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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.”