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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. * '