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122 Slattern Christa MACON, GEORGIA, JULY 30,1869. WHEREIN TO GLORY. THE DOCTRINE OF ASSURANCE. Among the elements which enter prom inently into the very genius of Methodism t bis —that it counts nothing for religion, which does not change the heart, and tend to bring its subject into direct and constant spiritual communion with God. When persons are looking lor the grounds of adhesion to a church, or are weighing the reasons for filelity to any given com munion, this principle, so far from being considered commend tory, is often held as a ground of objection, if not of offence. It is not palatable to the carnally minded— and while it forms the very highest recom mendation of Methodism, because it iden tifies it, with the very spirit of the Christian religion, it is not weighed at all, or is weighed only to see what discount may be fjund in it, when the question is asked, t what is there in Methodism, that I should adhere to it, in spite of all temptations se ducing me to other communions?” The truth is, that the Methodist Church is no proper home, for any one who does not believe in the conver=ion and sanctification of the heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the direct witness of tho Spirit, and in communion with God, without the intervention of rites or ordinances requir ing - priestly manipulation. Its compass is set to steer by that spiritual chart; and when other than its old revival doctrines and its doctrines of a sanctifying and sane tified experience are consulted, it will soon run into the shallows, and there is little left to hold the crew to tho old ship. Thus we see, that it is only where vital piety dies out of the heart and there is backsliding, or where it has never been in such measure as to make the heart warm under Metho dist services, that there is any general de fection from our church. Few leave it because they are dissatisfied with their grade of piety, and wish to find another communion that will raise them higner; hut they seek one, that is better adapted to their style of religion—one whose standard is not so exacting as to religious experi ence, and where they will be more at case, with what little religion they have. The time was, when no one was permit ted to remain at ease among Methodists, until he had an assurance of sins forgiven. The condition on which all came among them was, that they “had the form and were seeking the power of godliness.’’ Nor was oae “joining class” permitted to sooth his soul with this one act; but the faithful exhortations and instructions of tho class leader urged him forward in the line of heart-repentance and prayer and faith, till he could “testify of a truth,” that he had “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’’ Alas 1 that this day should have ever passed. “To spread scriptural holiness”—this idea gave birth to Methodism, and when it ceases this work, it will deserve to die. All its maohinery was put together to this end. Wo have already spoken of its itine rancy as seeking out those who como not after the gospel—as sending out its minis try after the lost sheep without reference to any calls or promise of pay. These men are generally those who oan promise thcrasolves no great eclat, except it como through heart sympathy with the people. They were taken from those whose deep expe nenco of the religion of the heart made them fit physicians for others heart-sick of sin. And the emphasis they laid upon sin in the heart, and the need of pardon and sanctification, and tho clear knowledge ex hibited in their own experience of the subtlety of sin, of the character of repen tance, of the way and results of faith, gave them direct access to the consciousness of the multitudes. They told what they knew—they declared what they felt—they lived the truth they speke. They had the highest attestation of their divine call to tho ministry, the most indubitable testimo ny of the trutn of their gospel, in the unc tion of that Spirit, which commended them “to every man’s consoicnoe, in the sight of God ’’ A burning piety in the ministry went out as the breath of life upon whole congregations of dying men, and quickened them into instantaneous vitality. And they, awakened from the death of sin, were offered at once, and on no other condition than that of repentance and believf in Christ, a full and free and instant par don, sealed by the witness of the Holy Ghost, making them rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And multitudes found their word true. Many who went out from their homes demented, returned clothed and in their right minds, and ever after shone as stars in the church. And where this was not an immediate result, the class-meetings and love feasts, and prayer meeting*, gathering a live mem bership into the assembly, brought the ex perience and prayers of all to quicken the flagging energies of the doubting and halt ing penitent; and he either had soon to leave a church too hot to hold him, or to catch the glowing earnestness and devotion of the others, in order to keep pace with them. Few were permitted to tarry long, without giving some proof that they had passed from death unto life. And this is the theory of Methodism to this day—the very spirit which should ani mate it now, aud whioh, in the sight of God, ought to be the ground of its boast ing. Have wc not run too much after those idea*, which popularise religion ? Nothing is to be rejected because it is new, or because it commends itself to good taste, or because it has already found ac ceptance in other churohes. But, on the other band, nothing is to be accepted, how ever desirable in itself, that will paralyze the effective working power of the church, as a means of biitiging instantaneous con viction and speedy conversion to the souls of men. We thoroughly repudiate that anti-s.criptural notion, that the sermon is but of little moment in worship, where good prayers are read or said. This may do for the milienium when there are few sinners —but “go, preach the gospel” is the com mand that opens the door to the milienium The apostles preached it boldly, constant ly. Wc never find them reading liturgies or intoning litanies. Sinners need “lino upon line, precept upon precept here a little and th»ro a little;” and they need it hot from the heart, and dealt with heavy blows, as from one who feels that it is his mission to “ compel them to come in,” and that without delay. Suoh is the genius of Methodist preaching pre-eminently, above that of other churches. We look for re vivals, pray for revivals, work for revivals, have revivals—a few, but not as many or as extensive as we ought—and it is a bles sed thing for some other churches, that we do. We may be put under ban as enthu siasts —and we are —by formalists and worldings for our “wild fire,” so called; but the record up yonder will show, that many a deer finds refuge at the altars of an other communion, who was stricken by a Methodist shaft. Whether the tiue balm of Gilead for such au one was found there admits of question. If we can Eee this day of power return, we shall be happy, and our church will be prosperous. It has not wholly departed. The light shines in places and for short seasons. But it ought to be the glory of our Methodism, that the revival wave is perpetually sweeping over the church, wave after wave rising higher, until there is a spring tide that shall know no ebb. We can afford to let other churches have all tho wealth and much of the learning, and the entire prestige these give, if we can only have the zeal that awakens, the fire that burns, the humble piety—though it be poor—that glows like a furnace with the love of God, and fuses all hearts into one ardent impulse to save sinners—to save them at once. Let this be our boast. District Meetings. The Raleigh Episcopal Methodist recent ly suggested that these meetings ought to be more largely devoted than they are to religious purposes. We have attended several, and we are glad to say, that we have seen no cause for complaint on this point. We have seen, even in the busi ness meeting, the flame of devotion kindle and run through the assembly, until the meeting was as joyous as a love-feast; and they may all be conducted on this pattern. But the District-meeting may easily be spoiled. If set sermons and great sermons are to be preached, and learned essays read on irrelevant subjects, instead of keeping in view, in the publio services, the needs of the congregation, and so directing all the preaching that it shall have cumulative power on the hearts of the hearers, it will be very ea*y to make a dull meeting. We sec one called, at which “essays are expect ed’’ on thirty three different subjects, among them “whether schools and colleges should be mixed or exclusive as to sexes;” — ‘•whether orphan asylums ought to be en couraged;’’—“on popular errors in ecclesi astical science ;’’ —“on the milienium, so called;’’ —“on foreknowledge and free agency;”—“have modern Jews the relig ion of their ancient ancestors;’’ —“on read ing and the selection of books;” —“the A B C’s ;” —“are our newspapers sufficiently laudatory of living ministers.’’ Wc would answer the last question, by saying, “too much so entirely, if they praised the sound judgment of one, who ihould get up such a programme for a District-meeting, with the expectation of its doing any great good, as a religious meeting.’’ Methodism, North and South. Dr. Curry, in the N Y. Christian Advo cate, thus sets forth his opinion, as to tho benefit of dis union : The Methodism of this country is some times spoken of as dual, consisting of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Metho dist Episcopal Church, South, and this or ganic duality is the special object of disfa vor with some among us. Wc grant this duality, and find it not only in the distinc tion of organizations, but equally in the essential characteristics of the two. The Methodism of the Southern States, as rep resented by its leaders, is something widely different from that cf the North and North west Much as we condemn the process of tearing the church in twain, adopted by tho General Conference of 1844, we can see great force in the plea made, that the essential unlikeness of the two kinds of Methodism would go very far toward justi fying a separation ; and the separation once made should be preserved until the differ ences that at first called for it have passed away. We have nothing to say as to the preferableness of either of these two types over the other, and especially do we not condemn either as unchristian; and yet, for the peace and the ecclesiastical efficien cy of both it is better that they remain apart. In Church matters, above all things, personal preferences must be indulged, at and elective affinities be permitted to determine men’s association. The division of the Methodist Episcopal Church has been a very great blessing. Freed from the Southern influence that had hitherto virtually ruled in its counsels in every thiDg relating to slavery, the Church passed by rapid stages into decided and out spoken antislavery, so that when the “irre pressible conflict’’ culminated in war our Church was found in full and earnest sym pathy with the loyal heart of the nation. The results of the war in transforming the Southern slaves into American freedmen, rendered necessary for them a form of Christianity different from that taught and held by their late oppressors. A thor oughly abolitionized Methodism became a necessity for tho emergency, and He who had been for twenty years preparing our Methodism for that work, then called her to go and preach “deliverance to the cap tives, and the opening of the prison doors to them that were bound.’’ Recognizing Southern lMethodism, not as rejeected of God, but disqualified for the duty of the hour, wc went into the South at the call of God ; and having gone there, our work in its relation to the local Methodism, became of necessity, ooe of disintegration and ab sorption. Hundreds of thousands have made haste to shelter themselves under our banner, which to them becomes a hiding place and a refuge. They are with us be cause they were not satisfied with their for mer relations; to organically unite the two Methodisms would be to remand these re fugees back to their abandoned bondage There is doubtless a portion of the people of the South who do not desire to be join ed to us, and for whom our ministry would be neither acceptable nor profitable. For such, an organization distinct and sole, like the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is necessary. And as they do not desire us, neither do we desire them. It is best for both parties that they remain separate; best for Christian efficiency, and best f. r charity. To agitate the question of con solidation is, therefore, only to seek for or ganic union at the expense of internal peace. Let it then be settled in all minds that the consolidation of the two Metho disms is as undesirable as it is impractica ble. Third National Sunday-school Con vention. Philadelphia : J. C. Garrigues & Cos. —The Full Phonographic Report of this important gathering, issued by authorr ty of the Convention whioh assembled at Newark, N. J., April 28, 29 and 30, 1869, is the largest, most complete and valuable Document of its kind that has ever been published. It embraces the entire address es delivered by the most prominent Sab bath-school workers in the land, including Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., Rev. John Hall, D.D., Rev. J. H. Vinoent,Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Rev. Edward Eggleston, Rev. A. Sutherland, Rev. H. Clay Trum bull and George H. Stuart, Esq., besides numerous other representatives from differ ent parts of the country, with a list of the delegates iu attendance. The pamphlet contains 204 pages of rich material for Superintendents and Teachers, with a fine portrait and biographical sketch of the late R. G. Pardee. Sent by mail on receipt cf 50 cents. An Undertaker at his own Funeral. Upon the extraordinary Ritual that did service upon the occasion we have only to say : 1. It is singular that our quondam colaborer should not have known an edito rial from an anonymous communication—2 It is strange that he should have remained so long with a body so corrupt as he now represents his old associates to have been— 3. It is remarkable that, having been the first man in Georgia, iu 1844—according to the printed records—to have organized a meeting “to speak out openly their views in relation to the actings and doings of the majority of the General Conference, and their course toward our beloved Bishop An drew”—the committee reporting “that, as we cannot live in peace with our Northern brethren, we recommend to the Southern delegation, an immediate separation of the M. E Church,” he should in 1866 have been almost the first man iu Georgia to leave his chosen branch of the Church—4. It is clear that, as he makes no explanation or defence of that action at Newnan in 1844, he must be satisfied that he cannot do it— 5. It is incrcdibie that he should now ad vocate union with a church whose “pas ture” lands he describes as over-grown with “hemlock.’’ His best friends could not ask us to do less than to allow him to speak for himself; his worst enemies would not ask more; and we, therefore, permit him to officiate at his own funeral, as follows : A Friend Behind the Bushes. Allow me a little space in the Methodist Advocate to state a few facts in reply to an article published in the Southern Advo cate, June 11th, under the heading, “Trot ted Out.” I would have been glad if the Josephus of the 19th century had acted a little more manly and given us his name. Tbis mode of savage warfare does not suit civilization. The writer complains of my shooting personal squibs at Dr. Myers. Let the people read the Doctor’s article about “bad powder and a rusty musket,’’ and then say who set the example of squibbing. My trotter says that on the 15th of June, 1844, one week after the plan of separation was adopted, a committee was appointed to urge that course upon the Southern dele gates in New York, ar.d that I moved the Rev. D P. Jones be chairman. My reason for puttiog brother Jones forward will ap pear before I am through. The writer says, “the committee met at Johbson’s Store,” leaving the impression that John son’s Store was in Newnan, and that I met with the commit ee. Why did he not say that the said store was ten miles from New nan, in the neighborhood of the chairman ? The meeting of the committee was on the 20th of June. Slow mails in those days, aod the great western mail line running through Newnan. As to the Annual Con ference at Eatonton, 15th Janaary, 1845, I paid no attention to the matter, being ab sorbed by an unexpected transfer to Flori da, by Bishop Soule, and loft on leave of absence, on the first day of Conference, to get ready, and to meet tho bishop at a given point. The Florida Conference met Feb ruary 11, 1845 I was seated by the side of our lamented brother Tippet, book agent, of New York. I said to him (when pro posed for the committee,) “I do not wish to serve on that committee.” Said he, “Don’t say a word—tho matter will take its course.” When the committee met I said, “It is unfortunate for me that I am on this committee. I have no apology for Bishop Andrew. He only did what the Southern delegates in caucus made him do, whioh was to come home and not resign ; I have it from his own mouth.” P. P. Smith, chairman, said, “Keep your mouth shut.’’ So in this way I was “trotted out’’ of the committee on to a sofa, where I slept sound ly till they were through. The next charge is for approving the doings of the Louis ville Convention, in the Florida Confer ence, February, 1846. The mention of this Conference brings sadness to my heart. The Rev J. W. Mills, now living, charged an old member of the Conference with whipping a negro woman to death, and the preacher requested to locate ! The Conference was held in Monticello, Bishop Andrew in the chair. In the neigh borhood several men had been hanged for stealing negroes. One of the Conference was said to have drawn up the by-laws by which the company was governed in the hanging. An aged member of Conference was charged by the Rev. J. W. Mills with whipping a negro woman to death. The whipper located. A presiding elder was oonvicted of falsehood, and would have been convicted of illicit intercourse with negro women, but for the ruling of the bishop; the certificates were ex parte, ow ing to the ignoranoe of myself, the prose cution. The presiding elder was located at his own request. A number of local preach era left our church in a few days. There was some growling about another member of the Conference having been in the Peni tentiary, and another who had been in the Pillory in Tallahassee. These things threw us into such confusion that I do not know about approving the doings of Louisville. Geo. from New York, was sad, and I never saw Bishop Andrew more so, espe cially in regard to the killing of the negro. I never knew a more humane master than the Bishop. A presiding elder iu the Church South, near Resaca, Ga., year before last, held me up to the people, in a lecture, for the same things with which I am charged in the ar ticle. He said to me that l should have made a minority report. My reply was, “I could not have done so and remained in the South.” One noble preacher did speak his sentiments, and was informed that the sooner and more privately he got out of table for the people of . The writer closes by hoping that I will “trot” into my old pasturage. That will not suit me, as I cannot live on hemlock. The time was when I could not get out of the country. The time has come when I am inolincd to stay. A bishop said to me that I would have to reconsider or move. I may not do either. If they are willing to quit I will do so, and we will be friends. But depini upon it “they who live in glass houses,” etc. I was two weeks in finding the paper con taining the article. The one I saw was go ing from house to house and very much worn. I have now subscribed to the paper, and hope to keep up. But if the preaoh ers keep pitching in with the Doctor, I may have to quit the ring and “trot out.’’ John Wesley Yarbrough. Griffin, Ga, July 1, 1869. The Georgia Academy for the Blind.— We would call attention to the advertisement of this Institution. We doubt if there is a better of its character in the Union. We were greatly interested in the recent examination of its pupils. Principal Williams is doing a great work, and we beg tbat our readers will aid the unfortunate blind they know, by teaching them how to hold communication with him. SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. Back Numbers of Burke’s Weekly. The publishers of Burke's Weekly for Boys and Girls beg us' to state that they have sent out all the back numbers of their paper tbat can be spared, aud request that no more orders be sent at the prices speci fied in a recent card in this paper. They still have a cumber of copies of the first volume complete, with title page and index, containing 416 quarto pages and about 200 elegant engravings, whiqh they will send in paper binding for $1 00 each or fkur copies for $3 00. At this price, it iaihe cheapest reading Sunday-school superin tendents can purchase for their libraries. The volume contains more reading than any ten Sunday school books that can be bought and is suited to all capacities. Every Sun day-school in the land ought to have at least one copy. ts A Special Request. Will the preaotiers of the Georgia, South Carolina and Florida Conferences, who see this paragraph, send to the publishers of this paper, at their earliest convenience^ the number of Sunday-schools in their work, and if possible the names of the superin tendents ? The Rev. R. A. Holland. —The Geor gia friends of this brother will be glad to know that he is winning his way to very high favor, as an orator. He recently de live-ed an address at the Washington College, Lexington, Va., where Gen. R. E Lee is President. His subject was “Integrity of Character, the Proper Aim of Education.’’ A correspondent of the Courier Journal of Louisville, Ky, whence the orator came, pronounces it the most brilliant feature of the Commence ment; and that he left a splendid reputa tion for eloquence.—Since the above was written we have received a handsomo pamphlet copy of the addres, and have found it capital. Christian Unity. —We omitted last week to notice a striking fact in connection with the recent Commencement exercises of the Wesleyan Female College. In the graduating class, there were daughters cf ministers of four different branches of the Church. Presbyterian, Baptist, Protestant Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal pastors, some of Macon and some from other parts of the State, sat together and saw their daughters receive diplomas from this “moth er of Colleges” for young ladies. Sea Island Cotton. —A respected cor respondent writing from Columbia oounty, Fla., asks the question: “Why docs not the Advocate publish the prioe of Sea Is land Cotton ?” We beg to refer our cor respondent and others interested, to our quotations of the Savannah market. He will find that we give therein every week —when sales are made—the information desired. It is only when there is no mar ket—nothing doing—that we omit quota tions. The Martha Washington College, at Abingdon, Va., advertises in the Advo este. It is presided over by the Rev. B. Arbogast, formerly of tho Georgia Confer ence, who is assisted by Rev. Dr. W ,G- E. Cunnyngham, who writes us: “Our grpunds and general accommodations are unsurpass ed for beauty and 'convenience by any in the land.” The latest catalogue shows 92 pupils for the last year. The East Macon Methodi it Church has been covered, weatherboarded, and seats extemporised, so that the worshippers cf that community have now a place of wor ship. It is unfinished, but there is prom ise in it. The little community there have been very energetic and deserve help; and any aid given toward finishing their house will be most gratefully received. The Rev. Dr. MoAnally, since he re tired from the St. Louis Christian Advocate, has not only had oharge of the church at Carondelet, Mo., but has been suooessful in establishing two seleot schools, one for each sex. He intends to teach a class or classes in theology likewise, if there be ap plicants. The best application for a fresh wound, cut or scratch, is Darby’s Prophylactic Fluid. The XIX Century Magazine. —We have received the 2nd Number of a Maga zine, thus styled, published in Charleston, for a Stock Company, by Walker, Evans & Cogswell—the Business Manager, and we presume, Editor, Mr. F. G. de Fontaine, well-know as “Personne,” a correspondent of many Southern papers, from many a battle-field of the late war. It is a very handsome illustrated Monthly, for $3 50 a year, or 35 cents per number—cash;—in tended to be sprightly, vivacious, enter taining—its articles short, pithy, pleasantly varied, with no continued stories. It is wholly Southern, and the present number gives interesting reminiscences of the bom bardment of Fort Sumter and Running the Blockade. Our own taste would reject the Comic Almanac illustrations, and the ac companying letter-press from a Magazine intended for the family—as the tendency of the American mind toward low bur lesque needs restraint rather than cultiva tion. Our “Pictorials’’ have done, we think, an immense harm; and we would be glad to see only the most tasteful illus trations in a work of this oharacter. Lippincott’s Magazine for July, which we have just received, and which will be found for sale by Burke & Cos., has the following table of contents : “The Vicar of Bullhampton,” a novel, part 11., by Anthony Trollope; Heroes, by Emma Lazarus; Joseph Jefferson, by James B. Runnion; An Ad venture iu the Snow, by Frederick Lockley; Man ifest Destiny, by J. B Austin; Beyond the Break ers. a novel, part vin., by Hon Robert Dale Owen; Is it a Gospel of Peace ? by Gen. Francis A. Walker; Waifs from Monticello, by George W. Bagby; Parlor and Kitchen, by Mrs. Margaret E. N. Sangster; Magdalena, a novelette, part 1., illus trated, by the author of “Old Mam’selie’s Secret;” Peter Crisp’s Spectacles, by Charles Foster; The Old Story, by Charles E. Hnrd; Our Monthly Gossip; Literature of the Day. Trollope’s story and Magdalene are very readable and entertaining. The short story of Peter Crisp’s Spectacles, showing the advantages of cheerfulness and char ity, is well told, and it would be well if every surly, morose, splenetic fellow, would read and profit by it. The Galaxy for August continues Charles Reade’s interesting story “Put yourself in his place,” and Mrs. Edward’s Susan Fielding,’’ and gives besides a pleas ant variety of scientific, literary and histor ical articles of high grade. It is a valua ble Monthly, for 84 a year, published by Sheldon & Cos., New Yoik. J. W. Burke & Cos., will order it to any one wishing to subsoribe. The Augusta District Meeting. We have returned from this meeting— held in Milledgeville—too late to say much respecting it in this week’s paper, nor was it closed when we left. Bishop Pierce was present, and there were hopeful signs of a good work in the church. The citizens of Sparta, have offered their Academy Build ings for a District High School, with a fund sufficient to put them in thorough repair. The proposal will be accepted. It is a wise movement, and we hope for great good from it. Bro. Little, the Secretary, promises to give, in a letter, au account of the meeting. Corrcspittec. Wofford College Commencement. It was the privilege of the writer of this communication to be present at the Com mencement Exercises of Wofford College, which closed on the 13th of July. Throughout, they were, to au eminent degree, satisfactory and successful—show ing the institution to be fully worthy the entire confidence and esteem of its patrons and friends, and of a more enlarged liber ality in endowment, and support of the church generally. To the present Faculty, for their endur ance of hardship and privation, and their manifested zeal and devotion, to the end that the institution might be spared to the church and country, a debt of lasting grati tude is due, and willing hands and ready hearts should now be found to restore to it a safe financial basis, and set it out anew upon its mission of inestimable importance ts sacred task of educating the hearts and heads of our youth. It is well known that the present Facul ty have retained their positions, with scanty and uncertain remuneration, in the midst of calls to places of honor and greater profit abroad. And these calls are still continued, as is personally known to the writer. The College is now a living, permanent institution, and it is no mere compliment to say, that it has few, if any equals in the South, both in the standard and thorough ness of its scholarship, and the steady and deeply wrought moral and religious influ ences that cluster about it and are interwo ven throughout its entire fabric. A large majority of the students are consistent members of the church—peveral of them leaders of their fellows in the cause of the Redeemer, with the avowed purpose of en tering the ministry. The church has a weight of interest here. With an educated ministry and member ship she would be d.ubly armed for the conflict with the opposing powers. And with an absence of these, the question seri ously arises as to her ability to maintain herself in her present strength, to say noth ing of the progress she should make in as sisting in the great and holy work of evan gelizing the world. But to the Commencement. And it is proper to premise that this account cannot afford a full and ample synopsis, or con vey to the reader an adequate conception of the interest and importance attached to the exercises of whioh we write, sipce to ac complish these ends more space must ba occupied than is allowable in your columns. A lecture, on “Language,” by Professor A. H. Lester, at the College chapel, on Saturday evening, 10th July, may be said to have been the beginning. This lecture did honor to its author, exhibiting talents and scholarship of a high order. . In the absence of Rev. W. A. Gamewell, from feeble health, the Commencement sermon was preached at the College chapel, before a fniye uongregatiuu, uu Sabbath morning, by Rev. Whitefoord Smith, D.D It was one of Dr. Smith’s fiaest efforts. He discoursed from Galatians, vi. 7, 8. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked,” etc. Entirely discarding his manuscript, he ex hibited himself as he is, one of the most fervid, eloquent, and touching preachers of his day. Rev. John R. Picket preached in the afteruoon at the Methodist Church from the 3rd and 4th verses of Psalm, vii. chap “When I consider the heavens, the work of tby fingers: tho moon and the stars,” etc. His discourse was prominently scien tific, and showed much research and depth, and breadth of thought. The design was to impress the mind with a sense of the importance of the attainments of man, and yet his insignificance and utter dependence Upon his God, The evening hour was occupied by a sermon, sound and practical, on faith in Christ, by Rev. Jas S. Kennedy, President of the Holston Conference Female College. On Monday morning (12th) the Fresh* man, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes were examined on different portions of the Old and New Testament by Professors Whitefoord Smith, J. H. Carlisle and A. H. Lester—the Senior class in Hebrew by the last named Professor. The Bible is one of the regular text books of the Insti tution, and the examination was highly gratifying. The exhibition of the Junior Class oc curred Monday evening, in the presence of a large audience. The declamation was good; and fair ladies crowned the youth ful speakers with laurels and flower wreaths. They were as follows : 1. The pleasure found in the pursuit of knowledge—(H. L Pinckney)—By James R Abney, of Edgefield. 2. Pompeii—(Macaulay)—By J. W. Gray, of Abbeville, S. C. 3. The Progress of Civilization and Sci ence—(J. L. Petigru)—By u. D. Horner, of Marlboro. 4. Learning and Virtue the Source of National Distinction—(H. L. Pinckney)— By S. N. Holland, of Anderson, S. C. 5. Extract from the Pleasures of Hope —(Campbell)—By W. D. Kirkland, of Spartanburg. The Annual Literary Address before the Societies was delivered in the chapel at 11 o’clock, on Tuesday morning, by Robt. W. Boyd, Esq., of Darlington, S. C. The speaker was gracefully introduced by Mr. L D. Horner, of Marlboro’, of the Junior class. The very appropriate theme of “Books’’ was chosen, and it was handled with decided literary taste as well as with practical demonstration. All were delight ed with it. In the afternoon the Address before the Alumni was made, by Rev. Samuel A. We ber. This was a learned papsr. The di vinity of the Bible was ably sustained by the developments of the scientific world. This young man is one of the most prom ising of the Conference. A graduate of Wofford, he reflects credit upon himself and the institution. The concluding por tions of his address were full of feeling. He called the “roll of honor’’ —the names of graduates who fell iu our great struggle for liberty. It was a long one—includ ing a large proportion of the Alumni. Honor to their names. The Calhoun and Preston Societies held their Annual Debates in the evening of Tuesday, at their respective halls, which were filled by intelligent invited auditors. These Societies have fine Libraries, to which donations of valuable books are occasional ly made. At the Calhoun, Judge T. N. Dawkins, by invitation, presided. Subject of de bate : “Is capital punishment justifiable ?” Affirmative, J. W. Gray, of Abbeville, and L. W Smith, of Fayetteville; Negative, J. W. Boyd, of Laurens, and A. C. Smith, of Sumter. The question was decided in the negative, whioh was so oonstrued by members as to apply to the discussion and not to the main subjeot. From this the chairman expressed dissent. The valedic tory was delivered by Mr. H. H. Newton, of Marlboro’. Tbis, with the address of Judge Dawkins to the Seniors and his be- stowal of the honors of the Sooiety upon them, were deeply interesting. Professor James H. Carlisle presided at the Preston. Here the question of debate was, “which is preferable, a Republican or Monarchical Government?” For Repub lic, L. B. Haynes and S. N. Holland, for Monarchy, S. G. Sanders and Jas. H. Bryce. There was a small majority in fa vor of the Republican form. The valedic tory oration was by C. S. Walker. This was a creditable production. These exer cises were much enjoyed and exhibited promising ability on the part of all tho speakers. Commencement Day brought a largely increased number of attendants. There were thirteen Districts of the State repre sented, and the spacious chapel and its gallery were densely crowded, notwith standing the exceedingly oppressive heat of the weather. The rostrum, which ex tends entirely across the chapel, was filled by the Faculty, the Graduates, the Trus tees and leading men from different sections of the State Os these we observed Judge T. N. Dawkins, Henry Mclver, and R W. Boyd, Esqrs., Dr. Dogan, of Union,, Prof. Faber, of Greenville, Col. Hill, of Ander son, Robt. Bryce, and the venerable lather of Prof. DuPree. Revs. J. S Kennedy, J. R. Picket, H. M. Mood, 11. P. Franks, J. W. Kelly, A. B. Stephens, S. A Weber, Jas. F. Smith, of Cokesbury, and others. It was a scene delightful to look upon and to contemplate. After singing and prayer, the President, Rev. A. M. Shipp, D. D , announced the speakers of the graduating class in the following order • 1. Salutatory—The Great Eclipse of August next—By Edwin Wiley Peeples, of Beaufort, S. C. 2. The Ruins of Time—By Peter Camp bell Bryce, of Columbia, S. C. 3 What has the World been doing in the Last Four Years ?—By Edward Patter son Chambers, of Shelby, N. C. 4. National Character—By John Botnar Cleveland, of Spartanburg, S. C. 5. The Passioas—By Parish Alexander Cummings, of Spartanburg, S. C. 6 Liberty—A Plant of Slow Growth— By James Allen Etdsoo, of Edgefield, S. C. 7 The Saracens—By Lewis Pou Jones, of Edgefield, S. C. 8. The Physical and Moral Power of Coal—By Hope Hull Newton, of Marl boro, S O. 9. No Rest—By Pierre Du Gue Trapier, of Spartanburg, S. C. 10. The Education of tho Faculties — By Charles Saunders Walker, of Spartan burg, S. C. 11. The Passing Hour—By George Williams Walker, of Carrolton, Ky. The speeches were each followed by in spiriting musio from a fine instrumental band. None of them could be classed as inferior Some of them wero of a high order of merit. All of them reflected honor upon the institution, and the heads and hearts of these authors. The Annual Report was now read by the President, and the degrees conferred, when the valedictory was spoken by Daniel Al ston DuPreo, of Spartanburg, and a son of the Professor. During this fine effort, many hearts were touched • with sympathetic emotion. The large assembly, which had now been sitting four hours, was* motionless with interest. Throughout unwearied at tention was manifested. And now, when praises to Jehovah’s glo rious name was sung, the benediction was pronounced. In the evening there was a delightful re union in the College buildiDg—a truly brilliant party, where innocent amusement and sweet social converse marked the hours, as they sped quickly by. An im pcsing array of choice delicacies were spread out, iu the midst of decorated halls, in the b semen t, around whioh beauty smiled US gallant youths attended. Many visitors went from these exercises thoroughly in love with Wofford—some of th< m who had previously known but little of it. And wc leel persuaded that its character and worth are not sufficiently known, even among Methodists. It stands in the front rank, and needs but the more earnest support and assistance of the Church, to make it a power for good in the land. There should be no hesitancy in contend ing for the Financial Plan of the last Con ferenoe, because Wofford is interested in it. This should the rather give but increased zeal and energy to its support. Let the friends of the Church and of the College bestir themselves—let them speak in the fear of God, and speak boldly, and the prejudices and indifference that in some parts obtain, will give way before the light of truth, and the two will move on, with increased power and blessing, side by side, each imparting courage, strength and vigor to the other. May large increase attend them. Sumter. Commencement Exercises of Emory College. The annual commencement exercises of this honored and much cherished institu tion have just closed, and I propose to give the public, through the columns of the Ad vocate, seme acoount of what transpired. The sermon was preaohed by the Rev. Dr. R A. Young, of Nashville, Tenn , from the words “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellenoy of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord ” I shall attempt no analysis of the discourse, lest I might do injustice to the preacher. I shall venture, however, a few general re marks. The most striking characteristic of the sermoa wa3 its eminent adaptation to the occasion. Dr. Young seemed to have his surroundings vividly before him, and very wisely addressed himself especially to the students of the College. The sermon exhibited thought, research, high literary culture, and appeared to be the out-gush ing of deep, heart-folt piety, without which all preaching is vain. It was my pleasuro to hear the preacher at the meeting of the Ga. Gonference in Griffin in 1851. Ho then gave promi e cf eminent usefulness, and I was glad to see, from the manly, well developed intellect before me, that the in tervening eighteen years had been diligent ly improved. May his valuable life be long spared to bless the church and country ! Next came the Sophomore exhibition on Monday, when ten young gentlemen par ticipated in a contest in declamation, and right gallantly did they bear themselves The speaking was graceful and manly and gave evidence of careful training on the part of preceptor, and diligent improvement of advantages by pupil. I have rarely wit nessed in an exhibition of the kind such uniformity of excellence. Tuesday was the day appropriated to giving the Juniors a showing. This class consists of twenty nine members. The names of twenty-one of these appeared upon the programme. It is said to be a class of unusual promise, so much so, that the Faculty chose only a limited number of speakers on the ground of merit, and assigned the remaining posi tions by lot, giving as many of the young gentlemen places as they thought would be listened to patiently by the audienoe. In order to hear so many speakers, there were two sittings, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. After hearing the fore going facts, my expectations were very na turally raised to quite a high pitoh; but high as they were, they were not disap pointed. I have been attending commence ments regularly every year since 1841, and I am satisfied that I have never seen this exhibition surpassed, and taken as a whole, I doubt whether I have ever seen it equal ed. I have frequently heard one or two addresses from young gentlemen equal to any of thoso of Tuesday, but have never witnessed this rare merit in so many on any single occasion. At the close of the morn ing sitting, the Sophomore contestants of the previous day presented themselves in front of the rostrum, and Gen. A. H. Col quit, on being introduced, delivered an ad- dress to them and presented the prizes. The address showed that the General can use the tongue as well as ho has handled the sword. It was replete with wit and humor, and contained many valuable sug gestions and much wise counsel. By in struction of the committee of award, he presented the first prize to Mr J. F. Bon nell, of Mao in, and the second to Mr J. M. Fowler, of Decatur. Addresses were also delivered at the close of the alturnoon sitting by Bishop Pierce and Dr. Young, before the Emory Endow ment Association. Os the former, 1 say enough to the public when I state that it was delivered by the Bishop. Georgians all know what that means. Os tho latter, I will simply remark that, although the speaker was unexpectedly called out, yet, in the short address delivered, he showed himself as much at home on the platform as in the pulpit. There were eleven members of the grad uating class. Ten of those spoke on Wednesday, the eleventh having been ex cused. The addresses in the main, were well written and well delivered. Some of them were highly creditable, evincing a de gree of mental power which gives promise of valuable results in the future. The bac calaureate of the President was well con- ceived and timely. After illustrating the thought that times of trial arc usually suc ceeded by periods of development, he urged the young gentlemen to prepare themselves to act the part of men in the great events to transpire in the not distant future, and gave them some very wholesome cautions against indolence, empirioism and scepti oism. The degree of bachelor of arts was oonferred upon nine of the young gentle men, and the degree of bachelor of scienoe, upon the other two. The degree of A. M. was also oonferred, in oourse, upon some gentlemen whose names I do not recollect, and the honorary degreo of D. D. upon the Rev. A. A. Morrison, of Louisville, Ky., and the Rev. C. P. Jones, of St Louis, Mo. In the afternoon the annual literary ad dress before the two sooieties was deliv ered by the Hon. E A. Nisbet, of Macon. The object of the address was to establish and illustrate tbc general proposition that no civilization is truly valuable and con servative without a thorough infusion of the element of Christianity. Tho address was admirable, pervaded throughout by the wisdom gained by a long experience and years of reading and reflection. It would be far better for the country if the counsels of men of the speaker’s olass oould be made available in the practical eonduet of public affairs. Thus closed a most interesting com mencement occasion. The friends of the College have much to congratulate them selves upon. The present term closes with one hundred and eighty-seven students in attendance, and the great mass of these are reported to be orderly and attentive. The Faculty I know to be competent, faithful and laborious. With some of them I was associated for near a score of years in the College, and others of them are my pupils. I have no hesitancy, therefore, in com mending the institution to the patronage of the public And may I not in this con nection, say to my friends and brethren scattered throughout the State, that supe rior facilities for the education of their daughters are also being afforded, at this time, at Covington, two miles distant from Oxford? The Southern Masonic Female College, with which I am now conneotcd, is located at the former place. It may be that some of my friends may prefer to have their sons and daughters in two mile3 of each other. If for that or any other rea son their minds may be turned in this di rection, I would be happy to give them any information they may desire. Gustavus J. Orr. Covington, Ga , July 22nd, 1869. The Kev. J, O, A. Sparks- In lieu of a regularly written ob.tuary, I send to the Advocare tue announcement of the death of our beloved brother and cola borer, Rev. J. O A Sparks. lain unable for the want of sufficient data to give a memoir worthy of him as a man and minis ter. Will not some ono better qualified than myself pay the merited tribute to de parted worth? Brother Sparks was appointed by tho Bishop presiding at tho last Florida Con ference to tho “second charge’’ in Key West. In due time, he was at his post, en tered upon his work with zeal, gave evi dence of a high order of intellect, gained the confidence, esteem and admiration of the people of the world, enshrined himself in the affection of the church, led on the host of God to viotory, winning souls for Christ. And as the battle was being push ed to the gate of the citydel, amid ringing shouts, pealing Hallelujahs, and spirit stiring Hosannahs, suddenly an order oamc, “exchange the swoid for the crown.” The brethren write, “Brother Sparks was very muoh beloved by his oharge, and al most idolized by some. Not only the church feel his loss, but tho citizens also. H» was loved by every one that knew him. He had many friends; he won souls for Christ; he labored night and day ; he said he never enjoyed so muoh religion in bis life. A little while before he died, being a ked bow he felt spiritually, he replied, all right, perfectly at rest ” It gives me great pleasure to make the following extract from the same letter:—“We feel it to be our boueden duty to provide for Sister Sparks and ber little daughter.’’ Thus fell by yellow fever in the city of Key West, on the 18th May, 1869, J. O. A. Sparks, a man of liberal education, pos sessing fine mental endowments, and al though young when taken, yet ho had lived long enough to warrant the belief that when time and study had developed his intellec tual faculties, the church might well be proud of her son, as he stood a peer among his compeers. How mysterious are the ways of God ? May prayer be heard for the widow and orphan. Tampa, Fla. Wm. E. Collier. Revival In Davenport Female College- Mr. Editor :—l desire to give you an account of the extraordinary visitation of divine grace which we are now enjoying. Oa last night week, wc had a private pray er meeting in the chapel—and, at the olose, I stated that, if any of tho girls felt con cern for their soul's salvation, they might oome to my study at 6 o’olook the next evening for instruction and prayer. I did this, because I thought I saw some signs of feeling on the part of one or two. Imagine my surprise and joy, when, at 5 o’clock ou Tuesday, six oame in great distress seeking for guidanoe; and, at 0 o’clock, six more followed. Before we parted for the even ing, ten of the twelve were happy in the love of' God. On Wednesday afternoon, without any further invitation, my study was occupied till night by quite a number of others, several of whom wero enabied to believe and rej )ico. Prayer meeting in the ohapel that night, was blessed with the Di vine Presence. The history of Thursday and Friday is almost identical with that of the previous day -exoept that, on Friday night, Unole Round gave us a ten minutes sermon, whioh was the only sermon of tho whole occasion. In the mean time, the regu lar exercises of the College went on without any interruption. On Saturday, I was en gaged with penitents in the study all the morning. At tho noon prayer meeting, only one boarding pupil of the Cos lege re mained unwilling to give herself to God. By the time oi avening prayers, all the rest were happy in the Lord. After prayers, I spent some time endeavoring to confirm the young converts; and as I was retiring from the ohapel, I was met by that last ooe, anx iously entreating my sympathy and prayers. By the help of God, I pointed her faith to tho Saviour, and in a short time, she em braced Him to the joy and comfort of ber soul. Thus, my brother, between two Sab baths, and almost without any human in strumentality, God has brought about a state of things which I oan not adequately "V"ol. xxxii. IN~o. 31 describe, and lor whioh we can not be suffi oiently thankful. The work has nit been oonfined to our boarding pupils—five of the day soholars wero converted last evening, and several before that, and this evening tho last one, excepting a few little children, is extremely happy. The whole number of conversions is forty three, and the prospect is encouraging for a general revival throughout our village. Pray for us, and especially for me, that I may have grace and wisdom to guido these precious babes, committed, in the provi dence of God, to my special care, so that they may all grow in grace, and attain “un to tho measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Your jomger brother, Samuel Lander. A Card. Mr. Editor :—Please allow mo through the Advocate to inform A J. Ryan, Editor of the “Banner of the South,” that his abusive article in the Banner of the 10th Jeuss, is beneath my notiee. When ho writes something that has a sensible bear ing on my letter, he will receive proper at tention from me. Respectfully, G. H Pattillo. Tuskegeo Female College. Mr. Editor :—lt is confidently believed that the Montgomery Conference will soon become bona fide owner of this Institution. In anticipation of an issue, which promises such gracious results to the cause of piety and learning, I have made extensive ar rangements for placing the College upon its former elevated platform as a first-class school for jouDg ladies. Experienced teach ers have been employed. A Musical Pro fessor of skill and character has been en gaged. The Boarding Department has been confided to the management of a high toned Christian family—members of our church. 1 shall continue to rcs<do in the buildiDg, giving personal attention to the health, manners, a: and religious training of the pupils. Wc liavo large, airy, comfort able bedrooms, substantially furnished. Board and Tuition are fixed at tho lowest rates consistent with maintenance of a thoroughly organized College, provided with the best facilities for liberal education. Two Hundreo and Fifty Dollars will pay all tho necessary expenses, books and lights excepted, of a boarding pupil, who takes no extra studies By actual compu tation, made from recent Catalogues of leading Female Colleges in the Cotton States, 1 fiud my Terms lower than the average of Institutions of equal grade by about 840 or SSO per annum—in some ca ses the difference amounts to quite 8100. If inoidcntal studies be considered, the difference in my favor is still more striking. Cheaper schools, nominally, may be found in the States North oi us, but when Travel ing expenses and other charges are added to the Board and Tuition, the cheapness will be found more apparent than real. Nor should it be forgotten that it is little less than cruel to subjeot a girl, tenderly reared up in this mild latitude, to the rig orous winters of a more northern climate. An alarming disposition exists, I am sor ry to say, even amoDgst Methodists, to send girls to Roman Catholic Conventual Schools and to Moravian Educational In stitutions, on acoount of their alleged iso lation aud superior oheapness. It would bo well to remind suoh parents, that In stitutions oonduoted upon so cheap a plan have ulterior designs upon their children. The grand aim in the Roman Catholio Schools is to bring the pupils under last ing religious influence, whioh eventuate in perverting them from the Protestant faith. The superficial education imparted by these Institutions is entirely a secondary consid eration. I beg you to labor against so pes tilent an error, so hurtful a course on the part of your people. Although the Conference has, as yet, no legal control of this property, I offer the' brethren their full privileges in the Insti tu'ion. I will board their daughters to the amount of interest on the Thompson Fund, and give these beneficiaries Tuition in English branches, freo of chargo. To do this I must tax .my own individual re sources. The only return l ask is the aid of the members of the Conference in bring ing the olaims of the College before the people in their private ioteroourse and pastoral visitations. I trust, my deay brother, that you will use your utmost dili gence to send pupils to the Institution. Even a single young lady secured by your influence will be a signal help in rebuild ing this noble Institution—tho only sur viving Methodist Female College now iu our Conference bounds. Please write to iqe and inform me of the prospect for pat ronage from your part of tho work. Yours in Christian bonds, George W. F. Price, President T. F. C. In tho discharge of our allotted duties, we havo resided for some years past in this community. We are patrons of the Tus kegee Female College. With the presid ing officer and his tcaohers, as well as with the professional management, plans of in strucion, and methods of discipline, puv sued in the College, we are thoroughly and intimately acquainted. We heartily unite in oommending the Institution to the breth ren everywhere as worthy of their support and confidence. We endorse the state ments relative to tho probable early control ol the property by the Montgomery Con ferenoe. We earnestly and affeotionatcly urge the members of tho Conference to rally to the support of the College, and to use all their efforts to send up a heavy fall patropago to the school. O R. Blue, Pastor, Tuskegee, Ala. B B Ross, P. C. Tuskegeo Ciicuit. “Church of the Strangers,” New York. Visitors to the city of jlew York are in formed that they will find Divine Service every Sunday, in the Large Chapel of the University, Washington Square, at 10J a. M and at 7Jp. M. The evening service i* summer is at 8 o’clock. Waverly Place, Immediately north of the New York Ho tel, out of Broadway, runs West to Wash ington Square, on the cast side of whioh is the University. The entrancc[to the church is the main door of the University. Uni versity Place cars run from the door of tho Fifth Avenue Hotel, to the door of the churoh. From the St. Nioholas and Met- ropolitan, take the oars oorner of Broadway and Broome, leave at Waverly Place, and go west one block. At the Astor House tako University Plaoe oars, leave at Wa verley Plaoe, and go west one block. StraDgen will find cordial welcome, and polite attention. The Pastor is Rev. Dr. Deems, who devotes himself to the spiritual interest of strangers. If any be sick, let them address him a note by mail, as “Pastor of the Churoh of the Strangers, N. Y.,” and it will reach him. The ladies who compose tho “Society of the Sisters of the Stran gers,” prooure medical, legal, and spiritual help for strangers in perplexity, distress or sickness. Address “Sisters of the Stran ger,” oare Rev. Dr. Deems, N. Y. If you are coming to New York soon, cut this out and place it in your memorandum boolf. Bible Meetings for August. NORTH GEORGIA. Cartersville, Sunday Ist. Cedar Town, Wednesday night 4th. Cave Springe, Thursday night sth. Rome, Sunday Bth. Kingston, Wednesday night 11th. Calhoun, Thursday night 12th. Dalton, Sunday 15th. Spring Plaoe, Sunday night 15th. La Fayette, Monday night 16ih. New Hope Carroll co., Sunday 22d. Lumpkin Camp Meeting, Dawson co., Sun day 29th. Wm. A. Parks, Assis’t Ag’t. American Bible Sooiety for Georgia,