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THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
Vol. XXXII.—No. 43.
lioitiriimfiaiis.
Rev. John Bolles Glenn,
Was born in Chester District, 8. C.,
April 6th, 1786, and died in Auburn, Ala.,
August 9th, 1869.
It is impossible in a short newspaper
biography to couvey a just idea of the ex
alted character and worth of this venera
ble servant of God, or to pay a suitable tri
bute to bis 'memory. He watched on the
walls of Zion for more than half a centu
ry, without once deserting his post or fail
ing, when opportunity was offered, to
speak comforting aud encouraging words
to the followers of Jesus. Born where
the country was new, and reared among
plauters who were braveiy contending
with the forces of nature for subsisteuce
and wealth, and trained by a father of
stern habits and inflexible integrity, he
acquired in fearly life habits of industry,
frugality and perseverance, which made
his career eminently prosperous aud suc
cessful.
His father, James Glenn, was from
Cumberland co., Va., and was a member
of the P. E. Church —having been a com
municant of the Church of England be
fore the Kevolutionary War. He, how
ever, was of a liberal spirit and cordially
fraternized with the other Christian de
nominations around him. While very
decided in his religious convictious and
moral character, lie was not a sectarian
bigot. lie wished his family to have all
possible religious culture; hence when
Asbuty and his associates were laying the
broad foundations of Methodism in his
neighborhood, be gave them his hearty
support and co-operation, aud led his
family to their meetings, and they were,
by Oils means, very soon brought under
the direct iiitlueuce of the Methodist min
istry.
The subject of this notice was one of
the first to connect himself actively with
the church, iu his 22d year, while at
tending a Methodist revival near his
father’s house, he was fully awakened
and became deeply concerned about his
salvation. Acting promptly on his con
victions, he sough. the (Saviour with all
the earnestness of a decided nature.
Through life, for him to undertake was to
accomplish a thing. Failing in his first
effort toobtain peace, he joined the church
as a means of grace and went home to
continue the struggle. He found the fami
ly’ asleep, and went to ins chamber aud
there all alone continued to wrestle —utter
iy refusing, to cease —till the light hurst
upon his mind, and lie could say “the
Lord God reigueth.” His conversion was
clear arid satisfactory ; just such as every
Christian should strive to obtain. In all
the labors, aud wanderings and gloom of
after life, lie never doubted the work of
grace in his heart at that time. A star
then arose in ltis spiritual sky that never
set, and it was a beacon ever afterwards.
11l a few mouths, the church made him
the leader of a ciass. In this limited hut
important position, his mind aud heart
were soon drawn out to the religious
wants of the world at large. He looked
and saw millions sitting in darkness and
perishing for the bread of life. Truly the
field was white unto the harvest and the
laborers were few. His soul was tired
with a desire for every one to hear the
blessed name of Jesus. But how could
they hear without a preacher ? Then came
the startling question—"should he preach
—should he go.” He had convictions
strong—powerful; but he doubted—hesi
tated—faltered What earnest, true min
ister has not fears and hesitated at the be
ginning of his ministry? Carefully con
sidering every feature of ministerial life,
he prayed earnestly for divine light and
direction. He feared a misstep from im
pulse or the zeal of anew convert. The
itinerancy then was far different from
what it is now. The active Methodist
preacher was a man of ardent toll, self
denial, and, in some sections a subject of
suspicion and reproach.
He, however, soon became satisfied as to
his duty and offered himself to the church,
and wus licensed to preach, and joined the
Houtti Carolina Conference in 1809. At
that time, the Conference was bounded on
the East by the Atlautic Ocean, and on
West by the Alabama River. A large
portion of the territory’ was still in pos
session of the Indians. His first work
was Apalachee circuit, with Colemau
Harwell and J. F. Ford for seniors. In
1811, he was on the Sparta circuit, then
extending from below Milledgevilie to the
upper part of Franklin co. He traveled
on horseback, as carriages were out of the
questi hi, and in six weeks the round w as
made. Such a circuit, with its toil and
privations, would he frightful to the mod
ern itinerant. Dr. L. Pierce was his pre
siding elder, and for him Mr. Glenn to
his last hour cherished the warmest at
tachment and profoundest admiration.
With him, the Doctor was the prince of
preachers. He was familiar with the
preaching of Asbury, McKeudree, George,
Roberts, Oliu, Andrew, and a host of the
eminent men of more modern date, and
lie always contended that, as a pulpit
man, Dr. Pierce was superior to any of
them. His associates this year were
Matthew P. Sturdivant aud Alexander
Talley.
Iu 1812, ho was ou Ohoopee circuit, ami
the next year he was stationed at Morgan
ton, N. C. Iu 1814, he was at Charleston
with S. Dunwody and A. Talley. This
seems to have been a green year in his
active ministry. He loved Charleston
Methodism, as he knew it tifty-five years
ago. The warm, generous hospitality of the
people, and the fervor of the piety of the
church impressed him so favorably as to
be a constant joy in after life. The three
churches constituted a regular circuit of
which Dunwody was senior preacher, and
three services were held in each church
every Sunday. So there was no rest for
any of them.
In 1815, he was stationed at Fayette
ville, N. C., and was in 1816 in Augusta,
Ga. This year, he was a member of the
General Conference held at Baltimore,
the second delegated General Conference
of the Church.
In 1817, severe family afflictions made
it necessary for him to go home, so he was
appointed to Euoree circuit, with Benja
min Wofford as junior preacher. The
next year, he was oh Cedar Creek circuit,
and at its close he married Maria Allen,
daughter of Rev. James Allen, of Putnam
co., Ga. This closed his itinerant career.
In those days it was common for preach
ers to locate when they married. The
condition of the church and country made
location necessary in most cases.
It will be seen from the above brief
sketch that he rapidly rose to the first
places in the Conference. It was the le
gitimate result of his fidelity to the church,
of his punctual and systematic labors aud
of his stong aud practical common sense
preaching.
Iu 1820, he commenced farming in
Jones co., Ga., and iu 1828 moved to Me
riwether co In 1837, he moved to Bar
bour co., Ala., aud with his kinsmau,
Rev. James E. Gleuu, did much towards
rnakiug Gleunvilie one of the most hos
pitable, refined and desirable villages iu
theStite. In 1847, he moved to his late
residence near Auburn, Ala.
He carried with him into the local
ranks all the zeal and fervor of an itiner
ant for the prosperity of the church. This
spirit never left him. And he never al
lowed his seeular business to interfere
with the obligations of his uew position.
Taking the Discipline as his guide, he
freely and faithfully worKed under the
direction of his pastor as long as his
streugth lasted. He was keenly alive to
the responsibilities and trials of those in
the regular work, aud gave them, his ac
tive sympathies at all times. He never
manifested any jealousy of his brethren,
nor seemed to feel himself slighted, and
never became sour. His piety and minis
try were of a hopeful, cheering and en
couraging character. He endeavored to
shed light, not darkness, around him.
But while he was in full accord aud sym
pathy with those in the regular work, he
sternly demanded that nothing should be
done iu Conference to derogate from the
standing or reflect on the character of the
local ministry. He always insisted, that
it was unjust to all of his class, for the
Conference to locate a man whose charac
ter was under arrest or censure, just to
get rid of him. This shows his just sense
of propriety and of that courtesy which
should always exist among Christian
ministers.
Up to a late period in life, he cherished
H a nib er t» f h ris iiau Adiacate,
the wish to be able to return to the active
work again.- Failing In tbtav-He endeav
ored to fulfill the measure of his duty in
other positions in the church. He conse
quently willingly accepted the office of
Sabbath-school superintendent, steward
and class-leader, and in all these places
be was zealous, laborious and faithful,
and his fine judgment and experience
enabled him to he unusually successful.
Asa leader it is said of him, that he was
uniformly gentle, forbearing and encour
aging ; and as a steward he made it not
only a Christian duty, but a point of
honor to see that the current expenses of
his church were promptly met. When
the membership were backward in pay
ments, his own purse often made up the
deficiency.
His home influence was such that all of
his children as they came to years, went
naturally and regularly into the church,
where those who are alive remain till this
day. Those who have passed over the
river had “the rod and staff” to comfort
them. With bis hearty approval, two of
his daughters married itinerant minis
ters. One survived her marriage but a
few months—the other, his youngest—for
fifteen years has followed her husband
into all parts of the old Alabama Confer
ence territory, a help meet for him, cheer
ing him in troubles, helping him in trials
and labors—and encouraging him in des
pondency. Inheriting tiie feelings and
disposition of her father, she is a thorough
itinerant in spirit, and in this respect is a
pattern to her husband.
Asa preacher, Father Glenn was practi
cal, logical and strong, and his preaching
being sustained by an irreproachable life
and excellent Christian example, was
veiy acceptable and profitable to the peo
ple.
His industry aud excellent manage
ment gave him ample means for comfort
and usefulness. Having been greatly
blessed in this respect, he recognized the
obligations of stewardship, aud conse
quently did not hoard or misapply what
lie had, but dispensed a generous hospi
tality, aud with liberality gave to every
benevolent o.iject around him, and espe
cially to advance the interests of the
church.
Moving along with tiie tide of civiliza
tion, he spent a large part of bis ,ii» in
comparatively uew settlements; ami ihut
lie might advance the welfare of ie peo
ple and spread Christian truth, he was
constantly engaged in organizing Sab
bath-schools and in building school houses
and churches. Few men of his means
h ive done more iu this respect than he
did. Exerting a wide spread influence,
he had much to do in moulding the char
acter aud forming the habits of the peo
ple among whom be lias lived.
He loved Methodism fervently—con
stantly. None surpassed him in this re
spect. He loved the old usages with which
Jesu9 had been preached to the rude set
tler on the frontier and the polished gen
tleman in the centres of civilization.
While allowing modifications of the
economy iu minor mutters to suit the
tastes aud peculiarities of different com
munities, iie still iusisted that tiie old
leading laud marks should he observed.
While thoroughly progressive iu bis na
ture, lie had the sense to see that ail
change is not necessarily progress or de
velopment for good. He wus especially
fond of the old Wesleyan hymns and the
old tunes, sung with the spirit of former
times, when men shouted aud praised God
aloud. He was no complainer against
what some call innovations, and did not
say ttiat choirs and instruments were
out of place iu the church, and should un
der all ciicumstuuces be excluded ; but he
loved tbe melody of a thousand voices
better. He liked the old wine more than
tiie new ; because he noticed there was
always fermentation iu the new. He was
conservative by nature and loved peace.
In 1855 aud 1856, when the Alabama
Conference began Us great and wonder
ful movement iu the cause of education,
he took the liveliest interest in the mat
ter.
Foreseeing that the rapidly increasing
population aud wealth of East Alabama
would very soou demand a first class Col
lege, be was auxious to secure it to the
Methodist Church. He labored without
rest till East Alabama College was built
aud placed Ui.der the fostering care of the
Conference. His zeal aud liberality aud
flue practical seuse pointed him out as
the proper persou to preside over the
Board of Trustees. He was accordingly
elected President of the Board, aud con
tinued in the office till Iris death —evinc-
ing a soundness of judgment aud pru
dence of management, rarely excelled by
any one iu his position. He was unre
mitting in liis efforts to make the College
all the Church aud country could possi
bly demand. His highest hopes aud wish
es were beiug realized, wlieu the war
called the students to the field aud sus
pended the exercises of the College. As
soou as the strife aud carnage had ceased,
he looked around to see what remained of
his cherished charge. With the ruin of
the country, most of the ample endow
ment hadbeeu swept away; aud a small
debt tiuig like lead upon the anxious
Trustees It was difficult to know what
to do. ACer deliberation aud cousulta
tion, it was determined to reopen the Col
lege and trust iu Providence. This course
he had advised, saying, at the time, he
hoped his life would he spared to see the
College free of difficulties, aud once more
prosperous and successful! His prayer
was answered and his wish gratified— and
this, tie feit, flnished his work.
For several years, his feebleness has
been gradually increasing. While his
health was good, it was evident the ma
chinery was giving out. Borne years ago,
he-ceased to preach from inability to do
so with safety. Ever aud anon, however,
he felt the kindlings of the old tire and
desired again to preach Jesus. Under the
inspiring influence of some service or
sermon, he frequently had his desires
kindled afresh to be more active, though
he was iu extreme feebleness. A little
more thuu a year before his death he lis
tened with iuleusest interest to a sermon
by Dr. Bummers ou "Life is a Labor of
Bervice” —aud be went away saying he
feared he had given out too soon, although
lie was tbeu past 82, aud was so feeble he
could scarcely walk. Frequently after
wards, he referred to that sermou as be
ing one of the best to which he had ever
listeued. He seemed thoroughly aroused
by It. To some of us who knew that his
whole life had beeu a labor of service iu
the cause of Christ, it seemed strange that
he should huve any misgivings about
his uot having done all he could. But
such was the mau. While he could, he
wished to be abuudaut in labors.
Possessing a fine persou, he was remark
ably calm aud diguified in his bearing,
so that bis very movements aud appear
auce commanded respect. I have never
known a mau more uniform iu bis habits
or wbo seemed more perfectly at ea-e un
der all circumstances. Only a most ex
traordinary cause could induce bim to
break a habit. He accustomed bimself to
take abuudaut rest and not to be iu a hur
ry about anything. His perfect health
and long life were doubtless owing to bis
manner of living. The anti-tobacconist
will be shocked to learn, that the pipe
was bis inseparable companion. It seem
ed to suit him, and so natural was it to
him, that the best pictures be left of him
self represent him as smoking.
For more than a year, at intervals, be
showed signs of partial paralysis, aud his
family aud friends began to see his end
was nigh. It appeared evident also, that
his death would be natural aud not by
disease. Gradually he grew more feeble.
His appearance iu church every Sabbath
and his slow movement up the isle —drag-
ing his feet—invariably attracted the in
terested gaze of the entire congregation.
For months before he died, the prediction
was freely made, this will be his last visit
to the altars he loved so well! The com
munity and especially the church was
much concerned about him. Without
dissent the feeling was, “he is ready.’’
On 9th August, he took his accustomed
ride in the morning; after which he ate
a hearty dinner. The afternoon was spent
in rest and devotiou. When supper was
announced, the door of his room was
closed. A member of the family going
for him, found him continuing his devo
tions to au unusually late hour. He went
to the table and attempting to use his
knife found his strength gone. He was
carried to his bed, and at 12 o’clock at
night his spirit fled aud he slept iu Jesus.
The wheels worn by long travel stopped.
The machinery gave out literally under
the weight of years. With the exception
of a little nausea from extreme feebleness,
than was-no suffering.
“ JkX midnight earn* the cry,
To meet thy Hid prepare!
He woke— and eaoeht his Captain’s eye,
Then, strong in feiiih and prayer,
His spirit with a bound.
Left Ks eneumb’ring clay ;
His tent, at sunrise, on the ground
A darken’d ruin lay.”
His funeral services were conducted by
Rev. 8. W. Harris, a local minister of
great worth and most excellent character,
who had long been a friend of tbe family
and a great admirer of the deceased. The
sermon on the occasion could not have
been more judicious or appropriate. When
the body was carried into the church, it
was found that some frieud9 with a most
delicate sense of propriety had draped the
pulpit in mourning. The business of Au
burn was mostly suspended and the citi
zens generally followed him to the grave,
attesting their affection for him and great
regard for his many virtues. He was
buried close by the side of his beloved
companion, who eighteen years before pre
ceded him to the skies.
There sweat be his rest, tilt Christ bid him arise.
To hall Him in triumph descending the skies.
M. 8. ANDREW’S.
The Charleston District Meeting.
The Annual District-meeting, Charles
ton District, S. C. Conference, was held at
Indian Field's camp-ground, in connec
tion with the religious services of the
camp-meeting, beginning Thursday, 30th
Sept., and closing with its eveuiug ses
sion, the following Saturday. As Bishop
Wightman, who was expected to preside,
had not arrived at the opening, the Pre
siding Elder, Rev. A M. Chreitzberg, till
ed the chair ; and B. Stokes, delegate from
Walterboro’ circuit, was chosen Secreta
ry. The first day’s proceedings were cou
fined to matters preliminary to regular
business, such as enrolling members and
arranging committees.
At an early stage of the proceedings
Friday morning, Bishop Wightman ap
peared and took his seat, after the an
nouncement of the regular committees,
and pending the presentation of the pas
toral reports from the several circuit-! of
the District. Lay delegates to the ensuing
Annual Conference were then elected, as
follows: Dr. A. E. Williams, Hugo G.
Sheridan, F. J. Pelzer, aud S. W. Wil
liams. As alternates: J. S. Fuuches, Dan
iel Knight, B. Stokes, and J. S. Murray.
The various business matters brought
forward for the consideration of the Con
ference at Saturday morning’s session
were of a highly important and impres
sive character. Reports of the several
committees touching numerous questions
of church polity were submitted, showing
the vitality and progressive tendency of
religion and bearing witness to the en
couraging truth that Christianity is neith
er retrogressive nor stationary, but that
“onward!” and “to conquer!” are its
watchwords. It would he highly grati
fying to give synopses of these papers
where their salient aud more important
features may be briefly embodied, but as
our report must necessarily be restricted
to short space, it is best for the Secretary
to study brevity.
It is enough to say, that the reading of
the reports elicited able aud interesting
discussion on the part of hotti laity and
clergy, aud especially that on Education ;
as in connection witli the subject, Prof.
Warren Dupre, of Wofford College, deliv
ered a very interesting address, giving a
sketch of the history of that Institution
from its foundation, showing its peculiar
advan tagesasa College, its high staudard of
scholarship, and the freedom of its teach
ings from the poison of secular influences.
Long may it continue to send forth men of
superior learning and morality, for the
service of the Church and State.
I may also mention specially of the re
port on Ministerial Support, that it was
ordered by resolution, to be sent to the
Advocate for publication, and it is here
with enclosed.
The reports on Sunday-schools, Church
Property, Church Literature, Pastoral Re
lations, Temperance, and the State of the
Church, are instructive, evince sound
and earnest views on the part of the Com
mittees touching these subjects, and give
assurance of the right sort of work iD the
interests of the church and its eternal
principles of trutli aud right. In conclu
ding the work of the Conference, Provi
dence camp-ground was selected as the
place for its next meeting.
The Secretary would close bis necessa
rily hurried ; aud perhaps unsatisfactory
report of these interesting proceedings—
with a cursory allusion to the religious
exercises of the meeting, which were
simultaneously conducted, hut which
were continued, after the adjournment of
the Conference, for the usual length of
time, as marked witli an earnest aud de
vout spirit, l oth of preaching and hear
ing ; while the convenient aud judicious
arrangements of tent holders, their am
ple accommodations, and their charac
teristic kindness aud hospitality, secured
to all persons, especially from a distance,
the most congenial and pleasant associa
tions during their stay
B. Stokes, Sec’y.
ON THE SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY.
The committee to whom was referred
the matter of examining into the differ
ent plaus heretofore iu use to provide the
necessary meaus for the support of the
gospel in the bounds of our District, have
prayerfully considered the same in all its
varied bearings upou all the interests of
the church, aud ask leave, respectfully, to
make the following report:
Your Committee feel deeply impressed
with the impor'ance of the subject before
them, together with the great weight of
responsibility resting upon them in the
faithful discharge of their duties. The
responsibility of providing a sufficient and
adequate support for the ministry, includ
ing the Bishops, the traveling and super
annuated preachers, the widows and or
phans of the church, and all its otiier fi
nancial interests, is a questiou which
should come directly home to the hearts
of our people. They should feel, that the
duty to provide this support is directly
from God, and the responsibility of dis
charging it rests exclusively upon the in
dividual members of the church who
must stand or fall upon their own faith,
their own acts, and not upon those of an
other.
The belief that there is no direct com
mand in the Scriptures enjoining this du
ty upon the membership, and that there
is no obligation resting upou the church
to support tbe gospel, is too prevalent
throughout our connection and the
church at large. And we are disposed to
look upon it as a mere human institution,
and to meet its obligations as we do ques
tions of a social nature. This belief is
extremely dangerous in its bearings upou
the spirituality of the church, upon the
faithful performance of the sacred duties
, belonging to the office of the ministry,
and upon those relative duties which rest
upon the membership of the church.
Should it become universal, and we fail
to meet the issues of the question, it must
eveutualiy result in tbe loss of spiritual
vitality in the membership and in the
ministry—indeed, a loss of all those sa
cred privileges we now enjoy as a people.
These disastrous consequences will not be
confined alone to the church; but the
State will sutler from a loss of those great
moral elements which characterized the
government in its better and happier
days—elements which dictated the private
and public actions of our citizens, and
which entered into the very life-blood of
our liberty. Remove all restraints of the
gospel and you license sin, legalize corrup
tion and sever the ties which bind us to our
fellows. Should the Bible staudard of
morality not be obtained by our citizens,
the curse that seems to be upon the land
must continue until the people return to
original barbarism, aDd the government
resolve itself into anarchy and despotism.
Then shall we, iiaving denied the faith,
become more than Infidels.
It is only the moral resourses of a peo
ple and a high regard for tbe Christian
religion by those in authority, that can
perpetuate tbe power of a nation and pre
serve the liberties of a people; and it is
only a sacred adherence to the moral
standard of the Bible and the daily prac
tice of its principles of integrity on the
part of our citizens, that can build up a
personal and political prosperity.
St. Paul, in asserting his apostolical
character, says: “Have we not power to
eat and to drink ? Have we not power to
lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other
PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & CO., FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
Macon, Ga., Friday, October 22, 1869.
apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord,
aud Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas,
have we not power to forbear working?
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own
charges? Who planteth a vineyard'and
eateth not of tbe fruit thereof? Or who
feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk
of the flock? Say I these thing as a msn,
or sayeth not the law the same also? For
it is written iu the law of Moses: Thou
shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that
treadeth out the corn. He that ploweth
should plow in hope ; and that he that
threshetu in hope should be partaker of
his hope. If we have sown unto you
spiritual thiugs is it a great thing if we
should reap your carnal things. Do you
not know that they which minister about
holy things live of the things of the tem
ple, and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar. Even so has
the Lord ordained that they which preach
the gospel should live of the gospel.”
Thus is laid down not only the apostol
cal character of the minister, but tnathe
has a divine right to a maintainence aud
support from those to whom he ministirs
in holy thiugs. Here then the duty is
from God, the obligatiou to perform i£ is
betweeu God and the individual member,
aud the responsibility of its faithful diss
charge rests exclusively upon the individu
al member of the church.
Again it is written: “But if any pro
vide not for his own, and especial!” Jor
those of his own household, bots’jty).
nied the faith and is worse than an infi
del,” The injunction here is to provide
for the household, first the necessary food
aud raiment for those over whom we hold
tbe guardianship. For this purpose, the
meaus afforded are through the temporal
blessings which have been so abuudantly
bestowed upon us by a kind Providence.
The origin of this injunction, as beiug
divine, is not denied or even questioned by
any one who holds the relationship of
fattier or mother ; or auy who have fell the
ties which hind them to the dear ones at
home. Secondly, we are to provide for
the mental instruction and growth of our
childreu by availing ourselves of the ad
vantages which God iu the plenitude of
His wisdom has bestowed upon bis crea
tures. The school, the college, the family
cir.-loaud our daily communions, are all
aids by the proper use of which we may
prepare our household for the every-day
transactions of life. Nor is the saorednesa
of the duty denied or questioned by auy in
telligent man who has the responsibilities
of a family upon him. Aud we are again
most solemuly enjoined to bring up our
childreu iu the fear aud admonition of
the Lord, aud to prepare them for the
great Christian duties of life—to give
them the ability to discharge the duties
of the neighbor, the citizen aud the Chris
tian. We live as yet iu a laud of Bibles,
of sabbaths aud of the Christian religion ;
aud the means of grace are as thick
around us, as fallen manna about the
tents of Israel. The family altar and the
preached word, which dispenses the bread
of eternal life, and the sacred altars of
the sanctuary, from tiie fountain heads of
which we may drink of the waters of
everlasting life, are all powerful means
aud agencies of grace.
But to avail ourselves of these gracious
privileges we must preserve inviolate the
high staudard of our faith, the holy influ
ences of the church, tiie sanctity of the
gospel and the purity of the Christian re
ligion. The performance of this great
duty requires a working, a supported, and
a spiritual ministry. The requirements
of the gospel aud the wants of the people
demand that tiie office of the ministry he
maintained iu its integrity. Secularize
the ministry by forcing the preacher to
seek a support from secular pursuits, aud
you weaken the spirituality of the office,
you strow around it difficulties which
cannot he removed, and you multiply
dangers which will be appalling to every
man who loves the gospel of our Blessed
Redeemer.
Our people need education—they
constant aud continued instruction up
on tiie matter of the support of the gos
pel ; and it is the sacred duty of every
spiritual minded official member of the
church to exercise ail iris powers to teach
them, that the duty of supporting the
ministry was instituted of God —that the
obligation to discharge it was with God ;
the responsibility rests wi.h the individ
ual member of the church, which canuot
be evaded without denyiug the faith that
is in him. Such a gospel preached iu its
purity by a ministry maintained in its
integrity, will by tiie blessing of Heaven
throw around tiie privileges of the fami
ly altar aud the sanctuary a sacred pro
tection, will reform the perverted opinion
which now sanctions the deeds of the
transgressor, will arrest the torrent of cor
ruption which is flowing in upon socieiy,
aud will erect a standard of morality
which shall elevate a people of irreiigiou
aud crime, to the dignity and the purity
of a virtuous community.
Your Committee believe that the dif
ficulties which beset the subject are owing
eutirely to the fact, that there is a lamen
table want of vital religion among the of
ficial members of tiie church. They are
not alive to her interests and are not faith
ful in discharging the duties devolving
upon them. Your Committee is pur
suaded, that these difficulties may at once
be removed by placing the office of stew
ard and other positions of the church in
the hands of those who are spiritually
minded.
Union Springs Sunday-school Con
vention.
The Sunday-school Convention of the
Union Springs District, Montgomery Con
ference, convened iu Troy, A!a., Sept. 30,
1869. The opening sermon was preached
by Rev. W. \V. Graham.
Oct. I, at 10 a. m., organized, by elect
ing Rev. J. W. Shores, President, Rev.
A. Dowling, Vice President, and W C
Menefee, Secretary.
The following pastoral charges were
represented : Union Springs, Mt. Hilliard,
Pine Level, Brundidge, Mt. Ida, Millville
and Troy. A number of questions per
taining to the vital interests of the Sun
day school were brought up and discussed.
At 11 a. M., an address was delivered by
Rev. A Dowling, upoii the “Hindrances
to the Sunday-school.” At the close of
the address, the following was offered by
Rev. J. B. Cottrell:
Resolved, That the success of the Sun
day-school enterprise is largely dependant
upou the efforts at home upou the part of
parents aud the older members of the
household in religious training, and that
it is important that ministers, whilst urg
ing the importance of Sunday-schools
urge family religion. Adopted. Adjourn
ed.
Met in the afternoon at3 o’clock. After
transacting important business, the Con
veution was addressed by Rev. J. W.
Shores upon tiie “Opening and Closing
exercises of the Sunday-school.” Then the
Convention adopted the following :
Resolved, That we recommend Sunday
school Superintendents to have the whole
school —teachers ami pupils—repeat audi
bly, at the close of the first prayer, the
Lord’s Prayer, tiie one who opens the
school leading in a distinct and solemn
voice. Also, to have the whole school at
some period of its session repeat together
tire Apostle’s Creed, standing as they re
peat it.
Tbe following was offered by Rev. J. B.
Cottrell, and after some discussion ads
opted :
Resolved, That as Pastors and Sunday
school Superintendents, we will make
every possible effort to coutinue the Sun
day-schools under our charge through the
winter. Adjourned.
Met in the night session at Bu. m. We
had soul-stirring music by the choir before
prayer. The Convention was then ad
dressed by W. C. Menefee, Esq., upon the
“Qualifications and Duties of Sunday
school Superintendents.” At the close of
the address, W. H. Parks, Esq., offered a
resolution that no superintendent or
teacher shall be appointed who is uot a
member of the church aud professing
godliness. After much able discussion,
pro and con, the resolution was laid upon
the table. Adjourned.
Oct. 2. Convened at 9 a. m., Rev. A.
Dowling in the chair. Rev. J. W. Shores
and W. C. Menefee offered a series of reso
lutions, which were adopted, giving to
the Convention a more systematic and
permanent organization. The officers un
der this organization for the ensuing year
are a President, two Vice Presidents, one
Secretary, and if need be, an assistant,
and an Executive Committee, consisting
of the above officers and three others eleo*
ted by the Convention. As thus organized,
the following are the officers: Rev. J. W.
Shores, President; Rev. W. M- Motley,
Hon. R. H. Powell, Vice Presidents, and
W. C. Menefee, Secretary, the above and
Rev. W. H. Biggs, Rev. W. G. Perry, aud
G. N. Gilmore, are the Executive Com
mittee.
The hour having arrived for the Sunday
school procession, the Convention arose
and joined the Baptist and Methodist
schools in their march to the grove. Here
was a grand scene. What a host of young
and little folks are seen following their
beautiful banners. Arriving at the des
tined place and being seated, the schools
united in songs of charming sweetness,
ied by Mrs. Dr. 8. D. Wilson, of Troy.
The music ceased and Rev. H. B. Cottrell
was Introduced and addressed the vast
audience upon the "Best Means of Teach*
ing.” The speech was listened to with
rapt attention. Then came music with
melting sweetness. Rev. J. B. Cottrell
was then introduced and delivered an ad
dress upou “The Aims and Objects of
Sabbath-school Instruction.” At the close
of this stirring speech, dinner was an
nounced and was found to consist of an
abundance—such a repast as charms the
eye and delights the palate.
After all had partaken, the crowd re
turned to tbe stand, listened to strains of
melody, and then were addressed in point
ed, telling speeches by Rev. Neil Gillis of
Camden, Hou. A. N. Worthy of Troy aud
Dr. P. R. Clements of Brundidge. Ad
journed till night.
Assembled again at Bp. m. After dis
patching some busiuess, the Convention
was addressed by J. D. Gardener, Esq.,
upon the “Qualifications end Duties of
Teachers.” Some questions were raised
and important discussions followed. A
resolution was offered by A. Dowling aud
E. E. Richardson, asking the Convention
to appoint a Committee to prepare a report
of the proceedings of this body for publi
cation iu the New Orleans Christian Ad
vocate, Southern Christian Advocate and
the Messenger and Advertiser. Adopted
—aud A. Dowling, W. C. Meuefeeand H.
B. Cottrell appointed said Committee.
After an appropriate Resolution of
thanks to the citizeus of Troy for their
generous hospitality in entertaining the
Convention, we adjourned sine die.
The Executive Committee wiii make
arrangements for the place, time aud order
of the business of the next Convention.
Preaching Sabbath, at II a. m., by Rev.
J. B. Cottrell—at 3 P. m, by Dr. P. R.
Clements, aud at 7 p. m., by A. Dowling.
A. Dowling, j
W. C. Menefee, )Coru.
H. B. Cottrell, J
Oot. Oth, 1869.
Sunday-school Campaign of 1860.
The unparallelled progress of the Sun
day-school cause of late years, is a source
of profound gratitude to every lover of
Zion. In many respects the contest has
been sharp and long, but the wavering
lines of buttle have usually been flushed
with more or less success. Recent ly, from
every quarter of the laud, the shouts of
victory fill the ear and gladden the heart ;
and still the advanced lines point onward
aud upward. If tiie position already
gained can be permanently occupied, it
will give an impulse to morals and religion
far beyond ourmostsanguineexpectations.
And if there were no cessations in the
schools, this glorious end might be speedi
ly realized. But in many rural districts,
“the time when kings go forth to war” in
this hoiy cause is about the buddings of
spring ; and they as certainly retire from
the conflict at the approach of tiie first
frosts of autumn. Long distances, had
roads, inclement weather aud cold church
es, are great uindrances iu many places;
but these difficulties may be partially over
come by the introduction of stoves, and a
general understanding to meet whenever
the weatherwilladmit— and thus husband
the fruit of the summer’s labors, which
would otherwise be lost. If the organiza
tion is maintained intact the year round,
the warm weather operations wiii be ren
dered more available.
The present campaign is greatly iu ad
vance of its predecessors, in some respects.
While the great centres of the Church
have been filled with zeal and interest, the
same spirit has ramified every nook and
corner of the land, infusing zeal and
knowledge In this sacred enterprise. Re
mote from tiie circulation of religious
journals, lone females are gathering a few
children at convenient points, and telling
them the simple story of the cross in such
a way as to polish many a jewel for a
home iu the skies. These labors may not
be known and read of all men, but their
record is on high. In some sections,
Primitive Baptists, who could not hereto
fore tolerate the idea of infant salvation
or early religious instruction, now approve
and patronize the Sabbath-school. Even
politicians see In this institution anew
lever-power of governmental influence.
Scholars write for it, poets compose for it,
lecturers speak for it—and best of all,
Übristians work fir it. The child is lit
erally becoming the “ father to the man ”
iu interestand importance—and the grand
prophetic conception, “alittle child shall
lead them,” is growing into an astound
ing, glorious verity. And are not these
things prophetic of tiie future? Where
will the influence end?
An important feature of the present
campaign, is the inauguration and estab
lishment of institutes, conventions, etc.,
which systematise and direct the revival
energies of this glorious organization.
These gatherings court attention aud be
get thought—infuse energy aud inspire
enthusiasm—vivify discipline and devel
op tiie best modes of teaching; aud may
become the crucible in which the litera
ture of the Sabbath-school cause may be
refined and elevated. In this way, they
may become a power in the church which
will meet the demands of this growing
interest. Otherwise they may prove au
evil and a failure. It has not been long
since we heard an able S. S. Agent state
that some of tiie new music books seeking
admission into our schools, entirely ignore
the office and agency of the Holy Ghost.
Aud every close observer knows that ma
ny of the 8. S. reading books now issuing
from the Northern press, are but little
more than flippant religious romances,
which may excite sympathy without ben
efiting either head or heart. A higher
order of Sabbath-school literature is es
sential to the present advancing spirit of
the institution; and these conventions
are the agencies to originate the move
ment, and direct it to a profitable consum
mation.
But even these conventions may license
a class of celebrations and excursions that
will defeat the great spiritual ends of the
institution. Large numbers of uncon
verted persons are allying themselves with
this holy cause ; and they generally favor
a class of worldly recreations totally in
compatible with the spiritual interests of
the soul. Children are undiscriminating,
and ready for any excitement, however
mucli it may pander to worldliuess aud
sensuality. And it is the design of the
Sunday-school to repress, rather than feed
these sinful proclivities of their fallen na
ture.
Tbe writer witnessed a S. S. picnic, in
which multitudes joined the sohool for
that occasion only; and in which the
Babbath-school interests were completely
inundated by outside worldliness. ludeed,
the term “ picnic,” like poor Tray, has
been so often in bad company that it
comes with a bad grace in connection with
any thing moral and religious. And from
its use in the S. School the world takes
license for all kinds of ungodly amuse
ments. The age is a fast one—crying for
sharp and quick sensations, which whirl
the soul through life without a sense of
conscious guilt: aud it thinks it strange
when the church will not run with it to
the same excess of riot—speaking of civil
self-denial.
Now, the very nature and office of the
Sunday-school is to direct the children to
nobler and better things—things that ac
company salvation. “ Evil communica
tions corrupt good manners.” Aud while
we may not strain at a gnat and swallow
a camel, we are bound to avoid ail appear
ance of evil. If we are recreant, the Master
may arise, and we may perish by the
way when His wrath is kindled hut a Ills
tie. Let us beware !
A remarkable moral phenomeuon ex
ists iu connuection with tue South Geor
gia Annual Conference. Tiie venerable
8. 8. Agent for this Conference, iu his
eighty-fifth year, and his more than three
score years in the active work of the
ministry, ia still upon the wails of Zion,
bending all of hi 9 mighty energies in be
half of the children. The fact speaks for
itself. We might have expected to see
him consorting with the aged sires in Is
rael: but to find him seeking the lambs
of the flock and bearing their interests
upon ills aged bosom, is contrary to na
ture, however compatible with the highest
developments of grace. Here the oppo
sites of age and experience meet, and
blend in one common harmony. And
here, too, is a notable example of fidelity
to the interests of the church —aud of wil
ling obedience to her laws. His age might
excuse him. But no. Like an able gen
eral, this hero of a thousand moral con
flicts is out, night and day, noting the
strength and position of the enemy, in
specting his forces and rallying ids legions
to the contest. As life nears its close, he
seems to recognize more than ever the ex
clamation of the Saviour, “ Wist ye uot
that I must be about my Father’s busi
ness?” and manfully urges his course on
ward and upward. A sharer in the grand
revival scenes of the first decade of the
present century, we trust he may be the
connecting link between them and still
more glorious awakenings of the pres
ent aud future. Then, the work was
mostly confiued to the adults —now, it
seems to be taking root among the chil
dren. May the tide rise and swell until
it shall be “ as it were the voice of a great
multitude, and as the voice of many wa
ters, aud as the voice of mighty thunder
iugs, saying—Allelulia: for the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth.”
•’ God, ouly wise, almighty, good.
Send forth thy truth and light.
To point us out the narrow road.
And guide our steps aright.
Made apt by Thy sufficient grace
To teach as taught by Thee,
We come to train In all Thy ways
Our rising progeny.”
A. J. Dean.
Bainbidge, Ga., Oct. 4th, 1869.
Louisville Conference.
APPOINTMENTS.
Louisville District.—Geo W Brush,
P E ; Broadway, R H Rivers; Chestnut
Btreet, B M Messick; Walnut Street,
Joseph 8 Malone; Shelby Street, E W 8e-
Iion; Twelfth Street, Joseph 8. Boobee;
Portland and Shippiugport, Joseph \V
Mitchell; Kavauaugh Chapel, Asbury
Chapel, and Seamen’s Bethel, Jas A Hen
derson; City mis, Jas S W00I9; Loulsvile
ct, D Spurrier; Middleton ct, Henry C
Morrisou; Jeffersonville, Jacob Ditzler; A
H Redford, Book Agent.
Hardinsburg District.—J D Barnett,
P E; Hardinsburg ct, James 8. McDaniel;
Big Spring ct, D H Linebaugh; Branden
burg ct, Henry N Hobb9; Hawesville ct,
Ed NV Bottomley; Hartford ct, Chas Y
Boggess, Robert Beuueti; Cromwell ct,
Samuel H Lovelace; Hudsonville ct, Win
B Maxey; Litchfield ct, R Y Mcßeynolds;
West Point ct, Geo B Overton; Cloverport
and Holt’s Bottom, Samuel C Allen; Ca
ney vilie mis, Silas Spurrier.
Henderson District.—T C Frogge, P
E; Heutlerson sta, R F Hays; Henderson
ct, Thomas G Harrison; Oweusboro sta,
H C Settle; Oweusboro ct, J R Dempsey;
Morganfield et, H L Murrell; Caseyville
ct, to be sup (by J C Norman); Madison
ville ct, P T Hardison; Rumsey ct, Sam
uel L Lee; Asbbysburg et, M M Hunter;
Yelvington ct, F B Rogers; Calhoun ct,
Janies L Edriugton; Dixon ct, to he sup.
Hopkinsville District.—L B Davi
son, P E; Hopkinsville, J W Price; La
Fayette ct, Thomas J Randolph; Cadiz ct,
T C Peters; Princeton ct, W F Harwell;
Wm Childers, sup, and Principal of Ma
sonic Academy ; Eddyville ct, Wilber L
King; Parkersville ct, Gabriel 8 King;
Hmithland sta, John W Shelton; Smith
land ct, Wm T Reed; Salem ct, Wm T
Moore; Tradewater and Pond River mis,
Joseph W Love; Marion ct, Richard C
Love.
Russellville District.— h M Ford,
P E; Russellville sta, James A Lewis;
Russsellville ct, A C De Witt; Logan ct,
Win F Easterling; Elkton ct, R B Mo-
Cown; Fairview, E M Crow, W H Morri
son, sup,; Todd ct, Alex Malone; Auburn
and Bibb’s Chapel, Wm Alexander; Al
lensville ct, J C Petrie, George R Brow
der, sup; Greenville ct. Robert Y Thomas,
Lewis E Campbell; Trenton mis, Z M
Taylor; N H Lee, President of Logan Fe
male College; D Morton, Agent of Logan
Female College.
Bowling-green District.—lsaac W
Emerson, P E; Bowliug-green sta, 1 bos
Bottomley; Bowling-green ct, Thomas
D Lewis; Bowling-green mis, Wm E
Evans; Franklin sta; Ed R Harrison;
Franklin ct, John W Lewis; New Roect,
G W Gilmore; Scottsville ct, J J Ruddeli;
Oakland ct. P A Edwards; Tompkinsville
ct, F M Rose; Brownsville mis, Vo! P
Thomas; Morgantown mis, to be sup (by
J T Chandler); Glasgow ct, Wm TDaven
port; Joseph F Redford, Agent for the
Board of Education.
Greensburg District.—B A Cundiff,
P E; Greensburg ct, Thomas C Berry;
Columbia Ct, R U Alexander; Burksviile
ct, D S Campbell; Wayne ct, Robert W
Stone; Campbellsville ct, George F Cun
diff; Mannsville ct, B'rank G Brodie; Cum
berland mis, Josiah Godbey; Jamestown
mis, Wm R Godbey; Buffalo et, Benj D
Griffin; Edmonton ct, J F Williams,
Bardstown District.—G H Hayes, P
E; Bardstown and Stoner’s Chapel, Rich
ard Deering; Lebanon and Springfield,
Silas Newton; Bradfordsville ct, Wilson
Williams; New Haven ct, C D Donaldson;
Elizabethtown, A A Morrison; Sonora ct,
J 8 McGee; Bacon Creek ct, W W Mann;
Munfordville ct, J T Waters; Cave City
ct, A Alderson, A G Frazier, M N Lasley,
sup; Sheplierdsville, G W Crumbaugh,
and Principal of Pitt’s Point Academy;
Chapel Ridge, J M Lawson; Jefferson
town, J P Goodson.
Transferred—J H Linn to Baltimore
Conference, and appointed to Central
Church; W H Anderson to Tennessee
Conference, and appointed to presidency
of Florence Wesleyan University; 8 W
Speer to Kentucky Conference, and ap
pointed to Stanford. To Illinois Confer
ence—Adam C Johnson, J H Douthitt, W
D Ward, John 8 Keen, W B Lewellen.
Located—C W Piercy.
Discontinued—Thos R Travis.
Expelled—Joseph R Bennett.
Superannuated—J B Perry, A Aiken, R
Fisk, H Kay, Joel Peak, Alex McCown,
L P Crenshaw.
Next Conference to be held in Greens
burg, Ky.
Appointments of the Holston Con
ference.
Wytheville District. —James W
Dickey, P. E.; Wytheville sta. R H Par
ker; Wytheville ct, E W Moore, T R
Handy; Newbern ct, B W S Bishop, one
to be supplied; Hillsville sta, B F White;
Hillsville ct, K C Atkins; Sparta ct, Tim
othy P Darr; Grayson ct, G W Gallaban,
J R Paine; Jeffersonville ct, Patton J
Lockhart; Marion ct, S D Gaines.
Jkffersonville District.— William
Hicks, P. E.; Jeffersonville sta, A J Fra
zier; Liberty Hill ct, J W Bennett; Bu
chanan mis, to be supplied (by JIN
Boyd;) East Tazeweli ct, J T Frazier, W
H Kelley, Sup; McDowell mis, A Q Har
mon; Prinoeiou ct, G W K Greene; Pearis
burg ct, W P Doane, Geo D BYeucb; Hed
dou vilie ct, P S Sutton.
Abingdon District. —William Robe
son, P. E., Abingdon sta, H C Neal;
Abingdon ct, J C tiyden; Saltviile ct, E
Vertegans; Lebauon ct, J H Torbitt, H
W Bays; Bristol sta, D Sullens; Bristol
ct, William H Barnes; Dickenson vilie ct,
J M Crismood; Giadosville mis, S J Har
rison; E E Wiley, President, J A Davis,
Professor Emory aud Henry College; B
Arbogast, President, W G E Cunuyng
ham, Professor M \V College.
Rogehsvillb District.—F. Richard
son, P. E ; Morristown and Mossy Creek
ct, George Stewart, RN Price; Russellville
ct, C K Miller; Rutledge ct, T F. Smythe;
Rogersviile and Kingsport ct, D R Smith;
Powell’s Valley ot, D H Carr; Jonesville
ct. A Doniphan; Estiil vilie ct, B 1 D Crum
ley; Pattonsville ct, W L Turner, J W
Belt, Sup; Rye Cove ct, J M Massey, W
P Queen, Sup.
Jonesboro District.—George W Miles,
P. E.; Jonesboro and Greenville sta, E E
Hoss; Jonesboro and Elizabethton ct, F A
B'arley, A R Bennick; Rheatown and
Greene ct, J W Bowman, one to be sup;
Blountville ct, S R Whelan, W D Mitch
ell; B'all Branch ct, J T B’reemau, St. Clair
ct, D B Carter; Newport ct, J Mahoney;
Wautaugact, to be sup, (by H B Black
burn.)
Knoxville District.— J, ts. MeTeer,
P. E.; Knoxville sta, G Taylor; Lenoir
and Knox ot, W W Bays; Marysville and
Louisville ct, George T Gray; Tazewell
and Jacksboro ct, J D Baldwin; Dan
dridge and Newmarket ct, M L Clenden
eD; Clinton and Maynardsville ct, F T
Salyer; F M Grace, Professor iu East Ten
nessee University.
Athens District.—C. Long. P. l ;
Athens sta. J L M French; Athena ct, B
F Nuckolls; Madisonville ct, (J Campbell;
Sweetwater ct, J Brillhart, J L McGee;
Riceville ct, J T Smith, L W Crouch,
Sup; Decatur ct, A E Woodward; Mine
City sta, J S W Neal.
Chattanooga District—R M Hickey,
P. E.; Chattanooga sta, C T Carroll; Chat
tanooga ct, Isaac R Ellis; Cleveland sta,
James Atkins; Cleveland ct, W W Pyott,
B Y Bates, Sup; Charleston and Calhoun
sta, L K Haynes; Benton ct, Robert Frist;
Trenton ct, Jacob Smith; Etna ct, L L H
Pikeville District.—W. W. Neal,
P. E.; Pikeville et, L C Delashmit; Jas
per ct, William B Lyda; Washington ct,
E H Boyle; Hamilton ct, E W Marsh;
Kingston ct, S Phillips, I) H Atkins;
Tracy City and Spencer mis, H M Ben
nelt.
Asheville District. —J. Boring, P.
E.; Asheville sta, W H Bates; Asheville
ct, Thomas J. Pope; Sulphur Springs et,
W H Cooper; Brevard ot, J W Burd;
Hendersonville ct, J K P Ball; Catawba,
to be sup (by J N Somers, Sup;) Burns
ville ct, Geo W Martin; Asheville Fe
male College, J S Kennedy, President; J
K Stringfield, Professor.
Franklin District.—J. R. Long, P.
E.; Franklin ct, T F Glenn; Murphy et,
W H Stephens; Fort Hembree ct; W H
Weaver; Webster ct, N W Vaughn;
VVanesville ct, Joseph A. Wiggins.
The lay members are to be appointed
on the first day of the next session. Next
Conference at Wytheville, Virginia.
Father Hyacintlac at Notre Dame.
The following description of the preach
ing of this eloquent monk was furnished in
a letter to The Evangelist, two years ago, by
a correspondent then in Paris.
But now the tall Swiss halberdier, making
a passage along the aisle, announces the
approach of Pere Hyacinthe, and instantly
this whole sea of faces is turned toward
him, with an expression of sympathy so
intense, as seemed enough to electrify one
who came in all simplicity and sincerity to
bring to them the words of life. He fol
lowed slowly, with his eyes cast down, his
face pale, and mounting the steps of tiie
pulpit he knelt down, and buried his face iu
silent prayer. Then rising, he stood, with
•erect and majestic form, and for some mo
ments regarded in silence those to whom lie
was to speak, while a deep sigh involuntarily
escaped from his large chest.
Although I was already under the magnet
ism of this extraordinary man, my eye us an
artist took iu all the surroundings of the
scene. In scenic effect nothing could exceed
the beauty of the tableau—the dark back
ground of the pulpit, in ancient carved oak;
the form of the preacher, rendered more
striking by the robe of his order (he is a
Camelite monk, and wears a long serge gown,
with only sandids <sn his feet,) with his white
cowl thrown back upon his shoulder, his
head shaven so as to leave only a chaplet of
hair upon his brow, while the light from
above fell upon his bare head, and his coun
tenance so sad and beautiful, yet responding
with quick sympathy to all the regards turned
toward him. Surely if he had studied all
this wise en scene, he is a master in the art.
He began to speak, and from that moment
I wished to believe in the sincerity, in the
piety, in the Christian faith of this man—for
if he is not all that, he profanes the most
beautiful gifts of Providence. Never did a
voico more sympathetic strike my ear; never
did art more perfectly captivate and control
the human heart.
He announced his text, first iu Latin and
then in French. It was in Ecclesiastes —a
warning to diligence and activity, which he
applied to stimulate men in the work of sal
vation, repeating with emphasis, “Agonize
for your faith ; combat for your soul!” Ho
described the agony of Christ that he might
hold Him up as an example. As it is the
season of Lent, all thoughts are supposed to
converge toward that central theme, and all
motives to radiate from the Great Sufferer.
He depicted the sorrows of the Saviour of
the world, the dropps of blood falling to the
ground and the last scene on the cross.
During this description all was hushed and
still. The vast Cathedral seemed to wear a
deeper gloom, as if in sympathy with the
darkness which was described, and when he
repeated our Saviour’s words, “My God,
my God, why hast thou forsaken me!” it
seemed as if every heart shuddered at the
cry.
As Christ suffered and agonized for man’s
salvation, so should man himself struggle
and suffer unto death that ho may bo saved—
there was his theme. But how do men
carry on this spiritual war V Here the
preacher turned from the Divine Sufferer to
the world which He came to redeem—a
world full of sorrow and sin. Instantly we
were in the midst of the nineteenth century,
with examples of guilt which all could
recognize. Ho drew his pictures from
actual life, portraying the tempter and the
tempted, and in his charges of selfishness
and crime, he seemed as if he would array
all men at the bar of Divine justice. He
did not spare any class or profession —not
even his own—but drew a fearful picture of
the unworthy priest.
“It is not by hypocrisy,” he Said, “that
the bad priest dishonors his ministry. Hypo
crisy is a thing vulgar and base, soon un
masked, which cannot long deceive any one.
But it is by that cold, cruel Pharisaism, which
puts the letter in place of the spirit, the
dogma in place of charity, in a re
ligion which is all love. It is not with hands
hard and cold that the priest must touch the
wounds and sores of humanity, but as a
mother in her love for lies children covers
the plague spots which mark the outbreak
ing of revolting disease. It is with burning
lips that he is to suck the poison from the
very blood of the death-smitten; it is with
tears of charity aud of tenderness that he is
to wash and to purify the sinful soul.” As
he said this, there was in his voice, and in
the whole expression of his sad and beauti
ful countenance, something of the tender
ness of a father —lie seemed to yearn toward
those who listened to him with an irresisti
ble attraction, and with one of his electrify
ing gestures, he threw open his arms as if he
would take upon his own heart, the griefs
and the remorse of every troubled spirit.
I give you but a faint outline of his ser
mon, though it seemed that every word was
engraven on my memory. But merely to
repeat liis arguments and illustrations could
give you no impression of his power, .for it
lay in the man, in his eyes, his gesture, and
his voice. In true eloquence there is some
thing which escapes analysis-—a power be
yond words—a magnetism vibranie et subtile,
which penetrates like lightning, which can
not be described, but which is only felt as
the intensest action of the human soul. To
make you understand its effect, I must paint
for you that countenance so mobile, now
grave and stern, and now wearing a look of
ineffable tenderness. His gestures were full
'of energy and animation. There was intonse
life in every limb and every motion. Now
he appeared as if he were the accuser of his
hearers, flasliingthe light of conscience on
every deed of guilt. At such a moment you
might believe that you heard another Savon
arola thundering against the vices of the
age. Then suddenly his tone changed and
his manner became tender and almost caress
ing, as if ho would draw tho multitude to
the feet of Him whose agony he described.
In rebuking the spirit of this world, which
lias sncli empire over men, a priest has an
immense power from his own examplo of
self-abnegation. The Protestant pastor
comes to the pulpit from his comfortable
home, from the sweet companionship of his
wife and children. But the priest has no
domestic tics. He lias no home and no one
to love him more than others. If a monk,
he has taken a vow of poverty ahd lives iu a
cell. His life is one of daily self-denial—at
least such the theory of his order—and he
speaks to tho popular heart aud conscience,
exalted in public esteem by this impression
of extraordinary sanctity. I need not say
that many priests are far enough from reali
zing this ideal of their profession—that they
are very coarse and oomrnon men, alike
wanting in intellect and in moral elevation.
E. H. MYERS, D. D,, EDITOR.
Whole Number 1774
But others there are of a different stamp—
who at least try to live up to a saintly ideal,
with whom life is a daily self-crueiiixiou—
men full of all the sweet impulses of nature,
yearning for human society, who are yet
doomed to live in solitude ; craving a love
which they can never know. In the good
priest this contradiction between his tastes
and his actual existence gives a sadness to all
his life. But what a power does it give him
W’hen lie speaks out of his lonely and deso
late heart to others in sorrow, using the very
words of the Christus Consolator!
In the Pere Hyacinthe it is easy to see the
struggling of two natures. Under that
coarse monk’s dress throbs a great human
heart. As Carlyle said of Edward Irving,
“He strove to be a priest in an age alien to
the character,” so it seems as if this man al
so were striving to realize, even hero iu the
gayest city in the world, and amid the al
lurements of modem degeneracy the heroio
type of one of the old confessors.
Iu recalling this marvelous preaching, it
seems to me that there is in it something of
the senses as well as of the spirit. 1 will
not use the word sensual, for it would not
express my thought, nor be just to the
preacher. But there is an element of pas
sionate emotion which is so marked in the
writings of Saint Theresa aud Madame
Guyon—a mingling of- human with Divine
love, the overflowing of a heart yearning for
affection, hut w’hich, shut up from all domes
tic ties, pours itself out in a love for all man
kind. But what a fascination in tin's elo
quence inspired by the most passionate love
to God and to men !
If you think me carried away by my
enthusiasm, I can only give you the more
sober impressions of others. Our Protest
ant friends here render full homage to liia
genius and eloquence. M. de Pressense
says that his manner is the union of extra
ordinary natural gifts with the most consu
mate art. It seenm he does not shun
Protestant society. Not long since ho
passed an evening at Madame Adolphe
Monod’s, and they were charmed with his
dignity and courtesy. Although he goes
everywhere iu the dress of his order us a
Carmelite monk, with his naked feet shod
only in sandals, yet his bearing is as distin
guished as that of a gentleman of the Court
of Louis XIV.
Plain Talk on Ritualism.
BY THE RIGHT REV. BISHOP OF CORK.
The laity greatly value aud respect
and lovefuithlui and able and accomplish
ed ministers, and devoted aud wuim
hearted pastors. Many of them can see
no good In clergymen at all as such, save
In proportion to their love to Christ and
love to aouln, nod their devoted liens ia
their calling to their master’s work, This
love is the magnet that draws all hearts,
whether in the mansions of the rieh or
in the cottage of the poor. In the ab
sence of this high and holy aud heavenly
passion, the true spring of eloquence and
usefulness in the Church, we see men in
these degenerate days, ministers and pas
tors of our Church as they are called, per
verting, not preaching, the gospel; sub
verting, not building up, souis; making
very little of Christ and His woik, and
very much of themselves and their own.
They turn away the minds of men im
mortal, so far as they can, from the full
ness and all sufficiency of Christ, and the
gracious work of the Spirit, to beggarly
elements of human device unknown to
pure aud early times, und endeavor to fix
them on sights and bhowe, on dresses of
clergy, on colors aud forms and figures,
ou turning now to this side aDd this thing,
and again bending and bowing to tbtt
side and that thing. Onetime they gab*
hie iu one part of the service, aud again
they mutter in another, as if clergymen
were showmen or necromancers, aud the
laity were only babies to be amused, or
fools to trifle with and not teach. Fri
volities aud fantasies are such things;
they act ouly on the senses, or perhaps at
best engage the imagination, but satisfy
not in any degree the deep requirements
and lougingsand yearnings of the soul.
Such trifling and pureiiity the people
could have, equally well, and with as
much benefit, iu theaters, or even iu hea
then temples, with an idolatrousservice, as
from pagan priests. Such teachers wrong
the laity and rob them of their rights. I
wonder the laity can submit to it. Tiie
laity constitute the largest portion of the
Church by many degrees; for them are
the clergy maintained aud for them are
the fabric of the Church aud its system
upheld; aud yet they allow a state of
things logo on in the service of the Church
which pains every pious miud while It
Htarves the soul, und from which the
manly mind recoils—a state that is an in
sult to the understanding, a perversion
and misrepresentation of the Christian
religion, aud degradation of the Church.
Ritualism, as it is called, is childish.
It is uot bad enough of itself to do harm,
but, as symbolizing corrupt doctrines, it
bodes us no good, but is ominous of evil.
It pretends, iudeed, religion, and prom
ises peace, but it is uu engine of war, a
device of the foe. It menaces our safety,
aud a breach has been made for it iu our
wall; but draw it not in ; allow it not to
enter; “Equorie crcdite Teucri.” It ia
fraught with danger and filled with arm
ed men. This Ritualism is no part of
Christianity. No trace of it can bo found
in the writings of the Evangelists or
Apostles, where is presented to us a per
fect model for our institutions, yea, per
fection itself in the doctriue of example
of the Son of God. Heathenism aud Mo
hammedanism can have their ritualism,
and have had it, and have still (and so
has another system which I will uot uame
in this connection, lest some should take
offence,) and how much the bet er are
they or any of them for it? But truth,
heaven borir truth, unlike human inven
tions, needs neither coloring, nor embroi
dery, nor artifice, to oommend her: she
looks fairest iu the purple tight of youth
and native complexiou, arrayed iu her
simple aud modest attire, and she needs
none other to charm our minds, conciliate
our favor, and fix our regard.
One burning aud shining light in the
pulpit—one loving, diligent, faithful pas
tor in the parish, with sound common
sense—will be of immeasurably more
worth than all the music and incense and
dresses and candles in Christendom ; and
one solitary truth of the gospel, brought
home aud driven home to the bead and
heart, will be infinitely more precious,
and do immeasurably more good than all
the opinions of men, the traditions of tbe
Church, or tbe ritualism of tbe earth.
Haggai’s Seal,
One of tbe most important, although as
yet disregarded, discoveries made by the
Palestine Exploration Party at Jerusa
lem, is the Seal of Haggai, the son of
Sbebaniah, whom we take to be the
prophet commissioned along with Zaoh
ariah to forward the rebuilding of the
house of the Lord, upou the return of the
Jews from Babylon, after the seventy
years’ captivity, and about the same
number of years before Nehemiah moved
so heartily in the completion of the res
toration.
Haggai appears to have been deep In
the foundation of the restoration, and to
have left his seal there. Whether dropped
by accident, or left to be found, "after
many days,” by the people appointed to
exercise certain authority under the seal
of prophecy, certain It! is that the seal of
“Haggai, the son of Shebaniah,” has
been found. It is noticeable that the last
words of Haggai, whose seal has just
now been brought to light, after being
buried,Bo many centuries, are about the
return to power of the man who had au
thority to effect the restoration of the
Lord’s house at Jerusalem. Haggai proph
esied about the year 520 B. C., or sixteen
years after the Jews had received permis
sion, at the end of the seventy years’ cap
tivity in Babylon, to return and rebuild
the Temple at Jerusalem.
The above remarks respecting thisin
teresling discovery are taken from The
Watchman of Ephraim, a magazine of
much learning aud research, containing
many articles of au original aud unique
character.
An old Divine has somewhere said :
There is majesty implied iu the name God,
There is independent being iu Jehovah.
There is powerin Lord. There Is unction
iu Christ. There is affinity iu Immanuel,
intercession iu Mediator, and help iu Ad
vocate—but then is salvation in no i>ther
name under heaven but tbe uame of Jesus
(Acts 3; 12.)