Newspaper Page Text
190
Southern Christian Jbbotalf.
Macon. Georgia, nov. 2c, isc9.
Enlargement of Modern Life.
“While our recent. Astronomy has
been widening the I'niverseto the con
templation of men, this world has been
practically expanding its area, as the
domain of active thought, commercial
relations and social interests. If the
elder Herschel “broke through the bar
riers of the heavens;” if he and his suc
cessors have “literally gauged the celes
tial depths” and opened other “Univer
ses” to wondering thought and devout
admiration: none the less is it true, that
this earth, God’s footstool and man’s
home, has been sharing quite as signifi
cantly in the progress of art and sci
ence. Its capacity, its resources, its
laws and forces are just what they al
ways were; it weighs no more, turns
no faster on its axis, and distributes no
in tenser light and beat than it has done
since its creation; and yet it has be
come much more of a world, a fitter
place for human education, a broader
theatre for human responsibility, and a
far grander scene for human develop
ment.
This, at first sight, may not seem so
clear as to meet instant acceptance.
It is too sharp a summons to belief,
and by a sudden impulse, we fall back
upon habitual thoughts. Is it not the
same old world ? Is not to-day, a wea
ry repetition of yesterday ? And will
not to-morrow duplicate the dying to
day? True in one sense; false in
another and deeper sense: for the
world taken as a whole, viewed in its
aggregated intellectual and inoral for
ces, measured in its industrial and spiri
tual agencies, has changed and is chang
ing much more rapidly and marvellous
ly than any of us are competent to im
agine. If the movements were less
grand, they would be more demonstra
tive. Our senses would then be often
startled, our surprises come with
shocks; bnt since Providence conducts
the silent transformation, it escapes
the attention of all hut the most heed
ful. Even among this select class, who
sees the kingdom that “cometh not with
observation ?”
The f..cts of this amazing progress
are plain enough. If we look at the
immediate interests of intellect, every
system of education stands condemned
as not equal to the claims of the age;
and while reformers are busy and
bravely busy at their work, the practi
cal result so far has only shown that
we see the need much more clearly
than the supply. The mind of the day
is greater than any of those institu
tions that undertake its guidance and
training, so much so as to suggest a
doubt, whether any proximate possi
bility of organized means can stand on
reciprocal terms with this surplus of
mighty energies. Nor can it he ques
tioned, t hat one reason of the super
activity of impulse, of lawless desire
and unbridled lust, lies in the state of
things just mentioned—the foremost
nations of the globo having lost their
ability to manage and control the
amount of intellectual energy which
they have called into existence and in
tensified beyond all former precedent.
Tho same thing is seen in business.
Trade outruns capital and industry.
Tho world has more to do than can be
done, old channels of industrial life are
overflowed, and the surplus energy
which cannot find an outlet iu the legi
timate ways of business, rushes into
wild speculations, alias gambling. Eve
ry man sees the startling fact, that the
activity of the times has outgrown the
old-fashioned vents through which it
escaped, that an immense degree of
unused strength is accumulating in all
departments of business and social life,
and moreover that unless safety-valves
are provided, the framework of mod
ern civilization may be seriously dam
aged or perchance rent to pieces Homo
was on the constant watch against the
irruption of barbarians and her need
of security finally revolutionized her
government; but the problem engaging
the mind of the day is more intricate
and puzzling than that which the
statesmanship of Augustus solved. The
tremendous forces evoked from within
ourselves, the sensual mind let loose in
a double phrenzy of corrupting the
world of the senses and the world of
spiritual things, the creed of material
ism every day becoming more a logic
of thought as well as a code of con
duct, the loss of faith, the scorn of en
thusiasm, and the passionate idolatries
of the lower nature —these prodigious
forces which for the first time in man's
history have science, art and religion
infused into their vital substance, these
are the barbarians swarming up in
pitchy clouds to darken the land.
The ideal aspect of the modern world
is one thing ; its practical bearings are
quite another thing. Without doubt,
this earth is a nobler abode for man
than ever before; it can help him more,
help him better, help him in more va
rious and multiplied ways, help him
more humanly and divinely than it
ever could; but is it not also a more
fearful field for evil, wider and deeper
and higher, its rank pasturage fatten
ing with deadly poisons and its luxu
riant tares swelling into an immeasura
ble harvest? So that the devil may
now take home his own words ; “what
shall— l —do, because I have no room
where to bestow my fruits ? This will
1 do; I will pull down my barns and
build greater, and there will I bestow
all my fruits and my goods!” Yet, in
the face of this sudden, this colossal
aggrandizement of sin and shame, it is
unmanly to despair while it is unchris
tian to despond. It is hardly possible
to exaggerate the.rapid and wide-spread
growth of intellectual scepticism and
licentious manners, uor should any one
try to depreciate the frightful extent of
corruption, open and secret But tne
“weapons of our warfare are” the same
as ever, and if we are men, they may
be used as effectively as ever. Os this
fact, we ma}' be once for all assured,
that Jehovah will add nothing to our
means of attack or to our means of de
fence. A great shock is coming, such
a shock as has not been felt for centu
-1 ries, and the question of absorbing con
| cern is this and this only, viz: Is the
j Church of our Lord Jesus Christ ready
for the impending battle ?
i Tin Ef.v. James Dlnwody, propo
| ses to give to the public some reminis
cences of his long and laborious itiner
ant life, as will he seen, by hie “Pre
face," and a letter from the Rev. J. B.
McGehee, in another column. We com
mend the appeal in his behalf to our
readers; and trust that very soon an
amount will be made up, sufficient to
warrant the undertaking. We need
such records, as he can give, of the
planting and growth of Methodism in
Georgia; and as to his sermons—wo
have heard some from Father Dunwo
dy that would grace any volume.
Emory k Henry College, through
its accomplished President, Rev. T>r.
Wiley, again offers itself to our readers
through our columns, as a candidate
for public patronage —and it is worthy
of high commendation ; and if South
Carolina or Georgia had need t.o go
abroad for a thorough collegiate educa
tion, we would cheerfully recommend
E. & 11. as one of the Institutions where
it might be had, under happy Methodist
auspices.
The Times and Manners. —We res
pectfully request all to read the artiele
under this head, on our first page.
Corrtsponbtnct.
I airfield Circuit, S. C. Conference.
Mr. Editor: —We have all been greatly
interestedjwith the cheering news of Zion’s
prosperity that has come to us week after
week through the dear old Advocate, for
months past. This intelligence alone is
worth more than a year’s subscription. Al
though J cannot report such tlirilliug scenes
as have been witnessed at camp-meetings by
many others, we here nevertheless have been
remembered by the great Head of the
Church. Ho has been with us, to preserve,
strengthen, and save. We have enjoyed un
usual health during the year, throughout our
bounds. Out of a membership of over 300,
we have had but three deaths.
With the “week of prayer,” seasons of spe
cial grace began to visit us. That glorious week
witnessed an impetus to the cause of relig
ion, which, I trust will tell in its good fruits
in “tho great day.” It was gratifying to
have a willing corps of officials—as did the
writer—who turned itinerants for the time,
and alternated with each other at the differ
ent churches, exhorting and praying day
and night. These labors God greatly bless
ed to the membership, which embraces the
larger portion of our population ; precious
souls were converted, and added to the
church, amongst them a gentleman over 70
years of age.
Without being invidious, and with a view
of stimulating others to consecrate and em
ploy their talents for the glory of God, I
would recommend the example of one of
our laymen- -Bro. J. H. K., who by his week
ly lectures—remarkable for their strength,
beauty and adaptability for usefulness-—has
contributed largely to the furtherance of the
good work within our bounds. We have
proved, actually, the great worth of estab
lished prayer meetings, and I think it is
worthy of remark, that we have one at Beth
el that has been kept up winter and summer
on Sabbath afternoon, for about eight years,
it has been a blessing to the community.
More than a year ago we organized what
is generally called “a circle of prayer.” It
is similar in some respects to our old-fash
ioned elass meetings. Persons are admitted
without regard to their church relations,
provided they are members of some ortho
dox branch of the church, and will pray
and give their experience when they are
called on. These meetings serve most ad
mirably to promote personal piety, and to
unify professors of religion in the spirit of
Christ. Another great advantage of these
meetings, is, that persons unaccustomed to
exorcise in public, are trained for usefulness.
We have many illustrations of their utility
in this respect.
We have recently formed a young men’s
prayer meeting at one of our churches that
promises much good. I know of no more
important, church interest than the proper
care and training of the young, and it seems
to me that the necessity for diligence in this
direction is more imperious now than ever
before in our history. The exposure of the
rising generation to vice of almost every kind
was never greater than at present. We have
stood appalled in seeing grog shops multiply
over tho land, aud like the deadly Upas send
ing forth tlieir pestiferous influences in every
direction to poison and slay the young and
the old. The horrid spectacle of communi
ties “run riot” after circuses, 1 tails, tourna
ments, etc., also furnish occasion for alarm
for the safety of our country, and admon
ishes tlie church to be up and doing ; espe
cially with reference to the young. Let us
organize prayer meetings, Bible classes, and
8. -schools in every neighborhood, and thus
endeavor to pre-oecupy the minds and hearts
of our young people, with the “truth in the
love of it” as the most effectual means of
counteracting these fruitful sources of ruin
to thousands.
It affords me pleasure to report an encour
aging measure of success in the S.-school
department. Wo have not been left to wnit
for the distant future to develop the good
fruits of earnest and prayerful effort in this
interesting field. Superintendents and
teachers, have been cheered with the privi
lege of seeing their scholars numbered with
the converts of the past summer. W here
the membership has taken an interest in
them, we have found our church meetings
an excellent means for promoting the vari
ous interests of the church. From apathy
or some other cause unknown to the writer,
some professors manifest very little concern
relative to any church interest, and it could
scarcely be expected that such would be in
terested with a church meeting. I anrglad
so far as my observation goes, that there are
exceptions.
Avery pleasant incident occurred in one
of onr church meetings ft short time ago.
When the inquiry was made relative to the
circulation of our literature, the fact was
elicited that some of our members would
like to take the Advocate, but were too poor,
whereupon 15ro. J., always “ready unto
every good work” proposed to raise an
amount sufficient to send it to two worthy
widows, which was soon done; and now
they are favored with the weekly visits of
that useful frieud. How much good might
be accomplished if others would “go and
do likewise.”
We have been favored recently with the
long coveted pleasure of a visit from our old
friend, Rev. L. Bellinger, the sui generis
preacher. We had not seen him for years
on our work, and were glad to find that time
had dealt so kindly with him. After a war
fare of more than thirty years lie is still vig
orous and strong to do battle for “Prince
Immanuel.” He did ns good service in a
series of meetings. He seems to improve
in preaching and in spirituality as he grows
older. “May his shadow never grow less. ”
I am now about to close my sixth year—
four years consecutively—with this delight
ful charge. A more intelligent and agreea
ble people I have never served. I was re
ceived with cordiality ; incipient kind feeling
has ripened into mutual strong affection,
and our parting will be attended with cor
responding regrets.
I hope the amount still due on the par
sonage —a commodious and comfortable buil
ding—will l>e speedily paid, which will be
the “finishing stroke” in making the Fair
field circuit one of the most desirable iu our
Conference. Yours truly,
Nor. 10th, 1860. A. J. Car-then.
Hickory Grove Camp Meeting.
Hickory Grove is embraced in South Char
lotte ot., about seven miles from Charlotte,
N. C., and affords one of the most beautiful
sites for a camp ground in all this country.
Bnt the church here, from all that I can learn,
has not been in a very flourishing condition,
financially or spiritually, for several years
past. In the beginning of the present year,
religion was at a very low ebb ; the members
were, in a great measure, cold and lifeless
in the performance of their religious duties.
Manyappeared to be indifferent to the claims
of Christianity upon them. But little inter
est was manifested in the moral and religious
training of the young, as was evident from
tlieir reluctance to engage in a Sabbatli
seliool. I more than once endeavored to
impress upon tlieir minds the importance
and necessity of their doing so, but my at
tempts were unsuccessful, and I desisted.
But through the instrumentality of Bro.
Butt, a local preacher from Charlotte, and a
man of remarkable perseverance, a very re
spectable Sunday-school was organized, and
has been progressing finely ever since. No
little interest is now being manifested in the
S. S. cause, and it is becoming the life of the
church. A goodly number of the scholars
were converted and brought into the church
during our protracted camp meeting at this
place.
Our cauip meeting embraced the 4tli Sab
bath in Bept., and Ist iu Oct. It was com
menced under very inauspicious circumstan
ces. When I drove up to the camp ground,
to my surprise I found only one tent holder
had moved in, and no others came that day.
There were only four tents in all, besides a
school house fitted up for the preachers, and
a little hut unoccupied in a cornfield near
by. The next day, however, the tent holders
came in, and we commenced the work. But
then there were no preachers except myself.
What should be done ? Prospects were
gloomy in the extreme, the weather was un
favorable, and it really appeared as if no
good could be accomplished. But during
the progress of the meeting we received the
services of three ministers—Bros. Boone,
Haltom and Butt, but only one of them at
a time. The meeting progressed with appa
rently no success till Sunday night, when
five applied for admission into the church,
and several penitents came into the altar.
This gave us some encouragement, and we
protracted the meeting indefinitely. Every
day the interest increased, and we continued
until the following Sunday night—ten days
in all—during which more than seventy were
added to the church, many of whom were
happily converted to God. I never saw
penitents more deeply in earnest for the sal
vation of their souls. The altar was fre
quently crowded almost to overflowing.
Many of them, when converted, praised God
aloud, were more calm, but
nevertheless jMHe'ctly lmppy. Many of the
young converts went immediately to work
in bringing their companions to Christ. Not
unfrequently were they seen Lading their
old associates in sin into the altar. A prayer
meeting was also held in the grove nearly
every afternoon, with the greatest interest.
The Divine presence was realized on every
occasion. Penitents wept aloud, and the
woods resounded with the shouts of new
converts, and the praises of those who were
made happy in the love of a crucified and
risen Saviour. The membership of the
church was more than doubled, and the
whole church graciously revived, I would
also mention, that two weeks previous to
this. I held a protracted meeting of consid
erable interest at Mill Grove. Twenty-five
were added to the church, several of whom
were converted, and rejoiced in a sense of
tlieir new relation to God, as children and
heirs. Over one hundred have been brought
into the church during the present year.
May the glorious work go on, and many
more he added to the chnreli, and everlast
ingly saved. N. K. Melton.
St. James, Augusta, Ga.
Mr. Editor: —Thinking perhaps a word or
two from St. James' Church, of this city,
would be agreeable to the readers of the
Advocate, 1 send you this communication.
Evidently, as a congregation, we begin to
show some anxiety as to who shall be our
next pastor, but be assured we are “truly
loyal” to the good old Methodist customs
and doctrines, and will cordially welcome to
our midst any minister who shall be sent to
ns by our Bishop; and he will have our hearty
co-operation, earnest sympathy and heartfelt
prayers.
To the great regret of the Church, the Rev.
Geo. H. Pattillo has sought and obtained a
transfer to the South Georgia Conference,
and, therefore, we must necessarily be de
prived of his valuable services. During his
stay with ns he has, by the grace of God,
proved himself to be an energetic, zealous
worker iu the Master’s vineyard. He has
labored with untiring energy to promote the
temporal and spiritual well-being of tlie
Church over which he had been appointed
to preside. The blessing of God has fol
lowed his efforts, and many precious souls,
through his instrumentality, have been
added to the church. One of his last acts
as our pastor was to open to us as a church
anew field of usefulness, by securing from
the city a large lot with suitable buildings
for the establishment not only of a chapel
and Sunday School, but also of a day school
for the good of children who reside in its
vicinity, and who may see fit to avail them
selves of its benefits. We hope, too, that
many a little wanderer will be gathered into
its fold from the lanes and by-ways of a
crowded city, clothed and cared for, and by
its teachings placed fairly on the highway
that leads to knowledge and piety. The
deed of this property, so generously bestowed
by the City Council, is now in the possession
of the stewards of St. James Church.
The congregations of St. James, during
the Conference year just drawing to a close,
have been large, and, for the most part, joy
ful hearers of the preached word, and very
many of the members who made up the con
gregations fiv >m Sabbath to Sabbath have
been doers as well as hearers of the word.
The singing at St. James, without the aid ol’
organ or melodeon, is always attractive to the
ear and purifying to the heart, for the choir
sing with the spirit and with the under
standing.
The large and flourishing Sunday School
attached to the church will ever, with real
affection, remember and appreciate the zeal
of Brother Pattillo in its behalf. Thirty-four
of its members have been converted and
joined the church this year. It will soon
have given to Georgia four preachers of tlie
gospel, one of whom fills well and ably a
Professor’s chair in Emory College. It lias
been almost from its very beginning, finan
cially, a self-sustaining school,* and this year
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
it has raised SIOO for the Sunday School Vis
itor, 380 for books and requisites, and S2lO
for the benefit of needy children, and we
hope to send up to Conference some help for
Brother Allen in China. A goodly number
of its members, liave committed aud are
committing to memory large portions of the
Holy Scriptures. The writer of this can
call to mind over sixty of its pupils who have,
within the last-few years, received prizes for
committing to memory whole books of the
Bible; some the Proverbs, some the Psalms,
and some the Gospels and Epistles of the
New Testament. No wonder the singing of
St. James Sunday School lias attracted the
attention not only of the church but of the
outside world, for it has been greatly blessed
in its choristers. It would he hard to find a
sweeter singer than our present chorister,
Brother Win S. Royal. His singing is
always devotional, pleasing to the ear, and
forcibly impresses all who hear him that his
great mission on earth is, by the power of
song, “to touch the hearts of men and bring
them back to heaven again.” We believe,
in St. James, that the singing of the songs
of Zion forms an indispensable part of the
worship of God, and, therefore, we liiglilv
prize the services of our choristers.
In conclusion, St. James Church will ever
remember, with sincere affection, Brother
Pattillo, ami will continue to pray for the
Complete prosperity of himself aud family
and with you and the whole church unite in
earnest prayer that God will bless the labors
of the North and South Georgia Conferences
and cause them to redouud to His glory and
the advancement of Christ's kingdom.
Tyrone.
St. do tin'-, Cliuidi, Augusta, Ga.
Iu 1801, this church was organized with a
mere handful of members. Now Methodism
in Augusta counts lier converts by hundreds.
With three well organized and prosperous
churches numbering a membership of over
a thousand and with about a thousand 8. 8.
scholars, we may truly “thank God and take
courage.” If faithful to ourselves and the
cause of God, the next decade will surpass
any of its predecessors in great moral and
religions results.
'Sly fourth year in charge of this church
will soon terminate, and in reviewing the
past, I certainly have cause for devout
thanksgiving to God for the measure of
success which has attended my labours,
while at the same time I most deeply regret
that more good has not been accomplished.
Were it not for the fact that now and then
some soul is converted to God—some Chris
tian encouraged iu faith and enlarged in ex
perience-some wavering one established in
the doctrine of Christ —how barren and
cheerless would seem the ministerial life.
What a desert without a single oasis would
stretch out before the anxious eye—leaving
the heart no thorb of joy, or emot ion of glad
ness.
In looking over the year now closing, we
cannot rejoice in a rapid progress or encour
age the people of God by the news of a
general and mighty revival of religion. And
yet after observing the week of prayer, we
continued the services with some profit and
have received an accession of 22 by profes
sion of faith and letter up to date.
Our congregations are serious, attentive
and improving. We have unity and harmo
ny. The Sabbath-school I have under my
special care, and 1 regard it as an interest
ing and important department of pastoral
labor. Our assessments for the various
claims of the church have been cheerfully
met, and the year draws to a close with
something achieved, and yet witli much un
done, that we hail hoped and prayed to see
accomplished. We have nothing of which
to boost much for wlii'-h to be humble.
And now allow me to say that ere loug in
the allotments of Providence I must go
elsewhere, and I shall leave this charge with
gratitude for the many acts of kindness re
ceived by the pastor aud his family—the
uniform courtesy and consideration of many
brethren of other denominations, and with
the regret that I have not been instrumen
tal in doing more good.
Arm i mi’s Wrtoht.
Augusta, Ca., Nor. 2 Oth, 1 .Stiff.
Spring Creek Mission, S. Ga. Con
lerence.
The territory embraced iu this Mission
extends from tlie confluence of the Flint
and Chattahoochee rivera to a direct line
running from Bainbriilge westward to Steam
Mill on the latter stream. Flowing south
ward. through the centre of this region, and
from which the work takes its name, is the
translucent stream, known as Spring Creek,
which is formed of n successson of “blue
springs,” boiling out of the earth iu im
mense volume, and emptying their waters
into one common channel, which contribute
to the formation of one of the most beauti
ful streams perhaps in the State. The bed
of this stream, besides being studded with
the common evergreen and water-oak, is
walled on either side, with shell-rock, the
most grotesque aud remarkable we have ever
seen, affording an endless variety of hiding
places to the vast numbers of fishes that
abound in this creek, rendering it a place of
common resort during the summer months
to those fond of the sport of angling.
The names of the preaching appointments
in this work are Mount Zion, Jones’,
White’s Chapel, Union Grove, Wesley Chap
el and Bethel, embracing, at the, commence
ment of the present, year, only forty-four
members of the Methodist Church, and from
one hundred to two hundred hearers. There
has been much sickness during the summer
and fall, rendering it impossible for me to
hold protracted meeting's except at two ap
pointments, although it was my intention to
hold a week’s meeting at the most of them.
Iu regard to my preaching, the Spirit of
God has been with me throughout the year,
and on sex-eral occasions, almost over
whelmed me with His gracious influences,
and constraining every one in tin 1 house to
acknoxvledge His glorious presence by pros
tration before the mercy-seat. There liaxe
been penitents the year round at the most
of my appointments, and forty-nine nexv re
cruits have been gathered to the Saviour s
standard and received regularly into the
church. Fifty-nine have been baptized—
twenty-nine adults, and thirty children. One
nexv church has been built and eight acres of
land surrendered to God for church purpo
ses. The membership generally have been
revived, and so have their pastor, to some
extent, at least.
During the greater part of my protracted
meetings I was assisted in the pulpit by Rex - .
George Allen of Savannah, and Rev. D. C.
Stanley of the Colquitt circuit, xvho did ef
ficient service ; but to God alone is due
the praise, and all the glory.
Willis M. Russell, Supply.
November 13, 1869.
Kviainsbovo C’t., S. G. Conference.
Mr. Editor:— Say to the friends of Zion
“that the Lord has done great things for us,
xvhereof we are glad. ” We have held pro
tracted meetings at various points on the
circuit, and have been blessed with a gra
cious outpouring of the Spirit. We have
had 40 accessions to the church during the
year. We feel greatly indebted to Dr. Bou
clielle, a local preacher of this circuit, xvho
has rendered us valuable service. He is in
defatigable in his labors, fervent in spirit,
alwavs ready to serve the Lord. Mentally
and morally there has been a decided im
provement on this circuit in the last few
years; and I think it bids fair to take a pro
minent stand beside sister circuits, and to
compare favorably with them in every par
ticular. All this circuit wants, is a man full
of religion, a good disciplinarian, who will
look after all the interests of the church.
Pray for us, “that the word of the Lord may
run and be glorified,”
N. D. Morehouse.
Cokesbiiry it., S. C. i onference.
Mr. Editor: —We have just closed a series
of interesting, and profitable meetings on
this circuit. At some of them the Divine
power was remarkably displayed. Othere
were fruitful in an increase of the spirituality
of the membership and the conversion of
quite a number. The little Sunday School
scholar, and the aged pilgrim, whose snowy
locks say to him that he has but a few days
to work in his Master’s vineyard, have been
happily and scripturally converted to God.
In about three months 56 have applied for
membership, and a large number have found
peace in believing.
One of the commendable features of these
meetings is, that many of the members who
never had erected the family altar went home
to offer the morning and evening sacrifice.
Prayer meetings are also being organized
all over the circuit, with the best of results
to the church. At one appointment only
four boys belonging to the Sunday School
were left out of the church when our pro
tracted meeting closed. A young man, whose
soul had been fired anew with the love of
God, induced them to meet him every Sab
bath afternoon iu the woods, that he might
pray with and for them. When I preached
at that appointment last, all of those boys
met me at the altar ns candidates for mem
bership.
We have been compelled to enforce the
rules of the church in a number of instances,
lmt eeery one of the eeyWW have come back
saying:
“Lonely, I uo longer roam,
Like the cloud, the wind, the wave;
Where you dwell shall be my home,
Where von die shall he my grave.”
Some remarkable instances of the kind
have occurred.
This circuit has been for several years
without a parsonage; but the stewards have
contracted for a commodious house in good
repair, with eleven acres of first quality of
cultivable land attached, in the healthy and
hospitable village of Greenwood. The cir
cuit is now in good condition, and the
preacher who is appointed to it at our next
Conference may consider himself fortunate.
Brothers F. Auld, T. G. Herbert, A. L.
Smith, K. M. Harrison, .T, F. Smith and our
P. E.. W. H. Fleming, rendered efficient
service at different times. To God be all
the glory. W. S. Black.
Cave Spring, No. Ga. Conference.
Mr. Editor —We have just closed a gra
cious revival at Cave Spring, which contin
ued over two weeks, and would have contin
ued longer had it not been for uncontrolla
ble surroundings. Tlie meeting increas
ed iu interest almost daily. Tlie altar was
often crowded with penitents crying for
mercy, many of whom found pardon. We
have not ascertained the exact number of
conversions ; though there were at least
thirty, some of whom were members of the
church. One promising young man profess
ed, who feels it his duty to preach. Sixteen
additions to the church, a great number of
lukewarm professors revived. So we can
only exclaim, the “Lord has done great
things for us whereof we are glad.” Bro. H.
H. Parks was with us four or five days and
did us good service. He preached one ser
mtm to the young people, which will be long
remembered by the young people of Cave
Spring. Several conversions among the lit
tle folks at that service. I was impressed more
than, ever with the importance of preaching
to children. Bro. .T. D. Anthony passed
during our meeting, moving to Alabama.
He stopped with us two days, and labored
faithfully in the pulpit and altar. Our local
preachers in reach rendered us great help.
“Father Kitchens” as lie is called, one of
our best men—a man in whom every body,
I suppose, at Cave Spring, lias confidence,
-did much to get up the revival, to convict
sinners and save souls. If we had such
members in all our churches, I am persuaded
we would have more revivals than we have.
L. P. Nurse.
Sylvaiila rt., S. G. Conference.
Mr. Editor- Please allow me, as we are
now closing up the year’s labors to say a
word or two in regard to the state of things
on this work. We have just got through
with our round of protracted meetings.
With one except ion they were all good meet
ings—a fine impression was made, we think,
on the entire circuit as the result of their
influence. Especially was the last a glori
ous success. It was held at Scarboro, No. 7,
C. R. R. Twenty-nine joined the chiu'ch.
Many thanks to the brethren who came to
our help at this meeting—N. D. Morehouse,
Dr. Bonchelle and L. A. Darsey—also Bro.
Perdue, the excellent teacher at that place
whose school shared largely in the revival.
Bro. Morehouse came the second time to our
assistance, and labored as none can, except
‘he who is called of God as was Aaron. ’ He
was with me the week before at Sylvania,
where he was reared from early boyhood to
the time of his entering the ministry. I
was struck with a remark which was general
and iu substance was, “whence this man’s
ability to teach in divine things seeing a few
years ago he was in our midst following the
plow ?”
In reference to the work generally, we
think it is rapidly improving. Methodism
in this section is breaking the shadows of
the past few years, and looking just ahead
to a brighter and better day. As good as
any, if not the best of all, is—we are now
closing the bargain for an excellent parson
age, and in the right place—at the county
seat. No brother should grumble if read
out for this work the coming year.
R. 11. Hoxvrex.
Sylvantu, Nor. 10, 1869.
Talbot Circuit, S. G. Conference.
Mr. Editor: —lt may be cheering for the
friends of Zion to learn that within the
bounds of this circuit the Lord has been
doing great things for us, whereof we arc
glad. Almost all the churches have expe
rienced “seasons of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord.” Many dry sticks
which had long been planted in the orchard
have been made to hud and blossom and
bear fruit. Many backsliders reclaimed, and
all who did not put themselves outside of
those channels through which the Spirit
operates in securing the salvation of sinners,
were either graciously revived or happily
converted. There have been more than one
hundred accessions to the church within the
past few weeks, and all but three or four who
joined, are satisfied of their conversion.
Nearly all our church buildings are neatly
finished structures, three additional churches
have been built or bought during the present
year. The financial interests of the church
are in the main admirably managed by an
efficient board of stewards. Over -1*4,000 has
been raised for church purposes. Os this
amount the “collections ordered by the
Annual Conference” share no mean propor
tion. We are no doubt largely indebted for
our present prosperity to the fact that more
than 100 copies of the Southern Christian. Ad
vacate are circulated within the bounds of
this circuit. It renders efficient aid in every
department of pastoral labor.
R. J. Corley.
Letters to G.— No. V.
Dear Brother: —lf, by any good fortune, ;
you are permitted to ruralize during the |
coming year, I beg you to remember your j
Methodistic views and do what you can to S
improve country Methodism. I do not mean ]
that country Methodism stands more in need j
of improvement than city or village Method- |
ism. I simply mean that both may be im
proved. While talking of improvement,
ministers need it as much perhaps as people,
bnt just uow I am looking to the duty of the
church towards its pastors iu little things, and 1
I will not he diverted from my purpose.
Out on tlie circuit you will find grumblers
enough. Brother Oldeboy complains, that
he is not visited by his preacher; Brother
Selienck has been neglected, and so of a half
dozen others. Hear tlieir complaints, but
judge not till you know the whole story.
Free of these brethren live out of the way,
off in the woods where “wheels” could not
well travel; while the other two live near
the church. Their preacher can account for
neglect. He was never asked home with
them. Each one of the seven asked him as
he mounted his buggy, to come and see
them “some time.” He would find it “poor
fare” and “bad getting on,” but he “must
come some time.” Brother Truelieart stood
by and replied, “O, come on with me; I
have plenty for us both,” and the preacher
went where he. was wanted, and those who
didn’t want him grumble. If he has been
cordially invited to any man's house and
lias not visited him he ought to be grumbled
at. A large number of complamers are just
of the sort I have described. They would
complain at any treatment. The pastor's
best course, if he have enough of the philos
opher about him. is to give no lined to their
murmurs.
You will find it a safe rule to discourage
all complaiuars, among all classes. Tlie
habit is a bad one; and it soon becomes a
habit. Men learn to “lie iu wait” for occa
sions to murmur. Let your advice look .<>
a prevention of this evil.
If you have the opportunity, you may tell
your country friends of a jewel of a circuit
appointment I once knew. Its whereabouts
and name are immaterial. Its congregation
would not like to be paraded before the
world. This appointment was assessed one
hundred dollars. The preacher reached it
every four weeks. Every preaching day,
before his horse was away from his buggy,
the steward was by the preacher’s side,
pocket book in hand, and before ho went
into the church a portion of the assessment
was transferred from his to tlie preacher's
pocket. When things were dreary at tlie
parsonage, money low aud larder scant in its
supplies, the good wife always reckoned
upon certain relief when preaching day at
H. came round. She never reckoned in
vain.
“Sale day” came once a month. Every
buggy from H. did not bring “gifts” to the
parsonage, but some did. A bushel of pota
toes, a piece of pork, a dozen eggs, a little
rice—no trouble to the donor gave evidence
of remembrance on the part of the people,
and made a week of fat tilings at the parson
age. That church was represented not at,
but on, tlie pastor’s table every week iu the
fifty-two. These were free will offerings,
over and above their “quarterage dues.”
Suppose all the churches had been thus con
siderate. What plenty would have sur
rounded the Dastor! He could then have
been “given to hospitality,” “careful to en
tertain strangers, ” and his hospitality would
not have been at the expense of his own
comfort and heart’s ease. You can remind
the laity of this easy way of ministering to
the pastor in little things. All may become
just such appointments as this, if they but
resolve to do so. Every circuit appointment
ought to do so.
Cliarge them, also, to remember that min-,
isters are entitled to some of the comforts
and enjoyments of home. They arc, of
necessity perhaps, absent three days out of
seven from their own firesides. They could
do more pastoral work, if they were to
remain at home three, and be absent four
days out of seven. Now, allow them those
three or four days at home. If our country
was what it was fifty or a hundred years ago,
and religious privileges as few, then it would
be better for the minister not to marry. As
it is, marriage is almost a necessity of the
times; and notwithstanding ilte anathemas
upon the lazy preacher, who stays at home
so much, it is questionable if his duty does
not call him there. Some conscientiously
think so. Be lenient in your judgihent of
such. To tlieir own Master they stand or
fall; and the matter is not so clear as to jus
tify a Bishop in speaking <-.v cathedra there
upon. Fraternally,
PBESnVTKIi.
To the Reader.
In the course of the two last years I have
been requested by several of our ministers,
both traveling and local, to write an account
of my travels and labors, together with half
a dozen Sermons to be published with them.
This request was first made by my son
Samuel, with the design of keeping it us a
family record, that they might peruse it af
ter I am Laid away in the grave. In the
year 1833, Rev. John Howard, then my Pre
siding Elder, said to me that he desired to
see an account of my travels and labors in
print. Besides these, a large number of my
friends have expressed a desire to see such
an account published.
It is with great diffidence that 1 liave un
dertaken the task, and only in deference to
the judgment of my numerous friends. My
diffidence proceeds from several reasons.
First. I never kept a journal and have to
write entirely from memory. Secondly. I
have traveled, a great portion of my time,
on some of the poorest and hardest circuits
in the Conference, and had nothing to write
about that could he of interest to common
readers. Thirdly. I have written so little in
my time, that writing is almost anew em
ployment. The reader will find no rhetori
cal flourishes, but a plain, simple, unvarnish
ed statement of facts. Reader, if you find
yourself profitably entertained in reading
the following pages, pray for
Your unworthy Brother in Christ,
James Dukwody.
Mr. Editor :—By request I take the con
duct of Reminiscences and Sermons by Rev.
James Dunwodv, and acknowledge obliga
tions for the first favor to the pious manu
script committed to my care. Your readers
will pardon the novelty of our introduction,
and allow a sensible Preface to tell its own
tale and make its own appeal.
Bro. Dunwody connected himself with
the Church in 1811; was licensed to preach,
1810 ; joined the South Carolina Conference,
1818 ; “has traveled the greater portion of
his time on some of the poorest and hardest
of the circuitsis still an effective mem
ber of the South Georgia Conference, and
was never known to complain at anything,
but rest or light work. Asa good soldier he
has endured hardship; and while others
have written well and preached learnedly
for Methodism, Bro. D. has illustrated and
embalmed its real sublimity iu a long life of
successful labor and heroic suffering'.
In his old age, he offers a contribution to
sanctified literature. Its publication by the
Church would be a merited compliment to
ministerial fidelity, revivo tire waning sim
plicity of our communion, edify the entire
Church, furnish valuable material for Histo
ries of South Carolina and Georgia Metho
dism, and sprinkle golden grains of comfort
among the last hours of the veteran author,
Who will assist iu erecting this monument ?
Fifty hands, each filled with twenty dollars,
can do the work. Every helper will be en
titled to Reminiscences and Sermons to the
amount of ten dollars—balance will go as a
gift to Brother D. Waving every earthly
remuneration, I propose to superintend the
work aiud make one of the fifty. Where are
the fortu-nine? Every layman aud minister
anxious to lay up treasure in Heaven will
please express it via Americas, Ga., care
Rev. J. B. MoGkhee.
October Report of S. School Agent-
Second Part.
In my first, I was at Montgomery camp
meeting, which was the meeting place of the
Altamalia District. Bro. Payne and his
men were there, all in good spirits. The
meeting opened, progressed and closed ex
actly in old campmeeting style, with one
little exception. The trumpeter, whose of
fice it is to sound the waking up notice all
round the lines, did not do so—but gave us
due notice, from his stand point, that day
streaks in the East hud appeared or would
soon appear. The trumpet for prayer sound
ed at sunrise—when loud singing and ear
nest praying soemed to encompass you on
every side. Aud God’s ears were indeed
open to the prayers of the righteous. Be
side these devotions, all other things were
in keeping with things sixty-five years ago
—old fashioned chairs, seats fourteen inches
high, leather bottoms, straight up backs,
lmt a fair supply of them. The eating was
old time also—beef, mutton, pork, poultry
—all very good generally cold as most
eampmeeting dinners should lie ; tents voiy
good -and sleeping arrangements ns good
as campmeetings should be. But the best
of its old time pages comes next to be read.
When the trumpet sounded for preaching,
the people rushed to the stand like hungry
school children to tlieir dinner. And there
they engaged in singing—none of the ante
diluvian tunes either, hut modern tunes,
well chosen and well sung. Aud if there
was as much of the spirit as there was of the
understanding in it. it no doubt passed as
current in heaven above as it. did in the
earth beneath. But I thought I could see
accumulating on its beautiful face, the
freckles of musical idolatry, iu place of sanc
tified musical homage. But let it be al
ways remembered, that this evil is no se
quence of good singing on its own account,
lmt is of the vain-glorious weakness from
within ; and because it is not the intent of
the mind to make melody iu the heart unto
the Lord. If our people will not set their
hearts right before the Lord, that is no reas
on why they should set their music wrong.
There was a good move on the congrega
tion from the first to the last call, with a
beautiful increase of mourners all the time,
notwithstanding conversions were all the
time occurring. I noticed here, what I had
often seen, that is, such a multitude of
mourners, kneeling iu rows, one behind an
other, as rendered any particular attention
from ministers or from friends simply im
possible within tho limits of propriety. And
as I believe a formal calling up of young
people at these good meetings, until it may
become a form, will do great religious inju
ry, 1 beg to interpose my advice. Let all
campmeeting altars lie of good capacity, and
let the seats have distance enough between
to allow an easy passage between them, so
that ministers and friends can either stand
or kneel before the mourners and talk to
them ; as in former days we did. And let
it be distinctly understood that none are
invited into the altar as mourners except
with tlie understanding that they remain
there, either kneeling or sitting, until the
meeting, in that particular form of it, is
regularly dissolved.
And, furthermore, my beloved brethren,
let me say unto you as brethren, that unless
the church takes more heartfelt interest in
those seasons of sensational religious emo
tion, and come in with or after their
friends and overwhelm them, as often would
be the case, with gushing religions solicitude
for their souls, all will be lost any how.
Either tlie bringing together of many warm
hearted Christians, in a work of this sort is
an increase of religious power in revivals, or
it is not. If it is, then woe to them that
are at case in Zion—referring to unworking
church members. There is in religious fire,
a likeness to natural lire—tlie more fuel, the
more tire. Else why should Christ have
promised special audience to a group of two
or three met in his name ? Do not ask me
why this is so '! The experience of the glo
rious past proves to us, that these warm
combinations of happy, sympathizing be
lievers, do furnish wonderful facilities, both
for the intensity of repentance, and the
readiness to believe. I repeat again, that
unless the warm, outgusliiug sympathy of
church members, can be called into free and
proper use, in these meetings, tlie present
mode of calling in crowds of our young peo
ple as mourners—only superficially convict
ed of sin—coining in, being prayed for, and
retiring to their seats unblessed—and they
themselves so slightly troubled about, tlieir
sins as to show no signs of alarm at being
unblessed and to leave them quiet, and ready
in an hour to be as light-hearted as if they
had not, been up as mourners—will demoral
ize them in one of the most conserving ele
ments in Christian piety—unfeigned sincer
ity in everything religious. This evil can
be measurably prevented by the adoption
and enforcement of this economy. And as
to the warm co-operation of church mem
bers in altar work, I affirm that it is more
effectual even than ministerial work. It is
so for two reasons : First, The moral influ
ence needed in an altar, is sacred, social, and
kindred sympathy. A touch of the hand,
in sympathizing love and religions gladness
to see a loved one coming home to God, will
do more to conquer a rebellious heart, than
can he done by preaching. Second, it is
well known by experienced minds, that the
setting of the mind for the peculiar work of
good'preaching, unhinges it from that di
versified tact, needed in an altar full of
wrestling mourners, and where the shouts,
the songs, the words of encouragement and
comfort, uttered in artless, Christian sim
plicity by rejoicing anxious friends anil
kindred, will do much to help on the re
vival swell iu the river of God—the streams
whereof gladden the cities of his saints.
Revivals of religion must be had. The
church will sink into an unfelt state —the
supernatural evidences of pentecostal con
versions will fade away, until this original
proof-sheet of the type of Christ’s baptism
of the Holy Ghost and fire, will be discount
ed down to the meagre gauge of a genteel
religious formalism. Even at this time you
can find in one of the most pretentious
churches iu the country, that anything like
the pentecostal revival of religion in its midst
would he regarded aud treated as a religious
pestilence. And seeing the heartless indif
ference of our people at these times—how
offish they seem to be—wlrat little interest
they take iu the mourner's now-a-days,
I am forced to settle down on one of three
fearful eouchrsions ; either, our people are
being slowly inoculated with this anti
pentecostal typhus ; or else, they have no
confidence in the present order of mourn
ers; or—which is the gloomiest view of all —
our present church membership are too low
down, in their own religious feelings, to feel
for others, up to the working, talking, sing
ing and praying temperature of religion.
This Montgomery campmeeting—even
under these burdens —was a glorious suc
cess. After deducting all that were con-
Vol. xxxii. iso. 48
verted as we advanced, mourners increased,
until at the last call, the crowd was so great,
we had no where to put them. By the close,
fifty-three had proposed themselves as can
didates for church membership. Among
them were upwards of thirty young men of
good report from without. This was the
largest group of young men I ever saw join
the church at oue time—and they did it
more to my liking. I hope from among
them, God will call many to preach his bles
sed gospel.
Here ended my first Sunday in October.
I did nothing in S. School matters, beyond
an effort at a better indoctrination of the
church on this vital interest. There is a
fearful dearth of feeling all through Altarna
ha District on S. School obligations and du
ties. But I do not believe that it is the
fault of our preachers there. They make
every necessary effort, but it is an evil inci
dental to that seetion of Georgia, anil it will
never be overcome except it is done by tlie
Methodist church. Aud lam sorry to say
that as a church we are doing but little. I
cannot go into particulars. A sparse popula
tion is one plea, want of a better education,
is another—both plausible—but neither of
them impassable. All that is necessary to
brush them away, is a good, godly will.
The second Sunday, l spent in Columbus
—preaching only as it came up. Bro. Wvnn
was holding a very pleasant protracted meet
ing at St. Paul. The third Sunday, I was
at Fair Haven, in Burke co., along with
Rev. S. S. Sweet, holding a protracted
meeting, which issued in much religious en
livening of old members, and the addition of
a few’ new ones. It was a mellow happy
time.
The fourth Sunday, 1 was at Cochran, on
the M. .V It. 11. R. where I spent three
nights and two days -preached five ser
mons and lectured a very clever S. S. for a
place so lately born into Methodism. The
place is ours if we do our duty.
The fifth Sunday, 1 spent with Bro. Smith,
on his little, well worked vineyard at Bio.
Stevens’s, midway between Gordon and
Milledgeville preached three times, took
up a very good S. S. collection hope my
visit will greatly benefit a very needy and
a very clever people.
It was a hard month's work. I preached
twenty-two laborious sermons—rode many
miles, one hundred and sixteen of them in
a lmggy. Have suffered all the month
through with a had cold, and embarrassed
voice- never before so long. But my gen
eral health is good. O magnify the Lord
with me ; and let us exalt his name together.
L. Pierce, Agent.
M » I
To Preachers of S. G. Conference.
Mr. Editor: —For the benefit of all con
cerned I have had an interview with Captain
Pratt, who is connected with the Harnett
line of steamers, in reference to carrying the
members and delegates of the South Georgia
Conference to Cuthbert, December Ist. If
the river rises so as to afford regular boating
there will he a steamer at Bainhridge upon
the arrival of the A. A G. train at 6 o'clock
a. ii., Tuesday, November 30th, which M ill
reach Fort Gaines in time to take tlie train
to Cuthbert Wednesday morning. Members
aud delegates will be carried for half fare
full fare being §lO from Bainhridge to Fqyfe
Gaines. Captain Pratt will carry members
for §4.50 —so he tells me. The is now
quite low, but we trust it will rise, before
Conference. This is all the information that
I am able to give. ('
Respectfully yours, f
X. J. Dean.
Bainbridi/e, tin., A 'or. 13///, iff
To flie Members of tlie Caro
lina Conference}..
The General Superintendents of the prin
cipal railroads in South Carolina'.l\ ilV e kindly
consented to pass the members of the a. -
Carolina Annual Conference to and from i\t*
approaching session in Cheraw for one fa*
on presentation of tlie usual certificate. «
Those coming from the eastern portion of
the Conference will he detained a few
at Florence, where those coming from all tin
other points will make immediate connection
with the Cheraw and Darlington train, which
runs daily, arriving at Cheraw ()}-.< o’clock
r. m.
Members coming by public conveyance
will he met at the depot; those by private
conveyance at the Planter’s Hotel.
J. R. Little, P. C.
Client iv, S. C., Nor. 15, 1869.
— —» *
To flie Preachers of tlie IN'. G.f'onf.
Mr. Editor—As the notice of Bro. H. H.
Parks “to the preachers of the North Ga.
Conference” as to transportation, etc., does
not include the Georgia Railroad, f called On
Mr. S. K. Johnson, the gentlemanly Super
intendent, and obtained the following card,
which you will please insert in your next
issue, if possible, for the benefit of nil con
cerned. Yours fraternally, A. Wkuiht.
Superintendent's Office, Georgia Rail
road, Augusta, November Pith, 1869. Min
isters, Lay Delegates'and visitors attending
the. North Georgia Conference, which will be
held at Rome, Georgia, on December Bth r
181 iit, will be passed free returning on pre
senting certificate of attendance signed by
Secretary of Conference.
S. K. Johnson,
Nov2o~2w Superintendent.
Bishop McTyetbk, by invitation, met the
Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Uni
ted Brethren, at Clifford, Indiana, Oet, 27,
28, 29. He was accompanied by Dr. Mc-
Ferrin. They both preached in Clifford,
and -on Saturday evening reached home,
pleased xvitli their visit, and entertaining
hope of good results to the Church in that
quarter. The body of Christians visited is
Metbodisiie in creed and discipline, and is a
standing and earnest protest against the po
litical gospel to which Indiana has been
treated, until not a few of her thoughtful
aud substantial people stand aloof alike
from Clmreli and gospel. Methodism, rr
represented by our Northern co-religionists,
is at a sad discount xvitli many of the best
and loading citizens of that great State.
They associate it xvitli radical preaching,
radical praying, radical printing, and radi
cal propagandism generally. Methodist doc
trine and polity, uncommitted to a party
platform, is wanted there, and xvill be xvel
comed. The way is opening—and in some
quarters is already prepared. The Confer
ence at Clifford, at a special meeting, repre
sents a body of excellent Christian ministers
and members, xvho would be valuable auxil
iaries, and with such help as we could mutu
ally give and receive, through an organic
union, would soon give us a Conference, in
Indiana like that originating under similar
circumstances in Illinois. The meeting;
after pleasant aud free consultation, adjourn
ed to convene on tlie second Thursday in
April, 1870, at the same place, when it is ex
pected that preliminaries xvill be so advanced
and arranged as to secure the desired object.
We have no ambition for territorial exten
sion, for mere Annual Conferences on paper,
like some Northern organizations in the
South ; but we do desire to see a form of
Methodism which xvc believe to be the old
and the true, prevail. The people need it; they
ask for it; and xve may soon chronicle, in
our Minutes, an Indiana Conference.—Nash
ville Christian Advocate.
South Ga. |Conf ereuce.
lam authorized to say to the ministers
and lay delegates who will attend the ses
sion of the South Ga. Conference, that they
will be passed over the South Western Rail
road on half fare. They will pay whole fare
coming and return free.
Those coming by Railroad xvill be met at
the depot—those coming by private con
veyance xvill he met at the store of Rev. J.
R. Owen. J. O. A. Cook.
Nov. 26tli.
R. Frazer Michel, M. I)., a distinguished
physician of Montgomery, Ala., and Pres.
Ala. State Med. Soe., says, “Darby’s Pro
phylactic Fluid is an excellent application,
to wounds.”