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178 Jcnitbern Christian ;>IACON. GEORGIA, NOV 5, 1869- Tho Southern Christian Advocate, For 32 years the official organ of the South Carolina, Georgia and Florida Con ferences, in January 1870, will enter upon lts 83d Volume, under the continued edi torial management of E. H. Myers, D.D., who has had an experience of fifteen years, at the Editor’s Desk. Its contributors and correspondents will he Bishops, Presiding Elders, Sta tioned and Circuit Preachers, Local Preachers, Professors in Colleges, Lit erary Ladies, etc., etc.; >nd, besides its great variety in every department suita ble for a church paper, it will give full and rel able information respecting ail the in terests of the Church within the Confer ences which have made it their organ. It devotes its columns particularly to advancing every part of the work of the Church, in these Conferences; and no other paper can supply its place, either for giving full and accurate’ information, official and otherwise, to the Methodists within their bounds, or in aiding the preachers aud peopleto perform that work. Itought to be in every Methodist family— at least, in the States named. Those .Methodists who have left these Htates, and are now living in other sec tions, will ffndtheSoutheru Christian Ad vocate a means of keeping up their ac quaintance with old friends, that should recommend it to them, even if its intrin sic merits were not sufficient to do it. We confidently appeal to Methodists in the West fora large patronage —but, however, insist that they shall first take the special of their own Conference, as it is not becoming in us to intrude into the territory of other official organs of the Church, exsept upon this condition. This duty fulfilled—we then look for the Meth odist sons and daughters of South Caroli na, Georgia and .Florida, scattered over other States, to take also} the Southern Christian Advocate. It is a very large and full sheet, fully worth the subscription price—which is $3 00 a year. All persons who will for ward the names of seven subscribers with the mouey, s2l 00, will be entitled to an eighth, copy for themselves. Address, J. W. Burke & Cos., Oct 29-8 w Macon, Ga. P. S.-Ws shall’feel under obligatious to our exchanges to oopy, or notice other wise, so far as their convenience and kind ness may prompt. l l" 1 Gratitude and Thanksgiving. The close of another season, freighted with blessings, demands from us gratitude; and the "powers that he” have reminded us of the fact, and called upon the people to give expression thereto, hy giving of thanks publicly. Thanksgiving is a duty to which the Christian is accustomed. Every day opens and closes with its ut terance—every meal is eaten with giving of thanks. Gratitude to the “Giver of every good and perfect gift” lies at the foundation of his Christian life—and we count very little else than a life devoted to God’s service, as an acceptable offering of thanks to Him. Proclamations and pubiic observances, and festivals in obe dience to them, can never prove a tit of fering, unless the heart be really touched with gratitude; and where tiiis is, the result will be manifest in a life of devo tion to duty. God has been kind to us another year. Our lives aud health, and those of our families have been spared; or if death aud affliction have come, yet there are the comforts of religion to assuage tlie grief and to mitigate the pain, when there is trust in His over-ruling love. These added mouths of earthly blessing, or these new manifestations of the soothing power of grace, call for new acts of devo tion aud a reuewul of our vows of conse cration. Many earthly comforts and much tem poral good have been allotted to us. The year has beeu one of general prosperity. There is bread in the storehouse; aud the earth has yielded her increase. If there has beeu failure anywhere, yet there is not famine; if hopes have, in any case, been disappointed, yet there is not desti tution. In any event, we have received more than we deserve, — more, perhaps, thau we will receive with due gratitude or put to a wisely religious use. Here is our responsibility, aud the appointment of a season to weigh well our blessings aud our duties may lead us to a just ap preciation of it, and inspire us with a gra titude that seeks to make some proper return for the benefits bestowed. And, now, what return shall we make to God for the past year and its blessings ? First, let us offer him our hearts. “My son, give me thy heart,” is the sum of the gospel invitation to us, aud to,woo and win it, God gave His well-beloved Son, and with Him aud for His sake gives eve ry other good that we enjoy. Secondly, with our hearts, let us render to Him a service worthy of the occasion of gratitude. So great a price paid for our love demands a return of no ordinary value. And when we have given ourselves to Christ, as His servants, and our influence to His Church, that wo may forward its triumphs, and our substance to tbe furtherance of the gospel, .and all that we have and are to glorify God, we have yet done too little to reach that height of devout gratitude, to which tlie wonderful mercies of God should raise If so, how poor, how mean will be that thanksgiving for the mercies of the year, wbiek expends itself in holiday idle ness*aud festivity, brings only the mocke ry of lip service to God, and adds noth ing to the devotion of the people at large to the duties of religion, or the consecra tion of the Church to the work of Chris tianity. Thanksgiving demands thank of ferings-, and he, who is truly grateful for the mercies he has received, will cast about him, to learn where he can bestow them to the glory of God. He who does so, can find iu the various claims of the Church abundant opportunities for the bestowment of gifts adequate to the ex pression of the most exalted gratitude. A word to the wise is sufficient. Will this day of thanksgiving bear fruit, in a large increase of offerings to the gos pel of the Bon of God ? Dr. Boring’s Communication. The subject brought before the Church, by Dr. Boring is one of great interest, as one of the forms into which its activities go forth, for saving the world. Whether anything practical can be accomplished remains to be seen ; but to ascertain all that may be known on this subject is the very design of his article. We invite at tention to it; and would suggest that if anything is to be done, it ought to begin to take shape at the comiug Annual Con ferences. “The Maoademised Road to Heaven.” The Banner of the South—a Romanist sheet—copies from an article thus headed, in which we showed from the “Pastoral Letter” of Augustin Verot, “by the grace i of God and the favor of the Apostolic See, Bishop of Savannah and Administrator Apostolic of Florida” to “the clergy and laity of Georgia and Florida,” announc ! ing “the Jubilee which our Holy Father Pius IX. has proclaimed to the Catholic world,” that Heaven is to become debtor to the faithful, who will 1. Fast three days, extra. 2. Give an alms to the poor. 3. Confess their sins, in the tribunal of Penance. 4. Receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. 5 Visit a church twice, where there is one ; or else, the place where Mass is cele brated, once, aDd a room where a crucifix is set up, once ; and when there, 6 Offer five Paters and five Aves, which without reference to their meaniug, are to be considered as so many prayers for the success of the Pope’s intention—what ever they may be. And the Pope pledges Heaven to pay the debt incurred by this amazing amount of religious service: 1. By granting the fullest remission of sin. 2 By cancelling all debts which these worshippers owe to Divine Justice. 3. By permitting them, dying, to enter Heaven at once, without detention in the fires of Purgatory. 4 Or, in case oue feels safe himself, he mav release from those fires, one of the “faithful departed.” The Banner does not like our account. He “pities” our “ignorance.” We shall nevertheless survive. His only answer is, that the Methodist Church makes the way to heaven more easy still. -He shows how this is done, by a statement which needs no refutation—no denial even ; for the world knows that this is ne portrait of Methodism—either as to doctrine or | du'y— but as vile a calumny as that once ' uttered against “Saint” Peter, “Saint” | John and others, where it was said of them, “these men are full of new wine” i —a calumny, of much the same character in origin and purpose. What we said of the Roman Church making “religion easy,” we said, quoting fully the official document from which we derived that in formation. No refutation or explanation is attempted-in effect, our charge is ac knowledged. But au attempt is made to turn hack the reproacli upon our Church, in tlie sneering language that follows : “An unconverted sinner enters a Metho dist Church ; hears a wild sermon on Hell ; becomes physically excited ; joins in tbe hymn; thunders out a colossal amen; thus adds to his own previous excitement; goes home with hosanna in his heart— and straightway he is justified! He has got religion ! —or. rather, Religion has got a tight hold of him. In this way the sin ner becomes tlie saint. The singular work is easily done; no fasting; no alms-giv ing; no hard penitential duties; noeon fessious are required. God does the whole of it ; the poor siuner is a mere automa ton in His hands. If his be not “reli gion made easy,” we kuow not what is. “The Methodist Church, in fact, is al ways in jubilees—with this difference, that wlille the Catholic Church exacts works hard to flesh and blood for her Ju bilee, —that Church exacts nothing at all. “Ho, by all means, let our cotemporary of Macon keep for itself and its own Church ilie title of Religion made easy.” The writer seems to have no idea that thes'nner goes to God for pardon. He ought to bestow alms, fast, repeat a few “aves” and “paters,” and the Pope—not God—will forgive his sins, or if he have none to forgive, release his friends from purgatory. Wo leave the matter there. Our stric tures were correct—here is confirmation of it. We do not pity the writer’s ignor ance—it is something worse we are called on to pity here—namely, that impiety Haint Peter and the Apostles needed to pity in the "mocking” Jews. A Commentary on the Gospels. Our readers will be glad to have tbe in formation conveyed by Dr. Summers in the following announcement. It will be seen that lie does not announce his large work, which his friends have beeu look ing for with solicitude, but a brief com mentary for Sunday-schools, etc., etc. He writes: We have just published the first volume of our Commentary on the Gospels. It comprises the Gospel according to Mat thew. It is a handsomely executed duo decimo of 308 pages. It is accompanied by a tinted map of Palestine, illustrative of tbe places mentioned in the Gospels. It is designed for Biblical students iu gen eral, and especially for Bible classes and Sunday schools, for whose benefit we have prepared a book of Questions based on the analysis which the Commentary presents. For several years the author has been employed, as far as other engagements would permit, in writiuga Commentary on the Gospels, based on a Harmony dif ferent from any that he has seen in pr)nt, and presenting synopses of the views of leading expositors and occasional annota tors on tbe sacred text, ancient and mod ern. Having to leave the Publishing House in February, 1862, his lot was cast in Tu9- kuloosa, where he had access to valuable private libraries, aud to tbe magnificent library of the State University—till it was burnt by order of Gen. Croxton—so that he was able to prosecute his work with consid erable advantage. But as it grew ou his bauds to such an extent as to be altogeth er too elaborate for general students, such as members of Bible-classes. Sunday schools, aud many ministers, he has post poned Us publication, yielding to the im portunities of judicious friends, and pre pared a condensed Commentary on the Gospels, iu which results are given, for the most part, without the processes by which they were reached, and without uoticiug conflicting opiuious of other authors. Though the original text has been kept constantly in view, he has re trained from citing It, in conformity with his main design. The author could not farther condense the work, without mak ing it too elementary and superficial to meet the wants of those who may seek its aid in studying the inspired records. It nicy not be improper to state, that this Commentary has been, for the most part, written, rewritten, and revised, with no little care—it is given to the public with much diffidence—and like his previous publications it will be left by the author to work its way into circulation and to take care of itself, if any of its views should be impugned. The Commentary on Mark is in press, and will soon be published. The American Grocer, which we noticed recently as published by John Darby & Cos., 161 William St., New York, at $2 00, is like to prove a valuable addi tion to our commercial literature. In the last number, Professor Darby gives a capital article on coffee —from which we select the most Important part—the prin ciples involved in preparing coffee for the table. But it is not raw coffee that we use. It is roasted. It is in this condition that it becomes of interest to us. We have no hesitation iu saying that one-half of the coffee is ruined by the process of roasting. It is the first and most important step in making good coffee. The roasting should be conducted as much as possible iu a close vessel, with as little exposure to the air as may be. It should be roasted to a light chestnut-brown, not darker, or till the grain becomes brittle, when cold. If the coffee is black, it is ruined. The ma terials are decomposed, and nothing is left but charcoal aud some empyreumatic oil. A little sugar and lard mixed with charcoal would make just as good coffee, when roasted. The peculiar, delicious aroma is produced by roasting, and is a volatile oil. The sugar aud the fats are more or less changed, but not decomposed. The coffee loses iu weight about fifteen per cent, by roasting, but increases much more iu volume than it loses in weight. Coffee deteriorates rapidly after roasting, and still more rapidly after grinding; hence should be roasted, ground and used witb no long interval. Ground coffee absorbs gases rapidly and in great amount. Bo much of gas has it been known t.o ab sorb as to produce spontaneous combus tion. Recently roasted and ground coffee is a good deodorizer, absorbing the offen- sive emanations and leaving its own aro ma behind. Much care is requisite in making coffee. As remarked above, the aroma is due to a volatile oil, produced during the roasting. If we place some roasted or ground coffee in a retort and distill it with water, re ceiving the distillate in a cold receiver, we obtaiD in the receiver all the delicious flavor of the coffee, and have in the re tort what usually comes to our tables, a black, bitter-sweet infusion, which may be disguised by sugar and cream to he in a state possible for deglutition. The aro ma has gone. So it is in all boiling coffee. Coffee, to be perfect, should be made in a tight vessel, and Dot be boiled, if the whole of ita peculiar richness is to be pre served. How it was Done. Tbe Rev. J. V. M. Morris, of the Bald win circuit, No. Ga. Conference—by no means a rich circuit—sends $30.00 for the China Mission, most of it given by the children. He writes: “They made the money mostly—some picked cotton, some sold eggs, some knit socks, and one little fellow kept the hogs out of his father's field. All did something. Where is the child, who cannot do some thing to carry the gospel, where it is not? All of them will, if tbe subject is brought properly before them ; and it is much bet ter to have them earn, than beg it- For 1. It teaches them to do something ; 2. It teaches them to give; 3. It is helping to do the greatest work man can do—carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in darkuess.” The Rev. C. H. Ellis, also sends $7:00, from the children of Smyrna School, Lit tle River circuit, No. Ga. Conference for same mission. He writes: “They are few in number, and their con tributions small, yet they wish to aid in the great work of sending to the heathen tbe Gospel of Christ. lam happy to bear witness to the fact, that God has honored these children with his blessings, spiritu al, as well as temporal, and this appears as their thank c fferinn to the Lord.’’ Death of Rev. W. A. Gamewell. We arrest the press, after part of our edition is worked off, to announce to our readers in South Carolina, where Brother Gamewell was so much beloved, that we have just received, from Dr. Whitefoord Smith, the sad news of his death. He died at 2J o’clock, p m., of Saturday, 30th October. We must defer Dr. Smith’s commuuica lion tell next week. The Methodists of South Carolina have rarely been called to mourn a man more devoted, more useful, more beloved. As was to have been expected, his last hours were full of comfort. An Incendiary Fire.—The Tallahas see Floridian informs us that the dwell ing and kitchen of the Rev. E. L. T. Blake, a superannuated preacher of the Florida Conference, was burned down just before day of the 22d Oct. That pa per says:—So quick did the flames spread all over the main dwelling that but few things iu it could be saved. Furniture, crockery, bed clothing, cooking uteusils, etc., were destroyed, and thus a good man and his family, whose circumstances in life are such that they can ill afford tbe loss, were in a little while stripped of al most all they possessed. He has the sym pathies of our entire community, and they have taken pleasure iu appending their names to a subscription paper which has beeu circulated through the city for his relief. A minister of God aud a just man, beloved and respected by all who know him, his case is one which has ex cited more than ordinary sympathy, aud our citizens, with characteristic liberali ty, have extended to him more substan tial aid than mere words. As to the ori gin of this fire, the third one within a week, there can be no doubt, that like tbe others, it was the work of an incen diary. What motives could have actuated the wretch who committed the act, we cannot imagine. That lie could have en tertained ili-wili or malice towards the sufferers, based on auy foundation whate ver, we do not believe, for there is not a man in our whole community more uni versally respected and honored than Mr. Blake. Pk. Munsey.- The Nashville Advo cate, publishing the appeal of the Board of Foreign Missions to the Georgia Con ferences, very properly, transforms It into an appeal to theeutire Church, aud in forms U 9 that on last Buuday morning week, Dr. Munsey, delivered a telling Missionary discourse to an immense audi ence iu McKeudree Church. All the other Methodist Churches in Nashville and Edgefield were closed, and the pastors, as well as others, from a distance, were pre sent. The address was perhaps, the finest effort made by the distinguished orator, and the collection that followed was quite handsome. Drs. Green and McFerrin were present, and assisted in the collec tion. Dr. Munsey’s health is better, and his whole soul is Interested iu the work to which he has been called. The Montgomery Conference of tbe M. E. Church, South, has been postponed one week by Bishop Paine, at the solicita tion of the citizens of Union Springs, Ala. It will meet at that place, Decem ber Bth, instead .of Ist December, as pre viously appointed. Writers of Obituaries will please take notice, that they must forward them within three months of the death of the subject, if they wish to see them in the Advocate. The Publishing House.— Read “The Sixty Dollar Proposition” and other No tices from Dr. Bedford. Southern Presbyterian Review.— The articles in this number are : 1. Unifi cation ; 2. The Amended Form of Gov ernment—by the Rev. J. A. Smylie, Mil ford, Texas; 3. Christian Unity—by the Rev. W. B. Moseley, Oakly, Va ; 4. What is a Call to the Gospel Ministry ? 5. Bau hennan’s Church of Christ; 6. Foreign Missions ; 7. Card from Rev. F A. Ross ; 8. Critical Notices. We think the article on a Call to the Christian Ministry will be likely to open a controversy. We think it wrong and very vulnerable. This Re view is published quarterly, at Columbia, South Carolina, at $3 00 a year in ad vance. New Advertisements. The following advertisements appear first time in Advocate this week : Warehouse and Commission Mer chants.—Hardeman & Sparks, Macon/ Ga. Mapes’ Nitrogenized Superphos phate of Lime, and o'.her Fertilizers.— Purse & Thomas, Savannah, Ga. Arrow Ties, Fertilizers, etc., etc. —Henry L. Jewett, Macon, Ga. Fruit Trees.—Wm. Morley, Snapping 3hoals, Ga. Atlanta Nurseries.—Harden, Cole & Cos., Atlanta, Ga. Ladies’ and Children’s Furs.— Steele, Charleston, S. C. Agents Wanted, for the Genuine New Improved Common Sense Family Sewing Machines—G. M. Neely, Montgomery, Ala. Situation as Teacher, wanted, by a Young Englishman, Decatur, Ga. Broughton & Wyman.—Publishers, N. Y. Interesting Works.—J. W. Burke & Cos. SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. Carmgmtet. Christian Liberality The Pastor’s Duty. Objections met—PresMlig Fldeis and Pastors— represent&*-ive Members-Tne sniveling View —Something fathomless—When Jesus speaks. Mr. Editor :—la 11. Corinthians, viii., after stating “the riches of liberality” given by “the churches of Macedonia.in a great trial of affliction and deep pover ty,” St Haul said t<> the church at Cor inth, “We desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he wonld also finish in you the same grace aiso ” So clearly is it the duty of the pastor to educate, perfectly teach his church to abound, even in deep pover ty, “Vnto the riches of liberality !” He then exhausts two chapters in preaching this part of tbe gospel to them to aid Ti tus therein. Such is the Apostolic rule and precedent. Is it wise or faithful that we reverse it, and neither begin nor finish this gift in the churches, that they may “abound in this grace also?’' An evil ap pears here. Some of us who neglect it, and some stewards who allow us to do so. avail themselves of the presiding elders, by insisting that they ought to preach it, anil we ought pot. So did not Titus, for Paul on meeting him found that he had been faithfully employed therein, and, like “a wise master-builder,” co-operated with him. The objection is not, that the piesiding elders preach this part of the gospel—“for they are God’s ministers attending con tinually upon this very thing,” and, usu ally, are “ready to every good word aud work;” but it is this—we make them “scape goats” for our simple neglect in the premises. Paul aud Titus were and their sons in the ministry ought to he, "true yoke-fellows''' in this gospel. I here decisively write that the intelligent repre sentative members of the church are npw demanding that their pasters rise out of sleep, or part with their fears upon this subject, aud teach the people “the tilings of God,” relative thereto. They know where the duty lies. They grieve that “the trumpet gives au uncertain sound.” They appreciate the scandals poured upon theChurcb’s name by the immense dispar ity between the ability of the tuembersbip aud the offering, between the duty and its performance, the privilege and the es timation thereof. In District and church meetings, within four years past, they have urged the ministry, by affectionate resolutions, to preach the gospel concern ing the grace of giving, plainly, lovingly, affectionately—to educate the church in the Scriptural views thereof. They will vindicate the spiritual, faithful preacher against that satan, covetousness, who roused by “the sword of theSpirit”—“the word of God,” in his golden palace built by tithe robbery, airs bis baseness by as sailing with fierce accusations and male dictions the men of God wUo strike for his destruction. It isa positive injury to them to bold, tiiat tuey cannot endure sound doctrine upon this subject. They not only will endure but, as we have seen, court It. Nor will they allow it to return void, hut, putting their shoulders to the car while going up-grade, give it achieving momentum till in liberality, as in spiri tuality, Methodism shall be “in the re gions beyond” others. Several months ago when the S. C. Ad vocate was exposing to its readers by edi torials of irrefutable facts aud massive thoughts the defect of the Church upon this subject, and a few were wincing, the many approved the pointed truths it enunciated, and bid them God-speed on their sacred errand. The editor achieved greater character for his paper with the thiukiDg, earnest, working members, ij no other tilt against sin than in that in stance. Presbyterians and Episcopalians often say their churches are more liberal than others, because their ministry preach upon tbe subject as fully as they do upon repentance, or prayel. Are Methodists inferior to these? If .these improve by reason of the word preached, aud increase tithes iu God’s storehouse, will not Metho dists, likewise? Or are they unlike those Christians, aud like “the sluggard wiser in his own conceit thau seveu men that can render a reason,” aud hence unteacb able, intractable—not to be improved by even God’s word “whose entrance givetli light?” Let us not fail iuto the "gain, saying" of those erring about Methodists, and instead of regarding them, as they really are, iu arlvauce oi other bodies* of Christians In most elements of Christian character, account that they are con temptible iu tbe comparison. That oth ers are in advance of them as to the grace of giving is their misfortune, aud, maialy our fault. We their ministers, their guides, have been blind or recreant, and no marvel they have fallen into the ditch. They perish for lack of knowledge. God hath committed unto us for them that which we have, in violation of “tbe law aud tbe testimony,” withheld. Let (he priests themselves repent, “and put sal vation on,” and “feed the flock of God” on “the word of life” that “is convenient for them.” The Methodist church is now present ing the anomaly of a great body of Chris tians, save a few zoned by Folly or irrita ted by Avarice, imploring their pastors so to teach them that they will enter the greeu pastures of liberal things where God’s blessings abound, and the pasters, like the unclothed guest at the feast, stand speechless, and trembling. But it is objected “if we so teach, some will say that we preach for money aud walk no more with us—therefore we had best not preach the gospel whereunto God hath called us, and by which the people are saved. So preposterous is this objec tion. Suppose some will say that we preach for money. Who are they , that fear of them should cause us to be like those of dumb devils possessed, and with hold from “the good and true” of the flock the message of the Great Shepherd ? In the Bense charged, is it not a saying which both hell and earth know to be false? Os Jesus “the Pharisees said He casteth out devils by the priuce of devils.” Did He therefore cease His work of mer cy and speak no more to the devil, that he go out of the man? Os His sublime sermon recorded iu John vi. many of His disciples, “said this is an hard saying : who can bear it?” and, “went back and walked no more with Him.” Did He, therefore, seal His lips aud utter no more the words to which they objected? Not tbe Pharisee, nor the deserter because of the truth; but He is our example—the law anto us. However, take a practical view of this money charge which so affrights us. The people demand that pastors shall not com pete with them in the domains of law, medicine, commerce, politics, etc., but separating and giving themselves wholly unto tbe ministry of the word, as tbe Bible enjoins, look to them for material tilings. To this pastors accede, and, in a distorted sense," preach for material things—“for money” due them for service rendered “in things spiritual.” Is there ajuster, purer, more reasonable claim ? Does not every high virtue, every profound motive suggest that to refuse its paymeut is the abyss of injustice? “Who goe.h a war fare at his own cost?” It was malignant Egypt, the barbarous tyrant, that requir ed the laborer’s “tale of brick,” and yet withheld the needed “straw,” not Chris tian Zion. The lawyer demands hi 9 re ward of his client for service rendered— is it a reproach ? The physiciau claims his fee of the patient—is it a shame? The mechanic, merchant, farmer, etc., require their dues—is it improper? Where then is tbe wrong, eveu in this business, though groveling, view of the question, if the ministry do likewise? Are there any who could take offence thereat, save those who from sheer ignorance, or meanness, are discomposed by light, or shocked by honor? It is reported that a delegate introduced last year, at a District-meeting a resolu tion urging that the children of pastors should be “bound out to service”—that is, to aid pastors to preach the gospel to the people at the least possible cost to them, aud the greatest possible cost to the preachers, their children should be made the servants of that people. Its fathomless meanness means that, while gnawing away the flesh and heart of tbe minister, consuming his children before his dying eyes is to be called godliness. "That kind” are likely to howl when God’s tithe-oracie is preached ; and let them, till their wolfish nature is manifest, and they are scouted from “the company of the just.” But ministerial support is only a tithe of tbe tithes God ordaiDS should be ‘ cast in unto His offerings.” The apostolic churches besides collections for pastors’ support, had collections for their own and the poor of their feebler churches, and to aid in the support of missions founded by their missionary presbyters, amid tears and toils. And our own churches walk by the same rule, and growiug in grace and increasing in knowledge and opportunity, have Bible and Sunday school collec tions, and collections to perpetuate and increase educational facilities. These objects of her benevolent care are lodged in her keeping by the spirit and prin* ciples of “scriptural holiness” she seeks to spread over the land; and. from tbe benefits which accrue to aDd shine forth from them, they appear to be—are divine inspirations. For these sacred trusts also is the gospel of the grace of giving, of “liberality,” preached. "Some brethren of unquestionable fi delity advise us not to preach upon the subject.” But we have seen God insist that we should do so. Whom should we obev? "When Jesus began toshow unto his disciples that he must go unto Jerusa lem, and suffer many things. Peter begau to rebuke him, saying, be it far from thee. Lord : this shall not be unto tbee. But he said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan : thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” The advice of Peter flowed from a loving heart, but it had not the right savour, and Christ who is our example rejected it, and “Then said unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” It is a cross, a modern one, to enter the lists against deified Avarice. But his massive temple and environing hosts gave no safety to Dagon, when the ark of God with the tables of thelaw was set at hisside. “Early on the morrow morning, Dagon was fallen upoD his face to the ground be fore the ark of the Lord,” headless, palna less; “only the stump of Dagon was left him.” Aud such will be the fate of Ava rice, if “the priests appointed to the charge of the ark” will plant it near his throne. Grace has so arranged, that the hearts of Christians should burn within them, when Jesus talks with them by the way. And if He speak to them from the pulpit, the ordained place, touching the duty in question, as of other duties, that they understand “the Lord hath need, ’ the fire of fidelity will kindle till with joyful heart, ere a decade of years renders its account, they will habitually iay upon His altar the offerings His laws require. R. W. Bigham. Church Orphans’ Homes. Ed. Advocate— Dear Brother: My mind has long been turned to the subject of a system of “Orphan’s Homes” for the Methodist E. Church, South ; and regard ing it as of paramount importance, I pro pose, w T ith your consent, to present the subject briefly to your readers, hoping that when attention is amused, measures will he adopted to provide for this great want of the times. I do not mean to in timate that a proper system of Church Orphans’ Homes is demauded, alone by the "times" or anything peculiar herein ; but that, whilst it ought always to have existed, and should he as perpetual as the church, tbe present, especially calls for such a provision. It is only necessary to reflect for a moment to become convinced of the atisclute and overwhelming neces sity for such a provision for the orphan and helpless oor, directly and indirectly dependent upon us, for food and raiment, and especially for education, proper train ing, aud, above all, for religious instruc tion. Only think of the thousands and hun dreds of thousands of children, scattered over this vast and recently desolated country, connected, immediately aud re motely, with the Methodist E. Church, South, who are fatherless and mother less, homeless, and many of them friend less, wiio are left to the perils of their ca lamitous surroundings, aud almost all of whom must, iu the very nature of tbe case, be wrecked, socially, mentally and morally ! True, some few will escape tbe ruin which seems inevitable to their cir cumstances, but the great majority, must, in the end, prove a curse to society, aud to themselves. These are human beings, immortal spirits, and are not responsible for their present helplessness aud imminent dan ger. They are part of the "poor ye have always with you,’’ and to whom ye can do good, for whom God intends the Church shall provide ; aud if we shut Uo our bowels of compassion towards them, their blood will he demanded at our hands. lam not disposed to charge or censure the Church ; hut, iu contemplat ing this subject, I cannot hut be profound ly surprised that it has not long since been regarded, by tbe pious aud intelli gent of all Christian denominations, as a direct aud sacred charge of the Church, aud the very first missionary work to be done. I would not disparage the work of mis sions, foreign or domestic ; for this would he iu palpable contradiction of ray whole life. No man lives in the Methodist E. Church, South, who, according to ability possessed, has labored more, or mote fully imperiled all earthly good in our mission ary work, and I think I may, in all truth aud sincerity, add that none have suffered more for this cause, a id were it practica ble I would still go. But while it is an indispensable and ail important duty to furuish the gospel to our own adult poor, aud to send it to the benighted pagan, (and I would there were hundreds and thousands, instead of the few who are engaged in these fields now white to the harvest,) I ask, in all sincerity, whether it is a greater duty to send a few Mission aries to China, and to our sparsely popu lated circuits, than to provide for the hun dreds of thousands of our own homeless and fatherless children, who, at our very doors, are perishing, and iu their cheer less poverty aud ignorauce of God, plead for our help? They are "strangers,” and “hungry,” and “naked,” and “sick,” aud iu prisou.” Will we minister to them? Or will we pass them by and take the fearful risk of tiearing it said, in tiiat last great day, “inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me ?” A9 before intimated, these poor and helpless, have always been, and always will be, as part of the divine economy, aud their claims upon the Church have been and will be paramount. “For the poor shall never cease out of tbe laud : therefore I command tbee, saying, Tbou stialt open thine band wide unto tby brother, to thy poor, and to tby needy, in the land.” Deuteronomy, xv. 11. There are thousands of “poor anil nee dy” children, now within our reach, who, if left, as is usual, to grope their way in ignorance aud under depraved associa tions aud influences, will be a curse to society, and finally perish, but who, if properly cared for, will bless the Church and State, and attaiu to that blessed re ward, to lead to which, the Church and all her auxiliaries were instituted. To my mind, nothing is more clear or absolutely certain, than that tbe Cburch should promptly and with determination, ad dress herself to the work of providing education aud religious training for these classes. As to the best plan for the accomplish ment of the objects proposed, little more can be done in this communication than to suggest something of an outline. Time and the developments of experience and observation, must finally determine the details. Something after the following, occurs to me as the most common sense and prac tical plan: Ist. The enterprise should be one of the church, the whole church; under its di rection and control, asa church interest. 2d. There should be a system of Cburch Orphans’ Homes, adopted, which in its provisions, shall supply every annual Con ference with an easily acce9sable institu tion of the kind—one which can be reached without heavy expenditures of time and money. 3d. To effect such a work, several an nual Conferences should unite in founding and sustaining one Central House, at such point as they may deem most con venieut. For illustration, let the two Georgia, and the Florida, Conferences unite in a Home on or near one of the great Central Rail roads, which would make it convenient to all, and from which anything produced or manufactured could be readily ex- ported. 4th. Let these Conferences, (which may here serve as an example for the whole,) elect each from its own members, two clerical and three lay Directors, or any other number and proportions that may be preferred, uuder {whose direction and control the institution shall be located and by whom all the property, real and perishable, shall be held in trust for the purposes indicated—they, also, to direct as all business, improvements, teachers, etc. In few words, they are to act as a Board of Trustees, after the manner of other Conference Trustees of schools and colleges. sth. In locating these homes, let 500, or 1,000, acres of land, or so much as may be deemed necessary, be secured, near some central Railroad, so that farms, mills, me chanical, and ifdeemed wise, manufactur ing interests, may finally be established, together with schools, churches, etc., by which education, business training and religious instruction can be given. 6th. Let these homes be so officered and administered, as to achieve the objects proposed, and at the same time render them as nearly self sustaining as possible. 7th. To found and put the work under way, let suitable agents be appointed, to travel at large, to present the subject to our people and friends, and to raise con tributions, for the permanen t endowment of these Institutions. 1 am persuaded, that a comparatively short time would be necessary, to put this great enterprise, in to successful operation. No subject of such general, and yet special and thrilling, interest, could be, or ever lias been, pre sented to our people. It will constitute an appeal to every heart, aud one, which none but the utterly abaudoned cau resist. Money, lauds, stock, tools, furniture, etc., will flow in, from every quarter of the country, and that not to the lessening, but expanding and enlarging of the benev oleuce and religions enterprise of the church aad country. Bth. Os course, these institutions should be chartered by the States iu which they may be located. 9th. Let the enterprise be regularly or ganized throughout the church, under the auspices of the General Conference, and be so recognized in the boos of Discipline, at least as much so, as are our Colleges and similar institutions. But in this hasty presentation of the subject, it is impossible to do more than intimate this interest, and the plan for its accomplishment. Thesubject is new, and cannot be fully grasped aud appreciated, at the first view. I hope, however, enougli has been said to awaken an inter est in the church, and to elicit investiga tion. . . Let us think of tbe multitudes of boys and girls, found in all our cities and villages, to say nothing of the thousands in the country, who are utterly destitute, naked, ragged, cold and hungry, for whom no man cates, and who by their very sur roundings, are being led as sheep to the slaughter, and whose integrity, honesty and virtue will be prostituted before they reach full manhood aud womanhood; and let us remember that thismay be the fate of our own sous aud daughters, wlieu we shall sleep iu the graves; and in the light of these stern realities, answer whether we can and ought to provide for their rescue. Jksse Boring. Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 1869. Letter from the Country. The Oloslng Campaign—Onr Trophies—Delusive balance wheels—A fa< t, mournful aud hard to explain—Alternatives. Mr. Editor; During the winter months, the work of the Church is prosecuted with less vigor and success in the Southern, than iu the Northern, States. The rigor of Northern winters compels the people to make their churches comfortable or to abandon them. With us, the winters are just mild enough to leave us free from this compulsion, but just too cold to al low of efficient services in our umeiled and unwarmed shells of churches. On this account, and in part, growing out of the peculiarities of Southern agricultural pursuits, we accomplish, outside of the cities, very little during the winter mouths. In those circuits—and unfortu nately there are many such—win-re the traditional log-house maintains Us place in the affections aud prejudices of tlie people, in defiance of civilization and con tempt for progress, this lamentable state of things amounts almost to hibernation, aud, as with all hibernating animals, the spring time finds them frightfully re duced. To speak of a campaign then, iu con nection with our church operations dur ing six months, is to speak correctly and according to the facts. It seems to me, that we may learn valu able lessons iu the review of such a cam paign, if it be made with conscientious purpose to ascertain facts, in order to know the truth, and not simply to main tain a theory, to gratify a whim, or to accomplish a purpose. What, then, are some of the facts —for no modest man would claim cognizance of them all—oi our efforts and results this year? The sta tistical returns will give us the details with which this letter does not now con cern itself. Speaking in general terms, we are all ready to acknowledge that the results have not been commensurate with our hopes in the beginning of the year. Whether the disproportion is between our opportunities and our efforts, or between our efforts aud the results, I shall not un dertake to say. Individual ministers aud churches might consider such a question with profit, if not with satisfaction. Within those Conferences of which the Southern Christian Advocate is the organ, there is very much to eucourage us, to excite our gratitude and to stimulate our zeal, There has been a notable advance in all our Sunday-school' Interests. Beyond all question, the Sunday-school has made great progress, both as to the extension of its operations and the thoroughness and value of Us instruetions. The true end of the Sunday-school is being better understood, aud the condi tions of success more fully met. Perhaps, there have never been so many children converted during any one year in these Conferences as during the last ten months: a fact which justifies the earnest efforts that have been made in this direction and rebukes us for the long neglect of a sacred duty, laid upoD us alike by the spirit of the gospel aud tbe precepts aud example of the Redeemer himself. The contributions of the church, it is believed—may the statistics not take tiiis comfort away—have been upon a some what larger scale of Christian benevo lence. 'Thousands —the expression is not too strong —of adults have beeu converted and added to our church, besides the large recruits to sister communions, afforded hy our meetings. This service we do not be grudge them, since sinners have been con verted aud it bus pleased tbe Master so to employ us. Connected with the revivals of tbe present year is oue singular fact, to which the attention of thinking and prayerful people is invited. The revivals of this year have been almost exclusively upon onr circuits. The augel of revival mercies seems to have passed over our towns and cities, leaving uo heavenly heuediciiou of awakening aud saving grace behind. Upon sotneof our mission-churches in the cities has rested the spirit of revival, but when it is said of our fashionable churches and congregations that during this year, they have been denied such blessings, it is the simple statement of a general fact, with hardly an exception to relieve its unspeakable mournfulness. Au intimate acquaintance fora series of years with some of these congregations, leads me to the conclusion, that for half a dozen years past their own proper devel opment has barely, if at all, kept pace with their losses. I know some such churches that have greatly increased <n their membership, but an analysis of the facts will show, that they have lost more by death aud by removal than they have gained byconversions. Such iucreaseis simply by accretion, as the population of acouutry increases by immigration. It is not growth. In such churches a larger number have put in their letters than have died or removed, and in this way they appear in tbe statistics to be pros perous. But such evidences of prosperity are delusive. No church can be called prosperous in which there are not more conversions than deaths or removals. These facts—and they will hardly be dis puted—are too sad to allow the language of banter or to provoke, in a good man, the spirit of cynical criticism. A Chris tian will consider such questions as ten derly as a kind physician would probe a wound to ascertain tbe character aud ex tent of themjury. Let me ask, Mr. Editor, why it is that oar fashionable congregations bear so little fruit from within f Ah, Bir, it is much easier to ask than to answer such questions. In the common use of words, it is safe to say, that as a general thing, our cities enjoy the best preaching that our minis try can afford. My knowledge ot both classes leads me to believe thatourstation preachers are every whit as pious, as in dustrious, and as devoted to their work as the circuit preachers. In these things they are brethren and equals. The meaus aud appliances for a gospel work are in far more thorough organization in the city, than in the country. Notwith standing ail this, the ratio of conversions to the membership and the population, is nearly always far greater in the country than in the city. I feel how impossible it is for any one man, however wise, to satisfactorily explain these things. I of fer only , and with unfeigned diffidence, a few reflections which may suggest, per haps, to some wiser person a partial answer. 1. There is more true simplicity of per sonal character among tbe members of country than of city churches. Such simplicity makes sinners more teachable and the membership more efficient in its work. 2. In the country, there are not so many opportunities for dissipation, and country churches are, therefore, less under the de moralizing influences of the world around them. 3. As bearing largely on this question, I mention what, within the field of my observation, is undoubtedly true—that the moral discipline of the church is far more faithfully enforced upon our circuits than in our Btations. I speak here only of the [fact, without undertaking to ac count for it. Let me close this letter with the restate ment of a commonplace but iuipertaut truth : A Christian church must choose between one of two alternatives: gospel simplicity with prosperity —conformity to the world with barrenness. Ever John Tryon. Shiloh, October 1869. Good Meetings Mr. Editor ; Will you allow me—though not skilled in writing for our religious journals, to relate a few facts and inci dents of my travels through the country ? Some three weeks ago, I left Macon, to atteud a Sabbath-school celebratiou at Mt. Carmel, in the upper part of Houston county. Hearing oa the way that Rev. E. H. McGehee had a revival meeting of considerable interest at Liberty Chapel, I turned aside to see what God was doing for his people there. I found the preach er in the act of receiving into the church those who had joiued. The meetiug had then been protracted for ten days, aud eleven joined. That day, I preached aud again at night. God was still present, by His Spirit to own and bless HU word. Some 60 or more were at the altar for prayer. The meeting up to that time was an old-fashioned Methodist revival. Bro. Tinley told me he saw what perhaps lie had only witnessed ouce hetore in his life; he saw as many as nine—tlie whole number who had presented themselves for prayer—all happily and powerfully converted. Though it had been agreed with the preacher and congregation, that they would suspend the meeting for a day. aud all go over to Carmel, yet afier the re sults of tlie night's meeting, they gath ered around Bro. McGehee, and begged that he would furnish them a preacher, as many of them, interested in their souls’ salvation could not go to tlie celebratiou. The preacher was furnished and the meet ing was continued, as I learned, for three weeks ; aud for much of that time when a preacher could not be had, the congrega tion wouldeoutinue to meet for prayer, and counsel to penitent seekers of religion The final result was au accession, of 33 members and tlie church greatly revived aud blessed. Next morning, bright and early, Bro. McGehee.aml I were on our way to the Sabbath-school celebration. Ou our ar rival, we found already ou tlie giound over 300 men, womeu and children ; ami still they came, till the number was in creased to five orsix hundred. The meet ing was called to order aud opened with prayer hy Rev. W. W. Stewart. The Doys, representatives from tlie (different schools, were then introduced aud made their salutatory speeches. These speeches were happily conceived, and delivered in fine style. Especial mentiou ought to be made of two little speakers, though not exactly in the category of those men tioned : oue, a little girl, an iufaut in years, who repeated in a very clear dis tinct voice, 15 or 20 beautiful verses ; and a little boy of less than five summers, made a capital speech, evincing a higher order of declamatory talent than any of tlie juvenile speakers. Then first on the programme of regu lar speakers was the writer followed hy others—and closed up by an admirable address from Rev. Ham. Felder—tlie Sabbath-school agent for Hayneville cir cuit. Tlie dinner was all that an epicure could desire; finely barbecued mutton, beef, pig—with an endless variety of eat ables. The preachers and speakers did ample justice iu that discussion. The evening was spent in singing and more speaking; and not till a late hour did I leave, iu company with Bros. Stewart and Felder, for Sandy Run. Saturday, tbe meetiug opened invitingly—several were at the altar of prayer; hut having an ap pointment for Marshallville, oh Sabbath, my kindliearted host, Bro. Geo. Faigau, had me a hot cup of cuffee, and off for tlie Railroad long before the “shadows flee before tlie approach of the powerful king of day.” At Marshallville, I preached to a large, interested congregation; and Bro. Me- Gelice coming in during tlie week, we commenced a meeting, which iu its final results, is oue of the very best meetings I baveseen this year. Bro. McGehee. modest as a woman, has a zeal, and indefatigable energy truly apostolic. He preached with power, was always at tlie altar talkiug, singing and praying witli mourners as long as any remained ; and in the inter vals was visiting from house to house, talking, counseling and praying with the families of our town. Bro. Jiio. Robin son, from Oglethorpe, rendered us very effective service. There were a great many persons converted; many young people, who were members of our church, but who had never before experienced a change of heart. Fifteen joined—but this is not a true criterion, by which to judge of the great good done by the meeting. Backsliders were reclaimed, the luke warm stirred up, and tbe church greatly increased in her faith and zeal God has done great things for us whereof, in our hearts, we are glad. Very truly, 8. H. J. SI3TRUNIC. Marshallville, Oc‘. 26th, 1869. Bamberg District and Blackville Camp Meeting. Mr. Editor— By request of a friend I will give you a short accouut of our District-meeting held at Bamberg, and tbe late camp meeting on the Blackville circuit. The District-meeling was a good one, all things considered, from first to last. It was, through grace, a great success. We were favored with the presence of breth gen lrom other parts of tbe Conference, viz : Prof. DnPre, Revs. Win. Martin, J. R. Pickett, J. F. Smith, and last but not least, the venerable Jos. Holmes, (he Nes tor of the Bamberg District. I think this meeting would compare favorably with any ever held in the Conference—that held in the Piedmont region of Sou Lb Carolina not excepted. We knowthat we are net entitled to the first place in the picture, in every respect—we give that up cheerfully to the time-honored Cokesburv District; but we think we can compare notes with any of them In some things. The reports of our several committees will pass muster any where, particularly that drawn up by Dr. F. B. Fisbburn, on the support of the ministry. Bishop Wigbttnan presided with his usual grace and dignity, and with the influences of the Holy Bpirit, granted him, he was fully equal io tbe great occasion ou the Babbath. His sermon was able and impressive. Tbe camp meeting at Boiling Springs on tbe Blackville circuit, commenced on Thursday before the 2nd Babbath iu Octo ber. It was near Hebron, a church iu the neighborhood of Jones’ Bridge, on the North Edisto. Forty three years ago campmeeticgg were held at the same place. What sol emn tbougiits crowded upon my mind, as I thought of this! Here, once more, after more than a generation of men had passed away, after a silence of near a half century, the long abandoned campground was restored to life, and the grand old woods made vocal with songs of Zion and the preaching of the gospel. Our presid ing elder—a host within himself—was there, armed and equipped for tbe battle. He had a small staff witb him, but they were true soldiers, and have been often before near the flashing of the guns. The services were interesting from the begin ning to the end. The Lord was in His Holy temple, "and the voice of rejoicing and salvation were in tbe tabernacles of the righteous. The right hand of the Lord did valiantly.” There were but few tents on tbeground. I expect there will be many additions □ext year ; but the friends were very press ing in their invi&tions, and seemed to be keeping open house for all comers. I un derstand there was but one person preseut who tented there 43 years ago. There was a gentleman on the ground who when a child in his mother’s arms was baptized at that place. I was told that be wept freelyw-tbough not a member of the church—the first evening of the meeting, and confessed that it. was the thought of what his mo; her did for him when an in fant. I think it is a good sign for the fu ture —this renewing up our old camp ground. Forty three years ago I was a very wicked young man, rushing to ruin “as the horse rusheth into battle.” O! my soul, how thanxful to the Lord I am for sparing my life in these days of sin aud rebellion against his government. If I had then been cutoff where would I now be? In perdition—lost forever. Though I have known Bro. Simmons many years and estimated him much, I did not know that he was so strong on tbe doctrines of our church, until I heard him preach on the Sabbatn, at 11 o’clock. A gentleman present, not a member of any church, said to a friend, that the discourse was unan swerable. I have not been to a camp meeting for years, where we bad so few preachers, or where the services were so generally inter esting, and where the blessed Spirit was so manifestly present. Our F. E. had to preach four times himself. The oongre-1 gation was respectful on every occasion, Vol. xxxii. No. 45 as much so as I ever witnessed. I hope this reconstruction of the old camp ground iu Oraugeburg District, after 43 years de sertion will result in much good, never to be forgotten. I thought to myself, that the melaucholy words of weeping Jere emiah, so long suitable to this place will never again be applicable to it—"the ways oi Zion do mourn because none came Vo the solemn feast.” I could fancy to my self the surprise, joy, and glad news In heaveu when it was reported, that the old campground is once more revived, and the grand old woods are resounding with the praises of Prince Immanuel, and how sad the great enemy of souls was, when he heard that the people of the Lord had again taken possession. I could welt imagine that there had not been such a gathering of immortal spirits for near a half century. I could fancy many happy souls—preachers and others —who had worshipped there in the olden times, now saved in heaven—then preseut, mingling unseen with the throug.and thankiuglhe Lord for the restored camp ground. We read in tlie Holy Book that the trees re joice aud clap their hands sometimes, in the heaven-blessed land of Judea in the immortal years of her past history; so the roving preacher thought he heard the pine, oak and hickory clapping their hands for joy, tiiat divine worShip was once more restored in those long abandon ed woods. I fancied that I heard those happy saints iu heaveu, Bros. Barton, I nahnet, Elzy, Felder, Smith, and many otheis saying, witli loud voices that might he heard afar off’-“there is rest for the weary that I saw far off the beautiful deer aud wild turkey, as they ceased for a moment cropping the tender gruss, and witli uplifted head listened to the sweet melody, and that I heard one say to the other, “has the strange news been told you? the Methodists of the Blackville circuit have restored theold campground;” and the noble stag said, “well, friend, I will go still nearer, tiiat I may hear much better than I do—there is no dauger of Mr. H. L. aud parson T. hunting me while tiiis meeting lasts. The mourners frequently came to the altar in crowds and many of them were happily convert ed. Some 35 persons joined the church; among them promising young men, some of whom, if not before, I hope will preach the gospel after I have crossed the flood. 1 hope to remember long, tlie old camp ground renewed. My appreciation of past reminiscences prompted me to cut off a small piece of an old post, which I car ried to my much loved “Mumre" as slsou venir of olden times. Yours truly, Oct 27th, 1869. L. Bellinger Shelby District meeting, So. Ctt. Con ference, Mr. Editor:— The Shelby District-meet ing convened in Yorkville So. Ca., on Fri day morning, August 27th, at 9; o’clock, and closed ou Saturday afternoon. In the absence of a Bishop, Rev. John W. North, P. E., presided, and J. W.Hum bert and J. W. Giduey, lisq., were elected Secretaries. Committees were appointed on the State of tlie Church, on Sahhath-sciiools, ou Fi nance, ou Education aud Church Litera ture. All the appointments in the District were then represented relative to the fore going suiijects, ami on several charges re vivals of religion were reported in pro gress. On the presentation of reports by the different committees, highly inter esting addresses were delivered by Dr. James H. Carlisle aud Rev. A. H. Lester of Wofford College. The 8. S. Agent, Rev. B. Leard, took an active part in the deliberations ofthe body, and the,stewards present resolved by a rising vote, to do their whole duty iu reference to the sup port of their pastors. The delegates elected to the Annual Conference were: J. N. Butt, M. D., J. W. Gidney, Esq., J. C. Jenkins and P. B. Derwin ; Alternates: J. C. Eagle, W. J. T. Miller, M. D., R. Bherrill and W. M. Walker. Charlotte, N. C., was selected as the place for holding the next District-meet ing, and the.following resolutions, offered by Rev E. J. Meyuardie, were unani mously adopted : 1. Jlesolved, That the thanks of this District Conference are hereby tendered to the citizens of Yorkville, who have generously extended their hospitalities to the members of the body during their sojourn in the community. 2. Resolved, That the thanks of the Conference be also extended to the respec tive churches anil their pastors, who have fraternally invited the ministers of this body to occupy iheir pulpits. 3. Resolved, That in the absence of Bishop Wightman, whom we expected to be here and preside over tbe deliberations ofthe District Conference, we appreciate the courteous manner iu which the Pre siding Elder of the District, Rev. J. W. North, has filled the chair. 4. Resolved, That the Editor of the Yorkville Enquirer be requested to pub lish the foregoing resolutions. Most respectfu'ly, H. Milton Sta., Montgomery Conference. Two years have passed, during which time I have scarcely been away from Mil ton. The progress has been encouraging —it has beeu graud ! We now have a live church, worked up iuto life from au al most lifeless few. During the two years of my pastorate here, I have written but little, if any "news from the churches,” aud yet we nave doubled our numbers: aud, belter than all, our piety too. From $520 raised last year, for all pur poses, we have risen to over $1,500 this year. Tbe ladies, under the superintendency of that most expert of musicians, Henry A. Bushuell, Esq., are now preparing for a sacred concert— not vulgar uor profane —no fair, no tableaux—for the benefit of our church. The Pensacola District, over which—ln connection with the pastorate here—l have held the Presiding Eldership, also promises a good yield to the glory of God. There is such a thing as godly pride, and when I look over the laud and see the success of the gospel during tbe past, or rather present, year—l feel that pride rising up iu my heart, and I cry with the Psalmist—" Bless the Lord, O my soul.” J» A. Parker Milton, Fla., Oct. 26M, 1869." The Montgomery Conferenoe. change of time. Mr. Editor .-—From urgent necessity our brethren at Union Springs have, through their pastor, solicited Bishop Paine to postpone the meeting of the Montgomery Conference till the Bth of December, and be lias yielded to tbe urgency of the case, and complied. It may be proper for me to state that the time first appointed was the middle of the second week of the Circuit Court for this couDty, at which time several impor tant criminal cases are to be tried. Our town has recently been made tbe seat of justice for anew county, aud population has increased rapidly, whilst dwelling houses have not been multiplied In tbe same proportion. The consequence Is, that public and private houses are largely supplied with boarders, ft appears, too, that some o r our chief members, upon whom we rely to accommodate preachers and delegates, are iu charge of the publlo bouses, aud all their room would be taken up aud occupied Dy jurymen, lawyers aud witnesses. It was but due the oommuui ty to make the ebauge. The whole situa tion is now altered, and I hope that no disappointment or iucouvenieuce will oo cur to any oue, aud I am sure that no Conference has ever yet met a more ready and generous hospitality than will greet and render comfortable the Montgomery Conference at its next session. I tbauk Bros. West and Curry, Presid ing Elders, for so.promptly furnishing the names of lay delegates, local preachers, and applicants for admission, aud hope that all requisite notices will be given me, that I may be able appropriately to make the distribution of names to the various homes offered us for the session. I will give farther notice of arrangements in a week or so. Joseph B. Cottrell. Union Springs, Ala-. Oct. 27<ft,|1869. New Orleans, and Nashville Advocates will confer a favor by copying. A Death. Mr. Editor .-—Please notice In the Ad vocate, that Mrs. Elizabeth Stanford, of this piaoe, died near midnight last night. You may soou expect an obituary of this most estimable lady. Yours truly, B. Jones. Wesson, Miss., Oct. 29th, 1869. Journal ol the General conference of 1860 We have on hand a limited supply of this important work. All persons who have been, or may be, elected to the ensu ing General Conference, whether among the ministry or laity, should supply them selves with a copy. Price fifty cents. Sent by mail. A. H. Bedford, Ag’t, Oct 5-ow.