess in im
parting all that elevates and dignifies
woman, commend it to the confidence and
favor of the public. It is located in one
the most healthy climates in America. It
is attended by young ladies from various
Southern States, and by many as a resort
for health. See advertisement.
The Kekiupky Wesleyan Universi
ty advertises in tthMJumber. We call
special attention to the claii3skS£ th “ new
and rising institution. We hope Kentucky
Methodists in particular will ral‘7 around
it, and give the excellent Presid( 3nt troops
of students, and the indefatigaF 1 ® Agent
rolls of greenbacks. Sinoe writing thi and
we see by the N. Y. Observer that the de
gree of D. D. has been conferred on the
worthy President, the Rev. Charles Taylor,
M. D , by his Alma Mater, the University
of New York. The University honored
two parties by so doing. —Nashville Chris
tian Advocate.
A New Atlantic Cable.— Our tele
grams this week report the successful pay
ing out by the Great Eastern of another
telegraphic cable from the town of Brest,
France, to the United States. Its western ter
minus is is be the old Massachusetts village
of Duxbury, not far distant from the fa
mous Plymouth Rock, of Pilgrim history.
The route selected runs to the southern
edge of the “Grand Bank;’’ thence to the
French island of St. Pierre, off the south
ooast of Newfoundland; and thenoe down
past Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia
to Boston. The length of the cable from
Brest to St Pierre will be 2,325 miles;
from St. Pierre to Boston about 722 miles.
The line will then have a length of 3,407
miles from end to end, nearly 1,200 miles
more than the length of the Anglo-Ameri
can cable. The average depth of the sub
marine plateau of the French cable is con
siderably less than that whioh the present
cable between this country and Ireland
traverses, and was recommended by Cap
tain James Anderson, formerly of the Great
Eastern.
The cable constructed for the Frenoh
company is considered dcoidedly superior
to the one which is now working aoross the
Atlantic, in that it has greater conduc
tivity.
The Southern Review, (A T. Bled
soe, of Baltimore, Editor and Proprietor,)
is before us iu the second number of the
sixth volume. The following is the table
•of contents: “Alexander Hamilton,”
“American Dictionaries,” “Authropolo
gy,” “Chivalrous Southrons,” “Theories
of Reasoning,” “Pocahontas,” “The New
Science,” “The Polar System,” and “No
tices of Books.”
The article on Alexander Hamilton is
written with considerable power. Its ob
ject is to show that Hamilton’s labors to
consolidate the Union, —to carry out “the
great principle of National Unity," were
the forerunners of the principles and
practice of Lincoln aud the Republican
party of 1861, and the responsible causes
of continued violations of the Constitu
tion which illustrate the course of the
dominant political party. The article,
“Chivalrous Southrons,” is a scathing ex
posure of those Northern publications
which habitually disparage, ridicule and
slander the South and her people, and
it is at the same time an eloquent vidica
tiou of Southern character. It is an ad
mirable paper.
“The Little Soldier.” —J. W. Burke
& Cos., desirous to serve the children still
further have got up a small pictorial speci
men Mouthly, very neat and handsome and
oheap, for the benefit of the little ones.
It is named the Little Soldier, and is made
up of the best short religious articles of
the Weekly. It is proposed to be put at
50 cents a year for a single eopy to one ad
dress. Four oopiesor more to one address,
25 cents per copy. The copy before us is a
specimen, which any body can get on appli
cation. It a sufficient number are sub
"soribed for to make the publication prosper,
it will be continued, monthly.
The Church of the Stranoers. —As
the season is at hand when some of our
readers will be in New York city, we call
attention again to the notice in our oolumns
of Dr. Deems’s work in that city. His
ohurch gradually grows, as we are assured
by private letters. Our readers will learn
by his own letter in this week’s paper, some
interesting facts, which ought to enoourage
us “always to pray and not to faint.”
The Rev. Rufus K. Porter, pastor of
the Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta,
died suddenly of paralysis, on 14th July.
He was an able preacher, devoted to his
work, and held a high place in the esteem
of all who knew him. The death of such
a man b the world’s loss.
Comsponbentt.
Letter from Bishop Andrew-
I have recently been traveling a little in
Georgia and Carolina, visiting former fields
of labor, and endeavoring, in my feeble
way, to build up the churches, and to en
courage the hearts of God’s people in these
days of trial. lam now in Newton county.
I visited Augusta, where I used to preach
as pastor of the flock long ago. After
spending some week or two there, finding
that the new road between Augusta and
Columbia was opened, I concluded to run
over and see my old friends there. I had
never visited the place sinoe Gen. Sherman
had laid) it waste. It is well known in
Georgia that his army was skilled in the
art of house burning, and especially in
burning or destroying buildings intended
for the worship of God.
In Columbia, I had a time of sad yet
pleasant communion with the few who
used to share my pastoral labors. Most of
the old people are gone from earth, or else
have removed to other places. Some of
their children remain; some of them, how
ever, have deserted the chuich of their
fathers, instead of standing by her in her
days of tribulation and poverty to repay the
care and nurture bestowed on them in the
early days of life. Alas ! for such ungrate
ful children. Some of the old pillars still
remain, and their faces are still Zionward.
Just fifty years ago, I was their pastor, and
they seemed glad to grasp my hand once
more. God bless them abundantly !
It is known that our principal church
was burned to the earth, as was also the
parsonage. The members have with great
exertion built a neat wooden chapel; but
this is by far too small to accommodate the
congregation. They must have a large
and better church; and for this they are
dependent almost exclusively on the liber
erality of their friends abroad. I deeply
sympathize with them. Columbia was for
merly one of the most hospitable and liber
al congregations in the South Carolina Con
ference; and, if their property had been
spared, they would not have asked help
from others, to rear a house for God. But
the soldiery spared neither the house of
God nor the homes of his worshippers.
One vandal conflagration destroyed all. But
I was glad to see that our friends there,
have not been willing that their city should
remain a desolation. Many new buildings,
some of them quite imposing, have been,
and are being built, and, I think, we are
justified in hoping that the once beautiful
Columbia, will, in a few years rise from
the ashes of her ruin, and again take her
place as of old. May God hasten the day.
I was quite disappointed that I scarcely
found a copy of Redford’s History of Meth
odism in Kentucky, in the regions whioh I
have lately visited. Now, Mr. Editor, let
me earnestly recommend this work to all
our people. It is just such a work as I
love to read. Methodism has achieved a
great and gracious work in Kentucky, and
it is really delightful to look over the names
of the men, and women too, who wrought
it. Shall their names and the memory of
this glorious band of Christian warriors
ever be forgotten ? Nay, verily, they
shall live and flourish as long as the ehuioh
remains and prospers The work before us
is just such a record of the names and
deeds of these men of God as I like to
read. Dr. Bedford has performed a good
work for the church in this publication.
He has manifested a most indomitable spir
it of patience and energy in the collection
of these most important materials. This
was a task of great difficulty, as but few
oould be found from whom important in
formation oould be obtained. But the work
is obviously a labor of love, and right well
has it been performed. The History should
be in every family, and the preachers, es
pecially, should read it and have their
hearts warmed and their zeal rekindled by
studying the self-sacrificing character of
the men of God, who planted and watered
our glorious Methodism on “the dark and
bloody ground ’’ We have a great deal
said and written about “the preaching for
the times.’’ Look and sec in the character
and labors of these laborers in God’s vine
yard what the preaching for the times
should be. I have read the first volume
with unmingled satisfaction. The second
volume is now for sale. lam told it is
more interesting than the first I would
urge all, both preachers and people, to read
and circulate this book. Read it carefully
and it will do you good. lam glad to see
that we are to be favored with similar works
from Georgia and Tennessee by men every
way qualified to perform the task. I hope
we shall have such a work for every Con
ference by members of its body and let the
preachers promptly gather all the informa
tion possible, from the old members, who
still linger among us; for they will soon
have passed away. J. O. Andrew.
Thanksgiving for a “Demijohn of
Whisky”
Mr. Editor : —I believe in the Press—
“the fourth estate of the realm.’’ No man
knows its power. Its Brlarean hands touch
every sphere of life and affect every depart
ment of activity. The influence of the press
is felt in every fibre of our civilization. It
discusses all questions. There is no issue
so grave but tnat it may be flippant in the
disposal of it; there is nothing so trifling
that, upon occasion, it will not magnify it into
grave importance. Its voice directs those
great movements of the people that make
or unmake administrations and it determines
the results of an election for constable. It
sets forward a grand enterprise of scienoe
and energy like the Atlantic Cable or the
Pacific Railroad and reports the proceedings
of a village debating society; it tells the
world of political revolutions that give new
governments to millions, and parades, in a
perfect ecstasy of interest, the details of the
last prize fight or trottiDg match. The press
wields the best and the worst, the most con
servative and the most destructive agencies
that give shape to society and sow the seeds
of histories yet to be. It is übiquitous and
irrepressible. No man is beyond its influ
ence ; one cannot stay in society and avoid
it. To escape it he must get out of the
world—as he would escape the atmosphere.
The press and public opinion are the
Siamese twins oi society ; what moves the
one inspires the other. Public opinion is
reflected in the press and the press forms
publio opinion. The one may be judged
by the other. The utterances of the press
give us the diathesis of the times. The
newspaper is a sliding scale by which we
may measure the rise aud fall of publio and
of private virtue. Do the conductors of the
press generally know the tremendous power
of this enginery ? The words of C'aesar
were but the hand of a child to this Her
cules of our civilization.
Is the press outside the great law of re
sponsibility to God that binds every soul to
“ obedience of the truth ? ” Are publishers
and editors, like railroads and other corpor
ations, without souls ? and shall they, along
with Railroad Superintendents and Direct
ors, claim for themselves utter irresponsible
ness ta God and man '( Is it not true of pub
lishers and editors, as of other men, that the
abuse of a great power is the perversion of
a great trust? a heinous sin against God
and a grievous wrong upon man ?
We give thanks that among the conduct
ors of the press are earnest and true men
who fear God and labor for man’s peace “as
ever in the great taskmaster’s eye ’’ There
are some who have words of cheer for every
good thing, and who, unmoved by bribes or
frowns, look sin in its brazen face and, in
God’s name, rebuke it—always and every
where. Heaven grant them reinforcements,
for in the wide harvest-field such “ laborers
are few.”
What the press is, what it ought to be
and wbat it may be, what influence it is
now exerting, are questions of grave import
ance to every good man who thinks.
It is a matter for thanksgiving that cer
tain classes of publications do not have their
origin in the South. There is not a South
ern city that would sustain such treasuries
ot villainous wood-outs, obscene recitals and
diabolical suggestions as are paraded before
the country in those darling organs of Pan
demonium—the “Police News,” and other
“ creeping things” “after its kind.” When
the depraved among us delight their pru
rient tastes with such rare-bits of sensual
ism they are obliged to import it. It takes
New Ycrk or Chioago to cater successfully
to such appetites. Up to date, Southern
Bishops and divines—Heaven be praised !
—have not entered the columns of Bonner’s
Ledger—trotting for pay with “ Dexter ”
and Beecher. But the carnal appetenoy is
showing itself. The importation of this de
praved literature is constantly increasing
and, if the truth may be spoken—our secu
lar press is largely responsible for it. Some
of our Southern papers are doing their ut
most to debauch Southern sentiment. If
this result is intended, it is criminal in the
last degree, as conspiring with the Devil
against the life and purity of society; if it
is not intended, and the wicked things that
are written and approved by some of our
editors are simply spontaneous expressions
of the thoughts they think and the princi
ples they entertain; if they write as they do,
because, being what they are. they cannot
write otherwise; or, if, indifferent to the
good or evil they may accomplish, they only
“ grind for the toll,” in any case the charac
ter of many of our daily papers demonstrates
the mental and moral unfitness of their
managers and editors for the places they
have presumed to occupy.
The time has come when —“ for the
money”—the most disreputable business
may be advertised and the most unworthy
adventurer be editorially endorsed in the
columns of three-fourths of the secular pa
pers in the country. There is not a vag
abond gang of tenth-rate minstrels—too
mean for editorial commendation; there is
not a oircus-troupe so meagre in its ap
pointments, so contemptible with its
spavined horses and so loathsome with its
drunken men and coarse women, that
editorial rhetoric cannot be bought to
exalt it into a “magnifioent cortege”—
“a most delightful entertainment;’’ there
cannot come this way an imitation of Blaok
Crook, or other Devil’s show—so appallingly
nude, so reveltingly obsoene, but that ed
itorial sanction shall immediately glorify it
as “ a ohaste exhibition ’’ —a “ spectacular
drama of thrilling interest.” Os the ma
jority of these papers there is hardly a single
issue that is not defiled with disgusting per
sonalities, with half suppressed blasphemy,
with low jests and double entendre that may
amuse the wits of the bar-room and the
bagnio, but that make every pure woman
blush and every right-minded man ashamed.
If to any charitable person these remarks
should seem unduly severe, I only ask that
he will attentively consider what evidence
of their truth the next dozen papers, he
may ohauce to see, will afford, and I am
persuaded that he will object to my state
ments only because they are deficient in fi
delity of analysis and energy of expression.
On last Sunday morning tioo, at least, ol
the daily papers published in this oity pre
sented to their patrons—along with religious
notices—for Sabbath reading, extravagant
laudations of a certain “ ale house ” and
drinking shop that in the local column had
icon editorial favor by the munificent pres
ent of a whole “Demijohn of Whisky!’’
It threw these gentlemen into a s’ate of
preternatural mental activity while they in
voked both prose and poetry to express
their unutterable gratitude. You may
think that my account of the affair is mere
burlesque, but I assure you, sir, there was
no burlesque about their gratitude—it was
sincere and rapturous One of our city pa
pers has repeatedly, within the last few
months, publicly returned thanks to various
bar-keepers for so small a favor as a single
“ bottle of whisky ’’ In this latter case it
is not easy to determine whether so violent
a strain upon courtesy and gratitude is the
evidence of uncommon thirst or of extreme
“ impecuniosity ’’
Not loDg einoe we were regaled with an
editorial leader, strong and eloquent, in
commendation of a certain “Lottery,” lo
cated here and run in the name of Masonry
and benevo'ence ; for which I refuse to be
lieve that Masonry is responsible, and upon
whioh—since it so antagonizes the Paulino
and Christian methods of benevolence, I
oannot expect the blessings of Heaven to
rest. I rejoice to know that there was one
paper, in Atlanta, that oould not he bought
over , by “the management,” to the advo
oaoy of this immoral device for making an
easy living. When, sometime since, it was
charged that the late managing editor of
the New York Tribune had sold the influ
ence of bis paper “for a consideration,” a
howl of indignation was raised that star
tled the sleeping virtues of “the Fourth
Estate,’’ lrom Maine to Oregon. What is
the difference ? That the Tribune man
oould not be bought with “demijohns of
whisky” nor other such beggarly bribes.
Chiefly therefore a difference, of price.
If suoh things as are under considera
tion were private affairs, mere expressions
of individual tastes and opinions they might
be passed by in commiseration of their
weakness or contempt tor their venality.
But, Mr. Editor, a newspaper can in no
wise be made a private affair. It claims to
reflect and guide publio opinion. Its ut
terances concern the peace of society, the
sobriety, virtue and destiny of our children.
Those of us who do not believe that the
amount of whisky a man consumes is a
true measure of his civilization nor a con
clusive proof of his fitness for the office of
editor, are entitled to demand that, it every
low sink of iniquity and appliance of de
moralization must be advertised, it shall
not, at least, rcoeive editorial endorsement;
that these who assume to guide our opin
ions shall not thus unblushingly proclaim
to the world that their own are for sale.
This evil is not peculiar to Atlanta. It
is epidemic to a most alarming extent.
Venality is the sin of the age, and the Press
furnishes hundreds of oonspicuous and
shocking examples. I suppose that there
is no business man of our cities who does
not know that a good “/ee’’ will command
for the merest stranger the strongest edito
rial endorsement; that for money enough
laudations oan be purchased, of which
their writers do not believe one word. This
has gone so far that no man who is ac
quainted with these moral idiosyncracies of
tho Press pays the slightest attention to
any commendation of an advertiser that
oan be made. That man must be green in
deed who, going as a stranger into one of
our cities, would enter a place of business
simply because the Editor had recommend
ed it.
Who does not know that the majority of
these papers will publish a more emphatic
and extended notice of “Kenny’s Alc-
IIouse” for a “demijohn of whisky’’ than
of the oldest and most reliable establish
ment in the city that confines itself to legi
timate advertising ?
Ido not hesitate to say, and with all
possible earnestness, that such conduct is
criminal and injurious to the last degree
As far as such newspapers have influenco
it is exerted to make vice respectable. It
tends to confuse the moral perceptions of
the young, to blunt their sensibilities, to
accustom them to vice and harden them
against the truth.
It is true that the abuse of a great power
is the perversion of a great trust. I'he
greater the power the more criminal and
destructive is a careless or malicious use of
it. It will not answer for these gentlemen
of the Press, who recklessly play with
thunderbolts, to raise their hands in horror
when they behold the wreck and ruin that
has been wrought, and exclaim—“l did
not intend it.’’ They are under every
sanction of human and divine law to intend
not to do it. “If fire break out, and catch
in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the
standing corn, or the field be consumed
therewith; he that kindled the fire shall
surely make restitution ” If I, for one, did
not see that a licentious Press is responsible
for the ruin ot thousands of our fellow citi
zens; if l did not recognize in the Press a
most potent agency for good or evil, I should
hold my peaoe. If a pure Press is “the
mightiest of the mighty means, on which the
arm of Progress leans,” a perverted Press
is the most destructive agent of sin and
ruin that can breed apostacios from Faith
and from Liberty. Hell’s great leader is
terrible not simply beoause he is wicked
but because he is also powerful; he is Satan
and Apollyon, but he has been “Lucifer,
Son of the morniDg.’’
I have written these plain words because
silence has ceased to be a virtue ; because
with my oonvictions, silence would be as
wicked as the iniquities I deplore.
Such persons as may find themselves em
braced in the indictment have no just
ground for complaint. If they believe
what they say they should thank me for ex
tending a knowledge of their sentiments;
if they do not believe it and only publish
what is paid for without regard to the truth,
they should not blame me, since they them
selves have already advertised their insin
cerity to the extent of their circulation.
I ask yoH, sir, in solemn earnestness,
whether there are not enough good men in
the country to sustain a secular paper that
we shall not fear to take into our houses;
a paper that will not be the organ of
cliques—that shall be free and pure—that
taking the heaven-tempered sword of Truth
in loyal hands shall “smite with fiery force”
the most hoary untruths and the mightiest
and most inexpugnable corruptions of the
rulers and of the people ?
Atticus G. Haygood.
Atlanta , Ga., July 9, 1869.
A Trip to Texas and Back —Conclu-
sion.
Mr. Editor :—My promise is out to
say something of the morals of Texas, and
I confess to you that it is a subjeot I don’t
like muoh to write about. The difficulty
is, in saying just enough, and not too much.
There is no subjeot, upon whioh people, as
a general thing, manifest greater sensitive
ness than this, particularly sinoe the war;
and yet, truth compels us to admit that tho
morals of our people were greatly damaged
by that event. In Georgia as well as in
Texas, is this deplorably true. I think the
demoralization in Texas is about proportion
ate to that of other parts of the oountry;
graduating our estimate, of oourse, in view
of certain facts, viz : that Texas is a fron
tier oountry, and, as is universally the ease,
is infested with many more lawless oharao
ters than other parts. It is wonderful, how
ever, when we consider the pressure of the
times, both, during and sinoe the war, that
the morals-of the oountry, as a whole, are
as good as they are. There are many com
munities in the portion of Texas visited
by your correspondent, where the sooiety
is as good as aDywhere.
In portions of the State, particularly
near the border, there are bad men banded
together for purposes of plunder; and it
is not unfrequently the ease, that they
make inroads upon tho property, especially
the stock, of the better portion of oitizens.
In many instanoes, the law is powerless to
■Vol.xxxii. No, 30
punish these men. As might be expected,
you find in many places a counter-organiza
tion, whose avowed purpose it is, to shoot,
or hang, as is most convenient, every horse
thief they catch. However plausible the
reasoning in favor of this, it is against re
ligion, and whatever is in opposition to
the teachings of God’s word, is detrimental
to the best interests of society.
There is a very evident difference in tho
best society there and here, which is to bo
accounted for in tho manners and customs
of the country. To this is attiibutable, in
no small degree, the almost universal dis
satisfaction of newly arrived emigrants,
and it usually requires a year or two to be
come accustomed to these things.
Let no one understand by this, that 1
mean to convey the idea that there is any
thing specially objectionable, in this differ
ence of manners and customs. Not at all.
On tho other hand, I never was thrown
among a more hospitable, magnanimous
people in my life.
There is one note-worthy fact, in con
nection with Texas, so far as my coming
in contact with the people gave me a
chance to judge—they are generally intel
ligent. While they are not perhaps, as a
general rule, as well educated as in the
older States ; yet, there is a remarkable de
gree of sprightliness and intelligence among
them.
Among the orthodox denominations -
think the Methodists are the most numcre
ous—the Baptist next. The Presbyterian
are quite respectable in numbers, particul
larly in the towns. In proportion to th
population, Episcopalians are more numes
rous than in this country. Campbcllism
has been, and is still quite in vogue in
some portions of the State; though, in
many places where it once presented quite
a mushroom appearance, it is about defunct.
Romanism there, as every where else, is
widc-awate; having this advantage, viz:
unswerving devotees in the semi civilized
Mcxioans, with which Western Texaß is
intested. As you kuow, prior to annexa
tion, or rather, prior to its settlement by
Americau emigrants, Romanism was the
established religion of this country.
As an illustiation of the blind devoted
ness of the more ignorant of Rome’s sub
jects, 1 will relaio a circumstance, vouched
for by a gentleman of undoubted veracity,
whose nr-.me I can give if demanded. lie
told me that he had a Catholic woman in
his employ. Her wages were 812 per
month. The nearest Catholic church, at
that time, was thirty miles off, the priest
of which, actually levied a tax of balf her
wages lor the support ot the church, which,
said lie, she consented to most cheerfully,
and seemed to be thankful that it was no
more. Will the time never come, when
the minds of men and women shall be freed
from this slavish domination of priestly
superstition ? God grant that it may, and
that speedily.
On my way home, I spent several days
very pleasantly in the “Island City.’’ l’ros
pectivoly, Galveston is a great city. She
claims a population of 25,000.
Our church is in a prosperous condition.
It is blessed in having the pastoral labors
of such a mau as Bro. Lewis. He went
there at the special request of Bishop Mar
vin, uuder the most trying circumstances.
By incessant labors, both in and out of the
pulpit, he has brought his church up to a
high state of moral discipline, and Las had
a large numerical increase, until now, it is
spreading its branches to an extent that
bids fair to make Methodism, in point of
denominational influence and moral power,
what it never was before in tho city of Gal
veston. I had tho pleasure of being pres
ent at the laying of the corner stone of the
new Methodist church in that city. Dr.
Bunting oi' the Presbytorian church was
the orator of the day. His address was
eminently evangclioal. Bro. Lewis told mo
the house would cost about 840,000.
The Texas Christian Advocate is pub
lished here, llev. J. G. Johns, Editor. Any
of your readers wishing to keep posted in
Texas affairs would do well to subscribe for
the above paper. Subscription by the year
$3 in gold or $4 in currency.
Fraternally, W. C. Dunlap.
Acknowledgment.
I think that when there ever seems to be
given an answer to prayer it ought to be
noticed and acknowledged. Among my
people there is a growing interest in spirit
ual things. Lately one of my communi
cants has united with me in praying for a
young gentleman in whom we were both
interested. His father and mother are ex
cellent communicants of the Presbyterian
Church. He had once been a member of
the same churoh, but having fallen into
doubts and darkness and spiritual troubles
he went into wroeg courses generally and
had become quite skeptical.
Two weeks ago, after having preached a
sermon intended to drive men from their
refuge of lies, and having felt that little im
pression had been made, I prayed with
great earnestness, for my soul was in tho
prayer, that the Holy Spirit would so come
upon the people that at least one man, be
fore we rose from our knees, should begin
to turn to the Lord his Saviour. I now
suspect that my prayer was all the more
earnest because I felt that the sermon had
been so inefficient. Last week l had a let
ter, written in a distant State, by this young
man, to whom 1 had never spoken person
ally and pointedly on the subject of relig
ion. The following is an extraot:
“On last Sabbath night week after lis
tening to your sermon, which I must say
made less impression upon me at the time
than any you had before delivered—when,
however, you prayed so earnestly that one
soul should be saved, I felt constrained to
pray that that one might be myself; and
for the first time in many years I attempt
ed to pray, and to ask forgiveness for my
many sins. On Wednesday evening at
prayer meeting I asked their prayers, which
I firmly believe and feel were answered
that night after I retired to my room ; for
after a season of prayer and wretchedness,
a calm came to my soul and I felt that the
blessed Jesus bad interceded in my behalf.
Since then I have been trying to lead anew
life, putting my trust in Jesus, and Jesus
only, for Strength to live as a follower of
His should.”
1 Let no man bo disoouraged when he
has preached a poor sermon. There is still
the mercy seat and the strong arm of tho
Lord to do his work. 2 Pray for your
neighbors. Let little bands in eaoh churoh
be praying for some special soul. Prayer
is a power, ora phantasy. If the latter,
let us cease praying; if the former, let us
pray.
At my last oommunion a young gentle*
man from Alabama, holding a high position
here, became a member of my churoh. Last
year I had a letter from a lady, a relative
of his, beggiDg me to endeavor to bring
speoial religous influence to bear upon him.
It seemed to me that he studiously prevent
ed it, or that circumstances were steadily
adverse. But that did not restrain prayer.
Several Christian people prayed for him.
Last month I was agreeably surprised to
find him at a little prayer meeting I was
holding in the Sixth Avenue. A few days
after he addressed me a note, soliciting an
interview. On the next Sunday he joined
the church. Pastor of the “Church
of the Strangers.”
45 Bible House N. Y.
Soule University, Chappel Hill Texas.
Mr. Editor: Be so good as to mention
in your next issue that at the late annual
meeting of the Board of Trustees of Soule
University the Honorary degree of LL. D.
was oonferred upon Professor James W.
Carlisle, of Wofiord College, S. O.
Our commencement exercises gave gen
eral pleasure. Our first term under the
new regime has been a great sucoess; 61
students matrioulated and we feel muoh
encouraged. I will trouble you with some
oopy ere long. Yours truly,
F. A. Moon.