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THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
Vol. XXXII.—No 37.
(Original IJoftrg.
Vi*loos of the Night.
BY MRS H. 8. ADAMS.
••Then l*»t *ih ponder boldly—'tin a base
A band m-jnt of lo
Oar right, <»t lb>u*hi Hyroh.
*rnof gin !ia dark ne-f- ound with chains,
Thy williug bauds have forged— yet strangling
B.ill
For light and knowledge, that ye may discern
O >d’< hi idea mysteries—with sen*e:ess feet,
Y« boldly w tiR “where angels dare not tread”
And proa lly exercise the ‘ right of thought!”
\V hat c mst tboij le ira, poor, puny, fl ilte man.
Os th.ae own being—of Its birth or
Mysterious lif •. or and *ath? of h li *f- heaven ?
And how ‘ can.it thou, by searching find out (Jodi”
F el thy own liM ieness, aud k •.«*» the dust
On this, ta footstool of thy Maker’s throne!
Look out on Nature—gaze upon the stars,
(Footprints of Deity through endless space ;)
Uamwn >er«d worlds are there unnumbered
m >ro
M irk »ii* raaj *stlc stepping; yet thine eye
M iy vainly s rive to trace their distant course ;
Wo thy nn n irltl vision, feeb e still,
Passes no boundary toy liod assigns.
A vast, illimitable univ«rseof mind ,
Is i, l urouii 1 the- —h -iglit aud deiMdi unknown;
Wild Fancy miters on tue threshold ulna.
And ite>isou’a rav grows pallid aud obscure.
An 1 only Faith can pierce the shade profound.
What is ih * soul ? incotnprebeuslble!
Womb rlul ! lull nib'!—yet lacking still
The seeming nituple skill, itself to know.
* * ■ * A h some 1 me star.
That through infinity of time otid space
M >vesd:irki on. yet in th« oeeau’s b res at
Sees itself nightly mirrored—so Ihy soul,
Poimd o'er it* own immensity, looks dimly down,
Lost in the broad intluliy of Thought !
T i« pa<*t is liid in Kim low like our dreams;
Tlte fu’urrt wails the dawn—the ptt sem wav
The only foothold that We firmly feel,
As o’ur Time’s shifting sands we blindly move,
1> it’mid th" darkest gloom, our Morning
Oi ves us gi id promise of a coining day,
When, lo»t hi liglit, knowledge and truth divine,
Our inebte tapers shall forget to burn,
A id all things be ma le manifest in God !
Contributions.
Autobiog anhy of the Key. Lewis
Myers— No. IV.
Jan. Bth, 1803.—This morning at
about half past 7 o’clock, I had the
happiness to see my old father and
mother Grosman, and to find them on
their knees, at family prayer. In read
ing the first part of rny last year’s
journal, I find I have not advanced as
1 might in divine grace : Ist, I conceive
1 have not that solid joy, I might have.
2nd, 1 find that my attending to a va
riety of things tends to confuse my
mind. By the help of God, I will he
more guarded. 1 still find that drink
ing spirits is more customary than use
lul. Bord, enable me to watch against
it! My mind has been exercised about
praying with our friends, when I part.
Oh, that 1 may act wisely.
Jan. lfillh— Left home-set off for
Gil tie Hiver ct., Georgia, and preached
at .1 tidah’s.
Jan. 20 h, — Entered my circuit at
Bro. Jos. Scott's.
April 30th.—Thought on the causes,
or rather the manner, in which schisms
take place, in our societies. 1. I be
lieve that holiness of heart and life is
not studied and enforced enough among
us. 2. Our discipline is not attended to
regularly, hut at some times slackly, at
of hors, tightly. In either case the
minds of some become disaffected ; and
the more acutely or obtusely the Rules
were accustomed to be handled in their
knowing, the greater will he the disaf
fection. Hence anew idea is proposed
to the mind, with a temptation to pur
sue it practically. If he is a man of
respectability in the Church, and lias
fora long time walked circumspectly,
lie will he the more liable to be over
come, and curiously wind up the whole
by saying, ‘-.So I must do, for 1 am con
science bound." Consequently a rent
takes place. If he knows himself to
he of small consequence, he silently
withdraws, and what then becomes of
him, will he best known at the resur
rection. Ido not know where the evil
of the irregular exorcise of our discip
line will end. These thoughts arose
irom a conversation of Bro. Lock and
myself, lie is a speaker, in lieth’s
class.
May 3d. —Eyceivod account of both
my sisters’ being converted. The Lord
be praised ! I endeavored to remember
them, every evening, at the throne of
grace, in prayer. This evening, I re
member them in praises.
August 4. -Came to Augusta, anew
situation. I left my circuit with some
reluctance and a few tears. It should j
bo my province to be resigned. My
prayer is. that I may not bo altogether
a cypher. ‘-Study to show thyself ap
proved ot God. If 1 can accomplish
this, no matter where I am.
Oct. 23 I.— Took my station in Oge
chee circuit.
I >ec. oflt h. T he wicked one has sore
ly tempted me since I came here, but
my aim is still to please God. I look
back and am more convinced than ever
of three things, viz: 1. Os the difficul
ty of keeping my eye singly fixed on
the work of the ministry; (oh, that I
were out of law). 2. Os the necessity,
and yet of the difficulty rightly to ex
ercise discipline. 3. The more located
our ideas are, the more danger there is
of schisms and divisions in societies.
Jan. Ist, 181)4.—Closed the last year
and began tho new with singing and
prayer. Bro. Capel and myself having
watch-night were happy together, in
the Lord. Saw Dr. Coke for the first
time, and heard him preach from John
i. lti. Afternoon he preached at St.
Paul’s, from 1 Cor. iii. 18, 19.
Jan. 4th.— Am stationed in Ogechee
circuit with Bro. Mills. I am deter
mined by grace to drink no more spir
ituous liquors, unless prescribed by a
physician. Oh, that f may get more of
the Spirit from on high.
August 27th.— Met Bro. Randle at
Bro. fabor’s, and he informed me of
the death of Bro. T. Gibson. Well, I
have those seven years remembered
him at the throne of grace, and I now
have a lively hope of meeting him at
tlie throne ot glory. This has been a
glorious year ko far, to my poor soul.
Bept. 14 -17. —llad camp-meeting at
Bethel My soul was never so evenly
and overfio wingly blessed as here.
Dec. 23d. Left Ogechee -ct. This
has been a glorious year. I never was
more blessed than here. * Possibly, I
may be able to bring a sheaf from
them, in the judgment day. Two hun
dred and thirty were added.
Dec. 25th —Preached at Barnwgll,
where Parson Sweat—a Baptist min
ister -spoke severely, but properly, on
tho times. Rode this year 3404 miles,
and,preached 255 sermons. Closed,
the year in peace.
Jan. 1., 1805.—Last night, at Mg.
Charles’s, in Charleston, Bro Capel
and myself held watch-night, and saw
the old year close and this one begin.
We are still bound Tor" heaven. May
we end our days in peace.
Jan. 4.—ln Conference, the death of
Bro. Gibson, among others, was spoken
Os. May my last end be like his. 1
gottilcm (Ftirisfian Atlmalc.
Jan. sth.—My station is in Bladen
with Bros. John Porter and Jas. Rus
seM. '
Jan. 13th —Set off for ray circuit—
preached at Judah’s, where I saw some
ot my old scholars. Am thankful that
they manifest regard for one, who so
little deserves it.
Jan. 26th.— Get to my circuit at Fay
etteville and am cordially received.
Had a long, cold and wearisome jour
ney, but feel serene and a composure
of mind.
June 17th.—Bro. Maddux having
left Wilmington, I am directed to go as
a make-shift, until they can do better.
In Bladen, I have had my trials from
without and from within. Discipline
slack, and members higgledy-piggledy,
and had work to bring them to order.
But, glory to God ! the circuit has now
brighter prospects, for upwards or 150
joined, and many converted. I could
freely spend the year with this people,
■but must .take my staff and travel on,
till I meet them in a better land.
June 18th Came last night to Wil
mington, and landed with silent prayer,
that I at lead, may do no harm.
June 24th —Bro Jennett asked me
the important question, What is the
reason we do not pray oftener when
we part, or that we part so often and
never talk of praying together? Lord
rivet it on my heart!
Oct. 21st.—After advising with Bros.
Kendrick, Gautier and Daugherty, I
this day began a school. Perhaps, if I
can succeed, the prejudices of the citi
zens will be lessened. My intention is
to purchase the atjoining lot for the
Church here, with the school money.
Dee. 16th.— This day dismiss school.
Number twenty-five The prospect
encouraging.
Dec. 17th. Started for Conference,
Camden, S. C. I had sent my horse to
Bro. J. N.’s to fatten, but received him
poor. Bro. N.'s family are exceed
ingly kind, but, etc. The Friend that
sticketb closer than a brother is best.
Dec. 26th.— Met Father Asbury at
Bro. liembert’s. Ho does not seem
to approve my school. Perhaps he is
right.
Dec. 30th.—Gave the old man a full
statement of ray concerns in Wilming
ton, which, perhaps, will be a cause fin
stationing me elsewhere. The year
closes, and I again hold watch-night
with Bros Capel and Randle. A hap
py time. Tins year I have met new
and different trials; but I think I love
God a little more than 1 did last year.
Every deliverance increases my obli
gations. If I were a shouting man, I
would break out just now. Surely, I
must say, from tho depth of in 3- heart,
“glory to God !” But there is some I
sorrow. Mother Grosman died 21st |
Sept; but she went in the triumphs of i
faith. Well, 1 will wipe 1113- ey’es, and
hope to meet her.
Jan. 4th, 1866.—Conference closes.
Tliis Conference was more to my mind
than former ones, as there was more
order, plainness and strictnessobserved.
Christian harmony closed the scene.
1 am appointed with Brother G., to
Charleston ; but 1 have a month to re
turn and wind up my business in Wil
mington.
Jan. 13th.—Bogin my school again,
to finish the quarter. I could have
more business hero in this line than I
could well perform. Docs not the Lord
appoint school-masters, as well as
preachers ?
Feb. Ist.—Bro. Kendrick arrives and
I must at once resign 1113' charge here.
Feb. 4th.—Closed my school. Mv
heart is attached to these little crea
tures. Some who were turbulent at
first have become sedate and mild. My
design to purchase a lot for the Church
is frustrated, but let me not murmur
Feb. 10th. I bit! the parsonage an
affectionate farewell. I came to Wil
mington in prayer and so I part. I
ought ever to he grateful for the kind
ness mother Richards has shown me
May" she joyfully stand in the judgment
day I
Feb. 14.—Sail in sloop John, for
Charleston. 11 , owner, P , cap
tain—both deists, so 1 expect to bo at-
tacked.
Feb. 19.—Arrive at Charleston. Re
mark ! though these were said to ho
the most wicked men in the settlement
—much given to swearing—yet I heard
neither swear an oath —nor the sailors,
except one, whom I reproved. When
we entered the harbor last night, I pro
posed that we should return united
| thanks for our safe passage, to which
they cheerfully consented. Here the
Hand divine is manifest. This day I
met Bro. G. and we begun our engage
ment, with prayer in our upper room.
Oh ! that each of us may live up to the
dignity of the ministerial character.
Lord, thou knowest the scenes that Be
before me this year
Juue 4th.—Bro. G. has left the city
for fear of sickness and death ! lam
liable to do so too, but certainly it is
wrong in a minister of the gospel.
June 11th.—S. Dunwody came sick ;
but he recovered in a few days.
Jnov. 17th.—Left the fit}’, having
resigned my charge to Bros J. Jackson
and S. Dunwody. There is more sim
plicity among the Methodists here,
than I expected. The Lord has kept
my body and heart safe and happy
among them. My soul still hangs on
Him. 1 now move on toward Confer
ence in Georgia, having resolved to
speud as much of my time as possible,
in reading, meditation and prayer. 1
know not what lies before me. It
seems that the preservation of the
health of Bro. Dunwody and myself
lias been both a singular blessing and
a reproof.
Written some years subsequently /—The
years 1803—1805 were years es con
siderable success given to nay feeble
ministry In ISOfi, I was stationed in
Charleston. Hero the scenes were
new, perplexing and trying. My col
league deserted his station for fear ot
getting yellow fever!! I then conceiv
ed such a (may I say holy ?) indigna
tion against such cowardice in a minis
ter of tho gospel, as never to have got
over it, and I hope, never shall. I
forthwith wrote on to Bro. Daugherty,
a neighboring R E., who called on Bro.
Samuel Dunwody—then young in the
ministry—who promptly obeyed and
came to my assistance, and we were
blessed together, during the remainder
of the year. This event led. Brother
Daugherty to submit a resolution to
the ensuing Conference— which then
met the sanction of the majorit}* —to
the effect, that it was the deliberate
opinion of the Conference, that a
preacher who leaves his circuit or sta
tion without leave from his presiding
elder, should not thereafter ever he
employed as an itinerant preacher
i among us.
Note by the Editor —The death
j of- the Ilev. Tobias Gibson, the first
missionary on the lower Mississippi is
j mentioned above. We find in the Mem
phis Advocate a recent letter, giving
aceount of the circumstances of his
; death, derived from relatives, who
1 moved into the same county. The
writer sa3 - s, that Mr. G selected a home
just below where Vicksburg now
stands. In April, 1804, he was busily
j engaged working on his place; becamo
heated and fatigued by labor, and step
ped down to the spring or bayou,
where he no doubt drank to excess, and
bathed his face, neck, chest and hands
in the cold water. The effect was at
once a chill and hoarseness, which com
pelled him to go to his room, where
he soon died. Medical advice was
wanting, as well as the tender nursing
ot woman. A few new settlers like
himself prepared him for his burial,
and committed his body to the ground
at a place not far from his rude house.
This place became a neighborhood
grave yard from that time.
The place is as pretty a situation and
as beautiful by’ nature as one could
wish to be buried in. It appears to be
a mound, more than an acre on top,
and a hollow nearly all around. On
this mound has grown up a grove of
oak trees, nearly ever green in their
foliage. It is in full view of the road '
three or four hundred 3'ards distant,
and east of the road, about five miles
south of Vicksburg. Around it are
fields unattended, because worn out by r
more than a half a century of culti
vation.
In that grove of oak trees may be
found a tall, square marble monument,
nearly twelve feet high, surmounted
with an nrn of the same material On
the east side will be seen the following
inscription :
“Sacred to the memory of Rev. To
bias Gibson, who settled in Mississippi
in 1799. Was emphatically the father
of Methodism in this country, being
tho first minister who organized a
church in this then Territory. Born
in South Carolina, A. D., 1776. Died
in the count3’of Warren, 1804. Erect
ed ly- his nieces, his nephew and their
descendants, Mat - 13, 1857.”
This account differs a little from that
given in Stevens’s History, which says
that ho was born in Liberty count3',
Georgia.
Line Upon Line.
“T wsnt to hear some of your sermons
re-preached. They did me good—fed nour
ish'd me. I was made stronger for niv
work, liy their truths Now, I have for
gotten them I remember their effect,
ami desire to see ati(i fee! those effects re
produced in my experience. So, please
preach from -—— text.”
The young Christian slie was certainly
one—so pressed this matter, that I could
not but think of her request. Is it possi
ble, that a sermon which so impressed her
should he forgotten in eighteen months?'
Yet she has forgotten. Then I reverted
to my own experience. Years ago, Miles
Foy preached such a sermon, as I never
expect to hear again. It broke, melted
my heart. I do not remember the text!
At Conference in 188—, I)r. Means deliv
ed an address that made me a wiser and
better man, and yet I oiiiy remember a
tew sentences in it. Bishop W. preached
a sermon at a Conference siuce the war
that affected my whole ministry for trood
that year —pertiaps till now —yet I have
forgotten his sermon, and could not tell
you hole lie “treated” the subject.
"Perhaps others are like me. and I will
make this a matternf inquiry, I said ; and
I did so The result was, in a large ma
jority of instances, my own experience
whs (list of o hers.
Here, then, lies tlie necessity of “line un
on line, precept upon precept, here a lit
tie and there a little.” It is grounded in
the very constitution of our humanity.
Gospel trmh can never grow old. It must
be ever kept before the people. While
special dishes, confections, deserts, may
be pleasant, and n >t unwholesome, and
occas onally served the milk' of the word,
the bread and meat of the Gospel, are a
neees-ity. These mav he regularly repro
duced, and never surfeit the palate of the
healthy Christian.
1 am reminded here of the story of an
old lady, who praised the sermon she had
listened 'o. " What was the text ?” asked
one. “I do not rememtier,” she replied
“What were the divisionsefthe subj-ct ?”
She and and not remember. “Well, what did
he preach about?” Again she did not re
member; hut she did know she had been
strengihetied and lifted up, and made bet
ter by the sermon. So the sermons we
have forgotten, have done their work ;
they have given their sliareof sustenance
to the spiritual man. They have been
assimilated into bone and muscle, and
nerve, and we have 1 grown thereby ”
Here is no excuse for a poor rehash of a
poor meal —i oorly prepared. I should
have said —such as an indolent minister
deals out to his people, and calls “f iod.”
He is responsible to God for starving his
flock. But here is encouragement to all
who 'study to show themselves approved
of God” —who “bring forth out of their
treasury things new and old,” such may lie
assured, that the word of life is doing
its work.
And from our own experience as to its
necessity, Set u-not fail to keep the whole
truth always before our people—stirring
up their mi mis by wayof remembrance
putting ihemin mind of what they have
heard—with all our might, building them
up in their most holy faith.
G. H. Wells.
Report of S. F. Tnstitute Montgomery
Diet, Montgomery Conierenee.
The second meeting of tlie Sunday
school Institute of th’s District was h id
at Loachopnka, Lee co., and the under—
signed were appointed a Committee to
prepare a synopsis of its proceedings for
puldication.
We would preface our report by a brief
statement of ttie inject of tbe In.-titute ,'s
distinguished from S. S. Conventions and
celehralious. It s designed especially for
the beuetit of Teachers and Superinten
dents, and aims to improve tlrecharacter
of Teachers and the quality of teaching,
to establish uni fortuity in our inodes of
instruction, to develop the teaching talent,
and secure greater efficiency anti success
—in awodit is a >chool for Teachers
We meet as teachers, state our difficul
ties, confiture our methods of teaching,
suggest improvements, give practical il
lustrations of methods of conducting and
instructing schools, and report Lhe results
ofour efforts.
The tirst meeting of an Institute in the
South s<> far as we are informed, was held
at Opelika, last year. So well satisfied
were all present that it could be made an
important instrumentality for increasing
the usefulness, and efficiency and enlarg
ing the sphere of S. S. effort that it was
determined to make it a permanent or
ganization, ami it received the endorse
ment of our last District Conference.
Tbe exercises of the Institute, were
opened by au introductory sermon on
Thursday night by the Rev. K. S. Cox, of
Montgomery. Dr. Cox’s sermon was an
eloqueut and able exposition, of the su
perior importance of moral and spiritual,
as compared with' intellectual culture.
The high degree of literary culture which
market! the sermon, was ouly equaled by
its tone of earuest piety aud deep spiritual
ity.
The regular organizatioir- of the Insti
tute, wa- perfectedou Friday moroiug, by
the election of Rev. K. D. Pitts as Cou
due or, aud O. D Smith, Secretary, after
tn- usual devotional exercises.
The first topicon the Programme, ‘‘Our
Difficulties aud how to meet them," ia
PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & CO., FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
Macon, Ga., Friday, September 10, 1869.
the ab-euce of Rev. Wua. Bhapard, was
discussed by the members generally. Tiie
discussion seemed to develop that one of
tne greatest, if not the greatest, difficulty,
in tne way of Sunday-school progress, is
the want of qualified and devoted teach
ers, auti the failure of ihe membership to
re.-poud to the calls of the church and the
world, to labor in thisspeciai aud peculiar
field for lay effort.
Tins subject very naturally introduced
the second subject, ‘ Proper Traiuiug of
Teachers” which was discussed in a brief
address from O D. Smith. The main
points in this address were, that our sup
ply of teachers must be drawn from the
Suuday school itself It earnestly urged
the importance of Teachers’ Meetings,
wherever practicable, aud suggested a
Normal Bible Class in schools, wilh a
special reiereuce to furnishing and train
ing teachers, to be composed of th~ youug
men aud women, members of the church.
This subject was further discussed bv
the Institute and in couueeti >u with it
Suuday school Literature wilh reference
to teachers’ wau's, and a Committee con
sisting of three gentlemen aud two ladies
was appointed to examine publications,
both I looks aud papers, aud to report.
After the usual devotional exercises on
Friday afternoon. Dr Cox, delivered an
address upon “The Method of PrepaiiiiC
Lessons.” It was eminently practical,
tie illustrated the method of preparation,
tiy selections from the Old and New Tes
taments, by suggesting appropriate ques
tions, pointing out the ceutral thought
and personal application, illustrating by
reference to History, Geography, ec. Ail
wuo beard it, received new and valuab e
hints for the preparation of a lesson, ami
all were deeply impressed with tile ne
cessity of a careful study of the Bode, wall
ail of the help they eau command, to
make etfieieut teachers.
On Fiitlay night, the Sunday schools
of Loachapotta gave an exhibition under
cbe direction of Mr. and Mrs B igget. ft
cons sted of Seripturd subjects, ft was
Highly creditable to all c mcerned, ami
was warmly appreciated by tiie crowded
house of delighted listeners. The sirgtug
was especially excellent.
On Saturday morning thesuhject, “The
Sunday school Prayer meetings,’’ their
utility and the mode of conducting them
were and scussed with great interest, and
reports of their practical operation tu
schools where established, we e very eu
couragiug At the conclusion of the dis
cussiou, the following resolution was
adopter!, “That the Superinteudents of
Suuday-schools in Montgomery District,
he request and to bold monthly Sunday l "
school Prayer meetings, on the 4th Sun
day of each month or such other day as
is most convenient.’'
Tne Rev. E. D Pitts then addressed the
institute on “ f*lie Art of Interesting
Children,” in his peculiar happy m inner,
giving us a practical, successful illustra
tion of his art by questioning a class of
Utt e boys.
At the conclusion of his address the
Commit'ee on S S.’ Literature reported
and recommended to teachers the follow
ing periodicals ami hooks, which they
think should be in tlie hands of every
Sunday school worker : The 8. S. Tunes.*
The National Sunday-school Teacher, j-
Pardee’s Index, House’s Hand Book, Eg*
gletou’s Manual, Hart’s Tuoughlsoo Sun
day schools. The Committee further
recommended, after acareful examination
of a dozen or more Su iday-school papers
for children, the Sunday school Visitor
aud Burke’s Weekly for Boys and Girls
upon their merits as the best adap eil to
children. It was uiged with great ear
nestness that these papers should oe In
troduced iuto all our schools. The Teach
ers of those schools where they are taken
bore unanimous testimony to their great
value, aud to the good results of their
eolation. The Instiiute pledged itself >1)
exteud’lheir eircul dion as valuable Mid
juncts in the Sunday school work.
Saturday evening was devoted lo black
board lessons by the Conductor—one or
two of which were very striking, aud to
the c msideratiou of “The Early Conver
sion o Children.” No subject received
so full aud earnest a discussion as this, as
the final aim of all Sunday school effirt.
Great stress was laid upon d'rectiug all
aud subordinating ail inodes of iuatruc
tion. all aids aud appliances, to the great
end if the conversion of our children, to
bringing the lain Os of the flock into the
church, the fold of Christ. Many strik
ing instanc sos early piety were related,
and ihe Institute fully committed itself to
the motto. ‘Every Child for Jesus ”
Avery pleasant ami affecting episode
was tiie parting woids ot Dr Cox, who
was compelled to leave before the close of
ihesessiou. The D tutor's earnest “G >d
speed in the good work,” iiis JhrLu.ui
sympathy, ami eloquent farewell will
long linger in the hearts of the members
of tiie Institute.
The Institute w>s largely attended, and
the spacious church was till-d during the
•*utire session to its lull capacity by an
interested and appreciative assembly. We
f.-el that the Institute was a decided suc
cess. l’he members entered freely into :
i lie discussion of lire various topics. W*e
would mention in addition to loose to
whom subjects were assigned, Bevs. W.
Shapurd, M. J. Low, W. H. Wild, A.
it Biker, Kev. J. W. Williams, pastor j
Baptist Church, Bros. J H. Swearingen, j
J. T. Harris, C O. Meadows. J. I'. Wag- j
non, Jos. W. Powell, Dr. M. J. Green and
others.
The question box drew out a great dea' of
practical information, upou a great var e
ty of Sunday school subjects
We cannot refrain from paying a just
tribute of praise to our Conductor, Bro.
Pitts. Much of the iuierest and success
of tlie Institute wasdue to his experience
and tact in eatliug out the modest mem
bers of the Institute, and in preventing
all stiffness and tameness. He is one ot
our m ist efficient as well as enthusiastic
workers.
I here can be no doubt of the practical
value of such meetings They no„ ouiy
awakeu a wider and deeper interest in
the 8 8. cause, but teachers are < ucour
aged and lustructed, and better filled for
their great work. The lustitute will meet
uext summer at a time and place t > be
determined by a committee appointed lor
tiie purpose.
On Suuday morning the S. S at Loacha
poka was add<es»ed by O. 1). Bmitli,. Rev.
E D Pitts—at II o’clock Uev. W. Bhap->
ard preached to a house tilled to over
flowing. His effort was a noble one. elo
quent, earnest, practical—his subject,
“The Worth of Heligiou ’’ Bro. Low
preached at 3 P. M., and Bro Pitts at
night, witti more than his u-ual power.
We cannot close Ibis communication
without bearing testimony to the warm
hospiiality of the citizeusof Loachapoka
ami vicinity and tlie deep interest they
manifested in the meetings of the Insti
tute. W. H. Wild,
O. D. i-MIIH,
M. J. Green,
Committee.
* J. C. Garrtjues, Philadelphia.
-+ Adams, lilac iron, Lyon, Umcago.
Spartanburg District Meeting.
REPORT ON CHURCH LITERATURE.
The Committee are profoundly impress
ed with a sense of the great value of the
iuterest which has been submitted to their
cmisideraion. Withou depreciable any
other department <>f Christian labor, or
for a siugle moment losing sight of the
several other great enterprises of the
Church, most assuredly tlie increase, the
improvement ami the dissemination of
religious literature, is of no secondary im
portance. The press is, confes-edly, one
of the most controlling agencies now in
the world; and no branch of the Church
of Christ cau expect to prosper winch does
uot avail itself, to the utmost practicable
extent, of the wonderful facilities which
it affords for accomplishing the great work
contemplated in the gospel. There is uo
substitute for it. The torrent of eufee
ding and corrupting literature which is
sweeping over tlie laud, cau be couuteraci
ed ill no other way, than by placing in
the hands of the people, and, especially of
ifcbe young, lire literary productions of
sanctified talent aud learning—ami it is
evident, that without a duo appreciation
of our religious press, all the other means
for sustaining aud propagating our doc
trines aud the distinctive feamreof our
-economy must prove iusuttlciaut. We
must haveau elevated, scholarly, sancti
fied aud widely extended literature, if we
i would save our children aud our people
from error, tram immorality and from in
fidelity.
B xika and Periodicals cannot be pub
li-hed without the u.c ssiry pecuniary
support. Our Authors, Editors and Pub
lisners, ask for this support, not in dona
tions and bounties to be bestowed, but
their appeal to us is, simply aud most rea
sonably, to buy with our money these
rich treasures which they oiler —treasures
which cannot be estimated in dollars and
ceuia, and treasures which, when once
properly in possession, cannot be taken
away by any of the countless casualties to
which our material wealth is liable.
The Committee regret not being able to
furnish more satisfactory statistical infor
mation in regard to the amouutof patron
age exieuded within'our bouuds, to our
Church publications There is perhaps
some improvement in subscriptions to the
8. C Advocate; hut it is evideut, from the
statements made by delegates, luring this
meetiug, that there is abuudaqt room for
large increase ot appreciation of religious
reading among our people.
The Committee do earnestly urge upon
every family within our Cnurch the im
perative duty of taking at least one of our
Church tapers. Our ..wu Southern Chris
tian Advocate we would name first, if ouly
one can be taken. We would also urge
upou, uot ouly our preachers, hut upon all
our members who kuow the value of books
aud periodicals, the duty of usiug their
persouai influence, and lending their aid
in pr- curing subscribers to the oue, aud
purchasers of the olh.-r. Every Suuday
School teacher especially, should make
every practicable effort to procure such
help to a beitei understanding of thesetip
ture as may enable him to make the class
exercise instructive and spiritually profit
aide.
In conclusion, the Committee express
their regret, that our facilities for procur
ing tiie issues of our Publishing House are
Uot better. The slow and expensive traus
portatlou of hooks to this section of couu
try is no unmeaning plea for some nart of
the general result which we deplore. It
is hoped that some meihod will soon be
devised for bringing books in large quan
tities, and keeping them on deposit or
otherwise within the bounds of our own
Conference, and at some point most easily
accessible to the mejority of our people.
Ductrme anb Osrpcrmite.
From the Methodist Homs Journal.
Melody of an Old Mathodist.
BY MATTHEW O. DAVIS.
Mv Saviour’s uame I gladly sing.
He is my Captain, Pri si aud King;
Where'er I go sin l it r slut.
And strive to live a Methodist.
To Satan’s camo I* bid adIPU,
And Zi ju’s ivajs I will pursue;
Cos sinners, com witn me enlist.
And be a valiant ..xetuudist,
’Tl* iru?. religion makes a man,
Tlie world m y laugh at this as vain;
hut love divine v ill me assist
To be in heart a Methodist.
J am a soldier of the cross.
And earthly i hings I count but dross;
1 »hjill wiin Chri-t, iny Head, exist,
Aud ever be a Meiuodist.
Come now with me. and you shall know
vv hat a dear ci iviour can bestow.
Hi' love to me gives endless rest,
For this J’ui called a Methodist.
A better Church cannot be found,
Her and •ennes are both pure aud sound,
The devil all her sous lenist,
Bt cause he hates a Methodist.
We’re humble, loving and sincere,
We labor day and nigut in prayer;
O may ihe uord increase our lists.
And turn tne world to Methodists.
The world, the fl-sh, and Satan’s crow.
Are up In us, t o;
They c n’t pr»*v+tl, the reason’s this.
The Lord defends the Methodists,
We shout too loud t >r sinners here,
But wlmn in h*-av**n we
Our shoutß them shall resist,
Aud heaven s ni'e on Methodists.
Tho Live Christian.
Zeal in religion is a burning desire to
pletse G id, to do his will ami to advance
liis glory in the world in every possible
way. It is a desire which no man feels
by nature—which the Spirit puts in the
heaft of every believer when be is con
verted—hut which some believers feel so
mu h more strongly tnao others that they
alone deserve to be called zealous men.
This desire is so strong, when it really
reigns in a man, that it impels him to
ni.ke any sacri.ice—to go through any
trouble—to deny himself to any amount
—to suffer, to work, to labor, to toil—1»
spend himself aud be spent, and even to
die—if only he Cau please God uud honor
Christ.
A z-alous imn in religion is pre-emi
nently a man of one thing. It is not
enough to say that he is earnest, hearty,
uiic > nprmnisiiig thorough going, whole
hearted, fervent in spirit. He only sees
one tiling, he cares for one tiling, lie lives
for one thing, lie is swallowed up In one
thing, and tnat one thing is to pi ase
God Whether lie lives, or whether lie
dies; whether lie hai liealih, or whether
lie has sickness; whether he is rich, or
whether lie is poor; whether he pleases
mail, or whether he gives offence; whether
he is thought wise or whether he is
thought foolish ; whether lie ge s blatn”
or whether he gels praise; whether he
gets honor, or whether lie gets shame ; foi
all this the zealous man cares nothing >.t
all. He burns for one thing; and iha'
one tiling is to please God ami to advance
God’s glory. If lie is consumed in tlie
very burm ig, lie cares not for it—lie is
content. He feels like a lamp, be is made
to burn, and if consumed in burning, lie
lias but done tlie work for which God ap
pointed him. Buch an one will a-ways
find a sphere for his zeal. If he can not
preach, and wotk, and give money, he
will cry, and sigh, am! pray. Yes! if lie
is only a pauper, on a perpetual bed of
siekiiess, he will make the wheels of sin
around him drive heavily, by continual
ly iuiereeding against it. If he ean not
fight in tlie valley with Joshua, he will
do the work of Moses, Aaron and Hur, on
tlie hill. If lie is cut <ff from working
himself, he will give tlie Lord lio rest till
help is raised up from anoi-her quarter,
ami the wo k is done. This is what 1
mean when I speak of zeal in religion.
You know tlie habit of mind that
makes men great in Hits world —that
makes su h men as Alexander tlie Great,
or Julius Cai-ar, <r Oliver Cromwell, or
Peter the Great, or Charles XI t. or Marl
borough, or Napoeou, or Pitt. You know
that they were all men of one thing
They drew themselves into one grand
pursuit. They eared for nothing else.
They put every thing else aside. They
counted every thing else as second rate,
aud of subordinate importance, compared
to the one tiling that they p«t Lafo/eibeir
eyes every day they lived. I sav that fbe
same habit of mind applied to the service
of ihe Lord Jesus Christ, becomes re
ligious z>al.
You know the habit of mind which
makes men great in the sciences of the
world—that makes such men as Archi
medes, or Sir Isaac Newton., or Galileo,
or Feigusnn the astronomer, or James
Watt. All these were men of one thing
They brought the powers of their mindd
into one siugle focus. They cared for
nothing else besides. And this was the
sreret of their au 'C St I say that this
same liahit consecrated to the service of
God becomes religious z al.
You know the habit of mind that makes
men rich—that makes men amass mighty
fortunes and leave millions behind them.
What kiud of people were the bankers,
aud merchants, and tradesmen, who
have left a name behind them, as men
who acquired immense wealth, and be
came rich from being poor? They were
all men that threw themselves entirely
iu>o their business, aud neglected every
thing else for the sake of that business.
They gave their first attention, their
fi st thoughts, the best of their time, and
the best part of their mind, to pushing
forward the transactions iu which they
were engaged. They were men of one
thing. Their hearts were not divided.
They devoted themselves, hotly, soul and
mind to their bu-iness. They seemed to
live for nothing else I say that, if.you
turn that liabit of miiul to ttie service of
G al aud his Christ, it makes rehgious
zf>L.
N iw, reader, thi« habit of mind—this
zeal, was the chara> te isticof ail the Apos
tbs. Hee for examp.e the Apostle Paul.
Hear him when be si eaks to the Ephe
sian elders for the kit time, “None ot.
these things move me, neither couut I
my life dear unto myse f, so that I might
fiuish tny cou Be with joy, and the min
istry that I have received of the Lord
Jesus, to testify the Gospel jif the grace
of God.” Acts xx. 24. Hear him again,
when he writes to the PUilippians, “This
oue tbiug I do; I press toward the mark
for the prize of high calliug of God in
Christ Jesus.” Phil, iii 13. Bee him from
the day of his conversion, giving up his
brilliant prospects forsaking all for
Christ’s sake —a id going forth to preach
that very Jesus whom he had once de
spised. Bee him going to aud fro through
out the world from tha 1 time, through
persecution, through oppression, through
opposition, through prisons, through
bouds, through afii c ioua—through things
next to death itself— up to the very day
when he sealed his faith wilh his blisid,
aud died at Rome, a martyr for that Gos
pel which he had so long proclaimed.
This was true religious zeal.
This again was the characteristic of the
early Christians They were men “every
where spoken against.” They were driv
eu to worship God in dens and caves of
the earth. They often lost every thing iu
tiie world for their religion’s sake. They
generally gaitud nothing but the cross,
persecution, shame and reproach. But
they seldom, very seldom, went back. If
they could not dispute, at least they could
suffer. If they could not convince their
ad versa! ies by argument, at any rate they
could die, and prove that they themselves
were in earnest. Look at Ignatius cheer
ful y traveling to tile place where he was
to he devoured by lions, <ud saying as lie
went, '“Now do I begin to he a disciple of
my Master, Christ.” Hear old Polycarp
before the Roman Governor, saying bold
ly wneu tailed upon to deny Christ,
“Foui score and six .years have I served
Christ, neither has he offended mein any
thing ami how then can I revile my
King?” This wa* true seal.
This, again, was the characteristic of
Martin Luther. He boldly defied the most
powerful hierarchy that the world has
ever seen He unveiled its corruptions
with an unfl nching hand. He preached
the long neglected tiulh of justification
by faitn, in spite of anathemas aud ex
communications, fast and thickly poured
upou turn Bee him going to the Diet at
Worms, and pleading his cause before the
Empeior, and the Legate, and a host of
the chil Iren of this world Heir him
-aylog—when men were dissuading him
from going, and reminding him of tiie
fate of Joiiu Huss, ''Though there were
a devil under every tile on the roofs of
Worms, in the name of the Lord I shall
go forward.’’ This was true Z‘at.
This, again, was the characteristic of our
awn English Reformers Von have It in
out first reformer, Wickliffe, when he rose
up on his wick bed, and said to the Friars
who wanted him to retract all he had said
against the Pope, “I shall notdie, lint live
to declare the villainies of the Friars.”
You have it in Cranmer, dying at the
siake rather lhau deny Christ’s Gospel,
holding forth that hand to be first burned
which, in a moment of weakness, had
signed a recantation, and saying as he
held it in the flames—“ This unworthy
hand !” You iiave it iu old father Lati»-
mer, standing boldly on his faggot, at the
ag of seventy years, and saying to Rid
ley, “Courage, brother Ridley ! we shall
light such a candle this day as, by God’s
grace, shall never he put out.” This was
seat.
This, again, has been the characteristic
of all the greatest Missionaries You see
it iu Mrs Judson, in Carey, in Morrison
m fchwartz, in Williams, in Brainerd. in
Elliott. You see it iu none more brightly
than iu Henry Martyn. This was a mao
who had reached the highest academical
honors that Cambridge could bestow
Whatever profession he chose to follow he
had the most dazzling prospects of suc
cess. He turned tils hack upon it all. He
chose to preach the Gospel to* poor be
nighted heatheu. He went fortli to an
ear ly gravo in a foreign land. He said,
when tie got there and saw the condition
of the people, “I could near to he torn in
p.eces if I could but hear the sobs of peni
tence—if I could but see the eyes of taith
directed to tiie Redeemer!” This was
zeaf.
But, reader, to look away from all
ear.lily example—this, remember, is pre
eminently the characteristic of onr Lord
and Baviour, Jesus t lirist Himself. Os
him it was written hundreds of years be
fore he came upon earth, that he was ‘-clad
with zeal as with a cloak,” and “the zeal
of ihiue house hath even eaten me.” And
his own words weie : “My meat is to do
my father s will, and to finish his work.”
F.-atms lxvi. 9. Isaiah lix 17. John iv.
34.
Where shall we begin if we trv to give
examples of zeal ? here should we end
if we mice begun ? Trace all the tiarra
liv sos His file in tlie lour Gospels. Read
all the history of what He was from tlie
uegiiibibg of his ministry to the end
Surely it there ever was one who Was alt
zeal, it was our great Example— our Head
—our High Priest—tiie great Bhepherd of
our pro.ession, tiie Lord Jesus Christ.
Header, if these tilings are so, you
should not only beware of running down
zeal, but you should also beware of allow
mg zeal to be run down in your presence,
it may be badly directed, and then it be
comes a curse; but it may be turned lo
the highest and best ends, aud then (t is
a mighty blessing. Like lire, it is one of
the best of sei vauts ; but like fire, also, il
not well directed, it may he the Worst of
masters. Listen notlo those people who
talk of zeal as weakness and enthusiasm
Listeu notlo those who see no beauty ill
missions—who laugh at all attempts al
the conversion o' souls —who call societies
tor seuthug tlie Gospel to the world use
less—and who look up >n city missions and
district visiting, au.d ragged schools, and
open air preaching, as n.thing but foot
istiuessaod fanaticism. Beware, test In
joining a cry of that kin 4 you condemn
the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Bewate,
lest you speak against Hun who lias “left'
us an example that we should follow His
steps.”
Alas ! I fear there are many professing
Christians who. if they had lived in t.fie
days when our Lord and his apostles j
walked upou earth, would have cttileil.bim
aud all lus followers, enthusiasts aud fa
natics. There are many, l fear, who have
more in common with Afipas aud Cata
plias—wlih Pilate and Her<«t-=-Wifih Fes
ius anti Agrippa— with Felix and Gallic—
than with 81. Paul and the Lord Jesus
Christ. — liyle-
Health in Jesus.
“And the whole multitude sought to touch him :
for the,e we it vtrtueout of Him, auU healed
them alt.”—Lukb Vi: 19.
Jesus Is here in the centre of a great
crowd from all parts bf Palestine. They
have heard of Him, and they fl >Qk to
Him. His words and deeds attract mem
He has what they want; so they gather
round Him. The scene teaches us such
lessons as the following :
I. There is health in Jesus. He came
from heaven wi ft all the health of heaven
in Him; health, like sunshine, flowing
out irrepressibly; health of every kiud ;
health without measure; health inex
haustible. The balm of the mountains
of Gilead might wither down and die out;
this heavenly balm could not; it was like
the leaves of the tree of life, never failing,
ever growing, ami ever green Tlie phy
sicians of Gilead died, ti l n me was left ;
this Physician di-snot. .He is the ever
lasting Christ, the Son of God. All health
and skill and kindiiess are to be foilo*l in
Him ; for uot only is He perfect man, but
very bod; nay. all the fulness of the heal
iug Spirit without measure dwells iu
Him.
If. There is sickness in us. We are sick,
nigh unto death; sick in body, sick io
soul; the whole head sick, the whole
heart faint; our wound incurable by man;
our hurt grievous. It is sickness pervatiJ
ing our whole system ; sickness accompa
nied by pain and weakness; with sorr w
atid sadness and heaviness of spirit. It
prostrates the body ami clouds the mind.
We may cover it ove'-, bill it is still there
We may soothe with anodynes and ad
minister sleeping draughts, but the dis
ease is unremoved. We may "deaden or
drown the pain in wnrldtiness or busfiti«&
or vanity or lust; but the mortal mahfijy
is still working in every part. O deadly
disease of siu! what a world hast thou
mails here—what an hos.pital.a 1 tzarhou-e,
a city of the plague! O pains of earth,
not temporary or occasional, but constant
and abiding ; forerun ntra of the eteroal
the eternal sickness, the eternal ago*
,uy aud woe.
111, Contact with Jtius heals. The Med
icine must be taken; the Physician’s
hand must touch na; we most In some
way or other come writhin the circle whore
the divine virtue is flowing out. It is in
deed the Holy Spirit applies the remedy;
but He does so by bringing us within the
healing circle, by making us touch Him
who is i hedi vine treasure-house of health.
There was uo healing f.r Israel without
looking at the brazen serpent; so there is
no healing for us without the look, the
toucli that brings us into contact with
Jesus. It is not a cl isping or embracing,
but a touching; a touching even the hem
of his garment; a touching of llisshadow
as iu the case of Peter. Such is'the resist
less efficacy, tiie irrepressible virtue that
is lodged in Him. And as we are healed
by the touching, so onr health is contin
ued by oyr continuing to touch. It is to
be a constant touching ; a life time's con
tact. Thus is new health begun and pro
longed. Does this seem a hard thing? a
thing to he always in cnminuuica'inn with
Jesus; to be always under the shadow of
the tree of life ; to be a I ways on the brink
of the crystal ri verof the New Jerusalem ?
If some think it ha*d they shew that all
is yet wrong with them ; and that it is
sheer necessity and force that is bringing
them to entertain tiie thought of contact
with Jesus at all. Hhould we call ita hard
thing tube dally obliged to breathe the
fiesh air and bask in the gloifous sun
shine ? Is It a hard tiling to he obliged to
eat that we may he fed, or to sleep that
we may tie refreshed? is it a hard thing
for the fiiend to lie iu company with the
friend, or the parent with the child? Is
there not among multitudes who call Je
sus, Baviour, a fe-ling that they wou'd
rat Iter only use Him in timss of great
necessity, hut at other times have the fel
lowship of every one in preference to
Him? But the di-ease that brings us t >
Him keeps us at His side. It is our very
life, our verv joy to remain in contact
with Him. — Honor's “Jiible Thoughts."
The Guy Wife and Her Husband.
BV RKV. 11. NASH.
In the retired and quiet town of N., not
far from the rock on which the pi grim
fathers landed, and neir tits spot where
the dust of many of them reposes, stood a
neat and pleasant house, the abode of Mr
and Mrs. E Happy in each other, and
mingling in a large circle of gay compan
ions, they lived only for this woild.
The husband was devoted to the pur
suit of an honest calling, but a despiaer of
the religion of (Jurist, almost entirely
neglecting the house of G >d on theSib
bath. Instead of going to the sanctuary,
the sacred hours of the holy diy were
spent ill roving ah iut in se irch of pleasure,
or in reading* light hooks and papers.
The wife attended public worship,
though she cherishe Ia deep-seated ha
tred of Christians. Bhe loved dress and
fashion, and weur, to the house of God to
see and b* seen, ami while away the hours
of holy time.
Bhe had a goodly mother, who had long
prayed for the conversion of her children.
The Spirit of God. during some months
of spiritual refreshment, came down in
the town where the mother resided, which
was tint, a few miles from the abode of Mr
and Mrs. E The pious mother was
blessed in her family, and her and aighters
at home were made tiie subjects of renew
mg grace. When the tidings reached the
earsof Mrs. E., She resolved that, howev
er it might be wilh her sisters, tier own
heart should never be moved. Bhe re
solved to resist to the utmost all seri ms
feelings. Bhe soon found, however, she
was uot quite at rest. Bhe did not so well
enjoy the company of tier gay compan
ions ; yet she ooual not tell why. Bite
found herself inclined to withdraw from
those places of plea-ure She had always
loved so well—a mystery to herself—and
tiie question would arise iu Iter own
mind, “What does this mean? Am I
going to be a Christian? No. I will never
be a Christian ; I will never give up my
treasures for religion ” I’liis.state of mind
had continued about three weeks when
she received an invitation from her moth
er and sisters to visit them, and at once
decided to go, at ttie same tins ■ resolving
that nothing they should say to her on
the subject of religioa should move her
heart, fills resolution gamed strength
until site reached her mother’s house, ami
the time drew near for her to leave
lieligion was the theme on which her
mother and sisters dwelt. They wire
deeply interested, while she was filled
with tlie hatred of the unrenewed heart
In the course of conversation tlie mother,
with the tender yearnings of a.mother's
heart, made a direct appeal to her, saying :
"O, A., wifi v<m be left of all our family
to perish in sin ?”
Tlie question was an arrow which
pierced tier lie art, aud vitli tears and
trembling she said, “Mother, will you
prav for me?”
The mother knelt in prayer, and be
sought God, iu his abounding mercy and
grace, that he would bow the stubborn
wifi of tier daughter, a id lead tier to ac
cept of offered mercy without delay. Hhe
ttien told her that she had been mads a
subject of special prayer in a little pray
ing circle every day for three Weeks—the
very three weeks she liad fall such a dis
inclination to engage ill her usual round
of worldly pleasure.
At evening she returned to her home,
and went to the house of Iter pastor and
left a request fir him to call iu the morn
ing. He did so, and found her rejoicing
iu tiie forgiveness of sins. I'he inward
conflict was over, li *r wifi subdued, and
ilie peace which passetn all understand
ing tilled her soul. Khe now thought of
her husband, who was most of the lime
from home, his business being in another
town Knowing his hostility to religion,
she feared to communicate her feelings to
him, but alter imploring divine aid and
committing the whole matter to God, she
frankly wrote hull of the won lerful
change in her feelings and the great joy
she felt in tile service of Christ, tenderly
entreating liitn to seek the salvation of ins
soul. He had long been in the habit of
writing to her weekly, but to this he made
uo reply. Meanwhile he was made a
subject of special prayer, not only by his
anxious wife, but by the same circle of
frleyrds who had so earnestly prayed for
her. '
4ftcr waiting a short time she wrote
again, but. as befire, he mule no reply.
HerfiealjtVjs grektly troubled, and w ith
trembling she penned the third letter,
which he very Coldiy answered, saying
that “she had destroyed all his happioes- ;
he had tuiW* wife no home, no pleas
ure tn anything," adding, “I may be at
home at Tliabksgiving, but if I cmne,
don’t you speak to me.”
Thanksgiving caine at length. In all
these weeks she had not s eu him. and
bad scarcely heard from him ; but she
betook herself to prayer, entreating G ><!
to appear* for her and grant her wisdom
and grace for every emergency, and bring
her husband into the kingdom of Christ.
vVhen he arrived, She greeted him tender
ly and affectloha ely, but received only a
cold look lb return, without a word being
uttered by him. He passed into the
house, maintaining the same coldness
aud dissA isfaetiou day after day, con
stantly avoiding her society. After a
suitable time she felt it tn be her duty and
privilege to connect herself with the pen
pleofGodbya public profession of her
fai h. This she desired to do with a
church to Which her mother and sisters
belonged, a few miles distant. She made
her wish known to her husband, and
procured a carriage which was brought to
the door. Bhe said to him :
<“E—, will yriu not go with me 9"
“No,’* said 1 be, add Biz a dreadful oath ;
“I hope yon will never come back.”
Hhe agafn sought relief In prayer, and
dropping a few tracts where they might
come in bis way, with tearful eyes, but a
trusting heart, she left her husband that
she might confess Christ" before men.
From ap inmate orthe family she after
ward learned that when she was gone be
seemed troubled, walking about the house,
bwiking'over the irauis, an l finally w m
dered -when A. Would come back, seeming
impatient for tier return.
On re#cl)ing home at evening she said
as she met he* husband : '
“E , are you willing to see me?”
He mad* but little reply, retiring to
another room.
HraVl'e having occasion soon after to
go Into the edtne apartment found liftu
alone, 1 ivtjt trrtbbied. Said h“ : '
"A:, Wfityeti pray for m-T”
She knelfin prayer, whlleherc'>nac*e'tee-'
stricken", trembling husband t>owed at her
I side, abd vftih strong crying »ud tearsj
spread hfifease before God.
E. H. MYERS, D. D., EDITOR.
Whole Number 1768
That prayer was heard. His sine rosa
like mountains before him, and lie round
no rest until lie was brought to a free and
full surrender of himself to Christ. The
lips which had so long profaned God’s
name were opened in prayer, ami tho
heart so full of bitterness was filled with
love.
The husband soon joined the same
church his wife had so recently joined.
The worthless honks with which iiis house
was supplied were laid aside, and the Bi
ble and a goodly number of devotional
looks occupied their places. Who can
doubt the power of prayer? “Ask aud
receive, that your jov ma'v he full.”
Uninvited Trains of Thought.
The thoughts which come to us tinasks
ed, and the trains which float iu the twi*
light of our careless hours, are often those
which are most preci >us, longest, remem
bered, and most deep in their influence on
future life. They are sometimes the re
sult of long studies pursued at regular in
tervals during previous years, the distilla
tion from many gathered flowers, and
therefore they eau not he looked for as
daily visitations. As they will uot come
for being called, so they will not stay for
being courted; aud when they give the
first iutimalious of their approach, we
should lay aside lesser etupl y men Is uml
joys—as we open our window when the
fragrance of orchards is wafted on the
breeze. Yet there is a posture of soul,
better fitted than all others for the recep
tion of these revelations; alid there are
pursuits and habits so alien to them as to
be almost prohibitions.
We must not look lor them it; the crowd
of mamm ill-mongers, nr amidst the clan
gor of political array, or the mi ling
drudgery of techtih al study. They steal
over us rather when we close the eye at
nightfall, listening to the drowsy music of
the autumnal in-ect tribe; when we walk
alone in the signi of tuouu aius, or ou
tiie seash re: or when we kneel before
tiie open Bible and mi dilate on the orien
tal usages of inspiration. Etiinu.«iasis of
various sects liave taken tlnssgo diy vis
ions ford.reel revelations of new truths ;
aud mystics have and emed them elves in
spired. lint they’are ader all, only higher
manifestations of the reason which is
common to us all. We deny not that a
Divine agent is at work, but the opera
tion follows the laws of our rational hu
manity, and conforms itse f to th condi
tions of all influence from above ou free
creatures. Tne mind, ihougo elevated is
not overborne. Tne free-thinking piitici
ple is not the same as before, though raise
ed to tiie lofiier point of observa!iotl.
God, who speaks in this silenei, speaks
by the word wnicli was recorded hundreds
of years ago; ami though chapter, or
verse, or textual phrase may not ulwsys
he recognized, tlie truths which ring iu
the ear are echoes from Bmai or Ziou.
That word of the Lord which abidetli for
ever lias an iiifluiie variety in its combi
nations and suggestions. It is a well
whose sources are hidden in infinite wis
dom, and whose flow is fiesh and abund
ant, and sparkling to everlasting pei lods.
We place ourselves iu the way iff such
favored contemplations, when we linger
long and often over the Indy pages, and
imbue our thoughts with the lesson of
apostles and prophets. To he inspired
like them, we may not pray for in this
world, Inn we may catch a Kindred glow
from their,heavenly rapture, sympathize
with their affections, carry out the trains
which they liave b gun, harmonize the
scattered propositions which they have
announced, and live over again in our ex
perience the diviue happines-of tlieirsatic
ttficaiinu. Though ou? circumstance* may
he unlike' thefrs, iu the proportion iu
which the new world is unlike th * old,
our faith and love piay he essentially the
same, and may at some fa voted uiouteut
realizi to us glories of religious awe or
fruition, which after inniiv ve-irs of scrip
tural study, shall he still new aud unwon
ted. 11 is thus that ( htlsilaii <Xpeiie.ice
is a hook of which the page we are turn
ing over to day is unlike all tiiat liave tid
ed tne volume before.
To gain these results, a man must in
some degree live apart. He must leave
tiie beaten track, ami converse less with
earth than heaven. There ure medita
tions which the com moil talk aud world
ly reu ting of our busy day do uot prompt
and canuot represent. They are beyond
tne scope of science, aud mi wliispefed in
tiie hails of letters, and the galleries of
art. But as little should, we seek them in
the ceil of the ascetic. True love aud
true humility, which are t e nurses of
such a prodigy, are closely connected with
familiar converse with our kind. B-st
thoughts ure those which spring up uml. r
the shower of tears lhat falls over the ills
o distressed folio w-cte doses Jesus Elirj-t
is still preseui ny Ins Spirit wo -re broken
hearts are to be hound up. The house of
mounting and house of prayer are the
paces where the heart is male better
Or J. \V. Alexander's thoughts on J‘rcach
ing.
An EarlyTomperance Pledge.
The Methodist Temperance Magazine,
Lon lon. says: Tlie earliest temperance
pledge which we hive ever met with was
i,mud in a very old c >py of tlie Methodist
Hymn Book, which recently earns into
tlie possession of Mr. Bibert, Gmiet.Jr.,
of Warrington, and lias by him been
kindly orwarded for publication in this
magazine. We have great pleasure i l
giving publicity to these interesting docu
ments, which will explain themselves:
June 10, 17(>1.
Lord ! this day I would renew my cove
nant, th*t through thy divine aid I pur
pose aud resolve, through thy strength,
and would exert all the powers Illotl hast
giveu me, never lo drink strong liquors
during my natural life ; and late thou my
God to witness this as solemnly transacted
in thy sight, aud signed my band
John Wats'lN:
Lord! I have tlie greatest reason for
gratitude aud tiiaiiktulness to thee for en
abling me so far to keep the covenaut
which I made with thee; and lam thank
ful to thee for thy miiaculous and resr Oil
ing grace; aud this being June 10, 1703,
would reuew Hie sa ue covenant, and beg
thy <li vine assistance to help me in the
perform moe of the same, aud as fsr as
thou gi vest me I intend to, execute tlie
same; all of which i piumt-e through the
supplies of thy grace, and signed my
hand. ~ , Jo'in, Watson.
Discontent—A Faßue—A fdale is
told in Egypt of a poor man who had a
nice little garden of leeks. But he was
discontented at "having to toil for bis'oaiiy
bred. His good geqltls came lo IBs aid,
and made Inin owner of a villa with two
slaves to wait mi him, He was delimited
with the gift, and promised to wisti for
nothing more But it was not long before
lie coveted the neighboring garden, with
its sta ties and fountains. . The garden
was given him. He,then took a fancy to
tbe meadow beyond. The mealow wis
given him; then lie wanted the park, on
the farther side of it. The park was be
stowed on him. and then, like Allah, lie
wanted lo rob a poor man of his little
vineyard. o,ien tlie door to discontent,
aud you don’t know bow many bad wish
es will follow. Rather "be content with
such things as you have,” and you will be
happy, even if poor.
Old Leo end Tuere is a beautiful le
geuil illustrating tlie blessedness of per
forming our duty at whatever cost to our
owu inclinations. A beautiful vision of
our Baviour had appeared to a monk, and
in sileut bliss fie was g»ziug up >u it The
hour arrived at which it his duty to
fee I the poor of tlie convent. He lingered
uot in his cell to enjoy tlie vision, but left
to perform “L finmbit* dqty. When he
returned, lie found the blessed vision still
waiting for him and uttering these words:
“Hadst thou stayed, I must have fled."
We often suffer ourselves to be put out
of all ou» 4mm*i -Xrt Vy misfortune,
not of llia.mnst se,rings kind, which looks
very black atihe liuffe, but which from
fts nature cannot *>e Vadnnr. Wv are tluis
like ignn ant hens *ha* Maiwt upon going
to roost in imd-itay fiaeapae there is a brief
trauaitory eclipse of djesuiy.
“What ard yoti lining?” Skid H London
D D , t<r« visitor from tbe country “O,
sir, lam in the inMUagy now,” was tho
somewhat exulting reply. "Ah.bui, my
bfotfier,” aaiil the querist ag»in, ”i» tlie
[ ministry in you ?” Rather au" important
qiiistiuh that. * '