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THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. Vol. XXXII.—No. 33. Cjntriktions. v Macon District-meeting. REPORT OP THE COMMITTEE ON CHURCH FINANCE. The God of Providence and grace, in the perfection of his wisdom, insti tuted the Christian church, and consti tuted it the ark into which should be gathered, as it traversed the track of centuries, the hearts and hopes of the human family, for time and for eterni ty, from the days of the apostles down to the last survivor of the race of man. Bedecked with purity, radiant with supernal beauty, the church was des tined to breast the waves and winds of infidelity and scepticism, survive the fires of persecution, overthrow the powers of darkness, and, making at last its destined port, safely land its cargo of precious souls beyond the reach of peril, on the eternal shore. It is a structure, reared upon the apostles and martyrs—Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, whereon has been expended treasures more precious than this material uni verse could yield, were every one of its cloud capped mountains a nugget of spinning gold, and each drop of its riv ers and oceans, “a gem of purest ray serene.” If this is true of the church, God’s blessed visible church—one division of which we claim to be—is itunimportant how we, as Methodists, fulfil our obli gations— all our obligations—for its sustentation and perpetuation ? Its great Head, has not thought it beneath His dignity to lay his demands upon even our poor services and means, to employ even human agencies in the accomplishment of liis great and glo rious purposes in reference to man’s redemption, or to admonish and exhort I tha church, by the pen of inspiration, to alacrity and efficiency in “devising liberal tilings,” for the comfortable maintenance of those upon whom he has hqgf—frig commands to preaeh his gospel. It becomes us, therefore, to consider what measures we can devise, and how we may best execute those measures for the fulfillment of our ob ligations to His church, that she may answer and accomplish her great mis sion in the earth, not merely in the retention of her past conquests and pre sent possessions, but in daily winning fresh acquisitions from the empire of satan, the enemies of Christ and the opposers of His cause. To this end your Committee, afte#a deliberate consideration of the subject and mutual consultation, beg' resent the following Plan of Churcn finance, so far at least as it relates to the sup port of the ministry of the Church. And we beg to premise, that in the multiplicity of plans that have been either tested or suggested—wo find, as it seems to us, the middle course—a compromise between divergent views — that plan which appears most gener ally applicable and practicable in its > and conditions of the work within our bounds. We first , then, recommend that in all our churches, a subscription shall be taken up at the beginning of each Con ference year, from the membership and congregation for the support of the station, circuit or mission, to be paya ble in the stations vtonthly, and in the country quarterly in advance. We think that thq plan of collecting these annual subscriptions, whether payable monthly or quarterly in ad vance, should be left with the stewards of the several charges. Some will find it practicable to employ a single agent for that purpose. Some may prefer a voluntary payment on the part of its subscribers, and others may divide the subscriptions among the Board of Stew ards—making them severally responsi ble for the collection of the portions of the aggregate subscriptions assigned t hem. But we regard it as of the highest importance that the plan of advance payment bejygidly adhered to wherever it shall not, in an exceptional case, be found absolutely impracticable, and we are of the opinion that no such excep tion will be found to exist where the plan has been fairly tested, and its ad vantages clearly stated. The same plan may bo adopted by the preachers—in the opinion of your- Committee—for their collection and in behalf of the Bis Lops, the Conference collection and the Missions, so that in all our arrangements for the support of the church in its great mission of saving souls, its plan of finance may be a unit, and of universal application. Your Committee desire to state, be fore concluding this- report, that in their opinion the membership of the church are yet doing much too little towards meeting the claims of the church, in the various departments of its Christian enterprise and benevo lence. Contributions have not only been too dilatory and uncertain, but also too meagre, and thus the gospel has been “bound” and trammelled, its enterpris es rendered inefficient, and its triumphs* over the powers of darkness, alas! too infrequent. We think the minimum of individual annual contributions from the poorest member for church support should be 85 20, or ten cents a week— that there are few too poor to do that much for the cause of God and the good of souls, while there are very many who, without any material di minution of their fomforts, or any sacrifice of personal convenience, could —pay five, ten, or twenty times that amount. Now suppose that* all the membors of our church in the Macon District, should so elevate the standard of their piety, in this regard,'as to con tribute only, on an average, the mini mum of 85 20 each annually, what would be the result ? Instead of rais ing in this District, as was reported in our Conference Minutes of last year for support of pastors and their assist ants, the sum of only 88091 34, we should swell our contributions to an aggregate of 818.616 00. Who shall say we ought not to raise at least twice that amount? And if an average of even 85 20 were contributed by the membership alone, of the South Georgia Conference, the aggregate annual col lections for ministerial support would be 8108.472 00, exclusive of the Bishops’ and the Conference collection—instead of the sum of 841.463 00. Who shall say that the South Georgia Conference should not at least double that amount? Or who could estimate the glorious results of such a measure of Christian liberality ? These results are attainable. Breth * reh, let us advance our standard —fur- nish the church with the “sinews of war,” and God will own the offering, and gloriously bless His heritage. And, dear brethren in the ministry, sh epherds of the flock of Christ, while we have striven to urge with all the peal we could command, your just Sentbcrn Christian A (Hotair. the piety and Christian of the membership made by responsible for your sup speak a word to you also, with rafdrence to the collection for the support of our beloved Bishops, who having no particular charge to whom they may look, under God, for their support or that of their loved ones, and are consequently dependent upon you, as their stewards, as to the early, earnest, and faithful collection of their claim from your several churches and people— pardon us. And also a word in closing, as to the collection for the superannuated, together with the wid ows and the orphans of those of God’s servants who have borne aloft the blood stained banner of the cross in other days, and now rest from their labors. It is, let us remind you, especially nec essary—inasmuch as the Conference meets at an earlier day than usual, that an earlier effort shonld be made to raise your collections for this important object. As the subject of this report is one of interest—of even vital importance to the church throughout the Confer ence we ask —if our report is approved that this report be published in that noble organ of our church, the South ern Christian Advocate. Adopted with request that it be pub lished in Advocate. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON LOCAL PREACHERS. Methodism received its name in ridi cule for its systematic methodical way of conducting its its incip iency, and wfoatwaspAfe in contempt was retained by our foWiddrs, doubt less, as appropriate and perfectly consistent with its system But it may be doubted whether we continue to deserve, .by Wisely devised "method in all our ope rations, the appellation, so justly, though it may have been contemptu ously, bestowed upon, and accepted by tbo great and good founders of our church. This, perhaps, might be shown, but we pause not to enter into the dis cussion of thjs topic. In'.its most suc cessful operations Methodism may be comparable to a well executed, beauti fully finished and methodically aT ranged piece of machinery, upon the harmonious working of every part pf which, depends the accomplishment of the design of the architect. is obvious, that the disarrangement of any one of the whirls of a beautiful piece of mechanism* Sr even the remo val of a single cog, in pn£ of them*, will cause grating'afltl. jarring in its move ments, if not entirely interrupt its ope rations. So in Methodism, in its itin erancy and local ministry, its General, Annual and quarterly conferences, etc. Tire local ministry constitutes a wheel iu this machinery of Methodism, and though it may be a little one, yet up on the harmony and efficiency of its movements depends, in some degree at least, its success in the salvation of souls and the establishment of believ ers. This has been proved, by the re ports we have had from different sour ces at this District meeting, and it act cords with the experience of every one, who is acquainted with tho successes and failures of our church. Your committee are well pleased to learn, that tlic loqal ministers within the bounds of tbrsjlistriet, are report ed to be generally laborious workers, active coadjutors in the cause of Christ, and wo heartily wish that it were so universally. We believe, however, that the great est efficiency of this class of ministers, has not been attained, in this country, at least, from the commencement of Methodism here up to the present date. Two or three causes, we believe, hayo contributed to this lamentable fact. First, they have not studied to show themselves workmen that may be ap proved, rightly dividing the word of truth and giving to each one his por tion in due season. Secondly, there has not been that harmony of coopera tion between local and itineraut min isters, that ought to have been ; and thereby, their labors havejieen circum scribed and in many instances too long continued at one place. Your committee are very much sur prised that the General Conference should have found it necessary to pre scribe a course of study for itinerants, and yet none for local ministers. We suppose, however, in charity to them, that they felt a delicacy, but we think a mistaken one, in legislating for a body of men who, up to the last meeting of that body, had no voice in it. That* however, is now done away with. If it is necessary that a course of study be pursued by the one class of preach ers for the successful preaching of the gospel, it is equally so for the other class The local ministers are not so much wiser than itinerants that they need no preparation, no girding up of the loins. They have tho same con gregations to preach to, and their hearers have, therefore, tho same intel ligence, are as good judges of preach ing, and would like to hear as good sermons from the former as trom the latter, and we honestly believe, that, had there been a law prescribing a course of study for them, they would have been much better and more suc cessful preachers than they ever have been. We who represent the local ministry in this District earnestly hope, for tho good of the cause of Christ, for the success of the ehwfch of our choice, that the General Confer ence will take this matter into consid eration and will enact such laws as are necessary in the case. Your Committee feel that they can not lay too much stress upon the exe cution of that part of the Discipline, which says that preachers in charge, as soon as they enter upon their work, shall apply to the local preachers, and learn what amount of service they are able and willing to perform, and then draw up a plan by which their labors shall be regulated. If this law is known, we are iearful it is very little regarded. Upon the harmonious co operation of these two classes of min isters, hangs the eternal destiny of very many immortal souls. Oh! shall we stand aloof from each other when the salvation of souls depends upon our affectionate union, our active and effec tive co-operation? Speaking for the local ministry, we ask shall we, breth ren, permit jealousies, aud party strife and envy, to enter into our midst, mar if not destroy our useful ness, hinder the progress of the gOspel of Christ, and, thereby, let immortal souls go down to hell, because we, will not work together in and help each other in love, in furthering the cause of our adorable Redeemer ? God forbid ! In the days of Mr. Wes ley, local preachers were expected to be ready to help the traveling preach ers, whenever called on to do so, and we believe it is still the case with tbe Wesleyan Methodists of England. It ought to be so with us. OI brethren, let us preach together, pray together, watch together, win souls for Christ together, then shall the world behold and say “See how these brethren love one another.” Lastly, we recommend all local preach er* to change their appointments as much as circumstances will allow, and not continue from year to year to preach at one place, simply because some good old brother or sister insists upon it, when there are other churches within their reach, who need their services, and where their preaching would be equally as acceptable and, perhaps, a great deal more successful. We care not how great and various a man’s talents may be, he cannot cofi tinue, through a long series of years, to interest the same congregation,' to the same degree, and be productive of as much good, as he can by an occa sional change. After a while, he may come back again and then ho will be almost like anew man.*^; Thus, by a proper course of study, diligently pursued, an.active and hear ty co-operation with the traveling preachers; and change <£ app.ointmonts as ofton as circumstances will allow and tho greatest good of church justify,,we propose to remedy some of the hindrances to greater efficiency in the labors of the local ministry. . • In conformity with the above vjews, we offer the following resolutions: • Ist Resolved, That wo request our delegates, and especially the local preachers who may be elected to the next General Conference to urge the passage of a law prescribing a course of study for local preachers 2 d Resolved, That tho local preach ers. of this District will heartily en- action by the General Con ference, and readily acquiesce in it. 3d Resolved, That *we labor?h{Pr moniouSly, and seek to advancc^Be 1 cause of Christ to tho best of our abil ity varying our appointments as occa sion may justify. Practical Deism. is the failing of this as of former ages, for men to bo “wise above what is written-*’-’ and in every gefieration men arp found, who fancy tho keenness of their intellects has discovereef new lights upon God's hidden mysteries, and divine truths— with rash hand at tempting to rtflnove old landmarks, and Opening the flmxPgates of infidelity. Lattsrfy, among us, books have been written, and opinions published, pur porting to be by authors ofdirm relig ious principles, yet falling in with the options arguments of scientific skeptics, of plater minds, but no less erroneous views. It has become com mon to discuss familiarly and flippant ly, the history of creation as narrated by Moses, and to question, (especially, since, by the results of the late was, we are placed in antagonistic positions with our former slaves;) the truth of the origin of the human race as given in the Bible; and some even aflTect. to doubt the existence of au immortal soul in tho negro! These are monstrous errors’and licr osies, and spring, not from clearer rea son, but blinded prejudice or passion. As owners of slaTnfs, all good men held thetmufKps aiyfciiardiaus of the race, and rosnOTsible in a great meas ure, sou» thmr eternal welfare. Our change of relation, while it happily re lieves us of responsibilities, often felt to be almost too heavy to be borne, does not affect the question of their immortality, or our obligations to rec ognize it. No matter what the physi cal or mental differences may be, .they belong to mankind, and they who jffiut them out from Adam’s race, preclude the hope to them of a Saviour. All must allow that we, equally with them, “groan” under the curse of sin wfcnd who that hath “a hope.in himself,” would admit the possibility that any fellow mortal had no part iu the scheme of redemption ? A wise man wisely said, God never intended to teach science from the Bible. In doing so He would have had to unfold all tho wondrouS truths that belong to Him alone; glimpses of which are revealed to human minds, to lead theim not to doubt, but to adore. In the b&yinnin i, God created all things; that is the foundation of all religious belief; how, ichen, or in what space of time, we are Unable to compre hend or understand, even if God should see fit to make it known. Reason, that often totters under the accumulation of worldly lore, could no more bear this crushing weight, than man could be hold His face and live! Moses’ account corresponds with the. appearance of things as they were, are, and ever shall be, till time shall have an end. From chaos sprung order and beauty ; from darkness, light; from brooding silence, life. Waters were above and below tbo firmament; tho sun ruled the day, the moon the night. He made the stars also. When, in the stupendous infinity of time and space, lie made those wondrous “lights,” who dare ask, or even think ? “He spake, aud it was done; He commanded, and it stood fasti” Itis enough—the great “First Cause” is God, and grasping these fundamen tal truths, wo need not pause to cavil over points unessential in themselves, and which were never intended to be made plain. This presumptuous desire after tho tree of forbidden knowledge, which led our first parents into the hope that they might “b4come as gods,” tends now, as then, to disbelief, diso bedience, death. God created man in His own image that is with immortal attributes—his body from the dust; these truths are self-sustaftyig. Other minor points, (as to wfo lived at the time of Abel’s death, and Cain’s banishment; whether Shem, Ham and Japheth, are the heads of the three races as generally allowed, etc.,) we have nothing to do with; leaving abstruse questions, we are simply to follow tho Bible. Adam was the father of the human race—all hu manity being embraced under that head—Cain was a murderer (the first fruits of his parent’s sin;) Abel a martyr, jSprototype of suffering inno cence ana virtue— Seth the founder of that line, which culminated in Christ. These are the only necessary outlines of human history. If it be difficult to define, precisely, characters and inci dents in history, comparatively few centuries back, do we expect Moses to give details which neither affect the importance of his narration, or our welfare? Man sinned—lost his happi ness thereby, and experienced thef ex istence of evil, and now lies “bo'und under the curse.” Then comes the grand truth upon which hangs all our hopes of Balvation, "As in Adam all died; so in Christ slgall all be made alive,” and this life is unless we wilfully destroy ourselves, by rejecting Him. Al£ important truths are made so plain in the scriptures, that “a way. PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & CO., FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. Macon, Friday, August 13, 1869. faring man though a fool, need not eife therein,” and it is not a proof of wis dom, to wander out of these plain paths. The thousand little matters aboife men love to differ, may safelk Be set aside, till a better understand ing is given us in the light of etornify. Would the slave, searching for dia monds among the river sands, pause tp analyze the properties and worth of meaner minerals, when rich and rare stones of sufficient size andvalue to eij titlo him to his ransom, lay befoife fiim ? Would the pearl diver expend his painful efforts, seeking in unknown depths, objects of trifling value, when “a pearl of great price” was within hte reach ? Yerily “the children of this world, are wiser in their generation than the children of light V’ • J. Thomasville, Ga. An Incident In an Itinerant's IrffAj There is perhaps no man of gence and observation who has uq>t had to admire not only tbe deeds of the works of mer cy done bV tlje jj?aud old State of Georgia. My present subject relates to tho beautiful “Forest City,” whose deeds of love wafted by every passing breeze, reeeivingTtut little notice from the world at largo, are.cherished with grateful mcmciry by those who have been their recipients. At the Cigsc of the war, one of tire preachers of South Carolina was sent to an isolated and devastated section to gather up what fragments might have been left -and reorganize the # church. Tho venerable man of Gdd bad never hesitated before, though he had grown grey in the service, and “home the burden and'lieat of the /lay,” but this time his appointment prtfvod a disap pointment, and was indeed a sore af fliction. Uuder tHt5 first impnlso he said, “I cannot gobut after a mo ment’s reflection, added, “yes I will; for where God ami souls are is my placed and I have never yet refused to go* where the church sent me.” It was in tho depth of winter, tho ground was colored with ice and suow, the distance was great and the move expensive, without railroad fa cilities for traveling; yet through the kindness of friends, and indomitable energy and perseverance, lie was soon at his field of labor. The foot-prints of the destroyor were still fresh upon the sands, and were marked by_fuin, deso lation and blood—for some who re mained at home* were brutally mur dered. Those- refugeed re turned to find all -their possessions swept away, with nothing to remind them of their former existence but heaps of ashes, blackened cinders, and, chimneys without houses—to begin life anew, with little; ‘assistance but what was rendered- in-Savan nah. Good sister D. the modern Dorcas, with love for her Master, and Ilfk’caustf burniug in lfer heart, hca* ing of the destitution o£. that section, thought of the old preacher whom she had known for years as a “faithful servant”—enquired after him, and when informed of his destitution and the in ability of his circuit to relieve him of the affiictions in his family and his want of access to medical skill, had her great Christian heart aroused to sympathy, and, determined to do something lor his relief, enlisted such names as Mc- Intyre, Graham, Hejdt, Houston, and others which may not appear here, but are written in the “book of life”—a no ble band of Christian brothers, and soou several boxes containing provisions, clothing, shoes, medicine, etc., etc., were borne across the waters of their own Savannah river, to the parsonage, making glad the hearts of its inmates and bringing jiealth to the suffering. After that, when the self-denying, cross-bearing minister,*offered up the morning and evening sacrifice, his Sa vannah benefactors wero not forgot ten. And why was it that one who had spent his youth and manhood in the most unhealthy and laborious fields in the S. C. Conference, should be thus straitened and made dependant on the members of the church in a sister State ? Tho “overlasting hills,” more than 200 miles'away on the summit of which I now write, echoes why ? There are those who might explain to their own satifaction, bfffeiot to mine. And now what shall I say for our good brethren of Savannah, who most ly supported our preacher ? May the ‘ blessing which maketh rich, and ad deth no sorrow therewith,” be their’s and their children’s forovor. Observer. "* •‘Tour Doctrines and Ours ar3 Pre cisely the Same.’^ •This most false declaration is a favo rite proselyting trick of Protestant Episcopalians, especially of the elergv of that church. « When a Methodist is to bo influenced by sneers he is told that “ Methodism is a failure." (See Rev.'Jno. Fulton’s let ter XIY to Rev. J. E. Evans, ibr in stance ;) and has the “fanaticism” and “dishonesty” of INorthern Methodists flung into his face, etc. But, when weak brethren a»-e to. be caught with the chaff of flattery —they are told “We are the same; our doctrines are alike : Mr. Wesley, the first Methodist—your founder—lived and died ati Episcopa lian. You have all come from us;” ending with “Why not come back and all be in one church again ?” A tissue of false statement, this, with one soli tary exception i. e. Mr. Wesley, though driven from their pulp.its, and perse cuted by their clergy, did consider himself a member of the ♦Church of England until his death. Yet, he for years before he died was not so con sidered by any Bishop, nor by any of the clergy of that church except such as were Methodists or were sympathisers with them. The doctrines of the Methodist Epis copal Church, South, and of the Pro testant Episcopal Church are most unlike. In all Protestant churches, some general statements of doctrine are Bimilar ift forih or substance. This is true of course as to our church aud that ; but, distinctive doctrines are most apparent. They believe in predesti nation,-see their Article on that subject. We are Arminians. They believe in a formal, sacramental regeneration , which occurs at and through baptism with water. We believe in regeneration by tho Holy Ghost —a regeneration which makes a new creature of tho subject— that baptism with water has no regen erating power —nor does it secure the regenerating power of the Holy Ghost. They believe in the fable of apostolical succession, i. e, that no Bishop is a Bishop and no preacher is ordained unless ordained by Catholic (Papal or Greek) hands, or by Protestant Epis copal authority, holding that there has been a succession from the apostles down to them of regular ordinations to the ministry and to tho office of Bish op f .We believe no such thing. On the contrary we believe that any man called of God to preach, and set apart to the sacred office by his brethren, or by his church authorities, is truly a minister of Christ. Most of them be lieve in the efficacy of sacraments to'sal vation—in the real presence in the bread and wine of the Lord’s supper— i. e. that our Lord Jesus Christ’s body and blood are not merely represented by these elements, but are actually present in them. But I forbear. It is certainly un necessary to say a word more to show that our doctrines and theirs are not alike. But it is equally untrue that we— Methodists— .have come from the Epis copal Church. Pefthnps not one in a hundred of us ever were members of that church. Perhaps not one in a hundred of us had parents who were -juembers of that church. Owing to our active efforts in arousing con sciences, and solemn preaching, of the word, descendants of Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcopalians and others do become Methodists, but as there are but 2,500 Episcopalians in a popula tion of 1,000,000 souls in Georgia; and as much the samo ratio obtains where Southern Methodism is found, that is here, in the South, consequently but few of us ever were Episcopalians or are descendants of Episcopalians. Many of Mr. Wesley’s adherents in England, wore Episcopalians, but many also— undoubtedly most of them—were of neglected classes, connected with no church, who had lived iu ignorance and sin. Are Protestant Episcopal clergymen and communicants j<o ill informed as innocently to make such declarations as afe referred to above? “Charity” which "believeth all things,” would es say even to believe this, but it Is hard ly possible for h<?r tr4o so. A Methodist. To the Friends of Eduoational and Missionary Enterprise Throughout the Land- Dear Friend: We, the unddrsigimd, avail ourselves of tho kind, offices of our church papers, and such others as will do the cause the favor to copy, for the purpose of communicating to you flic following facts, and thereupon ear nestly to solicit your aid and friendly co-operation, while to you individually we address this circular : The Methodist Chflrch here, with firm reliance on tho bleslfng of Almighty God, and in view of material aid which they hope to obtain both here and abroad, have undertaken to purchase lots, and to erect a suitable building or buildings thereon ; with the view of establishing, at this place, a permanent Protestant School ot high order, to be placed under the control and patron- “West Texas Conference Kin) <k*qjujuiutioual, wa have no design to mal^reectarian. We think tbo following considera tions will servo to command the above undertaking to all lovers of education and an onlightcnod Christianity every where. * First, There is not, nor can there be apermanent Protestant School in this place, until proper buildings are provided, devoted to that use ; whilo Roman Catholic zeal and enterprise have long since erected good buildings, and have had in successful operation, two schools for years. These facts, under, existing circumstances, threaten serious encroachments upon protest antism in this section of country. Secondly, The school is not designed simply to subserve tbo local interests of this place, but is to be regarded in tbe light of a Great Missionary En terprise, having as its chief objects, the emancipation of the Mexican peo ple from the thraldom of Popery and the introduction of a liberal dispensa tion of the Gospel among them, both in our midst, and along the borders of Mexico. This locality affords peculiar advan tages for an enterprise of this charac ter. Its contiguity to a large Mexi can population ; its proximity to the Mexican border; its being an entrepot for Northern Mexico, and consequent ly visited by numerous Mexican trav elers, and the Spanish language being freely spoken hero, make it a place of prime ilfrportance, within tho boun dary of the United States, for an evan gelical school, from which to send the properly educated Mexican youth, with tho precious seed of the Gospel to bo sown throughout their benighted land. You perceive then, that it is not alono the interest of a single town or city, that is to be subserved in this undertaking; but tho interest of»a common civilization and Christianity. Trusting in the supervision and di rection of an allwisc and gracious Providence ; we submit the above con siderations with tho firm conviction, after duo reflections upon the various efforts that have been made-in this di rection, that good schools offering suitable inducements, are the most practicable and efficient auxiliaries, that - can be used in the accomplish ment of the great end here proposed. Now then, in view of our great want; in view of the magnitude and importance of the enterprise; we ap peal to all lovers of that free and un restricted religion, that places the word of God in the hands of every man ; to all who prize an enlightened and whole some civilization ; to all earnest adher ents to protestantism, and to all tho friends of education generally, to send forward, at once, whatever you may feel disposed to contribute to this great Missionary Work. We earnestly request our ministerial brethren, and Sunday-school Superin tendents, to bring this subject before their respective charges. Very sincerely yours, etc. O. A. Fisher, P. E. J. L. Harper, Pastor, Wm. Headf.n, Treasurer of Board of Trustees, ,To whom all donations will be sent. Corpus Christi, Texas, July Ith, 1869. Prom the Nashville Advocate. Lack of Ministers. My mind has of late dwelt on one subject until it has become a matter of absorbing interest. I have been in the field, and have surveyed the work, and have witnessed tho want of laborers ; yea, not only are preachers in demand in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Louis iana, and Texas, Out iu California and Oregon, to say npthhig of our foreign missionary work, ’work among the In dians in North America, in China, and elsewhere beyond tho seas. You have already published tho call from Mis souri aud Arkansas; and you have doubtless seen that Bishop Marvin wants forty more preachers in Califor nia and Oregon. Now, my mind ear- nestly and anxiously inquires, From whence are these helps to come ? Who will fill up the thin ranks? Who will enter as reapers into this ripening har vest? Where are our young men who have been converted jp the revivals that have so refreshed the Curch ? It is anew thing for' the Methodist Church to be so destitute of preachers. What is the cause? Perhnpß there are two causes, : Tho demand is greater. I have never seen a day, in more than forty years, when there wer§ so many calls for preachers. Second: It may be that young men are muefi more timid than formerly. The state of society has much changed, the people are more generally educated than they were twenty-five years ago, and the demand for cultivated minis ters is increasing; henco young men who are apprised of this fact fear to go out without some previous prepara tion, and they shrink from duty. Add to these a third consideration : It may be that the love of tho worli too much influences tho minds of thoß whom God has called to tho ministrß and they begin*to excuse by saying they are Too poor, and havf no promise of ample support. Now, allow me to suggest, 1. That tho preachors generally look out for those whom they conjecture God has called to the work of the min istry, and when they have satisfied themselves that such are moved by the Holy Ghost, encourage them strengthen their good proper appliances It would liflH too, in tho pulpit, tho ing, and the-class-room, to this important work, thus stimulatiM those'’who might bo halting duty and fear. 2- The whole church this a matter of solemn prayer. The command is, Pnty ye the Lord of lie imuid sind forth g|§| ri st. \\ ho ran tell 11 ; When the whole ehu God in lervent, earlles offered in faith—who el^M.' V H re suit ? 3. Let there he one ( he church—ministers joining in the good work aid to young men who are preach, ami who are deficient cation, the means of mental ment. It is true, that many men NB close application and hard study, can make themselves great ministers; it is true, that many go from the plow handles and workshops into the min istry, and become eminent; but then, there are thousands of others who nev er make progress because they lacked the opportunity in youth of knowing how to study.* Six months, twelve months, under the guidance of a fifes l class teacher, where they lntvo no opportunity of going father, will be of advantage to them tho remainder of their lives. Put a young man on his feet, and •letiiim feel that lie can stand, is«tfcDnce inspired with confidence. I close these suggestions at present, hoping that tho minds of our brethren may be directed to this important/mat ter, and that we shall soon hear tho response from many a young man, Here I am, send me ! J. B. McFerrin*. flottfine anb feeritnet. JThe Experience of Chinese Convene. The Wesleyan Methodists of the Australasian Conference employ in Castlcmainc a devoted Chinese cate chist named Leong-on-Tong. Through his instrumentality oighteen China men have been brought to the enjoy ment of saving faith in Christ during the last three years. On Sunday, March 7, a large congregation gath ered at the Methodist Church, Castle maine, to witness the baptism of throe recent Chinese converts. After a ser mon by the pastor the personal relig ious experiences of the converts were presented. Quon Ting Me, (Elias,) for ty-six years of age. district of Hoo- Paing, village, of Tong-Song, prov ince of Canton, said : I came hero to get gold. Not suc ceeding at digging, I kept a gambling house. What I gained 1 soon lost, and I was so miserable that I took jj,dose of opium iti- ordofyss destroy myself God graciously sent a man to ljiy help, and I recovered to Iqjjirn- the truth— to repent apd bo converted. Leong on-Tong, hearing about me, came to see me, and told me of tliis good way. I repented of my sins and believed in Jesus. I was like a dead man, but Christ made me alive from the dead. My sorrow is turned into gladness; and every night after work is over I go to tho chapel of Iloa Pang, at Moon light Flat, to read and study God’s Word, and beg the Holy Spirit t J make ♦me more and more glad, and my faith stronger and stronger. I have been walking in this good way for six months, and I respectfully ask for baptism, and earnestly pray that the Holy Spirit may make my heart clean and holy, and admit mo to the holy land in the life to come. This is my desire. Amen. I hand Aiis to Mr. King to read Sum Frit, (Daniel,) twenty-nine years of age, district of Sun Ning, village Nam On, Canton province: I came to this country to dig for gold. I did not succeed, and heartily wished myself back again. To drown my disappointment I took opium I neither cared for eating nor drinking nor yet for clothing, if 1 could only get opium. But I was often very mis erable, and my bo'fy was too onerva-. ted to work. Some Christian friends catfie and persuaded mo to go tQ.the chapel at Moonlight Flat, where I lived I went, on a Sunday, also to tho Chinese Church at Castleinaino; and Leong-on-Tong, three evenings iu the week, instructed ns at Moonlight Flat. At first I saw but dimly, but light and peace came at length ; and I feel that if God had not given pardon through Christ I cannot conceivo what punishment would be my portion, for I am a great sinner. But God has had mercy sent his Son into this worliff rflftit ‘whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life ’ Therefore I have a good hope, and I havo given up every evil way and walk in this good way, and rejoice in the Saviour that my soul will be saved. I have worshiped the true God for about five months, and earnestly ask for baptism. And I pray God to send the Holy Ghost, and confirm my faith in him, and help mo to keep his holy commandments, that I may join all the disciples in heaven. Lee Yim Sung, (Jonah,) thirty-six years-of ag%<4Mtrict Sun Ning, village of SavsHt'ftpng,-province Canton : StaMflrggthe of Confucius four years. Came to this country to get rich. Hoped to go home iu three years to see my mother’s faco again ; but I could not do this, and fell into evil ways and forgot all my moth er’s instructions, smoked opium and gambled. When I had spent all, I was very unhappy, and I did not know how to go on in a better way. I worshipped images, and still hoped they would bring me out of so misery. At this time I went to hoar Leong-on-Tong preach at Moonlight, and I began to think my sins were very groat —more than the hairs of my head —and that if God let fall his wrath on me my soul would be lost. But God in his mercy allowed mo to learn his truth. And Leong-on-Tong often came to instruct mo, an draught me how to pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten my heart. I iefy my sins are so many that there was I>ut one way of escape ; therefore I re pented and trusted in Jesus to-savo me /from his death. My heart is very ear liest in soeking to learn this truth add seeking to walk in this way. On IB day I go to church, and every f' meet with Mark Ah Cow and all $/o Christian friends, to learn this GiwPel. It is now five months sinc^l to learn this r knom composed I have accidentally found In an ob scuro*little volume, publishes in 1744, a very interesting analysis of tho char acter and power of Whitefield, and re produce it as a valuable scrap of cotem poraneous history. It will ho remem* bored that Whitefield returned to America in the latter part of tho year 1730, arriving at Philadelphia on the second day of November. He remained in Philadelphia ten days, preaching with great power to congregations numbering thousands. On the 14th of November, 1739, he arrived at New YVrk. He had been ordained Priest of tho Church of England in the samo year* previous to hie departure for America, and was at this date tweuty- of age. In person, ho is described as a “man of middle stature, of a slender body, of a fair complexion and of a comoly ap pearance.” llis success is detailed in the following quaint and beautiful style: “Among the hearers the person who gives this account was one. I fear cu riosity was tho motive that led me and many others into that assembly. I had read two or three of Mr. White field’s sermons and part of his journal, and from these had attained a settled opinion that he was a good man. Thus far I was prejudiced in his favor. But then, having heard of opposition and many clamors against hi in, I thought it possible that be might have carried matters too far, thatsomo enthusiasm might have mixed itself with his piety, and that his zeal might have exoeoded his knowledge. “With tlieso prepossessions, I went into tho fields; when I came there I saw a great number of people, consist ing of Christians of all denominations, and a few l believe that had no religion at all. When Mr. Whitefield came to the place before designed, which was a little eminence on the side of a hill, he stood s|ill and beckoned with his hand, and disposed the multitude upon the descent before and on each side of him. He then prayed most excellently, in tho same manner (I guess) that tho first ministers of the Christian Church prayed before they wero shackled with forms. “The assembly soon appeared to be divided into two companies, the one of which I considered under the name of God’s Church, and the other tho Devil’s Chapel. The first were collected round tho minister, and were very serious and attentive. The last bmi themselves in the skirts of the assem bly, and spent most of their time in giggling, scoffing, talking aiyl laugh iug. I believe tho minister saw them, for in his sermon, observing the cow ardice and shamefaced ness of Christians iu Christ’s cause, lie pointed towards this assembly and reproaclied the for mer with the boldness and zeal with which the devil’s vassals serve him. Toward the last prayer, tho whole a£ sembly 'seemed more united, and .all became'hushed and still; a solemn awe and reveronco appeared in the faces of most —a mighty energy attending the Word. I heard and felt something as tonishing and sliprising, hut I confess I was not at that time fully rid of my scruples. But as 1 thought a visible presence of God with Mr. white field, I kept my doubts to myself. ■Under this frame of mind, 1 went to heap him in the evening at tho Presby terian church, where ho expounded to above two thousaud within and with out doors. 1 never in my life saw so attentive an audience. Mr. Whitefield spake as one having authority; all he said was demonstration, life and power Tho people’s eyos and ears hung on his lips. They greedily devoured every word. I came homo astonished. Every scruple vanished. I never saw nor heard tho like ; and I said within my self, Surely, God is with this man of a truth.” The writer, in another place, des cribes Whitefield as of a sprightly, cheerful temper, and moving with great agility and life. “The endowments of his mind are very uncommon ; his wit is quick and piercing ; his imagination lively and florid, and as far as I can discern, both are under tho direction of an exact and solid iudgnj&it. Ho has a most ready memory, and speaks entirely without luotes. He has a clear and musical voioe, and a wonderful command of it He uses much gesture, but with great E. H. MYERS, D. D., EDITOR. Whole Number 1764 propriety. Every accent of his voice, every motion of his body speaks, and both are natural and unaffectod. If his delivery is tho product of art, it is certainly the perfection of it, for it is entirely concealed. He has a great master}' of words, but studies much plainness of speech.—A. Y. Observer. Unity of the Species. A correspondent wishes us to print our discourse on the unity of tho Hu man Species —which he indorses—but inquiros if any thing is risked by ad mitting that there may have been dif ferent centers, or different creations, of the several races which constitute the one species. We think there w r ould be groat risk in making such an admis sion. There is nothing in science which favors it. History opposes it, as we can trace all the leading races to a Noachian, and, of course, an Ada mic, origin. We lack historic data in reference to the American Indians, but analogy favors the opinion that thev -are of tho same origin. As tion, that is decisive as “God hath made ofioj^j HL** 5 „• W MjgHgPSV 'fp.' from Adam, have no right to preach the gospel to them, nor could they be bene fited by its provisions. Conversely, all who can and do receive tho gospel, aud are saved from sin by it, ipso facto, demonstrate that they are descended from the “ one man,” Adam, whoso sin made it uocessary for the “ Seed of the woman,” “ tho Son of man,” to make atonement for tho apostate race.—Nash ville Christian Advocate. A Great Movement in lljndoos tan —The “Sacred City of tho Hin dus,” by Sherring, just published in London, is attracting attention, In an exchango we find the following sugges tive paragraph from the work :—“The results of missions in India are not sur passed by anything that has been ac complished, of a religious character, in modern times, either in England, or in America, or any other quarter of the globe. These results are both direct and indirect —direct, in tho way ofcon versions from the heathen; indirect, in regard to the general enlightenment and progress of tho people." “Christi anity,” he adds, “is now a power in India —a felt and acknowledged power —which men of all ranks and castes, including Hindus of the straitest sects, respect and tear. What is the greatest question at this moment agitating no small portion of the millions of India? Not the increased social happiness and prosperity of the people, nor the aug mentation of conferee and trade, nor tho vast improvements of tho country —visible on eveiy hand, wonderful as they all are—but this, What is truth? What constitutes religion ? What is the destiny of idolaters, and what that of Christianity in the coming ages ? Tho people are thinking, comparing, argu ing—not knowing exactly what to do. India is much in the condition of Rome** previously to the baptism of the Em peror Constantine. Idolatry , here as there, now as then, is falling into dis grace. Men are-becoming wiser. Truth, in its clearness and power, is gradually entering their minds, and changing their habits and lives.” Tho author gives facts and anecdotes illustrative of this moral revolution. Irreverence —Mr. Punshon thinks Americans particularly deficient m veneration for sacred things. Describ ing in the London Methodist Recorder the Metropolitan church recently dedi cated in Washington city, he says : “The key-stone oi tho over the pulpit iB from Solomon’s Temple, the panels of tho pulpit are of wood from the Garden of Gethsomanc, the caps of the posts from the Mount of Olives, etq. Some iconoclasts have risen up in anger against these, as if they tended to superstition, or to popery. Sooth to say, the danger in America does not ‘lie in this direction at all. Plirenolo gieally speaking, the American has a finely developed head, but I have some times thought that where tho organ of veneration should be there must be a perfect hollow. There is an infinitesi mal reverence for sacred places, day* and things. I have seen the hat worn almost up to the altar, tho newspaper read during tho sermon, tho roportftjr writing his leading article during the minister’s prayer. I should rather welcome than rebuke anything that would have a tendency to increaso the national reverence, for as the expres sions of holy things languish, the things themselves are apt to become enfeebled and die.” The Third Head.— Tho editor of one of our exchanges thinks that much of the popular preaching of the times come properly under tho third head of “a certain French- preacher.” After hearing a speculative discourse, ho says: On coming out of the church, I asked Mr. P , a distinguished and pious lawyer, how ho liked the sermon of* Dr. B. “I think, sir," said he, “that it comes under the third head ” “How so ?” said I. “A certain Fneuoh preach er,” he replied, “after a long and pomp ous introduction, said: T shall now proceed, my hearers, to divide my sub ject into three parts. 1. I shall now tell you about that whioh I know, and you do not know. 2. I shall tell you about that whioh you know and that whioh I do not know ; and, 8, and last ly, I shall tell you about that which neither you nor I know,’ ”